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| History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra | 20 Review(s) |
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| Lady Saruman | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/11/2006 |
| Because I needed relief from all the stress of school, I decided to go on this site...and found this story. I decided to read this story first before I went on to attack my HUGE pile of homework, plus five projects.... I liked the way that you made Elrond's possession of Vilya enable him to communicate with the other elven-ringbearers. Sometimes it can prove to be useful, but at other times when the other two aren't there, then he can be victim to the Eye of Sauron. It must be a really difficult thing to safekeep a Ring of Power, and especially if the ring(s) are likely to fall to the One's power if Sauron were to succeed in getting his Ring back. But you kind of made him risk himself yet again when he decided to let down his barriors that were protecting him from the evil just to test the Eye's will, something that would change him if he were not able to resist or got hurt. If he let down his barriors, then a number of different possibilities could occur, in which all of them would lead to disasterous results. When Gwaihir brought the bad news of Mithrandir's death, that certainly caused a very dramatic reaction throughout the members of Imladris--or rather, those who had been there to witness the meeting of the great eagle and the news he brought. It is very surprising that Glorfindel could not remember Mithrandir but had a nagging feeling that something was familiar about the Istar. Was it because the two knew each other before Glorfindel's first death? I really don't remember--perhaps you can remind me again. But at least in the end Glorfindel finally recognized--or remembered--who Gandalf was because of something that had occurred in the past. Also, when Glorfindel mourns for Mithrandir, you said that: He looked back once to see Elrohir swing up into the low branches of the tree near where Glorfindel stood, and it comforted him to know that his son kept watch and shared in Glorfindel’s grief. Elrohir isn't a wood-elf, is he? Because wood elves are the only elves that prefer to be among trees to seek comfort in times of grief, or do the other races of Elves do so too? Whatever the answer, I'm glad that Elrohir was there to share Glorfindel's mourning for the wizard, even though they might not communicate physically, but possibly mentally. And yes, it is said that Arwen making lembas bread for the men might possibly be her last time in doing so. If Aragorn survives the journey and Sauron is defeated, then he, the heir of Elendil, will come forth to the throne and recieve the crown of Gondor and the sceptre of Arnor. That means that he will be able to marry Arwen, because he met the bride price set by Elrond. But, after all, it was Arwen's choice, and so all the things she was able to do as an Eldar she would not be able to do when she becomes a mortal. However, all these things she is doing is to help the Dunedain for their journey, and that would be best of all. I also liked the part where you made Elrond feel the strong and sudden surge of power through Vilya that came from Galadriel. It was a good way to describe how she was tested for her temptation for power, and in those few moments were conflicting ones, but Elrond probably felt exceeding relieved when he found out that she had resisted. After all, he did know that she had desired power for quite a time. The concluding part of the chapter was pretty good, since you made the sending of the twins and the Grey Company and Arwen with the banner end the chapter in this way. They would all have to play a role sooner or later, and sacrafice their lives in their duties. This was a chapter that I enjoyed reading--I will most likely read it over again because of its good context. Hershey's kisses/hugs, Lady Saruman =) Author Reply: Hey, no letting me keep you from your homework. I don't need guilt (aka the toy story dinosaur). Elrohir was merely sitting with Glorfindel in his grief, as a friend. Elrohir likes trees, but he is not a wood elf. The tree is merely a prop. I am glad you liked the chapter though. This one was found to reason through and work into a story. Have fun with the homework! | |
| Eruanneth_Luin | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/10/2006 |
| Excellent chapter, Nilmandra! Let me begin with the singularity of Glorfindel, you show how he differs so greatly from his peers in many subtle and marvelous ways, and is ever the devoted protector of Elrond. His genuine and agonizing grief over the fall of Mithrandir put to rest the thought that he is beyond the travails of his kindred. Twice-born, powerful elf-lord, Balrog slayer he may be, but still loss of those for whom he cares deeply affects him profoundly. The image of Glorfindel atop the waterfall, golden hair flowing (sigh, okay, so I have a fondness for beautiful golden-haired elven males.), and alert to changes undetected by others nearly took my breath. What a perfect sentinel he is for the hidden land he helps guard. The interplay between the Three (and on occasion the One) was so well done, especially Elrond ‘seeing behind’ the mind of Sauron. How incredibly difficult it must have been for Elrond to release his twin sons to become bait for the gaping maw of Sauron. Even though he had glimpses, the visions were not terribly encouraging. His thought that Arwen would be making lembas (an elven gift) for the last time would have been yet another sorrow added to his heaping plate. How Elrond survived the seemingly endless tragedies and losses to continue to befriend, aid, and comfort so many diverse peoples must be a singular testimony of his blended heritage. Ah, Galadriel, wise elf, but still not beyond temptation, yet in the ultimate test she resists the almost overpowering urge to fall prey to the One Ring. Thank you for including this sight of her struggle through the eyes of a fellow ring-keeper. Also of interest is the comment about hobbits not desiring the power that the Ring would enhance. There are few today who could be accused of wanting a simple, peaceful life. Elrohir made it through an entire chapter without a more serious wounding than his obvious empathy for Glorfindel. That should make Elrond happy, too. Author Reply: LOL, yes, Elrond called a moratorium on Elrohir-wounding. Poor Elrohir! This was a fun chapter to write, as I like building puzzles, but I didn't know if readers would like it or not. I am glad to know that the important stuff came through. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/10/2006 |
| This was such a lovely loong chapter--I printed it to read while eating lunch, and it was a very satisfying 40 pages--plenty long enough to last the whole meal! There was so much to like about it--the events of the story, during the Moria journey and the sojourn in Lorien were very cunningly worked out, and I found your author's notes marvelous. It had not occured to me before to wonder where Elrond and Galadriel had obtained some of their knowledge--I always just assumed they had been communing via the Three. But your explanations make far more sense! But what I would love to focus on was the arrival of Gandalf/Mithrandir/Olorin in Middle-earth. His warm reception in Rivendell, the way he was made welcome, reminded me so much of in The Hobbit, when the house of Elrond is described as The Last Homely House--such a phrase simply has to define hospitality. I enjoyed Glorfindel's slow realization of who and what he was, and Mithrandir's revelations to the others of his identity and mission. Yet even before all that, they welcomed a seeming old man, for no other reason than he came with the twins, and had come from Cirdan. Thank you so much for a lovely read! Author Reply: LOL! 40 pages? I think it showed up as 23 in Word for me. Wow. I did a few scenes in HLII showing Glorfindel's re-embodiment. That is where he met Olorin. Those were fun scenes to write, especially since I knew I could use them here, over a year later. I could only imagine the shock that they felt at Mithrandir's 'death' - how hopeless things must have felt - they would have no reason to suspect then that Mithrandir would be sent back to them. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/10/2006 |
| “The end is not known! The eagles watch!” cried Gwaihir. What a marvelous messenge, and such a noble and steadfast messenger. I adored that scene between Gwaihir and the Elves. Elrond stood in the shadows, watching his daughter as she stood among the Rangers, soon to be her people too. Halbarad kissed her hand, then went where she sent him, for he would not dare argue with the Lady of Rivendell, the lady who might soon be his Queen. You've given Arwen a solemn and mature role. There is so little of her in the Trilogy, and how rich a story you are letting us see here. Author Reply: I think of Arwen as a very determined person to make the choice she did. I am glad she is coming across as mature.. so many people dislike her and I don't understand it! She is a very strong female, making a decision that is even more 'unknown' than the explorers who crossed oceans to see what lay beyond them. | |
| Elflingimp | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/10/2006 |
| Well that was the best by far chapter I have read, and all the others were great too! I wish we could somehow just stick all this into the real books,they have so much insight it feels like they somehow belong in Tolkiens books I cant wait for more. Your faithful reader ElflingImp(Debbie) Author Reply: Well that was the best by far chapter I have read Thank you for saying that - I wasn't sure how this chapter would go over. I enjoy this kind of gapfilling, trying to figure out how fit puzzle pieces into Tolkien's work. I am glad you think it worked! | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/10/2006 |
| Hi, Nilmandra! I'm just stopping in to note that I've finally caught up. I enjoy all the speculation about the uses and effects of the Rings that the characters have been engaging in here. And your way with writing children is just absolutely adorable. Back to Le Thesis. Author Reply: LOL, you made me go 'huh?' about the children... but then I remembered the little Legolas stuff. Out of sight, out of mind. :D This was fun to write, probably more fun than le thesis. | |
| paranoidangel | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/10/2006 |
| Wow, that looked complicated to work out! I really liked seeing what Elrond was doing while the Fellowship was out there, and how they were all working to help them. I also liked Arwen going off and dealing with all the things the Rangers would need. Author Reply: This was the most fun for me to write of all the chapters, not because of angst or emotion or anything like that - no real character development - but simply because I wanted to come up with Tolkien-like reasons how it all could have happened. :D | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/10/2006 |
| I found the author's notes fascinating. They show the reasoning you put into this chapter. One of the things that's always interesting in this story and HLI and II too is that you notice gaps and ask questions that never occurred to me anyway. And Tolkien was so careful with things like dates that you know he had to be aware of the timing, for instance. In this chapter, I particularly liked seeing Mithrandir appear for the first time. It hadn't occurred to me that he might just let them guess who he was but that makes sense. He must have been laughing to himself as he watched Glorfindel struggle with that sense that he knew him. Author Reply: Anyone who says 'canon' is boring hasn't looked for the gaps! They are all around us - I suppose Tolkien was writing from the POV of Frodo, so its only what he knew or was told to him. There is so much to think about! Poor Glorfindel. At least once Olorin realized who he was and what their past was, he reminded him. :D | |
| Amy | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/10/2006 |
| Fascinating and plausible scenario that you've brought to life here. Determined!Arwen putting all of Imladris to work for the Dunedain is marvelous. And I really like the prophecy with the standard. How could there not be "magic" woven into the sewing that she does? Interesting insight into Glorfindel as well. He's such a rock of support. Author Reply: Thanks, Amy. This was fun to write in the sense of finally figuring out how some of the puzzle pieces might go together. I love Glorfindel. :D | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/10/2006 |
| Most Excellent. I love super-Glorfindel - who keeps his superstardom under control most of the time, but just occasionally lets it get away from him. And your Arwen - loud cheers for her. Strong, determined, far-sighted, supportive, planning, organised. Everything she had to be to succeed in the life she chose for herself. Everything she had to be as Elrond and Celebrian's daughter and Galadriel and Celeborn's granddaughter. The twins - I love seeing them going off as their father's sons. There is a whole undercurrent that makes me think of WW1 and WW2 - Dagorlad was Elrond's war to end an age, and this is theirs. Their characters are so distinctive, too - so many characters so well defined. I rather like the Elrohir/Glorfindel relationship too, while I'm thinking about it. And Elrond. What a guy. Under so much pressure from so many directions and yet remaining faithful to who he is. Honesty. I think that's one of the qualities that shines from him. Glad to see that the right thoughts occur to him at the necessary moments. But it must have been so hard to send his sons south. He could have lost everyone for whom he cares. Such courage. Harder to smile them on their way than to go himself. The newly arrived Mithrandir was delightful. Like the suspicion of him - and the slowly dawning recognition of who he was. The twins accepted him easily - but then they were younger and more innocent in those days. More hobbit-like, perhaps. All in all a wonderful handling of a very difficult time. And nothing will ever go back to being as it was. Author Reply: This chapter was all about plausability and plot holes. Tolkien throws all these little facts out there, and you wonder if he had worked out in his mind who knew what and when and how and then he just tossed us a few minute details, because the POV from which he was writing couldn't know all that? Or was he thinking about adding the details later?? LOL, who knows, but it was fun to think about. I think I spent two hours wondering what happened to Saruman when he 'died' as well as the balrogs. It was interesting to try to put myself in the shoes of the characters, who don't know the end like we do. It was painful. :/ | |