Reviews (376)

Eruanneth_Luin · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 12: Narya

Excellent chapter, Nilmandra! Let me begin with the singularity of Glorfindel, you show how he differs so greatly from his peers in many subtle and marvelous ways, and is ever the devoted protector of Elrond. His genuine and agonizing grief over the fall of Mithrandir put to rest the thought that he is beyond the travails of his kindred. Twice-born, powerful elf-lord, Balrog slayer he may be, but still loss of those for whom he cares deeply affects him profoundly. The image of Glorfindel atop the waterfall, golden hair flowing (sigh, okay, so I have a fondness for beautiful golden-haired elven males.), and alert to changes undetected by others nearly took my breath. What a perfect sentinel he is for the hidden land he helps guard. The interplay between the Three (and on occasion the One) was so well done, especially Elrond ‘seeing behind’ the mind of Sauron. How incredibly difficult it must have been for Elrond to release his twin sons to become bait for the gaping maw of Sauron. Even though he had glimpses, the visions were not terribly encouraging. His thought that Arwen would be making lembas (an elven gift) for the last time would have been yet another sorrow added to his heaping plate. How Elrond survived the seemingly endless tragedies and losses to continue to befriend, aid, and comfort so many diverse peoples must be a singular testimony of his blended heritage. Ah, Galadriel, wise elf, but still not beyond temptation, yet in the ultimate test she resists the almost overpowering urge to fall prey to the One Ring. Thank you for including this sight of her struggle through the eyes of a fellow ring-keeper. Also of interest is the comment about hobbits not desiring the power that the Ring would enhance. There are few today who could be accused of wanting a simple, peaceful life. Elrohir made it through an entire chapter without a more serious wounding than his obvious empathy for Glorfindel. That should make Elrond happy, too.

Dreamflower · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 12: Narya

This was such a lovely loong chapter--I printed it to read while eating lunch, and it was a very satisfying 40 pages--plenty long enough to last the whole meal! There was so much to like about it--the events of the story, during the Moria journey and the sojourn in Lorien were very cunningly worked out, and I found your author's notes marvelous. It had not occured to me before to wonder where Elrond and Galadriel had obtained some of their knowledge--I always just assumed they had been communing via the Three. But your explanations make far more sense! But what I would love to focus on was the arrival of Gandalf/Mithrandir/Olorin in Middle-earth. His warm reception in Rivendell, the way he was made welcome, reminded me so much of in The Hobbit, when the house of Elrond is described as The Last Homely House--such a phrase simply has to define hospitality. I enjoyed Glorfindel's slow realization of who and what he was, and Mithrandir's revelations to the others of his identity and mission. Yet even before all that, they welcomed a seeming old man, for no other reason than he came with the twins, and had come from Cirdan. Thank you so much for a lovely read!

shirebound · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 12: Narya

“The end is not known! The eagles watch!” cried Gwaihir. What a marvelous messenge, and such a noble and steadfast messenger. I adored that scene between Gwaihir and the Elves. Elrond stood in the shadows, watching his daughter as she stood among the Rangers, soon to be her people too. Halbarad kissed her hand, then went where she sent him, for he would not dare argue with the Lady of Rivendell, the lady who might soon be his Queen. You've given Arwen a solemn and mature role. There is so little of her in the Trilogy, and how rich a story you are letting us see here.

Elflingimp · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 12: Narya

Well that was the best by far chapter I have read, and all the others were great too! I wish we could somehow just stick all this into the real books,they have so much insight it feels like they somehow belong in Tolkiens books I cant wait for more. Your faithful reader ElflingImp(Debbie)

French Pony · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 12: Narya

Hi, Nilmandra! I'm just stopping in to note that I've finally caught up. I enjoy all the speculation about the uses and effects of the Rings that the characters have been engaging in here. And your way with writing children is just absolutely adorable. Back to Le Thesis.

paranoidangel · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 12: Narya

Wow, that looked complicated to work out! I really liked seeing what Elrond was doing while the Fellowship was out there, and how they were all working to help them. I also liked Arwen going off and dealing with all the things the Rangers would need.

daw the minstrel · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 12: Narya

I found the author's notes fascinating. They show the reasoning you put into this chapter. One of the things that's always interesting in this story and HLI and II too is that you notice gaps and ask questions that never occurred to me anyway. And Tolkien was so careful with things like dates that you know he had to be aware of the timing, for instance. In this chapter, I particularly liked seeing Mithrandir appear for the first time. It hadn't occurred to me that he might just let them guess who he was but that makes sense. He must have been laughing to himself as he watched Glorfindel struggle with that sense that he knew him.

Amy · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 12: Narya

Fascinating and plausible scenario that you've brought to life here. Determined!Arwen putting all of Imladris to work for the Dunedain is marvelous. And I really like the prophecy with the standard. How could there not be "magic" woven into the sewing that she does? Interesting insight into Glorfindel as well. He's such a rock of support.

Bodkin · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 12: Narya

Most Excellent. I love super-Glorfindel - who keeps his superstardom under control most of the time, but just occasionally lets it get away from him. And your Arwen - loud cheers for her. Strong, determined, far-sighted, supportive, planning, organised. Everything she had to be to succeed in the life she chose for herself. Everything she had to be as Elrond and Celebrian's daughter and Galadriel and Celeborn's granddaughter. The twins - I love seeing them going off as their father's sons. There is a whole undercurrent that makes me think of WW1 and WW2 - Dagorlad was Elrond's war to end an age, and this is theirs. Their characters are so distinctive, too - so many characters so well defined. I rather like the Elrohir/Glorfindel relationship too, while I'm thinking about it. And Elrond. What a guy. Under so much pressure from so many directions and yet remaining faithful to who he is. Honesty. I think that's one of the qualities that shines from him. Glad to see that the right thoughts occur to him at the necessary moments. But it must have been so hard to send his sons south. He could have lost everyone for whom he cares. Such courage. Harder to smile them on their way than to go himself. The newly arrived Mithrandir was delightful. Like the suspicion of him - and the slowly dawning recognition of who he was. The twins accepted him easily - but then they were younger and more innocent in those days. More hobbit-like, perhaps. All in all a wonderful handling of a very difficult time. And nothing will ever go back to being as it was.

Levade · 1 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

For an age of the world we have waited for this day. We will fight as long as we must, or at least as long as we can I've always loved the picture of elves facing their foes singing, and if I remember right didn't they send the Fellowship off singing? It's such an image of hope even in the face of overwhelming odds (thinking of Ecthelion leading his House into battle with the sound of the flutes). There's something very Keltic in that. For the elves to now be able to do nothing, to realise the land they love, and are tied to by their lives, is slipping from them into the control of Men is a poignant one to me. It makes me realise how gracious they were in letting go and if we could do the same in similar circumstances. It strikes me that Elrond, though he's faced so many hardships from his childhood on, is still not giving to despair. He knows the worst can still happen, but he's facing it calmly, with determination to make the best of it should it go bad. It would be harder to fear for your children, and even then, with what he knows, he is far from the dictating Elrond we saw in the movie. Seeing the family together was nice, and I have to say...poor Elrohir! He might be the one who relates more to the elves but he's sure seen more trouble! Loved the ladies home defense! Gooooo ladies! What will Elrond do once he's rested for an Age or two in Valinor? He's had so many responsibilities and worries for much of his life I think it will be welcome but odd for him.

perelleth · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

Now, Nilmandra, don't you fear that Elrond will sue you for so mistreating his son? :-) The story of Elrohir hiding in the wardrobe and finding the ring was very amusing, poor child, he must have been truly afraid! It is not only hobbits that run unexpectedly into Rings of power it seems ! :-) The family scenes and how life in Imladris goes on while the book follows other events is something I am enjoying very much in this third part. The family not able to go to slep that particular night and staying up devoting time to bitter sweet tales is very believable to me. Elrond's thought at the end that it might be one of the last times he heard his children's bantering was very powerful. Apologies for the delay and the poor review, but honestly, that's all I can manage right now...

meckinock · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

Dear Eru, I just lost about an 800 word review, so forgive me. OK, here we go. I can't imagine a more empty, apprehensive place in the world than the Last Homely House on the evening of December 25, 3018. It would be like waiting at a deathbed, only it's the deathbed of a world. And yet you filled it with warmth. Chilling warmth, though. There was something very chilling about the family sitting around in their warm, cozy house, calmly discussing the end of the world and their part in it. Elrond's line gave me shivers: we will fight as long as hope remains and likely long after it has failed. What a powerful moment when Elrond, simply and unexpectedly, whips off Vilya and passes it around! Leading of course to the little Elrohir story. Poor little guy; that would be terrifying for any little kid to be locked in a wardrobe, even without a ring of power stuck to his finger. I had forgotten that back then neither Elrond nor Galadriel was in the habit of wearing their rings and so would legitimately worry about what Elrohir might have encountered while wearing Vilya. Now, girl, I had almost forgotten how well you write battle scenes. The set-up, with Elladan and Elrohir scouting, had me sitting up in my seat, and it just got more tense and action-packed from there. Arwen almost walking right into a battle! Bad guys getting drowned in the Bruinen. Elrond using all his healing power to save Elrohir. And as always, choreographed so tightly and logically that it is always clear exactly where everyone is and what's going on. My favorite line, though, was Elladan's dry, "Which one is it?" And Glorfindel's simple answer. Not much sense in dissembling at that point! I was glad to see Celebrian there to take care of Elrohir afterwards, too. I know I've left out lots of great things because there were too many to remember them all. A very tense, emotionally-packed and satisfying chapter, Nilmandra. Thanks

elliska · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

Oh hooray! I am getting a chance to read and look what is here! I really enjoy the discussion of the Rings, their power, what will happen to them and all that. Tolkien really didn't say much about this--I think he was intentionally vague and it just begs for fanfic. I especially liked this, from the end: “If Vilya is enslaved, what happens to those who have been healed with the Ring? And if Vilya fails and all created with it fade, what effect will there be on those healed with it?” asked Elladan finally. What a question! You have really thought about all aspects of this. I love seeing that and thinking about it myself. And Elladan's first ancounter with Vilya. Poor thing! A ring that won't let go! That would certainly scare me. Elrond must have had a heart attack! But I absolutely loved the story of the early Third Age battles in the Northern Kingdom. I think Elrond's role in that would be fascinating to explore further. It is a period that would be rich with potential for fanfic and you had a lot of good stuff here. Very tense (I'm a little ashamed to admit it, but even more so with Arwen there) And wow! Elrond was incredible, both with the river and the healing. I could not read this whole part fast enough. But the last line made me cry. True and very sad. Great chapter! I loved it.

Redheredh · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

This was a fascinating, exciting chapter! *Very Nice* action scenes! Some of the highlights for me... Elrond's determination, all through the story of course, but how great it was in this chapter. There are other forces at work here than just those of evil..." Loved that concept and theme running behind the dire circumstances they eventually faced and were facing. Elrond's displaying Vilya and the entire family discussion. Examining the difference in this ring to that of the One. It says a lot about who Celebrimbor was at his core, in his heart. And, as I see them, very revealing thoughts about the jewels in the rings themselves, especially Vilya. Too beautiful to horde, yet they would remain unseen by most. Hidden as the Silmaril are hidden - where they are set in Morgoth's ring (crown) - but power flowing out, all the same. The unexpected momentary revelation of the jewel of the Air by one of Earendil's blood and the younger son at that. So apropos even if unintended. Little Elrohir's fear. Help me, Ada!" Goodness, what stories he must have heard that his fear was so great! But, it does show how much he trusted his father to save him from such perilous magic. His later apology for trespassing was so sweet. The encounter at the river was really exciting! Poor Elrohir! Both twins have really gotten battered a few times, haven't they. No wander he has a different perspective on life than his siblings. Young Elladan's thoughts about 'being in a story' reminded me of Sam's and Frodo's similar commiserating. I like how you expressed that 'belonging' is very important and Elladan's admission he wanted to experience, what he might have seen as merely exciting, defining conflict. Of course, it was good to see C&G clearly present and being appreciated by Elrond. I really like how you covered the whole situation they all were in so well. The various aspects of what might happen when the One was destroyed were very thoughtful and enlightening. Especially pondering what effects would continue and which would fade. Elrond's last realization about his children's banter, which was delightfully affectionate, was very sad. We know he has reason to feel that way, but he is unsure of much of the future. ... well, that was only a portion of what was so good about this chapter. I want add how very much I admire and appreciate your study of the events of these ages. You are indeed teaching your readers important lessons about the history of Middle-earth. But, in the most intriguing and entertaining way! HLs grows more and more impressive with each chapter.

RS · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

Wow! I'm lost for words. Another great chapter. I love how close this family is. The portrayal of the female elves is wonderful. They are not defenseless but have their own roles to play also. The long wait for this update is not in vain. Another wonderful history lesson. I am thoroughly enjoying this. Thanks.

The Karenator · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

Gosh, just a great chapter. I can imagine how at loose ends they all felt when the company left. Of course, they knew they all had their own roles to play when their time came, but it must have been quite a helpless feeling just the same. There was so much uncertainty. I liked how you brought the family...including Erestor and Glorfindel...together to talk about what had happened and to speculate about the future. I could see they were trying to prepare themselves for the worst, all the while, hoping for the best. There was a great deal of strength and power in that family circle. Elrohir's adventure was great. Scary for a little guy, but great. He reacted so typically like a curious kid and like a frightened one too. Nice details too when he was locked in the wardrobe. I could see what was happening easily. I even felt a little claustrophobic when he couldn't get out. In the end, when Elrohir was wounded and he touched the ring and it remembered him was a 'time stood still' moment. I can imagine the emotions felt by Elrond and Elrohir were quite varied, but the prevalent one was probably simple relief that no harm came to Elrohir in his brief brush with being a ring bearer. And Elladan had his own moment when he asked Glorfindel which ring his father wielded. I really liked that exchange. The ending was sad as Elrond realized the moments of having his children all gathered with him were now being numbered. Wonderful. I enjoyed every word, both times I've read this. Karen

Dot · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

I get so excited when I see an update of this! And this chapter was very interesting. I like way you’ve done it, with the family group gathering, somewhat at a loss, once the Company have set off. Elladan is done particularly well – he clearly needs to be doing something and would have probably felt more useful to be part of the fellowship and actively involved in the quest but he still respects his father and Elrond’s foresight. And he tries to provide some comfort to his father. How hard it must be for Elrond to know that he could still lose his sons as part of this fight. It’s interesting to ponder Arwen and what would happen her if Estel died or if the quest failed. Considering her end when she’s been bonded to him for so many years, it seems unlikely that she would follow him immediately at this stage. But still, now that her decision is made, sailing west just doesn’t seem an option for her, no matter what happens. I think Elrond is right that if Aragorn died and the quest failed, she’d keep fighting. It’s if he died and yet the ring was still destroyed… As usual, you’ve sprinkled this chapter with plenty of things to think about! But right now they’re all working through different feelings and yet come together in support of each other. And I love that Glorfindel and Erestor are included in the family group. I also really love the fact that Elrond can sense Mithrandir and Narya! I wouldn’t have thought of that. Now what I want to know is how far away Mithrandir goes before they lose contact or would a thread remain between them so that Elrond will be aware of his fall in Moria…?? Hmmm. Interesting! I was so fascinated by the discussion of the rings. I don’t want Elrond to suffer but at the same time I’m dying to see what you do with their loss of power :-) I like that Elrond is so honest with his family about what might happen. There’s something very poignant about the idea of him removing Vilya to see some of what he might face. His children are very perceptive. They’ve seen the different possibilities and know that even if the quest succeeds, Elrond will not find peace in Middle-earth. Interestingly, though the most frightening thought would be that Sauron gains control of the ring-bearers, Elrond’s children seem to put complete faith in the “keepers of the keepers”. Though they possibly also prefer not to know what would have to be done to keep their father from Sauron’s grasp. You took me by complete surprise with Elrohir’s story! And ring aside, it was really rather frightening to get stuck in there and have the door not open even though he was pushing on the lever. It rather sounds as thought events conspired to make him find the ring. I don’t know whether it’s more unsettling that it tried to become part of him or that it started to do his will. Elrohir’s panic was palpable and made for really tense reading. Of course, Galadriel and Elrond’s reactions made it quite clear how serious this could have been! Imagine how they must have felt. I don’t think I even really quite understood it until they confirmed that they didn’t feel any shadow on him. Wow. I know Elrond doesn’t like to enter his children’s minds without permission but I think he did the right thing in clouding the memory. It seems that while they were both concerned for Elrohir, Galadriel is more interested in what it might mean now that she knows her grandson is unharmed. To me there’s definitely a sense that she’s more intrigued by the rings than Elrond and is more willing to believe that the One is lost and unable to control the Three. The next part was very educational! You always make things that I’d probably have barely noticed (thanks for the footnote!) come alive and show us their importance. I particularly liked the idea of how involved Galadriel, Arwen and Celebrían are in the defence. And Celeborn and Glorfindel are protecting Elrond, though while the healer story is true, Elrond and Vilya seem to be doing their part for Imladris too… I always thought it was very sad that healers would lose their gift if they fought as warriors. Elrohir is interesting. How different things might have been for him had they lived in peace. Even now, before grief settles on him, I think that duty and expectation make his choices for him. It seems like he hates this, really, but could never stay at home and let others fight for him. Well, my heart was in my mouth when Elrohir was shot! And Elrond using the ring to heal him was one of the most amazing scenes I’ve ever read. This was so effective that it made me pause for a moment: ‘“Which one is it?” he asked. Glorfindel was silent for several minutes. “Vilya, the Ring of Air,” he said finally.’ I actually think it’s a little unsettling that Vilya remembers Elrohir! But that moment where he realises that his father wears the ring and starts to remember that he’s seen it before is done very well. I like that Elrond reassures him and lets him know how much he loves him and allows Elrohir into his own mind. So Elrohir has now been healed by two of the rings. Hmm. I’m becoming more and more intrigued by him. “If Vilya is enslaved, what happens to those who have been healed with the Ring? And if Vilya fails and all created with it fade, what effect will there be on those healed with it?” *blinks* Ok, in all honesty that never dawned on me before. Crikey, these rings are fascinating. How am I going wait patiently to see where you go with this?! I was glad to see Elrohir try to reassure Elrond. In a way your Elrohir reminds me of Arwen, in that he seems to possess a certain amount of acceptance. There’s something about him that I can’t quite put my finger on… at times there’s an edge of darkness and despair to him, even if he tries to keep it hidden, but there’s also the sense that he feels there’s something different about him, whether it’s from the poison that touched him and took Celebrían from them, or the effect of the rings or what… Maybe it’s that he’s already decided that there’s only one place that he’ll find peace but he’ll fulfil duty first and wait until he’s leaving no-one behind. That kind of acceptance would help him persevere for now, for his loved ones. I don’t know. Never mind me, you know I tend to ramble without thinking coherently. The ending made me smile, even as I felt pain for them all. This was really wonderful. And please take it as a compliment and not pressure when I say that you’ve left me chewing my nails waiting for more :-)

Nikara · 17 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

Another great chapter. This one was fascinating. The rings have always fascinated me, and the discussion about their powers was very interesting. I'm going to be so sad when this story is over!

paranoidangel · 17 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

Yay a new chapter! I really love the Elron & Elrohir interaction in this.

Bodkin · 17 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

Elrond could not help but smile at their reactions. He had pondered all of the ends he could conceive, and in none of them did Arwen willingly sail over sea. Take that, movie Elrond! I love the bond of love between Elrond's family - one that extends to include Glorfindel and Erestor. Elrohir's elfling story is great. Although the thought of Elrond and Galadriel just having their rings hanging around waiting to be found by curious elflings is quite scary. And just imagining Elrohir's experience as one that tentatively advanced the real employment of the rings by their bearers - all unknowing he was a little stalking horse, testing their connection to the One. Then - the next phase of the story! One of those mentioned-in-passing periods that must have been horrific. I'm glad to see Galadriel galvanising the female forces to guard the home fires - they would have had to, really. The elves are not so numerous as to be able to keep them apart from their struggles, even if they could be persuaded to do it. And poor Elrohir! He seems to end up getting the worst end of whatever is going! I'm very glad they were close enough to Elrond for him to be able to employ the ring to help him heal. (And I just love practical competent assured Arwen.) Although I fear that his contact with the ring might augur badly for him in the Fourth Age - he might not be a very happy elf as he waits for Elladan to be ready to sail. Fantastic chapter. I've missed out so much and so many of the thoughts that occurred as I was reading. But I'll need to go back and read it again a few more times to pick up all the delights. Well done.

Lady Saruman · 17 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

Finally! You haven't updated ever since January 18, 2006, if I remember correctly. Well, it's been nearly two months. Sometimes I even wonder what kind of "big" projects you are attempting. Today, I turned on my computer, went on this site, and scrolled down, and I saw this story! I nearly screamed in delight, because it was FOREVER since you last updated. Well, if you plan to write with that much description while only talking about a short event, then I must admit that it will take you forever to finish the history lessons of the third age. First off, I really liked it when you started off the chapter by sending the Company off to their quest, and then, supposedly, the twins and their father have a talk regarding their choices. But, in the end, Elladan and Elrohir both know that their father is right, because he had lived for several millennia, and also he had been known as Elrond the Wise, so that should eliminate all doubt that the twins have of their father not choosing them be a part of the Fellowship—replacing Merry and Pippin. Then, you make Elrohir accurately predict that his father would not pay attention to whatever he just said. Well, it turns out that he was half right. Elrond had been paying attention to the second part of his son's sentence, but not the first part. That fantasy about Elrohir finding the ring the way he did was just absoulutely realistic. That would be just like him: energetic, mischievious, all that stuff. Haha, when Elrond said that there was another Ringbearer in the room, all three of his children looked at Glorfindel. Not exactly my first choice of a Ringbearer, though I can see why they think so. And that part about Elrohir “sleep-talking,” as I like to call it, that was absolutely funny. Since you didn’t see my new review on the previous chapter, I’ll repeat it again: HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!! One thing that shocked me was that I found out you were the site owner. Somehow, I couldn’t imagine that. Sorry. It just sounded so unrealistic to me. Thank you for this great chapter, and I hope the next one won’t take as long to be updated. I also have two notes: why don’t you introduce your sister to write a story on this site too? I think it would be as fun reading her stories as would be yours. The second note is: can you please check out my new website: www.councilofelrond.com/members/LadySaruman, and tell me what you think of it? I think you already know about the guestbook things, being a member to sign it, and junk… Oh, and one more note, not to burden you, but I just had to write it out anyways. We are focusing on the Oregon Trail, and we are now square dancing. It sucks. This was what happened. At first, the first several steps weren’t that bad—they were things like swinging your partner (that’s when you hook onto the crook of your partner’s elbow and vice versa and then you spin in a circle, then reverse arms), then we have the do-se-do, which is putting your arms on your chest and circling your partner to the right. I forgot to mention ONE important thing: WE ALSO HAVE A CORNER PARTNER. That means that we have TWO partners. Ewwwwwww!!! Ok, and then the third step is that we grip our partner’s right arm, then you walk past him on their left side, then move to the next guy, get his left arm, and walk past him on his right side, and you keep on doing that until you reach your partner. Then there’s the bridge. The “head couple”, which is the couple facing the mountains, makes a bridge by placing the palms of their hands against each other, then the second pair goes under the bridge—girl, boy, girl, boy, and so on. Now, in each group there are four couples, and the last couple (which happens to be me and some guy) goes under the original bridge and makes a second one next to the first bridge. Then the head couple goes under our bridge and walk to their original spots, then we walk back. Finally, there’s the most horrible thing of all. It’s called something—it starts with a ‘p’—and what happens is that a girl has to turn to the right. She raises up her left arm, and her partner takes her hand with his left, and puts his right arm AROUND A GIRL’S WAIST and walks around with her around the circle. That was so disgusting and humiliating!!! Most of all, this was because this was during 1st period, and there were two PE classes, and they all gathered together to watch us dance. Waaahhhhhh!!! So with my partner, I snarled to him “DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH ME!” and he agreed, but there were actually some guys who actually DID PUT THEIR ARM AROUND A GIRL’S WAIST! *PERVERTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!* Now, please update sooner, you know we all love you. :) Hershey's kisses/hugs, Lady Saruman ^_~

Dreamflower · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

This is a briliant chapter! I love the way Elrond decides that among those closest to him, the time for secrecy about Vilya is at an end. I really enjoyed the story of little Elrohir finding the ring--perhaps it was that which made his father and grandmother decide it was safe to use their rings to protect their realms at last. However, I also like the caginess about Gandalf. I'm reminded of what Pippin said in Isengard: "nobody, not even Elves, will say much about Gandalf's movements when he is not there." And I liked that brief moment of communion with Gandalf--it makes me wonder if Elrond and Gandalf "kept in touch" a bit, at least during the early part of the journey? And what would Elrond have felt upon Gandalf's fall in Moria--would he have been aware of some disaster falling on the wizard? The story of Elrohir's injury and healing was very touching--I could feel his family's anguish, and Elrond's determination to save this son. Altogether, very interesting!

Karri · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

That was quite the exciting chapter. :-) I enjoyed the tale of Elrohir's childhood encounter with the ring very much! Wonderful chapter overall! *claps*

Jay of Lasgalen · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

*Happy sigh* This was wonderfully unexpected, and such a marvellous chapter! I loved the flashbacks and the exploration of Vilya's powers - it almost seems like another character. Elrohir's early encounter with it - that he wielded it and commanded it himself, albeit briefly - was a surprise, but I can understand why Elrond hid the memory. The description of his second encounter with it, when Elrond healed him, was very sudden and shocking. Elladan's despair at finding his twin so close to death (dead?) was vivid. Although I knew that Vilya and the elven realms would fade if the One Ring was destroyed, I never thought about what would happen to those who had been healed by Vilya. It's an interesting question. I hope, for Elrohir's sake (as he has been on the receiving end of healing by one of the rings of power quite often) that he won't be affected. Jay

shirebound · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

As painful as that was, he recalled the day he had found Elrohir sitting alone near the waterfall in despair. The doting brother who had once plunged into danger to save his little sister had realized he could not stand between her and death this time. Protective, fierce Elladan, though, would order the world to his liking and decide the fate of those he loved. Elrond saw Elros in him, evidence of the mortal blood they had inherited from him. What a warm, bonded, amazing family you've crafted for us. And what an amazing chapter, Nilmandra. Well worth the wait! You are a true artist with words.