Reviews (57)

DJXtwj2c · 2 December 2015 · Chapter 2: Part II

You get a lot of respect from me for writing these helpful areitlcs.

paranoidangel · 3 March 2008 · Chapter 3: Part III

I did enjoy this. I love Glorfindel glowing and driving off the evil spirit. It was so sad all those people dying, and especially Toman and Elrohir not being able to do anything about it.

The Lady of Light · 12 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

I did very much enjoy this. Very few authors that I have read have taken this tack to exploring this phantasmagoric aspect of Tolkien's works. It's wonderfully refreshing, fascinating and creepy to read. Best, ~The Lady of Light~

Melje · 21 May 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

Wow, I get back to reading fan fiction after a looong period with limited computer time, and I find whole new stories – and complete, too! – from you! Reading them all will take some time, I see there’s a whole new installment of History Lessons, but I’m up to the challenge – quite looking forward to it, actually. And this one is about the Twins, oh joy! The opening scenes are very powerful, and they reminded me of a French novel, The Horseman on the Roof. It’s about a lone man wandering in the sun-scorched Provence during a cholera epidemics, have you read it? There’s a movie, too, and a good one at that, but the book is better, as usual ;o) Yet, as far as I recall, the horseman didn’t care overly much for the victims of the epidemics, or at least he doesn’t feel responsible for them, while of course Elrohir would. It’s really moving to see how he tries at least to ease the passing of the old man. I just LOVED the dreamy atmosphere of the scene with the tree, how it starts to wind its tendrils around Elrohir’s neck, and he just stands there, frozen, fascinated, and doesn’t try to pull away. And I hated both Elrohir and Glorfindel right after, Elrohir for not telling and setting off on his own, and Glorfindel for not pursuing the matter and letting him go, even though he had before him a clearly shaken and bedraggled... elfling. What were they thinking?? And then again, while he is caring for the boy, Elrohir doesn’t tell Glorfindel, not even when the elf hints at the fact that the spirit might be pursuing another strategy. Grrrr... It was very decent of Mandos recognising that Elrohir had been deceived, and giving him a second chance. I hope this teaches him not to make hasty choices in the future. I can’t believe how much looking after Elrohir needs; if I were his brother, I would be really annoyed. AAARGH! What do Erestor and Glorfindel mean, when they say that they’d expect Elladan and not Elrohir to choose the fate of Men? Do they know something I don’t? Have you explored the idea in one of the stories I have yet to read? You’re not having the Twins make the same choice as Arwen, are you. Or even worse, choose separate fates! May I remind you that Elrond will be waiting for them in Valinor, and when he realises one or both are not coming, he will go after you?

TolkienFanatic · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

This story is great, like all your others. I'm glad Elrohir was alright in the end. I liked the bible references in this fic. BTW, I have a challenge for you. I loved the History Lessons series, and I want you to write some first age stories, from before Elrond was born.

Dot · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

Catching up now that I’ve satisfied my little Legles craving. Temporarily :-) This was a wonderfully written, thought-provoking ending, Nilmandra. That child just about broke my heart. I thought it was so touching how Elrohir coaxes that lost little boy out of hiding and into his arms. Once Elrohir spotted the black marks it was clear that the child would probably die so I was glad he had someone to offer him love and comfort in this world before he found it in the next. In a way I think I felt more for Elrohir in his sorrow because the best thing for the child at this stage, after all he’s suffered, probably was to follow his family. The return of the spirit was very frightening. The atmosphere in this story has really been ranging from spooky to downright terrifying! His body will die and his spirit will flee, but it will not find peace. I thought that was very chilling. A person’s spirit is of such importance to elves that the idea of it being lost to torment forever must be the worst possible fate that Elrohir could imagine. I like how you show Glorfindel always in the background and we know that he doesn’t have it easy here – he’s providing strength and support to both Elrohir and Toman and he also has the horrible practicalities of burying the child’s family. What was very interesting was how everything the spirit said made sense in a way, which made it so much harder to dismiss – whether it’s about alliances with Men or Elrohir having the choice to follow the boy’s spirit. I was worried when Elrohir reached out to calm Toman and drew nearer to his spirit. I really wondered route he would take but knew that he wouldn’t be able to bear the thought that Toman’s spirit would stray and be taken by evil if there was any chance at all that he could guide it along the right path. The moment when Toman died and Glorfindel appears to ward off the evil spirits was amazing. Don’t you love Glorfindel? Well, ok, we all know you do ;-) But I gasped aloud when Elrohir chose at that moment to follow the boy. The joy that filled Toman as he was welcomed and taken home was such a relief, but I also felt sort of… sad for Elrohir in that moment that he hadn’t trusted enough that Toman would be looked after. Still, in his sorrowing, exhausted state, plagued by this evil spirit, he reacted to what made sense to him at the time and made a brave choice. It sounds like an odd thing to say, but I like the depiction of Mandos! He’s such a mixture of love and strength. The way he chastises Elrohir is gentle but at the same time there’s no questioning his power. And Elladan! Boy was I glad to see him there. He fought a hard battle and must have been petrified but it was a wonderful reminder of the nobility and power that make him who he is. I was glad to glimpse this side of him – such a mixed heritage gives him a tie to more than elves and if this makes him of interest to those with evil intent, it’s also from where he can draw this awe-inspiring strength. I thought it was very moving that this really showed that Elladan and Elrohir are two different people – neither less than the other, just each possessing different gifts. But together they make in incredible team. I loved the closing conversation between Erestor and Glorfindel. Those two are by Elladan’s and Elrohir’s side through so much and they must have been both terrified and impressed by what they just witnessed. And, of course, Glorfindel has the wisdom to know that even he cannot understand their fate and to recognise that Elrohir has not only learned something today but has drawn a little closer to Men in gaining knowledge of their fate. If that’s frightening for those who love Elrohir, it’s still a gift granted to him to prepare him for when he must make his choice. And it’s a very moving glimpse of Elrond’s courage and strength too that he can act on the knowledge that his sons must be able to choose freely, even if it means that they might choose a fate different than he did. Oops, I’ve gone on too long. Well, I enjoyed this story very much, Nilmandra! It was insightful, scary, moving and ultimately very comforting. I’m looking forward to whatever you write next :-)

Bodkin · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

The poor child. And he offered a perfect way for the spirit to seduce Elrohir into listening to him. But how could Elrohir have ignored the threat to the child and still remained Elrohir? He would have been devastated if it had proved that the child's spirit could be trapped in eternal torment when he could have prevented it. Hugely courageous of him to face death to protect the child - although, I suppose, in some ways that's what he does as a warrior every day. And a great relief that he was able to be drawn back. There's more to these Peredhel than might appear - not just the tie to the Edain, but also the link to spirits that existed before Arda - and will continue to exist after the world ends. They may choose to live as elves (they'd better!) but they are - well - a unique family. Although - when you look at the Elros part of the family - extensive. Perhaps Elrohir would have been wiser to tell Glorfindel what the spirit was saying to him, though. Although Elladan turned up in the nick of time and saved the day!

Inariel · 17 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

Just to let you know that I am still reading and enjoying what you write. Thanks again for keeping the list, and for the joy I get of your work.

Sez · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

This is the first time I have done this. However, I wanted to let you know that I love your stories, that I have come across recently. I especially love the interplay between the Rivendell and Mirkwood elves and would love to see that explored - you hint that Elladan and Legolas are squaring for a contest after the Council, and would love to read about that - not least as I think the twins must be very ambigous about the fact that their father has chosen Legolas to go with Estel, not them. I can imagine they have a few issues to sort out but would realise his worth after a fairly severe testing.

The Karenator · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

Ah, Providence...and wonderful birthday gifts. You hit on a pet peeve of mine. Have you ever noticed in tales of spooks, vampires--whatever--the hero is going it alone or with a ragtag band of marginally socially acceptable, heavily-armed misfits, fighting evil single-handed? The bad guys are vile and disgusting, thumping their nose at a Higher Power. Priests, nuns, and innocent people are their favorite targets. I'm not Catholic and that always ticks me off. In these tales, evil has backup from Big Evil. The poor parish priest is fodder. Where's the Good Higher Power? Where's the archangel with his flaming sword? Would God just ignore the plight of His people and let supernatural creatures destroy His own? I hate that! I want Gabriel to blow that blasted horn and a host of heavenly avengers descend on the creeps like Raid on roaches. Go Illuvatur! Go Manwe! Glorfindel glows! That works. Elrohir is willing to assume the role of protector and escort! That works too. Go Good! Elrohir was brave, putting the needs of the little boy above his own. He was willing to risk his own destiny to see the child safe. I love that he found there are 'greater powers' at work in the world than Melkor or Sauron or some unnamed houseless ones bent on taking advantage of the innocent. I love his willingness to sacrifice himself if necessary to save a child. Free will. We all have the free will to choose. Elrohir chose to do the right thing even if it was at his own expense. But the best part, of course, was we find out it wasn't necessary; Illuvator looks after His own. Elrohir learned a good lesson, but his heart was certainly in the right place. Go Good! Thank you so much for this beautiful tale. It was properly spooky, but held a greater meaning than just things that go bump in the night. It's reassurance that we have 'backup' even if it seems at times we are alone, or at best, have only a ragtag group of friends to support us. I'm grateful for my not-so-ragtag group of friends, and for the Big Backup. Sometimes, we all need to hear we're surrounded by love. We just have to accept it. This story has been a wonderful gift. Thanks again. I have the best friends! Karen

Siorah · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

Bravo Nilmandra...that was a grand story, Kathleen

Redheredh · 15 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

My, this story took an unexpected turn. That the child was convenient bait for a trap, I think most readers could easily anticipate. However, it turned out not to be a trap... but a test. Toman broke Elrohir's heart. And mine. Your suppositions (alright, call them intelligent conclusions) about spirits in Tolkien's Arda were very insightful and fit so well. Moving the struggle to this plane of action completely changed the mood of this tale for me. Thanks for the uplifting ending. Now, I have to tell you, I had no problem with Elrohir even considering helping the child make his way through death and on after. A current story I am working on includes that exact thing. But, what you did with the idea was so much better! You explored the character and revealed an even greater truth, to boot. Boy, I like it when that happens! Should have expected this from you. Always happy to see Namo tell someone what for. Sadly, it looks like Glorfindel and Elrond were too busy to clear out the Barrow Downs. Hmmm, now you got me wondering, once again, about the nature of Tom Bombadil and his place in that part of Arda. Great story - and lesson.

meckinock · 15 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

Elrohir's gentleness, generosity, and courage really shine here. His anguish at not being able to save the little boy was very touching, as was his commitment to helping ease his suffering. His choice to try to escort the child's spirit to its destination, even if it meant his own death, was very brave. Although I'm with Elladan in threatening to bonk him one if he ever tries that again! I liked Mandos's reassurance to Elrohir that Iluvatar makes sure all spirits find their way home. This was a very thoughtful exploration of some rather confusing themes in Tolkien's work.

French Pony · 15 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

Fantastic ending! This chapter was almost a complete sub-story in itself, which is great. I like how you used the very specific characteristics of Elrohir, as a healer and a hybrid, to work the story out. But it does leave one wondering about the particular houseless spirit, and about its reasons for choosing a son of Elrond to work on. What might its intentions have been if it had succeeded? The mind races. . .

Silivren Tinu · 15 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

The fate of Toman was truly heartbreaking. I can't blame Elrohir for believing the spirit, under such circumstances I would have done the same. As a healer or simply as a compassionate being with a heart, his decision was very understandable. I was quite relieved to learn that the spirit was lying all the time. It makes much more sense both in Tolkien's world and in my own that "Mighty servants of Eru escort them to wherever they go." and will keep such an innocent soul as Toman's safe, if only after death. Since I haven't bought or read HoME yet your explanations were very interesting to me. Spirits are truly a very fascinating and/or frightening aspect of Tolkien's world, though by far not the only one. ;-) I think this experience taught Elrohir a really important lesson, or rather more than one. I enjoyed this story very much, and I loved the last sentence - I have a feeling Glorfindel and Elrohir will continue having that exchange for quite some time. *g* Tinu

Jay of Lasgalen · 15 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

You see? I was right that the child was a trap! Elrohir should have been more suspicious when the spirit returned that it didn't try to attack him again. When he was considering following Toman to protect him I was shouting at him: 'Don't do it! Don't go! It's a trap!!' - but of course he didn't listen :( Poor Elladan - what an awful scene for him to arrive and find. He seemed remarkably calm in the circumstances. Thank goodness he knew he was needed and arrived in time!

Elena Tiriel · 15 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

Hi Nilmandra, I most thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's great how you can weave obscure bits of Tolkien's writings into a coherent whole, while at the same time making nebulous ideas concrete and personal. Very well done! - Barbara

BM · 15 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

That was great, but you cut me off short! I was hoping to find Elrond's reactions to all and to find out who the dark spirit was that Glorfindel saw! Great story and great writing. I really enjoyed this and your depth of understanding of Tolkien's world is outstanding! Great job and please, share more!

perelleth · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

Wow! This was cleverly done! Of course I thought it was only Glorfindel joining in the fray, but thankfully Elladan reached in time to hold him back as well. IT was a frightening moment, and the psirit was only too clever in using his good feelings against him. I really like your point in this story, that the devastated land was weaker and thus more vulnerable to dark spirits and evil. So accurate, and well expressed with the use that you made in the two previous chapters of nature as a warning sign. This was a very powerful tale, Nilmandra, congratulations.

daw the minstrel · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Part III

This was so sad. I kept hoping against hope that the child would survive. But like Elrohir, I was comforted by the loving figures who took the little one into their care. I thought the moment when Elrohir senses Elladan was thrilling because until then I'd assumed he was sensing Glorfindel. Thank goodness Elladan and Erestor arrived when they did.

Larner · 9 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

So, the lesser Maiar caught by Sauron now stalk Elrond's sons? And Elrohir may have found a living child? Now, to see what happens next.

The Karenator · 8 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

I've read this three times now, trying to find clues, plays on words, hidden meanings, and to ferret out what Glorfindel knows; you've outsmarted me. I thought I knew who it was, then Glorfindel shook his finger at me. Then I thought maybe there's more than one spirit...at least two, one good and one bad? But I don't know now. Even though Glorfindel has been pretty tight-lipped about what he encountered, he felt malice in the spirit at the Downs, but he didn't say about the first one he encountered. Best we just scratch that theory. Okay, you've got me where you want me...right on the windswept landscape shivering in the eerie silence of plague's death march. For company you've given some really good looking elves, two who are targets, one who glows like a toaster on high, and another who should not be underestimated. Oh! And a really vile h'aint. This is so good.... :>) I bow to the master mistress sweet adorable child evil author. Karen

Redheredh · 8 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

Things are getting very worrisome now! A very entertaining and tense chapter! I am very glad to see everyone acting so sensibly. No need to yell at them not to foolishly go down into that dark basement or to wisely wait til down to stake that vampire. ;) Just like the twins and their seniors, I am anxious to learn more about these fell creatures. I have been reading up on werewolves lately, but these dark spirits trump them royal! If Maiar, like balrogs, everyone is inforit... Just need to add that the writing is what makes this story more than a 'goosebumps' sort of tale. More Poe-etic. You make these character real - and what is happening to them is all too scary real! Hiding behind my hands and peering through my fingers in fright for the next chapter.

perelleth · 8 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

This is such a ghost story! But you are right. There are so many different dark things converging and piling up in this land at this moment that it would be no surpirse that a convention of ghosts and spirits might be gathering around there. I had noticed the great use of nature in the first chapter to create the unsettling atmosphere, and it worked in perfect smmetry as well in this one. I loved seeing Erestor in the field! and his wise handling of the situation! And GLorfindel is always such a good companion! This is very puzzling and mysterious but I am enjoyng very much. It was more than worth the wait! :-)

Jay of Lasgalen · 8 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

Don't do it, Elrohir - it could be a trap! Keep close to Glorfindel, and don't let the spirit reach you again! As I thought, the sprit - or another just like it - is after Elladan as well. Is it me, or is he better able to fight it off? It's always interesting to see the twins patrolling or otherwise doing things apart, but I like Elladan's instinctive concern and desire to be with Elrohir again. The sooner all four join forces the better! Jay