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A Lesson in Swordplay  by Nilmandra 19 Review(s)
Elea24Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/3/2008
That was lovely. I enjoyed the sibling banter between Estel and the twins, and it was especially nice to see Elrond as a father to a young boy. Very amusing and touching.

Author Reply: I love writing the twins with Estel.. but Elrond too. I am glad you liked it.

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/3/2008
'He could not wait for the day he would pin Elladan on his backside in the dirt!' Now that's an image I'd like to see!!

A lovely tale Nilmandra - I like the love that's so clear between the twins and Estel, and the way they tease one another. It was clear they were *all* going to end up in the pool!

It's good to see Elrond fight, too. Although I don't see him as a warrior any longer, he would keep his skills up.


Jay


Author Reply: I think Estel has a well formed image in his head already!

I think Elrond had other things in mind in sparring with Estel, but I never object to my favorite half elf all sweaty and in parenting mode. :D

RadbooksReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/3/2008
Wow, what a wonderful surprise to get on here tonight and see this story! It's truly a special birthday gift and very much appreciated.

I loved the way you captured Estel's frustration - it had to be so difficult at times - and yet he was still willing to learn from those around him. That he can talk with the twins and share his frustrations is a very good thing, he cannot keep all of his emotions bottled up inside. His talk with Elrond was also very enlightening and I think it was good for Estel to speak with someone else about his swordplay, sometimes you need a different perspective on things.

There are so many things I enjoyed about this story that I can't name them all, but I thank you so much for blessing me with it.

Author Reply: Happy birthday, though a bit early! I am glad you liked the story - I was hoping for something an educator would enjoy. :>)

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/2/2008
A nice glimpse of the wisdom with which Elrond teaches young Aragorn.

Author Reply: Thanks, Linda!

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/2/2008
Excellent chapter. Taut and gentle. Very nicely written.

Author Reply: Thanks, I love writing Elrond. :>)

CesReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/2/2008
Elrond swimming. Naked. Have to admit my mind took a sharp U-turn from Estel at that point!

Ok, back to the story...

Easy to see how and where Aragorn gets his skills from. He had such great teachers. Just imagine how tough it must have been for him to grow up amongst the elves and try and emulate them. He just had to learn to be the best he can be, and not try for perfection.

That quote is so appropriate too. And so right for this story.

Thanks for this little insight into Imladris and Estel's swordfighting lessons.

Ces



Author Reply: I hope Estel gained more than simply tricks in swordfighting! I like the idea that they were grooming and cultivating him for life, for his future. It was fascinating to think of how they did it... and how they had to hope for many small moments to build his character into what we saw in the story.

ElflingimpReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/2/2008
I loved that Nilmandra, was that his father's sword he was given at the end? Hugs Deb

Author Reply: LOL, you know what? I don't know. That was part of the fun writing from Estel's POV. He doesn't know any of that, so I didn't have to either! But, I did guess by Gilraen's reaction that she recognized that sword. :>)

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/2/2008
What a wonderful story, Nilmandra. With such skilled, patient, wise, and loving teachers surrounding him, no wonder Estel grew into an exceptional man.

Author Reply: I was trying to think of what types of lessons helped form the man that would with his life or death save Frodo, or walk into the forest to starve with Merry and Pippin, or stand at the Morannon and sacrifice all so that Frodo might have a chance to succeed. He needed to be someone who did not give up when all hope seemed lost, who believed in something bigger than himself. Yet such lessons are not taught in a schoolroom either. People like Aragorn are cultivated by the best teachers in the world... people who love them and want the best for them.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/2/2008
Boy, Estel is in a hard position. I don't know if I'd like having all those super competent elves teaching me. But he manages himself very well, controlling his actions and getting off by himself until he's better.

Of course, he has help. The twins are great here. They're very reassuring without being patronizing.

And then there's clever old dad, doddering around with his dusty sword. LOL. Elrond was sly. He's a good teacher. And then he swam naked. Don't tell me you didn't enjoy writing that.

The ending where they call celebrate Estel's closing in on manhood was very moving.

Loved the Aristotle quote about teaching.

Author Reply: I covered my eyes when Elrond dove into the pool. Really.

But it is interesting to think of how they taught him and cultivated him into the person he became. It would be easy to break his spirit without meaning to.

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