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| History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra | 15 Review(s) |
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| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/16/2005 |
| This is amazing. I do so love the tender affection you portray within Elrond's household, and the love and pride that Elladan and Elrohir take in their foster brother. And Glorfindel seems almost like an uncle to them. The logistics of the ambush were done very well. I could follow what was going on in the battle, which I often find is difficult with some writers' battle scenes. Yours were very clear, and Estel's plan was very clever. I also enjoyed the way he exercised his healing as well. I am looking forward to the arrival of the hobbits there. I want to see what Elrond and his household make of our four lads. And I hope you let us witness the reunion with Bilbo. Author Reply: I hate writing battle scenes, I admit! I prefer that bird's eye view with occasional personal glimpses, as I think the reader can see the action overall and feel it personally at times. If it made sense, then I am well pleased. And yes - we have hobbits coming! And Elrond has experience, unfortunately, with poisoned and deadly wounds. | |
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/16/2005 |
| Oh that made me cry. There is so much to say about this chapter. I liked how Elrond knew through Vilya that Gandalf approached. I really like the wizards as characters--little details like 'his hat askew' just make me smile because they seem so perfect. I loved the conversation they had about how long Saruman had been betraying them. The scene with Gilraen, Glorfindel and 'pinning' the twin's ears back was great. Giggled through that, but again I really like the detail of Gilraen embroidering meaningful things on Estel's clothes and such things. And I really liked the “It is good to have a naneth in the house again.’ Elladan had laughed. ‘And since we never could pull anything over on our own naneth, we might as well try Estel’s!’ sequence. That was great, funny but also sad as they thought about Celebrian. And the whole 'Ranger test' had me on edge throughout. I felt for everyone involved--imagine how the Rangers felt, meeting their chieftain for the first time since he was a baby. And Glorfindel and the twins--they would be nervous as parents for Estel to do well and so sad to be losing him. And there is no way Estel did not know something was up. That whole thing was done so well. I absolutely loved that Halbarad took him off scouting and then let him tell what they found and make suggestions on how to handle it. And the strategy in this was great! I really like reading battles like that. The battle itself was tense, even though I assumed it would come out alright, else Elrond would not have chosen then to reveal Estel's heritage. But when I got to the part when Elrond talked to Estel--that was exactly how I picture that encounter myself and something about it just made me cry. That was really well done--very emotional in a subtle way. This was an absolutely great chapter! Author Reply: I admit I struggled over this chapter, so I am glad you liked it. It would be easier to 'tell' great deeds than to 'show' them, and although I liked the idea of the test, for the Rangers could see Estel freely, unencumbered, and really not trying to impress them...and Estel got to see his people without any burden yet on his shoulders. In that sense, I thought it could work. But at the same time, I knew they would surely recognize him! Their reactions were fun to write. I was very melancholy writing the scenes of Elrond telling Estel...how he and Gilraen have traded places - he is giving up Estel and she is regaining Aragorn. Ack! How sad, and yet Elrond knew the pain that would occur and yet freely loved Estel as his own son anyway. Thank you for the kind words! | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/16/2005 |
| I think the thing that choked me up the most about this chapter was Elrond's acknowledgement of how much it would mean to Gilraen that Aragorn be told the truth about himself and his father. I can imagine that when he sought her out, for her it must have been like getting her son back. How many stories she must have had to tell him. Another really powerful image was that of Elrond, alone in his office, laying out the heirlooms of the house of Elendil on his desk and considering what he was about to do. It was also amusing to hear that he'd had to lock them up after Estel decided to use his cabinet for a hiding place! I felt bad for Estel, being on Ranger try-outs and being the only one in the zip code who didn't know it. But at least he did both his fathers proud, as well as E2. It's good that Halbarad got to see what he's made of; it will ease his re-introduction to Ranger society. Elrond handled the disclosure very sensitively, and Aragorn was extremely believable. I'm looking forward to reading more of both the "current" story (especially the arrival of Aragorn and the hobbits at Rivendell!) and the flashback ('cause we all know what happens next...) Author Reply: I felt bad for Estel too, and I admit I sat on this chapter for a while, trying to decide if it was a reasonable thing to do, bringing Estel among his people like that. It was fun writing the Rangers a bit off guard, though. But, they saw him freely this way, not really trying to impress them anymore than any other kid , as he doesn't know he is their chieftain. I really was struck by the slight role reversal between Gilraen and Elrond...he is now giving up his son and she is regaining hers. The next chapters are angsty in both stories. :/ | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/16/2005 |
| I love your portrayals of both Estel and Elrond. Estel is young and eager, but strong and responsible. The elves of Imladris taught him well and gave him chances to learn confidence and strength. And Elrond is a loving father who surrenders the son he raised because he knows it's the right thing to do. Author Reply: Poor Elrond- he will surrender his daughter because its also the right thing to do. How much pain and loss can one person take? Much is asked of one to whom much has been given, but it cannot reduce the pain much. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/16/2005 |
| What a skillful description of Estel's growth into manhood, and how he has grown to reverence both Elves and men. And this scene is especially poignant and fascinating: Glorfindel held firm to his hand, speaking to him, but Elladan could see the struggle the ranger was having as he looked upon his chieftain, now grown. Eighteen years had passed since he had placed the two year old in Elrohir’s arms. I wonder if the Northern rangers had ever thought to see their 'chieftain' again! Author Reply: I sort of thought 'how like the elves' to just surprise the Rangers by one day just showing up with their now grown chieftain in tow. But I admit it was fun to think of what their reactions would be to seeing them...and how off guard they might be caught! | |