perelleth
· 8 July 2005
· Chapter 2: The Grey Pilgrim
Wow! What a wonderful chapter and story, Nilmandra! I mean, I love gapfillers above all, unexpected povs, and even if your treading apparently well-known places here, the change of pov is lovely! We know that part of the third age through Bilbo and Frodo's pov, and your take on Imladris' life through it all is very interesting!
The dwarves' sojourn in Imladris and the need for secrecy are perfect. The characterization is perfect with what we know of them. Elrohir's bow! I didn't remember that particular incident, but it was wonderful to have that piece of background story to look at! I laughed at the fact that Glorfindel had been reminded of the same memory. That's why we love to keep things, I suppose, and pass them down to younger siblings or our children. Lovely. And the twins' antics are great! No wonder Elrond was happy to have them home instead of hunting orcs! Estel semes to have been a good therapy for them!
And the tense atmosphere in those last days of Septembre, that's something I loved seeing from the point of view of Elrond and Imladris. Thanks, it was worth waiting for the story to begin! :-)
Author's reply
Thanks, Perelleth...this chapter was fun to write, because it was lighthearted despite the real threats of danger hanging over their heads. I had reread the parts of The Hobbit and was inspired by the elves teasing the dwarves and hobbit at the Ford. I figured the twins behavior had its basis in canon!
Elrohir's bow story I have never told, only alluded to in several stories. Perphas one day the twins will tell it to us in its entirety! I for one would like to know what Celebrian said to Elladan. :)
Dreamflower
· 8 July 2005
· Chapter 2: The Grey Pilgrim
This is very nice! I enjoyed the visit of Bilbo and the Dwarves very much--especially the twins and Estel's little prank on the balcony, LOL! I was sorry not to see a meeting between young Estel and Bilbo, which would have been fun, but after looking at your reasoning, I thoroughly agree with you about the secrecy. It makes perfect sense!
I am liking your Glorfindel very much. I loved the bit about the chair, and his determination to engage the Ringwraiths is breathtaking. That is one spectacular Elf!
Author's reply
Thanks, Dreamflower. Glorfindel is my also my muse, so he provides lots of entertainment and mirthful recall when needed.
It would be fun to write the first meeting of hobbit and ranger - perhaps see Biblo write and give the verses to the Dunadan that we see quoted in LotR. And it was fun to write merry elves - I reread the quote in The Hobbit about how the elves liked to tease and poke fun at the dwarves beard, and decided the twins behaviour had good basis in canon!
Lindelea
· 8 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
O hurrah! History lessons about the age that fascinates me the most. So glad!
But my eyes are closing of themselves, so I will have to come back later and read and leave a coherent review.
Thanks!
Author's reply
Thanks, Lindelea. There will even be hobbits! I am interested particularly in Frodo and such things as how permission was granted for him to sail. Seeing hobbits through the eyes of the elves will be fun.
LOTR lover
· 7 July 2005
· Chapter 2: The Grey Pilgrim
Ah, bliss! Another "History Lessons." Have I ever mentioned how much I love the way you write Glorfindel? Not to mention Elrond, and the twins, and Celebrian...well, everybody. This story is a gapfiller in the best sense of the word, helping the reader to see the intertwining events that surround the basic story of "The Hobbit." I'm so glad you're continuing this series into the Third Age.
Oops, I forgot to mention how much I appreciated your adding the backstory of the bow that Estel is now learning to use. It gives such dimension to the present story to have characters remember events in previous stories that the reader "experienced" right along with them.
And I love the way you wove the mundane parts of Glorfindel's life with the otherworldly. You offset his insistence on keeping his own not-to-be-touched chair in Elrond's study, and his fidgeting (and snorting his wine) during the (hilarious) dinner scene with Bilbo and the dwarves, with the inner light that shines from him at the end of the race with Elrond and his fiery eagerness to engage the Ringwraiths at the end of the chapter. Wonderful.
I'm waiting happily for the next chapter.
Author's reply
I am glad you like my Glorfindel. From the keeper of the original, that is high praise!
I have to say it really is fun to try and look at these events through the eyes of the elves, particularly Elrond, and to think of how much he has witnessed or known. I find even my flashbacks have flashbacks, because everything must remind him of something. There is so much history, and yet the perfect recall of the elves must make it all seem almost present in its clarity.
Thank you for reading.
Pernauriel
· 6 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
I love this story already, this is the one I wanted to read when you first started writing the History Lessons with Legolas. I love all the other stories in the series. A little estel and Aragorn all grown up. I was very happy when I saw this come up in my inbox. I was thinking the other day that I wanted to read a new Nilmandra story, and when I went to my inbox there it was. Can't wait to read the rest of it. I won't review every chapter but I will read them all and let you know, but I know it will be a great read. I am going to stop rambling and repeating myself now.
Author's reply
Thanks, Pernauriel! I am glad you liked the start. There is a lot to cover, good times and bad times, and I enjoyed writing these early chapters - a child in the house is a good thing.
Dreamflower
· 6 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
Oh, I think I am really going to *like* this. You know me, mostly I only read hobbits, but sometimes a Man and/or Elf story comes along that is just exceptional. This looks like it may very well be one of those.
I loved the mingling of present and flashbacks, and the glimpses of the child Aragorn.
The sweet affection between the members of Elrond's family and household is just beautiful.
I am looking forward to more.
Author's reply
There be hobbits in this story! I have long meant to rewrite 'Refuge' and continue it, and that will happen in this story. The pov will be Elrond's, most likely, but I have learned its fun to look at certain races through the eyes of another, so hopefully it will work out well.
Stay dry! Thank you for reading.
Kathleen
· 6 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
Hi Nilmandra,
I am so excited to see another History Lesson story. Chapter one was brilliant, I cannot wait to read more.
Slainte,
Kathleen
Author's reply
Thank you, Kathleen!
Dot
· 5 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
I was so excited to see this here yesterday! So excited, in fact, that I read through it all with a huge grin on my face at lunchtime only to realise later that I hadn’t actually taken any of it in. I had to read it all again when I managed to stop myself from bouncing around in glee ;-)
What a perfect opening! I love how comfort is offered to Aragorn in different ways – Elrond soothing him, Arwen staying by his side and anticipating his needs, and even Cook providing his favourite foods. It’s so clear that this is really home to Aragorn. I also really like the way Elrond and Arwen are willing to just wait for Aragorn to tell them about his experiences and won’t push him. The love they have for this man really comes through and is wonderful to witness.
My heart went out to Elrond when he thinks about what the discovery of the One Ring will mean: “They would rise up against Shadow one last time; if they were defeated all would be lost for Men and Elves and all the free peoples of Middle-earth. Yet if they won, he would lose his daughter.” It’s going to be so fascinating seeing this tale through Elrond’s eyes. All parts of it!
I can’t tell you how much I love the part where Arwen and Elrond massage the twins and try to relax them. What a truly heart-warming picture. I just adore seeing such closeness between them all.
The little part of the tale about Arathorn was very interesting. I like the sense that something was about to happen, the idea that evil things were drawn to his patrol, that Elrond was uneasy. And you very movingly convey what it meant for Elrohir to have Arathorn die in his arms.
The conversation about what would happen to Aragorn now was just heartbreaking. What brave people the Dúnedain are. They have such strength and their sense of identity runs so deep that they would sacrifice everything to keep it. I like your Halbarad even in the little we see of him here.
I also just love your depiction of Gilraen. Her grief, shock and weariness all come across so well but underneath we can already sense her strength. She’s just lost her husband and now she has had to leave everything she knew behind. It’s so final, really, because her life is in Imladris now at least until her son is fully grown. It must have been really facing the unknown for her. She doesn’t ever seem to have considered not staying there herself and just leaving her son there. In some ways it must have been harder to participate in the secrecy and in hiding her son’s identity. But she’s just amazing. The determination and acceptance she shows in that moment when Elrond calls her son ‘Estel’ is incredible.
Estel is adorable! He’s certainly captured the hearts of everyone straight away! He’s such a bright child, and I think his curiosity is a very realistic reaction. I love the way he pulls on Glorfindel’s hair!! Elrond is wonderful. He makes Estel feel safe and loved immediately and his tactics for helping the child learn his new name are very clever. I love that he let Estel sleep in his bed – and the bedwetting was priceless! Whoever changes Elrond’s sheets will get a good giggle.
One of my favourite things about this chapter, actually, is the way everyone helps out – the females making Gilraen more comfortable and sitting with her throughout the night, Erestor providing toys and clothes, etc. The whole house has welcomed them with love and understanding.
I also particularly liked the end of this chapter. After what we’ve just read, the terms “father” and “Aragorn, son of Arathorn” spoken by these people have so much more meaning. I’m so glad to see the love between them, and the complete faith that Elrond has in Aragorn. I really can’t wait to read more of this. It’s got off to such a great start and you’re doing a tremendous job with Elrond. We see his power and wisdom, the weight of experience, the knowledge that even he isn’t safe from pain and loss, the love for his daughter and love for Aragorn, the attempt to understand what must happen without trying to change anything…Ack. I’m getting all excited again! This is great, Nilmandra. I’m very much looking forward to more :-)
Author's reply
Dot, you know how to make an author feel great :) You really do have a good eye for picking out what is important, and you hit on all of the themes I was focusing on. In particular at the end were Elrond's use of 'Aragorn son of Arathorn' - a reminder to his son of who he was...and Aragorn's use of 'my father' - a reminder to Elrond of who he was to him. Its a relationship brought full circle, from Elrond taking Aragorn's identity, then giving it back, and in the end Aragorn really is a mixture of Arathorn's son and Elrond's son.
Gilraen is inspiring to me. The courage and valor of women in times of crisis and war is usually not in arms, but on the homefront, doing what needs to be done to survive, and they are seldom lauded or recognized for it. This is what Eowyn feared...and perhaps Aragorn could speak of valour without reknown because it was modeled for him.
Thank you for your lovely wonderful comments. The timing is so perfect - its my first day back to work and I am exhausted. I hope the rest of the story lives up to your expectations.
Elflingimp
· 5 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
As always your stories are the greatest! I cant wait for this one to read more I finally understand from your stories how everyone was related and lots of other details even though I read the books I still didnt connect alot of things and events. As always as I said your stories are most interesting Thanks
Author's reply
I am really glad if relationships and events make more sense now! That was sort of my goal, to make these times more understandable. The information about who knew what, when, how they knew it, where they were - it really is all over in the books. Thank you for reading!
runnerbeast
· 5 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
So very good. =) I love Gilraen here. How young she was, yet knowing her duty. How you get her grief and confusion across SO WELL, and how caring the elves were to her and Estel. I so love how you write Elrond, Aragorn, Elrohir and Elladan. I can't WAIT to meet your Gandalf! =D
I missed out on your History Lessons I and II (bad me), it is my goal to go back someday. I'm SO GLAD I'm catching this one right from the start (happy me)!
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind words! There are a few family jokes that carry over from story to story, but each story should stand alone.
I am having fun learning some other voices for this story - hobbits and dwarves and Gandalf! Should be challenging, I think.
Thank you for reading.
The Karenator
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
I've finally had time to sit down and read this and I did, savoring every word. Yes, perhaps it was a little melancholic, but I was struck more by the beauty of the love and devotion of everyone involved. Even in their sorrow, the Dunadain and the Elves came together to see to the care of a young mother and her child. All children are too precious to waste, but this little fellow had the whole world sitting on his shoulders and everyone pitched in to lighten that load until he was old enough to carry it.
Though grieved, Elrond was calm and deliberate in his decisions about how to ease Gilrean and Aragorn into his household. He was careful as he slowly went about teaching Aragorn to respond to a new name. He made this change feel very natural and unthreatening to Aragorn. And while he was changing things...he got reintroduced to the concept of 'changing' babies. If he had taken a moment to think about it, he would have remember that males usually potty train a tad slower than females. Two? Nah. Accidents were bound to happen. But you know, that was a real bonding moment between Elrond and his foster-son. :>)
This almost entirely male household did well with the little guy. I really like that Elrohir is so good with Aragorn. He had a good role model. Still, seeing Glorfindel, the claimed prize, and Erestor, the avoider of thumb-suckers, so lovingly accept the new little member of the household was quite heart warming.
I especially like your portrayal of Gilrean. She was young and her entire world had been destroyed with one arrow. I have always seen her as a good mother. She gave up so much to see her son safe, but she also sacrificed for something bigger than just her own child's safety. Knowing she was doing the right thing didn't make it any easier, I'm sure, but I think there's satisfaction in knowing you've chosen to put the greater good before your own desires. Then this overall good does become your heart's desire. I like to think that even though she was most likely lonely for her own folk and she missed her family, that she was content knowing that she had a hand in giving all mankind a chance to overcome the despair of lurking evil. Indeed, she gave them hope. She was a strong and admirable woman.
I'm so pleased to see the beginnings of this story posted. This first chapter was absolutely wonderful. I can't wait to read the remainder!
Karen
Author's reply
Thanks, Karen. It is so nice to read such lovely comments after such a tiring day! I would like to write more of Gilraen, as I think she gets a bad rap in a lot of fanfiction. I do think she was very strong and brave, and the sacrifices she made were great. Hopefully we'll see her a few more times. I also wonder how she felt about co-parenting with Elrond - she must seem a child to him too, after all. I am sure he helped her to be an even better mother.
Elrohir was good with Aragorn, wasn't he? Maybe Elrohir needs to marry in Valinor and have elflings. I think he'd be a wonderful ada himself.
Thanks for reading.
Redheredh
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
The holiday has got me jumpy so I guess I’ll just jump right past the preliminaries and say one thing that really stands out for me about this perfect chapter is Halbarad. You have given him a proper role to play for a change instead of that of some companionable cousin. Then you do the same for Gilraen! You honor her heroism - the sort that is so often epitomized, but rarely felt or understood. In fact, you honored the sacrifice of her entire family and that was so very pleasing.
Of course, Elrond and his family are incredible too. It's good the bitterness has passed for him and the twins before Aragorn arrival. Elrond’s compassion seems to come out even more than when Celebrian was with him. The simplicity of little Estel himself surrounded by such complex emotions was splendid. And you never forget the ironic and humorous side of life. I love the small details you tell of so aptly and how they convey the larger setting.
BTW, that throwaway line with Gandalf comparing the details of Bilbo’s and Gollum’s account about the Ring was a great *snicker*. ;)
I am happily looking forward to reading your admirable writing and experiencing a wonderful story.
Author's reply
Thanks, Redheredh - I am glad you think the chapter was good! I have seen Halbarad given many roles, but it seemed to me that he held one of some importance to the Dunedain. I liked the idea of him being in a role of leadership and having some say of Aragorn's future. He will show up again in future chapters. And thank you for recognizing Gilraen's heroism! It is oft the part of women to show strength and courage that has nothing to do with wielding a sword. Gilraen and her family all sacrificed, and how can we imagine a twenty year exile when we are so young? Arwen's incredible faith in Aragorn is also extremely valuable and important.
Glad you liked that little note about Bilbo and Gollum!
perellleth
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
Well, good news indeed!:-) I'm so glad to see this at last!
Well chosen moment for the beginning, I believe, when everything starts to get in motion, the moment for Aragorn to rise above all his fathers or fall into the deepest darkness.
The tale of Aragon and Arwen is such a beautiful piece in istelf, so much hope and sacrifice condensed in that few pages, that I'm glad you chose to extend it in your story. I believe that Gilraen's role shall be very important in Estel's well being, and she, as well as Elrond, shall be brave enough to be there for him when he needs her, and then let go of her child in the end for a greater good and a higher destiny...and that is painful but also enlightening.
Those two bereft but loving parents are so great in their own, personal sacrifice, entangled and at times almost missed in the midst of the greater events!
I'm sure I'm going to enjoy this way too much, thanks! :-)
Author's reply
Thanks, Perelleth! I agree about the Tale of Aragorn and Arwen...it is beautiful and I hope to stay true to that. Gilraen was courageous to go into exile and leave her family and friends to see Aragorn kept safe - and Elrond is courageous to let his daughter go with grace. I agree - both very good but heartbroken parents.
Karri
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
This is off to a beautiful start, Nilmandra. All the Gilraen is going through made me all sniffly and teary and little Estel is adorable. I like how you've depicted him -- more curious than upset, as I think a child his age would be, he does not really understand what has been lost and mama is close at hand. Excellent writing!
Author's reply
Thanks for your help with the story thus far - I appreciate it. I do have a new perspective on Gilraen after writing this - she really did go through a lot and it must have been very hard.
paranoidangel
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
Yay, HLIII! I loved seeing Elrond with Aragorn, he's such a sweetie really. I liked that Elrond didn't feel entirely sad about Celebrian's leaving, he had hope too.
Author's reply
Elrond always seemed to have hope, didn't he? Celebrian will be in this story and I had to write enough good memories to balance out the terrible events. I am looking forward to writing Arwen and Elrond too.
Ellie
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
Yay! I'm so thrilled to see another History Lessons. Ch 1 is very good. I like the way you depict Elrond supporting Arwen in her choice of Aragorn as a mate and the way Elrond is so fatherly toward Aragorn. I also loved the twins practically purring and falling asleep with the neck rubs.
Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie - I admit I am looking forward to writing more of Arwen and Elrond, and I hope to do Arwen justice.
Its hard for me to imagine Elrond ceasing to love Aragorn because of Arwen - I can see him feeling torn, but he raised this child as his son and I think that love would remain always. Thank you for reading!
Bejai
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
Yay! HLIII! *leaps for joy* I hope you know what a thrill it was to mosey over to SoA today, and see this waiting here for me. And everybody else, I suppose ;) Some thoughts that came as I read:
- I love the place where you started this. Right near the end of things. There will be a lot to look back on, and it will be interesting to see Elrond's point of view on current events.
- Exhausted Aragorn, and Elrond, who loves him. I am so glad you made it a loving relationship, despite the fact that Elrond knows he could lose his daughter to this mortal man. Anything less than such love would have been out of character, I think.
- Little Aragorn, er, Estel, who seems such a bright, delightful child. I loved the way he took instantly to Ada Elrond. And wetting the bed. Hee ;) Well, it has been a while since Elrond had to contend with little children.
- Loved to the way Elrond's extended "family" is already accepting Estel. Erestor, even if he prefers older children, and wonderful Glorfindel. I really enjoy the way to portray both of those characters.
- Missing Celebrian. Oh, it hurts that she isn't here! I so loved the way you wrote the relationship between them in your earlier stories. I miss her fire, her teasing ways. I hope she appears in some of the flashbacks. Are you going to write the bad one -- the Redhorn pass one?
- I'm always in awe of the seamless way you write flashbacks.
I'm just thrilled to see this, and looking forward to the journey.
Author's reply
Ack, all the Redhorn stuff is written. Talk about pain and suffering....I knew I couldn't start posting until that was written, as it took forever and I had to leave it numerous times and write other happy memories. Oh, and the ending - I had to write the ending to remind myself that it could be a happy one for Elrond, at least as far as Celebrian is concerned.
Writing young Estel is fun. I won't do a lot more of it, as I've written some vignettes to show him growing up and I may do more of those as they tend to be lighthearted.
Thanks for reading!
Radbooks
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
A wonderful start to your new story, which I have been eagerly anticipating. To see the love and concern that Elrond has for Aragorn - which the book clearly states, instead of the anger/hatred of the movies - is so refreshing. Of course there is sorrow with the knowledge that he might lose his daughter - how could there not be? But he truly loves his son. The flashback was wonderful and it was interesting getting to see Aragorn's and Gilraen's arrival at Imladris and how wise Elrond was at just making him a part of the family and just starting in immediately with the name. Well, YOU did a wonderful job of writing and describing that for us! :) Loved seeing Glorfindel and Erestor again. Loved Erestor's and Elladan's bet and the bed wetting! I enjoy your sense of humor that you put in your stories. Well done chapter and I look forward to more.
Author's reply
Thanks, Radbooks! I am a book fan first, and nothing in the Tale of Aragorn and Arwen ever suggested to me that despite the pain of losing his daugther, Elrond withdrew his love from his foster son or vice versa. Elrond, perhaps more than anyone as they were his visions of foresight, knew the hope that Aragorn was. Thank you for reading!
Elenluin
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
Wonderful! a new story! :-) I can't wait to read your point of view on these events, the first chapter is already great and I don't mind if the story becomes melancholic, it's a hard time to live in...
Author's reply
Thank you, Elenluin - it is melancholic and I am glad you see the times that way too. The elves, if the quest succeeds, must go with grace and dignity, their power diminished and themselves fading. I have made myself sad writing about it. :/
Amlee
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
*Does Happy Dance* It's finally here!! Do I need to say it? More! More! More!
Author's reply
Thank you, Amlee. I asked for encouragement and that is!
Bodkin
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
This is delightful - from the long lean exhausted Aragorn sleeping safely in the presence of Arwen under the roof of Imladris right through the arrival of the grief-stricken Gilraen and the enchanting toddler, newly-renamed Estel.
Elrond is, naturally, just gorgeous - he is such a star: caring, insightful, generous, sympathetic, paternal, gentle - just assume all the other adjectives. His sons share so many of his characteristics, too - with Elrohir being a little more inclined towards the care of small children. (He will make an excellent adar one day!) And Arwen - a real Arwen, strong and caring and generous and trusting - able to provide Aragorn with the strength and confidence that he needs to support him through these hard years.
So hard for Elrond to let her go - and yet so necessary, and he knows it. But he loves her and Aragorn enough to be able to do it and smile, because he has the wisdom not to try and push her onto a boat and bury the problem! (Plus doing so would destroy the effect of two ages of work.)
I love Aragorn clutching Glorfindel's hair - and Erestor's understanding - and Elrond's wet bed - and Aragorn spluttering in the bath - and Liriel's care of Gilraen - and the Cook's memory of Aragorn's favourite foods - and the fact that, although he is there so seldom, Aragorn is instantly at home as he is nowhere else - and well, everything, really. I shall take great pleasure in rereading this a few more times over the course of the next few days - just to be sure that I haven't missed any of the nuances.
Brilliant work. A bright and shining light in my day.
Author's reply
Hmm...Elrohir will make a good adar, won't he? As I wrote the final chapters in Valinor an odd plot bunny bit me to continue a bit there!
And thank you for all the adjectives about Elrond. He is all of those things, and I really enjoyed writing him with young Estel. I think love is a choice, a decision, but falling in love is something deeper. He may have chosen to love the child, but he falls in love with him (non-romantic, of course, but I suppose I must disclaimer it) as a parent or brother.
As for Aragorn, he is 'son of Arathron' but Elrond is his father, the one who raised him, and Imladris is home, I think, until he establishes his own kingdom.
And thank you. Did you know how much you brightened my day?
Bodkin
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
I'm hyperventilating with delight at the sight of the title!!!!!!
Now I'll go and read it. Speak to you later!
shirebound
· 3 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
I wondered where you would choose to begin this section of the Tale, and you really chose beautifully! I wonder how young Gilraen was when she married Arathorn... and how she endured a life that was so different than what she had envisioned.
Author's reply
It was interesting to think about what the Dunedain considered 'young' - she was 22, hardly young when we consider how young women have married at other times. Arathorn was in his fifties, I think. I have wondered what the 'age' was that the Dunedain married. I like that for each race its a little different in Tolkien's world.
It was fun to write this part too. Each decision Elrond made was conscious and intentional....but that he would forget about diapers was fun :)
elliska
· 3 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
This is wonderful. Little Estel is adorable in the bath and playing with Elrohir. And Elrond's reintroduction to parenting was funny (from my POV, though likely not from his). The details like that in here are great. And I love these characters as you protray them. Elrond always seems so perfect to me--so wise and such a great leader and healer. And I love the twins.
But what really struck me was She did give all her hope to the Dúnedain; she gave up all she was and all she had to do what was needed. I never really thought about how much Gilraen's life changed and how much she lost and gave up to make sure Aragorn grew into the man he needed to be. I think I tended to think about her as being perfectly pleased to be in Imladris and I never really understood why she felt she had kept no hope for herself. This did a really great job of pointing out all she did. I really have to think about her character again.
I have enjoyed the previous installments of this series and I am looking forward to enjoying this one. Glad to see you have started posting. It was a pleasant surprise as I looked at the site one last time before bed. :-)
Author's reply
Oh, you have made my day by noting that about Gilraen. I have seen her rather beaten up in fanfiction, but when I actually sat down and considered all she gave up, I found it was huge. I would be hard pressed to leave home and family behind and go into hiding for 20+ years!
As for Elrond, I could go on and on about him! (but you knew that..). I came to some new realizations about the extent of his power and wisdom in writing this story. I'll do it in short excerpts as I go. Thanks for reading!
Ithiliel
· 3 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Most Hardy of Living Men
Oh, it's finally here! *rejoices*
I love this! A perfect beginning. Little Estel was adorable, and I felt so sorry for Gilraen. So much for her to deal with, all at once.
I'm afraid that my reaction to children is the same as Erestor's... wait until they grow up a little before getting involved! I love the details like that one that you weave into the story.
I can't wait to read the next chapter! Thank you so much!
-Ithiliel
Author's reply
I am glad you liked little Estel - he was fun to write. He took to his new ada like a fish to water. Thanks for your nice words! They are very encouraging.