Reviews (398)

Karri · 22 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

An outstanding chapter, Nilm. It is a difficult task to cover large amounts of time in few pages, but you did a smooth job of it. There was a nicely developed feel of desperation to it, but I liked that sense that no one had given up hope and every little positive (such as the birth at the beginning, with which I especially enjoyed the differing reaction to humans and elves to death in childbirth) reinforced that hope.

Jay of Lasgalen · 22 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

What a hard job Elrond had at times in founding Imladris. The constant battles and influx of wounded, the short rations, the simple logistics of it all. I love to see elves worried about basic things like plumbing! The saddest part, I think, was the mother who asked how to kill her children if she had to - and that Glorfindel could not comprehend that. I'm glad they can look forward to peace for a few years now.

Nikara · 22 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

Wow! That was an amazing chapter. How many more chapters of this story are left. Just one? I hope you add soon!

Firnsarnien · 22 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

Wow! What an awesome tale and I'm sad it's coming to an end. I was entranced by the way Imladris came about and estatic at the victory over Sauron. You have brought events to life that I could not picture when I read them in the Simirillion. When I read that book, it was hard to envision a lot of things, yet, you've done it with incredible realism! Awesome! ;) Can't wait for the next chappy!

Bodkin · 21 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

This is just so brilliant - it made me glad I get up so early, just so that I can read it twice. Gil-Galad's pride in his foster son is so justified - Elrond, Glorfindel, Erestor and their mix and match collection of refugees, warriors and children have performed heroically, not just in simply surviving, but in developing a force sufficient to harry and occupy the minds of the enemy. Yet, they also have the calm understanding of what their defiance might cost them. I can understand Glorfindel's mood at the idea of the mother's wanting to learn how to kill their children painlessly should the forces of Sauron arrive, but it shows a resolute determination to keep fighting until the very last. All but the very smallest children are playing their parts with incredible but very realistic maturity - and the tiny ones are providing hope for the future and a reason to carry on. The humans and elves seem to have got over their initial suspicion and are able, here in Imladris, to work together - which augurs well for the future. I loved it when Erestor brought news of their relief and Elrond discovered himself treating a Numenorean soldier. I could almost taste the euphoria when the battle ended and the king arrived. You make this whole period so interesting and the interaction between the characters is so believable, that I feel that most of what I know of the period comes from reading History Lessons. It is a huge project - but you carry it off so well. I'm going to read it again now.

The Karenator · 21 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

Oh, Nilmandra, this was just exquisitely done. You covered quite a span of time, but truly captured the hardships, the cooperation of men and elves, and the emotions of peace and war. You even had me believing that Imladris was doomed. Such a well written, tight chapter. I'm so impressed with your battle strategies. The end with Elrond and Gil-galad was a lovely moment. The king's pride in his herald and foster-son was so evident. I hate to be such a blatant fangirl, but...Galadriel and Celebrian are on the way! I can't wait. I want to see the look on Elrond's face.

Ellie · 21 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

Yay! Another chapter to read! I'm loving this story so much! I'm off to read now. Keep up the good work!

LKK · 13 November 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

sighs contentedly I've wanted to get a chance to read this chapter ever since you posted it, Nilmandra. Happily, I finally had the opportunity. It goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway), the chapter was worth the wait I endured to read it. Elrohir's joy at his freedom was so tangible. It fairly leapt from the page as he bounded about deer-like. I loved how he and Elladan fell back into their old elfling game in their happiness. In the Second Age, I can see Elrond's tradition of fostering humans coming out of his treatment of the mortal refugees among his people. One last comment, back in the Third Age, where Elrond thinks if using Vilya could somehow help to protect Imladris, freeing his sons and other elves to explore their world and learn all they wished to learn, was that not a good thing? Are those truly Elrond's thoughts? Or perhaps are those thoughts directed by the awakening ring? And was Vilya causing Elrond's pain that Elladan noticed? Are you craftily laying the groundwork for a battle of wills between ring and master?

Eruanneth_Luin · 8 November 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

Another stirring chapter. So seldom we are allowed to witness the love of an elven couple and you bring it to life so sweetly, but then elves are not at all like most humans in that aspect. Ah, the Elven Rings. Such promise and hope for preserving and protecting, yet in the end all that had been held dear was abandoned to the ungentle care of Men. Do their lands remember still the sound of elven voices and the light tread of elven feet? Speaking of elven feet, I was thrilled to see Elrohir back on both of his once again and dancing for the joy of restored health. There always seemed to me a kind of innocent, youthful, joy to elves and you showed a glimspe of those glad times. But war and trials so often beset this fair race and to now have the added burden of absorbing into their struggle for survival those of a different kind must have been difficult at best. Though not only for the elven folk; mortals would probably have trouble fitting into an elven culture. Such are some the perils of war. The great eagle arriving and his remembrance of Earendil made my wonder if any eagles died in the battle. Glorfindel putting and end to Erestor's stubborness had Blue laughing (again). That Elrond had such a care for mortals does not seem surprising, and eventually made Imladris the true refuge of all in need of rest and healing . As usual the next part of this chapter is eagerly anticipated, by both of us! Thank you for your window into the world of elves.

Bodkin · 4 November 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

Glorfindel: the elf who knows how to respond in any social situation.

esamen · 3 November 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

Hello Nilmandra . . . great stories, as always, from you. Congratulations on your beautiful website. I love SoA. I have a request . . . for one of the Tolkien quotes of the day . . . I was reading through The Hobbit, and in the chapter Inside Information I stopped again and marveled at the wonderful lines: 'No thank you, O Smaug the Tremendous!' he replied. 'I did not come for presents. I only wished to have a look at you and see if you were truly as great as tales say. I did not believe them.' 'Do you now?' said the dragon somewhat flattered, even though he did not believe a word of it. 'Truly songs and tales fall utterly short of the reality, O Smaug the Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities,' replied Bilbo. I am always amazed at the magical conversations between Bilbo and Smaug. What a moment in time!

Nikara · 2 November 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

Very nice chapter. I really love your characterization of Erestor. He has really become alive to me.

Bejai · 2 November 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

Ah, so Elrohir gets to walk at last! I beat him to it though. Although he seems to be doing better than me. *Sigh* Oh, for elvish healing! No running here yet, not by a long shot. Wonder if I can get Elrond to rub my leg? Stinkin' winter is here, and it hurts. Loved the animal in this chapter. Alagos with his horsy humor and the Eagle with his otherworldly might. Really loved how Imladris as a refuge was Celebrian's dream. Seems appropriate, although I'm worried about Elrond and Vilya. Elrond was already moving that way, though -- it was certainly a refuge for those hungry children, even before it was fully established. I'm glad. Really enjoyed the chapter!

Dot · 1 November 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

You know, I can’t decide whether I like the Third Age or Second Age story more. I get utterly engrossed in both… What a difference there is in Elrohir. Even apart from him looking physically better, his frustration seems to have eased and his old sparkle has definitely returned. Lothriel, eh? And who’s making Elrohir blush like a maiden??! I loved Elrond’s little moment of insight about not holding onto his sons too tightly. I suppose he’d already been learning to let them find their places as adults but Elrohir’s accident meant that he had to care for him like a child again and now has to let him go all over again. I was just as eager as Elrohir to hear Elrond’s tale about the eagles! These little hints of what’s to come next in the story always result in me having to sit on my hands to stop myself from scrolling down! Oh, I just adored the image of the twins lying in bed, Elrohir spinning tales for his brother and then having to be comforted later by Elladan when the tales came to life in his dreams. It’s such a wonderful glimpse into their childhood and of the closeness between them, each with their own personalities that fit together perfectly. “Adar, you are clutching your side like you are in pain.” I thought that part when Elrond thinks about how he would use Vilya to protect those he loved and all that he helped create was really quite touching. After all that he has experienced in his life I can understand why he would want to do anything he can to offer protection, especially as there is probably more at stake for him personally now that he has a wife and children. You brought tears to my eyes when he remembers life with Gil-galad and Círdan. I think I’m going to have to go back and re-read the first HL when I get a chance. I loved that part of Elrond’s life. I wonder what kind of a relationship he has with Círdan now. And will Gil-galad be making an appearance in this tale soon??! Oh, and I really like the idea that it is Celebrían who had the dream for Imladris to become a refuge for all who needed it. I loved, loved, LOVED Elrohir and Elladan spinning together in complete joy. It is absolutely how Elves should be. The depth of emotion that they all shared at the sight of such happiness was beautiful to witness and does so much in showing the love that they all have for Elrohir. And what a contrast then with the siege of Imladris and the Elves’ suffering. I thought you did a great job in driving home even the amount of toil that went into building Imladris. There’s no sense that it is in any way easy even once they had found the Hidden Valley. Conflict and tension in such difficult circumstances are only natural and it’s fascinating to watch the way they all deal with it. That part with the eagle was amazing. There’s a wonderful hint of arrogance to eagles in Tolkien and it really comes through here too. It’s incredible to think that Elrond is of a line of people respected by the eagles and spoken of amongst their race. They do share a history and I think these Elves are very luckily to have such a valuable ally in them! I really felt for Erestor in his utter exhaustion. He’s obviously someone who will just keep giving of himself until he can do no more. And even then he’ll worry. I’m so glad that Elrond not only forces him to rest but makes it clear too how much he values and appreciates Erestor beneath his jests. There’s something very sad about the women and children waiting so patiently for leftovers. I thought Elrond did exactly the right thing – the Elves just needed to see what they were probably too busy or tired to see before. Seeing a starving child so intently eating a bowl of food is just heartbreaking. Is that THE fireplace then or just A fireplace? It’s quite moving to think that would be the origins of the Hall of Fire. It seems that the mortal women are not afraid of some hard work and won’t let it dampen their spirits. I guess they’ll all need such optimism to see them through times to come. This is all fascinating, Nilmandra. I hope you’re feeling a bit better. Take care and I’ll be eagerly awaiting more when you’re ready! :-)

shirebound · 1 November 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

I just love that conversation with the eagle. When different races are respectful of one another it makes everything easier. This story continues to fascinate!

Marnie · 1 November 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

LOL! I'm glad that Elrohir is well again - he does seem to have really suffered with that leg. It did amuse me that Erestor, who was all wisdom about Elrohir's wound was such a pillock in the 2nd Age about getting his own healed. It's easier to see what other people ought to be doing, rather than you yourself. I can just see the Gwaith i Mirdain deciding that they'd rather sleep on snow than rush a building project to make it less than perfect. It does seem very elvish not even to realize that there might be more important things at stake :) It's nice to see Imladris starting off as a haven for all, just as it continues.

Marnie · 1 November 2004 · Chapter 23: The Hidden Valley

Can't believe I didn't review this chapter! Where is my head? Particularly as there were so many great things in it. Where to start? I loved (naturally) Celeborn showing off on the rope bridge, and the enterprising children who are nevertheless still children. I loved Arwen being only the last in a line of girls who had Glorfindel wrapped about her little finger, and Elrond's claim that it was all Galadriel's fault. More poignantly, I loved the sight of Celebrimbor's forge, still with the ashes in it. The Rings are a very powerful presence in this story, even though they've only ever been used once. and I liked the fact that Elrond, who is a war orphan himself, was able to make a home for these other children of disaster. Very touching.

meckinock · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

I love this little island of bliss that Elrond and Celebrian and the kids are floating in. Watching Elrond and Celebrian watch the twins play, I thought: This is how it's supposed to be for Elves. This is their natural state. Contrast to the Second Age flashback - war and seige and desperate survival. It's amazing to think of the Imladris we know, the Imladris of the Third Age, as a collection of shacks hastily thrown up before the onset of winter. To think that the roar of the waterfall and Elrond himself will still be there in 4,000(?) years. I love Glorfindel and Erestor's protection of the human women and children, and Elrond's leadership and vision. I found Celebrian's comment interesting that she and her mother had a difficult time finding Imladris. Is it just geography that protects its location, or is there more?

Karri · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

Quite the engrossing contrast between joy and despair. It was terribly sweet that Elrohir’s ecstasy brought everyone to tears, but I especially loved Glorfindel’s pragmatic hope in this chapter (‘course, I have fallen quite thoroughly in love with your Glorfindel and your Erestor, but that’s an aside, isn’t it. ;-)) A wonderful chapter all around. I enjoyed it greatly.

Jay of Lasgalen · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

How nice to see a new chapter! I enjoyed the Third Age story, and it was wonderful to see Elrohir so enthusiastic and full of joy at last, finally free of his cast. Who, I wonder, is Lothriel? Will we see more of her? The Second Age story is equally good. The logistics of feeding and caring for such numbers, so many of them women and children, must be almost impossible. And Erestor is injured? I could imagine his expression at Elrond's comment: It will be difficult, but we will manage without you for a day or two. No one likes to think themselves dispensable! Jay

perelleth · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

Wondrous.. and most moving as usual. Even your OCs become so.. lovable, I simply bow at your skill. I've recently read a moving paper about the "beauty" and "dignity" to be found even in war (a prologue to a new italian edition of Homer's Illiad by Alessandro Baricco) and it somehow connected in my mind with Tolkien and his vision of dignity and solidarity as important as bravery and honourable deeds. I can seee much of it in your heartfelt rendition of this war, I'm really enjoying it in a special way. I very much liked the idea of introducing humans here. It is amazing to consider how close both races were at that time, and in the years to follow, until the elves and even Imladris became almost a legend in the third age (by the time of the war of the rings)It is awesome when you consider these same elves had been there 2thousands and something years ago, while generations over generations of men had passed away.And still they lingered on.. to see their task done.. On my whishlist...I´d like to see more glimpses of Gil-galad...I mean, I`ve always thought that his surrendering of both rings to Elrond and Cirdan was a remarkable deed in itself... Thousands of thanks for your time and dedication. It is a very much needed pleasure.Perelleth.

The Karenator · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

A little jig in an open field, it seems, is good for whatever ails you. It's good to see Elrohir back on his own two feet. And I'm as bad as the elflings; I can't wait for the fireside story. This is my favorite line: As Elrond turned back, he saw the eyes of the Noldor smiths fixed on the hungrily eating children, and he realized they had likely always been eating themselves or were even finished before the children ate. The sight of the children eating would move the hardest of hearts, and Elrond knew the hearts of these elves were not hard, merely preoccupied. There is something hauntingly beautiful about this. I can't even tell you exactly what, but I see the eyes of the Noldor as they watch these children and I feel something in my heart that speaks of compassion and sudden enlightenment. I just loved it. The eagles were wonderful. I can imagine how awe inspiring they were. And boy were they big! Very majestic. The interaction of Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor is so well done. They are so alive and distinct. Poor Erestor. Wounded and got caught too. I don't think I'd go against Elrond either. I did wish for Elrond to be around to place his hand on my head and send me into a deep sleep when I'm still wide awake at 1 AM. He'd come in handy. I can't get over what a fine story you've made of the SA. It's just delightful. The personal touch of what each character brings to the story has rounded it out into something that the reader can not only grasp, but something that the reader cares about. Very good. I'm looking forward to the next part. Wonderful! Karen

Bodkin · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

Where do I start? Fantastic stuff. Third Age - they are all so gorgeous. Elrohir recovering - so imaginative and sensitive. Elladan - so fun-loving and protective. Arwen - delightful. Elrond, Celebrian, Glorfindel - even the cook. Watching Elrohir and Elladan celebrate his recovery was lovely - all the prancing and spinning and sheer enthusiasm. It's difficult to think that Gil-Galad was only a century older than Elrond - they were both little more than children during all the drama of the end of the First Age and both had disturbed childhoods. I'm not surprised that the pain of all those insecurities can (be used by the ring to?) make him envisage a beautiful haven of safety where people can feel secure in the dangers to come. And then - the joyous homecoming of the Third Age contrasted with the fear and deprivation of the Second. Hunger, refugees, inter-racial tensions, worries about attack, worries about others. And silly Erestor in 'I am irreplaceable' mode, endangering his own health. I'm glad the humans showed that they are not completely dependent on the elves - they know how to find food in the countryside. Good to see Glorfindel still in protective paternal mode. And I loved the theme of eagles. Just so good. I'll have to read it again a few times to pick up all the nuances - but that'll help me survive until the next chapter.

daw the minstrel · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

In the TA, I enjoyed Elrohir's delight at being free and Elrond's toying with the ring. How ironic that his son thinks he's in pain. Maybe he is! But the SA story is always the one that captivates me. I love the way you've brought the seige to life and also the problems of dealing with this mixed population of elves and men. They'd each have things to find out about the other.

Bodkin · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

Oh joy, oh joy, oh joy. Now I'll read it!!