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History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra	18 Review(s)
Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/25/2006
This must have been nearly intolerable, bringing their mother home so; and now Elrond sees something similar being done to Frodo. No wonder he is troubled by such memories of his wife's torment! And in this case the chain came from another, and he lifted the Ring with a quill. Very clever. Author Reply: I was intrigued by Gandalf telling Frodo in FotR that no one loses a Ring of Power - the Ring abandons someone in favor of another. The ring would be attracted to power.. in Elrond, it might see someone who could really wield it. The idea of a temptation was fascinating... they had to be interested and it must have taken great discipline to turn it down. Does make you wonder how the Fourth Age might have turned out if one of the Wise had taken the ring and used it.

Elenluin	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 8/5/2005
I must confess that I read this one yesterday eve eventhough I hadn't had time for it... but I'm glad I dropped everything else cause this chapter haunted me for the whole rest of the evening, so very emotional and touching, you really described it well. Poor Elladan, I can perfectly understand him, feeling responsible and frightened... Hope there will be some light in the dark in the next chapter... Author Reply: As awful as it sounds, I am glad to know the chapter haunted you! Elladan is one of the most vocal and acting out in his grief, but at the end of it all he will still be the srtong and loving son, brother and leader - and he will find his way.

Karri	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/26/2005
A heartrending chapter! The intensity of the effort to get home is gut-wrenching. The tension between siblings is nicely done, too. I think often individual methods of dealing with a crisis create just this sort of tension when something catastrophic happens within a family. Really excellent! :-) Author Reply: Thank you, Karri. I think you are right about the tension in that situation...and probably all families that go through such crises have it happen. Glad you thought it was good!

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/24/2005
It was so painful reading these two chapters I could hardly get through them. Powerful writing Nilmandra! Author Reply: Thanks Harrowcat. All I can say is that they were awful to write too! But I am glad you found them powerful, as that is what I had hoped for. Thanks for reading!

Eruanneth_Luin	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/23/2005
Poor Elladan, overwhelmed with guilt over his failure to protect those in his keeping and then turning with frustrated reproach upon his beloved twin. Not all wounds were physical. So wonderful it was, the aid of the eagle coming in friendship to Elladan. Even amidst the growing despair there was a brief moment of joy for Elladan. But my heart broke for Elrond, not only the loving husband, also the gifted healer giving so much of himself in both roles. Then to have the hostility of Elladan toward Elrohir was an added trial. Praise the stars for the dauntingly formidable Glorfindel, taking matters well in hand with stern rebuke. The temptation of Elrond by the One Ring must have been nearly unendurable; vulnerable because of his Vilya, yet perhaps strengthened also. Ah, hobbits concerned more about the little affairs of daily life and content to leave the world affairs to the minds of those better suited to such far-reaching troubles. It was a test for Aragorn, too, traveling hidden paths and wild lands, yet still able to resist the allure of the dark song of the Ring. Thank you for this powerful chapter. Author Reply: Not all wounds were physical. This is so true here, I think, as guilt and grief wound them all deeply. Such powerful people Galariel and Elrond were, but not even their power or their wisdom or their rings could keep Celebrian from this fate. Unfortunately for the twins (and for me, if I might grab some author self pity here) the trial is far from over. That is realistic though, and so they must work through their grief and anger and guilt and make their way to true forgiveness. The road is bound to be difficult. Thank you for reading. :)

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/23/2005
I can't believe how far behind I've gotten in reviewing, but rest assured that if I get a notice that you've posted, I'm here! This has been one bizarre week. I hope things will slow down now. But to the interesting topic: your story! I thought as I was reading this chapter how horrible it would be for any child to see their mother chained, naked and tortured. The fact that the sons of Celebrian survived is remarkable in itself, but that they were able to keep their wits about them to actually make a rescue says much about them. Can you imagine the fear, the horror and the anger? I know the twins struggled with their emotions so that they could save her, but it had to be the most difficult thing they had ever done or would ever do. Elrohir was so single minded in his pursuit to keep her with him, that it was heartbreaking. And she was barely hanging on by a thread. Of course, we found out later that he had been poisoned as well, but still, his struggle was valiant to see her cared for. I think the most heartbreaking moment (last chapter) was when Celeborn saw his daughter. Oh my... His despair was overwhelming. But he did what he had to do in returning to escort Galadriel and Arwen, but it had to be one of the most difficult decisions he had ever made. But I can see why he did it. How could he allow someone else to tell Celebrian's mother what had happened? What a moving and thoughtful scene. While Elrohir was wholly focused on his mother, Elladan was battling his own demons. He was just as concerned about Celebrian, but his hands weren't busy. He wasn't holding his mother. Things had slipped out of his control. And he took it out on the safest target around: his brother. I knew he didn't mean any of the things he said, and Elrohir probably knew it too, but it was still painful to watch. Glorfindel fixed Elladan's little red wagon though. What he said to Elladan was probably more powerful coming from him than it would have been from anyone else. It helped, I think, that Elladan was the one who took his mother home by eagle. He had a moment to feel useful instead of so at loose ends. Elrond seeing Celebrian when she arrived was tough. No matter how prepared you are, I don't think you could ever be prepared for what he saw. But he pulled himself together and took care of her. As worried and distracted as he was by Celebrian's injuries, he was still astute enough to see the shadow that had fallen over his sons. I like 'take charge' Elrond. He didn't let them get away with anything. The saddest part is that we know that for all Elrond's gifts of healing, he would never be able to heal Celebrian's spirit. But I loved how he sat by her and sang and healed her as best as he could. When we switched back to the present and the hobbits arrived, Elrond was once again fighting the same type of shadow-inflicted wounds he had dealt with when Celebrian was hurt. This time he was able to pull Frodo away from the darkness. I'm sure he must have wished a thousand times that he could have done the same for his wife. I was intrigued by how drawn to the ring Elrond was and despite its seductive call he was able to separate the inviting whispers from reality. That shows such strength of character. And wisdom. I liked Aragorn's observation about Glorfindel and his realization that if he had fully known Glorfindel he would have crossed him less as a child. And I liked the part where Elrond simply laid his hand on Aragorn's arm and pushed into rest. The hobbits' appearances were very nicely done. Sam is certainly the one to be at Frodo's side and Elrond saw that quickly. Such a wonderful chapter, Nilmandra. Full of heart wrenching moments and intense emotions. I've thoroughly enjoyed this story. Karen Author Reply: As I read your review I am reminded of how much was in that chapter! This was so hard to write and I know hard to read, but it seemed like such a shaping event for the family that to understand some of the things that motivated them at the end of the age, we needed to see them react to this awful and terribly siginficant event. What is that saying? Something about how one reacts under stress is the truest judge of one character. We see them do well, we see them experience grief and we know that by the War of the Ring the twins were 'fair and gallant' and Elrond wise and strong and powerful, and as 'kind as summer' - and Arwen was strong enough to make her own choice that parted her forever from her family. Those are strong self confident people. I am looking forward to writing more Elrond-Frodo interaction, especially in Minas Tirith, when the ring is destroyed. How permission was obtained for him to sail, the meaning of the white jewel Arwen gave him are all significant things I hope to work in. Thanks for the review (and all your support and friendship!)

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/22/2005
Such a busy and anguished week we're having with poor Celebrían and her family! :-/ Haldir was great here, duty and compassion in their just measure. Elladan's pain, anger and confusion struck me as so coherent! It made me think of people trained to take charge in emergencies when they find themselves at the receiving end of the same help they usually provide. They know not how to react, and to the usual shock you must add the confusion of knowing what is going on and what your colleagues are doing but not being able to read clearly... Elladan was experiencing that, apart from the shock, and it made it all doubly painful for him, wondering whether he wasn't fit to be a warrior anymore, or trying to explain his brother's apparent lack of discipline or ressitance... It was very painful. I loved how Haldir took charge of everything, balancing his worries for their safety with his compassion and how he managed Elladan's anger, much as Glorfindel, or Erestor when he timely stepped between the twins... Everything is so well ordered and efficiently ran in Imladris, taht elrond is truly fortunate to have such efficient friends by his side! I found things in this chapter that reminded me of your Mirkwood-Imladris story. (I read it not so long ago, and the thing of the non healing wounds and the fingers causing bruises, as much as Elladan's anger at his brother's apparent "lack of spirit" made me think of it... I seem to remember that story takes place not long before these events, and I was wondering if you're going to mention that here... ;-) Congratulations again Nilmandra, it is fascinating the dedication and detail you've devoted to craft this story, which, in truth, seems rather a double story, as it always happens with HL. And, again, I cannot tell which one I find more fascinating. The bedraggled hobbits arriving at Imladris would deserve a review on its own... :-) Author Reply: It made me think of people trained to take charge in emergencies when they find themselves at the receiving end of the same help they usually provide. Role reversal is an interesting thing, isn't it? I have worked in the medical profession long enough to know that medical professionals are the worst patients, too. Elladan acts out and Elrohir holds it in, and they are both very much hurting. And so, of course, is Elrond...but he is has to hold it together because he is the ultimate authority. And you are right...Elladan was annoyed by Elrohir's lack of anger in 'Hunting' too - he wants Elrohir to think and act like him, perhaps because then he understands him perfectly. They really are very different, and I enjoy writing them because of that. I'm glad you liked the chapter...it was very hard to write, you necessary too, to try to figure out the person of Elrond. Thank you!

Radbooks	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/22/2005
Oh, wow, such a painful chapter for all. So like Elrohir not to say anything and so like Elladan to take his anger at himself and pour it out on his brother. Haldir (who I really enjoyed!) and Glorfindel were tough on Elladan, but he still didn't get it - I don't think anybody could have gotten through to him at that point. Though, thankfully, Elrond was able to do so. Poor, poor Elrond, to actually see his wife in that state and then have to actually tend to her wounds himself. It would be incredibly difficult to do. I so love his compassion for others - besides the obvious people in his life - that he also shows it to the hobbits is always touching. I was relieved when Aragorn rode up with Frodo, just to pull him back from his memories. I loved Sam telling Elrond how to watch over Frodo, it sounded just like something Sam would do! :) The temptation of the ring that Elrond felt gave me shivers and how he had to so forcibly reject it's call. And then the conversation he and Aragorn had regarding it was interesting and how Aragorn was so sorely tempted at first, but then it diminished. Just that the ring has that much power to know what particular thing tempts you is just eerie. Anyway, that's a long enough review of another great chapter! Looking forward to more. Author Reply: I felt bad for Glorfindel actually - I think he would have pounded Elladan a little more had Elrond not been present, though I'm still not sure it would have helped. I enjoyed writing Sam! He has such a distinct voice its easy to 'hear'. Glad you liked the ring temptation, too. I think each of the 'wise' probably had to make that forcible rejection, just to make sure they knew it themselves. Thank you for the review.

runnerbeast	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/22/2005
Yes, you do so well of not getting too graphic in your scenes but still get the horror of the situation across so we understand behaviors and actions. You have a really good balance of things going on. Now I know why Elladan has always been my favorite twin... well, I love Elrohir too, but Elladan. =) So hard on himself, so full of guilt, so wanting to make everything ok now. You can just hear his inner cry of "why, why did that have to happen like THAT?!". He's so like us, and we don't want him to be. You write him so well. So strong, so complex, so many dimensions. Just great seeing this part through his eyes. Thank you! And Elrohir was having his own difficulties here... This poor family! I loved their relationships together and the ups and downs in this chapter. There was just so much going on here and you made it all easy to understand so I was just glued to every word. It was intense and sad, but wonderful that we were able to glimpse the inside perspectives of Elladan and Elrond and get their view point on what was going on around them. The part with Elrond healing Celebrian and his doubts and worries was just heart wrenching. Then, that was my first glimpse of your Celeborn and wow, I'd been told he was a show stopper and he is! I also loved your Haldir... but because of the intense and tragic nature of this chapter it just wouldn't be proper to go all 'fan girl' on you right now... but I would love to see more of him sometime in the future. ;) A terrific chapter, for sure. Author Reply: I am particularly glad you like Elladan! I usually write from Elrohir's POV, but I thought Elladan's would be far more enlightening based on his personality (well, the one I gave him anyway). He wears his heart on his sleeve. Glad you like Haldir and Celeborn....Celeborn is in both of my other HL stories and I really like him. This is Haldir's first experience. Thank you for your thoughts!

TithenFeredir	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/22/2005
There is so much good stuff in this chapter, but for some reason the part that really got my attention was Elladan's behavior. One would think that he of all people would be the most empathetic toward Elrohir and yet the oppoeite was true, and that was so perplexing. Then in Elrond's office when he was telling what happened he said one thing: that at first Elrohir was strong but then he became weak. I may be totally off with this, but it struck me there that this was the real problem with Elladan. He needed Elrohir to be strong and couldn't accept that his brother might have a moment of weakness. It was only when he learned that Elrolir had taken a bit of Celebrian's poison that he made that complete change in attitude. For me the most interesting thing will be to see how that relationship is mended. ~TF Author Reply: He needed Elrohir to be strong and couldn't accept that his brother might have a moment of weakness. Poor Elladan - he was lashing out everyone around him, but he was restrained with those who were above him in command. His twin though- well, he was an acceptable target. He wasn't reacting the same as Elladan, which would have helped him to justify how he felt...nor was Elrohir restraining him anymore. He sees himself as still fighting and Elrohir as giving up - and I think you're right...he can't accept that Elrohir would 'give in' to the despair. Of course, he is so tied up in his own experience he doesn't know what Elrohir is going through. And hurting someone else is unfortunately, an outlet for his anger. Poor Elrohir. :( He is so sensitive - and he feels like he has failed everyone, including his twin. I promise the relationship is eventually mended, but everyone takes Elrohir's easy forgiveness for granted. Thank you for your thoughts!

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