Reviews (398)

FirstMate · 25 June 2004 · Chapter 18: Scouting

Okay, now that I've FINALLY got that dreadful update of mine taken care of, I've promised myself that I would get around to all those reviews that I owe other people! Yours is definitely one of the first I need to write. I can't say it enough, but I absolutely adore this story. It has just the right mixture of drama, angst, humor, and caring in it that makes it a wonderful story! It is one that I can't wait to read when I see that you've posted an update. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible talents!!

naneth · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 18: Scouting

It was so nice to come home from vacation and find an update to this wonderful story! Poor Erestor. I think he must be the Rodney Dangerfield of the elves. He just can't get any respect from those younger elves!

lwarren · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 18: Scouting

erestor? Erestor? ERESTOR???? Now, is he not cool, or what? Young elflings should learn that looks can be deceiving, and sometimes the most placid among them conceal a fierce, inventive, and skillful nature. You go, Erestor!!! I dearly loved that first part, especially when he snuck up on the other two groups and flattened one of each! LOL And then Elrohir, bless him, tries to fool brother, gets flattened, as well as called "Orc-bait" and "Goblin-breath"! *more grins* Once again, the interaction of this family (extended and others - they all seem to be connected by their love, whether it be for family, friends, or lord) is just tremendous! When they eat, every young elf gives Erestor the eye -wondering what he'll do next! They're learning...:-) History lesson story was, as usual, interesting and informative. Celebrian continues to amaze - Warrior Princess indeed! I liked Galadriel and Celeborn's openness with their people about the potential threat, and the story of the scouts sent out to investigate. And it seems that Arwen will follow in her Nana's footsteps with bow and sword! :D Great job, as always. Well, Elrohir has been put to bed (I'm heading for my own...only wish G and E could watch over me! ummmmm, very tired as you can see! *g*) Looking forward to the next installment. :D linda

LKK · 16 June 2004 · Chapter 18: Scouting

Feisty Celebrian, taking it upon herself to learn how to wage war. Sneaky Erestor, showing the younger ones the *real* way to scout. Gullible Elladan, being tricked by his younger, mischevious brother. Wise Celeborn, walking the fine line between stirring fear up unnecessarily and keeping his people informed. All the hallmarks of another fine chapter by Nilmandra. :) Loved it!

lwarren · 16 June 2004 · Chapter 17: Celebrian

I love the way this family interacts....this whole chapter was full of it, even the story later about Celebrian. She is SOOOOOO fiesty! I can't help but get kind of weepy when I think of her fate later on. Loved Arwen and Elrohir in the wagon acting out their stories....loved Elrond and Celebrian getting all hot and bothered...loved Glorfindel howling with laughter at them for getting all hot and bothered :-)....loved Celebrian's dwarvish walking song....I think you get the picture. Just one last thing...you know ellon will be ellon, but do you think they'll ever learn to look out for the ellyth? Great chapter...(wow, this review was actually kind of short! yay, me!) linda

lwarren · 16 June 2004 · Chapter 16: The Elven Rings of Power

Ai!!!! What is with the weather, anyway? Poor Elrohir! I don't know which would be worse - death by crushing or death by suffocation. Get the elfling home - quick! Just a few quick notes on my favorite parts: * Erestor and Glorfindel - their loyalty and love for Elrond's family is never-ending. Just when I think they can't get any better, they do! *g* Erestor needs a repeat of the lessons on means and ends, tho'. He sure was feeling guilty about nearly suffocating Elrohir, but what else could he have done? ** the elves and their trees - I love the way they love the trees. I tend to forget Celeborn is not Noldorin, and is quite well-versed in trees and relating to them. The thanks given to the young oak (Arwen's ribbons *sigh*, and the songs sung) was great! ***confrontations on ring use - I'm glad Celeborn and Glorfindel will keep an eye on Galadriel and Elrond. (Galadriel is quite something else, isn't she? So stubborn at times..wait a minute...at ALL times!...and yet so loving, too). ****the forging of the Three - once again the research you put into this part is amazing. I love the symbolism in relating the color of the ring to its name and its purpose. Wonderful! *****Celebrian born....that was a rather steamy scene between Galadriel and Celeborn :-) ! She sounds like a beautiful child...I liked her Ada taking her to the fountain to hold court! Annatar unveiled...Celebrimbor going to pieces....Good stuff! linda

lwarren · 15 June 2004 · Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom

(many apologies...I've been following this story, but haven't reviewed like I wanted....a great story needs lots of reviews :-)... I am determined to catch up, if possible! I'll try to keep them fairly short so as not to snow you under!) (yeah, right!) My son graduated high school last year, and broke his ankle in the first football game of his last season...your description of Elrohir really reminded me of him that first week after the injury (for some reason the casting in this chapter really brought my David to mind)...he was sooooo very frustrated and disappointed and hated not being able to do what he wanted and take care of himself, and of course the pain got to him badly at first. I loved the way Elladan, Elrond, and Celeborn are so very gentle with Elrohir...their loving care, esp. during the bath was very touching. The way you tied the lesson (story) to learning about what real wisdom is was certainly interesting...and being prudent is often the easier course of action, not the wisest. Your comment in your notes about Aragorn's promise to Frodo to defend him with his life, if necessary, because the quest was for the greater good of all ME, reminded me of "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one...or the few." *g* (Old loyalties to another story....) Honestly, that cook is so lovable...wish I could hire him! A great chapter...you have a knack for not only entertaining with a wonderful story, but also making me think (I've pulled out all my books by Tolkien and about Tolkien as I've continued with this story). Hannon le, mellon nin! linda

Jay of Lasgalen · 14 June 2004 · Chapter 18: Scouting

I like Elrohir constantly repeating 'Erestor?' in increasing incredulity, and then telling Elladan about him as if they'd known for years. It's good that he can tease his twin like that again. And he finally got to ride again, even if it did tire him out - and I love the image of Erestor and Glorfindel both looking after him and each other. Jay

Marnie · 14 June 2004 · Chapter 18: Scouting

Erestor?! I enjoyed the Twins astonishment at the thought that one of their teachers could be something more than the rather staid person he sometimes appears, and I liked the scouting theme of this chapter. They are a vital part of any army and often overlooked in favour of 'heroes'. Good for Celebrian! Her noble blood was showing there; making her decide to arm her people for their own protection, and I was impressed with her parents' reaction to support her all the way. I've often thought that with parents like hers she can't have ever been expected to be helpless - she'd have been taught to fight, and to do all the mystic stuff from her mum. I'm glad Arwen is going to be armed too - it's a fine tradition of the Noldor side of her family, after all!

Marnie · 14 June 2004 · Chapter 17: Celebrian

I can't think why I didn't review this chapter when it came out. It's such a good one! I do love your little Celebrian - she must have been quite formidable indeed with those parents, though she's looking at the moment as though she takes after her adar more. And I think the entire family were really quite proud of her for taking down that 'dumb ellon' :) I really like the way you've made Celebrimbor visibly tormented. He does seem the sort of obsessive type, like his grandfather, though thankfully he's the obsessive type who takes it out on himself, unlike Feanor, who was a bit more agressive than that ;) Poor Elrohir though!

BeautyID · 14 June 2004 · Chapter 18: Scouting

Aha! So there's more to Erestor than meets the eye, eh? Love that. My dad just broke his foot, so he's hobbling around like Elrohir. In fact, when I first heard he broke it, I immediatly thought of Elrohir! I'm so glad Elrohir got to ride. Poor Elrohir... That was nice. Oh, and I think Galadriel and Celeborn made a very unwise decision in letting their daughter stay in the room when they were talking about Sauron. And poor Celebrian, she just wanted to help! Another brilliant chapter as always. Oh, and 'History Lessons' got nominated for a Mithril Award, didn't it? Congratulations, you definitely deserve to win.

Bodkin · 14 June 2004 · Chapter 18: Scouting

Oh, this is just lovely. The whole family is just so great together - their affection for each other just shines, while remaining clear of mushiness. I am glad Elrohir is feeling better, and that he had to admit to himself that his leg isn't up to riding - and that he can be kind to Arwen and tease Elladan. I love Glorfindel and Erestor - didn't they realise that he had to be more than a persnickety pen-pusher to be held in such high regard by Glorfindel and Elrond? - and the way they just knew he would beat the young and confident. (There's a lot to be said for experience!) I laughed at the Arwen / Elrond management session - (in a PofE episode already written, there is a very similar remark). And then - the history lesson. Characterisation again lovely. So good to see Galadriel and Celeborn being parents - it looks as if they were entitled to sit back in glee rubbing their hands when Celebrian produced the twins. A sad but true fact of life - ellyn get to learn how to fight, but ellyth have to get to learn how to fight AND do embroidery. The advancing threat of Sauron looms over the story - and the different responses of the elves, from immediate flight to Celeborn and his anger at the Valar. Such a delight to have another chapter. I'll just go back and read it again.

Karri · 14 June 2004 · Chapter 18: Scouting

Terrific chapter, Nilm! I really enjoyed Elrohir's reaction to learning more about Erestor -- and his throwing it back on Elladan. LOL Enjoyed the chapter very much!

daw the minstrel · 13 June 2004 · Chapter 18: Scouting

I really enjoyed this chapter. Your Erestor surprised me along with the twins. And I enjoyed the chance to see Celebrian as a girl and Galadriel and Celeborn as parents. He is such a daddy, as is Elrond. They are both besotted by their little girls.

Melje · 13 June 2004 · Chapter 18: Scouting

Erestor?! First Celebrian, now Erestor. You have a knack for taking rather uninteresting canon characters and fleshing them up. This new Erestor in particular is very surprising. The greatest scout of the Second Age! He should have mentioned it to the twins, though. I bet they would have paid more attention during lessons, if they had known their teacher was something of a hero. Elladan keeps getting flattened all over your stories. He should really do something to improve his balance. I’m enjoying very much the friendship between Glorfindel and Erestor. At first I was wondering what could they have in common, but now that I know that Glorfindel can embroider and Erestor can scout, nothing can surprise me anymore. No, actually there is something that suprised me of new: your stories actually inspired me to go and re-read the Silmarillion. To my great amazement, I’m enjoying it much more than I did when I first read it years ago. I still like your fics better, though...

LKK · 3 June 2004 · Chapter 17: Celebrian

LOL -- Celebrian was quite the little spitfire as a young elleth, wasn't she? I'm not surprised though. She's a live-wire as a grown up elf as well. I liked the little glimpse into her childhood. :) Poor Celebrimbor. I really feel sorry for him. Here, he has worked hard and created something wonderful, yet they should never be used. It's very sad. I understand why Celeborn doesn't want Elrond or Galadriel to use the rings in general. When he finally admits to himself and Elrond that the rings will eventually be used, he says to not use Vilya here. Is there a specific reason why Celeborn doesn't want Elrond to use Vilya on the river banks? Oh! I almost forgot Elrohir and the wagon. That scene was very sad. Poor elfling. I can relate to his feelings. :( Sorry I missed reviewing the previous chapter. Real life got in the way. :( LKK

The Karenator · 1 June 2004 · Chapter 17: Celebrian

I really enjoyed this chapter, Nilmandra. It continues to give us a sense of the rings as they are in the present time line of your story, with the flashbacks to how they were made. It's obvious that you've given a lot study and thought to the events, and I find them wonderfully crafted. I know I've said this before, but you've done such a good job of telling such difficult material. Your characters just spring off the page with realism. I loved the 'Little Celebrian' mud story. I got a good chuckle out the Elvish version of 'wait until your father gets home'. I got another laugh when we switched back to the present time, and Celebrian was still maintaining that 'they deserved it'. Yes, Elrond has his hands full..happily so, I think. I look forward to more. Karen

paranoidangel · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Celebrian

I did like naughty little Celebrian (although she was right, they did have it coming to them :) ). And I thought Elrond was particularly ingenious in his plan to convince Elrohir he couldn't ride.

Melje · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Celebrian

What?! Another storm approaching? What is this, the Middle Earth equivalent of monsoon season? What was Elrond thinking, when he let the twins leave to go to the seaside, of all places? Lucky they never got there! I can see the Bearers starting to put the Rings to good use, weather forecasting for example. Vilya should be especially good for that. Well anyway, I love storms and stories with storms, so I’m looking forward to this one. Elrond was rather cruel with Elrohir I find. Was it really necessary to make fun of him in front of everybody? I know he wanted to make Elrohir see for himself that he wasn’t ready to ride, instead of just ordering him not to, but still. And Glorfindel guessing so quickly Elrond’s game makes me think they often act that way. As usual, Elrohir was far too sweet and he still let Glorfindel walk him away. He needs more of her mother’s fiery temper in him! Celeborn is once again proving his wisdom. He is against the use of the rings, still he realises that he can’t stop Elrond – and Galadriel most of all – from using them, so he asks to be at least kept informed, in order to be able to have a minimum of control. Why does he asks Elrond not use the ring there? Answers after the incoming storm? I’m surprised elflings will use “old” as an insult. This might be understandable among Men, but Elves don’t grow weaker as they grow older, on the contrary, they’re supposed to get more and more beautiful and wise, so shouldn’t being older be seen as positive? Of course Celebrian, with the logic of children, prefers the scenario where her father has good reason to prepare for war, instead of hoping he’s just somehow forgetful... probably at this point she wishes the city to be attacked there and then, just to show the boy! I always had trouble imagining Galadriel as mother, and I like the way you describe her: often stern, but loving as well. But she should have kept the braids...

BeautyID · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Celebrian

What a great chapter! Exactly what I needed. I was hoping you'd update. Arwen was such a sweetheart for staying in the wagon with her brother! The bits about when Celebrian and Elrond first fell in love were lovely, without being sappy. I just want to praise you again on how much you're able to make these characters come to life. I always like working with characters who aren't very developed in canon, because it allows me to be creative with their personalities. And you've just done a wonderful job. I love the conflict over the rings as well. It's also interesting to see how differently Galadriel and Elrond react to it... Galadriel is much more eager and enthusiastic, I think. Elrond is, as usual, more reserved. I'm so glad everyone's going home now! These poor people. Hopefully they won't have too much trouble on the way back. So once again, a most excellent chapter. Can't wait for the next! Keep up the awesome work.

Jay of Lasgalen · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Celebrian

Poor Elrohir, he so wanted to be able to ride - but I loved Elladan's request that their father 'knock some sense into him' - and the amendment! Despite his disappointment, it was lovely to see him reading with Arwen, and it was kind of her to travel with him. The descriptions of Celebrian's vivaciousness are so sad when we know what will happen, although not for many years yet, thankfully. Jay

shirebound · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Celebrian

Amazing, as always. The way Celebrimbor spent himself on the forging of the rings of power! What a detailed, in-depth, utterly fascinating story this is. And how tragic to contrast this bright, sparkling child and mother (Celebrian) with what happened to her later in life. No wonder Elladan and Elrohir spent their lives in battle and revenge. *sigh*

Karri · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Celebrian

Excellent chapter, Nilm. I felt bad for Elrohir -- wounded pride can be so terribly painful -- but Arwen was a good sister (and very sweet). The youngling Celebrian tale was enormously entertaining. :-D

naneth · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Celebrian

Another wonderful chapter! What a wonderful big brother Elrohir is-reading books and acting out parts, what fun. The second age story was sad and a foretaste of the sadness yet to come in all of their lives. Well done. It is a dark and stormy morning where I am, so the end of the chapter dovetailed nicely with my current environment! Great job as always and can't wait for more.

daw the minstrel · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Celebrian

I'm sorry but the wretched little boys deserved to land in the manure. You go, Celebrian! I usually like the Second Age stuff the best in this story (as I like the First Age stuff in "History Lessons"), but the moment when Galadriel approaches Elrond about using the rings was an intriguing one. I can see her doing it. And I can see Celeborn being worried. When we read LOTR, the rings of power are just given facts and we know about them, but when you put yourself in the place of the people just learning about them, you have to wonder how they ever figured them out. No one knew about them, after all. They were a new threat. And usually with new threats, you only know how bad they are after it's too late to do you any good.