Is Galadriel being devious here and trying to work on Elrond so they can work as a team to tackle Celeborn's objections to using the rings?
You have made me feel sorry for Celebrimbor. That was a terrible burden of knowledge and guilt for him to bear.
I love the family interaction: Arwen's devotion to her daernaneth, Celeborn's love of his daughter, Elrond relaxing in Celebrian's joyous company, Elladan recovering his sense of humour - poor Elrohir still suffering, but enjoying himself with his little sister. So often the whole family is only seen in conjunction with Serious Events, yet there must have been centuries without those happening.
I love Celebrian singing 'certain verses' of the Dwarfs walking song - I take it the verses more suited to polite company? And the stories of her as a child - fighting with the ellyn because they were rude about her adar! Perhaps she deserved to have little monkeys like Elladan and Elrohir!
Lovely mesh of light and dark, serious and playful.
Author's reply
Sometimes one wonders about Galadriel! That foresight and all...she can be fun to write because you don't really know about her motives - what can look selfish and like a grab for power can be something done for the good of all middle-earth and so on.
And I think Celebrian more than deserved her twins. It was humor on the part of the Valar after the mischief she was in as a child :-)
Marnie
· 25 May 2004
· Chapter 16: The Elven Rings of Power
Oh dear! I'm not sure my nerves can cope with this - I was just recovering from the disaster in the stream and thinking that everything was better now, when Elrohir nearly gets crushed by a falling tree! In my weakened condition I'm not sure I can cope :)
You know what I think? I think Galadriel used the ring anyway - putting together her haunted expression and the way the tree suddenly raised up a few metres. No one tells her what to do, do they ;) But it was great to see Celeborn the practical man of action at work - that's one of his best qualities, IMO And the rapport with the trees involved was wonderful; really emphasised the elvishness of the characters. I found it really touching that Arwen had tied some of her ribbons on the young oak to thank it.
I enjoyed too the fact that Glorfindel is of the 'don't use the things' party. I've often wondered where he stood on the matter. And I thought it was very interesting that neither Elrond nor Galadriel had started to use the rings yet, though plainly Galadriel is gearing up to. What starts them off?
Loved the scene with Narusel and her dad. Little Celebrian sounds like a stunner with that colouring! And I liked the irony that they finally decided it was safe to have a child just at the point where all hell was about to break loose. No wonder Celebrimbor was taken aback!
I'm still not warming to Celebrimbor, I'm afraid. A fine craftsman, obviously, but not a likeable person. Have you decided not to go with the bit where he overthrows C+G's rule, or is that still to come? (Or did I make it up? My mind's gone somewhere beyond recall at the moment.)
Thanks for sending me the chapter! I'm glad you're getting some good result out of it :)
Marnie :-)
Author's reply
Poor Marnie! You should be resting and drinking hot tea.
I worried to use another external conflict, but its storm season here and I couldn't help but draw comparisons to the rings and their elements, and how the bearers might first see nature as something they can influence. I live near the mighty Mississippi now (and the Red before, for a while), and when they flood the devastating effects go on for months - and each storm just accentuates it.
I am glad you liked Celeborn as a practical man of action - and I am not sure if it was Galadriel using the ring or Celeborn encouraging the young oak that lifted the old tree a few inches. Those old Sindar elves have some power of their own :D.
I am not really going with the version that Celebrimbor overthrew Celeborn and Galadriel - I liked the detail about Annatar and Celebrimbor found in that version, but the less detailed one that followed for C & G appealed more to me for this story. Besides, Bejai had done it already, and so well!
Celebrimbor is not likeable in many regards - he is rather ambitious and self centered, and I wanted to show that he didn't bear the rings well necessarily. Eregion initially prospered, but he was not wise.
Thanks for the nice words. Now go drink something warm and soothing.
Melje
· 24 May 2004
· Chapter 16: The Elven Rings of Power
You know, if it goes on like this, the twins will be forever put off setting foot out of Imladris at all! They’ll just stay indoors with Arwen and take up embroidery, never rescue Celebrian, never hunt Orcs, never join the Rohirrim in their battle, never wander with the Dunedain, never catch up with Aragorn at the Paths of the Dead! Now I know why they’re not around in the movies.
As usual, I’m amazed at your knowledge of Tolkien’s world, and at the way you manage to make it interesting and fun for your readers (I was never much into the Silmarillion). I wish I had had teachers like you!
Rings of water and air... a storm... Elrond and Galadriel would have really made the difference there! Will you write about them starting using their rings? And how come Celebrimbor, even though he couldn’t destroy the rings, didn’t at least keep them safe and recall the one that had already been given to the dwarf?
I loved Celeborn talking to the tree. One of my favourite pieces of writing of yours is the bit in Hunting when the Mirkwood trees talk to Elladan, so this goes with it. One of these days I’ll go and try to strike up a conversation with the trees out of my window.
What’s Celeborn carving? I thought it was a crutch for Elrohir, but Glorfindel made one already... perhaps a toy for Arwen? Although if it goes on like this, they’ll soon need all the crutches they can get.
Talking about crutches, please tell Elrohir to go easy with it. I once injuried my ankle, and since it didn’t heal straight away as I wanted it to (stupid ankle), I caved and got myself a crutch. Freedom at last! I thought. Intoxicated by being able to move about again, I walked and walked and walked... and on the following day I was crippled again, this time because of an aching shoulder, a painful bruise on my forearm, and blisters on my palm!
Author's reply
LOL! The twins are tougher than that! How does that saying go: that which does not kill us makes us stronger? I do feel bad for Elrohir. I have used him for an object lesson way too much.
I think Celebrimbor did his best to keep the rings safe. That will be in the next few chapters. Poor elf.
Beware of talking to trees - sometimes they answer! Elrohir will be stuck in a wagon, not walking for the most part. I am hoping he will be less ornery than I would be if I were him. I don't much care for crutches either - I much prefer a good walking cast when its available :-)
Bejai
· 24 May 2004
· Chapter 16: The Elven Rings of Power
Your timing on this story is always so good! I've been moping around because it feels like none of my favorite writers have been updating recently, and then you post a new chapter!
Loved it, as ever. Here are some things I wanted to mention:
- Erestor's guilt. Maybe he needs to listen more closely to lessons on "ends" and "means." The ends were right, and the means were all that was available to him at that moment. Reminded me very much of Elrohir's guilt about jumping into that river.
- Confrontations over the rings. Powerful, powerful. I'm calling this the "rings" chapter in my head, because that is what everything comes back to. And now it look like Galadriel and Elrond are going to start using the rings.
- The young tree, and Celeborn's plea to it, and the songs of thanks. Beautiful.
- The idea that Celeborn and Glorfindel will see to it that Elrond and Galadriel do NOT become Sauron's servants should he regain the ring -- even if it involves sending them to Mandos. It's a theme I know a few of us have used, and it seems so spot-on to me. Chilling, but accurate.
- Forging the rings. That was simply a perfect passage. I know you must have put a lot of thought and research into the symbolism and what you wanted to say, and it shows. I love too how your comments about the qualities of the rings fit well with the attributes of their later bearers. And poor Celebrimbor! His heart was in the right place. I also appreciated how you explained why Celebrimbor couldn't destroy the Seven and Nine. I'd always wondered why he didn't. And the Three ... well, and inability to destroy them seems to be a common theme.
- You did something with pacing here that delighted me. Three scene about forging rings, and one scene about creating life. It underscored the reverence and power in all four of these events. I couldn't help but think, though, that Sauron eventually destroys the beauty in all of them -- the rings and Celebrian.
- Celebrimbor's realization that Celeborn and Galadriel have a child. Must have missed out on that whole year of pregnancy thing, birth, and the like. Have we been a bit absorbed, Celebrimbor?
- Elrohir's question about the Three makes we wonder if he is aware where Vilya and Nenya are kept? Probably not?
Anyhow, enough of my rambling. Wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
Oh, Bejai, you picked on something so very subtle here - I really didn't want to elaborate on it, because it is just an idea and one that *cannot* be known here:
Narusel = red daughter, and I used red because it the color of passion. Daughter of my passion.
Celeborn saw this newborn child and went home to Galadriel with 'an unquenchable fire within him'. They conceieved a child that day.
All the while, Celebrimbor is using the three - learning to wield them, to make Eregion prosperous. Many children were born, and I meant it to mean he *might* have wielded Narya in a way that created many kinds of passion. I don't mean so much sexual passion, but new life is something the rings might have increased the desire for.
So, if Celebrian were created under the influence of the rings (as were many of the other children around that time, in this story) then her being destroyed by Sauron seemed appropriate. Few survived Eregion - and I was going to show those with small children especially fleeing to Lindon and saiing west when they learned about Sauron. I think that is in UT and maybe Tale of Years, that many fled west during that time. Few with children were there for the founding of Imladris, possibly, and that is why Elrond's children to me symbolized as much hope as they could give to their people.
It is of course, all symbolic, but I really like that you picked up on that! And Celebrimbor, when wielding the rings, did lose track of time and place around him.
Oh, and Erestor - yes, that was meant to symbolize the same thing as Elrohir jumping in the river - and the storm is meant to be an awakening for Elrond and Galadriel that they can influence the forces of nature. Not only does it relate to the elements of their rings, it directly threatens to harm those they love.
BeautyID
· 24 May 2004
· Chapter 16: The Elven Rings of Power
Ooh, baby Celebrian! *Grins* I was looking forward to Celebrian showing up in the Second Age stories.... do you think there will be a story about Celebrian and Elrond meeting for the first time? That would be interesting.
Poor Celebrimbor. I feel sorry for him.
Gah, the tree! Are these poor people going to be alive by the time they get home to Imladris?
Another great chapter! Can't wait for the next one. Keep up the impressive work.
Author's reply
I promise all live to make it to home to Imladris. It is very hard to kill off even my OC's, I get so attached to them!
I am glad you feel some pity for Celebrimbor. He was ignorant and unwise, but not intentionally harmful.
Bodkin
· 24 May 2004
· Chapter 16: The Elven Rings of Power
Wonderful. I love the closeness of the family, Celeborn's recognition of Celebrian in the children's personalities, Arwen's sweetness, the understanding the twins have of each other, Glorfindel and Erestor's care of them. Celeborn and Galadriel fighting over the ring - and Celeborn getting her to concede, his understanding of nature. Oh it is all good. And the history part - it is difficult to make Celebrimbor appear too sympathetic, but I feel for him. I can see Galadriel deciding to have a child just like that - and it turning up a year to the day later. Interesting, enjoyable and informative.
Author's reply
I was writing a litte undercurrent of symbolic influence of the Rings (as wielded by Celebrimbor) on Celeborn and Galadriel choosing to have a child. In some ways, I am tying Celebrian's birth to that, as it foreshadows some of the attack on all things created under the influence of the Three.
I am glad you liked the chapter. I am having fun while my respect for Tolkien only grows.
daw the minstrel
· 24 May 2004
· Chapter 16: The Elven Rings of Power
The description of the making of the Elven rings and the meanings of the stones was wonderful. I was just captivated by it. I also liked the way that centuries later we see Celeborn and Glorfindel telling the rings' owners not to use them. These are scary things.
Author's reply
I think they are very scary - and I am glad Elrond and Galadriel have the darn things, and not me! Thanks for the beta job even when you had company :D
Elena Tiriel
· 24 May 2004
· Chapter 16: The Elven Rings of Power
Oh, Nilmandra, this story just keeps getting better! I love the family... they so dearly love each other (and that includes Glorfindel and Erestor... they are clearly family, too.)
I also love how you make the history lessons come alive. I've read the Silmarillion a few times, but it doesn't *involve* me like your retellings do. I come away feeling that I have a much better understanding of the Second Age.
And I also love your Author's Notes. It is a joy to see how your mind works!
Thank you for this fascinating story!
- Barbara
Author's reply
I like learning history this way too, as told by people who lived through them, because events do seem so much more real this way.
Glad you liked the author's notes, too. My mind goes on some tangential bends but I do try to have some rhyme and reason (and I only hope it is logical :/)
shirebound
· 23 May 2004
· Chapter 16: The Elven Rings of Power
Wow. I've been hoping so much that you would write this chapter about the forging of the Three. I'm just in awe of your insights, and the care you've taken to decipher the mysteries that surround them.
Also, this is so beautiful:
"The young oak had been honored in song by the elves, and the four who had been in the tent had laid their hands upon its trunk and given their thanks."
I love how the Elves were communicating with the tree, and the tree with them. How utterly lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you, Shirebound. It has been very intersting to read a little on Norse, Celtic and other mythologies, and then on the symbolism of rings. Tolkien was brilliant in his creation of this universe. I feel like I am merely uncovering how much he designed.
I liked Celeborn's, in particular, communication with the tree. He doesn't need any ring to influence nature - he just calls on his friends! :-)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 23 May 2004
· Chapter 16: The Elven Rings of Power
You do like to surprise your readers, don't you? I thought that now Elrohir was on the mend their problems were over. Then you throw in a storm and nearly crush four of them to death! I liked the young oak tree holding the fallen tree up.
The other part of your story was also interesting - I liked the description of the making of the rings. Celebrimbor must have been very involved in his work if he didn't know that Celeborn and Galadriel had had a child!
Jay
Author's reply
Well, everyone is okay, really, but one never knows what happens when you set foot out your door.... There are still floods and wet weather that may hinder them as they head home, but they are getting on the road again next chapter.
Yes, Celebrimbor was rather wrapped up in his rings, wasn't he? In his wielding of them, he lost track of much else in life. Also, Celebrian was just a few weeks old, so had not been out much publicly. Still, he was shocked. And how does he tell Galadriel that now that she finally thinks it is safe and time to be a parent, that oh, btw, Sauron has a ring to rule all of us and he will come and destroy us? I have wondered if the rings could give a false sense of security as well, if not wielded well.
Karri
· 23 May 2004
· Chapter 16: The Elven Rings of Power
Oh, what an oustanding chapter, Nilm! *sniff* I am just in loved with the valiant young oak. :-D
Author's reply
I knew you would like oak! Celeborn has his connection to nature, outside of any ring of power :0)
LKK
· 21 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
A very interesting chapter and thought-provoking chapter, Nilmandra. There's a lot going on here on both sides of the dividing timeline. Your treatment of Elrohir's feelings about his long recovery were spot on. The joy in finally taking a bath or being clothed again, the frustration at having people talk about you as if you're not there -- they were all so real. Then on the other side of the timeline, the fascinating difficulty in deciding how to deal with the growing threat that Annatar poses while trying to maintain the peace that the elves so treasure. A good lesson, Teach! :)
Author's reply
I like teaching history! I actually wanted to do that in real life, too.
I am glad you liked the portrayal of Elrohir - unfortunately, I relate to him entirely too well. I also am inquisitive and use too many big words :D
Annatar is interesting - and I am not looking forward to the next time we see him.
Camp6311
· 21 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
I love the way the Second Age is coming to life in this story! This chapter made me think of the Council of Elrond when Elrond told the gathered that they must shun the easy road and instead destroy the ring. I can just see him thinking back on all the "prudent" decisions made in their dealings with the ring.
Author's reply
Can you imagine what it must be like to have lived so long? Not only have the elves seen the rise and fall of Men, they have seen the consequences of their own choices and decisions over the Ages. Wisdom did prevail at the Council of Elrond, thank goodness, and the 'right end' was decided. I was not even thinking of that, so thank you for making me see it. :-)
The Karenator
· 20 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
I really enjoy the family dynamics of your characters. They're all completely devoted to one another and completely honest in their approach. There's emotion and heart-felt concern on all levels. And the teasing of the twins is always a lot of fun and so true between siblings. I got a kick out of Elladan telling Elrohir that his braids were always crooked! Nothing like a brother to boost your confidence!
I liked Celeborn's explanation of wisdom, too. He's is wise enough to understand that those who are truly wise realize that they know little and are still learning. And he readily admits that he's made mistakes.
The Second Age tale was very nicely done. I really enjoy how clear you make the stories Tolkien told in sometimes less than easily understood narrative. Your version comes alive with fully rounded charactors and events that are logical to follow. I really enjoyed this chapter.
Good work, my sweet, adorable child. I look forward to more--and to finding out just what made Celeborn wise.
Karen
Author's reply
I definitely think only Elladan gets away with teasing Elrohir - anyone else tries it and Elladan would go ballistic! His twin, no one else can pick on him. I grew up with friends who were twins and they were like that too.
Thank you for saying you think the Second Age story is coming across well. It is a fun challenge to write and when people enjoy or learn something, I want to jump up and down for joy. :)
Bejai
· 20 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
I've been intending to review this chapter for two days, and just haven't been able to get around to it! Just the other day I was wistfully hoping you would update, and was so pleaded to see that you'd done so!
I'm so glad that Elrohir is getting back to his old self, though he does still have those dark moments. Very realistic, by the way. Even when things are going well, the immobility and the drugs bring their darkness in.
I really enjoyed your theorizing about the nature of wisdom and prudence. I've always thought that the mistakes with Eregion wouldn't look like mistakes up close -- but would on the long view. You capture that so succinctly and so well! It is certainly an idea I'm going to have to keep in my head.
Wonderful chapter, and quite a chilling look back in time. Very much looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you, Bejai. It is interesting how a single thought can trigger a whole bunch of side thoughts - I was merely wondering about how Celeborn the Wise got his name! That took me into a greater look at Tolkien themes and I saw soemthing there...and I truly love that stuff. I don't know if my story will *show* it well, but I am glad the idea/theme comes across well.
Melje
· 19 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
I survived a catastrophic computer crash (stupid computer) and it took me some time to catch up with my reading, but finally I’m up to date again!
I’m glad to see that Elrohir is slowly going back to his old self, and coming to terms with his condition: doing for himself what he can, but gratefully accepting help when he needs it. I couldn’t bear to see him all cranky and lashing out at his caretakers. The sick can be so ungrateful... plus they get all the flowers and the chocolates.
Of course, he isn’t completely alright yet, and I thought Elladan was fishing for trouble when he joked about him being like a baby waiting to be tended, but apparently, he knew how far he could push...
A question: is the cook going to ride a horse on his own, or is he going to ride in the wagon with Elrohir and Arwen? Because I’m not sure I could stand a whole journey with him! He’s somewhat overwhelming. In fact, I have this mental picture of him as an old aunt. Her hair in a bun, wearing glasses, an apron, and with a wooden spoon in her hand. Camping out in the wild. With elven pointed ears. *shudders*
By the way, do you think Elrond might let Elrohir ride his own horse at least for a very short bit, while arriving in Imladris perhaps? I think he would make his day! The trousers are ready, and Elladan can ride beside his brother and make sure nothing happens to him.
Celeborn seems to think Elrohir is better, too, since he’s subjecting him to philosophy lessons! I love how you are developing this character that, let’s face it, Tolkien never made very interesting, and I’m curious to know he came to be so universally known for his wisdom.
I’m looking forward to reading about the forging of the Elven rings. So, they are different from the others? Less marred by Sauron? And will we read about the making of the One Ring, too?
Oh, and I laughed out loud when Elladan teased Elrohir about his supposedly crooked braids! Vain elfling? Or just over-tidy one? Why do I have the feeling that Elladan wouldn’t care all that much if his own braids were crooked?
Author's reply
I think perfectionist elfling! And you're right - I rather doubt Elladan would care much if his braids were crooked (unless he was trying to impress a maiden). He sure does like teasing his brother though.
I kept wondering what made Tolkien name Celeborn 'the Wise' - and I like the idea that its because the 'right end' in mind always. I hope I can make that plausible.
And yes, definitely Elrohir will ride some. I think come heck or high water, he is going to be on his horse soon.
Love the vision of the aunt...I don't know how the cook is at other times - I imagine he has some of his own wisdom to impart though!
Glad your computer is fixed. I don't know what I would do if mine were down :/
Jay of Lasgalen
· 19 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
I like to hear your interpretation of the founding of the rings, and the part each of the central characters played. And I'm glad to see Elrohir truly on the road to recovery, able to do things for himself - what a relief that must be! - and the banter with Elladan. I've said it before - I like the relationship you show between the twins.
Jay
Author's reply
If I were Elrohir, I think I would have smacked Elladan, but those two seem to have their relationship pretty well established. Elladan was pushing him a bit much!
Bodkin
· 19 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
Loved it all. Keep the cook - he has potential! Can see him as a TV star.
I am glad Elrohir is getting better and that Arwen seems well again. Celeborn seems to delight in being a grandfather.
Excellent stories of the Second Age. Lovely family from the Third Age.
More. More soon.
Author's reply
The cook is fun, but as someone else said to me, they probably wouldn't want to be around him all the time! Hopefully he has quiet times too - and I think, he probably has his own brand of wisdom to impart.
I love hearing the history of a place when I am standing on the ground where it happened, so it will be interesting to see the fall of Ost-in-Edhil while standing in its remains.
Marnie
· 19 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
Yay! Celeborn gets to shut the door in Sauron's face. LOL, I can't say how much I enjoyed that, particularly after the little digs about his general uselessness. it does remind me of that bit in LotR about 'Sauron weighs everything to a nicety in the scales of his malice, but the only measure he knows is desire for power.'
Annatar only respects those who desire power as he does, but I liked the way you pointed out that Celeborn's desire is 'to live in peace in Middle earth without harming anyone.' It's nice to see someone speak up for the ordinary people who would just like to raise their children and practice happiness, without any desire for arcane knowledge or power.
Though on the subject of power, Arwen seems to have inherited much of Galadriel's 'wrap the men round my little finger' abilities. She's quite a scary little thing :) I'm glad to see Elrohir getting better, even if he is dreaming of lady dwarves' beards ;)
Altogether a great chapter!
Author's reply
I think Sauron grossly underestimated the elves of Middle-earth (in particular the ones born there, I mean). I think Celeborn's desires would be much different from Celebrimbor's and perhaps others of these Noldor. I like yor point about ordinary people - simple people - that he represented them.
Poor Elrohir - he was not dreaming about lady dwarf beards, but he sure is easy to distract, isn't he? Such an elfling....
paranoidangel
· 19 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
I am so loving the cook - if it's not food-related he doesn't care, and if it is he's so happy. It sounds like a nice simple life. I really liked Elrond's interactions with Arwen as well.
You have a typo though - you have a 'spoke' without the s, if you search for 'he poke more genially' that'll find it.
Author's reply
The cook is really growing on me too. I think he might be one of those people content with the simple life - and anything complex he merely breaks down into something which fits in his simple world.
Fixed the typo - thank you for pointing that out (not the beta's fault; that was actually a correction she made and I missed :S)
Mysterious Jedi
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
I love the story, and the commentary at the end is cool too. Hope you appreciate reviews and write more, just as the cook in the story appreciates clean plates and prepares more food!
Author's reply
Thank you! Reviews are much like a cleaned plate - they are inspiration to continue on and try new things. So thank you - I do appreciate them. :-)
BeautyID
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
Hello! I was linked to the first 'History Lessons' by a friend, and I've been hooked ever since! Now I'm finally reviewing.
I just want to congratulate you on a couple of absolutely brilliant fan fictions. Your writing skills and your grasp of canon are excellent. I can tell you've put *a lot* of work into this story. The plots and characters are so engaging.
This is truly one of the best fics I've come across, and one of my favourites. You can't imagine how excited I was to find a new chapter today.
Further more, Elrond is now my favourite character, because of this fic. I never really thought about him before, but this story forced me too. The same goes for many other characters that I'd never really paid much attention to. You bring them all to life so well.
So, incredible work! You should be very proud! And I will be anxiously awaiting the next chapter. Thank you!
Author's reply
Thanks, BeautyID. I am glad you like it and took the time to tell me so. Elrond is also my favorite character, but I admit to being love with many of these elves now. I like writing about the twins, because they are a blank slate.
naneth
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
Even though I don't have lots of time to review during this hectic month, I just wanted to take a minute to tell you how much I am enjoying this story. I'm always so excited to find that you've updated. I am a "confirmed" twin lover since reading your stories! Wonderful job as always-can't wait to read more!
Author's reply
Thanks, Naneth! I am glad you like the twins and the story. They are fun to write - and they have more adventures in store for them too.
shirebound
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
Fascinating, as always -- especially in the analysis of wisdom. Will you be going into the crafting of the Elven rings, and how their bearers were chosen?
Author's reply
I think so - although, as I sketch out the fate of the elven rings, it seems their bearers were chosen in some haste as Eregion was taken. But I do want these rings to be crafted differently - which means I think I am back to the ring mythology books :S.
Kellen
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 15: The Pursuit of Wisdom
Ok, I sat down and, in the last week, I have read "History Lessons", "May the Valar Protect Them" and "Journey's End" as well as what you have of this story. If I weren't impressed with you, I wouldn't have read all that. :o)
I love your History Lessons and the way you weave the present circumstances -- which are always interesting -- with the intrigue of the past. There were a few things where I'd read yours and I'd think "I missed that!" and would go back to the Sil. Your conjectures are spot-on, I think. Tolkien left so much up to the imagination, but I think you've truly captured the spirit of Middle-earth's elves in your re-telling of their history. :o)
You writing is descriptive without being overwhelming and the humor is LOL funny. :o) I eagerly await the next chapter. And the one after that, and then the next one... :o)
Cheers,
Kellen
Author's reply
That is a lot to read! Wow, I am impressed. Thank you for your very nice words, too. I do try to keep Tolkien's greater themes in mind when I write, as well as trying to flow with the tidbits of history he did give us. If you think I have achieved that, then I am truly thrilled.
Thanks, you made my week :-)