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| History Lessons: The Second Age by Nilmandra | 17 Review(s) |
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| Aiwen | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 1/7/2009 |
| I am very much enjoying this story, especially the parts of it set in the second age. I have done a small amount of writing set in the second age and the amount of research required and conflicting information to be dealt with is somewhat maddening, or so I find. You've done an excellent job. Thank you for writing. I must admit, the third age story you're using as the setting for the second age stories does not interest me as much as the older history, but it is also an interesting story in and of itself. Author Reply: The Second Age is a bear, isn't it? I so enjoy filling in those blanks. The Third Age story really only had two purposes - to let them walk in the footsteps, for a while, and to awaken Nenya and Vilya and entice their keepers to use them. | |
| Creashuns | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 9/6/2004 |
| Thank you for the Excellent Chapter! This is quite possibly my ~*Favorite Fic~* out there!!! Please continue soon! Creashuns | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 8/23/2004 |
| The details! I'm continually awestruck by the way you're weaving past and present, Nilmandra. And what better description of a High King could there be than this... "if a king is unwilling to give that which is of the most value to him, how can he ask the same of his people?" | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 8/14/2004 |
| The description, although non-specific, of what Erestor had to see was horrible, but a reminder of what war is like. No wonder it had such an effect on everyone. Poor Elrohir, I wondered how much more he was going to have to suffer! The re-infection of his leg sounded awful, no wonder he felt so ill. I'm glad Galadriel finally used Nenya to heal him. Jay | |
| paranoidangel | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 8/12/2004 |
| I did like the author's notes for that chapter. And History Lessons is saving me from having to read the UT (haven't quite got to it yet). Although the Third Age stuff is great too. I did like Galadriel going and using the ring over Celeborn's objections. But I imagine he's not going to argue too much given that it's helped his grandson. Author Reply: I admit I am curious to get the next chapter done and see if he is still fuming at her. :D The research to write these chapters takes about four times longer than writing, but I do enjoy it greatly. Glad the author's notes are helpful! | |
| Elena Tiriel | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 8/11/2004 |
| **Choke** Did I just call you Daw??? Sorry, Nilmandra. Brain wasn't in gear. (At least I reviewed the right story, I think...) - Barbara Author Reply: LOL! No offense, and no Erestor in her story (unless I slept through my beta read of it!) so you're right on. | |
| Elena Tiriel | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 8/11/2004 |
| Also, I love your Author's Notes -- except that reaching them means that I've passed the end of the chapter, which always happens far too quickly, and leaves me wanting more! - Barbara Author Reply: Tell daw that - she finds me slightly longwinded! :D:D | |
| Elena Tiriel | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 8/11/2004 |
| Well, I go away for a few days and come back to find this... lucky me! Compelling, as usual, Daw. You've turned Erestor into such an interesting, many-layered character, and are helping us to see how he could develop into the responsible Elf he did. No one could possibly be prepared for meeting Orcs in combat, especially witnessing a civilian ambush in progress and not being able to stop it... The father that Erestor saw, torn in two between conflicting responsibilities... just heart-breaking. I know others have commented on this, but it tears my heart out to know what is going to happen... and the effect it will have on all the family, but especially the twins. The vision of them as grey killing machines chasing Orcs across the plains of Calenardhon in the Battle of the Field of Celebrant is such a compelling one. I wasn't surprised by the very matter-of-fact way that your Galadriel used the ring to heal Elrohir. I thought you did a particularly effective job of using Erestor's POV to describe the events and everyone else's reactions, even though he didn't understand at that time quite what was happening. So perfectly Erestorly, that he "tucked away" the information until it could be understood or used. Great chapter, Nilmandra! Thank you! - Barbara P.S. and thank you for the pointers on where to find additional info on Durin's Crown. I'm embarrassed to say that I'm one of these illiterates who skip over the songs, so I completely missed the reference in the Song of Durin (Khazad-dûm). Author Reply: Hehe - I laughed at Daw, but I took no offense! I am glad you find Erestor interesting - some of these characters are a joy to write because they are blank slates - you see a glimpse and work toward that. I may have to write the Celebrian capture story - my Celebrian will put up a heck of a fight, I can say that much. But it is incredibly sad. Such terrible times to live in. And, oh, Tolkien and his songs. I am amazed at how much detail of his world is hidden there! I am not good yet about going there first, but I am getting better! | |
| phoenix23531 | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 8/11/2004 |
| Sorry for the LONG space between reviews. I disappeared from the face of the earth - literally. I moved from NY to Australia, and am severely missing my near-constant access to the Internet for reading and reviewing. I finally got the opportunity to read up on the chapters I had missed, and Wow! Your ability to blend the histories into your own universe is remarkable. I particularly liked the characterisation of Galadriel and Celeborn, as that was pretty much my impression of them from the ... was it the Unfinished Tales? I can't remember now. Quite honestly, this story has cemented, for me, a great deal of the Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales and even what little of the HoME I have read so far into a very vivid working memory. I can now remember events that Tolkien wrote about much more clearly (and have even used that to explain things to other people, much to their dismay) and as I am reading HoME, things are beginning to fall into place a bit faster than they were doing before this story. Thank you! I found I was dreading the references of orcs brutalising women, as it seemed such a foreshadowing of Celebrian's own fate. The way you worked that subtly into the story and then made Elrohir almost blatantly foreshadow it was very interesting. It really brought home the destruction that such a despicable act would wreak on such a close and encompassing family (including all the various advisors, grand parents, captains, etc.). That was, for me, one of the saddest tools Tolkien employed to develop his characters, and the effect on Elrond (arguably my favourite character) always makes me sad. I'm glad to see you have added elements of how Celebrian's fate would eventually affect them all, as it sets up their characters very well. On a much lighter note, Glorfindel and Celeborn's relationship is priceless! As is the relationship between Glorfindel and Erestor. Come to think of it, as are most of the other relationships you have developed...sheesh! But the first two in particular really add a great deal to the tale, not just in humour but in the way they both protect the ring-bearers. I thought it wonderful that you had Galadriel be the one to first use the ring (or so I'm assuming). I'm sure Glorfindel and/or Celeborn would have forced Elrond into swearing not to use vilya, but Galadriel is a whole other kettle of fish. Just as slippery and independent-minded, too! All the best, and I look forward to reading more, Emma phoenix23531 Author Reply: Hi Emma! Wow, you went half way round the world! I hope you like Austrailia, that is on the list of places I hope to visit in my lifetime. I am glad you like Celeborn and Galadriel - I have enjoyed writing them as a family, and much of the information for this story is from Unfinished Tales. I personally like learning history this way - one of my favorite novelists is a wonderful storyteller, and her husband writes with her - he has a PhD in history. Their historical fiction is absolutely wonderful to read and I *remember* my history so much better. Galadriel certainly had a 'no explanations, no excuses' mentality, didn't she? She is an enigma to write. She pats me on the head and calls me child when I ask her questions. :-) Thanks for the nice review. | |
| lwarren | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 8/10/2004 |
| Yay! *does a happy dance* An UPDATE!...and what an update it is! There are some stand out, gut-wrenching moments in this chapter, too. Gil-Galad understanding he must stay behind to bargain with Numenor (when he left the others and was pacing back and forth). His pain over letting the army leave, with Elrond in command...the kiss on the brow *sniff*...so sad! The elf at the fountain who decides to stay, rather than sail...weeping as he watches his little ones play, fingering that sword, and wondering if the army will take him...Poor Erestor and his inadequate feelings because he doesn't know what to say to this poor, grieving father. The attack on the farm...from the viewpoint of the experienced and the inexperienced...and they both were devastated by it! Though we know what orcs do, it still remains horrifying! Poor Elrohir! The elfling can't catch a break (no pun intended ;-) )...until, that is, his Grandma decides to intervene. Now THAT was interesting...not so much what she did (we know her abilities and powers, and her strong will), but more the reactions of those who witnessed her intervention. Question: Does her use of Nenya bind her more and more to the power and lure of the ring itself and would that make her more susceptible to the influence of the One Ring...is that why Celeborn objects so strongly to her use of it?? (3 ?'s...and I'll bet you have addressed this in an earlier chapter...if so, forgive my short term memory!) Also, apparently Erestor does not know she is a Ringbearer yet, does he? Great chapter...great notes, too. I really like reading your thoughts about the events of SA, especially the Numenoreans, whom I have not had too much interest in, until now. Wonderful, as always, Nilmandra. linda (just to let you know, I was so missing your stories, I pulled out Hunting last night and started rereading it again! :-) never think you are not missed!) Author Reply: I cannot even tell you how much it thrills me to know that people reread my stories. Talk about warm fuzzies from the top of my head to the bottoms of my feet. :D I am glad that the heartache of war came through well - I wanted to think of individuals and sacrifice, of the choices people had to make, and the loss of innocence. And truly, I would be glad to be mortal and know that I didn't have to leave through ages of neverending wars and a neverfailing memory. As for Nenya, I don't think at this point they really can know or understand the possible value of the rings or the possible harm to the bearer. Celeborn is wise enough to see that the long term consequence are unknown and possibly best avoided. He also knows that Celebrimbor feared the bearer of the One would be able to enslave - lay bare the thoughts and mind of anyone bearing a lesser ring. He also knew Sauron wanted that ring - that makes Galadriel a target. But I doubt it was easy to express all of that at this stage when so much was unknown. Yet, Galadriel and Elrond are powerful people, capable of wielding the rings. How hard not to use such a tool to better the circumstances for those you love? I don't think many know where the rings are hidden - but I think Erestor will come to know that Elrond has one. I think he considers himself to be a family protector as much as Glorfindel (I have asked them both if this is the root of their competition, but they laughed and called me a silly mortal. I must be on to something). And Numenor was fasicinating. Each king/queen was so different - and policies varied widely - and the growth of evil is interesting to watch too. I look forward to including them in this chapter. Hmm....I'm a bit longwinded. :D Thank you! | |