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| History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra | 22 Review(s) |
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| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 7/31/2005 |
| This is hard to review...I don't even know where to begin. You did not miss a single opportunity with this and I know I will miss a great deal trying to comment on everything I liked. This discussion of Frodo was just heart breaking. I really like Elrond's anaysis of how the shard/Ring is harming Frodo, and his conclusion on how to react if the worst happened was so sad. Bilbo's reaction made tears come to my eyes. That scene was especially poignant mirrored by Elrond's decision in the past about his own family--sending Celebrian to Valinor is essentially the same thing, from the perspective of those left in M-e. I don't remember ever reading a fic where it was Elrond's decision to send her to Valinor--I really liked that. First, because it just is that much angstier (if that's a word) but second because it really makes more sense that way. She would not be in a place to make the best decisions for herself at that point. Everyone's care of Celebrian again brought tears to my eyes because it was just too realistic--reminded me of a dying relative for whom I had to make decisions and then tell people the decisions that had been made. Believe me when I tell you that you did a great job conveying all the issues involved with those scenes. I thought the scene where Elrond throws his ring away was incredibly well done--his reaction to its loss, Glorfindel's, the environment's. That was a great scene. But I literally bawled out loud when I read the part with Mithrandir. 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.’ Again, that was incredibly real--the moment when you truly, wholly realize that a dying loved one will be better soon...yes, you did that very well and I am still bawling. And can I say again how much I love Glorfindel and Erestor in this and how happy I am the Elrond has such strong friends. Great chapter! Author Reply: Poor Elrond - the buck really does stop with him. All decisions ultimately rest with him. I think a truly humble and good ruler is surrounded by supportive people who aren't afraid to poke at him when he needs it...but nonetheless, it is still Elrond who has to take responsibility in the end. When I was considering the whole Celebrian scenes, I was thinking about people who have been so traumatized - and they usually cannot make important decisions for themselves, not until they are well. It only made sense to me that Elrond made the decision, with her parents input of course. The hardest part really had to be letting her go without him. He could know that her grandparents were there, and 'powerful forces' who would care for her, but it must have taken great faith. I liked allowing Olorin to transform into a semblance of his true self and comfort Elrond. It will be easier for Elrond to have faith when he has Glorfindel and Galadriel and Olorin telling him about the place. Thanks for the review! I am glad you liked the chapter. | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 7/31/2005 |
| The sections in the "past" were so painful. What a choice for Elrond to have to make for everyone. And they all reacted so much in characters. Arwen showed her true strength here as she pulled herself together. Poor Elladan. He's still having a tough time. Interesting stuff about the rings. The moment in the "past" when Elrond threw his ring away was disturbing, but not so much as that stuff about how the One Ring was struggling to get them all in its grasp. Author Reply: Writing about the rings was interesting - trying to figure out how they would react to each other and to power especially. But the relationships are always the most interesting. Each person will come to terms with all of this in their own time. Poor Elrond :( | |