Reviews (398)

Bodldops · 19 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Overwhelmed

This is one of my favorite stories on the site, and I am overjoyed that you have updated! This was a very moving chapter, and I'll have to read it several more times just to get all of the emotion. I do wonder, however, what Elrond will think when he finds out Elladan has been in pain every time he patches up Elrohir...

Camp6311 · 19 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Overwhelmed

I am so glad to see this story updated, and am looking forward to returning to the second age. I just love the perspective you bring to those times.

Gershwhen · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Overwhelmed

WONDERFUL update!! Well worth the wait. I do adore reading about a caring Elrond and Glorfindel taking care of the twins and Arwen. Erestor is just amazing -- what we all wouldn't give to have him running our house! I do hope that when your History Lessons are finished we might get more Elrond and the elflings stories. You do so well in portraying them as a loving family and I alway finish reading with a smile on my face.

meckinock · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Overwhelmed

All I can say is, Glorfindel is really a trooper. I can't imagine that braiding doll hair is something he every imagined himself doing. Poor Elrond; I don't know how much longer he could have held up if Galadriel and Celeborn hadn't shown up. Something about Galadriel on the scene, giving orders, just makes you know everything's going to be all right. And Elladan! I feel worse for him than for Elrohir; helpless to do anything but just be there...ouch. And let's not even talk about how upset Celebrian must be....I hope they all get out of there soon. Wonderful chapter!

Naneth · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Overwhelmed

Thank you, thank you, thank you for continuing this wonderful story! What a great chapter. Poor Elrohir, poor Elrond, poor everybody! The chapter was well worth the wait.

Jay of Lasgalen · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Overwhelmed

Ai, poor Elrohir! (I've been hearing that a lot lately.) He's hurting so much, and feeling so helpless. No wonder he feels so grouchy. The poor elf has really been made to suffer recently - and I love it! I do hope he'll be well enough to move around soon and travel home. Jay

The Karenator · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Overwhelmed

I'm so glad you've gotten back to this story. I was starting to feel as impatient as Celebrian. What a terrible time the campers were having! Like Elladan, I felt sympathy pains in my leg for poor Elrohir. Not only is he in extreme pain, but his adar's attention is spread too thin, and he's struggling with the desire for independence as he has found himself dependent on others for the simplest of things. I'm assuming that while the twins are adults, they are young adults and still coming to terms with what it means to be more independent of their parents. That's such a difficult time. One wants to be independent but lacks the life skills and knowledge of a seasoned adult. I suppose one of the things we learn as we truly pass into adulthood is that we have limitations and must rely on others sometimes. Poor Elrohir. He hasn't quite figured that out yet. But you have to admire his desire to be strong. I was as relieved as the whole group to see Celeborn and Galadriel arrive. Daernana will be a great help in aiding the situation. The presence of another beloved female will do much for Arwen. Guys are good to have around, but when a little elleth is upset and in pain, there is nothing better than a nana figure to soothe her. And Galadriel is certainly the next best thing to Celebrian. That Erestor, he sure knows his job. He sent Arwen's doll! (I wonder if Celebrian had a hand in that suggestion?) And Glorfindel. What can I say?...except that he can smooth my hair while I sleep anytime. He would certainly induce a feeling of safety...among other things...(Oh, my sweet adorable child, I should not say such things in your presence..You are still so innocent...What was that you said, your dawness?) Wonderful chapter, Nilmandra. Again, I'm so glad to get back to the river and see what's happening. Now...if we can just get that distraught naneth over to the other side and to her babies. If Elrohir thinks he's too old for his parents to care for him...just wait until Nana arrives! :>) Karen

daw the minstrel · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Overwhelmed

I am SO glad to see this story underway again. And this chapter was much more angst filled than usual but I could really see why. Elrond is a parent with more demands than he can meet. I felt really sorry for Elrohir who has temporarily lost control of himself in all kind of ways. That must be very difficult for one who is newly adult. It's a good thing the grandparents got there. Let them deal with the crabby kids for a while!

Amlee · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Overwhelmed

Jumps up and down with excitement!!! Yahoooooooooo!!!! I am so glad you have got back to this great story!!!!

shirebound · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Overwhelmed

What a fabulous chapter! Erestor is definitely a marvel. “I am a warrior, Adar, I should be able to withstand pain and discomfort,” replied Elrohir. “You have withstood pain and discomfort. Now you need to withstand letting go of your pride and allowing us to care for you. Sometimes that is the more difficult thing to do. Wonderful. And I do hope your work situation is smoothing out for you.

Karri · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Overwhelmed

A wonderful chapter, Nilm. Well worth the wait. :-) Oi! I feel awful for Elrond -- even more so that anyone else, including Celebrian. The young ones are in pain, and Celebrian is separated from them and left to wonder in uncertainty, but I think Elrond's feeling of helpless as he experiences their pains and is unable to wholly alleviate them has to be excrutiating for him. I'm glad daeradar and daernaneth have arrived though -- that will be some relief for everyone.

naneth · 19 March 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

I just had to say that I miss this story!! I love "Hunting" and look forward (a lot)to an update there, but I still miss this story!

Melje · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

I admit in this story I'm most interested in the parts with the twins, but your account of Sauron winning over the trust of the Elves is fascinating. Oh, and I also liked Glorfindel going all Mithrandir and dishing out wisdom. That image of the spider's web is very fitting. As you know from Hunting, I've taken up the charge of speaking up for Elladan, and I hope when Arwen wakes up she won't be angry at him anymore (well, actually I'm quite sure she will forgive him as soon as she opens her eyes). Poor Elladan, all this must be taking its toll on him, too. He's being very brave, being the strong one for his brother and sister, but her lashing out at him like that must have been hard on him.

Nikara · 5 February 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

Very well done and very interesting. I look forward to learning more of Elrond's and Glorfindel's first hand perspectives on the rings of power!

LKK · 5 February 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

I nearly missed this chapter! The update notification must have come in while Evil!Denethor was hanging around. He probably deleted the email before I had a chance to read it. Anyways..... poor, poor Elladan! He must have been shocked when little Arwen yelled at him for hitting Elrohir. She's probably seen him do that over 100 times which made it all the more confusing. I sympathesize with Elrohir's struggle just to stand up after his injuries. That section was all too realistic. I hope it didn't come from an actual experience in your life. I admire Glorfindel more and more with each chapter. I would not have been as willing to say "yes, that was Sauron, but we can't say that we should have followed my advice or not." Me, I would have said, "Told you so!" I appreciated your Author's Notes at the end. I'm always fascinated by what Tolkien wrote versus what you have written (plot-wise). I think you came up with an excellent way to combine Tolkien's different plot points. I believe that the Professor would be very proud of you. :-)

fan81981 · 2 February 2004 · Chapter 9: Trust

I know I haven't reviewed for a while but know that I am here and reading. At the moment, the screen in spinning slightly so please excuse me if I am being incoherant. The last line, with Arwen not being able to refuse her brothers the strawberrys, was adorable. Such a small little thing, but so indicative of the character. It is one of the things I love about you. The way you can take the smallest of incidents and show so much through them. Don't get me wrong - I love the cliff hangers - though they are terrible for me nails. But it is these quiet chapters which really stay with me. They leave a smile on my face for such a long time that my family is covinced that I am soft in the head. I know that whenever I look at a strawberry I will remember this chapter. I love strawberrys too, I am so pleased I have something in common with Elrond. Thank you, for this chapter and this sotry. For someone with a flu this was the best medicine. Fan

Karri · 1 February 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

A lovely chapter, Nilm. Arwen was sweet. She reminded of my neice - my bro-in-law can tickle and tease her all he wants, but when he picks on mom, the little one breaks down in hysterics. Her protectiveness is rather adorable. Elladan and Elrohir were wonderful, as well. It was nice to see them regaining some of their spunk.

Iawen Londea · 1 February 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

I think Arwen is still feeling BIG TIME guilty for Elrohir's injuries. I can't wait until Celebrian joins them. =D Hope to see another chapter soon. Sorry I haven't been reviewing.... I don't know why I haven't lol.

shirebound · 31 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

That's a wonderful description of Annatar. As Frodo might have said, he "seemed fair but felt foul".

Antigone_Q · 31 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

"The path ahead twists and turns, and you cannot know what other obstacles you may encounter that will further help or hinder your journey..." Very Tolkienesque. Also very much what I needed to hear today, as an added bonus. Have I said how much I enjoy your writing?

Bejai · 31 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

Ah, how I love this story! It always comes when I need distracting. Though I should be working ;) This line here cracked me up: “I am glad to be able to walk again, Ada,” said Arwen solemnly. “I am glad also, for it means you are recovering. Why are you glad?” Elrond, demanding thoughtful, reasoned based answers, helping her see the process below her emotions. The second age story was breathtaking. Loved the politics, the weighing of concerns. Maybe if Gil-galad had taken a firmer stand, the agonies of the next two ages would have been avoided. Or maybe there would have been no hope at all. So interesting! Love how you brought that out; I'd never thought of it before. How frightening that Elrond met Sauron and thus earned his personal hatred! I wonder how many of Sauron's later actions were, at least, in part a function of that hatred. “Shadow and deception masquerade as light, but at their core they remain evil.” -- profound bit of wisdom, there. Good ol' Glorfindel.

Marnie · 31 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

Aha! I managed to find this early this time :) Great chapter! I loved Arwen being furious with her brother for the teasing and then bursting into tears when they tried to reassure her - that rang so true for an overtired, hurting little girl. She's a great character! And Annatar! Wow, I wouldn't have stood a chance against him. I like him already, even though I know who he is. I think I should be worried about myself there ;) What I wonder is why C+G let him into Eregion. If she abhorred him as Tolkien says, why did she let him hang around? I'm looking forward to see what you make of that one!

Jay of Lasgalen · 31 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

Ai, poor Elrohir! You show vividly just how badly he was injured, and how weak he still is. His sense of frustration is very realistic. I like the bond you show between the twins - you do not belabour the point, but Elladan is always there for his brother. And Arwen, too, is far from healed - I think that normally she would tease her brothers just as much. Good for Elrond and Glorfindel in their instinctive mistrust of Annatar - I understand why Gil-Galad could not command the other elven realms, but can see why they would have preferred it. I do hope that Elrohir will soon be walking again, and that Celebrian will be reunited with her children before long. Jay

paranoidangel · 31 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

Poor Elrohir, he's going to be ill for a while yet. Although since that means we get more stories I'm not too sympathetic :) I spotted a typo near the beginning, Cirdan says: 'I would not *rust* such a message.' The *rust* should be *trust*

daw the minstrel · 31 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Deceptive Appearances

I love hearing about the Second Age. Annatar is so seductive. Even his good looks will prejudice people in his favor. But Glorfindel in particular is not fooled. The twins have good reason to feel young in the company of Elrond and Glorfindel!