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| History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra | 28 Review(s) |
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| PSW | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/7/2016 |
| I have been quite unsettled for most of the day, and wasn't sure anything I sat down to read this evening would keep my attention, but I have been saving this last of the History Lessons stories for a rainy day, as it were, and although there has been no rain today, I thought I'd give it a try. :-) It was a good choice. :-) I quite enjoyed this scene of little Aragorn's arrival in Rivendell, and I look forward to the next chapters. I enjoyed Elrond's realizations that his parenting skills were a bit rusty -- of course he wet the bed :-P -- and I found much to like in your depiction of Gilraen. I feel that she is often done such an injustice on many levels, whether through her depictions or by just by being excluded altogether, and I thought your version of a young woman in shock but determined to do her duty was quite refreshing. I also, I admit, was caught by the quote in your author's note -- 'the vision of hope and the experience of darkness.' It has given me something to ponder on this evening, and perhaps oddly, perhaps not, helped me to put some things in perspective. So ... thanks for that. ;-P Okay, I'm done now. Thanks so much for writing, and I look forward to the rest! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/23/2006 |
| Am finally getting into this story, and love the first chapter. Yes, living with a two-year-old would be quite the adventure for this household, particularly as they realize just how fast compared to the twins and Arwen he will mature. Author Reply: Thanks, Larner. I hope you enjoy the story. :) | |
| Eruanneth_Luin | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/11/2005 |
| The long wait is over at last! Much as I have anticipated ‘Third Age’ it is even better than I hoped. Arwen serenely peaceful, not probing or (outwardly) worried is the calm anchoring presence in whom Aragorn entrusts his heart. Many of us could learn from this wise feminine example. Elrond giving freely of himself and his realm to preserve the line of the Heirs of Isildur through the long years though fraught with repeated tragic loss as each fosterling in turn perishes; after all his past sorrows he yet rejoices in each young Dunadan male in his care. Is it any wonder that he is so highly regarded by Tolkien? I so love to see the loving family relations, which are a priceless gift considering the length of their lives. The chance to learn Elvish history at the very feet the Master of Imladris would be the pinnacle of wish fulfillment. (Big sigh) Glorfindel’s golden hair would indeed by a prize worth capturing even for a brief moment. Aragorn has excellent taste! Elrohir softening the leave-taking with interesting diversions shows not only his loving nature, but his aptitude with the young. Someday he will be a wonderful adar. (A non-subtle hint.) Elrond’s arms seem made for children, especially those of mortal blood who have graced his life in Imladris from the first. His ‘oops, I forgot little ones needs other kinds of protection as well’ had me laughing delightedly. Scholarly oversight = lapse of practical sense; two diverse definitions for a common situation was equally amusing. Thank you for a perfectly enchanting first chapter. My only regret was that it ended too soon. Author Reply: I am glad you liked the opening. Glorfindel as a pretty toy was just too good to pass up, but a toddler can get away with things the rest of us could not! I do like writing Elrond with children - its another opportunity to see a more vulnerable side to him, the time taken with a child's cares next to his many responsibilities and his great power and wisdom a nice contrast, yet also a parallel as to what is important. Thanks for reading! | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/10/2005 |
| I wish Elrond would come over and give me a neck rub. Naturally I loved the first scene to pieces. I'm glad Aragorn got a good night's (and day's, and night's) sleep after hunting Gollum for so long, and I'm glad Elrond was watching over him so tenderly. Aragorn's arrival at Rivendell was really touching; it was so sweet how the entire household just enfolded him and Gilraen into their embrace. Elrond was so warm and sweet; it was amusing that he surprised even his sons by taking Aragorn into his heart immediately - and capturing the little boy's heart as well. Even if he didn't remember that two-year-olds are somewhat unreliably potty-trained. I was just wondering if he would ever ask about his father when I got to the part where Elrond says this: My decision was conscious and intentional, but still very difficult. I was blotting out his past, causing his memory of his father and family to fall away instead of teaching him to cherish those whom we had also loved. We gave him so much love and attention that he fell into his new life easily. Each moment that went by, when he did not ask about his papa or his grandpapa or grandmama, was like a dagger in Gilraen’s heart. My heart ached for the pain that caused her. Ow. What a brutal but necessary act; erasing Aragorn's memory of his father and his Dunedain family, even his own name. And I can imagine how awful that must have been for Gilraen. And of course, Elrond awakening Aragorn from his prolonged nap was sweet as well. It makes me smile to imagine this battle-toughened, grizzled warrior yawning and stretching with sleep. Elrond is certainly going to waste no time putting some meat on his bones, that's for certain. I'm so glad to see this up! Author Reply: I am not entirely sure I can write believable rangers, but I did like writing this particular ranger from the elves' perspective. Eru help me, I'm now trying to write of 'great deeds' and Estel among rangers. I may need help. | |
| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/8/2005 |
| I so enjoyed this chapter. I'm normally not much into stories of Tolkien's characters as children. This tale plays very well as historical, but it has such a wonderfully intimate feel to it. You write Elrond's house as such a tranquil place whose residents obviously care for each other and have a long history together. Their harmony is palpable and is a take on elvish character that never occurred to me, yet it makes perfect sense and seems very right. I also loved the gentle, protective attitude the elves had toward the edain. Again, it seems very appropriate given how weak and short-lived the "sickly ones" would seem to them. The distictly different way in which each elf related to Aragorn and Gilraen was a very insightful touch. I could go on and on. Wonderful writing! ~TF Author Reply: I am glad you liked the feel of the story. Its tempting to want to write some action or conflict into the story, but it just didn't fit with how Tolkien portrayed Elrond's house. I am glad that they came across well. I certainly would like to live there (or visit, at least!). | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/8/2005 |
| O hurrah! History lessons about the age that fascinates me the most. So glad! But my eyes are closing of themselves, so I will have to come back later and read and leave a coherent review. Thanks! Author Reply: Thanks, Lindelea. There will even be hobbits! I am interested particularly in Frodo and such things as how permission was granted for him to sail. Seeing hobbits through the eyes of the elves will be fun. | |
| Pernauriel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/6/2005 |
| I love this story already, this is the one I wanted to read when you first started writing the History Lessons with Legolas. I love all the other stories in the series. A little estel and Aragorn all grown up. I was very happy when I saw this come up in my inbox. I was thinking the other day that I wanted to read a new Nilmandra story, and when I went to my inbox there it was. Can't wait to read the rest of it. I won't review every chapter but I will read them all and let you know, but I know it will be a great read. I am going to stop rambling and repeating myself now. Author Reply: Thanks, Pernauriel! I am glad you liked the start. There is a lot to cover, good times and bad times, and I enjoyed writing these early chapters - a child in the house is a good thing. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/6/2005 |
| Oh, I think I am really going to *like* this. You know me, mostly I only read hobbits, but sometimes a Man and/or Elf story comes along that is just exceptional. This looks like it may very well be one of those. I loved the mingling of present and flashbacks, and the glimpses of the child Aragorn. The sweet affection between the members of Elrond's family and household is just beautiful. I am looking forward to more. Author Reply: There be hobbits in this story! I have long meant to rewrite 'Refuge' and continue it, and that will happen in this story. The pov will be Elrond's, most likely, but I have learned its fun to look at certain races through the eyes of another, so hopefully it will work out well. Stay dry! Thank you for reading. | |
| Kathleen | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/6/2005 |
| Hi Nilmandra, I am so excited to see another History Lesson story. Chapter one was brilliant, I cannot wait to read more. Slainte, Kathleen Author Reply: Thank you, Kathleen! | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/5/2005 |
| I was so excited to see this here yesterday! So excited, in fact, that I read through it all with a huge grin on my face at lunchtime only to realise later that I hadn’t actually taken any of it in. I had to read it all again when I managed to stop myself from bouncing around in glee ;-) What a perfect opening! I love how comfort is offered to Aragorn in different ways – Elrond soothing him, Arwen staying by his side and anticipating his needs, and even Cook providing his favourite foods. It’s so clear that this is really home to Aragorn. I also really like the way Elrond and Arwen are willing to just wait for Aragorn to tell them about his experiences and won’t push him. The love they have for this man really comes through and is wonderful to witness. My heart went out to Elrond when he thinks about what the discovery of the One Ring will mean: “They would rise up against Shadow one last time; if they were defeated all would be lost for Men and Elves and all the free peoples of Middle-earth. Yet if they won, he would lose his daughter.” It’s going to be so fascinating seeing this tale through Elrond’s eyes. All parts of it! I can’t tell you how much I love the part where Arwen and Elrond massage the twins and try to relax them. What a truly heart-warming picture. I just adore seeing such closeness between them all. The little part of the tale about Arathorn was very interesting. I like the sense that something was about to happen, the idea that evil things were drawn to his patrol, that Elrond was uneasy. And you very movingly convey what it meant for Elrohir to have Arathorn die in his arms. The conversation about what would happen to Aragorn now was just heartbreaking. What brave people the Dúnedain are. They have such strength and their sense of identity runs so deep that they would sacrifice everything to keep it. I like your Halbarad even in the little we see of him here. I also just love your depiction of Gilraen. Her grief, shock and weariness all come across so well but underneath we can already sense her strength. She’s just lost her husband and now she has had to leave everything she knew behind. It’s so final, really, because her life is in Imladris now at least until her son is fully grown. It must have been really facing the unknown for her. She doesn’t ever seem to have considered not staying there herself and just leaving her son there. In some ways it must have been harder to participate in the secrecy and in hiding her son’s identity. But she’s just amazing. The determination and acceptance she shows in that moment when Elrond calls her son ‘Estel’ is incredible. Estel is adorable! He’s certainly captured the hearts of everyone straight away! He’s such a bright child, and I think his curiosity is a very realistic reaction. I love the way he pulls on Glorfindel’s hair!! Elrond is wonderful. He makes Estel feel safe and loved immediately and his tactics for helping the child learn his new name are very clever. I love that he let Estel sleep in his bed – and the bedwetting was priceless! Whoever changes Elrond’s sheets will get a good giggle. One of my favourite things about this chapter, actually, is the way everyone helps out – the females making Gilraen more comfortable and sitting with her throughout the night, Erestor providing toys and clothes, etc. The whole house has welcomed them with love and understanding. I also particularly liked the end of this chapter. After what we’ve just read, the terms “father” and “Aragorn, son of Arathorn” spoken by these people have so much more meaning. I’m so glad to see the love between them, and the complete faith that Elrond has in Aragorn. I really can’t wait to read more of this. It’s got off to such a great start and you’re doing a tremendous job with Elrond. We see his power and wisdom, the weight of experience, the knowledge that even he isn’t safe from pain and loss, the love for his daughter and love for Aragorn, the attempt to understand what must happen without trying to change anything…Ack. I’m getting all excited again! This is great, Nilmandra. I’m very much looking forward to more :-) Author Reply: Dot, you know how to make an author feel great :) You really do have a good eye for picking out what is important, and you hit on all of the themes I was focusing on. In particular at the end were Elrond's use of 'Aragorn son of Arathorn' - a reminder to his son of who he was...and Aragorn's use of 'my father' - a reminder to Elrond of who he was to him. Its a relationship brought full circle, from Elrond taking Aragorn's identity, then giving it back, and in the end Aragorn really is a mixture of Arathorn's son and Elrond's son. Gilraen is inspiring to me. The courage and valor of women in times of crisis and war is usually not in arms, but on the homefront, doing what needs to be done to survive, and they are seldom lauded or recognized for it. This is what Eowyn feared...and perhaps Aragorn could speak of valour without reknown because it was modeled for him. Thank you for your lovely wonderful comments. The timing is so perfect - its my first day back to work and I am exhausted. I hope the rest of the story lives up to your expectations. | |