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History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra	22 Review(s)
TithenFeredir	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 8/1/2005
This story is just amazing, the way you have filled in what we know with the most incredible detail and emotional depth. It all rings very true, not only in those familiar customs and emotions that are in common with real life, but also with the things that are exclusively elvish or of Middle-earth. They are all written so well that it reads as a real world that is separate from our own. I love the way you delve into Elrond's deepest emotions and yet preserve his dignity and power. Glorfindel is magnificent and Erestor seems like a quietly devoted, ministering spirit. Your Arwen is luminous. I have ot get back to work before I get fired, or I'd just go on and on... ...and on... ~TF Author Reply: I love the way you delve into Elrond's deepest emotions and yet preserve his dignity and power. Thank you for this statement in particular - that is what I was hoping for - to show him struggle and be real, but still someone of great power who is respected by all. I am glad you like Arwen too - her role will grow in this story. Thank you, quick, back to work!

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 8/1/2005
The physical pain and torture may have ended, but there is still so much suffering and despair! Elrond feels he cannot help any of his family who need him, so they turn elsewhere. Elladan is still full of anger and Elrohir supresses his own sorrow to support his twin - at least they seem to be talking to each other again! And Arwen turns to her grandparents, and will soon begin her long absences in Lorien. They need to be able to share their grief, share the fears, and help support each other at this time, not pull away from one another. We know that that will be a long time in coming, though :( It's a chilling thought that Elrond considered ending Frodo's life if the Morgul blade had touched his heart and claimed him - but probably the only thing they could have done if that had happened. Another very good, very chilling chapter - thanks for the update. Jay Author Reply: I am afraid the twins have a way to go yet, unfortunately. Guilt is such a powerful emotion, and the hardest person to forgive can be yourself. I spent a lot of time (too much, probably) trying to think of how the rings and the shard would interact and the possible effects on Frodo. I would hope if I were in a situation of entering into an eternal agony that I could be spared from by death, that someone would provide that grace to me. But how hard...and a healer's hands should not have to do such a thing - nor a relative's.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 8/1/2005
I was thinking about this earlier today. I know I’m shamefully behind in reviewing and I really apologise for that. I have been reading it as you post but somehow I’m getting further and further behind. Anyway, I decided that the best thing is probably to jump back in here so that I’m semi-up-to-date and then catch up with the three chapters I missed if and when I can. I hope that’s o.k. I don’t know if I’ve said it before but I really like your Arwen. And I especially like the relationship between her and Elrond. In the ‘present’ in this chapter she comes across as a wonderful mixture of strength and gentleness and her father seems to respect her as much as he loves her. And she understands her father in a way that few others do. I was just fascinated by the explanation of the role of the One Ring in aiding the shard, and yet at the same time giving Frodo some strength where he might have had none. The idea of Elrond using Vilya to “subdue” the Ring is also so interesting. I’d never really considered it, I suppose. That whole scene where they discuss what needs to be done should the shard claim Frodo is very powerful. It really shows us just how much danger Frodo is in. And poor Bilbo. That hobbit has a lot of courage and faith in Elrond that he accepted the decision. I think my favourite parts of this section were when Aragorn goes and kisses Arwen and when Glorfindel tells Elrond that ‘Your hands will not do this thing, should it be necessary.’ Elrond is incredibly lucky to have Glorfindel and I like the fact that he knows that and the reader is always aware of how much Elrond appreciates him. Lovely moment when Arwen kisses Sam! He might not agree, but I think Sam deserved to feel appreciated. I adore your use of Elrond sleeping as a transition between scenes. It’s so effective. And I had to smile at the way everything is coming together, with people starting to arrive in Imladris from far afield. For me, this is the most poignant moment in the whole chapter: “He walked to the bed, noting the rumpled coverlet, and for a moment he forgot that he had been the one to disturb the bedclothes earlier that day. He saw silver hair spilling across the deep blue material and knew he had wandered on to the path of dreams, for there she sometimes appeared, and always she was his bright Celebrían, his comfort and support no matter how dark the days.” There’s something very lonely about this image of Elrond. The whole Celebrían part was very sensitively written, I thought. It’s so sad. You did an incredible job portraying how all her joy in life is gone and how she loves her family and wants to be well, but simply hasn’t the strength. The idea that she wasn’t even able to make simple decisions for herself is very realistic and it makes complete sense that Elrond is the one who has to decide this for her. But my heart is broken for him. I had tears in my eyes reading the part where he flees to the garden and Galadriel and Celeborn come to him. This is the image that made me pause for a moment and really wish that I could draw: “She slid her hand down his arm, taking his hand firmly in her own. Celeborn had seated himself next to them, one hand resting lightly on Elrond’s arm.” I’m glad they could bring Elrond even the tiniest bit of comfort, even if it’s just by showing that they love him and by supporting his decision. The two of them must be experiencing such anguish too. And apart from the fact that they have to watch their daughter suffer, I imagine neither of them is used to such a feeling of helplessness. I like the idea of a connection between Elrond and Galadriel in that they’re both feeling such guilt that even with the rings they couldn’t help Celebrían. It probably sounds ridiculous but at least by having Galadriel there, Elrond can see that there really is nothing that can be done, no matter how much power any of them have. It was hard to read about how tormented Celebrían is in her sleep. Her obvious need for her husband too must make it so hard for Elrond to let her go, even as it drives home how much she needs to go and find real healing. I really felt for Arwen when she realises what’s happening her mother and runs to Elrond to share her concerns with him. It was so interesting to see that their children could have gone with Celebrían. That never dawned on me. But in some ways it must be harder for them to choose what to do. Gosh, how different things would have been. I really like the moment when we realise that she won’t abandon her father: “She could feel shadow encroaching, her father fighting it with all his power and might, and she felt desperately afraid for him, and ashamed that he was fighting it alone.” I really love Erestor. He’s less demonstrative than Glorfindel but just as supportive. Taking the burden of the practical side of things away from Elrond seems to be his way to show his love and to concern. Elrond allowing Erestor to help him in that way probably helps Erestor to some extent too. The embroidery was a good idea of Galadriel’s. I’ve seen that very thing work. It gives Celebrían something to do with her hands and she’ll feel like she’s creating something beautiful, yet it isn’t too taxing. I don’t know how you managed to write the scene between Elrond and Celebrían. I could hardly bear to read it. I felt there seemed to be enough of her old self still there for her to realise to some extent that this is hard for Elrond, and what must happen before he can be with her. There’s also a sense of almost relief in her that a decision has been made. Perhaps it will help to know that at some point there will be a change in this painful routine she’s living. I was so very afraid that she might pull away from him because that would break his heart completely. The scene between Elrond and his sons is another difficult one. Elladan needs patience that the rest of them just don’t have the strength for. I feel so sorry for Elrohir, who has to deal with his own grief and his brother’s pain. The moment when Elrond casts Vilya away is just incredible. The effect on him, and on the whole atmosphere, was just so well done. The despair and bitterness in Elrond was quite frightening. Perhaps even more frightening is the realisation of how tied Elrond is to the ring and the glimpse of what he might be like when the day comes that Vilya loses her power - “a mere shell.” “I could not reach her,” she said softly.” That moment is so sad. Celebrían truly is beyond any of them now except Elrond and even he knows that all he can do is try to keep the terror away while she sleeps. I loved the scene with Mithrandir so much. The glimpse of him as he really is and the power he possesses is just breathtaking. I can’t tell you how glad I was that he could offer genuine comfort and hope to Elrond, as well as knowledge that this is the right decision. It was such a beautiful moment. This story is just amazing! There’s so much in your chapters that I probably haven’t mentioned a lot of things – but I wanted to let you know how much I love this story and how truly impressed I am by your skill :-) Author Reply: You write such lovely and thoughtful reviews, Dot. Don't worry about the past ones - each is a joy to receive but never let them be a burden on you. Elrond is such a caring and king person, yet so very powerful, and I have always thought that such a person must be surrounded by people who support and anchor them..and aren't afraid to get in their face if need be. Arwen is modeling what she has learned from her mother (in my world) - as Celebrian was Elrond's hope and joy and biggest fan and supporter, Arwen is that to Aragorn. I love where Tolkien wrote that Aragorn said her hope was his hope. And in my world, that does not make her less of a person than he is. Celebrian's love was a powerful driving force in Elrond's life, and Arwen's love has sustained Aragorn to become who he needed to be (and yes, I am a hopeless(ful) romantic!). Elrond is fortunate to have Glorfindel and Erestor..and Arwen, for he will need them all very much before he sails. I probably shouldn't admit this, lest the guys with the straight jackets show up, but I 'see' scenes play out very vividly in my head - and usually only then can I write them. I saw the scene with Elrond and Celebrian - and felt all the pain and heard the sorrow in their voices and heard her sobs when they finally broke free. It did break my heart...but it probably needed to for me to understand how he felt. Elrond saw that Vilya couldn't help....then he saw Galadriel fail with Nenya...and then Mithrandir showed up with Narya...and even with three of the most powerful people in Middle-earth present and the Three, they could not aid Celebrian. But Olorin, with his knowledge as a Maia, was able to show himself and provide true hope and promise. I loved showing him like that, his true self and real power. He recognized her wound for what it was, and I love that he comforted Elrond. Even powerful elf-lords need a loving hand. I am glad you are enjoying the story. There is much yet to come.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 8/1/2005
I hardly know where to start. This chapter was so heart wrenching. And so believable. I was fascinated by how the elven rings interacted with the One Ring. To be honest, I've never thought about it until now. Your take on this makes so much sense. The elven rings were unsullied by Sauron's hand. I can see where they wielded a power, a purer power, that pushed against the darkness that encompassed the One Ring. Very interesting stuff. I also thought that the way Elrond used Vilya to stay the piece of the wraith's sword in Frodo's shoulder was terrific. The part where Elrond told everyone what must be done to prevent Frodo from entering into dark service to Sauron was as difficult to read as I'm sure it was for the friends and family of Frodo to hear. Poor Bilbo. I could just see the sweet old fellow completely weighed down by this realization. How much responsibility he must have felt. The Celebrian story was a two tissue alert. Your explanation about how she was slowly fading before their eyes was so on target. Elrond could heal her body, but her spirit was slowly distancing itself from the pain of existence. I could feel the desperation of her family as they watched her slowly leaving them. Really, Elrond had no other decision he could make. He had to let her go. And of course, he had to make this decision. The hardest part must have been not being able to go with her. When Galadriel put her hand over Elrond's and reminded him of the oath he had made to stay until the end...whatever that end might be...I could hear her voice, commanding, yet full of sorrow. A great scene. I can't say I blame Elrond for pitching Vilya. His physical tie to ring was stronger than I think he even expected and I can also see why he didn't think he'd do that again. Good old Glorfindel was a good friend and careful watcher for Elrond. He is a supportive guy for Elrond to have around. But I have to say that my favorite scene was the one with Gandalf. I got a thrill out of him revealing himself to Elrond. A Maia offering comfort and reassurance was certainly what Elrond needed at that point. The peace that Mithrandir brought to Elrond was just a little taste of what Celebrian would be surrounded with in Valinor. A wonderful chapter, Nilmandra. Just wonderful. I think I'll go read it again. Karen Author Reply: It was interesting to think about the influence of the rings on each other, which ones had more power - the One was the greatest, but it is unwielded, while the three are in the hands of powerful people who are wielding them for good. I did break my own heart writing the Celebrian part. Celebrian was his anchor and the joy of his life - to lose her, to tear their family apart, had to nearly kill him. I am glad he has people like Glorfindel and Erestor around him. I did enjoy seeing Olorin Gandalf comforting Dusty Dad. He provided a promise to Elrond that Elrond could put his faith in, and then gave him just a little taste of what to expect. I am glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for the review!

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 7/31/2005
I really liked the discussion of what to do if they couldn't get the shard out of Frodo. It emphasized how serious the situation was, that they would have to consider killing him if they didn't save him. And the question of who would do the dirty deed underlined that these are the Good Guys. Celebrían really isn't doing too well, either. I liked the way you showed her slowly withdrawing from the world and the way her family pulled together to find comfort from each other. And I was very glad that Mithrandir showed up to demonstrate what they would do for Celebrían in Valinor, because Elrond was in dire need of some comfort. He's doing a lot of taking care of people and arranging passage and explaining things, but no one really thinks to take care of him. Except Celeborn and Galadriel, and even then, they're reminding him to deal with Vilya as well. Author Reply: It is interesting to consider all these powerful ancient people standing around this small, 'powerless' hobbit, and know that the hope of Middle-earth lies with him - its incredibly humbling to see the weak and powerless rise up to do what the wise and powerful likely could not. I did nearly break my own heart over Celebrian and Elrond. Elrond watched Vilya fail, then saw Galadriel fail with Nenya, and then Mithrandir comes with Narya - and not even all that power can heal her. I was so glad to let Olorin show a glimpse of his power and true self, and provide Elrond with a promise he could trustingly place his faith in.

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 7/31/2005
This chapter aure took a lot out of everyone (no one more than the author, I am sure.) The healing of Frodo really expanded on the minimal account we get in canon. It was interesting how Elrond and later Gandalf used his ring to subdue the power of the One. I had not thought before about how the other rings might have been wielded against the One. Elrond's thoughts about Aragorn and Arwen were so...Elrond. He is happy for them and determined not to hurt them, even if it kills him. I noticed that later, though, he makes sure he walks Arwen to her chambers...alone LOL. I felt terrible for poor Bilbo. It must have been hardest of all for him to see Frodo in such a state. I really liked Glorfindel, staunch and loyal friend as always, taking care of Elrond, in both story tracks. Now, in the back half of the story - wow. You did such a wonderful job of conveying Elrond's endless guilt and despair. First he has to realize that the only answer is to send Celebrian to Valinor. Then he has to tell his wife, who has only barely hung on this long because of his constant support, that he's sending her away and not coming with her, then he has to tell his daughter and lay the choice on her as well (interesting dilemma; I hadn't questioned before the fact that nobody went with Celebrian but really you would have thought someone would); then he has to tell his already grief and guilt-stricken and highly emotional sons, and his wife's heartbroken parents. Geez. No wonder he pitched Vilya in the waterfall. Which I think was the single most powerful moment since Thranduil put Eilian on his knees, by the way. Elrond's reaction to being without Vilya was really well done. And the scene where Glorfindel finds Elrond and puts the ring back on his finger was touching. The second most heart-wrenching moment in the chapter, I think (though it's a crowded field!) was Galadriel, confessing that she can no longer reach her daughter. But wow, Gandalf really stole the chapter. I loved it when he showed himself to Elrond and promised him that Celebrian would be truly healed. That was wonderful. Author Reply: I noticed that later, though, he makes sure he walks Arwen to her chambers...alone LOL. That was my one bit of paternal humor! Glad you caught that. You did such a wonderful job of conveying Elrond's endless guilt and despair. Every interaction the poor guy had with anyone seemed to end in anguish and hurt - they couldn't heal her, but it seemed it really had to be his decision to do what he did. The kids weren't ready, her parents were supportive, but its not their decision to make, and ultimatley the buck stops with Elrond...along with everyone else's anger, fear, betrayal, grief and pain. Poor guy. I was glad he had friends like Glorfindel and Erestor...and more so that Olorin revealed a bit of himself from the other side. He made a promise that Elrond could put his faith in.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 7/31/2005
I am so loving this double story, the way in which the battle to save Frodo is intertwined with the battle for Celebrian. I loved the way Bilbo was included in the discussion of Frodo's fate. I loved your notion that in Vilya's presence, the One becomes dormant. This is a theory I've had as well, that without being on Its Master's hand, the One cannot challenge the Three alone. I loved the care being taken for Frodo, and the way in which Elrond's heart has become bound up in healing him. And the story of Celebrian is just so sad and melancholy, I wish I could just tell Elrond that it's all going to turn out all right, somehow. Author Reply: Poor Bilbo - I love his spunk and spirit, and that discussion must have nearly done the old hobbit in. I actually found myself feeling a little bit bad for the One Ring - rejected by all the cool kids in Rivendell, only the powerfless little people would even touch it, denied the return to its maker....poor lonely little ring...ok, NOT. But it was interesting to conisder the interplay of the rings. Elrond's heart did become bound up in healing Frodo - I am glad you noticed that. Their spritis touched, and I think they will have an understanding of each other that few others can see. I nearly broke my own heart writing that Elrond-Celebrian interaction. I have written them together for so long it was just devastating to see them end up like this.

rikwen	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 7/31/2005
What a powerful chapter. All of the characters seemed to walk across the stage at some point but you used each one to point out the agony of waiting for Frodo to heal enough so Elrond can remove the Nazgul's shard from his shoulder. The cast is also increasing with the appearance of the dwarves and Cirdan's representative. Even knowing what is going to happen doesn't make this any easier to read! I have always enjoyed reading your Glorfindel, who always seems to be there when Elrond and Elrond's family has need of him. But in this chapter I am enthralled by your Arwen. She has come so far from the small ellyth who stole away on a barge with her brothers on adventure to now being a strong individual who assists in nursing Frodo, lends her strength to her Adar, and quietly supports Aragorn. And your back story of Elrond and Celebrian is heart rending. There is so much angst here for Elrond, making that decision that his soul mate can only heal by sailing west. His anger, his denial and finally his acceptance of the situation is placed on such an act of faith that Celebrian will be healed in Valinor. Knowing that he cannot follow either makes one wonder at his strength of character in staying on to fight when nothing appears as if anyone will defeat Sauron. There is so much here to like in this chapter that I could rattle on for pages. I am looking forward to you continuing the story to the meeting of the council. Author Reply: I am glad you like Arwen. I know she is often caset in a less than kind light next to Eowyn, who goes to fight, but I love Arwen's quiet strength and absolute devotion and faith in Aragorn. Everyone needs someone to beleive in them like that...and for those who carry such heavy burdens, incredible people undergird them. The years that followed Celebrian's departure had to be very dark for Elrond. 500 years is along time to wait for hope.

Elemmíre	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 7/31/2005
Wow–what a chapter! Both parts were handled excellantly! Elemmíre Author Reply: Thanks, Elemmire! I am glad you liked them..though I know they were sad.

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 7/31/2005
To his surprise, he saw Mithrandir change before him, the lines of his face smoothing and his hair darkening, while his eyes grew gentle. He reached out and took Elrond’s hand in his own, and Elrond felt the touch of his spirit. At the gentle probing, he opened his heart and allowed the Maia in. ‘We are spirits, Elrond, clothing ourselves in body merely so the Eldar may see and speak with us. In the Gardens of Lorien, where even the Valar go for rest and refreshment, Celebrían will find healing. Her spirit will be reached by those who exist as spirit.’ Elrond felt himself surrounded by warmth and love, as if he were himself a young child lying in his mother’s arms in the sunshine of the most peaceful garden. Mithrandir’s touch on his spirit was tender and gentle, yet also strong and confident. An overwhelming sense of peace settled upon him as he was assured that Celebrían would be cared for. ‘Celebrían is strong in spirit. She will be healed, Elrond,” promised Mithrandir, “not just taken care of.’ What a marvelous passage, Nilmandra. I tend to forget that Gandalf is so much more than what he seems. You've surrounded Elrond with such love and support... as Frodo is surrounded. Author Reply: I enjoyed letting the 'real' Olorin come out, even if only briefly, to comfort Elrond. I am also glad to think Elrond had friends like Erestor and Glorfindel to support him - take what weight they can off of him when possible, but also unafraid of him too. Elrond and Frodo will find much to discuss later in the story.

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