Reviews (398)

Tina · 5 October 2023 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

I think this is the 3rd or 4th time Ive read this series of stories. I was actually on the hunt for a story that Ive read a couple times and unfortunately I dont remember the name or author of the story. It is similar to this story but covers more of Elronds story as a child and youth, makes Erestor a bit older than Elrond and goes more into depth of Elronds skills and abilities. It includes Gil-Galeds marriage and his practically adopting Elrond. It also includes Elronds time as a scout, getting separated from his military troup, a bad head injury, getting lost in a fire, etc. If you know the story Id love to get a link. Its really good. Your story always makes me want to hear more of Erestors story and how he came to be such a great scout & more of his history. For some reason I can see him as a "Bond, James Bond" sort of individual with the skills to protect Elrond and Imladris.

PSW · 7 February 2016 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

I really enjoyed this! :-) It's not a section of the Second Age that I know much about, and I learned a lot reading it. Also, both story lines were very good! Thanks so much for all your hard work on this!

Aiwen · 7 January 2009 · Chapter 21: War in Eregion Part III: Lindon to Eregion

I am very much enjoying this story, especially the parts of it set in the second age. I have done a small amount of writing set in the second age and the amount of research required and conflicting information to be dealt with is somewhat maddening, or so I find. You've done an excellent job. Thank you for writing. I must admit, the third age story you're using as the setting for the second age stories does not interest me as much as the older history, but it is also an interesting story in and of itself.

garrett · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

Well I have to say that these two histories have been some of the best written and researched I have ever read. I am new to SoA, though not LoTR fandom and greatly appreciated them. I was not able to leave notes after each chapter I enjoyed, so I feel I should leave my appreciation here, at the end. You have a wonderful talent for character development and detail. I also enjoyed your notes at the end of most chapters which explained your research. Your characters are loveable and, while I'm sure he would be horrified and insulted by some of the "scarier" fanfics out there, I'm just as sure that yours would be one he would be able to appreciate. Your histories are a clear and concise (and "unboring") interpretation of Tolkien's materials and certainly made stories from UT and information from HoME easier to understand and imagine. Keep up the good work, and I look forward to History Lessons: The Third Age.

Eldanar · 18 March 2005 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

i find that i have finished this story too... and reached the end thinking..'dammit!.. tis the end!' i enjoyed every moment spent reading it and cannot imagine the amount of work research wise it took.. once again i thank you for a marvelous story.. one that has been a delight to read and an education.. an education that a certain Ada 'Brim will be delighted with..lol Thank You.. i shall look forward to reading the next installment.

lwarren · 4 January 2005 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

I have dearly loved the way you construct the histories of the ages, and marvel every time I read at the care and attention to detail you put into each chapter (not to mention the research!) The weaving of the history with a present-day story makes the tale all the more captivating for me, as the personalities of each character grows along with the story. *sigh* This epilogue tied up the story nicely and you covered so much ground and did not seem to sacrifice any emotion or detail in doing so. I grinned at Elrond being jealous of Glorfindel's time spent with Celebrian. I cried at the tent scene when Gil-Galad gave the rings to Cirdan and Elrond. I cried more at the High-King's death and the pain and grief suffered by Elrond and Cirdan. I loved the way you had Elrond explain to Elladan how each person was dealing with the relief of being home and "stress-free"...Elladan with his sketching, Arwen and Elrohir sleeping, Celebrian gardening and Elrond, bless his heart, hovering over them all. And at the end, I grinned at that *shameless* Celebrian (you go, girl!) and Elrond's discovery of one of the side-effects of Vilya! Whew! Steamy, Nilmandra, very steamy! :-) But it does seem logical, and I had to laugh when Elrond delayed in taking the ring off because he felt that Celebrian had enjoyed things as much as he had...and hey, the night was young, after all! *g* Glorfindel keeping his watch over all was a fitting end to the whole of HII. Your characters really "live" for me, especially Elrond (and Legles, too, sweet baby that he is *vbg*), and I cannot wait for the next jewel of a story you post. At the end, you said thank you to those who review...well, I want to say thank YOU for writing such wonderful stories, being involved with this great site and so patient with computer illiterate authors like me who bug you with posting their stories! You are a treasure, fer sure! Have a wonderful new year! linda

Bejai · 3 January 2005 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

It occurs to me that I meant to come back and review this chapter "when I had more time," and then forgot. My apologies, because I enjoyed it very much. Good to see the family back home and settled after their ordeal. Well done covering the vast history at the end of the second age; I enjoyed reading your summary of it, and it gave me some things to think about in my own story. Gil-galad's death was heartbreaking, but I think this is the best rendition of it I've read. And my heavens, the scene with Vilya influencing Elrond and Celebrian was powerful. What a rich, vibrant scene. Took my breath away, although, like Glorfindel, I'm a bit concerned. I enjoyed this whole story very much, and thank you, yet again, for taking us on a wonderful ride. And there will be a HL3?! I certainly hope so! Bravo, Nilmandra, bravo.

Ellie · 26 December 2004 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

Loved the epilogue. It was fascinating watching Elrond experience his ring as well as seeing him relive the death of Gil-Galad. Cna't wait for the next History Lessons series!

The Karenator · 24 December 2004 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

You covered a lot of ground in this chapter, er..epilogue, but you did it so well. The beginning was peaceful as everyone dealt with the stress of what had happened in their own way. The death of Gil-galad was heartbreaking. Of course, I wasn't exactly surprised, but your descriptions made it so real and personal as we viewed it for the first time with Elrond. Such a horrible death too. The courtship was sweet, but I am a little miffed that I wasn't invited to the wedding. :>) Maybe you can show us the video sometime...or better yet, put it into another story in the future. With Erestor arranging the reception, I bet there were some good eats. I've enjoyed seeing how you brought the rings to life and the physical connection the rings make to their bearer. Very interesting. And didn't Elrond find some nice little side effects? No wonder Sauron wanted the One Ring back at all costs. He'd go from Pee Wee Herman to the Brad Pitt of Middle-earth. Explains why those kings wanted those rings so badly too. Handy little gadgets. :>) Seriously, this was a great touch. Elrond became hyper-aware, his sense sharpened and his healing skills heightened. With such power at one's disposal, it's easy to see how seductive the rings were. The ending was nice with Glorfindel standing watch over the love of two of the people he loved most. I want a Glorfindel...and a ring... I'm really looking forward to what you gift us with next. Thanks for all your hard work. Karen

meckinock · 24 December 2004 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

Vilya....viagra. I felt bad for Celebrian that Elrond made her wait A THOUSAND YEARS but I guess she ended up getting her money's worth. It's fortunate that elves can control conception or Rivendell might have gotten a bit crowded. I suppose we know now why Elrond didn't seem at all guilty about making Aragorn wait 68 years for Arwen! Poor Glorfindel; he must have despaired of getting the two lovebirds to take the plunge. I guess Gil-galad did, too. This chapter was a lovely tribute to Gil-galad. I loved the last image of him sitting in his tent on the eve of battle. It was good that Elrond had Glorfindel and Cirdan to comfort him after that horrible loss and Isildur's refusal to destroy the Ring. How awful to lose his foster-father and King only to feel that his death was in vain. I'm glad that Elrond finally felt he could permit himself the luxury of a family once Sauron was defeated and peace would reign for a time. The passing of the rings to Elrond and Cirdan was interesting; and it was fascinating to see how Vilya came to attune itself to Elrond and enhance all his senses and abilities. Glorfindel's acceptance of responsibility for Vilya as well as Elrond just demonstrates the enormous depth of his loyalty and love. It was nice to see Celebrian tending her garden and the kids all nestled snug in their beds at last.

shirebound · 24 December 2004 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

Amazing. You're crafting a masterwork, Nilmandra, and I'm running out of superlatives with which to praise it. I can't even imagine the research it's taking to write this story. Well done.

Karri · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

A splendid finale, Nilm. I really enjoyed Elladan and Elrond's brief encounter over a sleeping Elrohir, as well as Elrond's effort at thorn removal. It is a melancholy chapter, but very entertaining. :-)

robnrun · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

I didn't want to see this end; but I really liked the tone and your ability to compress all those years while still making it flow. I really like your characterization of Glorfindel, especially in regards to Vilya. Looking forward to your next work!

perelleth · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

"Thanks to all who have been following this story, and an extra special thanks to those who have left reviews or sent emails.." Why! thanks to you! such a careful and beautiful work! I liked this Epilogue very much. Elrond's pov. was very useful, it provided the right tone -Elrond's- for this long end of the Age.. you managed to hint at everything that happened in that long span, and the final years and the war were sad enough but contained. All in all, as usual, you've managed to convey that sense of calmness and thoughtfulness and sweet melancholy that seem to be your wonderful Elrond's trademarks, or at least how I perceive him. And GG being one of my favourite elves, I must admit you've done such a great job in giving him a most noble death scene. (Sighs!) Thanks again, it's been a nice Christmas present, I'm relieved to read you're already planning more stories, so...I can only greedily wait for more. It's been such a treat for me to discover fan fiction world and specially this wonderful site. Congratulations!

Bodkin · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

Oh, beautiful, just beautiful. And sad. Poor Gil-galad. To know you were going to challenge Sauron and that it would be in vain. And loving. Such patience: to wait 1000 years plus preparing yourself for your love. And happiness. And anxiety. Poor Glorfindel, preparing to protect Elrond from himself. I loved Arwen - and Elrohir sleeping in relief of stress, and Elladan sketching worrying pictures. He was so appreciative of his adar's words. I loved the way Elrond pointed out that everyone was reacting in their own way - sleeping, or gardening, or fretting over everyone. So skilled, the way you switched from broad sweeps of history, to detail, to personal response. Overall - just a great story, told so well. Loved it. Looking forward to whatever comes next.

Elenluin · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

*snif it's over... another wonderful part Nilmandra! From you I'll even read a legolas story ;)

paranoidangel · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

It's so sad HLII is really over, but I'm looking forward to reading HLIII and more of Elrond and Celebrian as well. I did like seeing how Vilya affected Elrond and Gil-galad foreseeing his own death. I noticed at one point you had Anor instead of Arnor though.

daw the minstrel · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

I liked this as an epilogue, Nilmandra. It covered a lot of history but stayed focused on Elrond, which I think is the right thing to do. He's the center of your history, the anchor that holds it all in place. That's an exciting moment when he puts on the ring. I suppose he'd seen Galadriel wield hers without harm but still, he really couldn't know what he was letting himself in for, particularly given that he knew what had happened to the men who wore the Nine. I know these rings were different, but still. And how fitting that this HL also ends with Elrond and Celebrian together, making love, while Glorfindel watches over them.

Bodkin · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 9999: The Third Age

Nilmandra, I love you! Now I'll read it.

soulinlondon · 19 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

Hi there, I have finally gotten up the nerve to actually leave you a review, of course having a computer at last helps alot. I just want to say that I really enjoyed all of your stories, History Lessons I and II and I eagerly look forward to the next installment. It can not be easy to tell two stories in one and at the same time to try to be as accurate as possible in regards to Tolkiens work. You do a great job and I hope you intend to make writing a career. Finally I would like to make a request if it would not be too much of a bother. My only regret concerning the films was that Glorfindel was not in the first one, Arwen did a great job, but for some reason that part of the book has always been my favorite, so naturally more Glorfindel please, and if you could tell how the " follies" or teasing between Glor and Erestor first started, I would be grateful. I realize that you can not keep everyone happy when writing and I know that whenever and however you continue the History Lessons , I will love it. Thanks and Happy Holidays Soulinlondon

Dot · 18 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

Alrighty, you can feel free to think as many bad things about me as you like. I’m disgracefully late with this. I actually did handwrite most of a review at work not long after you posted this chapter but then I couldn’t find it and have the horrible feeling that it fell out of my back pocket on the bus… And I couldn’t remember anything I’d said, which annoyed me for about a week! Anyway, I’m really very sorry. So, you old softie! Almost a whole chapter of Elrond in love! And what a wonderful chapter it is too. Well, I loved the opening. There was such a lovely sense of everything coming together and of the peace and beauty of Imladris soothing away the pain and grief of the years of war. It feels very magical. What an amazing image of the men’s camps stretching out even beyond elven sight. It really shows just how much of a mixture of races there are and it’s just astonishing to think that they’re all managing to not only survive together but have turned this place into a home. With such sharing of grief and love and friendship in its origins, Imladris could never be anything other than special. I’m glad for Tollyn. I think these people really need some normality and stability in their lives and she’s being offered that. It’s interesting to watch Elrond ponder the needs of humans. Again, it drives home the differences between Elves and Men when at the end of the chapter we see how long he and Celebrían are prepared to wait. I really like your Gil-galad. He’s so full of life and has an easy charm about him that reminds me a lot of Glorfindel. I can see why so many would be drawn to him. I love this sentence about Galadriel: “He had no doubt that all the elves of Lorinand now loved her, for that happened wherever she went, and if she had demurred to Amdir to his satisfaction, he likely would have let her run his kingdom in return.” It really gives a sense of her power and wiliness but also suggests a more tender and sympathetic side to her. I’d never thought about whether her people actually loved her. I can’t tell you how much I loved the reunion between Celeborn and his daughter when they have eyes only for each other. The depth of their love for each other was beautiful to witness. LOL at Elrond and his “mortal blood”!!! Aldric was in severe danger of getting squished there for a minute. I cringed when Celebrían thought the child was his. Elrond handled it very well, though. And Galadriel seems to approve. I imagine he made a rather attractive picture too standing there cradling the child, but I bet Celebrían felt some sense of relief when she discovered Aldric didn’t belong to him! You write love at first sight so well! I was glad Galadriel allowed her daughter to go and spend some time with Elrond. It shows that she has a lot of respect for him. Galadriel and Celeborn as amused parents are very funny to see too! I liked the scene where they vote for Elrond to lead Imladris. It hadn’t registered with me that a lot of those staying in Imladris had been led by Galadriel and Celeborn. You think of everything! So it’s great to see the faith they place in him. Although, I think Gil-galad was fairly determined to get his own way on that one! There’s something quite inspiring too about the way Galadriel accepts what she has foreseen and won’t question the path that life must take. Elrond’s loyalty to Gil-galad is just amazing. He doesn’t mention that he also foreseen that he should lead Imladris until they have agreed that he’ll stay there. I get the impression that if Gil-galad asked him to leave he’d do it, no matter how hard for him. Gil-galad and Glorfindel can be so funny. Elrond’s determination to take things slowly seems to frustrate them no end! But it’s so touching that what it boils down to is that all they want is for him to find genuine happiness. He really does need the love and comfort that she offers. The conversation between Galadriel and Celebrían was so well done. Just a mother and daughter talking. Galadriel sums up Elrond quite perfectly. ‘Steadfast’ is a very good word for him. Celebrían really does seem to understand ‘duty’ and seems willing to accept Elrond’s duty and her own place in that. He couldn’t find a partner more suited to him. Her parents should be very proud of her too. Not many would display such courage and acceptance. “What Elrond needs is for his wife to love him. He has suffered many losses in his life, a life still young by the reckoning of the Eldar, and I foresee more losses to come in his future.” Oh, that brought tears to my eyes! I wonder how much Galadriel does foresee. She seems to have some sense of her daughter’s future. How hard it must be for her to allow events to happen as they apparently must. And how difficult for Celeborn when something happens his own daughter and his wife may have known. But then, there’s a sense that maybe she has more of a feeling or awareness of some grief rather than really knowing anything else. Glorfindel was wonderful in the scene in the garden. He is clearly already very fond of Celebrían and I love that he is able to reassure her a little but what I liked most was his genuine joy at the prospect of Elrond’s happiness and to see how very grateful he is for that. Elrond is lucky indeed to have Glorfindel as a friend. But I think he knows that. I was sad to see Celeborn go! Your Celeborn is so amazing. And that he gave so much of himself, yet still let Elrond lead must be very gratifying to Elrond. “Elrond could only wish he would someday have that grace and dignity to let go of something he had poured himself into.” Beautifully phrased. I don’t know, though, whether I should feel sad or just nod wisely! He’ll have to let go of so much in time. His wife, his daughter, his home… God, you have my heart broken for him! The parting between Elrond and Celebrían was beautiful. They already seem to know each other’s thoughts and it’s so good to see that they’ve both achieved a sense of acceptance that they have to wait and knowledge that they will reunite again. “I am glad to know how Imladris came to be,” said Elrohir slowly. “I knew that it was founded in war, but it is different to know how much sacrifice was made to create it, how long you survived not knowing when the wrath of Sauron would come upon you, and how you kept on going, even when you thought all hope was gone.” Hear, hear! That’s exactly how I feel. And for Elrond’s children, of course, it’s important to know how their home came to be. I laughed when I saw the part about the stars being brighter over Imladris. I actually read about that recently and wondered how I’d missed it before and then it appeared in your story! To have Celeborn acknowledge it was a lovely touch too. Imladris apparently has a special place in his heart for more reasons than his daughter and grandchildren living there. The ending was wonderful. I’m glad they finally made it home. I’m still smiling at Elrond and Celebrían still so completely in love! I can’t believe this story is drawing to a close. I’m really looking forward to the epilogue(s). I can’t think of anything else I’d like to see apart from what you mentioned. Except… maybe a little bit more about Erestor?? Just to know that he was o.k. You’ve really got me so attached to him now! And yay, little Legolas! It sounds like there’ll be plenty more goodies from you in 2005! Sorry again about this being late and then having to rush through it. My bed is beckoning! Take care. :-)

perelleth · 10 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

Lovely! It is so lovely to see this oh so softhearted Elrond blush and become tongue-tied! and a day dreamer too! Poor thing! A thousand and something years yet to go! I guess sometimes it must be hard to be an elf!. I’m impressed too by how you manage to convey a whole character with “simple” insights “Elrond knew he would miss the wise influence that Celeborn had had on Imladris...” I feel it clearly depicts Celeborn: unobtrusive but solid and present, just like an ornate tool, whose particular usefulness is taken for granted but missed once it is no more. Simple but thorough. Wow! “…This is everyone’s chance to tell me what else they would like to see .. in the epilogue…· Since you are so kind (and brave) to ask… all I can do is share what I have been wondering at while refreshing my poor knowledge of the 2nd Age... We know little of those fifteen centuries between the end of the war in Eriador and Sauron’s captivity in Numenor, but we hear they are full of events: the Nazgul first appear, the numenoreans start to make their havens in the coasts east from Lindon... it must have been a time of hustle and bustle in M.E., not wholly free of evil though… I wonder whether the ring bearers were affected by the power of their rings, and also by the fact that Sauron still wielded his and was recruiting his Nazgul... Did Elrond spend time travelling “In the westward roads” as he points out during the council? Did he meet Bombadil or even the ents then? Did any of them meet the Nazgul then, or even “felt” them? We read that when Sauron is back from Numenor, he “learnt that in his absence Gil-galad’s power was greatly increased ” Were the Rings somehow forcing or enhancing this expansion? Were there conflicts between Lindon and the Numenorean outposts? There are many questions that arise when considering those years (I AM NOT ASKING YOU TO FILL IN THE GAPS TRULY, I AM NOT!! though I would much love it...) and I am most grateful for were it not for your wonderful story I might not have given them any attention at all! So, in short, did Elrond turn a rolling stone during the rest of the 2nd age or rather spent lots of time courting his lady in Lindon? ;-) Looking forward to the next part!: The setting seems wondrously chosen to me, and maybe to match the other instalments you will have Elrohir horribly hurt in some misguided orc hunting trip and condemned to stay in bed and keep the company of a bouncing energetic ten year old human foster brother, while telling him some "history lesons"?! (Oh, this sounds evil, poor Elrohir! Forget I suggested!) Thanks again for your thorough work, it is a pleasure to be thus compelled to spend some quality leisure time at the computer! ;-)

Marnie · 10 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

LOL! I loved Celebrian's entrance to sombre, war-weary Imladris - she rushed in like a comet. No wonder Elrond was bowled over by her. And Elrond thought it was a disaster, meeting her with a child in his arms, unaware that he was presenting a lovely picture of domestic tranquility :) I like it! I'm sure his steadiness was as good for her as her liveliness was for him. All the same, I think he should have said *something*. No one can accuse him of rushing into things! This was a great ending to the story - after all that suffering and destruction to end in the peaceful handover of power to a new elven realm, with new love and the prospect of marriage in the future. Just right. (Though I admit to being intregued about the epilogues. Sounds good!)

paranoidangel · 9 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

I can't believe HLII is nearly over! But at least there's the epilogues and HLIII to look forward to. As long as Gil-galad's death is in there I'm happy :) As for this chapter, I loved Elrond and Celebrian's relationship - it was quite sweet. What with Elrond falling in love and taking charge of Imladris it's as if he's finally grown up. He's really sweet with Aldric as well - you can tell he's going to be a good father before he ever is.

Bejai · 8 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

It just occurred to me that I haven't reviewed this chapter yet. I'm sorry to see this end (although relieved for the promise of an epilogue or two!) I sure have enjoyed these history lessons, and also seeing the characters interacting as a close and loving family. You've helped me get a grip on some of the obsure history that Tolkien tosses out there in the Second Age. I enjoyed the meeting between Elrond and Celebrian. Naturally, it was attended by a bit of awkwardness, but they seem to have gotten over it ;) Aldric was just too cute. "No naps!" he says, as he falls asleep in Elrond's arms. If I didn't know better, I'd say that Elrond was carrying around cute children in order to pick up girls ... heh. The reunion between Celeborn and his family was also lovely, full of emotion, but in an understated sort of way. Loved that brief line about Celeborn's "bemusement" about Elrond and Celebrian. Made me laugh. I really appreciated the orderly, official hand-over of Imladris to Elrond. Wonderful story. I'll miss looking forward to updates, and devouring new chapters.