Oh, brilliant, Himring!  What a great explanation of the inconsistencies and 'bias' in the canon, all done in-universe and so cleverly!  Totally believable, and I love that you did it in the form of a conversation between Bilbo & Elrond.  Very nice!

I really like this! I really enjoy stories where Elrond lives up to his title of lore-master, and this one certainly fits. The topic of just how difficult keeping an accurate account of history is also one I find very interesting.

It was a nice bit of characterization for Elrond to applaud Pengolodh's determination in starting over and over again, and to admit that he didn't have the patience for it himself. Also, the idea that even the most accurate history wouldn't give a truely fair account of what happened is an idea that suits Elrond, I think...

"'Many of these people you have been reading and writing about are my relatives, certainly--but too many of them I have never laid eyes upon.'"

So true!

"Aragorn would probably think he had been tactless again, he thought. Maybe he was. It was difficult not to be, when one person's world history might well be another's most private grief. But whatever Aragorn might say, Elrond never seemed to resent a hobbit's curiosity--although sometimes he would simply not answer questions or break off the conversation, when one of Bilbo's questions had inadvertently probed too closely."

I really liked that part! Not only for summing up the difficulties elves have when dealing with mortals like hobbits or Men, but for what it says about Elrond and Bilbo's friendship, and about Elrond as a person.

Great story! Very thought-provoking :)

I hadn't come across this before: I applaud it enthusiastically!

i am currently devouring any fic that even MENTIONS pengolodh and i think this is a lovely one--also i recently discovered dirhavel as well and am in my cups and feelings about him so it's nice to see him given a shout-out too