Jay of Lasgalen
· 7 December 2003
· Chapter 5: A Mystery Unraveled
Well, at least Elrond and Celebrian have worked out that Arwen is with her brothers, not lost and alone. But the poor child needs her mother and father with her. I sense some major brother/sister bonding here, especially with Elladan.
Poor Elrohir really does not sound too good. A smashed leg, broken ribs, inhaling river water, a nasty rattle when he coughs - do you have more elf torture in store? (I do hope so!)
Jay
Author's reply
Poor Arwen - she is part victim, partly guilty, and this is not at all what she had in mind. And Elrohir - let me just say he needs his Adar and soon. There is more torture, but I love the comfort part of hurt/comfort most!
Fadesintothewest
· 7 December 2003
· Chapter 2: Leaving Imladris
Oh no, Arwen has run away to go find Elrohir and Elladan, such a determined child she is.
The tale of Glorfindel was moving. It is strange how one becomes attached to characters one takes the time to explore, and I so love Glorfindel. And Elrohir reaching for Glorfindel's hand, well it just reminded me of the little Elrohir you so lovingly created in the first part.
Now we wait to see what happens to Arwen!
FirstMate
· 6 December 2003
· Chapter 5: A Mystery Unraveled
Well, all I can say is, 'thank you!' This well-written story is full of the things I love...an interesting plot, plenty of exciting action-packed scenes, and most of all the lovely interactions between the characters. This last chapter was simply wonderful where you showed Glorfindel and Elladan taking care of Elrohir and Arwen--you leave the reader with no doubt of how much they all care for each other...heartwarming with out being overdone. You write it all so beautifully--I can't wait to see Elrond and Celebrian's reaction when they find their injured children.
Author's reply
Thanks for the nice review, and for joining us here. I am glad you like the story - there is much more to come and hopefully it will be interesting.
Elena Tiriel
· 6 December 2003
· Chapter 5: A Mystery Unraveled
Hi Nilmandra,
Just wanted to check in to let you know that I am thoroughly enjoying this wonderful story! Your characters seem to live and breathe (and feel pain), and each is so unique.
For one tiny example, Erestor - berating himself for missing a clue and not noticing that everyone else is leaving - that is just *so* uniquely Erestorly! And Elrond, knowing that you just have to be patient and let Erestor think things through... in few words, you really convey how long they have worked together and how much respect exists in their relationship.
I'm not going to mention all the passages that I especially liked, because I would just be repeating the whole chapter...
I'm sending you a separate email with a couple suggestions.
In the meantime, I'll be anxiously awaiting your next chapter...
- Barbara
Author's reply
I am glad you like Erestor, he is pretty much writing himself this story :D
phoenix23531
· 6 December 2003
· Chapter 5: A Mystery Unraveled
Well, had I known ultimata worked that fast... hmmm. :-)
And yet again, I seem to be one chapter behind. I'd best make the most of it, then. These two last chapters have served as excellent reading, as I am snowed in and have every excuse to sit comfortably and enjoy them!
I absolutely dreaded the action sequences, and was on the edge of my seat clamouring for more at the end of the fourth chapter. You have a tremendous ability to draw the reader in to each scene, whether in the histories or the drama unfolding.
In the fifth chapter,, I simply adored Nûrûl's impressions of the Lady Celebrían. Mother cat indeed, and with all the fire and passion of her mother and father to boot! If there ever was one family I would not like to cross... And the image of the guards racing to catch up with her was simply priceless!
Then, there was Elrohir's awakening. Poor Elrohir simply wasn't up to arguing, and I fear Glorfindel took the opportunity to get a few last digs in. After all, here the twins are almost adults, no? At least, in their minds they are. Elladan's woodsmanship seems to prove that point. The details you have written are so apropos, giving the reader salient information and a greater characterisation of the Elf delivering it.
Erestor and Celebrían's little tiff was quite amusing. I dare say those two write themselves, being both proud and headstrong but intelligent and devoted. And seing all this from Elrond's perspective gave me a great insight into the relationship between these two characters. A relationship I would only hope to emulate in my own stories. As for the line "Erestor who doublechecked the doublechecking," what a hoot! All this, combined with Elladan and Glorfindel's pondering of Erestor's penchant for caution, made for a delightful characterisation of an elf about whom too little is written.
Yet again, you leave me wanting so much more. Poor little Arwen! And Elladan, having to see his brother and sister in such a state! (would a second ultimatum have the same effect? :-) )
Author's reply
Hey - I think you sent the snow our way. Well, actually, this will probably hit you next :D
You have noted a lot of my favorite things in this chapter - that makes me happy! Glorfindel still does see his beloved charges as elflings, and I think he will even when they are several thousand years old and great warriors. And Celebrian - well - she IS the child of Celeborn and Galadriel. I figured she is made of steel underneath!
My elfies will recover though, and all be right where I want them....poor things :/
meckinock
· 6 December 2003
· Chapter 5: A Mystery Unraveled
I just adore Glorfindel. What lovely, touching scenes between him and Elladan and him and Elrohir. I do admit to wickedly hoping that you let Arwen wake up before they get her cleaned up so we can see her reaction to finding herself completely filthy, though. I have no doubt that nothing will hold back Elrond and Celebrian's pursuit, although I am quite interested in seeing how you get them across the flooded river with the bridge out...for purely intellectual reasons...
Author's reply
hehe - writing that river scene right now. Poor elves - for as graceful as they are, a flooded raging river is not a good place to be. It is a bit of an intellectual pursuit to figure out how to do this - and if a few elves end up rather wet...well...stuff happens :D
And poor Arwen. This is not how she thought she would be spending her summer!
shirebound
· 6 December 2003
· Chapter 5: A Mystery Unraveled
Wow! If I'm ever lost in the woods (or anywhere), I want you and Glorfindel to be with me, Nilmandra. What a mesmerizing chapter! You're such an incredibly gifted writer, I can hardly believe my eyes.
Author's reply
I'd just take Glorfindel, if I were you. I am afraid I would be worthless! I am only his scribe :D
Karri
· 6 December 2003
· Chapter 5: A Mystery Unraveled
Aw! Poor little Arwen. Elladan will have to tell her the tale of the time that they and Ada ended up unexpectedly in the water, injured and uncertain of rescue. Poor Celebrian and Elrond. At least when it was the twins, Elrond was with them, and Galadriel with her daughter. Lovely chapter. :-)
Author's reply
Arwen unfortunately has one thing Elladan did not - a bit of guilt. But she will experience just what they did that time (at, coincidentally, the same age) - a loving family that will do anything to save her. :D
Karri
· 5 December 2003
· Chapter 4: Faces of Courage
A very intense, exciting chapter. Well written, always, and very entertaining.
Author's reply
Thanks, Karri. It was intense to write too. Made my heart pound :P
Melje
· 5 December 2003
· Chapter 4: Faces of Courage
That was fast! I can almost forgive you the cliffie at the end of last chapter.
It seems that Elladan is always saving Elrohir from drowning! I'll bet Elrohir is in for some serious teasing from his brother, as soon as he's a little better.
And congrats for not sending Glorfindel on a guilt trip: he realises what happened is not his fault, and he's keeping a level head to get them all out of trouble.
Hope next chapter comes as quickly as this one!
Author's reply
I think once Elrohir can think clearly, he will realize his brother again saved his life. Force of habit, you know. :D The idea to repeat certain actions were purposeful, though - there will be other small things - and it is to build bonds and create some family jokes.
meckinock
· 3 December 2003
· Chapter 4: Faces of Courage
Lovely Glorfindel, what would we do without him? Poor little Arwen, poor injured Elrohir, and poor Elladan. And poor Elrond when he finds them all in this sorry state! I hope they get found soon! And will they be finding jars of blackberry jam scattered on the banks of the Bruinen until the end of the Age?
Author's reply
I think they just might! Imagine Cirdan sailing along the coast near the mouths of the Loudwater, and he catches the jam made for him in a fishing net :D
Jay of Lasgalen
· 3 December 2003
· Chapter 4: Faces of Courage
Twin angst is right! And for everyone else, too. Poor little Arwen seems more traumatised than injured, but it still sounds bad for her. And Elrohir - how will they ever be able to get him back to Imladris?
I like the image of Elrond and Celebrian riding to the rescue, and than heavens for Glorfindel and - er - the other elf, can't remember his name. Great descriptioons of Elrohir's struggle in the river, I kept wondering how he was going to get out of it alive. And I like the part where Elladan jumps in to pull him out, holding Elrohir's head above water. It reminded me of the scene at the waterfall in History Lessons 1.
Jay
Author's reply
Oh, I am glad if it reminded you of the scene at the waterfall - it was meant to be a parallel. I like those. Arwen is traumatized, and I think we will learn more of just how traumatized when she can tell her story. Poor thing. I love creative and fierce big brother Elladan and brave, tenderhearted Elrohir.
shirebound
· 3 December 2003
· Chapter 4: Faces of Courage
I do love the Elves' quick, efficient decisions, balanced by tender care and loving thoughts and actions. Elrohir was so courageous and determined! What a wonderful family.
Author's reply
I love Elrohir - no thought for himself, or really, even for logic. He just followed his heart. It was meant to parallel his father jumping into the freezing water so that his sons did not die alone. Elrohir wasn't about to let Arwen face certain death alone.
Marnie
· 3 December 2003
· Chapter 4: Faces of Courage
Phew! Thank you! I couldn't have borne the strain much longer and at least they're all together and on dry land now. Have I mentioned that your action scenes are ace? Very exciting, but also very clear, so you don't get confused about what's going on. I could almost feel myself getting swept down the river in this one.
Poor little Arwen! This is not the adventure she intended it to be, is it? But the broken ribs sound bad. I hope Elrond gets to Elrohir quickly. Everyone's being very sensible and heroic, but there are just such distances involved!
I'm so glad this came out fast, I just hope the next chapter will too :)
Author's reply
Elrond still has some heroics left in his old bones too. I am not sure exactly how, as Glorfindel hasn't told me, but Elrond gets aid to his children sooner vs later. I am glad you liked the action scene. Like your great and epic battle scenes, it is a challenge to blend enough detail to make it understandable while still keeping it fast moving and exciting! You do them well, so I am glad you appreciate these too. :D
Antigone_Q
· 3 December 2003
· Chapter 4: Faces of Courage
Oh, Glorfindel was so sweet! Did I mention I might have a little bit of a crush?
Poor Arwen! She's so little to go through all that trauma. Of course, Elrond and Celebrian are having a hard time, too...
Author's reply
Oh, the Golden One blushed at that! He is glad you have a bit of a crush. In my version of Tolkien's world, he is as heroic as any elf can be. Yes, I do love him too :D
Yuna_Dax
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 4: Faces of Courage
I am seriously enjoying this fic :: hides from evil boss lurking around corner:: The angst is absolutely brilliant, and the storyline is orginal and exciting.
Please continue..
Author's reply
Finding original storylines is hard! I am glad when they just come to me - usually when I am somewhere I cannot just start writing of course...... Glad you like this story.
daw the minstrel
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 4: Faces of Courage
Another very exciting chapter. The warriors all behaved as I would expect them to. They've been trained to react well to emergencies. I can't even imagine what it must have been like for Arwen though. She's a kid and she's under the tarp so she can't even see what's happening. But she could probably hear the adults shouting and knew that something bad was happening and then suddenly she's falling and then she's in the water. How terrifying.
I loved Celebrian's determination to go after her children.
Author's reply
My rather fierce Mamacat acts this way about her kitten - and is very much how I see Celebrian. She is her father's daughter, after all.
Arwen was terrified, and the story will come out about how terrible her two days really were. Poor child.
Karri
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
A very entertaining couple of chapters. The twins relationship with Arwen is adorable. :-) Glorfindel's return to earth is not at all how I imagine it, but it was well-thought out and beautifully written. And *gasp* two little Peredhil in the raging river! That's quite the cliffy... :-P
Author's reply
Writing Glorfindel's re-embodiment was interesting - how in the world do you write something like that? I wanted a different angle than others had used, though, and since I am very soft hearted I wanted it to be a good experience. I love finding out what others imagine it though!
Melje
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
Hi! I don't suppose you remember me, I only reviewed a couple of time back on fanfic.net. I went through a loooong lurking period but I'm trying to de-lurk, and though I know I'm reading too much to review everybody, I'll try at least to regularly drop a line to my very favourite authors!
So, here's to your "new" story: I love that you have the twins in it! I mean, grown up twins, though I like the cute pair of elflings, too. Hope you'll do more stories with them.
I KNEW Arwen was in the cart! But when did she get in? And how? OK, OK, don't tell me now, I'll wait patiently.
I hope you're not going to hurt poor Elrohir too much; though I know this is no AU, so I'm not worrying too much. On the other hand, you can do whatever you want with Arwen.
And what's this with a cliff-hanger?! Since when you do cliff-hangers?! I'm looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Melje - thanks for coming on over to SoA! Poor Elrohir and Arwen are in for a tough time, but they are both tough and will pull through. I have no idea what prompted the cliffhangar - it just sort of happened :D.
Orophins Dottir
· 1 December 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
Yikes, cliffie!!! Nilmandra, how could you! Well, I shall be calm. Glorfy is there and all will be well. I can count on this, can't I? I am going off to polish bells and wait. Possibly, I will chew my fingernails or what's left of them.
Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
Author's reply
*grins* Well, it was easy - which scares me. I don't normally torture my characters :P Glorfindel is there though, and he makes all things better. ;)
Ah, I am so behind in this wonderful story! Glorfindel in Mandos was exquisite. I absolutely loved the tapestries and his reaction to them.
Dear old fussy Erestor! How we love to tease him. It is good to see his worth valued as it should be.
And the early history of belled horses! Glorfindel is ever consistent!
Neglecting my own elves and their tending, I hasten with joy to your next chapter!
Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
Jay of Lasgalen
· 1 December 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
Young youngs? I think I meant young ones! Sorry!
Jay
Jay of Lasgalen
· 1 December 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
Great! Do I sense twin angst looming? And Arwen angst as well! I feel so sorry for Elrond and Celebrian - I can imagine how distraught they must feel. And Elrond and Erestor talking to the young youngs was very well done.
How wonderful to see Olorin as a Maia - it's easy to forget just who and what he is. And Glorfindel's memories of awakening were great.
I have just one question - how did Arwen manage to stow away on the wagon without anyone realising she was there? Didn't she get hungry? Thank goodness Elrohir saw her in time, though - but what's going to happen to them both? BTW, love Glorfindel's remark 'There's nothing in there worth risking your life for' - Ha! If he only knew!
I hate cliffies - please update soon!
Jay
Author's reply
Yes, twin angst and Arwen angst and parent angst. I honestly don't know what has gotten into me. I like happy stories!
phoenix23531
· 1 December 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
Ok, first and foremost, I must say this: I nearly choked on my orange juice when Olorin identified himself! Nice touch!
Sorry I didn't post a review for the last chapter or so, I was out of the country. But I wanted to make sure I left something for this story, as it keeps getting better and better. Your characterisations are fantastic, especially of the mirthful (and devious) Glorfindel and the ever-wonderful Erestor. I also love the mention of the horse's delight in bells without mentioning Asfaloth (who probably wouldn't be sired for another ... few thousand or so years?)
The descriptions of Glorfindel's past, both in Aman and Valinor, are wonderful. I particularly liked the way you developed his family history. Also, the way you described the experience of being dis- and re- embodied was great! I loved Olorin's subtle humour in coaxing Glorfindel awake again. My colleagues couldn't figure out why I was coughing and laughing at the same time. Furthermore, Olorin's line “You have many questions. This is good, for I have many answers,” was priceless! Olorin? Many answers? Not according to anyone in the Fellowship. At least not until Pippin and Gandalf ride to Minas Tirith. Sheesh!
I got the distinct feeling, when reading about Elrond and Celebrian's reactions to Arwen's disappearance, that Elrond is in for a rough few days. Especially after drugging his wife! (Ooh, I would not envy him that position, especially not the following day!)
The action and suspense were very well timed and plotted out, leaving me with no other course but to offer this ultimatum: MORE CHAPTERS!!!!!!!
Oh, and just a quick little nuisance: in the section starting off "Nûrsûl had left Imladris at daybreak, carrying nothing but his weapons, bedroll, water, a supply of lembas and a small pouch with necessities and the message he was to deliver. He was the fasted rider in Imladris, and often served as messenger." Just wanted to point out the fasted/fastest bit. I can't tell you how many times I will read a story of mine and still people will point, poke and generally prod out all the gritty, silly little errors. Gah! Drives me nuts!
Emma
Author's reply
I am glad you like my version of these characters. I loved the idea that Glorfindel spent time in Aman with Olorin before returning to Middle-earth - how fun would it be to write something of their relationship in the third age? Glorfindel would be one of the few people who knew who he was.
Thanks for catching the typo - they do slip by despite the best of intentions!
Bejai
· 1 December 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
Gah!! Cliffhanger!! Nilmandra, you'd better have the next chapter ready to go ASAP, or it's quite possible that I'll just sit here staring at the screen, accomplishing nothing until then.
Loved Glorfindel's rebirth/rehousing. One of the best descriptions and explanation of the process and the results that I have. And I knew it was Olorin! A credit to your writing that you can telegraph it.
Now, get writing!
Author's reply
I am glad you liked the rehousing of Glorfindel! I have seen it done very well in angsty format, but I am rather softhearted, so to be different i wanted it to be a more joyful experience - and it was fun to write after writing Arwen's birth and the joy around that. And I loved in the essay on Glorfindel the speculation that he was a student of Olorin! I think we might have a bit of fun with that....