Reviews (376)

Nikara · 15 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

Excellent so far. Very poignant, and some very interesting parallels between the two incidents. I love knowing what is going to happen, but not really knowing.

FantasyFan · 15 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

My LOTR focus has always been on the hobbits. Most Elf stories bore me to tears, for some reason. I have never thought much about Elrond, to tell you the truth, and he's always been a somewhat remote character. So in this story you've done somehting nobody else has. You've made me feel his anguish, and share in his frustration of fighting the long defeat. What a bitter, bittter parting from Celebrian, and what horrible pain he feels as he watches his family spend itself for the sake of defeating Sauron. Tears were rolling down my cheeks by the time he finally let her go, and even though we know how it all turns out in the end I feel just as strongly for the fear and hurt and anger of Elladan and Elrohir. Very powerful and emotional writing, on Elves of all things. E'm really looking forward to reading more of this story.

elliska · 15 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

I loved Sam at the beginning of this--can you just see him grabbing the hand of the Lord of Imladris and greatest healer in M-e and demanding to know 'what he did.' That is so perfect. And all that when his is too exhausted to stand up. Great! And of course I loved the woodelves' appearance and their refusal to speak to anyone but Mithrandir--hehehe. I love woodelves. ;-) And poor Elrond not able to identify the food at his own table. Hobbits are great. I loved the exchange about eating and then napping. Hilarious. But, wow! Celebrian's departure was every bit as tramatic as I imagined it would be. Seeing Elrond on the ship made me cry. The entire part describing the departure of the ships was very powerfully done. The twins complete inability to understand each other was also very well done, tragic, and very realistic, I think. Of all the details of this situation, that was by far the most...angsty (though I hate to use that word because it is so twisted in fandoms--I mean it in the true sense of the word), powerful and just simply...tragic. Especially the suggestion that they reconcile before going into battle. The world is truly falling apart for these people and it would be after such an event. Really well done!

The Karenator · 15 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

Nilmandra, what a wonderful chapter. I'll go straight to the heart of the chapter...Celebrian leaving. I have to admit that I got teary eyed as Elrond kissed her goodbye and Cirdan had to tell him it was time to leave. She's so pitifully frail that Elrond knew he was doing the right thing, but that didn't ease the pain of separation, nor the guilt he felt for not sailing with her. I figured someone would see her to the Undying Lands and Tolkien tells us that none of the children went, so placing a good friend with her was the best any of us could hope for. I don't see how Arwen or the twins stayed behind. I know they had a role yet to play and that's why Tolkien left them in Middle-earth, but it was hard to watch. And Elrond, of course, as a ring bearer, still had a huge role to fulfill as did Galadriel. And Celeborn. Kind of makes me want to slap the good professor though and tell him that Celebrian needed someone to go with her. But he set it up so that everyone had to stay. Okay, I accept that, but I don't have to like it. Poor Elladan is nearly over the edge of reason. He's furious at himself and the world. Elrohir is so withdrawn and depressed that he accepts his brother's fury. That must have been some right upper cut to cause such a concussion that the poor younger twin can't even remember what happened. When he does remember, he might find a few choice words for his twin. That actually could be quite healing for the two of them to let all this come to a head. In due time, I'm sure. But...in the meantime, poor twins. The hobbit scenes were great. I got such a kick out of Sam. He'd take on the Dark Lord to protect Frodo and in reality, he did! Good for him. Everyone should have someone so devoted to them. But not even the stern look of Elrond would move Sam from Frodo's side. Love Gandalf. He has such a soothing way about him. And Glorfindel. He does too. He's Elrond's Sam. The time has finally come to remove the shard from Frodo's shoulder. I'm glad to hear that! Poor Frodo. Poor everyone who has sat at the hobbit's side as Elrond fought to keep the darkness from taking Frodo. And Lathron! I can't wait to get an update on the woodland king's family. I loved that they wouldn't tell anyone their message but Mithrandir. No one can accuse the wood-elves of not keeping a secret. I also look forward to Elladan seeing a grown up Legolas. I imagine it'll be hard for him and his brother to see the youngest of Thranduil's brood go off on the quest. Kind of takes rearranging one's view of the 'little one'. We won't even talk about what Lathron will go through seeing his little brother go off what essentially looks like a suicide mission. Wonderful, just wonderful. I'm looking forward to the next installment. Can't wait, in fact. Karen

Siorah · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

Hi Nilmandra, I am so happy you are writing this story. I really have enjoyed the chapters you have posted so far. Keep up the great work Siorah

meckinock · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

Well, definitely one of my parts was Sam; ordering Elrond around and then bumping into him in his rush to get to Frodo. And Elrond, of course, tolerating someone trying to order him around! Elrond is very patient and affectionate with the hobbits (and their cuisine.) Mithrandir's quiet affection for Frodo was very touching, also; and I laughed when he told Sam that even he retreated in the face of Elrond's frown. Glorfindel is a rock, as always. I loved the scene when Elrond wakes up so exhausted he can't even remember what day it is - with Glorfindel watching over him and gently chiding him to sit down before a breeze blows him over! Elrond is so accepting of hte arrival of the parties of Dwarves and Mirkwood Elves. Loved Glorfindels' dry observation that the Wood Elves wouldn't tell their news to anyone but Mithrandir, and Elrond's that Celebrian would have had some of the ale. This was a great line: He knew with a certainty that it was not the Elves who would end Sauron’s reign, but the hands of the meek and dispossessed. I hadn't thought before about how much Elrond must have longed to take the Ring to Mordor himself and personally dropkick it into the Crack of Doom. What a testament to his wisdom that he realizes that he can be a guide only; it is up to the races who will inherit Middle Earth, the ones who are stuck there without a handy escape hatch, who must save it. How poignant that he notes a part of himself will share that future. OK, so much for the fun and games. Celebrian's departure was just torture. It was good that Elrond had the comfort and strength of Cirdan to get him through the sailing, but his arrival back at Rivendell, in his empty bedchamber, was just heartbreaking. And his sons are still a mess. I would have been tempted to let Glorfindel dish out a little you-know-what whooping, if I'd been Elrond, but I am not so wise and kind! I can't wait to see what happens on the orc hunt...

TIthenFeredir · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

I really enjoyed the LOTR section of this chapter. I loved the bit of humor in which Mithrandir confesses to being cowed by Elrond's frown and the discussion of how pushy Sam could be on Frodo's behalf but not for himself. It was interesting to see the arrival of the Mirkwood elves and the dwarves written without the usual familiarity-- it's like seeing them for the first time. I had never thought of Celebrian being near death when she finally departed; it was heartwrenching. The grief of Elrond and his family was so well done with the feelings of fatigue and isolation that go with it. The scene in which Elrond returns home to his bed, for the first time without Celebrian, was beautifully done. I hope Elladan finds a way to overcome his agitation and reconcile with his brother. And I am worried about Elrohir: unequal pupils, amnesia, listlessness...I'm surprised they let him go to the pass. This is a wonderful story. Looking forward to the next chapter! ~TF

Quendria · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

Dearest Nilmandra...Your story is absolutely marvelous!! I have ALWAYS loved Elrond...he is such a wonderfully complex character...the miraculosly gifted, but yet, forever psychologically tortured Healer... the conflicts and guilt he has encountered for untold millenium... his choices of Immortality... along with the losses of his family and his twin, Elros... the fall of Eregion (and the percieved), ineffectual attempts of rescue for it's survivors... the terrible death of his beloved king, Gil-Galad... the War of the Last Alliance, and the (witnessed and preventable) failure of Isuldur... the loss of his cherished wife, Celebrian...(**heavy sigh**)...your story is just perfect....THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing it with us....Quendria

Dot · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

I was so grateful to you when I saw this posted. Just what the doctor ordered :-) I must say, I’m really glad we get to see a little of Sam. His love for and dedication to Frodo is very humbling to see. I had to laugh when Elrond frowns at the stubborn hobbit, though – I think I’d be quaking if I were ever on the receiving end of that look! I was very excited to see the wood-elves arrive! I’m still grinning at the fact that they wouldn’t give their message to anyone but Mithrandir. I like the way Elrond is so accepting of the sudden arrival of all these people. He’s willing to put his belief in something bigger than himself and allow events unfold as they must. It kind of tickled me too to think of him tentatively trying out this strange food :-) I also really like the way you slipped in the reasons why neither he nor the eagles could go and destroy the ring – it nicely answered two questions that I’ve seen crop up so many times! The part about no other race being able to sail West, and therefore having the greatest stake in the future of Middle-earth made me pause for a moment. I had never really thought about it like that before. And with the time of the elves ending and them sailing sooner or later, only Elrond alone had to leave something so precious behind. Hmm. You always give me something to think about, Nilmandra! I very nearly clicked out of this when I got to the part with the farewell to Celebrían… I was waiting for this and really interested to know how you’d write it but there was a little part of me that almost couldn’t bear to read it. But I did, of course! You wrote it with such sensitivity and insight. Beautifully done and the grief was so raw and so real that it was came across very powerfully. We’re left in no doubt what this has done to everyone involved. I can really understand that Celebrían would want to go, at least on some level. And I hope that knowledge will eventually be of some comfort to Elrond – he made the right choice and never made her do something that she didn’t want to do. It must be so hard for Elrond, though, to have got her this far but not even know if she’ll have enough strength to last the journey without him to help her. I’m glad that Amariel is there. She’s been so good to them. And Círdan! He’s a special elf indeed for him to witness sorrow, grief or pain time and again. I suppose, though, that he knows that everyone who leaves these shores is going to a much better place. It must be hard for him to watch Elrond suffer like this but I am so glad he can offer him his strength. It was an amazing moment when he was able to wordlessly bring Elrond from despair to determination. How difficult it must have been for Elrond to face the bedroom alone. His pain was so palpable that my breath caught as I read it. Ack. It just about broke my heart. I don’t blame Elladan for wanting to either remove this pain or flee from it. I wonder what would have happened if he had gone in. Perhaps they would have found comfort in their shared grief, or perhaps neither of them is ready to share it yet. Although it’s wrong of him, I think in many ways I can see why Elladan lashed out at his twin. Right now Elrohir’s silence and seeming passivity is probably hugely frustrating for Elladan. He probably needs someone to shout at or someone to share his open rage but he hasn’t realised that people grieve in very different ways. And I think that Elladan may look like the destructive one, but what Elrohir is doing is equally destructive. I get the impression that as well as bottling up his grief, a little part of him might think that he deserves Elladan’s anger or that it’s his duty to bear it along with his brother. It’s also very realistic that this isn’t the end of the divide between them. Elladan is too far gone for one incident to shock him into becoming his old self. It’s just so hard to watch them hurting so much and unable to find comfort in each other. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor. I thought the scene between Elrond and Elladan was done very well. Elrond’s tense reaction to Elladan’s pacing is a great way to show how weary and emotional Elrond still is. It’s interesting that Elladan seems to see acceptance as a weakness. I mean, if he thought about it, that’s what makes his father such a wise and powerful figure. To me, reaching acceptance is much harder than to keep fighting or questioning. The little glimpses of Galadriel and Celeborn are also very interesting. Galadriel seems quite alone. I’m glad Arwen has Celeborn to comfort her and I hope he finds some comfort in that too and isn’t just distracting himself from his own grief. I wondered at first if maybe Galadriel is reacting a little like Elrohir is or feels the need to be strong – but then I thought that maybe the bond between her and Celeborn is so strong that perhaps they don’t need to be physically close. I guess I’ll have to wait and see how everyone comes through this :-/ Perhaps Galadriel would be a good person to talk to the twins. I really feel for Elrond here too. He’s very lucky to have so many people to help him and his family, but it makes me wonder if perhaps the family would come together more easily if they only had each other. Still, the relationship between Arwen and her grandparents nicely sets up the fact that she would plausibly go and stay with them for such a long time. “I am sure the Rangers will appreciate all the aid we can give them. I for one look forward to removing this blight from the landscape.” Hmm. I have no doubt that Elrohir does want to help rid the world of orcs, but I’m a little afraid that maybe he’s decided that he should be the person that Elladan seems to expect him to be. And if he gets caught up in battle and feels like he’s doing something, then it could be very hard for him to let go again. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – thank heavens for Glorfindel. But what these two need more than anything is time. It’s rather sad, really, to think that Elrond had to live through the experience with Celebrían to learn of the weapons of the enemy and be able to act on time to save Frodo – and thus play his part in the destruction of Sauron. But I can’t tell you how much I admire his strength and determination, his dignity and acceptance. This was an excellent chapter, Nilmandra. Plenty for me to think about! :-)

daw the minstrel · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

The terrible grief of Elrond and his family was hard to read. Elrond is all but overwhelmed. He convinces himself rationally that he can go on, can get up, walk around, go through the motions of life. So he mostly does that. But he doesn't really believe he'll ever really feel joy again. And his children need him so! We see Arwen only at a distance here, but the twins are certainly up close and personal. The saddest thing to me was that Elladan is acting out, so his trouble is obvious. But Elrohir withdraws and is alone with his pain. I think he probably felt that he deserved to have Elladan hit him. He's self-punishing. On a brighter note, thank you for the glimpse of Legolas and Lathron! I laughed at the idea they wouldn't tell Glorfindel what they'd come for. Wood elves. You have to love them. At least I do.

Jay of Lasgalen · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

I don't know where to start with this chapter! Elrond is exhausting himself battling for Frodo - but I love Sam's determination and dedication. My main interest is in the earlier part of the story. Everyone is still hurting so much, but the twins concern me most of all. Elladan is like a wild animal, exploding into wild physical activity and lashing out when angered or startled. Elrohir is dealing with his own grief and guilt, and Elladan's, and also his twin's contempt. He'll fade as well if this goes on. That Elladan would hit his brother so hard was shocking. I hoped it might jolt him into awareness of what he has become, and how far they have drifted apart - but not yet it appears. I have a bad feeling about Elrond urging Elladan to be reconciled with Elrohir before the battle - but is this the battle where they aid Cirion and Eorl? Jay

Dreamflower · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

I am loving this so much! From the beginning of this chapter, where you so clearly show Sam's devotion to Frodo, and how it touches Elrond to see it, to the end where you show the way all of the hobbits are united in their worry and fear, but Merry and Pippin deferring to the senior family member, you show a good understanding of the hobbits and their characters. I also loved Gandalf's little discussion of the merits of Shire food; it was a light-hearted moment that made me smile in the midst of all the angst. But the central section with the flashbacks, that was so heartwrenching! The whole part with Elladan's anger and Elrohir's withdrawal made me just want to cry.In one sense the family is grieving as if for one already dead, and yet it's harder in a way--they've had to see her off, still alive, though grievously ailing. There is a reason it's called the Sundering Sea--for all those families who have been sundered by it, it would be something they both hated and loved: hated because it took their dear ones away, and yet loved, for it would someday in the unimaginable future bear them to be once more together. And then you realize that for Elrond, while one day the Sea will reunite him with his wife, his family will remain forever Sundered, when Arwen remains on the Eastern shore. How poignant!

Bodkin · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

How do you do it? It's just so multi-dimensional. Poor Elrond. His whole world is collapsing round him as his perfect nuclear family self-destructs in the wake of Celebrian's loss. Good thing Glorfindel and Erestor are there to keep the framework intact, or there would have been nothing left by the time the worst was over. The twins - it's a bit like self-harming, really. Elladan slashes at Elrohir and, just for a breath, feels better, before sinking even more deeply into the mush of emotion and rage - and Elrohir withdraws to punish him further. It's probably a good thing that they're going off for some orc-slaying at the moment - it will make them look outside themselves. Though probably the shield they have thrown up will then just cover both of them and they will be better armed to defend themselves against letting the rest of the world in. Thank goodness for Glorfindel - in the then and in the now. And Cirdan. Elrond could have done a bit more time with the adult of his childhood, probably. But I can understand his rejection of the sea and need to be home. And Glorfindel will be there - offering strength and support and keeping E2 from flinging themselves into last hopes. Poor Arwen - but at least Daeradar is there for her when Elrond is too broken to help her. And he can devote himself to her for as long as she needs him, being unconstrained by the demands of being a Ringbearer. Though I can't help feeling for Galadriel here - she is a mother who has lost her child, even if Celebrian was a wife and a mother herself - and her husband is gaining his own comfort in comforting their granddaughter. But at least the agony has taught Elrond enough to help Frodo. And the massed ranks of Middle Earth assemble as he loses days to the struggle against the shard of Mordor blade. I loved seeing Legolas and company arrive (- it must be difficult not to wallow rather in the elfling grown) - and Gloin and Gimli. Elrond becomes aware of the present and they're all just there! I love it. It's so complex and beautifully structured, with all the little bits woven neatly into each other and all the characters so well-finished and real. Love it, love it, love it. Well done. Looking forward to the next chapter.

French Pony · 13 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

I really like the sense in the first part of this that Elrond isn't really in control of events, but rather is just going with the flow. He does his thing, healing Frodo, and lets the rest of the world take care of itself for now. If everyone and their brother seems to be showing up at Imladris, hey, throw some steaks on the grill and have a Council. I think this willingness to sit back and observe and let things take their own course gives the impression of great wisdom in Elrond. And considering that he's working so hard at healing that he's losing hours' worth of time, laid-back is probably the best way for him to be right now. As for the flashback, you can really see the deep, raw, bleeding wound in this family. Each one is wonderfully individual in their grief. I love what you've done with Círdan here. He must have done this so many times -- seen off sick Elves and comforted the families left behind -- he seems so practiced at it, and you feel that he's putting all that practice to work for a family he really loves deeply. Elladan and Elrohir both have some major issues to work out with each other. I have a feeling that the first orc-hunting expeditions are going to be touchy, explosive times until one of them gets hurt and they're forced to speak to each other again.

Alassiel · 7 August 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ring-bearer

Dear Nilmandra, It's terrifying to think that in this instance, the Ring is actually helping to keep Frodo alive—so that he can become a wraith! Yes, I think Frodo's death would be preferable to his complete fading. Glorfindel's offer to act if necessary accords well with his character. I like the descriptions of Elrond's state of mind at this time—from the total concentration and absorption when engaged in trying to push the shard of the Morgul blade away from Frodo's heart to his clear memory of Celebrían. In the next scene, it is hard, almost harder than in the previous chapter, to see Elrond suffering as he ponders the decision that his wife should sail. It is also hard to see her parents' sorrow. It is intriguing to think that Galadriel might be able to communicate with the great eagles, the messengers of Manwë. What a mixed blessing Elven memory is, as for them, it is more like reliving than remembering, so that Celebrían's nightmares must have been truly terrifying. In the scene with Elrond and Arwen, when he tells her that her mother must sail, I liked the foreshadowing of Elrond's struggle to protect Imladris from Shadow. Elrond certainly has wonderful friends in Erestor and Glorfindel. I'm glad they were there to support him at that time. The scene in which Elrond tells Celebrían that she must sail is wrenching. It must have been dreadfully hard to write. This gets worse and worse. Poor guilt-ridden Elladan! Poor grieving Elrohir! Poor Elrond! The scene in which Elrond throws Vilya away is very good. Another mixed blessing, that ring! By this time, it has become a part of him, but I agree with Glorfindel that he does need to wear it to protect Imladris. I loved the scene with Mithrandir—uh-- Olórin. It gave me chills. I guess he didn't tell Elrond who he is, but he did help and reassure him! A truly wonderful chapter. Thank you. Alassiel

Bodkin · 6 August 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ring-bearer

What to say? Well, for one thing, I saved this until last on my catch up, because I just knew it would be great and moving and I wouldn't want to read anything else afterwards - and it was twice that. The power of poor Frodo's story - and the love of Arwen and Estel - is completely dominated by Elrond's agony over Celebrian's frailty. His pain is so tangible - and yet each character - Galadriel, Celeborn, Arwen, Glorfindel, Erestor, Elrohir, Elladan, Mithrandir - every one of them is so clearly defined. Anger, helplessness, determination, duty, surrender - so many emotions. Their reactions foreshadow so much - Arwen's seeking refuge with her Daeradar, the twins orc-slaughtering campaign, Galadriel's resolution, Elrond's need for Glorfindel's support - and Erestor's - to maintain his determination to last until the very end. And through it all, Celebrian herself - broken and despairing and yet strong enough to accept her fate and prepared to wait for Elrond across the sea until he is free to join her - one way or another. And Mithrandir's arrival - able to offer the reassurance that only a Maia could, so that Elrond will be able to sustain himself over the long years to come with the knowledge that his beloved will be healed - and that Galadriel's parents will offer her the same love and support that she and Celeborn will provide for Arwen. This is such a moving detailing of those dreadful months after Elrond's world was thrown into disarray. Wonderful. Amazing. I must read it again. Now.

Elenluin · 6 August 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ring-bearer

First of all, I'm not sure how my review on CH4 ended up here *confused* yesterday or so it was still in its correct place :s The chapter was as always breath-taking, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. You described these hard times well, showing emotions but not overdoing it, I really loved it how you showed Galadriels grief, it made her more of a "real" person to me...

Redheredh · 5 August 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ring-bearer

I have been away dealing with some RL issues and, knowing what events awaited, was resisting reading these last four chapters. Then today, took them on all in one sitting. I should not have been so reluctant. You are the most marvelous of storytellers. In the way you told of Frodo's hurt, but especially with Celebrian's tragedy. My own troubled heart found comfort in the courage of this extended-family. They were burdened and stuggling to be sure, but survivors all. There are no inconsistant, completely-unreal miracles of healing or rescue, thankgoodness. (and also thankfully you paid attention to LACE too) These are people of fortitude and generosity. They offer love and strength and duty. Elves of our better nature. You could have made this deadly bitter, filled with destructive angst. Instead, you let them answer in character, each with their own measure of courage and sacrifice. The strong supported the weak. Elladan and Celebrian, disabled by their spiritual wounds, are not allowed to be lost. Their family will not let that happen. This story was not about the worst coming out, but the best. Oh yes, some will respond with violence and vengence as well. But I think, only because they know there can be no justice. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Elenluin · 5 August 2005 · Chapter 5: The Lord of Abomination Part II

I must confess that I read this one yesterday eve eventhough I hadn't had time for it... but I'm glad I dropped everything else cause this chapter haunted me for the whole rest of the evening, so very emotional and touching, you really described it well. Poor Elladan, I can perfectly understand him, feeling responsible and frightened... Hope there will be some light in the dark in the next chapter...

Elenluin · 4 August 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ring-bearer

Oh I loved this chapter even more than the previous ones! But how could it be otherwise when told for a great part from Elladan's pov :-) I've always been intrigued by the twins. I could see the "homecoming" of Estel with the Dunedain straight before my eyes, the lingering grief that surfaced again when seeing a face so alike that other one that died long ago... I'll try to read the other chapters asap, whenever I have time. (oh and I've probably said this before, but you're really great in describing family relations and feelings, so recognisable!)

perelleth · 2 August 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ring-bearer

Aiii! I was biting my nails wating for a chance to sit and read! Thankfully it didn't come out during the week-end (european time) for I've been quite busy in the last days, and saving this for a calm moment. I'm having the strangest experience with this story. I'm terribly hooked by the third age snippets. Not that I wasn't in the previous stories, but this one I'm finding particularly engaging. Please, take it as a huge compliment, for even when you're wading deep down to your chin in canon, it is so pleasurable and well-done that at times I find myself wondering if that's a "lost Tolkien's manuscript" or something you've found and are secretly feeding us! :-). Seriously, Nilmandra, I'm not prone to exaggeration but there are parts in this story where I can actually believe that I've already read that :-)!!!! It is as if it came straight from the book, or maybe from what I used to guess it was going on in Imladris as the hobbits and Aragorn where busy on the road.Mainly Elrond, of course, but also Galadriel and Celeborn. I would be lying if I told you that the scene between Elrond and Celebrían didn't make my eyes sting, and the whole flashback was terribly painful, for it seemed as if the burden of weeks of worry and anguish were weighing upon everybody. Celebrían seems to be showing the symptoms of serious depresssion and that wears upon the family in a way few other illnesses do. The despair was very well conveyed, as it was Glorfindel and Erestor's silent but efective support, and, of course, Celeborn and Galadriel's. She was so strong even in despair, and what of Celeborn! he has not yet shown the littlest sign of weakness, and it is their daughter they're discussing!!they're great! Elrond's despair was understandable, in the face of everything, and the twins will be very difficult to deal with. And now I'm entertaining myself admiring the way you took time to build up such a wonderful structure for this story. The situations that trigger Elrond's memories are very well chosen in every chapter, but this one was perfect. We came back and forth in time around a bed and a sleeping, grieviously ill person, and it, too, helped convey that kind of disorientation and detachement from real life that comes along when you're dealing with such situations, when every thing loses importance and days are one like another, and real life loses focus and falls to the backdrop in the presence of a serious illness or a tragedy. The scene when Elrond watches the rumpled coverlets and has to remind himself -after five hundred years!- that it was himself and that Celebrían wasn't there anymore is, let me tell you, masterfully done, poignant, clever and a whole pleasure. So, many many thanks for taking the time -and the trouble- to weave your tale in such pleasant, challenging and intelligent manner! It doubles (or tenfolds) the pleasure!

Creashuns · 2 August 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ring-bearer

Awesome Chapter! Your'e the best there is out there! Great Emotion, Very well done! Cheers! Creashuns

meckinock · 1 August 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ring-bearer

I've been thinking about this chapter all day. What keeps coming back to me is Glorfindel's constant support, in both narratives. Between offering to do What Must Be Done, if Elrond was unable to save Frodo, to slogging through the water looking for Vilya and putting it back on Elrond's finger, he was always there. I also kept coming back to the moment when Elrond wishes he could just let someone else be in charge for once.

TithenFeredir · 1 August 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ring-bearer

This story is just amazing, the way you have filled in what we know with the most incredible detail and emotional depth. It all rings very true, not only in those familiar customs and emotions that are in common with real life, but also with the things that are exclusively elvish or of Middle-earth. They are all written so well that it reads as a real world that is separate from our own. I love the way you delve into Elrond's deepest emotions and yet preserve his dignity and power. Glorfindel is magnificent and Erestor seems like a quietly devoted, ministering spirit. Your Arwen is luminous. I have ot get back to work before I get fired, or I'd just go on and on... ...and on... ~TF

Jay of Lasgalen · 1 August 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ring-bearer

The physical pain and torture may have ended, but there is still so much suffering and despair! Elrond feels he cannot help any of his family who need him, so they turn elsewhere. Elladan is still full of anger and Elrohir supresses his own sorrow to support his twin - at least they seem to be talking to each other again! And Arwen turns to her grandparents, and will soon begin her long absences in Lorien. They need to be able to share their grief, share the fears, and help support each other at this time, not pull away from one another. We know that that will be a long time in coming, though :( It's a chilling thought that Elrond considered ending Frodo's life if the Morgul blade had touched his heart and claimed him - but probably the only thing they could have done if that had happened. Another very good, very chilling chapter - thanks for the update. Jay