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History Lessons: The Second Age by Nilmandra	15 Review(s)
Del	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 7/21/2004
So, I sat down three days ago and read "History Lessons". Then I went to my closet, excavated all of my Tolkien, from the complete History of Middle Earth to The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth and started again while re-reading every passage you've referenced (and a few you haven't - I keep getting suckered back in). I'm doing it again with this story. Admittedly, I'm fascinated. This is a fantastic telling of the histories of the Ages through the lens of the Peredhils. I am terribly impressed with the consistency of the tale you have thus far managed to weave out of several conflicting sources of information. I will be interested to see how you draw it all together and how (if/when) you address the Third and Fourth Ages. Breahtlessly awaiting the next chapter, Del Author Reply: Wow, you read all of HL and HLII in three days? I need to send you a survival kit! Thank you! I am glad you find the stories consistent - sometimes I have to remember what piece of information I used when to keep it all straight. The next chapters are in progress!

Bejai	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 7/13/2004
First I must say, from painful experience, how brilliantly you've been writing Elrohir's injury in this story. Managed to break my foot the other week, and you're just spot on on everything, from the pain to the frustration to the immobility to the drugs to the bouts of depression. I had to have someone carry me out too -- and he slipped, and went down hard, but kept me from getting hurt worse. Loved the line about adas not being able to stop storms. Methinks Elrond is going to give it a try one of these days. Blasted rings. And you did the giving of Nenya brilliantly. Mud and bugs. Uggh. I really enjoy the Second Age stuff. You wrote the parting so well, the fear and the concern. I'm so excited for the next chapter! Author Reply: Oh, I am so sorry about your foot! Ugghh - I have never broken anything, but I had a near fatal asthma attack in the mountains of Colorado many years ago and getting home was agonizing - and we had ambulances and planes and emergency rooms and ICU's! The emotions and pride issues might be similar, but I am actually glad you see the realism of it, having experienced it. I feel so bad for what is happening to Elrohir, but I want it to seem very realistic too. I think he will find that his care is the Mayo Clinic compared to a MASH hospital for the injured of Eregion. :( I do hope you get better soon. I am glad you are enjoying the Second Age stuff. I am enjoying writing Celeborn, Galadriel and Celebrian more than i thought I would. I am looking forward to adding Elrond, Erestor and Glorfindel back into that part of the tale. Thanks so much for the review. :)

Marnie	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 7/13/2004
Great chapter! I love Arwen and Celebrian's chat at the beginning - not even adas can stop the storms, eh? I think I find that line rather sad, when I think of the way that accepting Nenya was pretty much the death knell of Celeborn and Galadriel's relationship in Middle-earth, and who knows whether Elrond's having Vilya wasn't a factor in Celebrian being singled out for torment by the orcs... I really liked the way that Galadriel's acceptance of Nenya, which was so important for the history of M-e, was over so soon, yet without losing any of the sense that it was a dangerous + painful choice. And on a lighter note I loved the mudslide and the fact that the mud did not dare stick to C+G. Is that because they're full elves, whereas Elrond and children are peredhil? And Elrond comes into the story soon? The discovery and founding of Imladris by Elrond and Celeborn is something we don't often see in fic. I'm looking forward to the war! (How often do you get to say that and mean it?) Excellent stuff! Author Reply: I think those darn rings of power caused pain and hurt that the elves who bore them (and their loved ones) will not realize until long after the ring is gone. In that sense, I hope they all find healing in Valinor. I think Elrond's sarcasm about the mud had more to do with just having a bad moment :D I did make him sink (I also close his eyes when he sleeps) because he is part human, but as for the mud, well, they had better sense than to fall into it :D Erestor, followed by Elrond and Glorfindel arrive next chapter. Woohoo! Thanks for the review.

lwarren	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 7/13/2004
First, Poor Elrohir! Between the mud, and the bugs, and the pain of a badly jostled broken leg (plus the fear of maybe having to go through the setting and casting again), and having no clothes (again), and tangled hair,and having everyone have to do everything for him....poor guy, no wonder he's all subdued and sad! sniffs sadly for the poor elf Now, as for the others....I love Glorfindel of the human memory loss...no mistakes ever made indeed g. He and Erestor continue to delight with their bantering back and forth :-). Elrond's family continues to endear...I now feel so sad every time you show a little glimpse of Celebrian closeness to her family(Go to sleep, my silver queen...I love you) wails loudly in distress...knowing what will come is doubly terrible now that I have this picture of their family. Celebrian's injuries/memories must have been absolutely unbearable for her to give up her loved ones and sail...so much courage it must have taken for her to leave at all... Glorfindel and Alagos - nose to nose? I love that elf....he's a riot!!! neverending grins and giggles I also think that the mud showed much intelligence when it did not stick to Celeborn and Galadriel..... :-) Really enjoyed the Cook, as usual; he's an inventive elf, is he not? ;-) And the way Elrohir was cleverly distracted by Erestor and Celeborn with the next chapter of the history lesson...they know how to take his mind off his discomforts. the history lesson - what a terrible time...they wait and wait and wait, only to find themselves under the threat of a force much larger than they ever imagined. I loved Celeborn going into the park after the scout's report to sit under the trees and listen to whatever wisdom they had to impart (so elfy). The whole story of their preparations, of Galadriel receiving Nenya (Celeborn was NOT happy...but she's not one to be ruled, is she?), the many who decided to sail rather than face the coming war (I couldn't blame those with very young children, but you have to wonder if the ones who stayed didn't feel a bit betrayed by the seeming desertion of so many). This was just a great chapter - again you've tied the two parts (second and third age) together so well, and captured the emotions of the times perfectly. I was ecstatic to see this chapter...cannot wait to see what will happen next (of course, we know, but I love seeing it through your interpretation), especially after that closing line and Celeborn's resolute "So be it." linda Author Reply: I have to admit, I think much about Celebrian's attack - where it happened, was she targeted, etc. She was loved by powerful people - to hurt her was to hurt them. To force them to choose between her and say, a ring of power, well - I think Elwring and Earendil were forced to choose between family and home and the greater good of bearing that Silmaril to light their way to Valinor and plead for aid. I am so glad that Celebrian was rescued and neitehr husband nor mother was force to choose. I am gld you like the little humor moments. The third age trip is really a pain for Elrohir and I do feel for him - his injury makes him helpless in a time when there were no modern conveniences to get him home....much like a second age soldier injured in a war. For the rest, though, it is merely an annoyance, beyond their concerns for Arwen and Elrohir. I am glad they can find some humor. I love Glorfindel squared off against a horse! Celeborn is resolute, and I look forward to writing more from his perspective, as well as Galdriel's and Celebrian's escape.

Elena Tiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 7/12/2004
I guess that, being fortunate enough to live in a country that has wide oceans on two sides and hasn't been invaded within the memory of any living person, I simply cannot imagine how terrifying it would be to have an army on its way to my home. Your story gave me the same stomach-clenching feeling that I get when I read of the countries invaded in World War II, for example... Your Galadriel and Celebrían showed enormous courage going off alone like that, so they wouldn't draw off any of the defensive forces. What a comfort to know that, should they reach Khazad-dûm safely, they will be welcomed and aided by the Dwarves... It really puts a new light on Galadriel's kind words to Gimli in FoTR: 'Dark is the water of Kheled-zâram, and cold are the springs of Kibil-nâla, and fair were the many-pillared halls of Khazad-dûm in Elder Days before the fall of mighty kings beneath the stone.' Kindness given for kindness received an age before... (Although Celeborn didn't seem quite so grateful, being a kinsman of Thingol and all...) Your story has a way of getting me to make connections and see parallels that I would never have done otherwise. Thank you! Oh, and I love your Third Age family members... kinsmen or not! - Barbara Author Reply: Thanks for your comments, Barbara. I am thrilled when people pick up on some of the connections and parallels - some are really subtle and some take time to show themselves. That is what probably takes the most time to write too - just the one story or the other would go much faster, but connecting them without being obvious is hard!

LKK	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 7/12/2004
So the mud refused to splatter Celeborn and Galadriel? LOL -- smart mud. :) I hope Elrohir doesn't need a new cast. That would set his recovery time back again. Poor elf. Arwen was so sweet taking care of him to the point of exhaustion. She absolutely adores her older-younger brother. It's a good thing her older-older brother isn't jealous. I have a question about something Celebrimbor said. He called the rings for Men and the rings for Dwarves "lesser rings". I had thought that all of the rings (except the One) were essentially equal. Is this something I missed in LoTR? Or is it something Tolkien said elsewhere? Or perhaps it's an your interpretation of how Celebrimbor, being biased, might view them? I'm sad that Celebrian lost her childhood friend. But it's better that Narusel sailed to safety with her family than she perish in the upcoming war. Still makes me sad though. :( Good chapter, Nilmandra. I'm looking forward to the upcoming war. (Hm, that didn't sound right. LOL) LKK Author Reply: Very smart mud! Imagining Galadriel as a headstrong elleth is quite fun, actually. I think the Seven and the Nine are lesser mostly in Celebrimbor's mind, because they were not created by him and because of why they were created. They are definitely less than the One Ring, which was the culmination of Sauron's craft - and in Celebrimbor's opinion, perhaps because of what he values and believe in, they are less than the culmination of his craft. They are referred to as lesser rings in Tolkien's work, and in the Silmarillion, the Three are called the greatest in power (at least of those rings the elves made). But I hope to show that part of the problem was indeed Celebrimbor's perception of the Seven and the Nine. Thanks for the review!

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 7/12/2004
Poor Elrohir. Haven't you done enough to him? He leaps into the river to save Arwen, breaks his leg, punctures a lung, tries to stand and breaks his leg AGAIN, and nearly gets crushed beneath a falling tree. Then the poor so-and-so falls off a horse (or gets pulled off it) and damages his leg a third time. Even I'm not that evil!! Poor Elrohir - why not give him a break? (figuratively, not literally.) The details of the mud and biting insects are very skin-crawling, but such an accurate representation of the realities of such warfare and campaigns. Jay Author Reply: I know, poor Elrohir! I actually am trying to make this realistic - an injured person in the wild like this is more subject to mishap and problems - and Elrohir is the unfortunate recipient. His real hardship is with his pride, however. Asking for help, being carried around, unable to really care for himself - that is so hard! But I agree - poor Elrohir! As a parallel, I thought I would show the awful state of travel in the third age, making it truly hit home when Erestor tells of it in the Second age. Elrohir's treatment is the Mayo Clinic in comparison to the MASH unit the SA soldiers will get :(

Melje	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 7/12/2004
Elladan is flat on his back again! I should keep a tally. No, wait, no need for it, I’m sure his brother does already. He does still remember his fall during Glorfindel’s lesson while they were still just elflings, after all. Imagine having Elven siblings, blessed with perfect memories, who will remember for millennia every single mistake and embarassing moment in your life... and kindly remind you at every occasion. Cook seems to have quite a few aces up his sleeve... mosquito repellent, and anti-tangles shampoo as well! He should open his own cosmetics production, I for one would definitely buy the shampoo. Funny, I thought that Elves were immune to insect bites, and that their hair would behave no matter what. It seems instead that they’re just human after all. Well, with the exception of Galadriel and Celeborn, that is. As for the Second Age, how terrifying, knowing that an army is marching towards your city, and seeing Elves all around you choosing to save themselves and flee, further weakening you army. Really Galadriel never had a comdemning thought for the likes of Narusel’s father? It doesn’t seem like her not to. True, she herself didn’t stay, but she had to leave her husband in a city that was about to be besieged. And conversely, really Celeborn never considered abandoning the city and sailing away with all his subjects? After all, by choosing to stay and fight, he was comdemning quite a few of them to certain death. Thank you for taking the time to write this story, and I’m looking forward to hear more! Author Reply: Poor Elladan :( He does end up flat on his back alot, doesn't he? This is a real growing experience for all of the family, I think. How we react under stress might be the best test of our character. I actually looked to see what other things elves were immune to - and the passages I read said they healed quickly from wounds that would kill a mortal, and they were fairly immune to disease - so I decided they could suffer with us mere mortals with the bugs. They just won't get Lymes, West Nile, Malaria or any of the other nasty diseases! I like your thought about how Galadriel might have seen Narusel's father. I read in a few places that she struggled with the sea longing, although it was Nenya that awakened it most strongly. She missed home. But, in this case, I think she was trying to comfort Celebrian. Surely she feared for her own daughter and she could understand a parent's fear. I think Celeborn is part of that crew that won't leave until death or time forces him to go. By leading a sortie against Sauron, he also allows the refugees a headstart to Lindon, as that was Sauron's plan - Eregion and then Lindon. Maybe he also had an attitude sort of like the captain going down with the ship - he won't abandon the city if any remain and his duty to protect its citizens as they flee might be strong. There are some great WWII stories, I think in France, along those lines. Thanks for you comments, and for making me think!

eokat	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 7/12/2004
What a rush. You have written this part of the history so well and with such feeling. I loved it. Eokat. Author Reply: I can only imagine what it was like in the Second Age- for nearly a century they waited, wondering - and then when the attack does come, everything had to happen so fast. Hurry up and wait, and then its a fight or flight situation. Glad you liked it :D

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 7/12/2004
Abso-blooming-lutely wonderful. (Which is, incidentally, an example of tmesis. Isn't that a lovely word?) I just love the family interaction in the Third Age: Elrond and Celebrian are so happy and well-suited - the teasing is great. Arwen is such a poppet, poor Elrohir and his wretched leg, Elladan and his protectiveness. Galadriel and Celeborn are terrific - love the way even mud cowers away from them. Sensible mud. Adored the comment about how not even her brothers dared cover her in mud. Sensible brothers? Glorfindel and Erestor are great - I'm enjoying seeing Erestor as an elf of action (and Glorfindel with muddy hair!) The Cook is still good value - and has invented conditioner and insect repellent - good for him. The mud is bad enough, but insects - yuck. I could do without insects, especially the biting varieties. The tension is almost too much in the Second Age. I'm glad Galadriel and Celeborn didn't fight too much about the ring and her leaving with Celebrian - there really isn't time for it in crises like these and I'm happy they didn't part on bad terms. What a situation - elves pouring to the Havens to sail, leaving so few to fight so many. Galadriel and Celebrian must seriously have doubted whether they would see Celeborn again in Middle Earth. I was so happy to see this chapter - and I can't wait for the next. Author Reply: I am glad for your words about the second age story. I really couldn't see them fighting too much - I would think in crisis they would pull together. I think Galadriel and Celebrian did fear that they would never see Celeborn again. I hope to explore that a little more next chapter as they head to Lorinand. I think Celeborn and Galadriel raised a wonderful daughter - and I am glad she made Elrond such a wonderful family. It breaks my heart to think of her broken and having to leave all of them....and then I think of how courageous she was to go, too.

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