Reviews (398)

Antigone_Q · 22 November 2003 · Chapter 1: Brothers and Sister

I am absolutely astounded that you can take a few lines from Tolkien and extrapolate political situations, personal motivations, a time line and probable geography AND a darn good story line. Just thinking about the amount of energy you must put into research makes my head spin. I bet you are secretly tempted to put in foot notes. ;-)

Jay of Lasgalen · 21 November 2003 · Chapter 1: Brothers and Sister

I love the relationship the twins have with their little sister, and how she waits for them to come home. I was wondering at first what she was doing, packing her bag. But the twins really must be careful what they say to her - children can be so literal. I do hope she won't miss them too much when they are away. Jay

shirebound · 21 November 2003 · Chapter 1: Brothers and Sister

See that? You got me so excited that I misspelled "Celebrimbor" in my previous review! (shirebound slinks back to her Silmarillion in shame...)

shirebound · 21 November 2003 · Chapter 1: Brothers and Sister

Hearing the name Cerebrimbor fills me with excitement and awe -- I hope we see/learn more of him. And oh! The way you worded that about Galadriel and Celeborn leaving to "explore and establish a settlement" really makes them sound like pioneers. Arwen is a very sensitive child -- it's good that she's surrounded by such love.

Karri · 21 November 2003 · Chapter 1: Brothers and Sister

An adorable chapter! The family dynamics were well done, very believable. Erestor's spoiling of Arwen was very entertaning. And Glorfindel was in fine form.

Orophins Dottir · 21 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

Hooray, I finally get to be there at the start of a Nilmandra story! What a wonder this one seems to be. Arwen and her willing slaves. I was just a complete pile of ooze with my big Library Rat Elrond and his friend Glorfindel. "'Why do I fear for her?' whispered Celeborn" just about broke my heart. All were lovely but Celeborn was the best. He just totally captured my heart with his reactions. I shall ask our Prince to convince his own Ada to cough up a few of his fabled jewels as a suitable birthing gift. Shouldn't be difficult. Thranduil is a known softie, right? Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil

daw the minstrel · 21 November 2003 · Chapter 1: Brothers and Sister

I like your portrayal of Arwen. She is independent but loving. She is not a wimp, but she is not a brat either. I think she is a realistic little girl elf. Celeborn is very brave to get between Oropher and Galadriel. I would never want to be in that position!

Sphinx · 20 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

So cute!! She's already got them leaping at every bat of her eyelash, eh? Very nice chapter, and I particularly loved the interaction between Galadriel and Celeborn. And to liken Arwen to Luthien from the very beginning brought such a tinge of poignancy to the fic, knowing as we do how it ends finally. Lovely. Waiting to see more.

Elvenesse · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

Well, everyone has already said what I'd like to say. It's wonderful, what a lovely way to bring a child into the world.

phoenix23531 · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

Another wonderful story begins! I absolutely adore the development of Arwen's character in this prologue. Particularly the subtle (and not so subtle) hints that she will have them all wrapped around her little finger very soon! I must say that, in reading various fanfics and Tolkien works, I am now remembering First Age history far better thanks to your last efforts. You have managed to turn a very VERY confusing Age into something memorable and enjoyable, for which I am so very grateful. I cannot wait for these next lessons to begin! All the best! (oh, and as a p.s., I am still working on that story. It's just been a bit hectic. I promise to send a copy as soon as I get a bit further! Thanks again for all your and Daw_the_minstrel's help!)

Bejai · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

How delightful, Nilmandra! I'm so glad you decided to spin us another tale, and am looking forward to the journey!

Marnie · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

Oh, lovely! Why is it that elves even manage to give birth with more grace and dignity than we do? Loved the fact that everyone was ready for it and it was all so calm and loving. Glorfindel's reaction was just so charming, and I like the way everyone spoke to her as if she could understand - I think that must be right, given that elvish children are more advanced in the early years. And Celeborn was wonderful of course :) Loved him just not letting her go! But I also loved his worry at the thought that she looked like Luthien. And the little detail about how Elu Thingol felt about keeping Luthien safe from harm was something I liked very much. Too many people forget that the reason Thingol behaved badly to Beren was because he was trying to protect his daughter. Elrond's going to face the same test himself - which, no doubt is what Celeborn fears. Can I put this on the site, *Please*? It's lovely to see a little Arwen fic, she doesn't get the attention she deserves. Oh, and I loved the Twins telling Erestor 'we will teach her all we know' What a threat!

Fadesintothewest · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

YEs! I am glad that you are back with this sequel, and I must say, that I am looking forward to reading about Elladan and Elrohir at this youthful age, and Arwen. I think she is not treated fairly in fanfiction. I love Arwen, and look forward to reading about her growing up. How can people so dislike Arwen when she has for a father, Elrond? ANd I am most looking forward to your little Legolas story!

Fadesintothewest · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

YEs! I am glad that you are back with this sequel, and I must say, that I am looking forward to reading about Elladan and Elrohir at this youthful age, and Arwen. I think she is not treated fairly in fanfiction. I love Arwen, and look forward to reading about her growing up. How can people so dislike Arwen when she has for a father, Elrond? ANd I am most looking forward to your little Legolas story!

Arbelethiel · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

Yay! A sequel to History Lessons! And a Legles story planned! :) Has Christmas been moved to November? I love the interaction between Elrond and Celebrían. They are cute together. It’s also nice to see the twins all grown up. Arwen: not even a day old, and she already has all the men in the household succumbing to her charms. :P Thank you, thank you, thank you :) ~Arbelethiel P.S. Had you taken History Lessons down yesterday night? I was rereading passages of May the Valar Protect Them and I couldn’t find History Lessons anywhere.

Antigone_Q · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

I was so happy to see you'd started the new story! Nice beginning! I see it's going to cover some of Arwen's childhood - that should be interesting; you don't see many stories set during that period (at least I haven't). I want to see your take on what Arwen was like at age twelve: she was so independent later in life that I always picture her as kind of a handful as a small child. I liked your take on giving birth Elf-style. I'm too unmotivated to get out HoME vol.X, but I'm guessing you made up the part about the father being able to share in contractions, although I remember that he does traditionally strengthen both mother and child with his fea. But sharing in the contractions would fit well both with Elrond being a healer and the intimacy that you have given Elrond and Celebrian (another part of your stories that I like very much!). The whole childbearing process as you wrote it sounded like it would bond the family and community deeply. I've noticed you write Elvish families as if they are very open with each other. I like that take on Elvish society. I got a kick out of Galadriel silently communicating with her granddaughter as she carries her. Very much in character. And Celeborn comparing Arwen right away with Luthien was nicely done. I see all the men in Imladris are doting on Arwen already. Hm….Do I see a pattern developing? I can't wait to see the founding of Imladris. From your first "History Lessons" I bet I already have an inkling of how and why it might have happened, and I'm anxious to see if I've predicted anything correctly.

The Karenator · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

Nilmandra, What a wonderful start. I just loved the birthing scene. All births should be in such loving circumstances and I would have LOVED for my husband to take a few contractions for himself. I kept trying to picture my sons being present for the birth of a younger sibling and all I could hear was them shouting, "Let me out!" and "Oh gross!" Your way was so much sweeter. The scene where the baby was presented to all of Imladris was very special. There was such joy and Erestor and Glorfindel were wonderful. That Arwen is sure one lucky little lady. Such wonderful males in her life. And the grandparents. Celeborn was just superb. He was so protective, so in awe and so loving. Galadriel, who sometimes comes across as cold, was such a good mother in this. Her love for her family was quite evident. Okay, I'm blabbering. I could just sum it all up into one word: WONDERFUL! BTW, the twins looked especially nice in their blue and silver tunics...sigh... Karen

meckinock · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

Oh, how wonderful! Grandpa Celeborn is just adorable, and I can't wait to see how little Arwen manages to torture her brothers. Galadriel's prescience is heart-breaking, though... Can't wait for more!

shirebound · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

Oh my, what a magical way to start your new tale! What joy! What details! "Elladan nuzzled her next, and the bright blue eyes looked intently at the dark haired twins facing her, their heads touching. “And I am Elladan, and do not worry that you are having double vision. We are twins." I look forward to learning of the Second Age as enjoyably as you taught us the First, Nilmandra!

Jay of Lasgalen · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

Nilmandra, what a lovely surprise! I wasn't expecting a new story from you. This was delightful - a birth to start a new story. I was so glad the twins were there to assist, and to greet their new sister, it made it a true family celebration. The next chapter of 'Two By Two' (only half written) deals with the birth of the twins, but it will be hard to follow your story! Jay

Karri · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

That was a lovely bit of family bonding. Well written and well researched, as always. The foreshadow was nicely done, as well.

daw the minstrel · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

I can't wait for the lessons to begin. I learned so much from the last story and I know I will from this one too. In the meantime, this little girl is in a fair way to being spoiled before she is 12 hours old! Heaven help them.

Elena Tiriel · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 0: Arwen

Oh, gracious heaven! History Lessons redux! One of my favorite stories! Yippee! I'll try to restrain my enthusiasm enough to actually read it, now. - Barbara (formerly TolkienFan)