Reviews (376)

Bodkin · 1 August 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

Thank goodness for Glorfindel. And Celebrian and her wonderful and so necessary contact with poor suffering Elrond. Without the two of them, I'm afraid he would have been unable to make the break and choose to go. Not that Arwen and the twins weren't trying their hardest to do what was best for everyone. I feel sorry for Aragorn. Despite his best efforts, he knows that he is piggy in the middle and the cause of a lot of angst - and yet he loves Elrond as a father and wants to please him, too. Wonderful, painful, tragic chapter. Yet, they will be reunited - they will. In time. And what is time to an elf? And Elrond will have Celebrian. Strong and healthy and recovered and forgiving and able to support him through his recovery. Poor Arwen. Poor Elrond. At least they've made the break. Now they can begin to build from this point. Which takes me back to the first sentence.

Redheredh · 29 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

Apt title. In fact, overflowing... Celebrian's presence saved the day, but only Glorfindel could rescue him. It was comforting watching Elrond and Celebrian's reconnection continue to strengthen. The flashback was lovely and enlightening about Arwen, but also about each parents and their relationship. ...your example of endurance... Those two paragraphs revealed the core of the love between father and daughter. And what make each of them so endearing to us readers.

meckinock · 29 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

Whew. That was a tough one, but beautiful. Last partings are always hard, and the parting of Arwen and Elrond broke my heart. Accepting that you will be parted and actually saying those last words, touching one last time, and then turning and walking away and not looking back, are two different things. Their excruciating final farewell reminded me of "Little House on the Prairie" (of all things.) When I was little, we lived a long way from our nearest relatives, and yet we saw them several times a year. So it wasn't until I read LHotP that I realized that for our ancestors, coming to America or even moving a few states away meant knowing you would never see your family again. This chapter really reinforced how hard this must be. How hard it must have been for Arwen to say those words: "Tomorrow will be the last day I see you." And it must have taken extraordinary strength for her to countermand her father when he wavered, thinking of his desire to see the kingdoms restored and see his grandchildren. As much as she must have yearned for him to see them also, she saw what needed to be done. That was so hard to read! I was glad for the sweet flashback in the end (you do always seem to know when we need a nice flashback.) I love the image of Arwen with her little arms crossed in from of her, demanding that she get her way. And Celebrian's willingness to let her make her own mistakes and Elrond's desire to protect mirrored Elrond's confession to Arwen earlier. And yet he respects her decision and doesn't try to cage her. I also really liked Aragorn writing letters to everyone, particularly Celebrian.

paranoidangel · 29 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

That was so sad, even though I knew what was going to happen - I had to stop in the middle for a break!

Linda Hoyland · 29 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

A very moving chapter,especially the flashback.I like to imagine too that Arwen sent letters to her mother.

Elflingimp · 27 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

That was good early morning reading,a nice way to start the day,it was very emotional I almost cried at parts(but I always feel that way about sad partings)I am just glad Elrond has some comfort and a love waiting for him,Thankyou for all your wonderful writing.

Karri · 27 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

A very sad chapter! Its made me sniffly every time I've read. Bravo!

Jane · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

Awesome as ususal! I was worried about the Twins, It's good to know that they didn't choose mortality like their sister. Thaks for the Most Excellent Chapter!! Cheers!!

Gwynhyffar · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

*Lets out a long breath* Oh. My. Gosh. That was so powerful, Nilmandra. I could feel every bit of Elrond's grief, and as the tale went on it just kept increasing. Glorfindel is, of course, a hero, and he proved it again here. Arwen was as I would have thought her to be - looking forward to her life, and grieving for her loss. As if that were not enough, she was feeling it all at the same time. I could see her strength as well as her regret in her interactions with Elrond. Celebrian's presence was a treat and probably the only thing that kept Elrond going. The flashback was poignant. Wow! <- that pretty much sums it up. Gwyn

Amy · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

This chapter was a kick in the gut and had me weeping again. Excellent telling of the parting of Elrond and Arwen, with everything and nothing to say. I've read a fic where Celebrian came to Arwen in Gondor in dreams and met Aragorn. Arwen's mind meld with Elrond amd Celebrian was a good way to handle this vital talk between them and to take some of the guilt from Elrond. I love Aragorn's letters to his family in Valinor. I like the way that you handled the twins' and Glorfindel's decisions to stay for a time. I've never come to a decision myself whether both twins go to Valinor or not. There's a certain symmetry in their being split, as Elros and Elrond were, but also a certain appropriateness in their leaving together at last. Arwen as a child! Such a charming and stubborn person would have been hard for anyone to resist or gainsay. Gracious and unwavering! Aragorn's going to have to be the best king that Gondor ever had to keep her happy.

perelleth · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

Wow! This was hard but very well done! Arwen's dignity and her strength are particularly moving, Nilmandra, and it is not strange, since it was her choice, but yet her mix of joy and pain is perfect!The flashback again was lovely, with her determination to try her wings...IT must have been so heart wrenching to ELrond! But, thankfully, Glorfindel was there. He is superb all times, but I particularly liked when he sings his memories of the Blessed Realm, so Elrond will be reassured of how much he longs to be there and that he will not leave the twins behind. YOur GLorfindel comes out as such a strong and decisive cupport to Elrond! But this was my favourite part ;-) Fairy tales,” replied Elrond. He handed the book to Aragorn. “Or so they will seem to Men one day. Such sadness and acceptance of the small and the great pains the times are bringing: the severing of a familiy tie beyond the circles of the world, but also of two kindreds, one to be ost forever from knowledge and memory...and all entwinted in him. A great great touch! Congratulations! It was moving, yet not overdone, and comforting and so deep! !

Lianna · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

This is a bit off-topic, but thanks for putting a description of a nursing toddler into your story. Sometimes I think that most of the world is unaware that this situation is even possible.

French Pony · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

It must be hard to be a daddy. Mommies mostly seem to have a handle on letting children grow up, but daddies seem to take it on the chin when the kids decide to leave. Arwen and Celebrían are both very strong here, accepting of their fates and unflinchingly supportive of Elrond. He is a very lucky person that he has such a wife and daughter to take care of him. If Celebrían's presence is this strong here in Middle-earth, it's going to be such a knockout when he actually sees her again in Valinor. I suspect that she hasn't just been healed -- she's stronger than ever before. Elrond may have lost Vilya and Arwen, but he'll be reunited with Celebrían and possibly his parents. It won't be the same, but he'll have gains to match his losses.

shirebound · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

Nilmandra, I think this is the most beautiful chapter yet. Oh so sad, and yet oh so loving and hopeful. I have to highlight my favorite passages, and the final one brought such a smile to my face! "Oh, she loves you, Adar. You know, I dreamed that one day I would look upon someone the way she looked upon you. And the way your eyes followed her wherever she went – I wanted someone to love me like that in return. I feel blessed that I found that kind of love.” "...Annúminas restored and the Northern Dúnedain living as they were meant to live, not as wandering guardians but honored and respected people of the king." “It has been your example of endurance that has most sustained me,” she said. “I sometimes had to remind myself that the person of Elrond who was my father was the same Elrond of all the old tales, the one who sustained and continued on, no matter what blows he was dealt. It seemed too much for one life, and yet you never gave up. When you made Aragorn wait, it seemed a harsh sentence to one of mortal years, yet I knew I must trust you, when you had waited for this mortal man for thousands of years.” He managed to speak his words before tears silenced his voice. With tears streaming down her face, Arwen replied, “I love you dearly, Adar. Go to Naneth and be at peace. My children’s children will sing of my love for you.” Her voice broke. “Thank you for giving me wings.” “That wood elf is going to return with others of his realm. We cannot let our sister’s children have only that influence of elvendom,” teased Elladan.

Ellie · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

No kidding about this being a cup of sorrows. You ahould have called it "box of tissues" too because I about went through one with all of Elrond's partings and the bombshells dropped on him and his memories. This was so beautiful, but so amazingly sad. I love Glorfindel in this. He is so amazingly wonderful as comforter and friend. Love your characterizations of everyone. Sigh... Well done as always! *sniff sniff* well done...

daw the minstrel · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 16: Cup of Sorrows

As always, I really liked the flashback to little Arwen. You can see the determination that would serve her well over the years. The other thought I had as I read this was about the twins. I wonder what effect staying behind in ME had on them. The working of elven generations is a puzzle for me. How do you know when you're a full adult? I thought the need to manage Imladris on their own, to live in ME without either parent was probably a change-making experience for them.

The Karenator · 7 July 2006 · Chapter 15: Queen of Elves and Men

You've done a masterful job of getting into Elrond's head and revealing the grief he must have felt for losing his daughter and the loss of Vilya's power. One event alone would have been enough to throw him off, but put the two together and Elrond is really struggling. Even though the twins appeared only briefly, I thought as I read about them that they were caught in the middle. They must have also experienced a range of emotions. They were happy for Arwen's marriage, sad for the pain it brought them all and suffering the agony of their father. I imagine they spent a lot of time simply trying to figure out how to 'feel'. Perspective can be tough when there is so much emotion evolved. I suppose no one could have been really prepared for the pain of separation when Arwen chose mortality. It's always far harder than anticipated. And Elrond has suffered separation from the people he loves over and over, but I don't think experience makes it any easier. Each time is new. I like the flashback to Arwen's childhood and in that memory, Elrond seemed to find some solace. She has always been preparing to be the queen of men and elves. There's something about the memory that speaks of her 'rightful' place. It was a good memory, but bittersweet for Elrond. Gandalf was really 'full' in this chapter. He's come full circle. His light is no longer dimmed by the world and his task in it, but he's more of his true self than we've seen previously. However, Gandalf being Gandalf, he remains a mystery. I really liked this. This was a lovely chapter. Sad, of course, but beautifully written. I think the thing I liked most was the hope you left Elrond with at the end. He knew he had to leave, and even though he was reluctant, he knew it was the best course of action. I could see the old Elrond in his resolve begin to surface again. Even the strongest people have struggles, but what makes them truly strong is being able to allow others to choose their own destinies, and the resolve to honor and respect that choice by going on with their lives. Not easy at all. Especially when the choice breaks your heart. Just lovely, Nilmandra. Just lovely.

RS · 6 July 2006 · Chapter 15: Queen of Elves and Men

I do love the relationship between Arwen and her brothers; and her manipulation of them. I love her strong will. I do wish that there were more fics on Arwen and her brothers. Of course, after writing this I realized you have "History Lessons: The Second Age"! I will get on that right away! Again what can I say that I haven't said already. I love your history lessons! Elrond needs to get to Celebrian right away! But of course that means the parting of Elrond and I'm dreading it!

elliska · 4 July 2006 · Chapter 15: Queen of Elves and Men

Wow! I missed the notification on this and found it when I was catching up with reading. What a great surprise! You have done a great job with Elrond here. I think he would be so profoundly affected by the loss of Vilya followed so quickly by the loss of his daughter. So sad but very real, I think. And very vividly portrayed. I loved Mithrandir's response to Arwen's request. I have always loved the wizards and I love how he came across as so powerful here. Subtly done, but powerful. But my favorite part was the history part. What a clever idea to use the birth of a princess to give Arwen her first trip to the Mannish realm she would one day rule. Eldacar said this princess of the Elves would one day be queen of us all. Wonderful! Poor Elrond. He needs to get to Valinor.

Dot · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 15: Queen of Elves and Men

I’m having trouble thinking of something to say beyond “poor Elrond.” Ack. You’ve made me feel for him so many times but this chapter… There’s just such a sense of this being the end now. He’s surrounded by people who love him and want to help him but really, there’s little that Glorfindel – even Mithrandir – can do now. It seems that what Mithrandir really is now is reassurance. He accepts what is happening to Elrond as inevitable and he seems to have the faith in the healing of Valinor of someone who knows and understands it. Mithrandir’s gentle prodding of Elrond may be painful, but it will keep him from giving in to despair. This part was so heartbreaking that it brought tears to my eyes: but his daughter was already only a faint memory of what had once been. Within his heart was a dull ache, his pain echoing in the empty place she had once filled. Fragile threads tying her to him were present, and much as he had done during the night, he explored them, memorized them, already fearing the day they would disappear. What utter emptiness he must feel – even though his daughter is physically so near. And the worst is that he knows that there is further emptiness to come some day. Glorfindel really is such a friend. He just gives and gives and gives. And he encourages Elrond to stand on his own, to put the strength he has been given to use, to go and be with those he loves and not brood on his own. I love that as Elrond enters the common room, elves with a gift for healing subtly and freely offer him their strength. That was one of my favourite parts. For all that my heart goes out to Galadriel as well, I’m glad that she and Elrond have each other. They’re suffering in different ways, but they both share this loss of their ability to deal with the burdens they carry. Seeing her calmed and supported by Celeborn was so poignant, though – to know that they will be parted soon. It was such a powerful moment when Elrond sees his daughter. He knew this would happen but even having experienced his sundering from Elros, how could he have prepared for this? I really like the way you show the reactions in a physical sense – it proves just how important an elf’s spirit is - it’s what makes them who they are, not their bodies. A wound to the body is just that, whereas a wound to the fëa has this devastating effect. I feel bad for Arwen too. She doesn’t seem to have felt the sundering as Elrond did but to suddenly realise – to see in front of her – a very real and shattering outcome of her choice must be hard to take. She thought she understood but she didn’t. And now none of it can be undone. Perhaps in some ways it was better like this – she needed to make the choice she did and perhaps she wouldn’t have if she truly knew what it would mean. It’s just that Elrond, as always, must suffer… Yet I think that Arwen will come out of this a stronger, even more compassionate person and it will make her an even better Queen of Men. How hard this must be for Elladan and Elrohir too. They’re losing their sister, even if they are in a better place to appreciate her happiness, and they’re watching their father diminish before their eyes. Still, they have strength – and if it comes to it, between them and Glorfindel and Celeborn they could probably bundle Elrond onto a ship ;-) Elrond seems to be learning to give in with grace to the help that others offer him and to realise that he needs this help that is given so freely and with so much love. I think it probably helped him too to realise that others found comfort in giving it, just as he finds comfort in offering it to Arwen. I read that part where she rushes into his arms through a blur of tears! What an incredible job you did with scene where Arwen tells them that she will offer her place on the ship to Frodo. There’s such selflessness in her. She sees what has happened her father and grandmother – but she knows that they will find healing once they make the decision to go. But what of Frodo? She sees a way to help give him the healing he needs and to try to repay him for all he has done. I’m still tearing up at the thought that she gave him the jewel as a token of friendship that he might be welcomed in Elvenhome. I love the idea that hobbits were a surprise! It makes them so special, that they came from Eru himself, created only out of love and a desire for simplicity. It seems so wrong that they should suffer and yet it is their very humility that gives them strength to do what’s needed. And I love the reminders of who Mithrandir is. He has come back changed – and even closer, perhaps, to the One and acting with his authority. He may even have knowledge himself of all that will come to pass – and if he does, it seems not a burden, but to give him a peace that is reassuring. And Elrond, now that he has had this moment with his daughter knows that she has so much before her – a new beginning for Men – and for her to have that, he must let her move on and face the end of the elves’ time in M-e, of his place in its history, with the dignity and grace that he can see in his daughter, that he taught her. He is not fading away or leaving a world in need – he is passing on the baton of hope and giving his greatest treasure to help build a new world. He is, as you say, ending well. I really loved the flashback. It was such a moment of lightness to see the family together, to seem them happy and teasing one another and behaving as any family would. And Arwen, it turns out, was always a queen-in-the-making! It’s achingly lovely to see her relationship with her adar. She certainly managed to get people to do just what she wanted ;-) LOL at Glorfindel stating that if she were like her mother she’d ride off disguised as one of the warriors – and Elrond waiting a few days to say no so she’ll think he considered it. *snort* And he seems to think that’ll work too… How sad, though, that even though they found delight in new occupations, they missed their children – and Celebrían “missed her daughter dreadfully.” To know that now they won’t see each other ever again until, perhaps, the ending of time is heartbreaking. And Arwen arrived home a princess of Elves and Men, someone already possessing the qualities that would make her their queen. We can already see the strength and confidence, the imperiousness and stubbornness that, tempered by wisdom and experience, a life of sorrows and joys, will make her someone to guide the people into whose hands the elves leave the shaping of Middle-earth. And Elrond needs to go, for his own sake and for his daughter’s sake. *sigh* Wonderful chapter. And I’ve rambled on too long! I look forward to the next chapter. There’s still much pain, of course, but Elrond is getting nearer to healing… Great stuff, Nilmandra.

Redheredh · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 15: Queen of Elves and Men

And still, they persevere - together. I do so love this family and all its extensions. The continuing connection to Elros' children was especially satisfying, though. Elrond's return to health is achingly mundane. In that I mean, terribly real. After a traumatic accident or injury, it takes a time and faith to regain the strength to face loss, sometimes permanent weakness, and humbling change. Sometimes, it requires accepting the charity, if not the pity, of others and extending more trust then one had ever before thought bearable. But, it was the flashback that I really enjoyed this chapter. There are plenty of stories written about coming-of-age, but for Arwen this was actually a coming-of-consequence. She realized she had a role to play in the world, not just in her family - if she was determined (and clever) enough to fill it. The heiress of her mothers and grandmothers. Beautifully writing angst and welcomed hopeful resignation. Another wonderful chapter.

Dreamflower · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 15: Queen of Elves and Men

At last! I had been saving this new update for the time to savor it without interruption, and I am so glad that I did! It's a beautiful chapter, just beautiful, as Arwen faces the sorrows her decision has caused, and yet finds the compassion to try and provide for the Ringbearer. I love Gandalf's revelation that the Valar knew nothing of hobbits! Eru's little secret weapon, were they? What a wonderful thing. Also I enjoyed seeing all the quiet love, support and comfort being offered across the board--not only *to* Elrond, but *by* Elrond as well. And the little flashback of Arwen's first "diplomatic mission" was a foreshadowing of the time when she would wrap even the Valar themselves around her little finger!

Karri · 1 July 2006 · Chapter 15: Queen of Elves and Men

That was a melancholy chapter. Beautiful written as always, but its left me all pensive. :-P

French Pony · 1 July 2006 · Chapter 15: Queen of Elves and Men

I do believe I know something of stubborn daughters who do what they will and only ask their Adar's permission as a formality. . . Probably the best thing that Elrond is gaining from this extended wedding visit is seeing that, for all that she has become mortal now, Arwen is still Arwen. She's the person that he raised her to be, and he ought to be very proud of her. Because she seems to be very proud of him, and will always love him, even though she's a grownup now.

French Pony · 1 July 2006 · Chapter 14: The Wedding

All those wedding rituals and roles get so mixed up when one's prospective spouse is also one's foster sibling and one's first cousin many times removed. The bit where Elrond, standing in for Arathorn, formally welcomed Arwen into his family was especially priceless. I like that Elrond can feel Celebrían more and more now. It's a reminder to him that he still has something to look forward to after everything that he's lost.