Marnie
· 1 December 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
Oh you meanie! I thought it would be a relief if she was in the wagon, but now look! How are we going to get out of this? *Please* let them be found next chapter, I'm not sure I can stand the strain, let alone poor Celebrian.
I did enjoy Glorfindel's awakening in Valinor, and I'm so glad that it was a joyful experience for him - it certainly seems to me that Tolkien meant for it to be that way and not yet another source of angst. Olorin was instantly recognisable by character long before we heard his name. I envy you that - I dont think I could write a good Gandalf.
And I'm so glad the cavalry are riding to the rescue, though what they hope to accomplish, given that the journey takes months, I don't know. At least Glorfindel, Elladan and Nursul are on the spot.
More please very soon before my bloodpressure does me a damage :)
Author's reply
Thanks marnie! I am glad you liked the Glorfindel awakening - I have seen that story done well in the angst format, so thought I might be pushing it a bit with making it joyful.
And yes, elves are to the rescue!
Iawen Londea
· 1 December 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
GAH! Evilness lol. Evil cliffies... More soon, great chapter! Very intense lol.
Author's reply
Very intense and very evil. I promise to go punish myself :D
Antigone_Q
· 30 November 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I wondered what it was like for Elves who became re-embodied, and (for me anyway) you wrote it just right.
I very much liked the scene where Elrond comforts the little Elfling who was mean to Arwen. I love compassion, and I've noticed you write a lot of it into your stories.
Author's reply
I do like compassion, and if that comes through in my stories, I am thankful! I like to weave Tolkien's themes into my story - sacrifice, friendship, love, mercy, pity - he really wrote real people who overcame and were decent people. I like that :D
shirebound
· 30 November 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
My goodness! What an amazingly crafted chapter, Nilmandra! From the gentle, INCREDIBLE description of Olorin helping Glorfindel regain the sense of his body, to the drama unfolding in the River. My goodness!
Author's reply
I am not sure what is making me put my poor characters through this, but they will shine through it! Elrond has brave children :D. I am glad you liked the Olorin-Glorfindel interaction. Tolkien wrote that Glorfindel's power was nearly that of a Maia, that Glorfindel might have been a student of Olorin . I also liked the idea of him recovering his innocence.
meckinock
· 30 November 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
Oh, my gosh, a cliffie, and Elrond, Galadriel, and Grandpa Celeborn racing to the rescue. Just when you got me all bedded down happily with the nice Glorfindel bedtime story, too. Oh, well, nothing beats elflings in peril - charge ahead!
Author's reply
Ah, nothing beats a Glorfindel bedtime story - especially if he is telling it! :D And despite the torture, my little elveses will eventually be in the loving arms of family soon. I cannot torture them for long.
Yuna_Dax
· 30 November 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
Holy Mother of Mink you know how to leave a reader hanging. This story is wonderful, the current storyline mixed in with tales of Glorfindel's past makes for a rivetting read.
Please continue.
Author's reply
Hi Yuna - thanks for the review! Glad you like the mix of stories. I'd say sorry for the cliffhangar, but I'd be partially lying so I'll just be quiet :P
daw the minstrel
· 30 November 2003
· Chapter 3: Visions of Danger
This was very exciting! I especially loved the ending. Poor Elrond. He's all worried about Arwen and now, in what he thinks is a separate incident, he knows that something has happened to his sons.
The stuff about Glorfindel awakening was very interesting. I had never thought about what that would be like. Well, why would I think about that, when you come down to it? His joy in just existing in a body is wonderful. And Gandalf! Yes! What a wonderful sense this gives of the interplay of all kinds of forces and people.
Author's reply
How could you let me do torture my beloved elves this way? Oh, wait, I usaully encourage you to do such things....
Glad Glorfindel's rehousing was interesting - it was an interesting thought process to think of how a body and mind might be reassociated. I might get put in the locked ward if I keep this up :P
Arbelethiel
· 30 November 2003
· Chapter 2: Leaving Imladris
She had climbed up on the wheel and looked under the loose tarp at all the things that were being taken to the Havens and wished she were one of them.
Oh dear...
I liked your insight into Glorfindel and the Hall of Mandos.
I hope that nothing has happened to Arwen, and that she has merely invited herself to the trip to Lindon.
Update soon, please. This was an evil cliffhanger :(
~Arbelethiel
Author's reply
Oh, sorry for the evilcliffhanger - well, not really :D. Poor Arwen is having a rather bad few days, I am afraid. Thanks for reviewing!!
Sphinx
· 30 November 2003
· Chapter 2: Leaving Imladris
Yikes!
Where is she?? I feel so terrible for Elrond, having to go through all the heartache. Arwen's been there for such a short time, and to have to face such uncertainty must be so difficult for him.
And what a superb bit about Glorfindel and his rehousing. I'm not normally a great fan of his, but you did that part really, really well. The inclusion of Nienna was a lovely touch.
Do update soon...and let Arwen be found. Pl?
Author's reply
Hi Sphinx - I am glad you liked the Glorfindel part. I think my ideas on the rehousing are different than most takes, and I hope you do like it.
I must admit to having some real guilt over creating more angst for Elrond- its not as if Tolkien did not give the poor half-elf enough already!
Sphinx
· 30 November 2003
· Chapter 1: Brothers and Sister
Awww. I've seen very few little!Arwen stories, but this one is just getting me.
Lovely interaction between the twins and the smaller elfling.
Sorry for shorter review, but must hurry to the next chapter...
Author's reply
I am glad this one is getting to you - many people don't seem to like her, and I am not sure why. I think she surely adored her older brothers.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 29 November 2003
· Chapter 2: Leaving Imladris
Oh no - what's happened to Arwen? I suspect she has tried to go after the twins, and has got lost. I do hope nothing worse has happened - I *knew* it was a bad idea for such a young child to go and play by a waterfall!
The preparations for the journey were fun, especially the argument between Erestor and Glorfindel - and Elrohir's reaction. And I love the twins' excitement about the trip.
Jay
Author's reply
IT is fun to write the twins as young adults, isn't it? I like to imagine them youthful and full of adventure and merry and so on. They are looking forward to this trip.
paranoidangel
· 27 November 2003
· Chapter 2: Leaving Imladris
I've loving this just as much as I loved History Lessons. I did like Elrond trying to look pathetic (I really can't imagine him actually succeeding :) ) and the angst at Arwen being missing.
Author's reply
Hi Nic - thanks for reading over here! I appreciate it. I cannot believe I am giving poor Elrond more angst than Tolkien already did.
Antigone_Q
· 27 November 2003
· Chapter 2: Leaving Imladris
Uh-oh. Where's Arwen gotten to? A lost child is such a scary thing for a parent.
I liked Glorfindel's description of the Halls of Mandos. I hope you also describe what it was like for him to be re-embodied. For some reason I had the timing a little different in my head, so that he was with Elrond and Elros when they were small - but I am pretty sure this is just me, because I know Tolkien doesn't give an exact time line.
Glorfindel's interactions with Erestor are just priceless; you have a very sly sense of humor - I mean that in the nicest way.
Meant to say in the last chapter that I loved all the back-and-forth between Elrond and Celebrian at the breakfast table. Have no idea how many double entendre's you intended, but I certainly read a lot into their dialogue. Very ancient poetry-ish, with all the fruit references and such. Strawberries - Good heavens!
Author's reply
*looks innocent* Strawberries? They are just good fruit :D
I do like Elrond and Celebrian in love though. And I wanted to bring Glorfindel back when the twins were still children, it just didn't seem to fit with some of Tolkien's later writings.
I cannot imagine how Elrond and Celebrian are even functioning with Arwen missing. I think I would be a basket case.
frodo16424
· 26 November 2003
· Chapter 2: Leaving Imladris
Enjoyed the chapter. Love your history lessons. I don't think I have seen many stories of Glorfindel in Mandos' Halls. It appears that Vairë is similar to Clotho, who was one of three Fates of Greek mythology, in that she would spin the tapestry of Life. Will be looking forward to more of History Lessons.
Author's reply
It was interesting to try to write from the POV of a disembodied spirit - somehow able to hear and communicate and see, but without the body that would let them do that...
Now he just needs a body. :D
daw the minstrel
· 26 November 2003
· Chapter 2: Leaving Imladris
I really liked the section about Glorfindel. The tapestries were a great device for recapping the story and for letting us see that time has passed while he's been in the Halls of Mandos.
If I were Celebrian, I'd be close to incapacitated. It's a good thing they have Erestor to help them search for their daughter.
Update soon! ;-)
Author's reply
I cannot even hardly write about Celebrian. I think I would be incapacitated, and she is actually close to it.
Elvenesse
· 26 November 2003
· Chapter 2: Leaving Imladris
I hope Arwen has hidden in the wagon, but if she had why would her toys be by the stream? How frustrating, I hope she's alright.
I liked Glorfindel's tale of Mandos, and seeing the tapestry.
Author's reply
Thanks, Elvenesse. Writing the POV of a disembodied spirit is interesting. As for Arwen, well - we will learn her fate soon :D
shirebound
· 26 November 2003
· Chapter 2: Leaving Imladris
I don't know what happened to Glorfindel after his death, but this is as clear and logical a description as I could ever have hoped to read. Beautiful, Nilmandra!
"...strengthened with knowledge that his mission, far greater than himself, had succeeded despite his own passing from that world"
Wow, I just love that.
Author's reply
Thanks Shirebound - writing Glorifndel's time in Aman is certainly interesting!
Marnie
· 26 November 2003
· Chapter 2: Leaving Imladris
Oh no! What's happened to Arwen? I hope she's actually packed herself on the wagon or something and isn't really in danger, but I can't see how that could be so... Now I'm going to be completely on tenterhooks until the next chapter.
On a lighter note though I did love Glorfindel and Erestor arguing over the packing. How useful to have an Erestor around to deal with this kind of stuff - I wouldn't complain! “Does ‘breakable’ mean something else in your world?” Is a great line. LOL!
I liked the scenes in Mandos - it really did have a rather eerie feel to it which was just right. No wonder Glorfindel doesn't talk about it much.
But back to the main point. What's happened to Arwen? Update soon please, as I won't survive this much tension for long.
Author's reply
I think you have it right Marnie - Glorfindel does appreciate all Erestor does, he just enjoys tormenting him. I wonder if Erestor had any siblings?
I am glad if the Glorfindel in Mandos scene came off well - it is hard to know how to show that, exactly.
Next update soon!
Marnie
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 1: Brothers and Sister
I loved Arwen in this chapter - she's a little Lady already, and watching her take on Glorfindel was deeply amusing.
I'm very impressed at the completely different atmosphere this story has to History Lessons 1 - that must have been very hard to do when you've got all the same characters. Nice to see the Twins all grown up though, and all the different motives for the elves moving East summarized so clearly. I can quite empathise with Oropher, but - for Celeborn's sake, poor bloke - I can't help thinking he's a bit of a jerk!
Sorry it took me so long to review. I've been wondering why I got no Author Alert for some time now, and it was here all along. !
Author's reply
Arwen and Glorfindel are in for some interesting times this story. I am glad you see the different atmosphere in this story. It will have a bit more adventure than the first story, and so the HL will take place in different settings.
I had the hardest time writing Celeborn's position - I felt torn between two worlds trying to write his position - talk aobut being pulled on both sides, and possibly having neither truly accept you! Oropher was a bit of a jerk, too. It was my intent. He is leading the commune with nature, flower children movement of ME. :/
Elena Tiriel
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 0: Arwen
Okay, I'm calm now. Really. My Elven Muse made me smoke some Athelas and eat some Haagen Daazs mocha almond fudge ice cream while he cuddled me.
What a wondrous interlude! To have the whole family involved in the birthing process like that is a delight. I could just imagine Elrohir's look as he got to cut the umbilical cord! And Celeborn patiently holding the clean cloths for an hour until he could clean her off -- and then not wanting to let her go! And the twins introducing themselves together...
I've always loved Elrond, and I'm glad Celebrian let him support her as her partner this time. She sounds like such a wise and loving woman! And Galadriel, too.
I think my favorite was the part with Glorfindel. (And no, my Muse did NOT force me to say that.) He is as surely smitten as the rest of the family! And I loved the memory of him holding the newborn twins in one arm, with them holding on to his thumb and pinky, and him predicting which weapon they would excel in. And the two of them cuddling up against his legs in the Hall of Fire, feeling so loved, as well.
Okay, that's it. My eyes are puddling up again. Glorfy, is there any more ice cream left? I'm in great emotional distress, and could definitely use a long snuggle...
Author's reply
Isn't Glorfindel wonderful? For all of his teasing and jokes, he loves this little family dearly. Hope he cuddled with you the restof the weekend. :D
Elena Tiriel
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 0: Arwen
Awwwww. *sniffle*
Arbelethiel
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 1: Brothers and Sister
I said it for the last chapter, but it bears repeating. I love the by-play between Elrond and Celebrían.
The second Age is probably the one I know the least about, so I look forward to learning about it. Will we see Elrond’s courtship of Celebrían?
Thanks and update soon :)
~Arbelethiel
Author's reply
Hello Arbelthiel! I am glad you like Elrond and Celebrian. There will definitely be more of Celebrian in this story, and we will see Elrond and Celebrian meet. Thank you for your nice words!
meckinock
· 22 November 2003
· Chapter 1: Brothers and Sister
Celebrian's warmth and humor, Elrond's deep love for her, and the depth of their relationship are all so beautifully and poignantly portrayed. Celebrian is so often portrayed solely as a victim of her later torment and not as the lively and vibrant elf she once was. What a sweet moment between Arwen and her brothers upon their arrival when they realize she has taken their teasing so seriously, and so sad for her to realize that they have other ambitions than to spend the summer with her - I suppose she is going to need lots of quality time with Ada.
Author's reply
Thanks, Meckinock. I have often thought that these early years in the third age were surely the happiest of Elrond's life. He had Celebrian whom he loved, his children and his home, and it was a time of relative peace. I think elven families were close and loving, and I am glad it comes through. There will be conflict, but it will be primarily external. And yes, Arwen will need her Ada and Nana to help her this summer. :D
Orophins Dottir
· 22 November 2003
· Chapter 1: Brothers and Sister
". . .her own favorite cup that didn’t spill when tipped over." Ai, Arwen hath a sippie cup! Elrond the strawberry thief. Who could know?
And the bells are back! Laughed myself sick at that. Wonderful idea muffling them while on patrol. May I steal it at need? I had been thinking of my first cat, who was a mighty hunter. He actually learned to run without shaking the bells I put on his collar. More difficult for Asfaloth I would imagine as he has to carry the big guy as well.
I am enjoying this.
Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
Author's reply
LOL -the bells were for you, my dear scribe. Glad you enjoyed them; use them at will.
Arwen did have a sippie cup - very convenient for use outdoors - and made by the finest in Imladrian craftselves. ~Nilmandra
Fan81981
· 22 November 2003
· Chapter 0: Arwen
I loved this. But then I love all the stuff you write. You are such an inspiration. You manage to write about characters which are real (well as real as elves can get), and are good people. It is so refreshing from people's tendancy to write about unusual (read weird, distrubed) characters. Your characters are normal, decent people. They have gone through some hard times but their love for each other really comes through. Elrond's teasing and love for his wife, children was very heart warming.
But I must say my favourite bit was Celeborn and Galadriel (you fed my Celeborn obession really well). You included them (and the Twins) really skillfully into the chapter. I am glad they had a role. Celeborn's foreboding, the way he holds onto little Arwen - the understanding b/w him and Galadriel - sigh. I'm in love - again. This is all your fault. It's not a good thing for my poor heart.
"He placed Arwen into Galadriel’s arms, and then pulled them both close." - this was my favourite. That is until the next section. Glorfindel at his most formal was very touching. This is a very tight family - I am looking foward to reading about them.
I have to go for dinner now but I will read the next chapter very soon. Something to look forward to. :D
Author's reply
Glad you liked it :D I am glad the characters seem real and decent - I believe they were just as most people are today, too. I liked the more natural childbirth, and making it a family affair. And Celeborn was bestotted the moment he laid eyes on that child. Given his chance, he wouldn't ever give her up!