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History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra	20 Review(s)
Siorah	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 8/14/2005
Hi Nilmandra, I am so happy you are writing this story. I really have enjoyed the chapters you have posted so far. Keep up the great work Siorah Author Reply: Thanks, Siorah!

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 8/14/2005
Well, definitely one of my parts was Sam; ordering Elrond around and then bumping into him in his rush to get to Frodo. And Elrond, of course, tolerating someone trying to order him around! Elrond is very patient and affectionate with the hobbits (and their cuisine.) Mithrandir's quiet affection for Frodo was very touching, also; and I laughed when he told Sam that even he retreated in the face of Elrond's frown. Glorfindel is a rock, as always. I loved the scene when Elrond wakes up so exhausted he can't even remember what day it is - with Glorfindel watching over him and gently chiding him to sit down before a breeze blows him over! Elrond is so accepting of hte arrival of the parties of Dwarves and Mirkwood Elves. Loved Glorfindels' dry observation that the Wood Elves wouldn't tell their news to anyone but Mithrandir, and Elrond's that Celebrian would have had some of the ale. This was a great line: He knew with a certainty that it was not the Elves who would end Sauron’s reign, but the hands of the meek and dispossessed. I hadn't thought before about how much Elrond must have longed to take the Ring to Mordor himself and personally dropkick it into the Crack of Doom. What a testament to his wisdom that he realizes that he can be a guide only; it is up to the races who will inherit Middle Earth, the ones who are stuck there without a handy escape hatch, who must save it. How poignant that he notes a part of himself will share that future. OK, so much for the fun and games. Celebrian's departure was just torture. It was good that Elrond had the comfort and strength of Cirdan to get him through the sailing, but his arrival back at Rivendell, in his empty bedchamber, was just heartbreaking. And his sons are still a mess. I would have been tempted to let Glorfindel dish out a little you-know-what whooping, if I'd been Elrond, but I am not so wise and kind! I can't wait to see what happens on the orc hunt... Author Reply: That quote about the House of Elrond being one of reflection, not action, really helped to articulate the idea that the elves in general and Elrond in particular had only small roles to play in the whole adventure. And, it is most appropriate that a wood elf, one of the Moriquendi, would represent the Elves, for his people are the ones likely to remain long if not forever in Middle-earth. They have the greatest stake of all the Elves. That Legolas got the sea-longing makes such reasoning very ironic! And yeah, on to the orc hunt. The twins need to be shaken up a bit to get their heads screwed on straight.

TIthenFeredir	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 8/14/2005
I really enjoyed the LOTR section of this chapter. I loved the bit of humor in which Mithrandir confesses to being cowed by Elrond's frown and the discussion of how pushy Sam could be on Frodo's behalf but not for himself. It was interesting to see the arrival of the Mirkwood elves and the dwarves written without the usual familiarity-- it's like seeing them for the first time. I had never thought of Celebrian being near death when she finally departed; it was heartwrenching. The grief of Elrond and his family was so well done with the feelings of fatigue and isolation that go with it. The scene in which Elrond returns home to his bed, for the first time without Celebrian, was beautifully done. I hope Elladan finds a way to overcome his agitation and reconcile with his brother. And I am worried about Elrohir: unequal pupils, amnesia, listlessness...I'm surprised they let him go to the pass. This is a wonderful story. Looking forward to the next chapter! ~TF Author Reply: It was interesting to see the arrival of the Mirkwood elves and the dwarves written without the usual familiarity-- it's like seeing them for the first time. I think that is indeed one of the most fascinating things about changing perspective is seeing how new everything can look from another character's eyes. Elrond is wise and gifted with foresight, but even still much of these events must have been a surprise to him too. As for Celebrian, we only really know she was tormented and reaceived a poisoned wound..and could find no joy in this life anymore. The rest is for my purposes, but also because I could not see her and Elrond apart without a really good reason. And Elrohir is okay...at least for now. :)

Quendria	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 8/14/2005
Dearest Nilmandra...Your story is absolutely marvelous!! I have ALWAYS loved Elrond...he is such a wonderfully complex character...the miraculosly gifted, but yet, forever psychologically tortured Healer... the conflicts and guilt he has encountered for untold millenium... his choices of Immortality... along with the losses of his family and his twin, Elros... the fall of Eregion (and the percieved), ineffectual attempts of rescue for it's survivors... the terrible death of his beloved king, Gil-Galad... the War of the Last Alliance, and the (witnessed and preventable) failure of Isuldur... the loss of his cherished wife, Celebrian...(heavy sigh)...your story is just perfect....THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing it with us....Quendria Author Reply: Hello Quendria - thank you for your kind words about the story. I am glad you liek it and I am always glad to meet another Elrond fan. He is an awesome character, yet also tragic in many ways. I will be glad to write Elrond reunited with Celebrian at the end of this.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 8/14/2005
I was so grateful to you when I saw this posted. Just what the doctor ordered :-) I must say, I’m really glad we get to see a little of Sam. His love for and dedication to Frodo is very humbling to see. I had to laugh when Elrond frowns at the stubborn hobbit, though – I think I’d be quaking if I were ever on the receiving end of that look! I was very excited to see the wood-elves arrive! I’m still grinning at the fact that they wouldn’t give their message to anyone but Mithrandir. I like the way Elrond is so accepting of the sudden arrival of all these people. He’s willing to put his belief in something bigger than himself and allow events unfold as they must. It kind of tickled me too to think of him tentatively trying out this strange food :-) I also really like the way you slipped in the reasons why neither he nor the eagles could go and destroy the ring – it nicely answered two questions that I’ve seen crop up so many times! The part about no other race being able to sail West, and therefore having the greatest stake in the future of Middle-earth made me pause for a moment. I had never really thought about it like that before. And with the time of the elves ending and them sailing sooner or later, only Elrond alone had to leave something so precious behind. Hmm. You always give me something to think about, Nilmandra! I very nearly clicked out of this when I got to the part with the farewell to Celebrían… I was waiting for this and really interested to know how you’d write it but there was a little part of me that almost couldn’t bear to read it. But I did, of course! You wrote it with such sensitivity and insight. Beautifully done and the grief was so raw and so real that it was came across very powerfully. We’re left in no doubt what this has done to everyone involved. I can really understand that Celebrían would want to go, at least on some level. And I hope that knowledge will eventually be of some comfort to Elrond – he made the right choice and never made her do something that she didn’t want to do. It must be so hard for Elrond, though, to have got her this far but not even know if she’ll have enough strength to last the journey without him to help her. I’m glad that Amariel is there. She’s been so good to them. And Círdan! He’s a special elf indeed for him to witness sorrow, grief or pain time and again. I suppose, though, that he knows that everyone who leaves these shores is going to a much better place. It must be hard for him to watch Elrond suffer like this but I am so glad he can offer him his strength. It was an amazing moment when he was able to wordlessly bring Elrond from despair to determination. How difficult it must have been for Elrond to face the bedroom alone. His pain was so palpable that my breath caught as I read it. Ack. It just about broke my heart. I don’t blame Elladan for wanting to either remove this pain or flee from it. I wonder what would have happened if he had gone in. Perhaps they would have found comfort in their shared grief, or perhaps neither of them is ready to share it yet. Although it’s wrong of him, I think in many ways I can see why Elladan lashed out at his twin. Right now Elrohir’s silence and seeming passivity is probably hugely frustrating for Elladan. He probably needs someone to shout at or someone to share his open rage but he hasn’t realised that people grieve in very different ways. And I think that Elladan may look like the destructive one, but what Elrohir is doing is equally destructive. I get the impression that as well as bottling up his grief, a little part of him might think that he deserves Elladan’s anger or that it’s his duty to bear it along with his brother. It’s also very realistic that this isn’t the end of the divide between them. Elladan is too far gone for one incident to shock him into becoming his old self. It’s just so hard to watch them hurting so much and unable to find comfort in each other. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor. I thought the scene between Elrond and Elladan was done very well. Elrond’s tense reaction to Elladan’s pacing is a great way to show how weary and emotional Elrond still is. It’s interesting that Elladan seems to see acceptance as a weakness. I mean, if he thought about it, that’s what makes his father such a wise and powerful figure. To me, reaching acceptance is much harder than to keep fighting or questioning. The little glimpses of Galadriel and Celeborn are also very interesting. Galadriel seems quite alone. I’m glad Arwen has Celeborn to comfort her and I hope he finds some comfort in that too and isn’t just distracting himself from his own grief. I wondered at first if maybe Galadriel is reacting a little like Elrohir is or feels the need to be strong – but then I thought that maybe the bond between her and Celeborn is so strong that perhaps they don’t need to be physically close. I guess I’ll have to wait and see how everyone comes through this :-/ Perhaps Galadriel would be a good person to talk to the twins. I really feel for Elrond here too. He’s very lucky to have so many people to help him and his family, but it makes me wonder if perhaps the family would come together more easily if they only had each other. Still, the relationship between Arwen and her grandparents nicely sets up the fact that she would plausibly go and stay with them for such a long time. “I am sure the Rangers will appreciate all the aid we can give them. I for one look forward to removing this blight from the landscape.” Hmm. I have no doubt that Elrohir does want to help rid the world of orcs, but I’m a little afraid that maybe he’s decided that he should be the person that Elladan seems to expect him to be. And if he gets caught up in battle and feels like he’s doing something, then it could be very hard for him to let go again. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – thank heavens for Glorfindel. But what these two need more than anything is time. It’s rather sad, really, to think that Elrond had to live through the experience with Celebrían to learn of the weapons of the enemy and be able to act on time to save Frodo – and thus play his part in the destruction of Sauron. But I can’t tell you how much I admire his strength and determination, his dignity and acceptance. This was an excellent chapter, Nilmandra. Plenty for me to think about! :-) Author Reply: Just what the doctor ordered :-) Oohh, as a pharmacist I am pleased to fill that presciption, although I hope you are not feeling too poorly. Take care of yourself. He’s willing to put his belief in something bigger than himself and allow events unfold as they must. I think this is another example of wisdom - the patience to look around and evaluate what is happening intead of immediately trying to influence or change things...plus he knows of the higher powers and is willing to believe what he is seeing. He has personally seen some of them, after all! Elrond is fortunate to be surrounded by people who love him. Cirdan loves him like a son, and no one has better friends that Glorfindel and Erestor. Yet they know of the power he bears and the responsiblities he must face and never try to turn him from those things. I admit I cried as I wrote about his parting from Celebrian. He loves her so much and its not that she needs to go that hurts...its the separation and not facing it with the person who shares his heart. I think Galadriel's sea longing might have been real strong as she watched her only child sail. She cannot go, as her ban is not entirely lifted perhaps (I think there is a small contradiction there in the books)...and she knows she must stay to see events through to the end. As for the twins..well, a long road is still before them. I am glad this gave you lots to think about...thank you for your wonderful review.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 8/14/2005
The terrible grief of Elrond and his family was hard to read. Elrond is all but overwhelmed. He convinces himself rationally that he can go on, can get up, walk around, go through the motions of life. So he mostly does that. But he doesn't really believe he'll ever really feel joy again. And his children need him so! We see Arwen only at a distance here, but the twins are certainly up close and personal. The saddest thing to me was that Elladan is acting out, so his trouble is obvious. But Elrohir withdraws and is alone with his pain. I think he probably felt that he deserved to have Elladan hit him. He's self-punishing. On a brighter note, thank you for the glimpse of Legolas and Lathron! I laughed at the idea they wouldn't tell Glorfindel what they'd come for. Wood elves. You have to love them. At least I do. Author Reply: You are entirely right about Elrohir - he sees this as just punishment for the 'sins' (for lack of a better word) he has committed. Guilt is just so incredibly destructive and the twins are showing us that. And I love my wood elves. I reread their reception of Glorfindel in 'Hunting' and laughed at how little they would tell him then too. Lathron in particular is there to listen more than talk, and I can just see him brushing off Glorfindel (at least at first!).

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 8/14/2005
I don't know where to start with this chapter! Elrond is exhausting himself battling for Frodo - but I love Sam's determination and dedication. My main interest is in the earlier part of the story. Everyone is still hurting so much, but the twins concern me most of all. Elladan is like a wild animal, exploding into wild physical activity and lashing out when angered or startled. Elrohir is dealing with his own grief and guilt, and Elladan's, and also his twin's contempt. He'll fade as well if this goes on. That Elladan would hit his brother so hard was shocking. I hoped it might jolt him into awareness of what he has become, and how far they have drifted apart - but not yet it appears. I have a bad feeling about Elrond urging Elladan to be reconciled with Elrohir before the battle - but is this the battle where they aid Cirion and Eorl? Jay Author Reply: I knew you would like the twins part. They still have a ways to go.. and there will be much pain to forgive now that their grief has turned to anger against each other. How does that saying go - we hurt the ones we love? They are beating each other up terribly.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 8/14/2005
I am loving this so much! From the beginning of this chapter, where you so clearly show Sam's devotion to Frodo, and how it touches Elrond to see it, to the end where you show the way all of the hobbits are united in their worry and fear, but Merry and Pippin deferring to the senior family member, you show a good understanding of the hobbits and their characters. I also loved Gandalf's little discussion of the merits of Shire food; it was a light-hearted moment that made me smile in the midst of all the angst. But the central section with the flashbacks, that was so heartwrenching! The whole part with Elladan's anger and Elrohir's withdrawal made me just want to cry.In one sense the family is grieving as if for one already dead, and yet it's harder in a way--they've had to see her off, still alive, though grievously ailing. There is a reason it's called the Sundering Sea--for all those families who have been sundered by it, it would be something they both hated and loved: hated because it took their dear ones away, and yet loved, for it would someday in the unimaginable future bear them to be once more together. And then you realize that for Elrond, while one day the Sea will reunite him with his wife, his family will remain forever Sundered, when Arwen remains on the Eastern shore. How poignant! Author Reply: Thank you, Dreamflower. I think Elrond is fascinated by all these hobbits and by Frodo in particular. Writing an elven perspective of the hobbits is interesting. And yeah, the Sundering of Elrond's family is so tragic. The half-elven all had tragic fates, really, and it plays out through the generations. The Valar are probably glad to see it end with Eldarion and know that there are to be no more 'choices' for indivudals to make. :/

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 8/14/2005
How do you do it? It's just so multi-dimensional. Poor Elrond. His whole world is collapsing round him as his perfect nuclear family self-destructs in the wake of Celebrian's loss. Good thing Glorfindel and Erestor are there to keep the framework intact, or there would have been nothing left by the time the worst was over. The twins - it's a bit like self-harming, really. Elladan slashes at Elrohir and, just for a breath, feels better, before sinking even more deeply into the mush of emotion and rage - and Elrohir withdraws to punish him further. It's probably a good thing that they're going off for some orc-slaying at the moment - it will make them look outside themselves. Though probably the shield they have thrown up will then just cover both of them and they will be better armed to defend themselves against letting the rest of the world in. Thank goodness for Glorfindel - in the then and in the now. And Cirdan. Elrond could have done a bit more time with the adult of his childhood, probably. But I can understand his rejection of the sea and need to be home. And Glorfindel will be there - offering strength and support and keeping E2 from flinging themselves into last hopes. Poor Arwen - but at least Daeradar is there for her when Elrond is too broken to help her. And he can devote himself to her for as long as she needs him, being unconstrained by the demands of being a Ringbearer. Though I can't help feeling for Galadriel here - she is a mother who has lost her child, even if Celebrian was a wife and a mother herself - and her husband is gaining his own comfort in comforting their granddaughter. But at least the agony has taught Elrond enough to help Frodo. And the massed ranks of Middle Earth assemble as he loses days to the struggle against the shard of Mordor blade. I loved seeing Legolas and company arrive (- it must be difficult not to wallow rather in the elfling grown) - and Gloin and Gimli. Elrond becomes aware of the present and they're all just there! I love it. It's so complex and beautifully structured, with all the little bits woven neatly into each other and all the characters so well-finished and real. Love it, love it, love it. Well done. Looking forward to the next chapter. Author Reply: How do you do it? It's just so multi-dimensional. I don't know, but I do know that I spend entirely too much time thinking about all of it! You are right about the twins - as they harm each other they harm themselves, and until something happens to snap them out of it, they will continue to do so. Guilt is really a destructive emotion. And I'm not sure yet if Galadriel is pushing Celeborn away or like Elrohir, turning her grief inward, or if Celeborn isn't able to comfort her...or if Celeborn and Arwen are just more emotionally open to each other. We'll see. :/

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 8/13/2005
I really like the sense in the first part of this that Elrond isn't really in control of events, but rather is just going with the flow. He does his thing, healing Frodo, and lets the rest of the world take care of itself for now. If everyone and their brother seems to be showing up at Imladris, hey, throw some steaks on the grill and have a Council. I think this willingness to sit back and observe and let things take their own course gives the impression of great wisdom in Elrond. And considering that he's working so hard at healing that he's losing hours' worth of time, laid-back is probably the best way for him to be right now. As for the flashback, you can really see the deep, raw, bleeding wound in this family. Each one is wonderfully individual in their grief. I love what you've done with Círdan here. He must have done this so many times -- seen off sick Elves and comforted the families left behind -- he seems so practiced at it, and you feel that he's putting all that practice to work for a family he really loves deeply. Elladan and Elrohir both have some major issues to work out with each other. I have a feeling that the first orc-hunting expeditions are going to be touchy, explosive times until one of them gets hurt and they're forced to speak to each other again. Author Reply: I think this willingness to sit back and observe and let things take their own course gives the impression of great wisdom in Elrond The longer I live the more I think that sitting bakc and observing and seldom intervening are signs that one is growing more wise. The twins do have a long way to go...guilt is such a terribly destructive emotion. But you are right - things will be explosive until something snaps and they come to their senses. Thanks for reading.

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