Reviews (57)

Dot · 8 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

This incredibly spooky! I *love* how you use the landscape to create atmosphere. I could really feel that uncanny stillness. And I was uneasy enough reading Elladan and Erestor’s communication that I jumped when a door slammed downstairs! Interesting stuff when the spirits tries to suss out Elladan. Clearly, who he is matters a great deal. I was torn between agreeing with Erestor that they can’t just face this alone or without Elrond’s counsel and really not wanting them to lead the spirits to Imladris because even though it’s protected, it’s not worth the risk of possibly giving away the source of its protection. I was quite glad they decided in the end to seek Glorfindel and Elrohir. I’d want to be near Glorfindel too if I had to face scary spirits! (Though the spirit doesn’t seem to have read History Lessons or he’d know not to underestimate Erestor…) I’m wondering if Elrohir is more open to attacks on his mind and spirit because he’s the more sensitive of the two of them - in your world, if I recall correctly. Elladan’s sense of foreboding must be very worrying for him. And the deserted outposts and fear in the Men adds a very unsettling layer to the story. I actually think it’s scarier that there’s a spirit stalking Elrohir than if it was a different one every time! It also shows that even if Glorfindel can ward it off, it’s not going very far. Glorfindel’s memory of darkness and shadow sent a chill through me. It really suggests such evil and malice in whatever’s plaguing them now. But then, the fact that Elladan and Elrohir are no ordinary elves might be drawing the spirits to them, but it could yet be what gives them the strength to fight the spirits… “There is someone ahead on the road,” said Elrohir. “A child, Glorfindel, and he needs our aid.” Um…??? Fantastic chapter, Nilmandra. I look forward to more :-)

Bodkin · 8 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

I hope Glorfindel is fully alert - because I'm a bit worried about the unexpected appearance of this child! I have to say that if I were to come across a really unpleasant spirit that appeared anxious to take over my body, I would be decidedly relieved to have Glorfindel within reach - and wouldn't be more than a few inches away from him for the duration! What's more, I'm rather hoping that Mr Creepy is decidedly underestimating Erestor - and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised. He has layers, that elf. And, of course, Elladan and Elrohir themselves are grandsons of Galadriel as well as being close kin to Celeborn and Elrond and Luthien and Melian - not to mention the rest of their complicated family trees. No pushovers, anyway. They're sensible, I think, not to lead the spooks back to Imladris - although Elrond might manage to fry them nicely, it would give away the haven's whereabouts. However - get them together! Four is a lot better that two in a game like this! And they clearly can't count on any aid from men, who are far too concerned about threats to their mortal lives. I'd forgotten I was looking forward to this - but now I'm all excited about part 3! Lovely stuff.

Silivren Tinu · 8 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

Well, you have certainly managed to capture my attention. *g* This story is deliciously creepy and mysterious, and I enjoyed your characterizations and descriptions. I especially liked the two scenes where the spirit fled from Glorfindel (I love the moment in FotR when Glorfindel confronts the Nazgul). The spirits are both fascinating and frightening, and I'm quite glad I'm no elf in your story. ;-) I'm looking forward to the next chapter! Tinu

French Pony · 8 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

Aha! The story is back. Erestor is right. They need safety in numbers right now. Specifically, Elladan and Elrohir need to be together for their own psychological bolstering, and Erestor and Glorfindel together can best figure out how to guard them. Even if that spirit can't harm them physically, it can still do a number on their minds and disable them that way. It seems that they have found something far worse than one of the Houseless Ones. This does not bode well at all.

Fawlen · 8 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

I love a good mystery and this one is very creepy aswell! I have a bad feeling about the child on the road a trick perhaps? thanks Fawlen.

Elflingimp · 7 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

This is a chilling little story,but hey I like being scared. I can't wait to see how the last chapter ends!

Ellie · 7 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

Fascinating and very creepy! I'm glad the twins are worried about each other. Perhaps together they will make a more formidable enemy than apart. Elrohir is making a HUGE mistake, I think in going after the child. Can't wait for the next update!

meckinock · 7 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

This is getting spookier and spookier. And not just Elrohir is being stalked by evil spirits, but Elladan, too! I am very relieved that Glorfindel has decided not to let Elrohir out of his sight, and that he has some insight into the nature of these beings. This is not a good time for any of them to be alone. I think they should all get back to Elrond as quickly as they can, for the sake of my nerves.

daw the minstrel · 7 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Part II

I enjoyed reading this. You evoke a frightening atmosphere really nicely through the wind and oppressive weather. I can feel Elladan's nerves being stretched thin. And this stuff with the evil spirits is so interesting. Are these the ones that haunted the Barrow Downs? Have I got that right? If I were in this situation, I'd certainly want Glorfindel along. But then, I'd want that in any situation. :-)

Unquenchable Tolkien fanfic fanatic · 13 December 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Great beginning. Now when are you going to update this story?!

Firestar · 6 December 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

I am intrigued! Please continue. I always like stories focusing on the twins and Glorfindel, so I am excited to continue reading this story. Your style is engaging and even in only the first chapter I am hooked. Don't keep your readers waiting too long! Thank you, Firestar

Redheredh · 26 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Goodness, I thought Elrohir was going to be safe after the first encounter, but now... !!! Apparently, this houseless spirit, at first, thought his chosen target to be human. Does it now think Elrohir's mortal blood will make him easier prey? It just might be right! Glorfindel may have to find a way to destroy it, not just repel it. They simply cannot leave Elrohir alone with it still stalking him! Nor risk leading it to the other brother! Well, I'm hooked. And anxious to see if this dark soul has a name.

paranoidangel · 26 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Ooh, that's spooky, and interesting.

Imhiriel · 24 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Wow. You have chosen some very, very interesting topics for this story. I don't think I have ever read anything about the time of the plague in Eriador! And then you add other topics that are seldom explored - the houseless spirits spirits. I hope you will continue to explore this further, it is a concept I have difficulty wrapping my mind about (particularly as to how it differs from faded Elves), and I think having it explored in a story would make it more accessible for me. The scenes and the atmosphere are set up very well; the descriptions are evocative, without being too graphic or too long. Elrohir's feelings of discomfort, grief, numbness and fear come through very clearly. I especially liked the encounter with the beech. What I did wonder about was Glorfindel's reactions/feelings to all this; he seemed rather a pale or distant presence until nearly the very end.

perelleth · 24 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Oh! This is so spooky and tense! The Plague, Angmar, the war in Arnor, the devastated villages and the Old Forest. And if that were not enough, a houseless! His attacks were very frigtening! I loved these two paragraphs: "Not a cricket was chirping, or a frog making its deep throated call. That ominous silence was broken moments later by a mournful howl. They entered their camp and Elrohir was surprised to see that there was no fire burning. Only a wisp of smoke remained. Glorfindel studied the blackness of night for a moment, then rekindled the fire and set their dinner to cooking." You played perfectly with the stillnes in the forest and the fire out...the tension builds up just greatly here, of course after the frightening atatcks, but I really liked how this worked... somehow it makes me fear that the worst is not yet over. And Glorfindel comes out perfectly in command of the situation, knowing exactly what it is going on without giving away anything!

meckinock · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

The opening scene in the village abandoned to death was sober and yet incredibly vivid, and Elrohir's visceral reaction to the dying old man felt very real. It was so comforting that he was able to ease the old man's passing and give him peace. But wait - soul-stealing ghouls? Run, Elrohir! Fight! And dammit, TELL GLORFINDEL. You're giving me a heart attack. This is like one of those movies where you just know the couple should NOT go up to the creepy old house to get help after their car breaks down, and you're screaming at the TV. But they do it anyway, just like Elrohir fights off the second attack by a houseless ghoul in like, half a day and does NOT tell Glorfindel what's going on and then wanders off by himself again. You just knew that was a bad call. Whew. Thank goodness Glowing Glorfindel decided to follow him this time and has no intention of letting him out of his sight. Also thank goodness it seems evil houseless elves have a healthy respect for the old balrog slayer. Now Elrohir and I will both sleep better tonight.

Ellie · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Okay, this is creepy and eerie. Poor Elrohir! I'm glad Glorfindel is there to protect him. I like the way you have described the haunting and spiritual atack on an elf. Nicely done. I can't wait for more!

Lianna · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Er...uh... One might speculate that a spirit that found Elrohir's body to be a potentially hospitable domicile might have an equally favorable view of another, essentially identical place of residence patrolling a bit to the North. And Erestor is no Glorfindel...

eliza61 · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Yeah, Glorifindel to the rescue!! Take that evil spirit. I love, love a good horror story (though maybe I should have read this in the morning, instead of midnight). Excellent chapter Nilmandra, I love the suspense and nice turn making the villian an evil elf. Hope you update soon. Now what is Glorifindel thinking??

Elena Tiriel · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Okay, maybe I should not have read this chapter at 4 am, in the dark... *warily peers over the edge of the bed, then decides to scoot toward the middle* This story is really creepy, Nilmandra! I love how you set up the atmosphere so clearly that the reader can't help but shiver with an overwhelming sense of foreboding. I was especially intrigued by how you showed Elrohir's gift of healing, and the extraordinary compassion he showed for the dying villager... especially since he was at the same time uneasy about his own safety. (I wrote a drabble with a similar theme, portraying one of the twins helping an Eorling to die peacefully after the Battle of the Field of Celebrant -- only it was from the dying man's POV, so he didn't know who this Elf was, only that he felt comforted by his presence, though they didn't even speak the same language.) And I always enjoy it when authors weave obscure bits of canon into their stories: the Dúnedain of Cardolan perishing in the Great Plague (which always reminds me of the bubonic plague or the 1918 flu pandemics), the Barrow-downs being the tombs of ancient kings, the Old Forest and its confoundingly mobile and communicative trees... I am always thankful that Tolkien left us with so much material to mine and then elaborate upon... And you do it so well! ;-) I really expected the beech tree to be unfriendly, not protective -- the Old Forest doesn't have a sterling reputation -- but it was a (fleeting) pleasure to meet a being that was not evil in that oppressive environment. The evil spirit was frighteningly real and threatening... but the entry of Glorfindel aglow was such a refreshing way to scare the spirit away! Okay, now I'm shivering for a different reason... *goes all dreamy-eyed at the thought of a gorgeous blond hunk of an Elf* *Ahem* Where were we? Oh, right, I was just about to tell you that I can't wait to find out more about what this spirit is... Very nice work, Nilmandra! And please update soon... - Barbara

French Pony · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Ah, the end of another unpleasant day for Elrohir. Where would we be without those unpleasant days? It can't be an easy thing for him to walk among plague victims, even though he's probably immune to the disease. The germs might not get him, but the survivor's guilt might. He strikes me as very young here, and it's a good thing he has Glorfindel around to steady him. Especially with an evil ghost coming after his body.

Jay of Lasgalen · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Oh ... wow. This was wonderful, Nilmandra. The spirit is so evil and malevolent, and the way it's targetting Elrohir is terrifying. Does it want him because he's an elf, or because of *who* he is? The descriptions of the plague village and the forest are very atmospheric, but the spirit ... *shivers*. I'm glad that Elrohir retained his wit and sense and was able to fight back against the spirit on his own, but I'm very glad that Glorfindel turned up when he did! Jay

Gwynhyffar · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Wow, that was amazing, Nilmandra. Glorfindel in all his glory, and I could feel Elrohir's concern in the village as well as his fear in the forest. I really enjoyed this and will definitely read it again and again.

Peredhil lover · 22 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Your writing is wonderful and I enjoyed this chapter very much. You paint a wonderfully eerie and suspenseful picture with your words and I was drawn right into the story. Elrohir is one of my favourites and I love your depiction of Glorfindel. This is an excellent beginning and I am looking forward to seeing where this will lead. peredhil lover

Bodkin · 22 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1

Oh my! That is splendid. And eerie and horrific - and Glorfindel! Well ... That is one powerful and glorious elf. I expect Elrohir can even accept being called elfling by one who makes him feel safe after such an experience. A tireless enemy - one that can wait for the slightest chink in your defences and then steal more than your life - it can't be much worse than that. And then, that on top of finding everyone you are seeking to help dead of a disease that is gruesome and agonising. It's no wonder that Elrohir is weary and perhaps more vulnerable than he might be. I hope Elladan isn't encountering this wherever he is! Erestor is a strong and wily elf, but he doesn't pack quite the same Calaquendi, twice-born power of the Golden One. And, as a bonus, it's only part 1! There's more to look forward to! Wonderful stuff.