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| History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra | 22 Review(s) |
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| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/25/2006 |
| Poor Elrond. I reckon he should be grateful to his biographer here - you offered him all the support possible through this trial. The glory that is Glorfindel, the experience and compassion of Galadriel and Celeborn, the love of his children, the reminder that Aragorn, too, is one of his own - and Celebrian. That the powers should bring him together with her to help him endure this time is a perfect reflection of love. And, moreover, a love that Arwen and Aragorn will have, if only for a very short time. (What's 120 years?) His compassion and understanding towards Frodo is remarkable, too. As is his realisation that he still retains the power of a great line of elves - while Frodo is bereft and drifting in a world that cannot begin to understand. I loved his teasing of Celeborn - (conversation? What conversation?) - when his words to Aragorn clearly demonstrate that he remembers every word. Each step is a part of the dance - and beautifully choreographed. Everyone is protecting Elrond - but the end result is a loss he will find it hard to endure. He needs to sail and allow Celebrian to offer him healing he cannot find east of the sea. And to reinforce his belief that it will only be time that will divide him from his daughter - and Aragorn and his grandchildren and brother and so on. And what is time to an elf? Especially in the timelessness of the Blessed Realm. But poor Elrond. So much time spending himself to secure the future of Middle Earth - and the cost, in the end, so much more than he would want to pay. But he did it anyway. Send him home to his wife, Nilmandra, and let Celebrian ease the pain. Author Reply: Send him home to his wife, Nilmandra, and let Celebrian ease the pain. I want that as much as anyone! These chapters are so hard to write because they are about such loss and letting go... and ending well ... and finding grace and dignity when your power is gone. | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/24/2006 |
| OK, too many good parts to remember, but these were some of my favorites: the bachelor party (oh, wait - the author didn't let us see what happened - bad author!); Elladan offering to do the Father-in-Law Talk - I'm trying to decide what that would have been like; Elrond's actual Father-in-Law talk - wonderful. His description of Gilraen and how difficult her life was was wonderful. Elrond deciding he has to get Aragorn away from Arwen to be sure of having is undivided attention; and best of all, the moment when Aragorn gives healing strength to Elrond. It was good to see Celebrian's presence was such a comfort to Elrond, and Galadriel, Glorfindel, and Celeborn were all there supporting him, too. I have to say that personally, I would not want my father knowing the exact moment that my wedding vows were consummated, but maybe Elves are accustomed to such intimacies (harking back to Daw's Men of Dale and their consternation at the commemoration of Begetting Day!) A wonderful chapter. Author Reply: I have to say that personally, I would not want my father knowing the exact moment that my wedding vows were consummated My own fault.. the way I've done this bond thing, I unintentionally led up to it. Dang it. I blushed. Elrond told me to grow up. In my not so humble opinion, this chapter belonged in the ole recycle bin, but skipping the wedding didn't seem right either. I am glad most of the rest of this story is written. | |
| Karri | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/24/2006 |
| A sad, wonderful chapter, Nilm. It made me cry. *claps* Author Reply: Thanks, Karri. I am glad it comes off better than I see it. :/ | |
| Amy | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/24/2006 |
| Well, I've read it twice already and am really savoring it. You portray all of their tenderness toward each other very well. The sorrow seems to sharpen the joy. I think that the elves must be feeling life so richly and fully at this moment. I loved Arwen's cry at the White Tree, and how she and Aragorn glow. Rivendell must have been a pretty complex household to manage, but a whole city full of people: yes, I think she'd be rubbing her hands with glee! Author Reply: Rivendell must have been a pretty complex household to manage, but a whole city full of people: yes, I think she'd be rubbing her hands with glee! I love the picture that makes in my mind! Arwen gets to finally manage something without elves millenium older than her telling her how it is to be done! Sorrow does sharpen joy, odesn't it? The bitter with the sweet. | |
| Lianna | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/24/2006 |
| This was lovely -- and just as it should be, I think. I had never really imagined the wedding from Elrond's perspective. But you do it very well. I love the idea of Celebrian and Elrond being in contact. It offers him support at a difficult time, and it pushes him to think about the future, with the prospect of joining her in Valinor and renewing their relationship, as well as the lost past. But I also like it for another reason. In several other people's stories of this time period, Elrond goes to Valinor facing the dreaded task of telling Celebrian that Arwen will never join them. In your version, she already knows. I am glad that your Elrond will be spared the ordeal of telling her. But what's with this custom of eating before the wedding ceremony? It's as bad as kids going to a restaurant before the Senior Prom! I have never been able to enjoy such occasions; there's too much risk of spilling food on one's fancy clothing. (Not that elves would ever drop an entire chicken leg in their laps, as I have done more than once. But the human servers might.) Author Reply: I've already written their reunion - did that after writing her departure, as I just couldn't bear it - and I reread that recently and wondered why she said 'I know' when he tried to explain.. and then Elrond told me this part of the story, and it made sense. Good thing my muses tell me what I need to know just in time! LOl at the eating. I followed LACE... so we can blame Tolkien. He clearly had considered the possible damage to the wedding finery. :D | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/24/2006 |
| This is so lovely, I'm saving commenting properly until I have time! But I just love your Elrond!! Author Reply: LOL, I don't think Elrond loves me too much right now! I feel like I'm a voyeur in his own private hell. :/ | |
| Shemyaza | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/24/2006 |
| I very rarely comment on stories these days because real life has become too hectic, but.... Awesome as always. You make the characters live and the story unfold as anyone's imagination might wish. Author Reply: Thanks, Shemyaza. Thank you for reviewing! | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/23/2006 |
| One of my favorite lines: “He looks forward to seeing you, and of course wishes me to remind you to keep good notes for his book.” I laughed when I read that. It's so Bilbo. Another great line: “We spoke that day?” he asked. A very sweet chapter. I like the way you worked out the logistics of who was going to stand with the bride and groom. Made perfectly good sense. And really, what a solid family. Everyone was already family, the wedding just made it more solid and began a new sprout off the family tree. Very nice. Elrond held up well considering how difficult it was. I particularly liked Celebrian's appearance and support. That's another place I thought felt very natural. I think they would reach out for one another at such a time. Her presence certainly seemed to help Elrond get through the wedding. And it made me want to get to the chapter where he sees her again for the first time. Not that I'm rushing you or anything. :>) Let's just say, I'm happily anticipating it. The father-in-law talk was nice. And hard for Elrond, I'm sure, but he was wise and let the joy Aragorn felt and his love for Aragorn guide him. Well done. Your version of the white jewel turned out VERY good. I like it. You gave it a nice history, one Tolkien would be proud of, I think. Nicely done, Nilmandra. Lovely wedding and the reception was delightful. I particularly enjoyed the Dorwinion Thranduil sent along as a gift. And I don't care what anyone says, I only had two glasses. There was a bug on that table. I was not dancing. This chapter was wonderful, as always. Can't wait for the next one. Author Reply: Thanks, Karen. I can't wait until Elrond is safely in Celebrian's arms either. Poor peredhel has certainly had a rough go things lately. Glad you liked the jewel.. only had to write nearly a millin words to finally address the reason I'm in fanfic to begin with! PS: and we know you were one of those the guards escorted home early. :>) | |
| Nikara | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/23/2006 |
| Wow. This was an incredibly powerful chapter. I loved the way that Celebrian's presence took care of Elrond on that day. These stories never cease to amaze me. Great job! Author Reply: Thanks, Nikara. I wasn't so sure this chapter should be posted or deleted, so I'm glad it came across well. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/23/2006 |
| This is so beautiful, so very much in the spirit of JRRT himself. I'm not sure words of mine are adequate, but there is just so very much to love here. Elrond's bittersweet joy is depicted in a way that minds me so much of how things were in the books--how joy and happiness were painful, and how grief was somehow glorious! It truly is the essence of Arda--"joy beyond the walls of the world, poignant as grief..." Author Reply: Thank you. It was a strange chapter to write, where I had to pull back from the scenes, pull away from the joy, to try to make Elrond's perspective as 'real' as a mortal can make it. Such bittersweetness, such poignant grief. Joy will come again in pure form, but for now it is twined tightly with pain. | |