Reviews (376)

daw the minstrel · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 11: Vilya

I'm so impressed by the way you've brought important pieces of Tolkien's story to life in the intimate circle of Elrond's family and friends. You've worked out all kinds of stuff about the rings that adds significance to the way these people act. I loved the story of Elrohir's first encounter with the ring. I can just see a curious kid wanting to know what this was, and the ring was seeking a keeper. How frightening. And this was one of the Three! Lord knows how scary it would be to encounter the One. I also appreciate the way you bring to life the wars among the Dunedain, which is a part of ME history about which I'm very fuzzy. Great chapter.

Lady Saruman · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 10: The Company

where i live, it's feb. 14, so HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

Strange Blaze · 4 February 2006 · Chapter 10: The Company

Here I am FINALLY caught up on your stories! I loved this chapter! I have always wanted an opportunity through your stories to get into the Canon. I would love it if you eventually did a Quest story through the point of view of the Woodland Realm. I have always loved the way you write Elrond. I think you capture his point of view beautifully. You get inside his head so well (his and Glorfindel's too). You capture his wisdom and agelessness, his insight and his sorrow, just everything that I love about the character, everything that I think Tolkien tried to present about him in such a wonderful way. :)

Lady Saruman · 21 January 2006 · Chapter 10: The Company

i absolutely lurved this chapter...it was so descriptive... but the other ones were good too. in the previous chapters, i was horrified in seeing how such a beautiful elf like celebrian would be tortured into a new creature born and the soul so damaged beyond repair. *sniff sniff* but however, plz pardon me for this reason: i have never submitted a review till now though ive read all 3 of your history lessons works, because of school. it's killing me. i am only in 8th grade and already i am so busy that i sleep at 3 in the morning. boohoo. cuz then again i read your stories ever since two months ago.. and finally i can find the time to review. but i loved your story "A Fire Long Kindled". it was so romantic and touching... plz, update soon, and i'll try to review a.s.a.p. from when your most recent update comes out. oh yeah, would you mind sharing wi/me where you know all this elvish? i am obsessed with it and i am trying to learn sindarin, and thankfully i am progressing. i hope you dont get insulted by this question but i have to ask it because if i hold it in any longer i'll explode: are you a teen or an adult? hoping to be your mellon, Lady Saruman, who is an elf ^_~

daw the minstrel · 8 January 2006 · Chapter 10: The Company

It was interesting to read this as a reader, not a beta. I was struck by the degree to which this chapter especially makes this story a culmination of the themes and events you've developed through HL and also your wood elf stories. It would never have occurred to me to see Elros in Arwen, and yet of course that's right. The fact that you developed the logic of Elros's and Elrond's choices makes her actions and Elrond's reactions fitting now. They've been prepared for. And Elrond is a bystander rather than the actor he's been in so much of ME history. That's fascinating. The time of the elves is truly at an end. Elrond's visions were also intriguing. How much of the future could he see, I wonder? Certainly not enough to rest easy.

Dot · 4 January 2006 · Chapter 10: The Company

Ah, the chapter where Nothing Happens. Except for the most momentous decision in the history of M-e… This is truly fantastic – there’s so much in this chapter that fascinated me! I really enjoyed your insight into the Council of Elrond and it’s helped me gain a better understanding of what might have happened behind the scenes. But there were some really great moments that stood out for me (and I hope it’s ok to just pick out a few because you’ll have the next chapter out before I have this review done otherwise!): - Lathron and Elrond sharing the vision about Legolas. Apart from the fact that I love Lathron, I just thought it was a very powerful moment. Lathron’s pride and grief was a perfect response, I thought. I admit that I was worried about him having to tell Thranduil but hopefully this way he can explain to his father that it was meant to be, that Elrond had no real choice. I had forgotten that Elrohir promised Legolas adventure – crikey! I don’t think he meant this… - the entire scene with Glóin. I thought you captured the strength of character, the pride and the determination of the dwarves perfectly as well as showing us the politics behind some of the decisions too. And the idea that the fate of the Dwarves is tied to Middle-earth just as that of Men is a very important one. Of course, it makes me think that if the Dwarves were responsible for all this, they’d have just made a decision and got on with it! - Glorfindel knowing the risk of having the One Ring in Imladris with Vilya there and not wanting to leave Elrond’s side. It’s particularly effective coming just after Elrond has been contemplating the threat and temptation to Galadriel. I hadn’t thought before of what a difficult position Glorfindel is in – does he go to find the Úlairi or does he stay with Elrond? Especially when it’s not as though just any elf could stand up to the Nine. The moment of hesitation wonderfully captures the importance if the decision but what really comes through is the depth of his protectiveness and loyalty towards Elrond. - Legolas and the hobbits. I love the idea that Merry and Pippin have taken to him – and that he is spending time with them too. I was also tickled by the fact that Elrond loses sight of him in the trees! The bonding has already begun for these members of the Fellowship, even though they don’t yet know that they’ll travel together. And Legolas’ lighthearted, youthful, curious spirit is very obvious. - all of Elrond’s visions. What an excellent way to show the reasons behind some of his decisions, his struggle with trying to do the right thing with only snatches of information – and we can sense his frustration at not knowing more. At the same time, though, mixed with his great fear, there seems to me to be an acceptance in him too that things are under way and what was meant to happen will; he will do his part, but this time much is out of his hands. Glorfindel’s lack of understanding highlights not only the difference between Elves and Men, but between him and Elrond. It’s a very interesting idea that Men must be the ones to destroy Sauron and build a new world, if they are to come forward and build, rule and appreciate a new age. It makes sense that they need to earn it if they are to fully treasure it. Elrond’s words about his children are so touching – his fear for Elladan, his love for Aragorn, and all along it is Arwen who was seeking something more. I’m really intrigued by this idea that Arwen didn’t fully understand the “gift.” I suppose I had always looked on it as her having made the choice and she knows that the eventual outcome means that she will die. I had never stopped to think that even though she made the choice to be with Aragorn, perhaps she did not fully understand the idea of a mortal death until she was faced with it. After all, how could she. She probably knows intellectually but Elrond can see that she doesn’t really understand. I look forward to seeing whether or not she and Elrond have the conversation they’re avoiding. - the idea of Elrohir being touched by Shadow. Although, I do feel a bit dense for not realising that before. It’s sad to think that the long-ago wound affected him so much, though it does prove the strength of evil, but funnily enough, in this part I suddenly had a clearer understanding of how Celebrían must have felt, how despair and darkness must have eaten away at her very heart. I enjoyed the whole scene with the brothers. Elladan’s horse is hilarious. - Galadriel’s summary of events. Priceless! I nearly choked trying not to laugh reading it at work. Although, to be fair, what she does get across is how events seem to be happening of their own accord in a way that no-one could doubt means something bigger is going on – still, I can see why it looks like Elrond is off his rocker! I adored the back-and-forth between Galadriel and Celeborn. Like Glorfindel protecting Elrond, Celeborn wants nothing more than to keep the One Ring away from his wife (and he does have rather more reason to fear than Glorfindel!) but he knows that may not be possible so he makes his anger and worry known but will be there nonetheless by her side – and will do whatever he needs to in order to protect her, even if it’s from herself. Actually, out of everyone, I’m feeling the worst for Celeborn because it must be so terrible to know that this struggle may be before his wife, especially when he is the only one who truly knows what a temptation this Ring will be for her. But the depth of the love between them, even in this moment, is beautiful to witness. - the final decision. You did it so well. Elrond thinks he has more-or-less made his decision to send his sons, even though something didn’t feel quite right, but once again matters are taken out of his hands. It seems, though, that even Elladan and Elrohir knew they wouldn’t be going- and I suppose they knew that they could follow afterwards if needed. I’d love to know what Mithrandir thought all along, if this was as much a surprise to him as it was to everyone else, even though he immediately sees the strengths that the hobbits will bring to the group. I think maybe Glorfindel is feeling some of the same helplessness that Elrond is – how frustrating it must be to stand back and let others, who seem on the face of it completely unsuitable, take such a huge responsibility. But while Elrond can trust his wisdom and foresight and instinct, Glorfindel just has to trust what Elrond and Mithrandir tell him. Still, Elrond’s place is in Imladris, and Glorfindel’s place is by his side. I am so glad Mithrandir was able to provide Elrond with some measure of peace – and in return he gets new shoes! This is really an amazing chapter. I’ll probably spend the next few days kicking myself every time I think of something I forgot to mention! If you feel like any more chapters where Nothing Happens, I’ll gladly read them :-) PS: Will you give Danielle Spaniel a pat on the head from me?! She had me in hysterics when I saw her review excerpt earlier today!

Nikara · 3 January 2006 · Chapter 10: The Company

Another excellent chapter. I'm excited to discover where this story goes next!

The Karenator · 1 January 2006 · Chapter 10: The Company

Danielle Spaniel approached the podium. She patted the hair of her perfectly curled ears and stood behind the tall dogwood pedestal. After putting on her jeweled reading glasses, she tapped the microphone with one well groomed nail. She looked fetching in her diamond studded (not rhinestone) collar and cat-fur-trimmed-tiger-print sweater. Her tail wagged enthusiastically. “Good evening,” she said. “Welcome to the thirty-fifth AKC Press Awards. Tonight we are honored to have a speaker of great renown. He is an essayist, an author and a good watchdog. He is also last year’s recipient of the Puplitzer Prize for his riveting mystery novel, The Boneyard. He is guest editor for the suspense publication, ‘Canine Capers’. Join me in welcoming Sir Percy Pitbull.” Appawlause filled the stately ballroom of the plush Pierre Poodle Palace. Sir Percy, looking dashing in his bone-shaped bowtie, bowed to the lovely Ms. Spaniel, took her paw in his and licked it. Ms. Spaniel giggled delightfully, but her exuberate tail was what set tongues to waging. She appeared quite eager to roll over for the powerful pooch, Sir Percy. Sir Percy growled, clearing his throat. “Good evening,” he said his voice deep and as magnetic as Alpo to the in-pack of the purebred publishing industry. “It is my honor to be here among the most accomplished authors, agents, publishers and yard guards of our chosen profession. There is nothing like a good read after a day of bungling burglars, chasing cars, and scratching our way into doors that should never have been closed. I have been asked to speak tonight about the newest chapter of one of the most revered writers of our time. It is rare that I stray from the works that have taken this once small club of mongrels to an association of pureblood paragraphists and pen-pushers. In a moment when I felt as if I were chasing my tail, I stumbled on this human writer. She is a woman of many virtues, but the most endearing of her qualities is her love for fur and feathers. Her magnanimous spirit extends not only to our beloved breeds, but also to cats.” The room erupted into gasps and scattered appawlause. Sir Percy paused and nodded. “Yes, times have changed. No longer is it a shame to admit to tolerating a cat. We have grown, expanded our minds, and opened our hearts to the less fortunate. We must care for the infelicitous felines as we would any afflicted creature. My admiration for this human author has increased tenfold since learning of the halfway house she runs for perturbed putties.” Taking out a squeaky shaped into note cards, Sir Percy then placed a monocle in his eye, arranged his notes and lifted his eyes back to the assembled canines. “This evening I will recount for you the wonders of the writings of Nilmandra.” A cheer went up from the crowd that rattled the tennis-ball-shaped chandeliers. The waiters, passing out after-meal Greenies, paused to wag and howl. Sir Percy grinned and patted his paw in the air to calm the overexcited pedigrees. “Nilmandra has chosen a very dull stretch of time during the time of great turmoil in the fictional land of Middle-earth to address. She has taken a time when nothing of note happened and turned it into a riveting examination of Lord Elrott Wielerion. He is faced with the loss of his beloved daughter, Airedalewen, to a young pup Elrott has raised since he was no more than a whelp. The young, Aragreyhound, is fated to either fulfill his destiny to take the throne of Gooddogs or fall with what is left of his kennel. “This chapter opens after Elrott has held a council to determine the fate of the One Rubber Ring. The Hobeagle, Frodoberman, has agreed to take the Rubber Ring to the fire of its maker in Mordoors to destroy it. Now Elrott must decide who will walk with the Hobeagle. “Assisted by the constant support of his best friend and protector, Glornewfoundland, of the House of the Golden Retriever, Elrott ponders which of the guests he will point to. “His twins sons, Elgoodlad and Elcomehere, are found speaking to a young pup from Muttwood. Legolab has been sent by his father, the top dog, King Thrandingo, to report the disappearance of a creature named Gollurcher. Elrott greets Legolab with a polite sniff and when their noses touch, Elrott foresees Legolab dirty and tired from a big dog fight. Immediately, Elrott knows this pup is destined to travel with Frodoberman to the very fires of Mordoors. Legolab’s older brother is also gifted with a good nose and when he senses what Lord Elrott has seen, he tucks his tail in sorrow and pride for his younger littermate. “But there are two more walkers that must be chosen. Gandalmation, the wizard, encourages Elrott to share his burdens of choice with him, but Elrott won’t throw him a bone. It is upon the strong shoulders of Elrott that this decision lies. “Despite Glornewfoundland thinking Elrott has been inbred to the point of insanity, Elrott chooses two more Hobeagles to make the trip. Meriadachshund and Pippug, his cousin, are excited to hear the news. Now that all the walkers have been chosen, the Hobeagles hurry off to their bowls to see if any scraps have been left for dinner.” Sir Percy sniffled with emotion, then in a spontaneous moment, he lifted his snout and raised a howl to the works of Nilmandra. Scrambling onto tops of tables and into chairs, the crowd joined in his salute. The howling went on well into the night. A full moon rose over the The Pierre Poodle Palace. Sir Percy disappeared with Danielle Spaniel’s paw linked through one of his front legs. But behind in the Grand Ballroom, the party in appreciation of Nilmandra’s chapter went on all night and ended only when the revelers finally curled up and fell asleep on the rug. --excerpted from a reprinted article from the “Saint Bernard Bay” found in Sir Percy Pitbull’s bestselling memoir, I Don’t Bite Unless You Make Me.

meckinock · 1 January 2006 · Chapter 10: The Company

That was cute that the hobbit went looking for lunch at the conclusion of the Council without another thought; and it was nice to see the members of the Fellowship engaging in the last light-hearted playtime that they'll have in a long time. I laughed at Legolas playing with Merry and Pippin. Elrond sure had the weight of the world on his shoulders. His visions are ominous, and his struggle over selecting last two members of the Fellowship was clearly agonizing. Fortunately everyone seems to have gone along with him pretty easily - Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf were obvious choices, Gloin played right into his hands, but I was afraid Lathron was going to put up some resistance to Legolas being selected. Elrond's exchange with Glorfindel over the need for Men to decide their own fate was very thought-provoking. Of course it would be Elrond, with his Mannish blood, who would have insights into their need for self-determination that Glorfindel wouldn't share. That makes sense that Elrond would have sent his sons to Galadriel - I loved her summary of the events thus far as related by Elladan (but not in verse!) I hadn't thought before about how worried Celeborn must be about the Ring getting anywhere near her. It's a good thing they decided not to have an argument about it - that would've been a doozie! One thing that surprised me is that Elrond seeks wisdom from the stars, Elbereth, and Earendil, but goes out of his way to avoid input from the Maia at his dinner table. But I suppose Elbereth is sufficiently removed that he could ignore her, if need be! I enjoyed Glorfindel's shocked reaction to the ultimate revelation of Merry and Pippin as the last two Walkers. Truly he must have thought his boss was off his rocker. I'm guessing Elrond had already let his sons down privately - they didn't seem disappointed at not being chosen; so at least he didn't have his whole household ganging up on him. It must have been difficult for Elrond to step back and accept that this isn't his fight; but he does it with grace. I'm glad you're keeping the shoemaker employed :-) great chapter!

Redheredh · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

I suppose it does seem like nothing is happening while the money shot is being setup. It is easier to describe the subsequent action than the preparation. And all that tedious preparation and the long practice just make the one attempt look effortless. But to me, the thought behind the feat is *very* important. Wow, if that doesn't sound like a poncy actor! What the character's motivation?! I have always enjoyed the Council of Elrond where I know others find it a bit boring because 'absolutely nothing happens'. Yeah, right... On an unsavory aside, you make me wonder if it is our media-engendered sensibilites that allow the harsh idea of guarding against a vital participant or loved one 'being taken alive' as proper filler in some gaps. I think it is a very realistic touch and I would certainly include it. However, did Tolkien's religious beliefs temper the use of this idea or perhaps his Post-Victorian society? He certainly did not pull back from insane murder or tragic incest, though untimately he refrained from out-and-out rape. Is it beause this particular idea of preventing an evil crime comes too close to an act of despair, not just defeat? This was an excellent chapter, pivotal decisions well thought out. The effort is obvious. I truly enjoy how you portray the relationships between the characters. The flow of events and motivations make much more sense with clarifying chapters like this one - which make for that enriched original story experience we all crave. Thanks for not skipping over this part of the tale.

Levade · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

While you said the chapter might not go anywhere, it does lend huge insight into the character's, especially Elrond. In the movie it seemed so easy, choosing who would accompany Frodo, but I like that you showed it took time, and some long, agonizing thought. He was sending his fostered son, and either way, win or lose, Elrond would lose a loved one. Horridly hard decision to make, and so much to consider in infinite possibilities. Do you think Elrond truly thought he was sending them to death? That was the feeling the movie gave, I think, but I like that he had visions of Treebeard and Merry, and of Legolas and Gimli. “If the Úlairi remain near, then I will consider ceding my responsibility for you to Erestor. The risk to you would be greater if the Ring-bearer is dodging the footsteps of those who would return the One to its owner,” said Glorfindel finally, his face troubled. As he looked on Elrond, though, his eyes cleared and face brightened. “I do not think the Úlairi will be found.” As always, your Glorfindel is wonderful, always steadfast at Elrond's side. I was surprised to see him refuse to ride out searching for the nine, but it made sense! His place was at Elrond's side until the One Ring was either gone or the horrid alternative. I like that you have him trusting Erestor in his place though, not everyone writes Erestor this way, as entirely in Elrond and Glorfindel's trust. Horrid to think what Glorfindel might have had to do had the One Ring fallen to Sauron again. An AU bunny I'll happily bypass! The scenes with Legolas and the Hobbits were perfect -- it showed perfectly that Legolas might be several thousand years old, might come from a kingdom touched by shadow, but his heart was still light enough to frolic a bit with hobbits (and I loved the care he showed in plucking Pippin up and carrying him to safety). The conversation between Elrond and Glorfindel about Men was terrific and I'm so glad you included that! The movie made Elrond so bitter towards Men, without taking into account that his own twin had been the forefather of those very Men. It felt as if they left a huge gaping hole and the movie was made less for it. This chapter was not empty, my friend...that conversation alone was worth a hobbit's weight in gold. :) I also liked that no matter how hard he tried, Glorfindel couldn't quite grasp what Elrond knew. I don't know that any Elf could. And this... “Then Aragorn came to Imladris, and I knew immediately he was the child I had foreseen. Hope grew in me that an end to this evil in Middle-earth was near, yet my love for that child was for his own sake, not for his future. And while my heart was occupied with him, I suddenly realized that Arwen had been looking beyond Imladris for many years. Discontent kept her from home, yet not even the tranquility of Lothlorien would silence the call on her heart for long. Galadriel tried to warn me, but I ignored her words. I was glad when Arwen was in the protected heart of Caras Galadhon, for Galadriel allowed none within her borders, unlike here, where many find refuge.” I don't think this was in the books, was it? It's an insight into Arwen I've not seen before and it's lovely. Elrond is Wise but he's still a father, and has the protective heart of a father who does not wish to give up his daughter to heartaches he thinks she does not see. This whole scene was wonderful ...and couldn't have been easy to write. Lastly (because I've blathered so much already) this: Elladan dipped his soapy hair into the current before responding. He carefully twisted his hair, wringing the water free, while he watched his twin. Over five centuries he had forgiven himself for nearly causing Elrohir’s death, yet he still found himself watching Elrohir closely. He had not spoken to his father of his concerns, but he had to Glorfindel, who had agreed with him. Elrohir was noticeably different to his eyes, and he was surprised their father did not see it. Perhaps he did and just chose not to speak of it, mused Elladan. He tended to agree with Glorfindel’s theories, that the poisoned wounds that Elrohir had received, while very minor compared to what their mother had suffered, had changed him, affected him to the core of his being. Now that is a new idea to me! How do you think they affected him? Your twins are great :) They're strong and independent, but still with the fierce loyalty to their father and grandparents. I like that the horses were shoving them towards the water too, lol! I have to mention the conversation between Celeborn and Galadriel because it was so well done. I love that you show them as a strong *pair*, and not Celeborn as Galadriel's puppet. He stands as her guard and guide, her love-light and the one who will do what he must if she fell to the One Ring. Again, a terrifying thought, especially for one who had survived a kin-slaying. Wonderful, Nilmandra! I know it wasn't an easy chapter, but there are so many tidbits of goodness in there!

Bodkin · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

'I now plan to spend some time exploring Arwen's thoughts and decisions too, now that the Fellowship has gone.' AArrrggghhh! I'm round about there, too. I'd better go and make myself write it quickly before I become too distracted by your beautiful version. Then I can a) stop or b) jump far enough forward for it not to matter. But which?

perelleth · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

The Chapter Where Nothing Happens? Maybe that´s why Tolkien never wrote it? I´m joking. I´m sure Tolkien did not write it so talented fic writers could masterfully fill in the gaps! :-). The "making of" air of this story thrills me in each chapter, and this was not an exception. The trickiest part of visions is not knowing where they are leading, I suppose, and it must have been so difficult for Elrond to separate the pieces and trying to do what was right, and not just what his visions "Seemed" to show. We know that the twins end up knocking at the Morannon, yet how it would come to happen could not be clear to Elrond...until the two hobbits unexpectedly showed up and volunteered... another example of how the wise cannot expet to see all ends... Glorfindel was superb in his role, yet I loved the undercurrent of understanding between Mithrandir and Elrond. Even if it was not Elrond´s battle now, he would be a mover of things to the very end. As Galadriel. I´m still wondering how much she already knew, foresaw or simply saw in her mirror. Celeborn´s worry was only too understandable. I had to laugh at Elladan´s reluctance to put that particular conversation to verse, or just to plain words. A good, entertaining Nothing happens chapter Nilmandra, and a nice ending for the year. HAve a wonderful, and very productive next one. Now I´m looking forward to the Quest from the Mirkwood elves´pov! ;-)

elliska · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

The chapter in which Absolutely Nothing Happens? Have you lost your mind? This chapter is the most important one for Elrond--the most important decisions he made in his life. I loved it. Bilbo's concern over lunch during the council always tickled me when I read the books. I cracked up when I saw here that he immediately turned from weighty matters to what dishes awaited him. I think Gandalf is right that it is that light heartedness that allowed the Hobbits to be so strong. And I loved how bits of your other stories worked in here. That is part of the fun of having other stories--to weave events throughout them. I think your Legolas is perfect here--playing with the Hobbits is exactly what I see him doing in Imladris. Like the Hobbits, I think it is his sense of hope/brightness that served the Fellowship most. Hehehe--Gloin was great. Elrond is lucky it was Gimli he saw or he would have been in trouble. I love those dwarves. I'll stop to mention here that I really like how Elrond makes his decisions here. In the book, you get the impression that the company was chosen because they were all going that way anyway. I always thought that was ok because really that's how the Council came about (they gathered by chance but not by chance). So I always sort of saw the Fellowship as gathered by chance but not by chance. I liked seeing Elrond, with his gift of foresight, seeing little glimpses that assured him that chance was indeed falling properly into place. And how horrible that must have been for him. I always thought Thranduil must have been horrified when he finally heard Legolas fought before the Black Gate, given his own history there. Poor Elrond! Even worse to see it coming for his sons. And I love Glorfindel's 'I am not leaving your side' protection. He is such a friend. No doubt why he was sent back. And the twins' account of all that had passed in Lothlorien. I always thouht they returned last because they went to Dol Guldur and Lothlorien, so I thought that was perfect. And Galadriel and Celeborn's battle of wills over the reception the Ring would get into Lothlorien. Hehehehe! Great. Scary to witness those two disagreeing first hand, I bet. But great. I loved it. (And the 'you may cast ii in verse'--too funny.) And the choice of the final two companions--I really enjoyed Elrond's struggle over this, his doubts about what seemed obvious from his visions and his final vision once he chose Merry and Pippin. That was excellent. “If I were not witness to your decision, I would think insanity had gripped whomever told me of it,” said Glorfindel. Elrond glared at him, but before he could speak he heard Mithrandir. “Sometimes, Glorfindel, one must be led by friendship and love, not by wisdom, for it is impossible to see all ends. It is not by might that this quest will be accomplished.” Great! Elrond looked at him sharply. They had discussed this before. He was a bystander now, someone who could provide guidance and provisions, but he was as the beams of his own house – necessary, but fixed in place and not useful anywhere but where they were. Also, sadly, true. Reminds me of the passage in UT where Tolkien wrote that Legolas accomplished the least of the Fellowship and Galadriel even did not act to achieve Sauron's defeat, she supported the defeat--the defeat was accomplished by the deeds of Men. I always resist that quote/struggle with it because it does not entirely ring true to me, but Elrond's wisdom/foresight/counsel played a crucial role to the success of the Fellowship. Despite that, he must wish he could go forth and end this himself. I felt for him with this line. “Come, you have an appointment with the shoemaker,” he said. “You will never walk to Mordor on those.” Hehehehe! Great ending line! I am anxious to see where this will go now. HL are Elrond and his family's story, a story little told in the books. I want to see it. :-) I can't imagine how you could have been worried about this chapter. It was great!

Elenluin · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

Although this is probably one of the most descriptive chapters of the whole "History Lessons" series, I am quite convinced that it'll become my favourite :) I love it how you mix present and past when Elrond looks at his maps and how somehow memories from past and future (if there is such thing) come to him at that moment. Really a wonderful chapter! Hopefully there's more to follow in 2006 ;-) Have a happy New Year!

Kitty · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

What a situation for Elrond – these visions of his sons before the Black Gate must be a absolute nightmare! And he has yet to chose the last two members of the Fellowship! To think the twins the best choice although he is sure they go to their sure death ... I don’t know how he bears it. The choice to send Merry and Pippin must’ve been a relief for him in some ways. And I loved the vision of Treebeard, winking at Elrond! Oh, and I don’t think the bits about the Woodland Realm irrelevant. On the contrary, I love these little bits that tie your stories together! A Happy New Year to you!

Bodkin · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

Beautifully characterised and delivered nothing happening, though! Hobbits scrambling off to lunch after the council - I can just see that happening. (Have you read Baylor's Yada, yada, yada? I can just see hobbits responding to the council like that, too!) I'm sure their interest in food as opposed to Higher Responsibilities is what enabled the hobbits to deal with the downside of questing. I loved seeing Lathron - and young Legolas being challenged by Elladan over an event that happened long before! If ever you want to write a shortish side-shoot from this, that would make a terrific candidate for expansion! Elrond's moments of visionary foresight leading him to choose the members of the Fellowship is a terribly good way of coming up with who should go - and then his rationalisation of these to make the choice seem sensible. The battle - and Merry with Treebeard to ensure the presence of the younger hobbits. And, of course, his sons will go anyway and be there at the critical moment - but their route will be different. What can I say about Glorfindel? He just shines. So much power and strength - and he is Elrond's keeper, just as Celeborn is Galadriel's. Yet, had he gone with Frodo, it would have been an entirely different quest. Elrond knows. He has to place the responsibility here with the younger races. And success earned rather than given. When Elrond talks about his children and their fates - wow. Poor Elrond, living with that kind of understanding. Yet he knows, none better, that twins can decide to follow different paths - and of the eternal pain of having your twin choose mortality. Then realising that it would be his daughter who would take that path and bind her fate to Aragorn's. The twins visit to Lothlorien was very interesting! I'm glad they removed the smell of orc before they got there, though! And the Elladan's reflections on Elrohir's injury were very interesting - do you think that Elladan's feeling of responsibility for Elrohir's hurts might make it less likely that he would choose a different fate to his brother? That he would want to continue protecting Elrohir? (By the way - I think a j might have made its way into ford.) And 'Celeborn kept one hand on Elrohir’s shoulder.' Daeradar, too, feels that Elrohir needs more bolstering against the direct presence of evil? Perhaps here is a good reason for sending the twins to the battle by another route rather than having them exposed to the pernicious effect of the Ring. Elrohir responds well to Galadriel, though. I like the way he appreciated her summary of events! She makes everything so far sound the helpless bumbling of a group of incompetents! (And her next meeting with the Fellowship probably ain't going to raise them all in her opinion!!) I can see Celeborn wanting to keep the Ring away - and Galadriel refusing to reject this test of her. They bring silent rowing to a whole new level! But Galadriel's love of and trust in Celeborn is absolute and I just loved seeing it there! Even if he has to fulfil his final task of keeping her safe in the only way open to him at the end. A favourite line must be '“If I were not witness to your decision, I would think insanity had gripped whomever told me of it,” said Glorfindel.' I think many would agree with the sentiment - but this is not a battle that will be won by might - or our heroes would already have lost. And the winking Treebeard must have been an encouragement. As Mithrandir tells Elrond: not your fight. But at least Elrond can see that his boots will last everything but a fight with a Balrog. Oh... hang on a minute... I love Elrond's love and strength and acceptance here. And the twins. And Glorfindel. And Lathron and Legolas - especially when he's playing in the tree with the hobbits. And Galadriel and Celeborn. And all of it, really. A great way to start the day.

Dreamflower · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

A wonderful view of Elrond's consideration of whom to send--this is a solemn and rather melancholy chapter, yet still there are flashes of humor and hope--Legolas in the tree with Merry and Pippin, Galadriel's succinct summary of the action of the Council, Glorfindel's reaction to Elrond's impulsive agreement to send the younger hobbits. How hard it must have been for Elrond, knowing that Frodo at least, must be doomed. You said in your LJ that "nothing happens" in this chapter--yet you made a good deal happen here indeed! How much of the Quest will Elrond be able to sense, foresee or observe? I look forward to finding out.

Lindelea · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

Ah! With Bilbo I cry "At last!" only to look at the clock--way past midnight, and the little ones will arise early. Regretfully I put this off until another day. (Tuesday? One may hope, at least, by Tuesday...)

Elflingimp · 30 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

I have been waiting for this chapter! So glad you updated.I like the way your other storys are being kinda added into this one ,it was a great chapter. Please update soon if you can Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

shirebound · 30 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

Marvelous chapter. You do a beautiful job opening to us Elrond's heart and mind as he chose (and allowed to be chosen) Frodo's Fellowship. I especially love these two passages: “I will not be leaving your side until the fate of the One is known,” explained Glorfindel. “As long as it is in Imladris it is a temptation to any who know of its existence. If Frodo fails in his Quest and the One falls into the hands of one able to wield it, Vilya places you at risk.” And... “Aragorn restores what has been lost in this age, a rebirth of the dignity and glory of Númenor,” he said softly. Elrond nodded. “That rebirth cannot be a gift this time; Men must earn it. Aragorn must earn it, for with it comes the whole of Middle-earth. Only a victory hard won will steer Men long into the future on the path of good.”

meckinock · 30 December 2005 · Chapter 10: The Company

Woot! I'll leave a better review in the morning after I have time to enjoy and digest...

paranoidangel · 2 December 2005 · Chapter 9: The Evenstar

Poor Elrond (although this is how I like him!). At least he has Glorfindel, but he really does need a hug.

elliska · 16 November 2005 · Chapter 9: The Evenstar

Now this was wonderful to find waiting for me. I hope this review ends up being intelligible. Elrond felt a slight shiver of anticipation run through him, as often happened now that he considered their reunion imminent. I liked this line. It seemed both happy and sad to me. Nice that he knew their reunion would be soon and sad because he likewise knew he was coming to his end on M-e. That must have been hard for these elves that dated from the First Age. As always, there are so many layers to this--I loved the discussion of Bilbo; the Ring's lack of influence on Frodo; and the twins' discover of Boromir's approach/their discussion of it and what it meant/and the 'elfling' comment by Glorfindel. Mischievous squirrels! Great! And the 'history' in this was great--the moment Elrond had to confront what had been done. He was perfect and so was Aragorn. I loved it. And I loved that Elrond had already felt the loss. That was powerful. The sword fight between Elrond and Glorfindel did not hurt any either. ;-) Pity we can't make video, but my imagination is pretty good. as he watched Arwen loosen the filaments and prepare to weave them into a story of the Secondborn Awesome line! This was a great chapter!

Elenluin · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 9: The Evenstar

Again I loved this chapter! How you can make us feel what your characters feel in so little well chosen words is wonderful. I'll be very sorry when this story has ended :-)