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| History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra | 19 Review(s) |
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| Jane | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 7/26/2006 |
| Awesome as ususal! I was worried about the Twins, It's good to know that they didn't choose mortality like their sister. Thaks for the Most Excellent Chapter!! Cheers!! Author Reply: Oh, I don't think I could do that to Elrond! Not that Elladan might think about it, but no, they are going! | |
| Gwynhyffar | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 7/26/2006 |
| *Lets out a long breath* Oh. My. Gosh. That was so powerful, Nilmandra. I could feel every bit of Elrond's grief, and as the tale went on it just kept increasing. Glorfindel is, of course, a hero, and he proved it again here. Arwen was as I would have thought her to be - looking forward to her life, and grieving for her loss. As if that were not enough, she was feeling it all at the same time. I could see her strength as well as her regret in her interactions with Elrond. Celebrian's presence was a treat and probably the only thing that kept Elrond going. The flashback was poignant. Wow! <- that pretty much sums it up. Gwyn Author Reply: I am glad you thought it was powerful - it was painful too! Poor Elrond. Poor Arwen - she did indeed have a full measure of bitter in her joy. I think she had to be strong though, to make the choice she did, and I hope that comes through as well. | |
| Amy | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 7/26/2006 |
| This chapter was a kick in the gut and had me weeping again. Excellent telling of the parting of Elrond and Arwen, with everything and nothing to say. I've read a fic where Celebrian came to Arwen in Gondor in dreams and met Aragorn. Arwen's mind meld with Elrond amd Celebrian was a good way to handle this vital talk between them and to take some of the guilt from Elrond. I love Aragorn's letters to his family in Valinor. I like the way that you handled the twins' and Glorfindel's decisions to stay for a time. I've never come to a decision myself whether both twins go to Valinor or not. There's a certain symmetry in their being split, as Elros and Elrond were, but also a certain appropriateness in their leaving together at last. Arwen as a child! Such a charming and stubborn person would have been hard for anyone to resist or gainsay. Gracious and unwavering! Aragorn's going to have to be the best king that Gondor ever had to keep her happy. Author Reply: LOL, I think Aragorn can handle Arwen! But its funny how a vision of someone develops in your mind, and I see Arwen as this very strong and determined person. I think she's wonderful.. and she would have to have this quiet inner strength to make the choice she did. I cried plenty myself.. and I so want Elrond in Celebrian's arms. | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 7/26/2006 |
| Wow! This was hard but very well done! Arwen's dignity and her strength are particularly moving, Nilmandra, and it is not strange, since it was her choice, but yet her mix of joy and pain is perfect!The flashback again was lovely, with her determination to try her wings...IT must have been so heart wrenching to ELrond! But, thankfully, Glorfindel was there. He is superb all times, but I particularly liked when he sings his memories of the Blessed Realm, so Elrond will be reassured of how much he longs to be there and that he will not leave the twins behind. YOur GLorfindel comes out as such a strong and decisive cupport to Elrond! But this was my favourite part ;-) Fairy tales,” replied Elrond. He handed the book to Aragorn. “Or so they will seem to Men one day. Such sadness and acceptance of the small and the great pains the times are bringing: the severing of a familiy tie beyond the circles of the world, but also of two kindreds, one to be ost forever from knowledge and memory...and all entwinted in him. A great great touch! Congratulations! It was moving, yet not overdone, and comforting and so deep! ! Author Reply: Thanks, Perelleth. I was afraid of it being overdone, so I am glad if you think it wasn't. I cried myself plenty as I thought of Elrond's many losses -and each blow in this story - from losing his daughter, to sailing alone, to finding that not even home brings him comfort - was just so painful. I am so looking forward to delivering Elrond to Celebrian's arms. Glad you liked the Fairy Tales. :>) | |
| Lianna | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 7/26/2006 |
| This is a bit off-topic, but thanks for putting a description of a nursing toddler into your story. Sometimes I think that most of the world is unaware that this situation is even possible. Author Reply: I actually spent a bit of time reading on the usual ages to which most cultures breastfed their children. The benefits to the child are immeasuralbe, but also to the mother, the family and society as a whole. I would imagine they kept their child in their bed for some years too. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 7/26/2006 |
| It must be hard to be a daddy. Mommies mostly seem to have a handle on letting children grow up, but daddies seem to take it on the chin when the kids decide to leave. Arwen and Celebrían are both very strong here, accepting of their fates and unflinchingly supportive of Elrond. He is a very lucky person that he has such a wife and daughter to take care of him. If Celebrían's presence is this strong here in Middle-earth, it's going to be such a knockout when he actually sees her again in Valinor. I suspect that she hasn't just been healed -- she's stronger than ever before. Elrond may have lost Vilya and Arwen, but he'll be reunited with Celebrían and possibly his parents. It won't be the same, but he'll have gains to match his losses. Author Reply: I think of Elrond as a rock and very strong when it comes to the Middle-earth altering decisions of Middle-earth, but he is a sentimental fool when it comes to his own wife and children. Actually, it seems that way with many men. Elrond needs a full meausre of grace to match what life has thrown at him. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 7/26/2006 |
| Nilmandra, I think this is the most beautiful chapter yet. Oh so sad, and yet oh so loving and hopeful. I have to highlight my favorite passages, and the final one brought such a smile to my face! "Oh, she loves you, Adar. You know, I dreamed that one day I would look upon someone the way she looked upon you. And the way your eyes followed her wherever she went – I wanted someone to love me like that in return. I feel blessed that I found that kind of love.” "...Annúminas restored and the Northern Dúnedain living as they were meant to live, not as wandering guardians but honored and respected people of the king." “It has been your example of endurance that has most sustained me,” she said. “I sometimes had to remind myself that the person of Elrond who was my father was the same Elrond of all the old tales, the one who sustained and continued on, no matter what blows he was dealt. It seemed too much for one life, and yet you never gave up. When you made Aragorn wait, it seemed a harsh sentence to one of mortal years, yet I knew I must trust you, when you had waited for this mortal man for thousands of years.” He managed to speak his words before tears silenced his voice. With tears streaming down her face, Arwen replied, “I love you dearly, Adar. Go to Naneth and be at peace. My children’s children will sing of my love for you.” Her voice broke. “Thank you for giving me wings.” “That wood elf is going to return with others of his realm. We cannot let our sister’s children have only that influence of elvendom,” teased Elladan. Author Reply: LOL, I love my woood elf *hugs him* I need to go back to my Legolas world and write this from their perspective at some point. I am glad you enjoyed - I mad myself cry plenty in the writing. :/ | |
| Ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 7/26/2006 |
| No kidding about this being a cup of sorrows. You ahould have called it "box of tissues" too because I about went through one with all of Elrond's partings and the bombshells dropped on him and his memories. This was so beautiful, but so amazingly sad. I love Glorfindel in this. He is so amazingly wonderful as comforter and friend. Love your characterizations of everyone. Sigh... Well done as always! *sniff sniff* well done... Author Reply: LOL, sorry! I made myself cry plenty in the writing of this. Elrond needs a Glorfindel, a friend for such a time. I cannot imagine all the partings and pain he endured. | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 7/26/2006 |
| As always, I really liked the flashback to little Arwen. You can see the determination that would serve her well over the years. The other thought I had as I read this was about the twins. I wonder what effect staying behind in ME had on them. The working of elven generations is a puzzle for me. How do you know when you're a full adult? I thought the need to manage Imladris on their own, to live in ME without either parent was probably a change-making experience for them. Author Reply: It is interesting to look at an adult and imagine the child, or imagine the events that made that adult into who they are. She had to be one determined person to make the choice she did. Next chapter I think we'll see Elrond loosing his hold on Middle-earth, and his sons picking up the reins of leadership. It will be a change for them. | |