Reviews (398)

lwarren · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 24: Imladris

Yay!!! The eagles!!! They are such magnificent birds, and even more so here with their extreme size, nobility, and ability to speak! I loved how you tied the eagles that helped the new settlement of Imladris to the eagles living nearby Imladris still! Twirling whirling laughing glorious twins! What a vision! ('nuff said!) It was very moving to go from the carefree joyful group gathered around the campfire to hear the story of the founding of Imladris, to the struggling, sometimes cold and hungry group of the past. I love Elrond taking charge - first with making sure the children and women were fed first, and later grounding Erestor to his bed and tent to recover from that wound! A wonderful chapter, full of contrasts (light and dark, happy and sad, hopeful and despairing)...a joy to read...and reread! lol Thank you! linda

The Karenator · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

“Would you like to meet Celebrían, or do you plan to just stare at her?” questioned Gil-galad, grinning This is such a great line. Poor Elrond. He's a goner. Elrond, the lovestruck, was certainly a fun and interesting side to this very staid fellow. Celebrian seems to bring out the light in him. I imagine when someone has suffered the losses he did, one would tend to tread carefully before giving one's heart so completely. I enjoyed seeing young Celebrian and her evolution into the woman she became. She went from the rather innocent youth to quite a firecracker. But even when she was going off like Mithrandir's fireworks over being kept from her children, she was still the light of Elrond's life. Their story is really a beautiful love story...well, your version is anyway. I don't know how Tolkien saw their courtship, but I think he would like your view. But 1500 years! Holy cow! I'm surprised she didn't march right back to Imladris and tell Elrond to get on his marryin' duds. Maybe...she did. :>) As sorry as I am to see this end, I'm really looking forward to the 'long' epilogues and the Third Age. What a wonderful story you have given us. Karen

lwarren · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 23: The Hidden Valley

This is just the best, Nilmandra, and I think the addition of the 3 kids during the flight is one of the big reasons, for me at least! It really is the children who pay the biggest price during wartime. These 3 - grieving, yet wanting to help and earn a place in the group...I was so glad Glorfindel took them over, and he did such a great job with them too! Naming the little group - giving them jobs - looking at their strengths and what they COULD do, not at what their ages prevented them from doing - he was wonderful! But the best times were when he was able to comfort them *sniff*...and there's a line where you talk about the younger warriors being drawn to him as an example of the right way to live...and the elf-maidens looking to him to know how a lady ought to be treated...He is a HERO...well worth looking up to! Gee, I like your Glorfindel...and Erestor too. He just makes me want to take him home and baby him a little until he heals from all that he's seen and done during the war. Other cool parts - the drawing Elrond makes of the valley...and Erestor finding it...way cool! and mystical too. :-) The trip through Celeborn's and Galadriel's old home - how sad to recognize bits and pieces that time has all but eroded away! Celeborn finding the forge - got kind of shivery over that little scene. The 3 children still being a part of Imladris...the guard at Tharbad's reaction to Arwen and the sight of all that living legend walking (riding) right past him...Just a superior chapter! Thank you! linda

lwarren · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

From the very beginning when Elrond is carrying around Aldric to the end in the garden with Celebrian gently chastising Elrond for making her wait 1500 years (oh my goodness, 1500 years...it boggles the mind!), I loved this chapter and everything in between. I guess I am a sucker for a good love story and Elrond's so serious personality coupled with Celebrian's more youthful exuberance was a joy to read about. So Celebrian left to go home and learn more to become a better wife...I'm glad she sent the roses along with the other visitors so the garden was well established by the time she came there permanently. The reunions with Gil-Galad and Galadriel were very well done...I keep remembering the important influence Gil-Galad especially had on Elrond in History Lessons I and was glad to see him reunited with the one he saw as his father. I love your Glorfindel...so do lots of others, it seems! LOL He's definitely different, and never more so than when Celebrian looks up at him and realizes she can never play games with him. (Special note: Elladan's groan and saying he kept expecting his father to ask Celebrian to marry him all the way up til the end of the story...me, too, El! Parents!!!) Great chapter - am looking forward to the Epilogue (or 2 or 3) and History Lessons III...but first, a little Legolas story that needs telling? Oh goody... :-) linda

meckinock · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

Fifteen hundred years? That's the worst case of cold feet I've ever heard of. Guess it was True Love. Where the heck was Glorfindel all this time? Would've thought he could speed things up a bit. Oh, well. Elrond's musings on love at first sight were amusing - is it hereditary? LOL. I don't think he's going to like the answer too much. Galadriel is one classy elf. Her counsel to her daughter about marrying a man with higher duties was very wise. I guess she had to learn some things in her life the hard way, but sometimes that's best. Poor Celebrian - I wanted to shake her when she thought she should go back to Lindon and improve herself to be smart enough for learned, sophisticated Elrond. Typical girl. Although I wanted to kick Elrond for being such a duty-bound stick-in-the-mud, he actually did the right thing by giving Celebrian some time to grow up. Obviously by the time they eventually bonded, she had gotten over her insecurities!

Elenluin · 6 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

Another great chapter! I like the loving way you describe Elrond, without neglecting his power. The one thing I would like to read about is the passing of Vilya to Elrond before Gil-Galad's death, but if you don't have time for it, I'll still gladly read every other story you write!

sqrt(-1) · 6 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

I've enjoyed this story so much! I'm glad you're doing an epilogue, I'll look forward to it!

shirebound · 6 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

Magnificent, Nilmandra, as always. Thank you for ending this on such a hope-filled chapter, where (even though there are dark days ahead) Elrond has found love and someone to lighten his spirit... and help him to make Imladris the refuge and sanctuary he knows it must be. *applauds*

daw the minstrel · 6 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

And at last, many people who have struggled against the darkness are rewarded with a chance for some happiness. I'm so glad for Elrond and Celebrian, of course, as well as for the many others who came to the refuge that they all created under Elrond's leadership. People like Erestor made it and then let it heal them. The return to the Third Age was lovely. As I told you, I had tears in my eyes when I read it.

Jay of Lasgalen · 6 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

How very practical Tollyn and the young man are being! This may be a marriage of convenience, but I have the feeling it will work well. I loved how besotted Elrond was when he first saw Celebrían, and would like to see more of their courtship in the epilogue. Their wedding, and especially the birth of the twins, as already requested, (also the moment when they realise they are expecting twins) is top of my wish list. Seeing Elrond with Aldric was sweet, and showed Celebrían that he would be a good father - once she'd got over her initial assumption. The discussion about who should lead Imladris seemed odd - Elrond is so inextricably linked with the place, I cannot imagine anyomne else there. Good chapter, Nilmandra, and I look forward to the epilogue(s). Jay

Bodkin · 6 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

'Story is now complete' - No! I don't want it to be complete! (Although I concede that it does have to end sometime.) What a lovely hopeful chapter. Yes, I know Sauron will rise again, but at the moment the idea does not dominate the ideas of love and reconciliation and progress. A fifteen hundred year courtship, huh? (Takes us back to around the fall of Rome . . . that's quite a long time.) Elrond / Celebrian must have taken on the Galadriel / Celeborn idea of courtship. Most of Elrond's ancestors seem to have been a bit quicker off the mark. Mind you, most of them also came to sticky ends one way or another. Seeing Elrond gently tending a little one would have been quite appealing, I should think - especially once Celebrian knew the child was not his - and gave her a good reason to get rather closer to him than would otherwise have been proper! I'm glad Galadriel is in favour of the marriage - Celeborn (as proud and loving Ada) is bound to be a bit less willing. He gets long enough to adapt to the idea though. And I love and thoroughly approve of Galadriel's attitudes towards marriage and responsibility and sacrifice. Obsessive romantic love is only bearable in books - and most of them are tragedies. (And most of the participants would have been better for a cold shower!) 'Galadriel smiled, sadly it seemed.' I hope her foresight is not too clear. What happens is not something she should have to live with over the next 4000 years. 'The gift of foresight: I wouldn't have it as a gift,' to completely adapt and misquote something else. Elrohir, Arwen and Elladan were gripped by the story. (Old enough and young enough not to find yucky the idea of their parents falling in love.) “Hope is often found in unexpected places.” - A comment full of all sorts of possible interpretations. “Adar, are the stars brighter near Imladris, or am I imaging that?” asked Elrohir. (You need an 'in' in 'imagining'.) I love the remark - Imladris is somewhere that hope and kindness and generosity of spirit are a major part of its philosophy of being. The stars shine more brightly metaphorically as well as in reality. And hint of Vilya. Great for them all to be home.

Karri · 5 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

Quite the romantic chapter -- an interesting contrast to the past few chapters of despair and fading hope. Excellent, as always.

Nikara · 5 December 2004 · Chapter 26: The Last Homely House

Wow! This chapter was really amazing. As soon as I realized that Celebrian was coming in this chapter I became very excited. I really want to see a decent amount about Gil Galad's death. He has been so instrumental to Elrond's life that I am sure that his passing will have a huge impact. I would love to see the courtship, especially the wedding. They are just so perfect together. The birth of the twins would also be happy! When there is the glint of sadness in Galadriel's eye, is it a result of her sensing her daughter's early death?

lwarren · 28 November 2004 · Chapter 22: War in Eregion Part IV: The Fall of Eregion

As irritated as I am because I haven't had time to review this story lately, I have found one redeeming point: I get to reread the chapters again before I review! I find I wait on this one because short reviews are quite impossible! LOL There is so much to love and laugh about in this chapter: *Elrond falling asleep on his horse **the braiding session between Elrohir and Arwen (must have been a sight to behold! *g*) ***Elrohir's dramatic improvement (compliments of Daernaneth) and Elrond's contemplation of the 3 rings awakening ****Erestor sneaking into Celeborn's tent, then taking over and treating Celeborn's wound *****Glorfindel's song about Elvenhome - beautiful imagery there ******the cook's spontaneous song (I still love that cook! LOL) There is also much you wrote that requires lots of thinking/reflection: *the conversation between Elrond and Glorfindel about the ring owning its wearer and Glorfindel's warning - made me glad Elrond had someone strong beside him to remind him of the dangers that come with the ring...and glad that Elrond was willing to be warned **Glorfindel actually hearing the curse of the Valar pronounced and then seeing the curse actually come to fruition when Gondolin fell - that's despair ***"Yet you came back" "I am here" - it must have been so encouraging to the elves to see Glorfindel and know that he had been sent back to them (Earendil's line specifically). That would seem to let them know that the ones who endured on Arda were not forgotten. ****the older elf holding his son's body and grieving - the utter senseless waste of war *****the fact that Elrond might command Glorfindel in all things...until his safety came into question...then Glorfindel acted in response to a higher command ******Celebrimbor's death - "The Dispossessed shall they be forever"...do you think he died in absolute despair and guilt? So sad. And I dearly love the way Arwen responds to the history story...crying and checking her Ada out to make sure he wasn't still hurt. The young twins did the same thing in History Lessons I...always comforting or grieving when the story warranted it, and making sure that Ada was ok! I love these kids! :-) Wonderful chapter, as usual! linda

perelleth · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

You wrote: "...I truly appreciate it - and it helps keep me motivated when this story overwhelms me!" So.. I’ve looked up this for you..… “ … While you demand maps, others wish for geological indications rather than places;many want Elvish grammars phonologies and specimens (...) Musicians want tunes, (…), archeologists want ceramics (…); botanists want a more accurate description of the mallorn, (…) historians want more details about the social and political structure in Gondor, (…) general enquirers want information about the Wainriders, the Haradim, Dwarvish origins, the Dead Men, the Beornings and the missing two wizards…” (From Letters of JRRTolkien, letter to H Cottin Minchin, Ap. 1956)… And Fan Fiction readers yearn to know each and every detail the good professor left unsaid in this world of his which has become part of ours!!!. So, whenever you feel overwhelmed by your task, please feel sure you are contributing in an outstanding way to filling in that gaps that have kept people longing for more since Tolkien’s work was first published, so thanks to you for your time and for such devoted and lovingly crafted enlightenment on how that part of the 2nd Age may have been! Are you sure your are only one more chapter to go? (Blinks repeatedly and tries to charm your muse into reconsidering) There are still… almost two thousand years to go before kissing the high king goodbye in a “blaze” of glory... and a hundred more before THE MARRIAGE!!!…. Are you sure you do not want to tell us more? (whines pitiously) I’m selfish, I know… only please reassure me you have more stories on your sleeve… ¡!! BTW, I did like your Gil galad, he’s every inch his father’s son! (and his foster father’s too) thank you! He was in my wish list! One little question, though, that made me curious... when Erestor brings back good news (fantastic way of prolonging the uncertainty!) and then says that Ciryatur’s troops harried Sauron’s forces through Dagorlad… was it already called that? I thought it got its name after the Last Alliance fought there…maybe there had been another battle there befote..but I cannot remember which...

Dot · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

Ooh, excellent way of showing the passing of time. Imladris is really coming into its own and with it so too does Elrond. It was so touching to see a child being born - new life again after death being an all too common occurrence for so long. The sheer joy that everyone seemed to feel for Tollyn really gave the impression of a sense of community and shared experience among these people. I thought it was interesting that the mortals recovered more quickly than the elves from the deaths even of women and children. It’s so sad but at the same time it gives men and women a sense of resilience that the elves just don’t have. The elves may have known the pain of death and separation as part of war in their long history but never as a natural part of life. Celeborn must be missing his wife and daughter. I’m getting so excited at the prospect of Elrond meeting Celebrían!! I had tears in my eyes when that man was reunited with his family. It’s quite painful at times to read what these people have been through, and yet there are still moments of hope and happiness. Elves, humans and eagles all seem to be plodding along, doing what they can to fight against Sauron in the only way they can, by bringing joy to those who have suffered. It’s just so amazing to think of the beginnings of the peaceful and beautiful home that Imladris will become. The lovely summery scenes of the children playing in the water made me smile. It’s almost strange to think that this is still merely a place of temporary safety in a time of war and that Elrond, Glorfindel and co. are still thinking constantly of strategy and are ever-ready for battle. Elrond’s utter loyalty to Gil-galad is so remarkable, and really rather inspiring. I won’t say it would have been easy for him not to send troops against Sauron because chances are he would have eventually reached Imladris anyway but I thought it was still quite a courageous decision to possibly sacrifice the peace of this stronghold at this stage and it would seem it is a decision born out of allegiance to his king. Elrond is so impressive when he gives his speech too – definitely worthy of comparison with his ancestors! Oh, and I’m so happy that Athranen is feeling useful again – what a good teacher Glorfindel is! And they all made it back! Glorfindel’s strategy sounds…interesting! “Casyn has asked me to instruct her and the other mothers in ending their children’s lives as quickly and painlessly as possible, that they might have knowledge and tools should the need arise.” Oh God. What a terrible thought. And yet, what courage these women have. I loved seeing Elrond tend to Glorfindel and help him to get some sleep. It’s a little reminder that even this mighty warrior can be vulnerable. The friendship between these two is just lovely to witness, as is the love for the people around them that fuels Glrofindel’s determination to keep fighting. My heart was in my mouth as Erestor rode with such urgency to Imladris. I was hoping, hoping, hoping… and yay, Númenor!! You know, I was so happy too for Erestor that he could be the one to bring the good news, not only to Elrond but to Casyn and her people. He deserved to be able to witness their joy. I can’t tell you how happy I was when Gil-galad arrived! I was so afraid I’d have to wait ‘til the next chapter. I loved the idea that he greeted everyone and made them feel special. This is yet another moment where I wish I didn’t know what the future held! *sob* I had been wondering what the reunion would be like for Elrond but it never crossed my mind what Gil-galad would think when he arrived. I thought it spoke volumes about his strength of character and generosity that he praises Elrond and acknowledges that he has become lord of this place that is so special to so many. Elrond would never have dreamed of thinking beyond his fealty to Gil-galad so I think he really needed Gil-galad’s acceptance and encouragement. And beyond that was a beautiful sense of a father-figure letting his son go while also reassuring him of his love. This was a particularly moving chapter and so skilfully written. I’m so sad that this is coming to an end but I still find myself dying for the next chapter and wondering how this will all end – will Elrond share with his children what Gil-galad’s death meant to him? I think this is around the time that Gil-galad gave Vilya to Elrond, right? Or maybe I’m wrong… But in a story told to his children, can the rings even be mentioned? Will Galadriel and Celebrían appear before this tale ends? Alright, I’ll stop wondering and wait and see…! :-)

Marnie · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

LOL! I'm always missing your updates. Sorry! I'm away in my own world half the time. Love the foreshadowing of Celebrian's arrival, I don't think Elrond will disagree that she *is* infact the most beautiful and wise elleth in the world :) And it warmed my heart when the missing father of all those children turned up. Small victories sometimes feel as important as big ones. That was a very sensible but selfless decision on Elrond's part - to risk the valley's newfound peace in order to draw off some of Sauron's forces from Lindon. Probably without it Lindon would have fallen first, then Sauron could have destroyed Imladris anyway, at leisure. Your Gil-galad is so impressive! He really is a High King, the way he comes in and takes over :) I go with the Elrond being raised by Maglor story, as you know, if only because I like the idea of a young, arrogant, pseudo-Feanorian Elrond. But I agree that there's nothing in the canon to contradict the idea of him being rescued by Gil-galad at an early age. I love Tolkien's grey areas, cos you can do what you like with them! And this made for a beautiful scene of a father acknowledging that his son is grown and handing off responsibility to him.

Bejai · 23 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

Ah! A new chapter! Always such a treat. So many good things! The conversation between Elrond and Celeborn about Celebrian. I am looking forward to THAT meeting ;) The reunion of the father with his family about made me cry. I'm glad that Elrond is making room in Imladris for men, by the way. Seems right. Finding a job and a place for Athranen. Growing up under the instruction of Glorfindel and Elrond is no bad thing. The "darkness before the dawn" sections -- fear for Glorfindel, the overwhelmed feeling of seige and battle. Just evil of Erestor to drag out his good news ;) Gil-galad! I've always liked Gil-galad, and I love the image of him here. So kingly and wise. I can't help but wonder, now that Gil-galad is here, are you going to write the meeting about the rings when Galadriel shows up? Or, since this is a "history lesson" to children who probably don't know about the rings, are you going to skip it? Loved the chapter, as ever.

paranoidangel · 23 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

I'm so glad they have a bit of peace at the end of that, after having been through so much. I also liked the bits between Gil-galad and Elrond - it's so nice for him to have a father figure around.

meckinock · 22 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

I'm so used to thinking of Imladris as a timeless, eternal place, a sanctuary from the storms of the ages, and Elrond as its staid, ageless anchor, that it's pleasantly jarring to witness its early struggle for survival. Elrond, no less courageous and determined but definitely less weary than Third Age Elrond, is justly rewarded by his king for his loyalty, leadership, and service. And soon to be rewarded with more than just a fiefdom, I think...I'm definitely looking forward to Celebrian's arrival. Is Galadriel going to approve of the budding romance, I wonder? Some nice touches I particularly liked were Elrond's gentle healing of Glorfindel and his realization though the race of the incoming casualties that the Numenorian forces had joined the battle. Gil-galad's arrival and the children's affinity for him. Lovely chapter!

Melje · 22 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

Wonderful chapter! It starts with a ray of hope, then it plunges into hopelessness and despair, and finally it ends on a brilliang note of joy. Though it’s bittersweet joy, because we know what will happen to Gil-Galad, and this is like him giving his foster-son his final blessing before passing away. So wicked of Erestor – and of you! letting everybody believe the big armies moving towards Imladris were actually the Enemy! I loved the depiction of the woman giving birth, and how everybody was playing and singing for her. And the ever-present eagles soaring high above Imladris and lending their help when needed. You really drive home how Elrond IS Imladris, how it’s his selfless work that made it possible to build a refuge where even a collection of desperate and mistrusting Elves and Men could end up working together for a common goal – peace and hope for the future. Just like about everyone else, I can’t wait to have Elrond and Celebrìan meet. I guess Elrond will spend most of the chapter gaping at her, thunderstruck, but I’m actually more looking forward to see just how will Celebrìan appear. All beautiful and charming and wise, as Elrond expects her to be? Or brave and fearless? Or then again, maybe a tomboy entrance seems more like her?

Eruanneth_Luin · 22 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

It does my heart good to see another chapter, though this one was fraught with perils and trials for all involved. Glorfindel knew just the right assignment for young Athranen, giving him purpose and a challenge. Such a great mentor and friend to all concerned, and then going gaily forth to battle, the gladly, eager Elf-lord, to defend Imldaris or harry the enemy. Now we see why Elrond trusted Glorfindel to assess his own wounds, though his wounding did give me an uncomfortable moment The discoveries of the Númenorian soldier among the wounded and the news from Erestor were a sweet song to hear as it heralds a coming time of peace, however brief. The deep ties between Gil-Galad and Elrond, are reflected also in the care of Glorfindel for the young elves bereft of families; Elves and their love of the young portrayed beautifully. Elrond has the greatest treat in store and I for one am anxiously awaiting his future lady's arrival.

daw the minstrel · 22 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

This was truly wonderful, Nilmandra. You've made it all come alive and anchored it to the quiet, strong figure of Elrond, who struggles along doing what's right. I was glad to see him get some praise from Gil-galad. I know his own people appreciate him, but I'm not sure he always knows how much. He so needs to have Celebrian arrive!!!

Amlee · 22 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

As always I wait on pins and needles for your updates. Although they are few and far between they are always well written. You draw me into your stories and through you I am learning the history of middle earth. I look forward to your updates and the next step in your stories The Third Age. :p

robnrun · 22 November 2004 · Chapter 25: Imladris II: Years of Siege

Wow. Your ability to make the second age come alive is amazing. Especially effective is your portrayal of the isolation and uncertainty of Imladris, and for that matter of Lindon, at this point. I like your emphasis on the difficulties of ordinary communication and of knowing what is going on in a battle; our ease of communication and travel (even in war) is something we take for granted, but doesn't exist in Middle Earth. I hope you do write something about the Last Alliance and the death of Gil-galad at some point.