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History Lessons: The Second Age by Nilmandra	17 Review(s)
lwarren	Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 11/28/2004
As irritated as I am because I haven't had time to review this story lately, I have found one redeeming point: I get to reread the chapters again before I review! I find I wait on this one because short reviews are quite impossible! LOL There is so much to love and laugh about in this chapter: Elrond falling asleep on his horse the braiding session between Elrohir and Arwen (must have been a sight to behold! g) Elrohir's dramatic improvement (compliments of Daernaneth) and Elrond's contemplation of the 3 rings awakening Erestor sneaking into Celeborn's tent, then taking over and treating Celeborn's wound *Glorfindel's song about Elvenhome - beautiful imagery there ***the cook's spontaneous song (I still love that cook! LOL) There is also much you wrote that requires lots of thinking/reflection: the conversation between Elrond and Glorfindel about the ring owning its wearer and Glorfindel's warning - made me glad Elrond had someone strong beside him to remind him of the dangers that come with the ring...and glad that Elrond was willing to be warned Glorfindel actually hearing the curse of the Valar pronounced and then seeing the curse actually come to fruition when Gondolin fell - that's despair "Yet you came back" "I am here" - it must have been so encouraging to the elves to see Glorfindel and know that he had been sent back to them (Earendil's line specifically). That would seem to let them know that the ones who endured on Arda were not forgotten. *the older elf holding his son's body and grieving - the utter senseless waste of war *the fact that Elrond might command Glorfindel in all things...until his safety came into question...then Glorfindel acted in response to a higher command ***Celebrimbor's death - "The Dispossessed shall they be forever"...do you think he died in absolute despair and guilt? So sad. And I dearly love the way Arwen responds to the history story...crying and checking her Ada out to make sure he wasn't still hurt. The young twins did the same thing in History Lessons I...always comforting or grieving when the story warranted it, and making sure that Ada was ok! I love these kids! :-) Wonderful chapter, as usual! linda Author Reply:* Thank you for the lovely review, Linda. All these powerful elves make for interesting relationships, and the rings just accentuate that. The children, though, return them to a merriness and lightness of heart that is gratifying, and Elrohir playing with Arwen was a treat to picture in my mind!

LKK	Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 9/29/2004
“Your sons are not aware that two of the Three are present on this trip,” stated Glorfindel softly. “They are not,” replied Elrond. “They are not aware of them at all. For now, I prefer they not have this knowledge.” Those sentences caught my attention this morning. The children were told that Celebrimbor gave one of the Three to Galadriel when he realized that the rings were in danger. I'm surprised that none of the children have asked yet what their grandmother did with it. They're very inquisitive and clever souls. I'm sure one of them would eventually wonder. Author Reply: LOL - yes, sometimes parents believe what they want to believe!! I think you are right that the twins, at least, have thought much about this. :-)

LKK	Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 9/28/2004
The first time I read this, I only had time to read the Third Age parts. Now, with more time available, I was able to read the battles in the Second Age. Ai! What descriptions you gave me! I was able to see, hear, and feel the fight, the weariness, and the despair. So well done, Nilmandra. You have left me with a deep sense of sorrow. Do you think the golden song bird would be willing to harp for me? Author Reply: I will send Glorfindel to you immediately. I think sorrowful is a good word to use to describe the elves. Their long lives were in many ways a hardship to them, to have to live with the undending cycles of war and grief and suffering.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 9/18/2004
Nilmandra, I'm sorry I'm so far behind in reviewing, but I hope it'll be a nice surprise to get a review after all the flurry of a new chapter has died down. The journey home has certainly gotten better. Elrohir is getting back to his old self and Arwen is keeping him entertained with 'doing his hair'. What a hoot! She has given a whole new meaning to 'hat hair'. Nothing like humbling a warrior with a few ribbons either. The way you have described Elrond's reaction to the new sensations of carrying Vilya were great. He is truly fighting a 'new war' with himself and the consequences of this burden. I really like Glorfindel's reminder to him about not becoming too attached to the ring. And I thought Elrond's reaction of gratitude to his friend was an indication that he is indeed capable of wielding such a ring of power. A separation of ego and intent, I guess. I'm also enjoying how you have fleshed out Erestor. I don't think I've ever had any kind of sense about him and you've given him such a well rounded personality that he's easy to grasp. I find him to be a delightfully complex guy. I really like that. The battle scenes were extraordinary. I can't get over what a great job you've done with details and having it all tie in as it should. I have trouble just telling north from south and you've made it all sound so fluid and logical. I've really enjoyed reading the story the 'elders' are telling. It's exciting and heartbreaking all at the same time. I'm looking forward to your next chapter. It's always such a treat to find that little notice in my mailbox. Karen Author Reply: Ah, you are no further behind in reviewing than I am in writing. The next chapter is about 2/3 of the way - slowly getting there. I am glad you liked Elrond's experience with Vilya. What a place to have it come alive, and I think he did have to learn to wield it. Any 'weapon' or tool such as this, in untrained hands could wreak havoc. I am writing more Erestor this chapter, and I hope it further makes him into the Erestor we see now. Battle has to scar everyone in some way, but the scars are different. My heart actually breaks for him!

Ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 9/10/2004
This was a most excellent chapter. Very well done! I can't wait for more! Author Reply: Thanks, Ellie - it was a bear, so I am glad you thought it was well done!

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 9/9/2004
Wow. What a chapter. AMAZING! Where to start? You did a great job with Elrond. On one hand, he’s the relieved father whose son is finally free from pain but then he also can’t help but be suspicious of the power that aided Elrohir’s recovery and thus feel a little intrigued by the ring nestled in that pouch he carries. It’s interesting that Galadriel was the first to use one of the rings – and thereby almost making it alright for Elrond to want to use Vilya – but I think what appealed to me about the situation is that she uses it out of nothing more than a desire to ease the pain of a loved one. I wonder if she knew what a sacrifice she was making. I hadn’t thought before about the Three awakening because the time was right. I love the way even Elrond doesn’t seem to fully understand this thing that he bears. I get the impression too that if Vilya was sensing anything it’s his curiosity and the beginning of a desire to wield it, to allow it to do all the good it’s capable of. Glorfindel is so wise. After all he has seen it must be too clear to him what the Rings could do to those who possess them. Or what could happen should others covet them. How painful for him to know that even someone he respects so much seems to be influenced by their power. I love that Elrond is willing to listen to him and in turn Glorfindel offers friendship and understanding. LOL at the creative hair-styling! It’s so wonderful to see Elrohir in good spirits again. And it makes me smile that his children can ease any worries that trouble Elrond. Oh, I do love your Erestor. Erestor now and back then seem at first almost as though they can’t be the same person but really, it’s obvious that what he did and saw have made him what he is now. He seems to be the ideal scout, almost invisible and completely courageous. I can’t believe he slipped so easily into Celeborn’s tent! And he’s so good with Celeborn, knowing immediately how to handle him – he shows no fear and even his concern is expressed in a very practical manner. You almost broke my heart with Celeborn, by the way! It really drove the horror of the situation home to see such a powerful and proud elf so weary, injured and verging on despair. I have to say, you did the battle scenes so well. I admit that strategy is generally beyond me and I tend to skim over battle scenes but here I actually felt like I knew what was going on, who was where and why! I thought the little human moments you included were so touching, like the father who loses his son and then sets out to protect the son’s age mates and another father sending his son away to look after the refugees so that he would be away from the fighting. You wicked woman, having first Glorfindel and then Elrond fall! For a second it didn’t matter that I knew they both survived – my heart was in my mouth anyway. I feel so sad for Celebrimbor. I think he genuinely believed in what he was doing and was manipulated so easily only because of this. He didn’t deserve the end that came to him. His last words really show a desire to lessen the harshness of the Doom, to give his people a chance for peace before they have to eventually accept their fate and do feel a weariness with the world. He can be criticised for a lot, of course, but still didn’t deserve the torment he lived in or the way he died. :-( The ending of this chapter is just so beautiful. The image of Glorfindel stroking Erestor’s hair really touched me. It’s one of those images that I think will stay with me. Erestor may have lost his innocence in all that he has seen but he certainly hasn’t lost his compassion. What pain all of these elves have endured. I’m glad Celeborn offers his wife some comfort. Didn’t Tolkien say somewhere that the use of Nenya awoke the sea-longing in Galadriel? But Celeborn, like Glorfindel, is willing to offer his strength to one he loves, whatever his views on the Rings. I’m sure everyone tells you how wonderfully you bring this story to life and it certainly helps me to understand events that I would only have a very general knowledge of. I definitely would never have been able to make the connections you do. But I think what I am most in awe of is the depth you give these characters and how it’s through their reactions, thoughts and emotions that the full implications of the events are seen. You always give me something new to think about and help me to see these characters in a new light. As always, I’m eagerly awaiting more. :-) P.S. I’m trying to be a more consistent reviewer. Seriously, this time… Author Reply: Dot, you couldn't have picked a better chapter to review. I truly was concerned that this chapter would not come across well, or that I wasn't clear during the battle scenes or the motives/themes were lost. Your wonderful review relieves me! It is so interesting to think of what sets Elrond and Galadriel apart from Glorfindel and Celeborn, that the former would use the rings while I sense the latter would not. Its not clear if Gandalf used Narya, but I am sort of inclined to think he did. The ringbearers take risks the others do not, and yet both are right. And yet Elrond and Galadriel are very different too - and probably bear the rings for different reasons. Elrond is humble - I do not think he desires power. Galadriel probably no longer desires power as she did in her younger days, yet she is a powerful person. One really has to get at the motivations to know what each person would do with those rings. If entrusted to Glorfindel, would he use the ring? No, because he did not entirely trust himself, or no, because in the end it was futile, or no, because he knew for what purpose he was intended - to protect the ringbearer? All the same answer 'no' yet such different reasons why. One sees why this chapter took forever to write. Analysis paralysis! You are correct about the effect Nenya had on Galadriel - Tolkien wrote about that in UT and that was exactly what was happening at the end - whether Glorfindel's song intensified the sea-longing or with Nenya, awakened it - she won't tell me. Galadriel is so dang mysterious about everything. Actually, all of these wise elves are. They point me back to the paper and pen and pat me on the head and tell me things are above me and just to write what they say. sigh I really do appreciate your kind words about this chapter.

Marnie	Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 9/8/2004
I'm sorry - I ought to say something intelligent, but the presence of distressed, shirtless!Celeborn is making me distracted. When did I become such a fangirl?! That was a treat for me :) But I was very delighted too, to see him given a bit of credit for the defence of Eregion, when the official source is so much more concerned with Celebrimbor's ultimately pointless - indeed (as far as Men and Dwarves go) disastrous 'heroic last stand'. I didn't expect Glorfindel to get injured though! Somehow he seems untouchable. It really brought it home to me how lucky they were just to get out with their lives. And I liked the fact that he refused to get distracted from his mission of protecting Elrond; that helps explain why such a powerful elven lord is not a more major player in the Third Age. Seeing the children playing really brought it home to me how impossible it must have been not to use the rings. Is it an evil to allow suffering to continue, if you have the power to relieve it? Perhaps, and yet that pity is what Gandalf fears in his own response to the One. And alas, Glorfindel's song at the end only made me think of how Celeborn must have felt that everything was conspiring to make his wife leave him. First Nenya then Glorfindel. He's not having a good day at all :) Author Reply: LOL! Marnie, you are the quintessential Celeborn fangirl! I am glad he came across well, for the whole fight for Eregion seemed so hopeless that whoever led her defense had to be noble and selfless. Celebrimbor's stand was pointless, wasn't it? I did fell some pity for him, though, after it occurred to me that if you look at his hopes for the Three Elven rings, they did seem to be counters to the Curse and Doom - and while pointless to try to overcome them, I think he did intend good. But then, I try to think the best of people and sometimes I am, unfortunately, wrong. And Glorfindel just got whapped on the head. HE was fine; assured me that his noggin is pretty thick and no serious injury was done :D. At the end, I was trying to show the awakening of the sea longing - how Glorfindel's song must have intensified or even awakened that in her. Poor Celeborn - he had to have known for some time that she would leave him, for she could only fight that for so long.

Melje	Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 9/6/2004
Elrond speculates that Vilya is coming to life because Nenya was used, and because it’s time for their bearers to start using the Three. I had another theory, myself: that now that Elrond has seen with his eyes all the good that could come from the use of the ring, he more than ever longs to put it on, and that’s why Vilya makes its presence known with such force: because it has sensed its bearer’s desire. After all, rather than giving evidence of an independent will, so far it has only complied to Elrond’s moods. And the elf looks obsessed, good that he has Glorfindel to keep him grounded. So which is it? Vilya coming to life because it wants to be used by Elrond, or because Elrond wants to use it? I guess the truth lies in between. I am rather appalled at the lack of security in Celeborn’s camp. Erestor was able to go straight to the tent of the army’s commander, without anyone stopping him. He could have been Sauron himself, or any Elf bribed or blackmailed into trying and killing Celeborn. Those Elven captains might be exausted, but they don’t look to bright, either: first they don’t even realise there’s an intruder in the tent, and then they seem to think it’s no important matter, to the point that they don’t even press him to know how he got there in the first place! Erestor should really stop that favourite joke of his, to try and surprise trained Elven warriors just for the kick of it. Elladan and that Lothlorien scout from the Third Age were young and naive enough to let him trip them up without so much as a flicker of a reaction (and then, we know about Elladan’s balance issues), and Celeborn on the other hand was experienced enough to check himself before taking Erestor’s head. But some day Erestor will try his trick on someone in between – and Elrond will find himself short of a valuable advisor. Your description of battle is impressive and must have taken a lot of thinking. You balanced very well the bird’s eye view of the armies clashing and the individual stories of the single soldiers, so the reader can follow the war, but doesn’t forget all the pain and loss and courage involved. I’m looking forward to read more about Erestor guiding Elrond’s army to Imladris! Author Reply: Ah, Melje, you saw right to the heart of the matter! Vilya has awakened for a number of reasons, I think, and Elrond's desire surely is one of them. This had to be a frightening yet exciting time for him, as he began to understand what it meant to bear a ring of power. Yes, Erestor is a bit self confident, isn't he? He is like darkness itself, so stealthy and slick that he can move where none suspect. I wonder if his own skills scare him? He has found soemthing he is very good at, and I wonder how he learned to set his own boundaries as to what he could and could not do? The chapter was a bear to write - it did take a lot of thinking and trying to relate major events together, give motivation to why characters thought or acted a certain way. I am anxious for them to get to the site where they hold up under siege, so that we can focus less on logistics and more on the people and strategy. Thanks for your thoughtful comments! PS I fixed the typo too - thank you!

Nikara	Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 9/6/2004
That was a very impressive chapter. I can't wait until we get to learn about the founding of Rivendell. That was a great mixture of emotion, action, and explanation. Congratulations! Author Reply: I am glad you liked it - it was very draining and depressing, to try to think as they might have thought, and seen through their eyes that death was before them. Imladris is next!

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 9/6/2004
'Sadness again filled Glorfindel’s eyes. “Things we value too highly can come to own us. Do not let it became of more worth in your eyes than it should.” ' Wise, wise Glorfindel. '“Remind me as often as you see need,” he said instead. ' I wonder if all the suffering that led to Elrond - (I was going to make a list, but it sums up as pretty well everything nasty that has happened up to this point) - was for the purpose of creating an Elrond who could be powerful but still able to allow others freedom, who could listen - and hear the response. And whether Galadriel would have been able to wield her ring as she did, had she not seen what she had and committed herself to Celeborn. If a ring had come to Galadriel when she was fresh out of Valinor, before the Kinslayings and the War of Wrath etc, what would she have done with it then? 'Glorfindel nodded. “Such knowledge in anyone close to you could lead them to harm.” ' Poor Celebrian. The effect of Glorfindel's song is just beautiful. And that it made Galadriel sad, while he became 'proud and joyful and strong, filled with purpose and love'. Does it make a difference that he was sent back? Which suggests that perhaps he was not subject to the Doom. The battling flows and fits together really well. And I can understand Arwen's reaction. Stories of battles are all very well - but when they include the suffering of your favourite people, it is much harder to endure. And I feel nothing but sympathy for Celebrimbor (although I wish he could have kept his mouth shut completely). And Celeborn was right - Sauron didn't need many brain cells to work out where the Three were likely to be. (If the rings have come to life now Nenya has been used, clearly none of them had been used before, despite earlier suspicions.) This is just such gripping stuff. Author Reply: Bodkin, I think you have hit on the key point about Elrond. He is the sum of his life's experiences - humbled by all he has lost, yet loved enough to still value others and himself. He truly is gold refined in the fire, with all the dross removed. Can you imagine had Galadriel come upon the ring of power too soon? I think the Helcaraxe tempered her, then the wars of beleriand and her love for Celeborn. She is a mother now, something else sure to soften a proud heart, and by the time we see her she has grown wise, thank goodness. I am so glad you caught that while Galadriel was weeping and shining, Glorfindel was indeed full of joy and shining brightly, comforting all. Glorfindel was forgiven and healed in Mandos's Halls, and his innocence returned. He has no regrets. It is an interesting idea to wonder if he was not subject to the curse and doom - if the Valar or Eru himself afforded him some special protection that would keep him from growing weary or being killed. Hmmm..... I am glad you were able to follow the battle - I draw it all out on maps, which readers don't have the benefit of seeing (not the my drawings are that good!). My real enlightenment this chapter was tying the curse and doom to why Celebrimbor made the rings. It ties much together, it does make me more sympathetic to Celebrimbor, it gives motive to his actions and makes it personal as well - he hopes to amend the harm done by his father, uncles and grandfather. I haven't seen that done before nor did Tolkien say it, but the language and themes of Tolkien do tie them together in my mind. I am glad you are enjoying this - its a joy, but this chapter was hard!

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