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| History Lessons: The Second Age by Nilmandra | 12 Review(s) |
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| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/10/2004 |
| How lucky they all are to have Glorfindel with them; I loved his "elfling; not an elfling" argument with poor Elrohir, and what a suprise to see his skill with a needle and thread (courtesy of the Valmar Rehab Center). The image of him patiently stitching Arwen's floral appliques almost made me fall of my chair! Erestor's frustration at being saddled with a frantic and highly ticked-off Celebrian was quite amusing; I'm hoping to hear his tirade against the Lord of Imladris unleashed once everyone is safe...I was glad that Olorin was there to guide Glorfindel through his re-awakening, and nice suprise cameo by Earendil, also. | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/9/2004 |
| Glorfindel in all his .... ahem .... natural elven glory! I should have read this wonderful chapter earlier. ;-) Great chapter, Nilmandra. Loved the confused and slightly guilty-feeling Elrohir, Arwen upset over being filthy, and the embroidery motif. Oh, and loved the ... uh ... other image, as well! LKK *gonna have sweet dreams tonight* | |
| Marnie | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/30/2003 |
| I loved Glorfindel doing embroidery! I liked him doing it on his old tunic so that Arwen would have something nice to wear, and I loved the idea of him learning it as the first thing he did after being re embodied. But it did make me snigger, the thought of him walking out into Valinor wearing nothing but his skin (as Sam would put it) You certainly know how to please your readers ;D It's so nice that enough normality has returned now for the storytelling to start again, though I do continue to feel very sorry for Celebrian! Insufferable Erestor! Don't you know what it's like to be a mother? ...I guess not ;) Loved the glimpse of Earendil. He was truely impressive and legendary seeming, and tied in the Silmarillion period with Glorfindel's later life beautifully. Sorry about taking so long to reply - been on holiday for Christmas :) Author Reply: I have decided no story starring elves is complete without naked elves :D And as I thought of an elf returned to his innocence...well, that included a complete lack of modesty too! | |
| Bejai | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/29/2003 |
| Being sick is awful. Haven't had the flu recently, but I sympathize. Hope you're feeling better. Loved this chapter, of course. Consider the source; how could I not? :) Elrohir understanding the deep pride his father and Glorfindel feel for him was beautifully done. How proud they must be that he turned out to be such a selfless young man. Poor Erestor -- standing between Celebrian and her children would certainly not be a fun job. Enjoyed his observation that she couldn't help being the headstrong daughter of powerful people. I'm so glad you came back to Glorfindel and his rehousing. It's such a fuzzy buy intriguing area. I'm particularly glad you left out the angst and focus instead on the joy of sensation, the renewal of life. And Glorfindel's meeting with Earendil was breathtaking. Very much looking forward to more. Author Reply: I am glad you like the rehousing - I know it is a different take than a lot of other authors - but it just seemed that if elves did regain their innocence, then the experience would be one of wonder and joy, and rather lacking in angst and fear. | |
| Arbelethiel | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/29/2003 |
I’ve said it before, I’m saying it again: I absolutely love your characterisations and the interactions between the characters. The description of Glorfindel’s reembodiment was absolutely wonderful. All the little details that we rarely notice before they are taken from us. And naked!Glorfindel is good too :D Thank you :) ~Arbelethiel | |
| Antigone_Q | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/29/2003 |
| Shhh! I'm reviewing at work - don't tell! Great writing, as always, Nilmandra! I loved the interactions between the family members in this chapter, especially Elrond and Elrohir. It was obvious how much they all cared for each other, and it also became very plain to me that Glorfindel is considered an important part of the family. One of my favorite parts was where Elrohir is thinking about how much he still needs his Adar's approval and how frustrating that is...and then Glorfindel notices and makes sure Elrohir knows that his father isn't unhappy with him. That was a funny little scene with Celebrian and Erestor. Poor Erestor, always trying to be the voice of reason within the chaos that seems to follow Elrond's family! Arwen has the whole camp wrapped around her little finger, doesn't she? She's so upset about her dress and her hair, and everyone rushes to fix things for her. And of course Ada can fix anything - isn't that what Adas are for? I cannot tell you how much I LOVED the picture of Glorfindel sewing a flower on a little girl's dress. That was just so...right. Not that the thought of how Glorfindel may have looked upon awakening in Valmar wasn't also quite (cough) fetching. The bit about Glorfindel's re-embodiment was very nice. I like the way you show that it was a time of joy for Glorfindel, and the way you gave a sense of peace and otherworldly-ness. The explanation of why Glorfindel returned at all was very well-done and logical. I'm very much looking forward to the next chapter. Author Reply: I can hardly complain - I am not even working today! I like pondering what the children of Elrond thought of their father - when they figured out he was fallible or had faults too. He is old and wise, and seemingly can fix anything. I like this innocence in them all, that when he shows up, all will soon be returned to a status of 'well'. And my dear Glorfindel...yes, the thought of him awakening and just up and walking outside naked was too good to resist. So innocent..so beautiful *grin* | |
| paranoidangel | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/27/2003 |
| Yay, we're back to the Second Age stuff again! I did like Glorfindel being able to sew as well. Hope you didn't have the flu too badly - I've had it, so I know what it's like. Don't worry about taking too long between chapters - as long as it's there and it's how you want it we'll all be happy. Author Reply: Someone to share my misery! This is awful - nine days of this is nine too many. :( Back to the second age - I had to torture them a bit in the third age to get them geographically where I wanted them. I think the story will actually be heavy on the second age now. I just have to comfort them a bit more for the pain I inflicted on them. (I know, I am a wuss, and I like the comfort part of hurt/comfort). | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/26/2003 |
| What a nice chapter. I loved the family dynamics...which includes Glorfindel...as Elrond, the twins, Arwen and Glorfindel are together awaiting the others. And who would have thought the Balrog Slayer could wield a needle as well as he could a sword? Making flowers, no less. It's an interesting side to his personality. I hope Elrond appreciates Erestor. Most folks would have turned their horse into the sunset and headed for the hills long ago. I am really enjoying him. You have fleshed him out with a slightly cranky, but endearing personality. He's a terrific addition to the story. Glorfindel's arrival back into his body has been very interesting. I suppose I always thought that they'd be born back into their bodies as babies if they were returned, but I like the way you've put him back into an adult body, but had him relearn many of the basic skills a child has to master. The pledging of his fealty to Earendil was very touching. Elrond is twice blessed with his friends...Glorfindel and a loyal, if not, sometimes, grumpy Erestor. I hope you're feeling better. I've heard that this flu is quite a baddy. If it's possible under such circumstances, I hope you got off light. Take care of yourself. I look forward to the next chapter. Karen Author Reply: Tolkien's first writings were on rebirth - but there were so many problems with it (who are your parents and family? would parents know they were giving birth to a reborn fea that had another family? etc) that I chose to go with the re-embodiment theory, which he wrote second. Much, much easier! The fea keeps a perfect record of the structure of the body, but I decided to let the Valar figure out how it was remade and let Glorfindel have no memory of that! The flu is a baddy, and I still have it nine days later :( Not a pleasant way to spend christmas - I would much rather have been in San Francisco with my sister, as we had planned. Thanks for your nice words. | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/26/2003 |
| Oh, poor Elrohir! After all he's been through, he thinks his father is cross with him for going in the river! I like the way he's annoyed with himself for wanting Elrond's approval so much. I love the interaction with him and his father and brother. Also, loved the image of Elrond sewing Arwen's tunic! Who'd have thought the elf lord could sew? And Glorfindel's flowers, too. Poor Erestor, he'll be counting to 50 before long, I think. It will be a long time before Celebrian forgives him - though that moment will probably come as soon as she is reunited with her children. So sorry you've had flu - hope you're feeling better soon. Great chapter, thank you! Jay Author Reply: I think it is Elrond I will feel sorry for once they meet up with Celebrian. She it taking out her frustration on poor Erestor, who is going to be ready to jump in the river himself soon, but I think Elrond will get an earful from them both. This flu is bad, but I am slowly recovering. Thanks for your concern. | |
| Nikara | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/26/2003 |
| That flu is supposed to be nasty. Tons of the people at my school have it. Great job with this chapter. I was very amused with how Glorfindel could sew. Keep it up! Author Reply: This flu *is* nasty :( I am still coughing and sick after 9 days. But, I am glad you liked the chapter! And Glorfindel has many skills - and he does enjoy surprising everyone with them. | |