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| The Dwellings of the Dead by Nilmandra | 15 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| DJXtwj2c | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/2/2015 |
| You get a lot of respect from me for writing these helpful areitlcs. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/9/2007 |
| So, the lesser Maiar caught by Sauron now stalk Elrond's sons? And Elrohir may have found a living child? Now, to see what happens next. Author Reply: The spiritual realm is full of both good and bad, and help comes from unexpected places :D Personally, I'd like to see Elrond take on a spirit or two, but alas, he is far away right now. | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/8/2007 |
| I've read this three times now, trying to find clues, plays on words, hidden meanings, and to ferret out what Glorfindel knows; you've outsmarted me. I thought I knew who it was, then Glorfindel shook his finger at me. Then I thought maybe there's more than one spirit...at least two, one good and one bad? But I don't know now. Even though Glorfindel has been pretty tight-lipped about what he encountered, he felt malice in the spirit at the Downs, but he didn't say about the first one he encountered. Best we just scratch that theory. Okay, you've got me where you want me...right on the windswept landscape shivering in the eerie silence of plague's death march. For company you've given some really good looking elves, two who are targets, one who glows like a toaster on high, and another who should not be underestimated. Oh! And a really vile h'aint. This is so good.... :>) I bow to the Karen Author Reply: I am most proud of the fact that your next birthday had not come and gone while waiting for the next chapter! For one who is the conneusiur (sp? too tired to look up proper spelling) of ghost stories, glad I have you guessing. :D | |
| Redheredh | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/8/2007 |
| Things are getting very worrisome now! A very entertaining and tense chapter! I am very glad to see everyone acting so sensibly. No need to yell at them not to foolishly go down into that dark basement or to wisely wait til down to stake that vampire. ;) Just like the twins and their seniors, I am anxious to learn more about these fell creatures. I have been reading up on werewolves lately, but these dark spirits trump them royal! If Maiar, like balrogs, everyone is inforit... Just need to add that the writing is what makes this story more than a 'goosebumps' sort of tale. More Poe-etic. You make these character real - and what is happening to them is all too scary real! Hiding behind my hands and peering through my fingers in fright for the next chapter. Author Reply: LOL, don't you just want to yell at the tv when you see characters doing that? They see drops of blood and so follow it to the cold dark basement, all alone, instead of vacating the houe and calling for help... I want to scream 'You idiot, don't do it!' Fortunately, the elves are wiser than that. They may find they are up against more than they imagined, as well as find they have strengths they of which they were unaware. Glad you have enjoyed it thus far; hope it ends well! | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/8/2007 |
| This is such a ghost story! But you are right. There are so many different dark things converging and piling up in this land at this moment that it would be no surpirse that a convention of ghosts and spirits might be gathering around there. I had noticed the great use of nature in the first chapter to create the unsettling atmosphere, and it worked in perfect smmetry as well in this one. I loved seeing Erestor in the field! and his wise handling of the situation! And GLorfindel is always such a good companion! This is very puzzling and mysterious but I am enjoyng very much. It was more than worth the wait! :-) Author Reply: I found it fascinating that spirits would come out of Angmar the same time that a plague was ravaging the land. Nothing like taking advantage of a situation, striking when men were at their most vulnerable. Evil spirits have no sense of fair play, clearly. Hopefully the ending will not disappoint! | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/8/2007 |
| Don't do it, Elrohir - it could be a trap! Keep close to Glorfindel, and don't let the spirit reach you again! As I thought, the sprit - or another just like it - is after Elladan as well. Is it me, or is he better able to fight it off? It's always interesting to see the twins patrolling or otherwise doing things apart, but I like Elladan's instinctive concern and desire to be with Elrohir again. The sooner all four join forces the better! Jay Author Reply: You're too suspicious, Jay! Poor elves, though, all that death around them has to be wearing. Hard enough to see generations of men pass, but to see them fall to disease would have to be just heartwrenching. I hope their differences come through here and in the next chapter. A peredhel's spirit, containing Man, Elf and Maia, had to be a unique thing for one who exists as spirit to encounter. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/8/2007 |
| This incredibly spooky! I *love* how you use the landscape to create atmosphere. I could really feel that uncanny stillness. And I was uneasy enough reading Elladan and Erestor’s communication that I jumped when a door slammed downstairs! Interesting stuff when the spirits tries to suss out Elladan. Clearly, who he is matters a great deal. I was torn between agreeing with Erestor that they can’t just face this alone or without Elrond’s counsel and really not wanting them to lead the spirits to Imladris because even though it’s protected, it’s not worth the risk of possibly giving away the source of its protection. I was quite glad they decided in the end to seek Glorfindel and Elrohir. I’d want to be near Glorfindel too if I had to face scary spirits! (Though the spirit doesn’t seem to have read History Lessons or he’d know not to underestimate Erestor…) I’m wondering if Elrohir is more open to attacks on his mind and spirit because he’s the more sensitive of the two of them - in your world, if I recall correctly. Elladan’s sense of foreboding must be very worrying for him. And the deserted outposts and fear in the Men adds a very unsettling layer to the story. I actually think it’s scarier that there’s a spirit stalking Elrohir than if it was a different one every time! It also shows that even if Glorfindel can ward it off, it’s not going very far. Glorfindel’s memory of darkness and shadow sent a chill through me. It really suggests such evil and malice in whatever’s plaguing them now. But then, the fact that Elladan and Elrohir are no ordinary elves might be drawing the spirits to them, but it could yet be what gives them the strength to fight the spirits… “There is someone ahead on the road,” said Elrohir. “A child, Glorfindel, and he needs our aid.” Um…??? Fantastic chapter, Nilmandra. I look forward to more :-) Author Reply: I admit I toyed with having Elrond take out an evil spirit or two. :D I find the stalking scarier too - it seems to be personal, not just a crime of opportunity. And you're right, the peredhil are strong in ways they do not realize. Elrohir is perhaps more sensitive, since he opens his mind more in healing. But he has a twin, thank goodness. I'm glad you're enjoying. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/8/2007 |
| I hope Glorfindel is fully alert - because I'm a bit worried about the unexpected appearance of this child! I have to say that if I were to come across a really unpleasant spirit that appeared anxious to take over my body, I would be decidedly relieved to have Glorfindel within reach - and wouldn't be more than a few inches away from him for the duration! What's more, I'm rather hoping that Mr Creepy is decidedly underestimating Erestor - and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised. He has layers, that elf. And, of course, Elladan and Elrohir themselves are grandsons of Galadriel as well as being close kin to Celeborn and Elrond and Luthien and Melian - not to mention the rest of their complicated family trees. No pushovers, anyway. They're sensible, I think, not to lead the spooks back to Imladris - although Elrond might manage to fry them nicely, it would give away the haven's whereabouts. However - get them together! Four is a lot better that two in a game like this! And they clearly can't count on any aid from men, who are far too concerned about threats to their mortal lives. I'd forgotten I was looking forward to this - but now I'm all excited about part 3! Lovely stuff. Author Reply: I think having Glorfindel at hand all the time is a very good idea. :D But the twins have strengths they are not aware of yet, and of course, there are other things at work in this world than just those of evil intent (I hope that's a close paraphrase of Gandalf). It is interesting to explore the types of spirits in Tolkien's world, as well as consider again how unique the peredhil really are. Thanks for reading.. glad you're looking forward to more! | |
| Silivren Tinu | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/8/2007 |
| Well, you have certainly managed to capture my attention. *g* This story is deliciously creepy and mysterious, and I enjoyed your characterizations and descriptions. I especially liked the two scenes where the spirit fled from Glorfindel (I love the moment in FotR when Glorfindel confronts the Nazgul). The spirits are both fascinating and frightening, and I'm quite glad I'm no elf in your story. ;-) I'm looking forward to the next chapter! Tinu Author Reply: That scene where Frodo sees Glorfindel as 'he is on the other side' is truly fascinating to think about, isn't it? I was just listening to the Silmarillion again, when Melkor and Ungoliant killed the two trees and Melkor in rage swept up the mountains and north along the havens, seen by the Eldar as a shadow full of malice and anger. The spirit world in Tolkien is vast and an interesting, albeit scary, thing to explore. Thanks for reading :>) | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/8/2007 |
| Aha! The story is back. Erestor is right. They need safety in numbers right now. Specifically, Elladan and Elrohir need to be together for their own psychological bolstering, and Erestor and Glorfindel together can best figure out how to guard them. Even if that spirit can't harm them physically, it can still do a number on their minds and disable them that way. It seems that they have found something far worse than one of the Houseless Ones. This does not bode well at all. Author Reply: The poor story derailed over the holidays and with the construction mess. But yes, back, and soon to be wrapped up!. They do need to get together for safety, for counsel, and because together they will get a better sense of the big picture. Thanks for reviewing. | |