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History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra	18 Review(s)
French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 7/1/2006
Hmmm. Veddy strange. I have the oddest feeling that I've read this chapter before -- I clearly remember the story of Elrohir and the wardrobe, and the line "Suilad, sweetheart," but I don't think I've read the chapter before, and I certainly don't see a previous review that I might have left for it. Something is strange here. Anyway, I enjoyed this, especially the story of Elrohir and the wardrobe. Clearly, Elrond seems to have thought that his days of childproofing Imladris were over when the twins stopped being babies, but no. They just get into more sophisticated trouble. Little kids and Rings of Power are a bad combination. Everyone was very lucky to get out of this one relatively unharmed, and it was a good warning experience for the family. I also really liked the images of Elrond surrounded by his closest family and friends. They form a lovely "ring" that protects and nurtures him just as much as the bijou on his finger. Author Reply: Hmm. well, I posted a link for this chapter in my LJ, so perhaps you saw it there. I don't do that very often. Poor Elrohir.. that poor half-elf has been an object lesson far too many times for his comfort. Elrond told me to leave him alone for a while. Poor Elrond.. that simply means I have to pick on him for a while.

Levade	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 3/1/2006
For an age of the world we have waited for this day. We will fight as long as we must, or at least as long as we can I've always loved the picture of elves facing their foes singing, and if I remember right didn't they send the Fellowship off singing? It's such an image of hope even in the face of overwhelming odds (thinking of Ecthelion leading his House into battle with the sound of the flutes). There's something very Keltic in that. For the elves to now be able to do nothing, to realise the land they love, and are tied to by their lives, is slipping from them into the control of Men is a poignant one to me. It makes me realise how gracious they were in letting go and if we could do the same in similar circumstances. It strikes me that Elrond, though he's faced so many hardships from his childhood on, is still not giving to despair. He knows the worst can still happen, but he's facing it calmly, with determination to make the best of it should it go bad. It would be harder to fear for your children, and even then, with what he knows, he is far from the dictating Elrond we saw in the movie. Seeing the family together was nice, and I have to say...poor Elrohir! He might be the one who relates more to the elves but he's sure seen more trouble! Loved the ladies home defense! Gooooo ladies! What will Elrond do once he's rested for an Age or two in Valinor? He's had so many responsibilities and worries for much of his life I think it will be welcome but odd for him.

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/28/2006
Now, Nilmandra, don't you fear that Elrond will sue you for so mistreating his son? :-) The story of Elrohir hiding in the wardrobe and finding the ring was very amusing, poor child, he must have been truly afraid! It is not only hobbits that run unexpectedly into Rings of power it seems ! :-) The family scenes and how life in Imladris goes on while the book follows other events is something I am enjoying very much in this third part. The family not able to go to slep that particular night and staying up devoting time to bitter sweet tales is very believable to me. Elrond's thought at the end that it might be one of the last times he heard his children's bantering was very powerful. Apologies for the delay and the poor review, but honestly, that's all I can manage right now...

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/20/2006
Dear Eru, I just lost about an 800 word review, so forgive me. OK, here we go. I can't imagine a more empty, apprehensive place in the world than the Last Homely House on the evening of December 25, 3018. It would be like waiting at a deathbed, only it's the deathbed of a world. And yet you filled it with warmth. Chilling warmth, though. There was something very chilling about the family sitting around in their warm, cozy house, calmly discussing the end of the world and their part in it. Elrond's line gave me shivers: we will fight as long as hope remains and likely long after it has failed. What a powerful moment when Elrond, simply and unexpectedly, whips off Vilya and passes it around! Leading of course to the little Elrohir story. Poor little guy; that would be terrifying for any little kid to be locked in a wardrobe, even without a ring of power stuck to his finger. I had forgotten that back then neither Elrond nor Galadriel was in the habit of wearing their rings and so would legitimately worry about what Elrohir might have encountered while wearing Vilya. Now, girl, I had almost forgotten how well you write battle scenes. The set-up, with Elladan and Elrohir scouting, had me sitting up in my seat, and it just got more tense and action-packed from there. Arwen almost walking right into a battle! Bad guys getting drowned in the Bruinen. Elrond using all his healing power to save Elrohir. And as always, choreographed so tightly and logically that it is always clear exactly where everyone is and what's going on. My favorite line, though, was Elladan's dry, "Which one is it?" And Glorfindel's simple answer. Not much sense in dissembling at that point! I was glad to see Celebrian there to take care of Elrohir afterwards, too. I know I've left out lots of great things because there were too many to remember them all. A very tense, emotionally-packed and satisfying chapter, Nilmandra. Thanks Author Reply: Oh, geez, if I wrote a review that long and the site ate it, I'd probably be lucky to spout off a one liner, I'd be so frustrated. Empty and apprehensive describe the scene well - along with that sense of helplessness that they have done what they can and now have to sit back and wait and wonder. How awful. Waiting at home has to be the worst, I think, especially if they have, as Gandalf says, only a Fool's Hope. Glad you liked the battle scene - this is part of my needing to see it clearly in my head. If I can't sketch out where everyone is and what they're doing, I can't write it. I am glad that pays off. Thanks for the review. ;D

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/18/2006
Oh hooray! I am getting a chance to read and look what is here! I really enjoy the discussion of the Rings, their power, what will happen to them and all that. Tolkien really didn't say much about this--I think he was intentionally vague and it just begs for fanfic. I especially liked this, from the end: “If Vilya is enslaved, what happens to those who have been healed with the Ring? And if Vilya fails and all created with it fade, what effect will there be on those healed with it?” asked Elladan finally. What a question! You have really thought about all aspects of this. I love seeing that and thinking about it myself. And Elladan's first ancounter with Vilya. Poor thing! A ring that won't let go! That would certainly scare me. Elrond must have had a heart attack! But I absolutely loved the story of the early Third Age battles in the Northern Kingdom. I think Elrond's role in that would be fascinating to explore further. It is a period that would be rich with potential for fanfic and you had a lot of good stuff here. Very tense (I'm a little ashamed to admit it, but even more so with Arwen there) And wow! Elrond was incredible, both with the river and the healing. I could not read this whole part fast enough. But the last line made me cry. True and very sad. Great chapter! I loved it. Author Reply: That is the one problem with the 'History Lesson' part of the story - it is deserving of its own tale, not just a flashback! That time in Rivendell had to be tense. I would love to write about Glorfindel meeting up with Earnur and chasing the Witch-King south. And of course, that turn of events led to even more: the WK sets up shop in the south, Nimrodel convinces Amroth to flee with her, due to this new shadow, they are lost and C&G move to Lothlorien to take up the mantle of leadership. So many stories, so little time! I admit, I like having the females involved. Rivendell could not have handled a siege without everyone participating.. and I loved the idea of three generations of females running that home guard show. Go Galadriel, Celebrian and Arwen!

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/18/2006
This was a fascinating, exciting chapter! Very Nice action scenes! Some of the highlights for me... Elrond's determination, all through the story of course, but how great it was in this chapter. There are other forces at work here than just those of evil..." Loved that concept and theme running behind the dire circumstances they eventually faced and were facing. Elrond's displaying Vilya and the entire family discussion. Examining the difference in this ring to that of the One. It says a lot about who Celebrimbor was at his core, in his heart. And, as I see them, very revealing thoughts about the jewels in the rings themselves, especially Vilya. Too beautiful to horde, yet they would remain unseen by most. Hidden as the Silmaril are hidden - where they are set in Morgoth's ring (crown) - but power flowing out, all the same. The unexpected momentary revelation of the jewel of the Air by one of Earendil's blood and the younger son at that. So apropos even if unintended. Little Elrohir's fear. Help me, Ada!" Goodness, what stories he must have heard that his fear was so great! But, it does show how much he trusted his father to save him from such perilous magic. His later apology for trespassing was so sweet. The encounter at the river was really exciting! Poor Elrohir! Both twins have really gotten battered a few times, haven't they. No wander he has a different perspective on life than his siblings. Young Elladan's thoughts about 'being in a story' reminded me of Sam's and Frodo's similar commiserating. I like how you expressed that 'belonging' is very important and Elladan's admission he wanted to experience, what he might have seen as merely exciting, defining conflict. Of course, it was good to see C&G clearly present and being appreciated by Elrond. I really like how you covered the whole situation they all were in so well. The various aspects of what might happen when the One was destroyed were very thoughtful and enlightening. Especially pondering what effects would continue and which would fade. Elrond's last realization about his children's banter, which was delightfully affectionate, was very sad. We know he has reason to feel that way, but he is unsure of much of the future. ... well, that was only a portion of what was so good about this chapter. I want add how very much I admire and appreciate your study of the events of these ages. You are indeed teaching your readers important lessons about the history of Middle-earth. But, in the most intriguing and entertaining way! HLs grows more and more impressive with each chapter. Author Reply: It says a lot about who Celebrimbor was at his core, in his heart. It does indeed - the Three were untouched by evil, made only for good, and they were beautiful, the most beautiful of all of them. The mind of the creator shows in the created. I like how you expressed that 'belonging' is very important and Elladan's admission he wanted to experience, what he might have seen as merely exciting, defining conflict. Showing the differences in the twins is another fascinating thing to do. I see Elladan as more 'human' perhaps, more apt to want to grab the world and ride it for all he's worth. Elrohir is more like his father - in it for the long haul, content with peace, but willing to do what is needed of him, regardless of the cost. I spend way too much time thinking about all of this - the rings and their reprecussions and the long term consequences of each action. The elves are so long lived they actually get to see the outcome of things. Thank you for your kind words!

RS	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/18/2006
Wow! I'm lost for words. Another great chapter. I love how close this family is. The portrayal of the female elves is wonderful. They are not defenseless but have their own roles to play also. The long wait for this update is not in vain. Another wonderful history lesson. I am thoroughly enjoying this. Thanks. Author Reply: Tolkien's females were defnitely not helpless, so it was fun to show three strong generations of females in Galadriel, Celebrian and Arwen all serving in strategic roles. I am glad you're enjoying this story - its a lot to think about, but it fascinates me.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/18/2006
Gosh, just a great chapter. I can imagine how at loose ends they all felt when the company left. Of course, they knew they all had their own roles to play when their time came, but it must have been quite a helpless feeling just the same. There was so much uncertainty. I liked how you brought the family...including Erestor and Glorfindel...together to talk about what had happened and to speculate about the future. I could see they were trying to prepare themselves for the worst, all the while, hoping for the best. There was a great deal of strength and power in that family circle. Elrohir's adventure was great. Scary for a little guy, but great. He reacted so typically like a curious kid and like a frightened one too. Nice details too when he was locked in the wardrobe. I could see what was happening easily. I even felt a little claustrophobic when he couldn't get out. In the end, when Elrohir was wounded and he touched the ring and it remembered him was a 'time stood still' moment. I can imagine the emotions felt by Elrond and Elrohir were quite varied, but the prevalent one was probably simple relief that no harm came to Elrohir in his brief brush with being a ring bearer. And Elladan had his own moment when he asked Glorfindel which ring his father wielded. I really liked that exchange. The ending was sad as Elrond realized the moments of having his children all gathered with him were now being numbered. Wonderful. I enjoyed every word, both times I've read this. Karen Author Reply: And Elladan had his own moment when he asked Glorfindel which ring his father wielded. I really liked that exchange. Much like Elrond wouldn't lie to Elrohir as a child, Glorfindel wasn't about to deny that what Elrond had just done was with one of the Three. There is a point when it is better to admit the obvious - particularly to child Elrohir. Had Elrond denied what Elrohir had experienced, he would have harmed the trust he had with him. Glorfindel might have been able to be evasive, but this is Elrond's son, after all - he is as safe as it gets for being in the know. The rings fascinate me. :D

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/18/2006
I get so excited when I see an update of this! And this chapter was very interesting. I like way you’ve done it, with the family group gathering, somewhat at a loss, once the Company have set off. Elladan is done particularly well – he clearly needs to be doing something and would have probably felt more useful to be part of the fellowship and actively involved in the quest but he still respects his father and Elrond’s foresight. And he tries to provide some comfort to his father. How hard it must be for Elrond to know that he could still lose his sons as part of this fight. It’s interesting to ponder Arwen and what would happen her if Estel died or if the quest failed. Considering her end when she’s been bonded to him for so many years, it seems unlikely that she would follow him immediately at this stage. But still, now that her decision is made, sailing west just doesn’t seem an option for her, no matter what happens. I think Elrond is right that if Aragorn died and the quest failed, she’d keep fighting. It’s if he died and yet the ring was still destroyed… As usual, you’ve sprinkled this chapter with plenty of things to think about! But right now they’re all working through different feelings and yet come together in support of each other. And I love that Glorfindel and Erestor are included in the family group. I also really love the fact that Elrond can sense Mithrandir and Narya! I wouldn’t have thought of that. Now what I want to know is how far away Mithrandir goes before they lose contact or would a thread remain between them so that Elrond will be aware of his fall in Moria…?? Hmmm. Interesting! I was so fascinated by the discussion of the rings. I don’t want Elrond to suffer but at the same time I’m dying to see what you do with their loss of power :-) I like that Elrond is so honest with his family about what might happen. There’s something very poignant about the idea of him removing Vilya to see some of what he might face. His children are very perceptive. They’ve seen the different possibilities and know that even if the quest succeeds, Elrond will not find peace in Middle-earth. Interestingly, though the most frightening thought would be that Sauron gains control of the ring-bearers, Elrond’s children seem to put complete faith in the “keepers of the keepers”. Though they possibly also prefer not to know what would have to be done to keep their father from Sauron’s grasp. You took me by complete surprise with Elrohir’s story! And ring aside, it was really rather frightening to get stuck in there and have the door not open even though he was pushing on the lever. It rather sounds as thought events conspired to make him find the ring. I don’t know whether it’s more unsettling that it tried to become part of him or that it started to do his will. Elrohir’s panic was palpable and made for really tense reading. Of course, Galadriel and Elrond’s reactions made it quite clear how serious this could have been! Imagine how they must have felt. I don’t think I even really quite understood it until they confirmed that they didn’t feel any shadow on him. Wow. I know Elrond doesn’t like to enter his children’s minds without permission but I think he did the right thing in clouding the memory. It seems that while they were both concerned for Elrohir, Galadriel is more interested in what it might mean now that she knows her grandson is unharmed. To me there’s definitely a sense that she’s more intrigued by the rings than Elrond and is more willing to believe that the One is lost and unable to control the Three. The next part was very educational! You always make things that I’d probably have barely noticed (thanks for the footnote!) come alive and show us their importance. I particularly liked the idea of how involved Galadriel, Arwen and Celebrían are in the defence. And Celeborn and Glorfindel are protecting Elrond, though while the healer story is true, Elrond and Vilya seem to be doing their part for Imladris too… I always thought it was very sad that healers would lose their gift if they fought as warriors. Elrohir is interesting. How different things might have been for him had they lived in peace. Even now, before grief settles on him, I think that duty and expectation make his choices for him. It seems like he hates this, really, but could never stay at home and let others fight for him. Well, my heart was in my mouth when Elrohir was shot! And Elrond using the ring to heal him was one of the most amazing scenes I’ve ever read. This was so effective that it made me pause for a moment: ‘“Which one is it?” he asked. Glorfindel was silent for several minutes. “Vilya, the Ring of Air,” he said finally.’ I actually think it’s a little unsettling that Vilya remembers Elrohir! But that moment where he realises that his father wears the ring and starts to remember that he’s seen it before is done very well. I like that Elrond reassures him and lets him know how much he loves him and allows Elrohir into his own mind. So Elrohir has now been healed by two of the rings. Hmm. I’m becoming more and more intrigued by him. “If Vilya is enslaved, what happens to those who have been healed with the Ring? And if Vilya fails and all created with it fade, what effect will there be on those healed with it?” blinks Ok, in all honesty that never dawned on me before. Crikey, these rings are fascinating. How am I going wait patiently to see where you go with this?! I was glad to see Elrohir try to reassure Elrond. In a way your Elrohir reminds me of Arwen, in that he seems to possess a certain amount of acceptance. There’s something about him that I can’t quite put my finger on… at times there’s an edge of darkness and despair to him, even if he tries to keep it hidden, but there’s also the sense that he feels there’s something different about him, whether it’s from the poison that touched him and took Celebrían from them, or the effect of the rings or what… Maybe it’s that he’s already decided that there’s only one place that he’ll find peace but he’ll fulfil duty first and wait until he’s leaving no-one behind. That kind of acceptance would help him persevere for now, for his loved ones. I don’t know. Never mind me, you know I tend to ramble without thinking coherently. The ending made me smile, even as I felt pain for them all. This was really wonderful. And please take it as a compliment and not pressure when I say that you’ve left me chewing my nails waiting for more :-) Author Reply: I also really love the fact that Elrond can sense Mithrandir and Narya! I wouldn’t have thought of that. Now what I want to know is how far away Mithrandir goes before they lose contact or would a thread remain between them so that Elrond will be aware of his fall in Moria…?? Hmmm. Interesting! I have spent days thinking about that - who knew what when and how. :D I think i have a scenario worked out that is plausible and a little different, all at the same time. The rings fascinate me. What happens to Elrond is the whole reason for the story, really, and Elrohir has unfortunately for him, become a pawn in my thinking about them. Elrond is the wielder; Elrohir is someone who has been on the receiving end - both perspectives should be fascinating to play out. To me there’s definitely a sense that she’s more intrigued by the rings than Elrond and is more willing to believe that the One is lost and unable to control the Three. I think to show growth in Galadriel, she needs to have this level of intrigue and excitement now, at the beginning, to show her rejecting the ring at the time of the Quest. She could reject the ring without it, but I don't get the impression Elrond was as tempted as Galadriel. Even here he has a greater respect for the harm that can be done. Galadriel is a more risk/benefit person, more calculating. But then, she is one who has seen the light of the two trees - the greatest of the Noldor, too. Gandalf had obviously given it thought, too. There’s something about him that I can’t quite put my finger on… at times there’s an edge of darkness and despair to him, even if he tries to keep it hidden, but there’s also the sense that he feels there’s something different about him, whether it’s from the poison that touched him and took Celebrían from them, or the effect of the rings or what… Maybe it’s that he’s already decided that there’s only one place that he’ll find peace but he’ll fulfil duty first and wait until he’s leaving no-one behind. I think you are hitting on some key things for Elrohir - he is more elf and he is most like his father. Elladan tends to the human, and it turns out Arwen did too, though Elrond didn't see it easily. Elrohir sees into time - he thinks through the fullness of time, as an elf would. Yet it is how similar Elrond and Elrohir are that makes Elrond a little blind to the concerns others have for Elrohir. I am excited again about this story - I don't think many people have really explored the rings, so I feel unfettered by having anything done before me. Thanks for the review!

Nikara	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/17/2006
Another great chapter. This one was fascinating. The rings have always fascinated me, and the discussion about their powers was very interesting. I'm going to be so sad when this story is over! Author Reply: I am glad to know that! I think way too much about this stuff, write epic chpaters, and hope people enjoy the thoughts and perspective I try to give this.

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