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| Happily Ever After by Nilmandra | 20 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| demeter d | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/20/2017 |
| I have come here to read this again after reading Daw's post informing the Stories of Arda family of Nimandra's passing beyond the Circles of This World. I do not believe that I ever reviewed any of her stories. But I want to say something. This story wonderfully portrays our sense of the Hope that there is indeed, something to look forward to beyond this life. Much thanks to Nilmandra, Rohrrah, Daw, Fiondil, and every author and reviewer who has made this site the hopeful, light-filled place it has become. Warmest Holiday Light, Love and Blessings to you all; on this the 20th day, the twelveth month, the Year of our Lord 2017. | |
| walkerskye | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 6/24/2011 |
| I've read this thru fully twice now and like it better even than before. the mystery builds to a very satisfying conclusion and leaves a door open to new adventures. I love the balance of choices: Arwen's, Elladan's and Elrohir's. thanks for a tale that has found a place on the shelf of my heart. | |
| Tanis | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/1/2011 |
| I'm speechless ... I have no idea how to even begin to share how much this story moved me. I kept looking for Legolas and Gimli, but Elladan & Elrohir's plight had me riveted to the cursor as I read this. So mind-bendingly sad, but filled with such love and devotion and in the end, such breathtaking joy and fulfillment. A gorgeous tale from start to finish - like black velvet overlaid with exquisite white lace - a study in contrasts but blended to perfection. | |
| Ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/26/2008 |
| What an incredible story! I was so not expecting the turn of events and the reasons for Elrohir's fading. Nice turn on the twin choice idea. Your tales are always most enjoyable! Well done! Author Reply: Thanks, Ellie. I am glad you enjoyed this. This was one of the most meaningful to me tales to write, so I am thrilled when someone else enjoys it too. :D | |
| obsidianj | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/23/2008 |
| So, that was what was eating at Elrohir. Poor elf. I think the biggest gift the Valar could give Elrond and Celebrian is that this choosing business is ended. What a relief to the new parents. Having to go through the wrenching choice 3 times was bad enough. And there are no good choices. If, like Arwen, you choose mortality, you know you break your parents heart, since their choice was elven. If you are not sure what you want, like Elladan, you create another host of problems and will probably never be really content no matter what you choose. And Elrohir has a different problem. No matter what else he would like, his top priority is staying with Elladan, everything else can be arranged, which probably makes him another never quite content person. Although I got the impression he is quite happy in the end. I like the way you have the 3 children veer in 3 directions, one mortal, one a happy elf and one not quite content, kind of sitting on the fence in the middle. Although I think with the help of his parents and grandparents, he will lead a happy life in Aman. Author Reply: I am glad you liked the way it worked out with the three kids/three choices. Having decided to not separate the twins, there was an automatic conflict, too. Of course, I have done enough bad things to Elrohir over time to make his soul weaker and unlikely to suvive a sundering - not for the intent, but it is interesting to have to deal with the consequences of the situations created in earlier stories! I think Elrohir is quite content.. and Elladan will be with a little help from the Valar. Thanks for reading. | |
| Tithenaru | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/21/2008 |
| "My choice was never between the fate of the Firstborn and Secondborn. It has always been choosing to be with Elladan or choosing to spend the rest of time in the Halls of Mandos. For if we chose fates apart, he with Men and I with the Elves, then I would fade and spend the rest of time a disembodied spirit, for I knew I could never heal from that sundering.” " Yet I would not pressure Elladan by speaking of it to you. His choice had to be made freely. I would not have him regret his decision until the world ends.” “And yet, Elrohir, few will understand that the reverse is not also true, that in allowing Elladan to choose for you both you might have to live with regret until the world’s end.” I was sooo worried for a moment. Although I have always seen the twins as having conflicting desires, I have never believed them to be parted from one another. You have captured this so well and I have enjoyed every minute reading it. Now we have more to look forward to: Lindorie and Elrohir, Alassë, and Elladans task. Fantastic job Author Reply: I am glad you liked the conclusion! I was hoping people would - but I was glad it came together as I hoped. And yes, I couldn't separate them, and I couldn't break Elrond's heart by having them choose mortality (though I'm with Elladan, frankly! I want to know what is beyond!). And now we have Lindorie and Alasse to add to the family and that will be fun! Thanks for reading to the end. :D | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/20/2008 |
| Ah, smart author! This was a very intelligent device! All our attention focused on poor Elrojir, while the crux of it all was in Elladan! Masterfully woven, NIlmandra, it is good to guess how much you have enjoyed writing this. A very deep, and well thought and well woven tale! Congratulations! Now get well. Author Reply: Oh, I'm glad you like how it worked out. This was the story I wanted to tell and I felt so very clever in figuring out how to tell it, LOL. I wasn't sure if anyone else would find it clever so much as annoying. I wish getting well were as easy said as done. Thanks for sticking with this to the end. You've made me very happy. Author Reply: LOL, make that 'done as said'. :D | |
| Redheredh | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/18/2008 |
| Now, that was a good happy ending! :D Although, it really might have gone the other way too! :o No, no, no, not from you! You would not do that to us. Thank goodness! Well, it was a little more tangled circumstances than I had thought, but Elwing did speak true when she said Elladan's choice lay before him. The twins did prove to be inseparable. *whew* All is still right with the world. And Elladan did have to plead his case to be allowed to make his own choice in his own time just as the Valar promised Elrond. Really, I still think the lady-love played a major role in their decision. If Lindorie had not loved Elrohir, Elladan might have chosen differently, despite having seen both sides of his nature. Good thing little lady Alasse was there too to pitch in! Excellent story. So, when do we get a peek at Elladan on his new job? :) Alasse grown up maybe? :D Author Reply: LOL, see, I could have seen it going either way, except that Glorfindel gave me that very disappointed-in-you look when I suggested it. For Elrohir's sake it was good, and there is enough of the Eldar in Elladan to wish to remain with his family. Heh, just as there was enough of the Edain in Elrohir to be willing to go. As for Elladan's job, I have only an inkling. Perhaps in time it will be revealed to me too! I would like to get to know Alasse, who seems like she is going to be the spitfire her nana was... and really, Lindorie and Elrohir need to get married. :>) Thanks for coming along for the ride. | |
| pipinheart | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/18/2008 |
| Very well done... Very surprising that it was Elladan who chose for them both. That was hard one him. But Elrohir called himself weak, but he is not. To make his brother make the choice for him knowing he could not have the one he loved and the life he desired because of what choice Elladan could choose. Elrond was right he had an iron will. Loved it.. Author Reply: The world's concept of weak involves how powerful, how wealthy, or how physically healthy one is. But real strength is found inside.. and Elrohir had that! Thanks for coming along for the ride. | |
| Alassiel | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/18/2008 |
| Greetings Nilmandra, It was a delight to read of Elrond's family and the healing of his sons. I am glad that both of them have found true peace. I wonder what Elladan's task will be? Perhaps you will feel inspired to tell us some day. As to your dedication: I absolutely agree. Though Aman is lovely, it is not the home of Men, and its beauty pales in comparison with what lies beyond Arda. To me, Finrod's words to Andreth speak to this: 'This then, I propound, was the errand of Men, not the followers, but the heirs and fulfillers of all: to heal the Marring of Arda, already foreshadowed before their devising; and to do more, as agents of the magnificence of Eru: to enlarge the Music and surpass the Vision of the World! Thank you for this lovely tale. Alassiel Author Reply: Thanks, Alassiel! Only the True King can heal the Marring of Arda, but I cannot wait to enlarge the music and surpass the vision! It is amazing how strong this desire can grow in one's heart. I enjoyed writing this story, for while not the same, I think we do know what it is to have dual natures - our 'old man' and our new nature. In our case, it is trying to remind the old man he is dead, not decide between them, but it was the concept of the conflict that interested me. Thanks for reading. :>) | |