News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra | 22 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Levade | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/31/2005 |
| While you said the chapter might not go anywhere, it does lend huge insight into the character's, especially Elrond. In the movie it seemed so easy, choosing who would accompany Frodo, but I like that you showed it took time, and some long, agonizing thought. He was sending his fostered son, and either way, win or lose, Elrond would lose a loved one. Horridly hard decision to make, and so much to consider in infinite possibilities. Do you think Elrond truly thought he was sending them to death? That was the feeling the movie gave, I think, but I like that he had visions of Treebeard and Merry, and of Legolas and Gimli. “If the Úlairi remain near, then I will consider ceding my responsibility for you to Erestor. The risk to you would be greater if the Ring-bearer is dodging the footsteps of those who would return the One to its owner,” said Glorfindel finally, his face troubled. As he looked on Elrond, though, his eyes cleared and face brightened. “I do not think the Úlairi will be found.” As always, your Glorfindel is wonderful, always steadfast at Elrond's side. I was surprised to see him refuse to ride out searching for the nine, but it made sense! His place was at Elrond's side until the One Ring was either gone or the horrid alternative. I like that you have him trusting Erestor in his place though, not everyone writes Erestor this way, as entirely in Elrond and Glorfindel's trust. Horrid to think what Glorfindel might have had to do had the One Ring fallen to Sauron again. An AU bunny I'll happily bypass! The scenes with Legolas and the Hobbits were perfect -- it showed perfectly that Legolas might be several thousand years old, might come from a kingdom touched by shadow, but his heart was still light enough to frolic a bit with hobbits (and I loved the care he showed in plucking Pippin up and carrying him to safety). The conversation between Elrond and Glorfindel about Men was terrific and I'm so glad you included that! The movie made Elrond so bitter towards Men, without taking into account that his own twin had been the forefather of those very Men. It felt as if they left a huge gaping hole and the movie was made less for it. This chapter was not empty, my friend...that conversation alone was worth a hobbit's weight in gold. :) I also liked that no matter how hard he tried, Glorfindel couldn't quite grasp what Elrond knew. I don't know that any Elf could. And this... “Then Aragorn came to Imladris, and I knew immediately he was the child I had foreseen. Hope grew in me that an end to this evil in Middle-earth was near, yet my love for that child was for his own sake, not for his future. And while my heart was occupied with him, I suddenly realized that Arwen had been looking beyond Imladris for many years. Discontent kept her from home, yet not even the tranquility of Lothlorien would silence the call on her heart for long. Galadriel tried to warn me, but I ignored her words. I was glad when Arwen was in the protected heart of Caras Galadhon, for Galadriel allowed none within her borders, unlike here, where many find refuge.” I don't think this was in the books, was it? It's an insight into Arwen I've not seen before and it's lovely. Elrond is Wise but he's still a father, and has the protective heart of a father who does not wish to give up his daughter to heartaches he thinks she does not see. This whole scene was wonderful ...and couldn't have been easy to write. Lastly (because I've blathered so much already) this: Elladan dipped his soapy hair into the current before responding. He carefully twisted his hair, wringing the water free, while he watched his twin. Over five centuries he had forgiven himself for nearly causing Elrohir’s death, yet he still found himself watching Elrohir closely. He had not spoken to his father of his concerns, but he had to Glorfindel, who had agreed with him. Elrohir was noticeably different to his eyes, and he was surprised their father did not see it. Perhaps he did and just chose not to speak of it, mused Elladan. He tended to agree with Glorfindel’s theories, that the poisoned wounds that Elrohir had received, while very minor compared to what their mother had suffered, had changed him, affected him to the core of his being. Now that is a new idea to me! How do you think they affected him? Your twins are great :) They're strong and independent, but still with the fierce loyalty to their father and grandparents. I like that the horses were shoving them towards the water too, lol! I have to mention the conversation between Celeborn and Galadriel because it was so well done. I love that you show them as a strong *pair*, and not Celeborn as Galadriel's puppet. He stands as her guard and guide, her love-light and the one who will do what he must if she fell to the One Ring. Again, a terrifying thought, especially for one who had survived a kin-slaying. Wonderful, Nilmandra! I know it wasn't an easy chapter, but there are so many tidbits of goodness in there! Author Reply: I don't think this was in the books, was it? It's an insight into Arwen I've not seen before and it's lovely. We know only that Arwen spent time in Lothlorien - never why. I admit that only recently did I really ponder her statement about men when Aragorn gave up his life, and I saw the pride in her statement more clearly. That really helped to develop her character more in my mind. I hope my Arwen will be unique and beleivable.. and likable, though flawed. Exploring the choice and Arwen and Elrond's relationship (and also the twins) is fascinating. That, and the effect on the Three when the One is destroyed, were a lot of the impetus behind this story. Now that is a new idea to me! How do you think they affected him? I love writing the twins and really, all of Elronds' family, because there is so much you can do with them. I have always had Elrohir more sensitive.... probably an influence from others ... but I saw some interesting possiblities into that from HL, when Elladan saved Elrohir's life and saw himself as protectorfrom that day forward. Elrohir and Arwen have this close relationship because of the incident in HLII.. and Elladan is again protector. That just led to some very intriguing possibilities for their choice when Elrond sailed. I am glad you like the characterizations, and hope they ring true through the end of the story. Thanks for the review :D | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/31/2005 |
| 'I now plan to spend some time exploring Arwen's thoughts and decisions too, now that the Fellowship has gone.' AArrrggghhh! I'm round about there, too. I'd better go and make myself write it quickly before I become too distracted by your beautiful version. Then I can a) stop or b) jump far enough forward for it not to matter. But which? Author Reply: LOL, I know! That is why I read so far in Arwen's Heart and stopped, so as not to confuse myself (happens too easily). You seem to do better with keeping people's worlds straight than me. But which? You will have to decide!! | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/31/2005 |
| The Chapter Where Nothing Happens? Maybe thats why Tolkien never wrote it? Im joking. Im sure Tolkien did not write it so talented fic writers could masterfully fill in the gaps! :-). The "making of" air of this story thrills me in each chapter, and this was not an exception. The trickiest part of visions is not knowing where they are leading, I suppose, and it must have been so difficult for Elrond to separate the pieces and trying to do what was right, and not just what his visions "Seemed" to show. We know that the twins end up knocking at the Morannon, yet how it would come to happen could not be clear to Elrond...until the two hobbits unexpectedly showed up and volunteered... another example of how the wise cannot expet to see all ends... Glorfindel was superb in his role, yet I loved the undercurrent of understanding between Mithrandir and Elrond. Even if it was not Elronds battle now, he would be a mover of things to the very end. As Galadriel. Im still wondering how much she already knew, foresaw or simply saw in her mirror. Celeborns worry was only too understandable. I had to laugh at Elladans reluctance to put that particular conversation to verse, or just to plain words. A good, entertaining Nothing happens chapter Nilmandra, and a nice ending for the year. HAve a wonderful, and very productive next one. Now Im looking forward to the Quest from the Mirkwood elvespov! ;-) Author Reply: We are fortunate in that we know the story and thus know what the visions mean... I can hardly imagine the frustration of not knowing what things meant or whay lay ahead, or when one should act on those visions... Glorfindel could not understand the freedom and gift of Men... what made them tick.. but I think Mithrandir could by his nature as Maia.. but probably none understood so well as the peredhel. I am gaining appreciation for what it must have meant to straddle both worlds. | |
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/31/2005 |
| The chapter in which Absolutely Nothing Happens? Have you lost your mind? This chapter is the most important one for Elrond--the most important decisions he made in his life. I loved it. Bilbo's concern over lunch during the council always tickled me when I read the books. I cracked up when I saw here that he immediately turned from weighty matters to what dishes awaited him. I think Gandalf is right that it is that light heartedness that allowed the Hobbits to be so strong. And I loved how bits of your other stories worked in here. That is part of the fun of having other stories--to weave events throughout them. I think your Legolas is perfect here--playing with the Hobbits is exactly what I see him doing in Imladris. Like the Hobbits, I think it is his sense of hope/brightness that served the Fellowship most. Hehehe--Gloin was great. Elrond is lucky it was Gimli he saw or he would have been in trouble. I love those dwarves. I'll stop to mention here that I really like how Elrond makes his decisions here. In the book, you get the impression that the company was chosen because they were all going that way anyway. I always thought that was ok because really that's how the Council came about (they gathered by chance but not by chance). So I always sort of saw the Fellowship as gathered by chance but not by chance. I liked seeing Elrond, with his gift of foresight, seeing little glimpses that assured him that chance was indeed falling properly into place. And how horrible that must have been for him. I always thought Thranduil must have been horrified when he finally heard Legolas fought before the Black Gate, given his own history there. Poor Elrond! Even worse to see it coming for his sons. And I love Glorfindel's 'I am not leaving your side' protection. He is such a friend. No doubt why he was sent back. And the twins' account of all that had passed in Lothlorien. I always thouht they returned last because they went to Dol Guldur and Lothlorien, so I thought that was perfect. And Galadriel and Celeborn's battle of wills over the reception the Ring would get into Lothlorien. Hehehehe! Great. Scary to witness those two disagreeing first hand, I bet. But great. I loved it. (And the 'you may cast ii in verse'--too funny.) And the choice of the final two companions--I really enjoyed Elrond's struggle over this, his doubts about what seemed obvious from his visions and his final vision once he chose Merry and Pippin. That was excellent. If I were not witness to your decision, I would think insanity had gripped whomever told me of it, said Glorfindel. Elrond glared at him, but before he could speak he heard Mithrandir. Sometimes, Glorfindel, one must be led by friendship and love, not by wisdom, for it is impossible to see all ends. It is not by might that this quest will be accomplished. Great! Elrond looked at him sharply. They had discussed this before. He was a bystander now, someone who could provide guidance and provisions, but he was as the beams of his own house necessary, but fixed in place and not useful anywhere but where they were. Also, sadly, true. Reminds me of the passage in UT where Tolkien wrote that Legolas accomplished the least of the Fellowship and Galadriel even did not act to achieve Sauron's defeat, she supported the defeat--the defeat was accomplished by the deeds of Men. I always resist that quote/struggle with it because it does not entirely ring true to me, but Elrond's wisdom/foresight/counsel played a crucial role to the success of the Fellowship. Despite that, he must wish he could go forth and end this himself. I felt for him with this line. Come, you have an appointment with the shoemaker, he said. You will never walk to Mordor on those. Hehehehe! Great ending line! I am anxious to see where this will go now. HL are Elrond and his family's story, a story little told in the books. I want to see it. :-) I can't imagine how you could have been worried about this chapter. It was great! Author Reply: Have you lost your mind? Come now.. I thought this was an established fact, LOL! I am glad if this chapter came through as a difficult and important one for Elrond. He is proof that an old dog can be taught some new tricks.. and one of those is the ability to change as needed to what needs to happen. All of his wisdom and knowlege is set against four hobbits who rather seem to think trekking to Mordor is a walking party. He knows it is not, but he doesn't have enough wisdom or knowledge of this circumstance to know otherwise. Talk about having to trust in what you cannot see! And Men and Elves are different... the freedom and gift of Men must be so confusing to the Elves, as I think it was even to Men (then and now). Glorfindel, as wise and powerful as he is, cannot undertand it. All he can do is support and love Elrond. Elrond can understand it.. and yet the pain it can cause because despite his choice, his children must still choose between the kindreds. And they are not choosing as very young adults, but as people who have seen an age of the world - they may desire the gift and it is there before them. A publisher would hate this chapter in a story, sort of like people hate the Council of Elrond. But there is insight here, and drama, even if it is internal to the characters. | |
| Elenluin | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/31/2005 |
| Although this is probably one of the most descriptive chapters of the whole "History Lessons" series, I am quite convinced that it'll become my favourite :) I love it how you mix present and past when Elrond looks at his maps and how somehow memories from past and future (if there is such thing) come to him at that moment. Really a wonderful chapter! Hopefully there's more to follow in 2006 ;-) Have a happy New Year! Author Reply: Although this is probably one of the most descriptive chapters of the whole "History Lessons" series, I am quite convinced that it'll become my favourite :) Oh, I am glad. I have been whining about this chapter being the one where 'Absolutely Nothing Happened' and yet it took me 8000 words to say that. Stuff did happen, it just didn't involve action, but thoughts. Happy new year to you too! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/31/2005 |
| What a situation for Elrond these visions of his sons before the Black Gate must be a absolute nightmare! And he has yet to chose the last two members of the Fellowship! To think the twins the best choice although he is sure they go to their sure death ... I dont know how he bears it. The choice to send Merry and Pippin mustve been a relief for him in some ways. And I loved the vision of Treebeard, winking at Elrond! Oh, and I dont think the bits about the Woodland Realm irrelevant. On the contrary, I love these little bits that tie your stories together! A Happy New Year to you! Author Reply: There was so much for Elrond to think about - would he want to keep his family safe? He had to be willing to risk all he had and was to see this end - and hopefully realizing his children were their own people and had to decide their own fates. How hard... and how wearying. One can see where the gift of Men is a gift that the elves must have envied in time. Happy new year to you too! I hope 2006 is a great year for you. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/31/2005 |
| Beautifully characterised and delivered nothing happening, though! Hobbits scrambling off to lunch after the council - I can just see that happening. (Have you read Baylor's Yada, yada, yada? I can just see hobbits responding to the council like that, too!) I'm sure their interest in food as opposed to Higher Responsibilities is what enabled the hobbits to deal with the downside of questing. I loved seeing Lathron - and young Legolas being challenged by Elladan over an event that happened long before! If ever you want to write a shortish side-shoot from this, that would make a terrific candidate for expansion! Elrond's moments of visionary foresight leading him to choose the members of the Fellowship is a terribly good way of coming up with who should go - and then his rationalisation of these to make the choice seem sensible. The battle - and Merry with Treebeard to ensure the presence of the younger hobbits. And, of course, his sons will go anyway and be there at the critical moment - but their route will be different. What can I say about Glorfindel? He just shines. So much power and strength - and he is Elrond's keeper, just as Celeborn is Galadriel's. Yet, had he gone with Frodo, it would have been an entirely different quest. Elrond knows. He has to place the responsibility here with the younger races. And success earned rather than given. When Elrond talks about his children and their fates - wow. Poor Elrond, living with that kind of understanding. Yet he knows, none better, that twins can decide to follow different paths - and of the eternal pain of having your twin choose mortality. Then realising that it would be his daughter who would take that path and bind her fate to Aragorn's. The twins visit to Lothlorien was very interesting! I'm glad they removed the smell of orc before they got there, though! And the Elladan's reflections on Elrohir's injury were very interesting - do you think that Elladan's feeling of responsibility for Elrohir's hurts might make it less likely that he would choose a different fate to his brother? That he would want to continue protecting Elrohir? (By the way - I think a j might have made its way into ford.) And 'Celeborn kept one hand on Elrohirs shoulder.' Daeradar, too, feels that Elrohir needs more bolstering against the direct presence of evil? Perhaps here is a good reason for sending the twins to the battle by another route rather than having them exposed to the pernicious effect of the Ring. Elrohir responds well to Galadriel, though. I like the way he appreciated her summary of events! She makes everything so far sound the helpless bumbling of a group of incompetents! (And her next meeting with the Fellowship probably ain't going to raise them all in her opinion!!) I can see Celeborn wanting to keep the Ring away - and Galadriel refusing to reject this test of her. They bring silent rowing to a whole new level! But Galadriel's love of and trust in Celeborn is absolute and I just loved seeing it there! Even if he has to fulfil his final task of keeping her safe in the only way open to him at the end. A favourite line must be 'If I were not witness to your decision, I would think insanity had gripped whomever told me of it, said Glorfindel.' I think many would agree with the sentiment - but this is not a battle that will be won by might - or our heroes would already have lost. And the winking Treebeard must have been an encouragement. As Mithrandir tells Elrond: not your fight. But at least Elrond can see that his boots will last everything but a fight with a Balrog. Oh... hang on a minute... I love Elrond's love and strength and acceptance here. And the twins. And Glorfindel. And Lathron and Legolas - especially when he's playing in the tree with the hobbits. And Galadriel and Celeborn. And all of it, really. A great way to start the day. Author Reply: I loved 'Yadda, yadda, yadda'! That summed it up well, to me! I loved seeing Lathron - and young Legolas being challenged by Elladan over an event that happened long before! If ever you want to write a shortish side-shoot from this, that would make a terrific candidate for expansion! There may need to be another outtake, where Elladan finds out if Legolas is a worthy competitor or not... that could make for a fun time in that last week before the Fellowship leaves! I am glad you liked Elrond's thoughts about his children. He had an undertanding of Men that perhaps no one else did - and that was part of why he was mighty among Elves and Men... and why he was so wise here at the end of the time of the Elves. He understood motivations, and what made Men what they were. No elf could understand as well. So the peredhel were especially important figures in Tolkien's history! I now plan to spend some time exploring Arwen's thoughts and decisions too, now that the Fellowship has gone. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/31/2005 |
| A wonderful view of Elrond's consideration of whom to send--this is a solemn and rather melancholy chapter, yet still there are flashes of humor and hope--Legolas in the tree with Merry and Pippin, Galadriel's succinct summary of the action of the Council, Glorfindel's reaction to Elrond's impulsive agreement to send the younger hobbits. How hard it must have been for Elrond, knowing that Frodo at least, must be doomed. You said in your LJ that "nothing happens" in this chapter--yet you made a good deal happen here indeed! How much of the Quest will Elrond be able to sense, foresee or observe? I look forward to finding out. Author Reply: I guess a lot of thought and decisions happen, though if we were not in Elrond's head, it would be quite boring! The whole situation had to be perplexing - to know he was a bystander, to feel in some ways his hands were tied, and to know that the wisdom of love and friendship was more important than knowledge and prudence. Sending hobbits to destroy the Ring. Who would have thought?? | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/31/2005 |
| Ah! With Bilbo I cry "At last!" only to look at the clock--way past midnight, and the little ones will arise early. Regretfully I put this off until another day. (Tuesday? One may hope, at least, by Tuesday...) Author Reply: Its a long chapter, but hopefully worth it in the end! Like Bilbo, I too miss my noon meal and afternoon nap. :D | |
| Elflingimp | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/30/2005 |
| I have been waiting for this chapter! So glad you updated.I like the way your other storys are being kinda added into this one ,it was a great chapter. Please update soon if you can Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!! Author Reply: It is fun to develop your own 'verse' or 'world' within Tolkien's world, for new ideas and side stories are constantly coming to mind! Happy New Year to you too! | |