Reviews (376)

perelleth · 30 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

This ability to read minds became very useful here! Guilt is such a terrible, destructive feeling! Elrohir was lucky that his Adar not only knows him so well but that has this particular ability, or he would be completely lost! The whole family has finally undertaken the difficult path of healing.. I wonder still at that trasnlucence. Did it come from the splint? From the One Ring? From its interacion with Celebrimbor's rings? IT is a true mistery to me. I suppose not even the wise knew exatly were it came from or what it meant, but then, nobody knew everythng about hobbits, as Gandalf reminds us! Arwen is so great here!

pipinheart · 30 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

You feel for Elrond as his wife left, and his children are in Pain. Elladan took it out on his brother by hitting him and it is unspoken.... Love it...

pipinheart · 30 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

This is lovely.. You can see how Elladan and Elrohir out of misguided thought thought to punish each other... You can see Elrond the healer here as he tries to confront his sons to have them hea themselves.. A great piece ...Please continue....

Redheredh · 29 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

Incredible. How do you do this? There is such emotion and meaning in this chapter (every chapter actually). The characters become so real under your ultra-talented pen. They become solid people with hearts and souls. It is difficult to remember that one is reading a fiction. And that is such a wonderful thing! I like Arwen's role in this story very much, as I am a supporter of her as a true elven-queen. However, Elrond the healer and guide, reaching out to his sons with all his courage and strength and wisdom, appreciating the aid of those around him, touched me most in this chapter. Elladan and Elrohir finally brought back from the brink was a relief. Their reconciliation was so welcome and cleansing, to see them coming back to where they should be. Returned home, but are they really the same as they were? No more than Frodo can ever be, I am tempted to think. Some wounds do not heal. The rain and stars was a magical touch, poetic and theatical. Loved it. So, Evil can be purged. But, can it ever be banished? Just a spendid episode and rewarding to read. This series is a true fanfiction masterpiece.

Rose Sared · 29 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

"You are the lamp that lit their path and the beacon that guided them home,” I simply love your take on Elrond, he is majestic and elfy and everything I want in a fanfic. Thank you so much for this series, I cannot believe how much it is adding to my appreciation of canon. Rose

Eruanneth_Luin · 29 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

A delightful surprise awaited me last night; Chapter 8. These were such grievous times for the House of Elrond, I can barely endure the suspense from one chapter to the next. Do you think Elrond ‘sealing’ the wound on Frodo would have needed the aid of Vilya? That must have been a wonder to behold (at least for us mortals). The Ring ‘staking its claim’ was chilling. Lovely Arwen! More than just a pretty elf, she is now a strong voice of reason, mature and caring, in a feminine likeness of her Adar. Glorfindel so moved by an injury certainly portrayed the seriousness of the wound without any graphic details necessary. With his experience of battles he could be expected to know at a glance that Elrohir was dying. Elladan refusing to allow his twin to depart to the Halls was excellent. You could tell the healing for him was already beginning as he begged forgiveness from his brother, then embracing Elrohir’s fëa with all the love he could give. Again Arwen cares for the caregivers who have no thought of their own weakened conditions. Each member of a family has an important part in the wellness of the whole and Arwen sees this clearly. Elladan had a hard lesson to learn about anger and its resultant effects of those around him, and how difficult for him to admit his need to exact retribution for his Naneth’s torment. Ah, the gentle, loving Elrohir, so torn by guilt over each event following the ambush in the Pass, piling up a veritable mountain of pain finally forced his Adar to resort to extreme measures to get him to face his true failure; giving up his self-recrimination and accepting that the past cannot be changed. Arwen’s encouragement to Elrond was particularly evocative of the similarities and yet profound differences between Elrond and Celebrían.

The Karenator · 29 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

The healing scene with Frodo was great. I loved how Elrond and Gandalf combined the strength of the two rings to bring the shard to the surface and extract it. The part where the shard smoked when it touched the mithril was a great touch. It gave a real feel of evil to it. The hobbits were nicely done too. There's such a strong bond between them and having them pile on the bed with Frodo was such a nice way to show it. They made something of a protective circle about him. Poor Elrohir isn't going to play with you anymore. Boy, what you've put him through. Elladan had a tough time too, but, at least, he remained in one piece. Very dramatic scene where Elladan rides in carrying his wounded brother. Blood and dirt were everywhere. We got a real sense of the magnitude of Elrohir's injury and of the battle they had been through. Elrond's healing of him...and his twin...was frightening and heartwarming at the same time. Dr. Phil has nothing on Elrond. When the time came, he went right to the heart of the matter with both his sons. Carrying the weight of such guilt and shame was too much for them to bear and it nearly took one of them to Namo. For Elrond as a parent, it must have been all he could do to keep his wits and do what needed to be done. The ending--back with Frodo--was terrific. I really like how you wove in the part about the translucency of Frodo's skin and the light. Elrond is indeed wise to wonder the wisdom of whether Frodo should be parted from the ring and someone else carry it to Mt. Doom. Good show, Nilmandra.

paranoidangel · 29 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

That was so sad (although this is a good thing!). I like that Arwen was the one person who's most together and she's the one who looks after the rest of the family.

Jay of Lasgalen · 29 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

Nilmandra, what is it about you and Elrohir's leg? In the first History Lessons he broke his ankle. In the second he had his leg shattered. Now orcs almost sever his leg and he nearly bleeds to death. What else are you going to do to the poor elf? Jay ;)

Bodkin · 29 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

This is just so amazing. And beneath all the agony and suffering of E3, the one who is gleaming out to me, a light in the dark - strength, support, love, care, forgiveness, and so on - is Arwen. This is the heroine who could inspire a boy to endure through 70 years of trial and fight her own fight at the same time. Just as this is an Elrond who will care and suffer and do what is asked of him anyway. Gandalf and Elrond turning their rings to force out the vindictive shard - so impressive. So much power turned on Frodo and he survived, but not unscathed. But the network supporting those in the front rank is just as impressive - Glorfindel and Arwen hold them together, although they share Elrond's recognition of the damage done. And the hobbits are lovely - a group whose loyalty and love knew no bounds. (Reminds me of a certain half-elven family.) A good moment for Arwen to invoke Celebrian, too, and surround Elrond with a similar level of love and care. I can see why he is glad that his daughter resembles him - but it may have made those moments when she echoes her naneth even more shocking to him. The recovery of Elladan and Elrohir is as horrific as it is inspiring, but at least it can serve now to remind Elrond that all things are possible. The arrival, with Elrohir on the edge of death, is shocking - but probably the only thing that could shatter Elladan's self-absorption. (I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Celeborn and Galadriel to see E2 in this state and send them off, knowing that they were both in the state where they were seeking death. Such helplessness for two who are many things, but almost never helpless.) For Elrond to be so demanding of Elrohir, he must have been desperate not to lose any more of his family, but he would probably have failed had not Elladan intervened. Poor Arwen, watching this battle to hold the remains of her shattered family. The failure of which would probably have led to the collapse of all Elrond's efforts and the destruction of Middle Earth. But she took control - at the right moment, too, to bring all round. (Glorfindel should be proud of her.) Elladan's confession to Elrond of their actions and his own failures is wonderfully well done - and his collapse is so much in tune with his character, complete and whole-hearted and healing. Elrohir is such a different character, though - Elrond had to push him hard. He keeps things close to his chest and broods on them - it's a harder shell to crack than Elladan's shiny carapace. “I do pity you,” said Arwen sternly. “I am also growing angry with you and Elladan.” Yay, go Arwen. Not a wimpy, sofa-lying, soft focus dreep of an elleth. And, although Elrond applied the hammer that opened the shell, it is Elladan who really got through. Now they are both hearing each other, they will begin to heal. And nature is in tune with them all. Even Earendil pops his head round the door! “You are the lamp that lit their path and the beacon that guided them home . . .” What a perfect description of Elrond. And I think here I could say - like father, like daughter. But poor Frodo. And poor Elrond. Setting people off on impossible quests can't be a lot of fun. Splendid.

meckinock · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

I was touched by Arwen's devotion to her father, her confession about her promise to her mother, and Elrond's realization that he was grateful that she did not look like Celebrian. The hobbits curled up like a pile of puppies were very cute. Back in the past, I was relieved that the twins finally reconciled to each other and themselves. It was awful to see them torn apart. As bad as Elrohir's injuries were, they seemed to be the wake-up call that they both needed. I hope so - their father needs some peace! Glorfindel was a rock, as always. And I really liked Gandalf and Elrond's discussion about Frodo and the Ring.

Kathy_SFF · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

I only recently found your "History" stories and have fallen in love with them. Your stories tell Tolkien "historcial" events with real emotions of characters. I love how you portray the relationships between the characters (from Elrons and his twin to Elrond's sons' and daughter. Not to mention Glorfindel ans Esoter). Looking forward to another chapter. Kathy_SFF

TithenFeredir · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

I love your Arwen in this chapter. She is strong and wise, and the most loving caregiver for Elrond. That scene where she leads him to his chamber to rest has such warmth, and it works so well for her to reveal how she talked with her mother about watching after her father. She continues to be that solid support in the healing of the twins. After his causing so much turmoil Elladan's surrender was really rather sweet. I was suprised by Elrohir's resistance and his assumption of the martyr's role. Their reconciliation was worth the wait. ~TF

Dreamflower · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

Thank you so much! This chapter was just what I needed to get my mind off the coming storm for a while! I really love the true affection you show in Elrond's family. It is just a beautiful thing.

Jay of Lasgalen · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

*Whimper* Poor Elrohir! His wound sounded hideous, and it so nearly killed him :( The desperation and exhaustion of both Elrond and Elladan were painful to see. It's a shame elves don't know about blood transfusions - at least Elladan would be compatible. Elladan's grief and guilt while he pleaded with Elrohir not to die was heart-wrenching. As awful as it sounds, it needed something as shocking as this to pull them both out of their mutual self-loathing, and Elrond's harsh words to Elrohir finally penetrated his wall of guilt. Brilliant stuff. Jay

shirebound · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

Fascinating, as always. I like how you write that Elrond draws Vilya's attention to something (as opposed to *using* Vilya like an inanimate thing). It's interesting to be reading about so much healing going on at once -- at different time periods and in different intensities.

Dot · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

If I wasn’t so tense after this chapter I’d be relieved!! Great job. I really liked the opening, especially the way Elrond and Mithrandir use the rings to draw out the shard. A battle between good and evil right there in the room. I also thought it was a great moment when the metal “hissed and steamed”. The shard really becomes a presence. It’s so much more than just a piece of metal, even when it’s been removed. It’s sad, though, to think that Frodo is already so changed and he has so much further still to go on this journey, even though they don’t know it yet. I just love the image of all the hobbits around Frodo! Such simple and real love. One of my favourite parts of this chapter is Arwen taking care of Elrond and putting him to bed. He does need someone to take care of him sometimes. It brought tears to my eyes to think of Celebrían so worried about him and of Arwen promising to look after him. The absolute love between them is overwhelming. Mostly, though, I’m just glad that Elrond has someone to love him like that and to take care of him, and I think Arwen needs to do it too. You write the relationship between them so meaningfully. I’m already dreading the day they’ll be parted :-( I nearly fell off my chair when Elladan rode in clutching Elrohir! I knew something like that would have to happen for them to turn away from the road of anger and vengeance but still, shocks like that don’t do me any good!! Poor Elrond. I love what you did with the healing. It was a really special and very moving moment when Elladan joins in and tries so desperately to call his twin back. Even before reading on, Elladan’s guilt and despair come across so heartbreakingly. And it was so sad to think that it’s because he’d closed himself off that Elrohir was harder to reach now when he really needed their love and guidance. What hell it must have been for them all to sit and watch and wait. Arwen’s strength in particular really shines through throughout this chapter. It’s so moving the way Elrohir – all of them, I guess – respond to her gentleness and love as they would to Celebrían. The scene between Elladan and Elrond was actually rather difficult to read. Elladan has been carrying around such pain and now he has the added burden of guilt. As he told his story I was torn between frustration and pity. His obvious horror at what he did to his brother is just heart-wrenching. Galadriel and Celeborn must be worried sick too. I’m so very glad that Elladan was finally able to find a release for his pain. As for Elrohir… I was wondering how his healing would come about. More than anything, I think his confusion really comes across. He’s an emotional mess. And so hurt. Elrond was just fantastic here, the way he moved from being calm to gently pushing him to forcing him to see sense. I’m afraid the screen became a blur to me when Elladan arrived and asked so humbly for his brother’s forgiveness. The two of them finally understand themselves and each other. And Elrond and Arwen can be free of the worry they had for them both. I thought this was truly beautiful: “But yours is the light that guides those in need to your door and helps them to find their way.” That is Elrond and he deserves to have that acknowledgement. The ending was interesting – the question of parting Frodo from the Ring. To think that Frodo could be parted from it but that even now he would need aid in doing so really adds weight to the decision not to part him from it yet. Already Elrond seems to know that Frodo’s part in this is not finished. I tell you, I love Elrond, but I wouldn’t to be him for anything in the world. Fantastic chapter! It’s just full of wonderful character moments :-)

French Pony · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

I liked the healing scenes. There's the usual drama and tension that comes with any good scene of surgery, from M*A*S*H to E.R., combined with that little extra bit of magical oomph from Vilya to remind you that there's more going on than just Hawkeye Pierce saving the day. I also liked seeing how vulnerable Elrond is after healing someone, and how the team springs into action to take care of him. That really drives home how serious a procedure he's doing. I liked that he was a little weirded out at having Arwen take care of him, and I liked that Arwen clearly has a natural talent for nursing and taking care of people. Someone needs to be able to do that. Elrond is a powerful force in his children's lives, being able to play both physician and therapist, and to be able to go directly into their minds. It must make them feel very watched over. I'm sure they resent it at times, but at this point, it seemed like they were pretty grateful to keep the healing all within the family as they learn to let go of their guilts.

daw the minstrel · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 8: The Sons of Elrond

What a terrible time this must have been for Elrond. He had lost his wife, and it must have looked like he might lose his sons too, only in some ways, their loss would be worse, because they were lost to themselves. Thank goodness for the strength of Elrond, and Arwen too. And I have to say a hobbit pile is an extremely cute image.

Elenluin · 26 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

I had tears in my eyes when reading about Celebrian's leaving... You really have a way with describing emotions, how Elrond finally gives in to his grief is just heartbreaking, as well as how the twins try to deal with their emotions. Really wonderful piece of work!

paranoidangel · 21 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

I the d to read the latest four chapters in one go but just couldn't do it -they were so sad. I do really like Elladan and Elrohir's different reactions to what has happened to their mother.

perelleth · 17 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

I've just discovered that lunch time is a good time to engage in ff reading! Ther are many things I loved about this chapter. Mithrandir's good humour despite the situation is something I appreciate very much, and Sam was needing that! As I do not tire of saying, the "making of" the council of Elrond from Imladris pov is something I'm enjoying greatly: so many peple coming there, called, though not by Elrond, but brought there for a particular purpose, and how they all feel that there's something going on... masterfully done. "the hands of the meek and dispossessed. Those same hands, if they won this victory..." interesting choice of words, very appropriate to define what is going to happen. The elves shall play their part, but, as TOlkien said, in this age, theirs was a lesser role. And it took all their wisdom and humility to let things pass as appointed, and not as they would have them. I also liked Elladan's struggle. He's being unfair with his brother, of course, above all when he says that he gives up, for it is not thus, he can ease the pressure by accepting darkness, enduring means not giving up, and resistence is another form of fighting, but for those more prone to action it is exasperating, irritating and almost cowardly. It is very interesting to see the developement of both characters. Of course, if Elrohir doesn't remember, he may as well return the punch to his brother once he's aware of what actually happened :-)!

Rose Sared · 16 August 2005 · Chapter 4: The Lord of Abomination

This half of the chapter was so powerful I could hardly read it. Well done for writing the hard stuff - you are an inspiration. Rose

Rose Sared · 16 August 2005 · Chapter 2: The Grey Pilgrim

Oh, I know, this story has been posted for ages, but I have only just read it (yes procrastinating over writing the next bit of my story) What a jewel it is. I so enjoyed all the back story of Aragorn arriving at Rivendel and now the elf POV of the events of the hobbit. You have the most accurate take on T's elves. I just love it. Thanks for this I will hoard it and read it again. Rose

Redheredh · 15 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Lords of Dignity and Power

It is where Elrond "found himself again on the path of dreams. He did not like to relive the time he found himself in, reminded again of his failure to heal Celebrian, yet if greater powers were at work, then there was reason for him to remember these times and he would not resist" that I was truly struck by his continuous courage in facing adversity. "He had left dreams of despair for a reality of confidence and strength. ... Elrond bowed his head for moment, knowing indeed that higher powers were at work in Imladris, as well as Middle-earth." The reward for his faith, being ready to serve as the means to their purpose, was knowing that the pain had not been suffered in vain. The way you draw connections from past to present is excellent. Each of the two stories in this chapter was great. Events had such a natural flow and once again the characters remain true to their emotional cores. The reality you create so seamlessly made Celebrian's leaving very difficult to read. But, then the wonderful writing itself was a balm and eased having to witness such tragic scences. Now, I am very anxious to read the next chapter.