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History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra	17 Review(s)
The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 7/7/2006
You've done a masterful job of getting into Elrond's head and revealing the grief he must have felt for losing his daughter and the loss of Vilya's power. One event alone would have been enough to throw him off, but put the two together and Elrond is really struggling. Even though the twins appeared only briefly, I thought as I read about them that they were caught in the middle. They must have also experienced a range of emotions. They were happy for Arwen's marriage, sad for the pain it brought them all and suffering the agony of their father. I imagine they spent a lot of time simply trying to figure out how to 'feel'. Perspective can be tough when there is so much emotion evolved. I suppose no one could have been really prepared for the pain of separation when Arwen chose mortality. It's always far harder than anticipated. And Elrond has suffered separation from the people he loves over and over, but I don't think experience makes it any easier. Each time is new. I like the flashback to Arwen's childhood and in that memory, Elrond seemed to find some solace. She has always been preparing to be the queen of men and elves. There's something about the memory that speaks of her 'rightful' place. It was a good memory, but bittersweet for Elrond. Gandalf was really 'full' in this chapter. He's come full circle. His light is no longer dimmed by the world and his task in it, but he's more of his true self than we've seen previously. However, Gandalf being Gandalf, he remains a mystery. I really liked this. This was a lovely chapter. Sad, of course, but beautifully written. I think the thing I liked most was the hope you left Elrond with at the end. He knew he had to leave, and even though he was reluctant, he knew it was the best course of action. I could see the old Elrond in his resolve begin to surface again. Even the strongest people have struggles, but what makes them truly strong is being able to allow others to choose their own destinies, and the resolve to honor and respect that choice by going on with their lives. Not easy at all. Especially when the choice breaks your heart. Just lovely, Nilmandra. Just lovely. Author Reply: This whole ending is so very sad. I do feel like I'm intruding on Elrond in his private grief. This next chapter is about 2/3 done and I admit that I had to whack some spots out as there are just no words to describe things. I did like writing young Arwen. It woudl be fun to write that trip, as amatter of fact! Thank you for reading :>)

RS	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 7/6/2006
I do love the relationship between Arwen and her brothers; and her manipulation of them. I love her strong will. I do wish that there were more fics on Arwen and her brothers. Of course, after writing this I realized you have "History Lessons: The Second Age"! I will get on that right away! Again what can I say that I haven't said already. I love your history lessons! Elrond needs to get to Celebrian right away! But of course that means the parting of Elrond and I'm dreading it! Author Reply: I have enjoyed showing Arwen as being strong willed, though in a different way than one might think of it normally. To make the decision she did shows she had to be very sure of herself, and very strong mentally/emotionally - and that has been fun to show, though it might take writing some more stories of her at various points in her life to show it. Elrond does need to get to Celebrian!

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 7/4/2006
Wow! I missed the notification on this and found it when I was catching up with reading. What a great surprise! You have done a great job with Elrond here. I think he would be so profoundly affected by the loss of Vilya followed so quickly by the loss of his daughter. So sad but very real, I think. And very vividly portrayed. I loved Mithrandir's response to Arwen's request. I have always loved the wizards and I love how he came across as so powerful here. Subtly done, but powerful. But my favorite part was the history part. What a clever idea to use the birth of a princess to give Arwen her first trip to the Mannish realm she would one day rule. Eldacar said this princess of the Elves would one day be queen of us all. Wonderful! Poor Elrond. He needs to get to Valinor. Author Reply: Elrond really does. OR he and I will soon need anti-depressants. I am glad the loss came across as real. It would be intersting to step out of Elrond's POV and look at him that way, but I limited myself and guess I have to stick with it at this point. :/

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 7/3/2006
I’m having trouble thinking of something to say beyond “poor Elrond.” Ack. You’ve made me feel for him so many times but this chapter… There’s just such a sense of this being the end now. He’s surrounded by people who love him and want to help him but really, there’s little that Glorfindel – even Mithrandir – can do now. It seems that what Mithrandir really is now is reassurance. He accepts what is happening to Elrond as inevitable and he seems to have the faith in the healing of Valinor of someone who knows and understands it. Mithrandir’s gentle prodding of Elrond may be painful, but it will keep him from giving in to despair. This part was so heartbreaking that it brought tears to my eyes: but his daughter was already only a faint memory of what had once been. Within his heart was a dull ache, his pain echoing in the empty place she had once filled. Fragile threads tying her to him were present, and much as he had done during the night, he explored them, memorized them, already fearing the day they would disappear. What utter emptiness he must feel – even though his daughter is physically so near. And the worst is that he knows that there is further emptiness to come some day. Glorfindel really is such a friend. He just gives and gives and gives. And he encourages Elrond to stand on his own, to put the strength he has been given to use, to go and be with those he loves and not brood on his own. I love that as Elrond enters the common room, elves with a gift for healing subtly and freely offer him their strength. That was one of my favourite parts. For all that my heart goes out to Galadriel as well, I’m glad that she and Elrond have each other. They’re suffering in different ways, but they both share this loss of their ability to deal with the burdens they carry. Seeing her calmed and supported by Celeborn was so poignant, though – to know that they will be parted soon. It was such a powerful moment when Elrond sees his daughter. He knew this would happen but even having experienced his sundering from Elros, how could he have prepared for this? I really like the way you show the reactions in a physical sense – it proves just how important an elf’s spirit is - it’s what makes them who they are, not their bodies. A wound to the body is just that, whereas a wound to the fëa has this devastating effect. I feel bad for Arwen too. She doesn’t seem to have felt the sundering as Elrond did but to suddenly realise – to see in front of her – a very real and shattering outcome of her choice must be hard to take. She thought she understood but she didn’t. And now none of it can be undone. Perhaps in some ways it was better like this – she needed to make the choice she did and perhaps she wouldn’t have if she truly knew what it would mean. It’s just that Elrond, as always, must suffer… Yet I think that Arwen will come out of this a stronger, even more compassionate person and it will make her an even better Queen of Men. How hard this must be for Elladan and Elrohir too. They’re losing their sister, even if they are in a better place to appreciate her happiness, and they’re watching their father diminish before their eyes. Still, they have strength – and if it comes to it, between them and Glorfindel and Celeborn they could probably bundle Elrond onto a ship ;-) Elrond seems to be learning to give in with grace to the help that others offer him and to realise that he needs this help that is given so freely and with so much love. I think it probably helped him too to realise that others found comfort in giving it, just as he finds comfort in offering it to Arwen. I read that part where she rushes into his arms through a blur of tears! What an incredible job you did with scene where Arwen tells them that she will offer her place on the ship to Frodo. There’s such selflessness in her. She sees what has happened her father and grandmother – but she knows that they will find healing once they make the decision to go. But what of Frodo? She sees a way to help give him the healing he needs and to try to repay him for all he has done. I’m still tearing up at the thought that she gave him the jewel as a token of friendship that he might be welcomed in Elvenhome. I love the idea that hobbits were a surprise! It makes them so special, that they came from Eru himself, created only out of love and a desire for simplicity. It seems so wrong that they should suffer and yet it is their very humility that gives them strength to do what’s needed. And I love the reminders of who Mithrandir is. He has come back changed – and even closer, perhaps, to the One and acting with his authority. He may even have knowledge himself of all that will come to pass – and if he does, it seems not a burden, but to give him a peace that is reassuring. And Elrond, now that he has had this moment with his daughter knows that she has so much before her – a new beginning for Men – and for her to have that, he must let her move on and face the end of the elves’ time in M-e, of his place in its history, with the dignity and grace that he can see in his daughter, that he taught her. He is not fading away or leaving a world in need – he is passing on the baton of hope and giving his greatest treasure to help build a new world. He is, as you say, ending well. I really loved the flashback. It was such a moment of lightness to see the family together, to seem them happy and teasing one another and behaving as any family would. And Arwen, it turns out, was always a queen-in-the-making! It’s achingly lovely to see her relationship with her adar. She certainly managed to get people to do just what she wanted ;-) LOL at Glorfindel stating that if she were like her mother she’d ride off disguised as one of the warriors – and Elrond waiting a few days to say no so she’ll think he considered it. snort And he seems to think that’ll work too… How sad, though, that even though they found delight in new occupations, they missed their children – and Celebrían “missed her daughter dreadfully.” To know that now they won’t see each other ever again until, perhaps, the ending of time is heartbreaking. And Arwen arrived home a princess of Elves and Men, someone already possessing the qualities that would make her their queen. We can already see the strength and confidence, the imperiousness and stubbornness that, tempered by wisdom and experience, a life of sorrows and joys, will make her someone to guide the people into whose hands the elves leave the shaping of Middle-earth. And Elrond needs to go, for his own sake and for his daughter’s sake. sigh Wonderful chapter. And I’ve rambled on too long! I look forward to the next chapter. There’s still much pain, of course, but Elrond is getting nearer to healing… Great stuff, Nilmandra. Author Reply: LOL, Dot, you are so funny. Elrond and I are both going to need some Prozac if we don't get through this time and get him on the road to healing soon. I fully understand why Tolkien did not tell this tale from the perspective of the elves. And the hobbits were of course focused, like mortals, in the present. I really enjoyed pondering what Mithrandir now knew - what he had learned of the time to come and what powers he now had permission to use.. enhanced powers, perhaps. I wonder if the elves, seeing Elrond and Galadriel thus, were more likely to sail, knowing their time really was finally over? The other interesting thing to me was what effect Elrond's Maiar blood and previous experiences have on this loss. He knows what sundering is like... and yet had to walk bravely to it again. Ack, poor Elrond. That might be the whole next chapter. I'm just writing Poor Elrond. Next chapter he must let her go. And then he must go. I need him in Celebrian's arms again soon!

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 7/2/2006
And still, they persevere - together. I do so love this family and all its extensions. The continuing connection to Elros' children was especially satisfying, though. Elrond's return to health is achingly mundane. In that I mean, terribly real. After a traumatic accident or injury, it takes a time and faith to regain the strength to face loss, sometimes permanent weakness, and humbling change. Sometimes, it requires accepting the charity, if not the pity, of others and extending more trust then one had ever before thought bearable. But, it was the flashback that I really enjoyed this chapter. There are plenty of stories written about coming-of-age, but for Arwen this was actually a coming-of-consequence. She realized she had a role to play in the world, not just in her family - if she was determined (and clever) enough to fill it. The heiress of her mothers and grandmothers. Beautifully writing angst and welcomed hopeful resignation. Another wonderful chapter. Author Reply: Poor Elrond, I am afraid that between the loss of the power of Vilya, then his daughter, and a growing weariness, there is no healing to be found here. For him or Galadriel. He is still powerful and wise, but a shadow of his former self. It must be hard to be this way, and hard for those who love him to see this. Arwen was determined, wasn't she? In the little bit Tolkien wrote, that came through loud and clear. Glad you liked the flashback. Young Arwen was fun to write.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 7/2/2006
At last! I had been saving this new update for the time to savor it without interruption, and I am so glad that I did! It's a beautiful chapter, just beautiful, as Arwen faces the sorrows her decision has caused, and yet finds the compassion to try and provide for the Ringbearer. I love Gandalf's revelation that the Valar knew nothing of hobbits! Eru's little secret weapon, were they? What a wonderful thing. Also I enjoyed seeing all the quiet love, support and comfort being offered across the board--not only to Elrond, but by Elrond as well. And the little flashback of Arwen's first "diplomatic mission" was a foreshadowing of the time when she would wrap even the Valar themselves around her little finger! Author Reply: I love the idea that Hobbits were formed in Eru's thought in a separate part of the creation song, indeed a secret weapon - one that the Valar and Maiar did not know. And I'm still fascinated by Gandalf's straying 'out of thought and time' and being sent back by 'Authority'... which seems to me to imply he was in the presence of the One.

Karri	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 7/1/2006
That was a melancholy chapter. Beautiful written as always, but its left me all pensive. :-P Author Reply: Left me pensive, too. :/

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 7/1/2006
I do believe I know something of stubborn daughters who do what they will and only ask their Adar's permission as a formality. . . Probably the best thing that Elrond is gaining from this extended wedding visit is seeing that, for all that she has become mortal now, Arwen is still Arwen. She's the person that he raised her to be, and he ought to be very proud of her. Because she seems to be very proud of him, and will always love him, even though she's a grownup now. Author Reply: LOL, she was so sincere though. I was going to ask permission, of course, Adar. Arwen is still Arwen.. and still determined to order the world as she wishes. Their parting will be a bitter cup to swallow, but one they must both drink willingly.

Eruanneth_Luin	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 7/1/2006
Elrond knows well the remembered pain of the last severing of two blood-bound fëar. Though the newly revealed care of the Maia Mithrandir and the incandescent protection of Glorfindel envelope him, neither can plumb the depths of pain he has once suffered and must again endure at an unalterable parting. It is encouraging that Elrond, who has been the source of strength, comfort and healer for his people for years uncounted, is learning to accept the need of those he has served to now serve him in like fashion. For Galadriel no other can impart the necessary shielding and comfort better than her beloved Celeborn, yet she is doomed to depart without him by her side. Not for the pardoned Exile the awaiting arms of love, but empty years and crushing loneliness. How I ache for her loss. Glorfindel basking in the sun! Now there is a lovely word picture. A perfect, golden elf gleaming in the sunshine is more beauty than the mind can image. Thank you for the captivating thought. No one other than Glorfindel could possible be so forthright in illuminating Elrond’s deteriorating condition and not be rebuked for his frank honesty. The fading of Elrond you portray powerfully and give a glimpse of the utterly devastating series of events leading to his deep wounding. An elf would long ago have succumbed to the grievous song telling the litany of his losses. Great-hearted, glorious, golden Glorfindel, a bulwark and buckler in times of danger, now the solid ground and calm waters Elrond so desperately needs as his world crumbles about him. Was ever a friendship so earnestly imparted that is failed to benefit both parties? What of the sundering of Elladan and Elrohir from their sister? Are you going to explore that aspect of this latest rending apart of the House of Elrond? Ah, the gifting of the jewel from compassionate hearts to enable the healing process and the surprise of the existence of Hobbits. Small wonder that the curious Mithrandir would be drawn to these simple folk and, even on occasion, ponder the role they might play in the future of Arda. Wise advice from the heart of Elrond to Arwen ‘You must choose now to live fully in the present’. Words that are fraught with significance for us all, since each moment, as it swiftly passes, is where we exist. How fond are the memories of our youth and those of our children growing through the maturing phases of their new lives. What loving parent would not wish to recall the sweet child we remember from some future pain? Alas, that neither Men nor Elves can spare those they love best from the consequences of their actions. It was of great interest to see that even in pre-adulthood, Arwen was already preparing for her future as a Queen of Men. Thank you, Nilmandra, for another wonderful chapter. Author Reply: Glad you liked the chapter. It was some wallowing, but soon we need to get Elrond on the ship and to Valinor - to Celebrian and to healing for his own hurts and cares that weary him so.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 7/1/2006
Poor Elrond. Without Glorfindel and Mithrandir to support him and keep hauling him back, I'm not sure that he would have lasted through this. And Galadriel is stronger than he is, but being anywhere near her is to be swamped with the song of the sea. Watching Arwen must have been the hardest thing - to feel her move away and take on the fate of men and lose that contact with her... I wonder if it's worse because he has already done it with Elros and knows the pain of parting. (And how it was for Elu and Melian - both to lose Luthien to death and then have her return for such a limited time.) And whether the division is part of losing a daughter to marriage anyway. It might well be - it wouldn't work terribly well to have too close a bond between parents and childen once they bound themselves in marriage. But you made it so painful - it was as if parting in Rohan will not be the worst of it - this sundering was far more significant. I'm just glad Elrond recovered enough to spend some of what little time they have left with Arwen. And Mithrandir's happy granting of her request - his power has definitely increased and he is not afraid to show it. I love all the physical touches and mental brushes, all offering strength to Elrond - it is an indication of how much everyone around him loves him. Elladan and Elrohir must be worried sick at the moment - they're doing their best, but I reckon there must be some changes before they will be willing to remain behind when their adar sails. Possibly to complete something that is even more important to him. The flashback to daintily imperious Arwen demanding the right to go off and represent her adar and charm the crown off the king - was delightful. And the memory of being left with a happy Celebrian is an indication of what I hope will happen once Elrond crosses the briny - with the pair of them awaiting the return of their loved ones. Most by ship - and the remainder in time, beyond the circles of Arda. Beautifully written - and so emotional! Author Reply: Its fortunate the elves could hide behind their masks of serenity and agelessness... that none but others of their kind could likely see their pain. Time to end, and end well. Arwen has a whole life to get on with... which means they all need to move on and let her get on with it. A little more wallowing left, which is good as Elrond and I are both going to need Prozac if this continues much longer.

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