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History Lessons: The Second Age by Nilmandra	18 Review(s)
perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 11/27/2004
You wrote: "...I truly appreciate it - and it helps keep me motivated when this story overwhelms me!" So.. I’ve looked up this for you..… “ … While you demand maps, others wish for geological indications rather than places;many want Elvish grammars phonologies and specimens (...) Musicians want tunes, (…), archeologists want ceramics (…); botanists want a more accurate description of the mallorn, (…) historians want more details about the social and political structure in Gondor, (…) general enquirers want information about the Wainriders, the Haradim, Dwarvish origins, the Dead Men, the Beornings and the missing two wizards…” (From Letters of JRRTolkien, letter to H Cottin Minchin, Ap. 1956)… And Fan Fiction readers yearn to know each and every detail the good professor left unsaid in this world of his which has become part of ours!!!. So, whenever you feel overwhelmed by your task, please feel sure you are contributing in an outstanding way to filling in that gaps that have kept people longing for more since Tolkien’s work was first published, so thanks to you for your time and for such devoted and lovingly crafted enlightenment on how that part of the 2nd Age may have been! Are you sure your are only one more chapter to go? (Blinks repeatedly and tries to charm your muse into reconsidering) There are still… almost two thousand years to go before kissing the high king goodbye in a “blaze” of glory... and a hundred more before THE MARRIAGE!!!…. Are you sure you do not want to tell us more? (whines pitiously) I’m selfish, I know… only please reassure me you have more stories on your sleeve… ¡!! BTW, I did like your Gil galad, he’s every inch his father’s son! (and his foster father’s too) thank you! He was in my wish list! One little question, though, that made me curious... when Erestor brings back good news (fantastic way of prolonging the uncertainty!) and then says that Ciryatur’s troops harried Sauron’s forces through Dagorlad… was it already called that? I thought it got its name after the Last Alliance fought there…maybe there had been another battle there befote..but I cannot remember which... Author Reply: Thank you, perelleth! You are very encouraging. Not sure if it will be 1-2 more chapters....we'll see! I suppose I could go through the war and to their marriage, I hadn't thought about that! I could even go through the twins birth...but that really isn't the second age anymore! Maybe it will have to be the epilogue. I am afraid it is very easy to get me off on tangents! In Unfinished Tales, they do call it Dagorlad and Mordor, and I was surprised as well by that. Not sure if they meant it eventually became called that...or already was. At the end of this sequence, I'll post the two paragraphs from UT that inspired all of these chapters! Now I get to write about something happy, for at least part of a chaper: Elrond and Celebrian meet. I am already dreading writing GG's death :(

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 11/25/2004
Ooh, excellent way of showing the passing of time. Imladris is really coming into its own and with it so too does Elrond. It was so touching to see a child being born - new life again after death being an all too common occurrence for so long. The sheer joy that everyone seemed to feel for Tollyn really gave the impression of a sense of community and shared experience among these people. I thought it was interesting that the mortals recovered more quickly than the elves from the deaths even of women and children. It’s so sad but at the same time it gives men and women a sense of resilience that the elves just don’t have. The elves may have known the pain of death and separation as part of war in their long history but never as a natural part of life. Celeborn must be missing his wife and daughter. I’m getting so excited at the prospect of Elrond meeting Celebrían!! I had tears in my eyes when that man was reunited with his family. It’s quite painful at times to read what these people have been through, and yet there are still moments of hope and happiness. Elves, humans and eagles all seem to be plodding along, doing what they can to fight against Sauron in the only way they can, by bringing joy to those who have suffered. It’s just so amazing to think of the beginnings of the peaceful and beautiful home that Imladris will become. The lovely summery scenes of the children playing in the water made me smile. It’s almost strange to think that this is still merely a place of temporary safety in a time of war and that Elrond, Glorfindel and co. are still thinking constantly of strategy and are ever-ready for battle. Elrond’s utter loyalty to Gil-galad is so remarkable, and really rather inspiring. I won’t say it would have been easy for him not to send troops against Sauron because chances are he would have eventually reached Imladris anyway but I thought it was still quite a courageous decision to possibly sacrifice the peace of this stronghold at this stage and it would seem it is a decision born out of allegiance to his king. Elrond is so impressive when he gives his speech too – definitely worthy of comparison with his ancestors! Oh, and I’m so happy that Athranen is feeling useful again – what a good teacher Glorfindel is! And they all made it back! Glorfindel’s strategy sounds…interesting! “Casyn has asked me to instruct her and the other mothers in ending their children’s lives as quickly and painlessly as possible, that they might have knowledge and tools should the need arise.” Oh God. What a terrible thought. And yet, what courage these women have. I loved seeing Elrond tend to Glorfindel and help him to get some sleep. It’s a little reminder that even this mighty warrior can be vulnerable. The friendship between these two is just lovely to witness, as is the love for the people around them that fuels Glrofindel’s determination to keep fighting. My heart was in my mouth as Erestor rode with such urgency to Imladris. I was hoping, hoping, hoping… and yay, Númenor!! You know, I was so happy too for Erestor that he could be the one to bring the good news, not only to Elrond but to Casyn and her people. He deserved to be able to witness their joy. I can’t tell you how happy I was when Gil-galad arrived! I was so afraid I’d have to wait ‘til the next chapter. I loved the idea that he greeted everyone and made them feel special. This is yet another moment where I wish I didn’t know what the future held! sob I had been wondering what the reunion would be like for Elrond but it never crossed my mind what Gil-galad would think when he arrived. I thought it spoke volumes about his strength of character and generosity that he praises Elrond and acknowledges that he has become lord of this place that is so special to so many. Elrond would never have dreamed of thinking beyond his fealty to Gil-galad so I think he really needed Gil-galad’s acceptance and encouragement. And beyond that was a beautiful sense of a father-figure letting his son go while also reassuring him of his love. This was a particularly moving chapter and so skilfully written. I’m so sad that this is coming to an end but I still find myself dying for the next chapter and wondering how this will all end – will Elrond share with his children what Gil-galad’s death meant to him? I think this is around the time that Gil-galad gave Vilya to Elrond, right? Or maybe I’m wrong… But in a story told to his children, can the rings even be mentioned? Will Galadriel and Celebrían appear before this tale ends? Alright, I’ll stop wondering and wait and see…! :-) Author Reply: You know, Dot, I should write a review on your review! You picked up all the important points that I labored over for days! Elves and humans are different, and the acceptance of death as part of life was one that I thought could be well done, for while death in battle is inevitable, elves can not easily imagine death in childbirth. And all of Imladris did celebrate Tollyn's son being born - nothing like an event such as this to tie elves and men together as they root for a common good. I admit I really do enjoy writing Gil-galad in his role with Elrond. Like you, knowing the future made this harder and made me cry as I wrote it, for I know that I will need to write GG's death, and the impact on Elrond had to be devastating. But, in the meantime, I get to write him falling in love! And Celebrian is so vibrant and full of life, I think it will be fun. Thank you for the review!

Marnie	Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 11/25/2004
LOL! I'm always missing your updates. Sorry! I'm away in my own world half the time. Love the foreshadowing of Celebrian's arrival, I don't think Elrond will disagree that she is infact the most beautiful and wise elleth in the world :) And it warmed my heart when the missing father of all those children turned up. Small victories sometimes feel as important as big ones. That was a very sensible but selfless decision on Elrond's part - to risk the valley's newfound peace in order to draw off some of Sauron's forces from Lindon. Probably without it Lindon would have fallen first, then Sauron could have destroyed Imladris anyway, at leisure. Your Gil-galad is so impressive! He really is a High King, the way he comes in and takes over :) I go with the Elrond being raised by Maglor story, as you know, if only because I like the idea of a young, arrogant, pseudo-Feanorian Elrond. But I agree that there's nothing in the canon to contradict the idea of him being rescued by Gil-galad at an early age. I love Tolkien's grey areas, cos you can do what you like with them! And this made for a beautiful scene of a father acknowledging that his son is grown and handing off responsibility to him. Author Reply: I am still playing out the meeting in my mind! I hope it comes across well in word. I love 'love at first sight' stories, so it should be fun. I admit I do enjoy the Gil-galad - Elrond father-foster son relationship. The idea of an Elrond raised by the Feanorians has merit and would add some interesting conflicts to the story, but I could not reconcile the person Elrond became with the upbringing I would have ended up giving him in that case! Also, the entire inspiration for the HL story was that Tolkien letter about the twins being found by the waterfall! I did enjoy writing that scene, and it tied into Elrond's earlier thoughts about the gift Gil-galad gave him of time in his young adult years to explore his world, and the security of his love. Conflict can be more fun to write, but I am afraid my characters become so real for me that I want the best for them! Thanks for the review. :)

Bejai	Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 11/23/2004
Ah! A new chapter! Always such a treat. So many good things! The conversation between Elrond and Celeborn about Celebrian. I am looking forward to THAT meeting ;) The reunion of the father with his family about made me cry. I'm glad that Elrond is making room in Imladris for men, by the way. Seems right. Finding a job and a place for Athranen. Growing up under the instruction of Glorfindel and Elrond is no bad thing. The "darkness before the dawn" sections -- fear for Glorfindel, the overwhelmed feeling of seige and battle. Just evil of Erestor to drag out his good news ;) Gil-galad! I've always liked Gil-galad, and I love the image of him here. So kingly and wise. I can't help but wonder, now that Gil-galad is here, are you going to write the meeting about the rings when Galadriel shows up? Or, since this is a "history lesson" to children who probably don't know about the rings, are you going to skip it? Loved the chapter, as ever. Author Reply: I admit I am looking forward to Elrond meeting Celebrian! I hope the scene playing in my head comes out well in writing. Not sure what I will do with the rings. I have Gil-galad leaving them in Lindon with Cirdan, I think, as I think I want to go with the version that he gave Vilya to Elrond at the Last Alliance, though the version of UT had him giving it here. Have to think about that! Thanks for the review!

paranoidangel	Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 11/23/2004
I'm so glad they have a bit of peace at the end of that, after having been through so much. I also liked the bits between Gil-galad and Elrond - it's so nice for him to have a father figure around. Author Reply: I know my view of Elrond and Gil-galad as more like foster-son and father is just one take on their relationship, but I really like it and it fits with the responsiblities Gil-galad gave him, and how he made him sort of his heir. And now they have peace.....but they must always be wondering when Sauron will try again. Talk about the sword hanging over their heads!

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 11/22/2004
I'm so used to thinking of Imladris as a timeless, eternal place, a sanctuary from the storms of the ages, and Elrond as its staid, ageless anchor, that it's pleasantly jarring to witness its early struggle for survival. Elrond, no less courageous and determined but definitely less weary than Third Age Elrond, is justly rewarded by his king for his loyalty, leadership, and service. And soon to be rewarded with more than just a fiefdom, I think...I'm definitely looking forward to Celebrian's arrival. Is Galadriel going to approve of the budding romance, I wonder? Some nice touches I particularly liked were Elrond's gentle healing of Glorfindel and his realization though the race of the incoming casualties that the Numenorian forces had joined the battle. Gil-galad's arrival and the children's affinity for him. Lovely chapter! Author Reply: I can just see Galadriel: "She could do worse, I suppose." Celeborn: "He is too serious for our Celebrian." Galadriel: "He will calm her down." Pause. "Or she will push him in the mud. One or the other, I am sure." I am looking forward to Celebrian arriving too. I am actually trying not to get too attached to Gil-galad, knowing his fate, yet I have to if I am going to show the impact he has on Elrond in life and with his death. Poor Elrond!

Melje	Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 11/22/2004
Wonderful chapter! It starts with a ray of hope, then it plunges into hopelessness and despair, and finally it ends on a brilliang note of joy. Though it’s bittersweet joy, because we know what will happen to Gil-Galad, and this is like him giving his foster-son his final blessing before passing away. So wicked of Erestor – and of you! letting everybody believe the big armies moving towards Imladris were actually the Enemy! I loved the depiction of the woman giving birth, and how everybody was playing and singing for her. And the ever-present eagles soaring high above Imladris and lending their help when needed. You really drive home how Elrond IS Imladris, how it’s his selfless work that made it possible to build a refuge where even a collection of desperate and mistrusting Elves and Men could end up working together for a common goal – peace and hope for the future. Just like about everyone else, I can’t wait to have Elrond and Celebrìan meet. I guess Elrond will spend most of the chapter gaping at her, thunderstruck, but I’m actually more looking forward to see just how will Celebrìan appear. All beautiful and charming and wise, as Elrond expects her to be? Or brave and fearless? Or then again, maybe a tomboy entrance seems more like her? Author Reply: Hello Melje! Actually, the army Erestor first saw was the enemy...and when he saw another force sailing up the river and landing, he could not wait to get home and tell everyone that HOPE had returned for Help had arrived. But he did enjoy the telling! And thank you - you are right in that what I was saying was that Elrond IS Imladris...and that became quicly clear to Gil-galad as well. I am looking forward to writing Celebrian's arrival. :-)

Eruanneth_Luin	Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 11/22/2004
It does my heart good to see another chapter, though this one was fraught with perils and trials for all involved. Glorfindel knew just the right assignment for young Athranen, giving him purpose and a challenge. Such a great mentor and friend to all concerned, and then going gaily forth to battle, the gladly, eager Elf-lord, to defend Imldaris or harry the enemy. Now we see why Elrond trusted Glorfindel to assess his own wounds, though his wounding did give me an uncomfortable moment The discoveries of the Númenorian soldier among the wounded and the news from Erestor were a sweet song to hear as it heralds a coming time of peace, however brief. The deep ties between Gil-Galad and Elrond, are reflected also in the care of Glorfindel for the young elves bereft of families; Elves and their love of the young portrayed beautifully. Elrond has the greatest treat in store and I for one am anxiously awaiting his future lady's arrival. Author Reply: I am looking forward to writing Elrond and Celebrian's first meeting! I have pictured some of it in my mind, and I hope I can put the words together to allow others to see what I can see. I did enjoy writing Glorfindel this chapter too. Such a rock solid force, he has faced death already - what more can he fear? And without fear, he can give so deeply from the heart. What a great role model for the children, human and elven alike. I am already grieved to write from Elrond's perspective when he loses Gil-galad. :(

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 11/22/2004
This was truly wonderful, Nilmandra. You've made it all come alive and anchored it to the quiet, strong figure of Elrond, who struggles along doing what's right. I was glad to see him get some praise from Gil-galad. I know his own people appreciate him, but I'm not sure he always knows how much. He so needs to have Celebrian arrive!!! Author Reply: Elrond did need a pat on the back, and who better to give it than the king? I am glad in this case that there is little canon to go on, as I can establish a close relationship between Elrond and Gil-galad - and it makes sense in light of the roles Gil-galad put Elrond into. I am looking forward to Celebrian arriving too! She will liven up place. :-)

Amlee	Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 11/22/2004
As always I wait on pins and needles for your updates. Although they are few and far between they are always well written. You draw me into your stories and through you I am learning the history of middle earth. I look forward to your updates and the next step in your stories The Third Age. :p Author Reply: Thanks, Amlee. Real life has prevented more frequent updates; but so has the subject matter. There is so little canon that to make the little pieces of the puzzle into a story takes a lot of thought into character motivations and figuring out why Tolkien wrote what he did. I am looking forward to the Third Age as well! Thanks for the review.

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