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History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra	22 Review(s)
French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 7/1/2006
I am starting to catch up now. Elrond srikes me as interestingly passive in this chapter. His wisdom is not analytical. He doesn't sit and examine a problem with the intent of discovering a solution on his own, and this seems to resonate with his statement that the problem of the Ring is, as far as the Elves are concerned, somebody else's problem. His major skill seems to be in facilitating. He knows when he has the right combination of people to get them together at a Council that will decide the fate of the world, and he is open and receptive to the visions that tell him to include Legolas and Gimli. He can't give any particular reason yet, but he knows that they have to be there, so he'll trust that it's enough for now. He really seems to be running on faith alone. Not active, but no less brave than the warriors. Author Reply: It is interesting to think about what kind of wisdom the 'Wise' had... analytical wisdom doesn't account for greater powers and plans than those that are easily seen. A Wise person perhaps looks at all things around him - and since Elrond has experienced the 'supernatural' before, he knows enough of it not to discount it (hehe, I mean, hey,we're talking about magic rings, after all). I think his greatest bravery was doing what was right no matter the cost to himself in the end. The elves could have fled to Valinor.. but a select group did not... they stayed until the bitter end.

Lady Saruman	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 2/15/2006
where i live, it's feb. 14, so HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

Strange Blaze	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 2/4/2006
Here I am FINALLY caught up on your stories! I loved this chapter! I have always wanted an opportunity through your stories to get into the Canon. I would love it if you eventually did a Quest story through the point of view of the Woodland Realm. I have always loved the way you write Elrond. I think you capture his point of view beautifully. You get inside his head so well (his and Glorfindel's too). You capture his wisdom and agelessness, his insight and his sorrow, just everything that I love about the character, everything that I think Tolkien tried to present about him in such a wonderful way. :) Author Reply: Hey Strangeblaze! I am glad you are caught up and enjoying this. I love Elrond, as you may have guessed. I am looking forward to writing back in the Woodland Realm, though, too. Soon...I have a few short birthday requests to write :>)

Lady Saruman	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/21/2006
i absolutely lurved this chapter...it was so descriptive... but the other ones were good too. in the previous chapters, i was horrified in seeing how such a beautiful elf like celebrian would be tortured into a new creature born and the soul so damaged beyond repair. sniff sniff but however, plz pardon me for this reason: i have never submitted a review till now though ive read all 3 of your history lessons works, because of school. it's killing me. i am only in 8th grade and already i am so busy that i sleep at 3 in the morning. boohoo. cuz then again i read your stories ever since two months ago.. and finally i can find the time to review. but i loved your story "A Fire Long Kindled". it was so romantic and touching... plz, update soon, and i'll try to review a.s.a.p. from when your most recent update comes out. oh yeah, would you mind sharing wi/me where you know all this elvish? i am obsessed with it and i am trying to learn sindarin, and thankfully i am progressing. i hope you dont get insulted by this question but i have to ask it because if i hold it in any longer i'll explode: are you a teen or an adult? hoping to be your mellon, Lady Saruman, who is an elf ^_~ Author Reply: Hello Lady Saruman, thank you for reviewing. I am glad you like the story. Regarding your questions, what little bits of elvish I use come from DragonFlame, a program you can install on your computer. Its a dictionary, not actual lessons, and can be found here: http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/sindar/df20.html If you want to take a course on Sindarin, the Council of Elrond may be offering something, or at least have lessons you can do on your own: http://www.councilofelrond.com Regarding me, very much an adult. Old enough to be your mom, even. I am 40, but I only read the books in 2002, then saw the movies. Hope you enjoy the rest of the story. It will be a bit slow in updating due to some big projects at work, but it will be finished.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/8/2006
It was interesting to read this as a reader, not a beta. I was struck by the degree to which this chapter especially makes this story a culmination of the themes and events you've developed through HL and also your wood elf stories. It would never have occurred to me to see Elros in Arwen, and yet of course that's right. The fact that you developed the logic of Elros's and Elrond's choices makes her actions and Elrond's reactions fitting now. They've been prepared for. And Elrond is a bystander rather than the actor he's been in so much of ME history. That's fascinating. The time of the elves is truly at an end. Elrond's visions were also intriguing. How much of the future could he see, I wonder? Certainly not enough to rest easy. Author Reply: I really was stuck wondering what in the world persuaded Elrond to send the two younger hobbits. While the hobbit pov makes the Company seem rather haphazardly put together, that doesn't seem quite right either. Writing about the self-determination of men and Arwen did help me get my arms around the rest of the story... and I have my next endpoint to write to. Thanks for the review!

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/4/2006
Ah, the chapter where Nothing Happens. Except for the most momentous decision in the history of M-e… This is truly fantastic – there’s so much in this chapter that fascinated me! I really enjoyed your insight into the Council of Elrond and it’s helped me gain a better understanding of what might have happened behind the scenes. But there were some really great moments that stood out for me (and I hope it’s ok to just pick out a few because you’ll have the next chapter out before I have this review done otherwise!): - Lathron and Elrond sharing the vision about Legolas. Apart from the fact that I love Lathron, I just thought it was a very powerful moment. Lathron’s pride and grief was a perfect response, I thought. I admit that I was worried about him having to tell Thranduil but hopefully this way he can explain to his father that it was meant to be, that Elrond had no real choice. I had forgotten that Elrohir promised Legolas adventure – crikey! I don’t think he meant this… - the entire scene with Glóin. I thought you captured the strength of character, the pride and the determination of the dwarves perfectly as well as showing us the politics behind some of the decisions too. And the idea that the fate of the Dwarves is tied to Middle-earth just as that of Men is a very important one. Of course, it makes me think that if the Dwarves were responsible for all this, they’d have just made a decision and got on with it! - Glorfindel knowing the risk of having the One Ring in Imladris with Vilya there and not wanting to leave Elrond’s side. It’s particularly effective coming just after Elrond has been contemplating the threat and temptation to Galadriel. I hadn’t thought before of what a difficult position Glorfindel is in – does he go to find the Úlairi or does he stay with Elrond? Especially when it’s not as though just any elf could stand up to the Nine. The moment of hesitation wonderfully captures the importance if the decision but what really comes through is the depth of his protectiveness and loyalty towards Elrond. - Legolas and the hobbits. I love the idea that Merry and Pippin have taken to him – and that he is spending time with them too. I was also tickled by the fact that Elrond loses sight of him in the trees! The bonding has already begun for these members of the Fellowship, even though they don’t yet know that they’ll travel together. And Legolas’ lighthearted, youthful, curious spirit is very obvious. - all of Elrond’s visions. What an excellent way to show the reasons behind some of his decisions, his struggle with trying to do the right thing with only snatches of information – and we can sense his frustration at not knowing more. At the same time, though, mixed with his great fear, there seems to me to be an acceptance in him too that things are under way and what was meant to happen will; he will do his part, but this time much is out of his hands. Glorfindel’s lack of understanding highlights not only the difference between Elves and Men, but between him and Elrond. It’s a very interesting idea that Men must be the ones to destroy Sauron and build a new world, if they are to come forward and build, rule and appreciate a new age. It makes sense that they need to earn it if they are to fully treasure it. Elrond’s words about his children are so touching – his fear for Elladan, his love for Aragorn, and all along it is Arwen who was seeking something more. I’m really intrigued by this idea that Arwen didn’t fully understand the “gift.” I suppose I had always looked on it as her having made the choice and she knows that the eventual outcome means that she will die. I had never stopped to think that even though she made the choice to be with Aragorn, perhaps she did not fully understand the idea of a mortal death until she was faced with it. After all, how could she. She probably knows intellectually but Elrond can see that she doesn’t really understand. I look forward to seeing whether or not she and Elrond have the conversation they’re avoiding. - the idea of Elrohir being touched by Shadow. Although, I do feel a bit dense for not realising that before. It’s sad to think that the long-ago wound affected him so much, though it does prove the strength of evil, but funnily enough, in this part I suddenly had a clearer understanding of how Celebrían must have felt, how despair and darkness must have eaten away at her very heart. I enjoyed the whole scene with the brothers. Elladan’s horse is hilarious. - Galadriel’s summary of events. Priceless! I nearly choked trying not to laugh reading it at work. Although, to be fair, what she does get across is how events seem to be happening of their own accord in a way that no-one could doubt means something bigger is going on – still, I can see why it looks like Elrond is off his rocker! I adored the back-and-forth between Galadriel and Celeborn. Like Glorfindel protecting Elrond, Celeborn wants nothing more than to keep the One Ring away from his wife (and he does have rather more reason to fear than Glorfindel!) but he knows that may not be possible so he makes his anger and worry known but will be there nonetheless by her side – and will do whatever he needs to in order to protect her, even if it’s from herself. Actually, out of everyone, I’m feeling the worst for Celeborn because it must be so terrible to know that this struggle may be before his wife, especially when he is the only one who truly knows what a temptation this Ring will be for her. But the depth of the love between them, even in this moment, is beautiful to witness. - the final decision. You did it so well. Elrond thinks he has more-or-less made his decision to send his sons, even though something didn’t feel quite right, but once again matters are taken out of his hands. It seems, though, that even Elladan and Elrohir knew they wouldn’t be going- and I suppose they knew that they could follow afterwards if needed. I’d love to know what Mithrandir thought all along, if this was as much a surprise to him as it was to everyone else, even though he immediately sees the strengths that the hobbits will bring to the group. I think maybe Glorfindel is feeling some of the same helplessness that Elrond is – how frustrating it must be to stand back and let others, who seem on the face of it completely unsuitable, take such a huge responsibility. But while Elrond can trust his wisdom and foresight and instinct, Glorfindel just has to trust what Elrond and Mithrandir tell him. Still, Elrond’s place is in Imladris, and Glorfindel’s place is by his side. I am so glad Mithrandir was able to provide Elrond with some measure of peace – and in return he gets new shoes! This is really an amazing chapter. I’ll probably spend the next few days kicking myself every time I think of something I forgot to mention! If you feel like any more chapters where Nothing Happens, I’ll gladly read them :-) PS: Will you give Danielle Spaniel a pat on the head from me?! She had me in hysterics when I saw her ~~review~~ excerpt earlier today! Author Reply: Danielle Spaniel is hilarious, isn't she? I so enjoy it when she stops in with her romantic dog wisdom. I guess a lot did happen, even though it wasn't action. There was drama, even if most of it was never seen by most of the people in Imladris. I am glad you liked the twins and the scene with their grandparents. The more you think about the course of events, the more you do have to laugh. It sound rather bumblig on the surface, but perhaps that is why the Wise did not see it until it was upon them. Hobbits! Who could have forseen that? Elrohir was the muse I heard most often prior to this story, but I noticed a change in him when I wrote that young Estel story. He was obtuse and quiet, and when I tried to figure out why, I found shadow lingering over him. I think seeing his naneth again will do much for him - if watching Arwen pass doesn't undo him completely. Poor half-elf. Now comes a hard part - they get to sit home and wait for news. Not fun at all, I'm learning. Thanks for the review!!

Nikara	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/3/2006
Another excellent chapter. I'm excited to discover where this story goes next! Author Reply: Thanks, Nikara!

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/1/2006
Danielle Spaniel approached the podium. She patted the hair of her perfectly curled ears and stood behind the tall dogwood pedestal. After putting on her jeweled reading glasses, she tapped the microphone with one well groomed nail. She looked fetching in her diamond studded (not rhinestone) collar and cat-fur-trimmed-tiger-print sweater. Her tail wagged enthusiastically. “Good evening,” she said. “Welcome to the thirty-fifth AKC Press Awards. Tonight we are honored to have a speaker of great renown. He is an essayist, an author and a good watchdog. He is also last year’s recipient of the Puplitzer Prize for his riveting mystery novel, The Boneyard. He is guest editor for the suspense publication, ‘Canine Capers’. Join me in welcoming Sir Percy Pitbull.” Appawlause filled the stately ballroom of the plush Pierre Poodle Palace. Sir Percy, looking dashing in his bone-shaped bowtie, bowed to the lovely Ms. Spaniel, took her paw in his and licked it. Ms. Spaniel giggled delightfully, but her exuberate tail was what set tongues to waging. She appeared quite eager to roll over for the powerful pooch, Sir Percy. Sir Percy growled, clearing his throat. “Good evening,” he said his voice deep and as magnetic as Alpo to the in-pack of the purebred publishing industry. “It is my honor to be here among the most accomplished authors, agents, publishers and yard guards of our chosen profession. There is nothing like a good read after a day of bungling burglars, chasing cars, and scratching our way into doors that should never have been closed. I have been asked to speak tonight about the newest chapter of one of the most revered writers of our time. It is rare that I stray from the works that have taken this once small club of mongrels to an association of pureblood paragraphists and pen-pushers. In a moment when I felt as if I were chasing my tail, I stumbled on this human writer. She is a woman of many virtues, but the most endearing of her qualities is her love for fur and feathers. Her magnanimous spirit extends not only to our beloved breeds, but also to cats.” The room erupted into gasps and scattered appawlause. Sir Percy paused and nodded. “Yes, times have changed. No longer is it a shame to admit to tolerating a cat. We have grown, expanded our minds, and opened our hearts to the less fortunate. We must care for the infelicitous felines as we would any afflicted creature. My admiration for this human author has increased tenfold since learning of the halfway house she runs for perturbed putties.” Taking out a squeaky shaped into note cards, Sir Percy then placed a monocle in his eye, arranged his notes and lifted his eyes back to the assembled canines. “This evening I will recount for you the wonders of the writings of Nilmandra.” A cheer went up from the crowd that rattled the tennis-ball-shaped chandeliers. The waiters, passing out after-meal Greenies, paused to wag and howl. Sir Percy grinned and patted his paw in the air to calm the overexcited pedigrees. “Nilmandra has chosen a very dull stretch of time during the time of great turmoil in the fictional land of Middle-earth to address. She has taken a time when nothing of note happened and turned it into a riveting examination of Lord Elrott Wielerion. He is faced with the loss of his beloved daughter, Airedalewen, to a young pup Elrott has raised since he was no more than a whelp. The young, Aragreyhound, is fated to either fulfill his destiny to take the throne of Gooddogs or fall with what is left of his kennel. “This chapter opens after Elrott has held a council to determine the fate of the One Rubber Ring. The Hobeagle, Frodoberman, has agreed to take the Rubber Ring to the fire of its maker in Mordoors to destroy it. Now Elrott must decide who will walk with the Hobeagle. “Assisted by the constant support of his best friend and protector, Glornewfoundland, of the House of the Golden Retriever, Elrott ponders which of the guests he will point to. “His twins sons, Elgoodlad and Elcomehere, are found speaking to a young pup from Muttwood. Legolab has been sent by his father, the top dog, King Thrandingo, to report the disappearance of a creature named Gollurcher. Elrott greets Legolab with a polite sniff and when their noses touch, Elrott foresees Legolab dirty and tired from a big dog fight. Immediately, Elrott knows this pup is destined to travel with Frodoberman to the very fires of Mordoors. Legolab’s older brother is also gifted with a good nose and when he senses what Lord Elrott has seen, he tucks his tail in sorrow and pride for his younger littermate. “But there are two more walkers that must be chosen. Gandalmation, the wizard, encourages Elrott to share his burdens of choice with him, but Elrott won’t throw him a bone. It is upon the strong shoulders of Elrott that this decision lies. “Despite Glornewfoundland thinking Elrott has been inbred to the point of insanity, Elrott chooses two more Hobeagles to make the trip. Meriadachshund and Pippug, his cousin, are excited to hear the news. Now that all the walkers have been chosen, the Hobeagles hurry off to their bowls to see if any scraps have been left for dinner.” Sir Percy sniffled with emotion, then in a spontaneous moment, he lifted his snout and raised a howl to the works of Nilmandra. Scrambling onto tops of tables and into chairs, the crowd joined in his salute. The howling went on well into the night. A full moon rose over the The Pierre Poodle Palace. Sir Percy disappeared with Danielle Spaniel’s paw linked through one of his front legs. But behind in the Grand Ballroom, the party in appreciation of Nilmandra’s chapter went on all night and ended only when the revelers finally curled up and fell asleep on the rug. --excerpted from a reprinted article from the “Saint Bernard Bay” found in Sir Percy Pitbull’s bestselling memoir, I Don’t Bite Unless You Make Me. Author Reply: ROFLOL! Karen, this is too funny! I love Glornewfoundland... he is as big as Newfi. And Hobeagles? LOL. Meriadashshund and Pippug... those fit... Pip is rather tenacious. Gandalmation - he did like to point them in the right direction and encourage them to get there, didn't he? Always putting out fires. Yes, definitely a poodle palace around here, and indeed, many are still sprawled about sleeping on the carpeting this morning. Thank you. This was hilarious.

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/1/2006
That was cute that the hobbit went looking for lunch at the conclusion of the Council without another thought; and it was nice to see the members of the Fellowship engaging in the last light-hearted playtime that they'll have in a long time. I laughed at Legolas playing with Merry and Pippin. Elrond sure had the weight of the world on his shoulders. His visions are ominous, and his struggle over selecting last two members of the Fellowship was clearly agonizing. Fortunately everyone seems to have gone along with him pretty easily - Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf were obvious choices, Gloin played right into his hands, but I was afraid Lathron was going to put up some resistance to Legolas being selected. Elrond's exchange with Glorfindel over the need for Men to decide their own fate was very thought-provoking. Of course it would be Elrond, with his Mannish blood, who would have insights into their need for self-determination that Glorfindel wouldn't share. That makes sense that Elrond would have sent his sons to Galadriel - I loved her summary of the events thus far as related by Elladan (but not in verse!) I hadn't thought before about how worried Celeborn must be about the Ring getting anywhere near her. It's a good thing they decided not to have an argument about it - that would've been a doozie! One thing that surprised me is that Elrond seeks wisdom from the stars, Elbereth, and Earendil, but goes out of his way to avoid input from the Maia at his dinner table. But I suppose Elbereth is sufficiently removed that he could ignore her, if need be! I enjoyed Glorfindel's shocked reaction to the ultimate revelation of Merry and Pippin as the last two Walkers. Truly he must have thought his boss was off his rocker. I'm guessing Elrond had already let his sons down privately - they didn't seem disappointed at not being chosen; so at least he didn't have his whole household ganging up on him. It must have been difficult for Elrond to step back and accept that this isn't his fight; but he does it with grace. I'm glad you're keeping the shoemaker employed :-) great chapter! Author Reply: One thing that surprised me is that Elrond seeks wisdom from the stars, Elbereth, and Earendil, but goes out of his way to avoid input from the Maia at his dinner table. Liked that, huh? Elrond can be stubborn, no doubt about that! And Mithrandir has an even deeper wisdom that allows him to sit back and watch, even at this critical time. :>)

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/31/2005
I suppose it does seem like nothing is happening while the money shot is being setup. It is easier to describe the subsequent action than the preparation. And all that tedious preparation and the long practice just make the one attempt look effortless. But to me, the thought behind the feat is very important. Wow, if that doesn't sound like a poncy actor! What the character's motivation?! I have always enjoyed the Council of Elrond where I know others find it a bit boring because 'absolutely nothing happens'. Yeah, right... On an unsavory aside, you make me wonder if it is our media-engendered sensibilites that allow the harsh idea of guarding against a vital participant or loved one 'being taken alive' as proper filler in some gaps. I think it is a very realistic touch and I would certainly include it. However, did Tolkien's religious beliefs temper the use of this idea or perhaps his Post-Victorian society? He certainly did not pull back from insane murder or tragic incest, though untimately he refrained from out-and-out rape. Is it beause this particular idea of preventing an evil crime comes too close to an act of despair, not just defeat? This was an excellent chapter, pivotal decisions well thought out. The effort is obvious. I truly enjoy how you portray the relationships between the characters. The flow of events and motivations make much more sense with clarifying chapters like this one - which make for that enriched original story experience we all crave. Thanks for not skipping over this part of the tale. Author Reply: Your thoughts on the whole protecting a loved one are interesting. Certainly romanticized books let us think that the hero will always rescue the one in distress. Certainly we saw cultures where families saw loved ones enslaved and they held on through terrible times, many to torture and death. I think what particularly moves me in this, and I hope to use it more, is the differene between how Men and Elves might view this. We humans know that torture will end, for death is the fate of us all. For an elf, though, it can last as long as Arda lasts. So they might fade with the grief of that... but in the case of the Rings...could they be enslaved to it ... forever? Its a fascinating thought, and certainly a new twist on the old idea. I am glad you liked the chapter... nothing happened action wise, but much happened in the characters. I also count the Council of Elrond chapter as one of my favorites :D

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