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History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra	23 Review(s)
The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/29/2005
The healing scene with Frodo was great. I loved how Elrond and Gandalf combined the strength of the two rings to bring the shard to the surface and extract it. The part where the shard smoked when it touched the mithril was a great touch. It gave a real feel of evil to it. The hobbits were nicely done too. There's such a strong bond between them and having them pile on the bed with Frodo was such a nice way to show it. They made something of a protective circle about him. Poor Elrohir isn't going to play with you anymore. Boy, what you've put him through. Elladan had a tough time too, but, at least, he remained in one piece. Very dramatic scene where Elladan rides in carrying his wounded brother. Blood and dirt were everywhere. We got a real sense of the magnitude of Elrohir's injury and of the battle they had been through. Elrond's healing of him...and his twin...was frightening and heartwarming at the same time. Dr. Phil has nothing on Elrond. When the time came, he went right to the heart of the matter with both his sons. Carrying the weight of such guilt and shame was too much for them to bear and it nearly took one of them to Namo. For Elrond as a parent, it must have been all he could do to keep his wits and do what needed to be done. The ending--back with Frodo--was terrific. I really like how you wove in the part about the translucency of Frodo's skin and the light. Elrond is indeed wise to wonder the wisdom of whether Frodo should be parted from the ring and someone else carry it to Mt. Doom. Good show, Nilmandra. Author Reply: It was rather mean to put Elrohir through so much, but it fit his 'martyrdom' (I hope). Poor elves - they did have a rough road. I tried hard to make them very individual and separate, yet very close too. I have to get them close to being fair and gallant bookend brothers. :>) Tough love is very effective if done right, and I only wish someone so trustworthy as Elrond could be trusted to sift through my mind and help me to see what I am blind to at times. :/

paranoidangel	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/29/2005
That was so sad (although this is a good thing!). I like that Arwen was the one person who's most together and she's the one who looks after the rest of the family. Author Reply: I am personally glad that that particular angst is over. Arwen is strong, in some ways obvious and in some ways probably subtle, and it is a good challenge to find ways to show that.

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/29/2005
Nilmandra, what is it about you and Elrohir's leg? In the first History Lessons he broke his ankle. In the second he had his leg shattered. Now orcs almost sever his leg and he nearly bleeds to death. What else are you going to do to the poor elf? Jay ;) Author Reply: Hey, its not like his leg is the only thing that's ever been injured. He's been poisoned, knocked unconscius..um..a few times, this time he has ghastly wounds all over. It wasn't just his leg. Hmm....that doesn't sound very good at all. Actually, I think I pick the leg because legs are convenient to break! What else are you going to do to the poor elf? Get him to Valinor safely, I promise :)

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/29/2005
This is just so amazing. And beneath all the agony and suffering of E3, the one who is gleaming out to me, a light in the dark - strength, support, love, care, forgiveness, and so on - is Arwen. This is the heroine who could inspire a boy to endure through 70 years of trial and fight her own fight at the same time. Just as this is an Elrond who will care and suffer and do what is asked of him anyway. Gandalf and Elrond turning their rings to force out the vindictive shard - so impressive. So much power turned on Frodo and he survived, but not unscathed. But the network supporting those in the front rank is just as impressive - Glorfindel and Arwen hold them together, although they share Elrond's recognition of the damage done. And the hobbits are lovely - a group whose loyalty and love knew no bounds. (Reminds me of a certain half-elven family.) A good moment for Arwen to invoke Celebrian, too, and surround Elrond with a similar level of love and care. I can see why he is glad that his daughter resembles him - but it may have made those moments when she echoes her naneth even more shocking to him. The recovery of Elladan and Elrohir is as horrific as it is inspiring, but at least it can serve now to remind Elrond that all things are possible. The arrival, with Elrohir on the edge of death, is shocking - but probably the only thing that could shatter Elladan's self-absorption. (I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Celeborn and Galadriel to see E2 in this state and send them off, knowing that they were both in the state where they were seeking death. Such helplessness for two who are many things, but almost never helpless.) For Elrond to be so demanding of Elrohir, he must have been desperate not to lose any more of his family, but he would probably have failed had not Elladan intervened. Poor Arwen, watching this battle to hold the remains of her shattered family. The failure of which would probably have led to the collapse of all Elrond's efforts and the destruction of Middle Earth. But she took control - at the right moment, too, to bring all round. (Glorfindel should be proud of her.) Elladan's confession to Elrond of their actions and his own failures is wonderfully well done - and his collapse is so much in tune with his character, complete and whole-hearted and healing. Elrohir is such a different character, though - Elrond had to push him hard. He keeps things close to his chest and broods on them - it's a harder shell to crack than Elladan's shiny carapace. “I do pity you,” said Arwen sternly. “I am also growing angry with you and Elladan.” Yay, go Arwen. Not a wimpy, sofa-lying, soft focus dreep of an elleth. And, although Elrond applied the hammer that opened the shell, it is Elladan who really got through. Now they are both hearing each other, they will begin to heal. And nature is in tune with them all. Even Earendil pops his head round the door! “You are the lamp that lit their path and the beacon that guided them home . . .” What a perfect description of Elrond. And I think here I could say - like father, like daughter. But poor Frodo. And poor Elrond. Setting people off on impossible quests can't be a lot of fun. Splendid. Author Reply: I think (my version) Elladan is a little more straightforward in his thoughts and actions. When mad or angry he lashes out and when he's sorry, he falls to his knees. Elrohir is the tougher nut by far.. more sensitive, more introspective...his mind can twist and warp problems until they are unidentifiable and very difficult to manage. It was a family affair that helped him. Hopefully now they can move on, as a family, and live again. And yeah, the twins need to head south and visit the grandparents soon. Celeborn and Galadriel may not need an apology, but I'm sure it would greatly help to see their grandsons with their heads screwed on straight again. I know we agree about Arwen..she is no wilting flower...she is the woman that Aragorn believed in and the woman that gave him strength and purpose to become king. Her strength doesn't need to be in arms - many can do that - her strength of spirit is more vital and important by far.

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/28/2005
I was touched by Arwen's devotion to her father, her confession about her promise to her mother, and Elrond's realization that he was grateful that she did not look like Celebrian. The hobbits curled up like a pile of puppies were very cute. Back in the past, I was relieved that the twins finally reconciled to each other and themselves. It was awful to see them torn apart. As bad as Elrohir's injuries were, they seemed to be the wake-up call that they both needed. I hope so - their father needs some peace! Glorfindel was a rock, as always. And I really liked Gandalf and Elrond's discussion about Frodo and the Ring. Author Reply: I am glad this portion of the story is done... though I am glad I attempted it. Now we can move on to some other third age events and more about the time of the War of the Ring.

Kathy_SFF	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/28/2005
I only recently found your "History" stories and have fallen in love with them. Your stories tell Tolkien "historcial" events with real emotions of characters. I love how you portray the relationships between the characters (from Elrons and his twin to Elrond's sons' and daughter. Not to mention Glorfindel ans Esoter). Looking forward to another chapter. Kathy_SFF Author Reply: Thank you, Kathy - I always am thrilled when someone stumbles on my stories and likes them. I like filling in the gaps Tolkien left - its like putting together a puzzle where you get to create the pieces and just have to make sure they connect up to the ones Tolkien already gave us.

TithenFeredir	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/28/2005
I love your Arwen in this chapter. She is strong and wise, and the most loving caregiver for Elrond. That scene where she leads him to his chamber to rest has such warmth, and it works so well for her to reveal how she talked with her mother about watching after her father. She continues to be that solid support in the healing of the twins. After his causing so much turmoil Elladan's surrender was really rather sweet. I was suprised by Elrohir's resistance and his assumption of the martyr's role. Their reconciliation was worth the wait. ~TF Author Reply: I am so glad Arwen came across well. I think she is strong and wise - her choies show us that, as does Aragorn's great hope and love in her. I am glad the twins were reconciled too. They seem too real at times, and having muses not talking is a bad thing. :/

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/28/2005
Thank you so much! This chapter was just what I needed to get my mind off the coming storm for a while! I really love the true affection you show in Elrond's family. It is just a beautiful thing. Author Reply: I am glad you liked it...and I am praying for you. Stay as safe as you can. Katrina is a giant, nasty storm and I hate thinking of you right smack in harm's way.

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/28/2005
Whimper Poor Elrohir! His wound sounded hideous, and it so nearly killed him :( The desperation and exhaustion of both Elrond and Elladan were painful to see. It's a shame elves don't know about blood transfusions - at least Elladan would be compatible. Elladan's grief and guilt while he pleaded with Elrohir not to die was heart-wrenching. As awful as it sounds, it needed something as shocking as this to pull them both out of their mutual self-loathing, and Elrond's harsh words to Elrohir finally penetrated his wall of guilt. Brilliant stuff. Jay Author Reply: This was a good chapter to write in terms of pushing my skills, so I am glad it came across well. There is a whole psychological componenet that healers must take into account...and knowing when and where to push is important. Pushing Elrohir was hard to write, as he was so weak and felt so cornered..which was Elrond's intent for doing it then, but it still felt like taking advantage of him.

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/28/2005
Fascinating, as always. I like how you write that Elrond draws Vilya's attention to something (as opposed to using Vilya like an inanimate thing). It's interesting to be reading about so much healing going on at once -- at different time periods and in different intensities. Author Reply: Writing Vilya, Narya, the One and the shard was like having four more characters, that is true. I think it is much easier to be objective about healing someone who is not a close family member or friend, though Elrond comes to love Frodo too. They will have much in common before the end.

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