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| History Lessons by Nilmandra | 114 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Fadesintothewest | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 10/26/2003 |
| My heart was breaking even more, as I read Elrond and Celebrian's love, and I couldn't help but want to yell out, no, he cannot loose Celebrian. This is the best character development I have read of Elrond, digging deep into his psyche, his pains, his sorrows, his joys, and it makes him come to life in such a way. I do look forward to the next installment! Author Reply: Thanks Fades - do you know, I am not sure I will be able to write about that, if and when I get to the third age! Poor Elrond - to lose his Celebrian.... I am glad you liked the story and the portrayal of Elrond. | |
| Fadesintothewest | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 10/26/2003 |
| I knew that this chapter was going to be hard to read. My heart ached along with Elrond's, and that's what is so terribly sad about Tolkien's world, that at some point we are parted from the ones we love. But beyond that is hope and that's what Elrond holds onto. | |
| Dolly | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 10/26/2003 |
| Wonderful story from the beginning to the end, I am sorry that it has ended as it has been so good, but I agree with you that it is a good place to finish. I loved the way the Elves all got along, helping in the upbringing of the twins and sharing good and bad memories. I will really miss this story. Best Wishes Dolly Author Reply: Thanks Dolly. I actually miss the story too! I am contemplating the second age and how I might tell that story next. :D | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 10/25/2003 |
| Nilmandra, What a wonderful ending....though I am sorry that this story has come to an end. It seems Elrond still has trouble with revealing his emotions to others, but he has found some closure to the pain of losing his brother through the stories and in tallking to his wife. When he talked about feeling the emptiness when Elros died and how it would never go away, but new threads had woven around that space...well..it was just such a indication of his strength and perseverance. While Elros seemed to be more emotionally open than he did, he was, still, able to love. Elladan and Elrohir were absolutly delightful as little bundles of joy, compassion and youthful questions. They and, of course, Celebrian, were the balm that soothed and opened Elrond's heart. He was right when he thought of all the wonderful support he had been gifted with throughout his life. It's obvious Elrond was well loved and his past experiences had helped him become such an elf that was worthy of this devotion. You painted this trail with vibrant strokes, minute detail and rich colors. The portrait of Elrond! My favorite line was what Celeborn said of our golden balrog slayer: “Who knew that a mighty Balrog slayer would make such a fine nanny?” mused Celeborn. I loved this. It was a simple statement meant in jest, but revealed the quality of those who surrounded Elrond and his family. The entire story was such a wonderful gift to your readers. You wove a very interesting and informative story. We got a view that even Tolkien could not offer in such understandable, yet, beautiful language. We got to know Elros. I found him likeable, loving and full of a bright energy that seeded the best of what man would become. However as the ages passed and the further man drifted from the light that led them, they fell into darkness. As testament to the strength of Elros' blood, the light did not go out completely as we found when his descendent, Aragorn, brought that seed back to Middle Earth. Elrond's cost was high in this, as well. I will not accept that Elladan and Elrohir stayed behind in Middle Earth.I believe that they traveled to Valinor on the last ship. After Arwen's death and all the other elves had left...AND there were no more orcs to slay, there was nothing for them in Arda. But there was a lot for them in Valinor. I can't see them seeking revenge on orcs for the harm they caused their mother and then not going to her when the time came. There is nothing on earth that would compare to seeing her again! Now see what's happened! You've got me tying up lose ends everywhere. I'm hoping that you will help me in this valiant quest by exploring the remainder of the second age and maybe the third. Again, this was such a wonderful piece of work. I can't tell you how impressed I am with the completeness of it and the detail of character you expounded on and created. This is one of the most beautiful writings I've encountered in the fanfiction genre and in the traditional publishing world. Please...carry on. :>) Karen Author Reply: Thank you, Karen, for this wonderful wrap-up review. I love that phrase - the Portrait of Elrond! And you are absolutely right about the twins - in my mind, they stayed to see their sister and little 'brother' through to the end of their lives, and then sailed west with their grandfather. Obviously Celeborn stayed for them :D I cannot see there being much left in ME for them after that point. I have decided anything else is AU and I don't read AU :D Thanks for your wonderful words - they made my day - and now I need to work on plotting out the second age :D | |
| Elemmire | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 10/25/2003 |
| Now I need to go mop up my tears...thank you for the lovely story! Elemmire Author Reply: You are welcome, Elemmire. Making people cry is a good thing, I hope :D | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 10/25/2003 |
| This chapter is a wonderful finish to a wonderful story. You brought so much of The Silmarillion alive for me in a way I don't think I could have done for myself. And you have given Elrond a depth that is so enriching. It colors my view of him now. What a tragic and yet deeply good person he is. This is just an amazing achievement. I am honored to have beta read it. Author Reply: Thanks for your nice words - bringing the Sil to life was exactly the intent as was delving into the character of Elrond........and you are officially hired for the second age :-) | |
| Bejai | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 10/25/2003 |
| I was just sitting here, drowning in US Federal Income Tax (don't ask), when your author alert popped up in my inbox. Much to my joy! This was another beautiful chapter. I was glad to see that Albast recovered, and that you didn't take us down that road. You're right; the time is not yet right for the twins to have to deal with that sadness. And I loved how you described Elros' end. It was a continuation of what you have been doing all along -- gently pulling them apart until one day their link faded away. What a difficult day that must have been for Elrond. I don't know if it was made easier by being apart, or harder. This story was so brilliant. From concept to detail it was beautifully wrought, intelligently researched, well paced, and emotionally true. One of my all time favorites, just behind Tolkien's original version. Thank you for writing this story. It was the epic I'd always wished for. When I introduce my own children to Tolkien's world, I think I will print off this story was well and read it to them. Now, in case you're out of plot bunnies, I have a wish list :) -- the return of the Númenorians -- History Lessons: the Second Age -- a story about Galadriel and her father meeting while he was in Middle Earth. Bravo, Nilmandra, Bravo. Author Reply: Thanks Bejai (and I am self employed and know more than I ever wanted to about tax forms too!). Your words mean a lot - this was a challenge, but a very rewarding one, and I have to admit I am plotting out the second age....and I hope it comes together as well. ~Nilmandra | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 10/22/2003 |
| Very poignant, Nilmandra. My heart ached for Elrond. As a child, he was usually so aware of things, to be caught so unprepared for Elros' decision -- I guess he was in denial regarding his brother's thoughts. Everyone else seemed less surprised. My heart went out to Elros as well. He knew he was going to hurt his brother, and yet he could make no other choice. Galadriel was right. (Again.) I smiled at little Elladan's comment: Your brother hurt you and brothers should not do that. Ah, little one. Would that decisions were so uncomplicated. Finally, I loved the final image of Glorfindel and Celeborn pretending to be balrog and dragon! A great Part II to an equally great Part I. :-) LKK Author Reply: Thanks LKK. As I wrote this story and tried to consider the perspective of each person, and what they knew or what their world-view was at the time, I came to the conclusion that having to make such a decision had to be a shock to all of them. My respect for Elros increased the more I considered how brave he was to leave all he knew for the unknown. The way was prepared for him, so perhaps it wasn't like those who first crossed the ocean or crossed the Rockies to see what was in the West, but it was a huge step nonetheless. He and Elrond will talk more in the next chapter :) As for those elf-Lords.....all I can say is that elves sure did cherish their children and these days of childhood were precious - so much so that apparently even mighty elf-lords played silly games. Have I mentioned I love Glorfindel? | |
| Bejai | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 10/20/2003 |
| Oh, Nilmandra, I don't know how you do it, but this story keeps getting better. I must say that as much as I'm thrilled for this fast and furious updates, they are doing terrible things to my productivity. I read the chapter, and then read it again, and then go read earlier chapters, and read the new chapter again. Work? I'm supposed to work? Love it all, but especially these bits: -- "Their passage went unchallenged; shining elves with the light of Valinor gleaming in their eyes and Maiar of great power and might watched them pass with looks that hovered between curiosity and an almost paternal love." What an absolutely wonderful detail. That's one of the things I love best about your stories; the unexpected insights within small details. -- the description of Elrond's emotion when Elros spoke his fate. What can I say? Wrenching, terrible, beautiful. -- the idea that Elrond could be healed and find peace in Valinor, but does not go, and will not go for ages. -- “I am Nienna, son of Eärendil. For the marring of Arda I grieve, and for all that is blemished and lost I mourn. Hearken to me, Elrond,” she commanded gently, “for it is through pity you shall replenish your own soul. You shall find hope through endurance, and in compassion for all who come into your care you shall find strength.” How utterly appropriate that Elrond can find the will to continue through compassion on others. -- the elf telling Elrond that he would feel young again in Valinor. Poor Elrond, who already carries the griefs of age in a young life! -- "Your destiny lies in the shared blood of the Secondborn" Ahhgg, remind us that he'll have to go through this AGAIN why don't you? -- Glorfindel the Balrog and Celeborn the Dragon. Priceless. Brilliant, brilliant. I'll gladly sit here and wait for the next chapter, even if it does kill my time ;) Author Reply: Hi Bejai - your words are like music to my heart! Thank you so much - I was concerned about how this chapter would be received. I really wanted an experience to shape Elrond towards compassion and pity - and Nienna seemed perfect. I am glad you liked that - and oh, isn't that foreshadowing terrible? These updates were quick because these last four chapters were written together - I need to see them together to feel comfortable with them. So it took weeks to get them there - I promise to slow down just a little bit now. Again, thank you for your words. I was worried I could not pull this off. :) | |
| Dolly | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 10/20/2003 |
| Wonderful chapter as always. I really felt for Elrond when Elros made his choice and the bond diminished. I love Gil-Galad and Celeborn in this story, so supportive of both the young Elves. More very soon please. Author Reply: Thank you Dolly :-) I liked the idea that both GG and Celeborn were related to the twins - it gave some great opportunities to throw them together. I am glad you liked it. ~Nilmandra | |