Poor Celebrian! Elrond should count himself lucky if he gets mud, and not just the cold shoulder all the way back to Rivendell. She's obviously a lot more reasonable than I am :)
Yay! I am glad to see Celeborn and Galadriel again, even if she's currently in 'I know everything' mode - that must get tiresome in a mother-in-law, but is being quite handy at the moment.
Arwen is clearly already quite wise; I was impressed by her insight into the fact that Elrond would be much more casual with Glorfindel than with someone he didn't know as well. That's so true. And Elrond's strawberry-addiction is rather endearing - I remember it from HL :) I believe I've said it before, but he's lucky to have Glorfindel, particularly when he made it so difficult for G to get to know him in the first place.
I *am* glad everyone's well again!
Author's reply
Thanks, Marnie! The innocence of children often leads to what appears to be wisdom, and a child knows who they trust, even if they do not understand why. Galadriel does come across as a know it all, doesn't she? But sometimes I think she had only bits of knowledge and just seemed to know more. Perhaps she as crafty that way.
Avon
· 22 January 2004
· Chapter 0: Arwen
Finally got a chance to get started on this. I'm sure I'm going to like it just as much as the first one - even if I do have to put up with Arwen (ducks Arwen fans) ;-) I loved the twins and Glorifindel.
Avon
Author's reply
Oh, poor Arwen! I truly don't understand why people don't like her! Is it because of PJ's version of Arwen? Or Liv Tyler? Or did you dislike her from Tolkien's story? I am glad you liked the twins and Glorfindel, however. They will figure quite heavily in the story, as they are some of my favorites too. But poor little Arwen - really she is a sweet child!
LKK
· 21 January 2004
· Chapter 9: Trust
I liked this chapter a lot, Nilmandra. A nice little essay on trust hidden underneath delightful characterizations and events.
I had forgotten about Garthon. Bad me. But you hadn't. Good you. I found it interesting that Garthon felt uncomfortable in Galadriel's presence. I don't normally think of other elves finding her intimidating, just other races. (Although *I* would find her intimidating even if I were an elf!)
It was good to hear that Albast recovered, lived for several years after his stay at Imladris, and that the twins got to see him over those years. I always liked him.
The strawberry bet was too funny! I agree with Elladan. I would have expected Elrond's good manners to keep him from stealing strawberries even from very old and dear friends like Glorfindel. It's good to see Elrond isn't *always* so serious. :-)
Quick question: Does Glorfindel also call Elladan "elfling"? Or is that pet name reserved for Elrohir alone?
Looking forward to the mother and son (and son and daughter!) reunion!
LKK
Author's reply
I find I am always psychoanalyzing my characters :P It is interesting for Elrond's children to see how he can loosen up like this, when they are out in the middle of nowhere. Trust is an interesting thing.
Glorfindel reserves elfling for Elrohir. He has other names for Elladan. I think Elladan ignored Glorfindel when he called him that, so of course Glorfindel stopped as that was no fun. Elrohir is still protesting being called an elfling- so its fun to tease him. Silly elflings.
And heck, Galadriel intimidates me and I'm just trying to write her! *grin*
The Karenator
· 20 January 2004
· Chapter 9: Trust
I'm sorry I've sort of fallen off the review wagon. I've been reading faithfully and have enjoyed it all. This chapter was a bit less stressful and things are looking up. Well..except for poor Celebrian. She's about ready to bit a blade into and who can blame her? I'm sure every mother here indentifes with her. It's a real wash of emotions. I'm nearly as axnious as she is to get her to her children.
It was nice to find the Lord Celeborn and the Lady Galadriel on their way. You just can't pull anything over on her! Apparently she knew, but I didn't quite get whether Celeborn knew. Surely, she told him of her vision. He looked frightened and surprised at Gathron's news. In the long run, I guess, it doesn't matter. They're coming!
Glorfindel's story was good and the Battle of Strawberry Fields was great. I love Glorfindel's stories about trying to loosen up the always proper Elrond. He's a smart cookie. He knew what it would take to gain Elrond's trust. And part of that plan was to take control away from Elrond. It was battle of wills where Glorfindel showed Elrond that he could relinquish control on occasion and he could trust Glorfindel. I liked his method.
I have truly enjoyed this tale and look forward to Naneth getting to her children and the grandparents showing up. That ought to be a shock!
I'm looking forward to the next installment. Karen
Author's reply
Glad you like where this is going - and glad you are still reading. Don't worry about reviews - I would feel worse if people quit reading than if they just didn't comment! (although I would, of course, never tell you not to review.....*grin*)
It will be interesting to see Elrond and Glorfindel in battle together - and that won't be far off. Expect Annatar to show up soon......and pretty soon the war between the elves and Sauron will start. It will be interesting to see trust in action then!
Nikara
· 20 January 2004
· Chapter 9: Trust
Very, very cute. I love the strawberry story. I'm glad that we get to see more of Galadriel and Celeborn in this story! Keep it up.
Author's reply
Glad you liked it - I love strawberries and am already dreaming of them!
Camp6311
· 20 January 2004
· Chapter 9: Trust
Glad to see this story continuing. I really like the insights you bring to the characters and the ages Tolkien only hinted at in his writings, and am looking forward to reading more about the Second Age.
Author's reply
Thanks Camp6311! There is a lot to write about in the second age - all we have is a timetable - so I am busy thinking of who will tell of what. I hope to keep updates weekly, but it will depend on how complex things get. In HL, I had to sometimes write chapters together to make sure I had everything straigh. :S
paranoidangel
· 20 January 2004
· Chapter 9: Trust
I did like this line - it made me laugh:
I am arguing with myself over whether my husband is too logical and whether he is giving proper attention to my anger.
I can see Celebrian going straight to her kids when she gets there but if she wasn't thinking of that first Elrond should watch out!
I liked the Second Age bits as well, and the strawberries.
Author's reply
I was thinking of how Elrond might act when he is not where everyone is watching him - out here in the wild, it is his children and Glorfindel. I would hate to be him, though, when Celebrian shows up. Perhaps he'll think the mud worth it if she wants to make up afterwards :/
Antigone_Q
· 20 January 2004
· Chapter 9: Trust
This was great! My favorite part was Elrond and the strawberries - that is so true! My husband and I even have a running joke about this - he maintains that you can tell the married couples when you go out to eat because they pick off each other's plates without asking first.
Nice bit with Celebrian too; it made me laugh. "Oh, well, I'll just push him in the mud later and save my strength for better things..." I hope she gets to her children soon!
Author's reply
I think I enjoyed that Elrond could still surprise his children. They are seeing him in a different situation out here in the wild! I hope Celebrian gets to her children soon, too. She is a bit like a mother lion otherwise.
Karri
· 19 January 2004
· Chapter 9: Trust
That was touching, amusing and sweet. Very entertaining. :-D
Author's reply
Thanks, Karri. It was distinctly lacking in action, so I wasn't sure how it would go over.
daw the minstrel
· 19 January 2004
· Chapter 9: Trust
I thought this chapter was charming. I liked the two female members of the family in particular. Celebrian is single minded in her goal of reaching her family, but she can still try to be reasonable about Elrond and understand why he did what he did. And Arwen is a sweet and generous child.
I liked the twins joking about their father: "That was painful but he did it." It seems like the kind of thing young adults would say about a parent whose foibles they were become more objectively aware of, even as they stayed fond of him. Another detail I liked was the shifting around of whether the Elves owned the horses or the horses owned the Elves. You obviously have pets!
And your characters are all so vividly rendered. Even such a minor one as Garthon has a distinct personality as he holds his imformation close, for instance. Nice job.
Author's reply
I am glad you think the characters are well rendered - I think that is still what I trying to accomplish, much as in HL the first. There'll be some action again later - and I think it will be interesting to consider some of the politics of the time too.
shirebound
· 16 January 2004
· Chapter 8: First Meetings Remembered
I finally had time to catch up with your wonderful story! I really enjoyed Cirdan telling Glorfindel what was happening in Middle-earth -- it's interesting to hear his perspective of what was important to tell, and how he described things. I like the fact that Glorfindel knelt to Gil-Galad (he's so inherently humble!).
And oh, what bittersweet foreboding: "Elrond was too stunned to speak. Unable to even ponder what it would take to part his loyalty from Gil-Galad..." How could he possibly imagine what was to occur?
You continue to weave two stories that are both fascinating and wonderfully interwoven.
Author's reply
Thanks, Shirebound. I have tried to base some of Glorfindel's gentler traits on the Vanyar elves - yet he remains a fierce warrior when there is need. There is much freedom in writing the Second Age - which is both good and bad :/
meckinock
· 10 January 2004
· Chapter 8: First Meetings Remembered
It was nice to see Cirdan's personality rounded out, and his "while you were away" briefing to Glorfindel was a great way to bring in the physical layout of the Havens and the current geographic and political situation in ME. Elrond's annoyance at being exclused from a high-level meeting and his speechlessness at Glorfindel's arrival were very amusing. His personality sure shines through, but he's not quite as in-control as we are accustomed seeing him, is he? I hope the twins are right and we will soon hear about Glordfindel butting heads with Gil-Galad!
Author's reply
Thanks, Meckinock - the physical descriptions and politics are not very interesting to write about, so I love just weaving it in with other interesting things. Like Glorfindel ;D
meckinock
· 10 January 2004
· Chapter 7: Healing
How lucky they all are to have Glorfindel with them; I loved his "elfling; not an elfling" argument with poor Elrohir, and what a suprise to see his skill with a needle and thread (courtesy of the Valmar Rehab Center). The image of him patiently stitching Arwen's floral appliques almost made me fall of my chair! Erestor's frustration at being saddled with a frantic and highly ticked-off Celebrian was quite amusing; I'm hoping to hear his tirade against the Lord of Imladris unleashed once everyone is safe...I was glad that Olorin was there to guide Glorfindel through his re-awakening, and nice suprise cameo by Earendil, also.
LKK
· 9 January 2004
· Chapter 8: First Meetings Remembered
Do not question such gifts, Elrond. Just treasure them.
Sometimes those gifts are people like Glorfindel.
Sometimes those gifts are the result of talented people like you.
All are gifts to be treasured.
LKK
Author's reply
I felt a warm fuzzy when I read this comment.....and since I have a medical condition that makes me always cold, that was a double treat. Thank you. Nice people and nice comments are well treasured too. :D
LKK
· 9 January 2004
· Chapter 7: Healing
Glorfindel in all his .... ahem .... natural elven glory!
I should have read this wonderful chapter earlier. ;-)
Great chapter, Nilmandra. Loved the confused and slightly guilty-feeling Elrohir, Arwen upset over being filthy, and the embroidery motif.
Oh, and loved the ... uh ... other image, as well!
LKK
*gonna have sweet dreams tonight*
Marnie
· 5 January 2004
· Chapter 8: First Meetings Remembered
Ah, Cirdan's rapidly becoming something of a favourite of mine, I don't know why but I seem to be having a moment where I'm confusing him with Father Christmas - long beard and trustworthy heartiness etc :) Still, it wasn't very nice landing Glorfindel on Elrond all unsupecting. I can just imagine the look on Elrond's face ;)
How nice that it was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Are we going to get Glorfindel's first impressions of Elrond too? But Elrond's right, although he's had a rough life by all accounts, he's also had some remarkable friends and helpers in his time :)
Author's reply
Cirdan is one of my favorites too! I blame Levade - and if my Cirdan has any resemblance to hers, it is purely because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Glorfindel will get his say too, although he's misbehaving right now with fruit and poor manners. If he'll cooperate, we'll get the next chapter done soon :/
Anonymous
· 4 January 2004
· Chapter 8: First Meetings Remembered
Um, chapter 8 is labeled chapter 9.
Author's reply
Thank you! Fixed :D
Nikara
· 4 January 2004
· Chapter 8: First Meetings Remembered
Wow! I loved the history in this story, especially Elrond's reaction to Glorfindel's arrival. Very fun and cute. I can't wait for more about their friendship!
Author's reply
They are rather fun to write together :D Glad you are enjoying it!
Bejai
· 3 January 2004
· Chapter 8: First Meetings Remembered
Ah, Nilmandra, how I love this story. Cirdan and Glorfindel together was absolutely priceless. What a pair. And the first meeting between Elrond and Glorfindel! Speechless Elrond; too funny.
I also enjoyed the subtle touches about sensation that Glorfindel is still experiencing. The stars, the sunshine, dinner. Reminders that these small, everyday things are still new to him, and bring him delight.
I want to hear about the times when Glorfindel was at odds with Gil-galad. :)Glorfindel's reply that there was "not really" such a time means there really is a story somewhere around there.
Loved this bit: "Life sometimes balances out that way, with undeserved goodness weighted against undeserved evil. Do not question such gifts, Elrond. Just treasure them.” Lovely, profound.
When you're ready to post the next chapter, I'll just be sitting here, waiting breathlessly.
Author's reply
Thank you, Bejai. I think I fell in love with the Cirdan - Glorfindel relationship in Levade's world. The crusty old seaman and the re-embodied elf - what a pair! Glorfindel and Gil-Galad - now what type of interaction they had must have been interesting. I am looking forward to exploring that! Soon as Glorfy behaves himself, we'll get the next chapter up.
FirstMate
· 3 January 2004
· Chapter 8: First Meetings Remembered
Oh...it was a lot of fun to read about Glorfindel meeting Elrond and what he was thinking. I like the thought that his main loyalty is to Elrond and his family. POOR Erestor...you didn't mention him really, but if Celebrian is so mad that she's hardly responding to Elrond, you know she won't be a very pleasant traveling companion at the moment! I'm looking forward to her reunion with her children and hope that the 'current day' features heavily in the next chapter. Well, great chapter...can't wait to read more!
Author's reply
I do feel bad for Erestor - I wouldn't want to face Celebrian's wrath! I think I would hate to be Elrond more - he better hope that having her children with her softens her reaction to him.
frodo16424
· 3 January 2004
· Chapter 8: First Meetings Remembered
"servant leadership" I like that phrase. It definitely fits both Elrond and Glorfindel. Really enjoying your writing. Thanks again for making the story clearer for me.
Author's reply
I was thinking once of how many of the leaders of the Second Age fell in the Battle of the Last Alliance - Gil-Galad, Oropher, Amdir, Elendil etc - and realized that the Kings led their people in battle, to death in some cases, and they did not spare their sons/heirs. Elrond, Isildur, Amroth, Thranduil etc were all there fighting too. Leaders who served. I love finding themes like this in Tolkien's work.
daw the minstrel
· 3 January 2004
· Chapter 8: First Meetings Remembered
I was particularly amused by Cirdan here. He has no time for silliness but is so utterly trustworthy. And despite his gruffness, he loves Gil-Galad, Elrond, and Elros. I liked the idea that Glorfindel's innocence made him transparent to the trustworthy.
Gil-Galad was interesting too. He was important to the history of ME but we seldom see much of him really.
And Celebrian is apparently breathing fire toward more than Erestor.
Author's reply
Elrond's thoughts should be burning - but I think they'll enjoy making up ;D I enjoy Cirdan tremendously - there is mystery around him - and it was fun to think of what it meant for a re-embodied elf to regain his innocence (especially if it meant having him walk around naked :D).
Jay of Lasgalen
· 3 January 2004
· Chapter 8: First Meetings Remembered
The details of Glorfindel's reappearance were nicely done, especially everyone's surprise. But to be honest, I like the here-and-now chapters best, with Glorfindel and Elrond and the twins - and there wasn't enough this time!
I'm looking forward to Celebrian's reunion with her children - and with Elrond. I don't envy him.
Jay
shirebound
· 2 January 2004
· Chapter 8: First Meetings Remembered
I'm continually stunned by your ability to take us back in time and fill in the blanks of such an extraordinarily complex tale. What an incredible gift you have, Nilmandra, and thank you for sharing it with us. Prof. Tolkien's world is lucky to have you, and so are we.
Marnie
· 30 December 2003
· Chapter 7: Healing
I loved Glorfindel doing embroidery! I liked him doing it on his old tunic so that Arwen would have something nice to wear, and I loved the idea of him learning it as the first thing he did after being re embodied. But it did make me snigger, the thought of him walking out into Valinor wearing nothing but his skin (as Sam would put it) You certainly know how to please your readers ;D
It's so nice that enough normality has returned now for the storytelling to start again, though I do continue to feel very sorry for Celebrian! Insufferable Erestor! Don't you know what it's like to be a mother? ...I guess not ;)
Loved the glimpse of Earendil. He was truely impressive and legendary seeming, and tied in the Silmarillion period with Glorfindel's later life beautifully.
Sorry about taking so long to reply - been on holiday for Christmas :)
Author's reply
I have decided no story starring elves is complete without naked elves :D And as I thought of an elf returned to his innocence...well, that included a complete lack of modesty too!