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The Valley is Jolly  by Canafinwe 3 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 8 on 11/28/2009
I do love seeing Bilbi happy, and that you see Estel much as I do, studying healing and herbcraft from early childhood. A lovely day for both, and Gilraen doing her best to hold to her vow is also wonderful.

Author Reply: Really, Estel must have started young! He only had eighteen years under the tutelage of Elrond, but he emerged "Elven wise" and skilled in many arts.

Yes, at least Gilraen's trying. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 8 on 11/25/2009
Oh, I just adore the encounter between Elrond and Bilbo here! Both of them so courteous and yet curious about one another! Bilbo's voice is perfect here-- he knows little of the history of the world outside the Shire, but it is merely a gap in an otherwise good education which he is attempting to remedy. And Elrond is living up to his description of "kind as summer".

Just delightful.

I also liked hearing Elrond and Estel's conversation through Gilraen's ears-- that was a very clever POV!

Author Reply: Heh. I imagine that's just how Bilbo felt: "a gap in an otherwise good education". It's fascinating to explore the dynamics between these two, each a scholar in his own way.

I'm glad you liked the opportunity to look through Gilraen's eyes. Thanks for the lovely feedback!

InzilbethReviewed Chapter: 8 on 11/22/2009
What a thoroughly delightful chapter! I loved Elrond's gentle coaxing of Estel's knowledge of herbs and Estel resolutely providing the answers in spite of still being so weak. Trust Elrond not to miss a trick when it comes to teaching his foster son! And he handled Bilbo [who was a real treat] most skilfully too. It's so good to have these quieter chapters as I have a feeling there is plenty more trouble brewing for Estel!

Author Reply: I'm glad you enjoyed it. It seemed like a suitable "teaching moment", and I couldn't have Elrond turn it down!

It's fun to explore Bilbo's encounters with Elrond. They have such a mutual respect for one another in "The Lord of the Rings", to say nothing of the very favourable account of Elrond in "The Hobbit". There must have been good reason for such regard!

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