Reviews (376)

Al · 10 April 2023 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

A wonderful story! I'm sorry it's over, but so glad it was completed. I'll be looking up your other work!

Matt · 5 March 2017 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

I've just reread the History Lessons series for the first time in several years. It is so delightfully done, showing how the characters progress in their own development and giving so many of the elves JRRT connects us to, greater definition. This is particularly true for Celebrien. Elrond and the twins as well as Galadriel do so well under your pen, as does Cirdan, who JRRT gives so little attention to in spite of his importance to the elves of middle earth. I know you have become occupied with other things in life but would sure love to see a "history lessons: The fourth age" as a report on the time that the twins, Legolas, Glorfindel and (if you bring him West) Celleborn spend with Aragorn, Arwen and their children, not to mention the struggles the nited Gondor and Arnor face in building their strength. You could even bring Sam in as a reporter if you wanted to try to work from a hobbit's voice. Thanks so much for a (repeatedly) great read.

tiinaj1 · 31 January 2017 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

Hello - I thought I had read this series of History Lessons but now that I've finished I don't believe I have. I truly enjoyed the depth of your characters and how very carefully you have researched and written each scene in your story. I believe book 2 was my favorite. I was drawn into the story and felt connected to the story. This particular story I believe I held a piece of myself back so I didn't connect to the characters and the story itself as much. Thank you for letting us know the twins will sail, thank you for the depth of Elrond & Galadriels reaction to the dimming of their power as it made it so much more real. Not once did I feel rushed thru this story - instead I feel satisfied as if there was just enough butter on my slice of bread. This is wonderfully written and will remain one of my favorites. I do need to ask if you publish on Fanfiction.net so I know when you publish again?

PSW · 7 November 2016 · Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men

I have been quite unsettled for most of the day, and wasn't sure anything I sat down to read this evening would keep my attention, but I have been saving this last of the History Lessons stories for a rainy day, as it were, and although there has been no rain today, I thought I'd give it a try. :-) It was a good choice. :-) I quite enjoyed this scene of little Aragorn's arrival in Rivendell, and I look forward to the next chapters. I enjoyed Elrond's realizations that his parenting skills were a bit rusty -- of course he wet the bed :-P -- and I found much to like in your depiction of Gilraen. I feel that she is often done such an injustice on many levels, whether through her depictions or by just by being excluded altogether, and I thought your version of a young woman in shock but determined to do her duty was quite refreshing. I also, I admit, was caught by the quote in your author's note -- 'the vision of hope and the experience of darkness.' It has given me something to ponder on this evening, and perhaps oddly, perhaps not, helped me to put some things in perspective. So ... thanks for that. ;-P Okay, I'm done now. Thanks so much for writing, and I look forward to the rest!

Athrabeth · 5 January 2015 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

I just wanted to let you know that your History Lessons series are some of the best Elrond stories I've read. Elrond is my favorite character, by far, and I love the way you've written him, as well as all the other characters in his life. Anyway, thanks for writing these amazing stories!

EruannaSerindë · 26 December 2013 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

That was beautiful. I have been reading your History Lessons stories this semester, whenever I had a few minute's break from my schoolwork. You are a great storyteller, and you have done an amazing job with Elrond. I will be reading more of your stories!

riann · 30 December 2012 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

Thank you for this amazing story! Your characterisations were amazing, and I loved how you gave all Elrond's children such distinct personalities. I also loved Glorfindel! I think that reading this has helped me enjoy the world of LOTR just that bit more, and to understand the characters a lot better.

Aiwen · 5 March 2009 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading your stories about Elrond. I feel like I know him a lot better now than I did before. Very nice characterization. I also enjoyed seeing Gil-galad in this chapter, although I was somewhat disappointed not to see Finrod greet Galadriel. Oh well, one can't fit everything into one chapter and this isn't Galadriel's viewpoint. Thank you for writing.

Alariel Elrondiel · 21 May 2007 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

I have finally finished reading all 18 chapters over the last couple of days. All I can say is fantastic!!! You made me laugh until my stomach was aching and you made me cry as if my heart were breaking (and indeed I thought it might at times at Elronds pain). I am wondering if you are going to write about Elronds experiences in Aman, while waiting for Elladan and Elrohir and Glorfindel to come home? Would love to read that!!! Thank you for giving me something so wonderful to read and enjoy! Alariel

Beruthiels Cat · 16 May 2007 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

I've just finished my third read-through of the entire series! This is just such a wonderful story...and I'm very much anticipating the next part you've promised us. Just incredible...I can't pick out a favorite part of it, because I've enjoyed it so much all the way through. My husband asks me why I would want to read anything repeatedly, as he rarely does. I have yet to get him to understand how great stories are like old friends, you want to spend time with them every chance you get...more, please!!! BC

Ainu Laire · 9 December 2006 · Chapter 2: The Grey Pilgrim

I have not yet had the chance to read this tale- but I am so glad that I did decide to read it! Wow, that whole scene with Estel and the twins truly made me giggle. And I love how you represent Estel's and Elrond's relationship, as well as his relationship with the twins; it is a lot as I imagined it to be. I do not want to spend too long in this review, because I still have many chapters to read! *g* I am enjoying it much!

Mandy · 18 November 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

Wow, this was great! Would that I could write so well. I waited until it was finished before reading it so that probably helped. I always wondered how Elrond managed through the war; he seemed so isolated from events. Great interpretation. Thanks!

Altus · 23 October 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

Thanks again Nilmandra That makes a lot of sense. I also found this bit on Tuor's Wikipedia page: In a letter Tolkien indicated that Tuor's 'conversion' was allowed by Eru as a unique exception and offset to Lúthien's assumption of a mortal fate. That seems to back up your conclusions. Thanks again

mistry89 · 23 October 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

Thank you - what a lovely end to the story. I never thought about Earendil meeting his son again. Truly a magical tale - cheers!

Altus · 22 October 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

Thank You I just have an extra question however. And seeing that you are such an historical expert on Arda, you are the perfect person to ask. LOL. Did Tuor become an elf? The quote that he was counted among the eldar would seem to suggest so. But why would he be given that honour. And not say Beren or even Aragorn If he was not an elf, but just living in the West, would he still be alive, more than 5 000 years later? I have always understood that Bilbo and Frodo would live as mortals in Aman. Frodo and Bilbo would find peace from the damage the ring wrought, and would be healed. They would however die when their times came. And again, why him? I would have thought that Beren and Luthian as Melian the Maia's son-in-law and daughter, would have been saved somehow.

Altus · 22 October 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

Hi Nilmandra Another fantastic chapter and so moving. This is the first review I have left even though I have read all of your stories at least once and most of them multiple times. Just one quick question: In the meeting at the docks, the King mentions a stray human waiting to claim Elrond. “There is time enough for that,” he said with twinkling eyes. “It was said once that many could claim you, and you will find that true here, Elrond Peredhel. Your lineage is traced back to each of the elven kindreds, and they along with the peredhel and even a stray human await their chance to meet you. I was just wandering, who would that be? Elros or someone else?

Redheredh · 2 October 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

Wonderful conclusion. I am so glad you followed through to Eldmar. There were so many wonderful moments on the voyage itself. The way you presented each character's reactions was well-written drama and humor. Very entertaining and satisfyingly detailed for this canon geek anyway ;D. Simply an Excellent Ending. Just like with the source saga, I did not want it to stop here with a ship sailing off into the sunset. And I am thrilled that you have more to tell! Although, it won't be another 'Lesson', it will be in your lovely and insightful mode of writing. I am just assuming you are not going to give us 'The Fourth Age'. But, maybe I am wrong? :D Congratulations on completing your epic tale of Elrond's life. I may have said it before, but I will say it again (and again and again) - this series is a masterpiece.

Karri · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

A beautiful conclusion! I love the wonder of the voyage, that was a fantastic perspective to take. :-) (Now, for some little Leg'las stories... ;-))

elliska · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

Love the quote you started this with. I love the walking song and it is perfect for this chapter. I love that Elrond saw Eärendil. I started crying right there. I loved Gandalf's "you have no idea how many can hardly wait to meet you." That was great. And the return of the palantir and the ring to Valinor were really very chilling to me--for some reason that seemed even more final to me than the departure of the elves themselves. Even before I read Elrond's reaction to seeing the ring, I thought the same thing myself. That was really powerful. I loved Bilbo at the bow of the ship. That seemed perfectly in character. The description of their actual passage onto the Straight Road and to Valinor was incredible. That must have been so hard to write but it was so worth it. And Frodo's dream! I don't think I ever caught that. Loved that detail! Galadriel's thoughts were also great, as was Elrond's response to them. And then their arrival in Vainor! Oh, that was just perfect. I cried my eyes out all through it. Each bit I read thinking none could be better than the last but when I got to Gil-galad I just couldn't stand it. That was so perfect and I totally didn't expect it. Great! And then I got to the arrival of the Valar and Mithrandir's transformation! Oh my gosh, Nilmandra! Incredible! And I thought this: Never did I realize how on guard we all lived until my soul was truly free. was absolutely perfect. This is exactly how I see Valinor as a place of healing for the elves from Middle Earth. I loved that. It is so wonderful to see them all safe and sound in Valinor. Is this the end of this one, Nilmandra? I thought you wrote Arwen's death and the twin's return. Are you putting that in another story (I hope)?

Del · 27 September 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

*sniffle* A worthy and wonderful effort. It definitely justified the wait. *sigh* Thank you, Del

Fimbrethil · 26 September 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

Dear Nilmandra, Having devoured all your history lessons, I wanted to thank you for your wonderful stories. You are a gifted writer (The way of combining two stories into one is terrific and done so well.) I hope you keep writing. I am amazed at the depth of your perception and the issues that you address: trust, sacrifice, suffering, compassion, etc. These are wonderful. Your characters are so well fleshed out and you make the elves so elvish, I love them all. I could go on forever, I think and comment on each chapter, but so many others have said things I so agree with. Well done. There is one omission, for lack of a better word: In History lessons the third age, when you tell of Gandalf's fall in Moria and the evocative passages showing Glorfindel's and Elrond's grief, (The chapter is wonderfully done.)However, how do they realize that Gandalf has returned? He is gone. They grieve and then he is back, but we are not told how Elrond knew or what he felt when he knew that Gandalf was still with them? Gratefully, Fimbrethil

The Karenator · 26 September 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

This is a beautiful chapter. I think it's one of the best you've done, and that's saying a lot since you know how I LOVE your battle scenes. I still say no one writes them like you do--you get in and you get out and the reader has been there in the trenches with you POV character. This chapter was a different battle, the battle to go home and to start healing. Not always an easy thing to do even if you want it. Well, sweet adorable child that you are, you made me cry. When Elrond called out Celebrian's name, I read it aloud I was so caught up in the story. Thank Eru, I was home alone or I'd be writing this from the East Annex of the local hospital where computer usage is restricted until after morning med rounds. My meds would have been increased after I shouted when Gil-galad showed up. I'm pathetic. You, however, have hit a home run. I can't think of any better compliment to a writer than to tell you that the emotions of this chapter were raw, beautiful, and real. Oh, dear, I'm all choked up again. Wonderful, Nilmandra, just wonderful. Karen

Ellie · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

This was wonderful. So very emotional. It really brought out how brittle these former leaders of Middle-earth are and also how well respected and loved they are. I was so glad to see the healing beginning to take place. I loved the description of the strength of Celeborn. Excellent, excellent story!

Bodkin · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

Elrond is still trying to care for everyone - even when he is barely keeping to his feet. Thank goodness for Celebrian, I say. Once he was delivered into her tender care, he could let go and count on her joyous spirit to bolster him. His sight of his father was a real indication that he was no longer left to endure on his own, and that there is more to family than simply your children. I loved that - and the progress of the ship through the barriers and enchantments that keep the unwelcome away from the Blessed Realm. Gorgeous description and a lovely scene to imagine. I love Galadriel's vulnerability, too - and Cirdan's warmth. The two symbols of the ending of the relationship between elves and men, the Palantir of Elostirion and Barahir's ring ... I can see that their presence would be bitter-sweet. Arwen has truly been left behind to another life. Love Bilbo, by the way - such a gallant hobbit. Poor Elrond - having dreaded this moment of revelation ... I wonder if Celebrian's omniscience was that much of a relief or whether it made him feel redundant. I suspect he was too bemused by her presence to care. Gil-galad was a surprise, but I was delighted to see him. Elrond needs the presence of those he loves and G-g was a very important part of his life. (Although what all these people are going to do in the BR is something that exercises my mind!) Loved the arrival of the Valar to welcome Olorin - and Melian looking at her grandson's grandson. A gentle ending - reunion and the ease of pain. I look forward to seeing Elrond build a new life in the peace of the Blessed Realm.

perelleth · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 18: The Straight Road

We should send you on holiday more often! Wonderful chapter. Of all the manners of starting this chapter that I could think of, you chose the best to keep with what, to me, is the greatest strength of this tale, the "backstage" approach! I cheered out loud when I realized that the "camera" was following the travellers into the ship. We are so used to see the ships sail away! ( or watching them arrive...) I really loved those conversatons while on "the road". A wonderful touch. Earendil's guest appearance was appropriately eerie. Perfectly done, the distance, both physical and in time, between father and son was bridged without words. That part really impressed me. The arrival, with Frodo's dream made true, was very moving. It is good to see Elrond finally at peace, and feeling that peace taking seat deeply within him. Yet I really loved that Manwë and Varda went there to greet Olorin. He truly deserved it. And I bet Círdan too was more than surprised. It was so kind of you to bribe Mandos into releasing Ereinion for the Shipwright's arrival! That's what I like most of fanfiction, that we can get to see those gaps properly filled in!. Wonderful Nilmandra, and not over yet! I'm loving this!