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Elf Academy Part Deux by Fiondil	11 Review(s)
Serindë	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 10/24/2012
I understand that Glorfindel is pretty upset, but Nielluin is right (from a certain point of view). Mortals are dying all the time, so why the fuss? On the other hand, somebody could ask her if she has never been upset about death of a pet. And if she was, why she values a life of a human less than a value of a pet? Additionally it could be suggested, that she should not repeat something like that in front of her older sister or in front of her brother-in-law. Author Reply: Hi Serindë. Nielluin is right, of course. Mortals die all the time, so who cares? But it's the callousness of her tone that Glorfindel and others resent. Unlike her, Glorfindel and Finrod and others have known and befriended Mortals so there is actual grief when they die. Nielluin will learn eventually, or so we may hope. Thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.

Clouded Leopard	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/8/2012
It would seem the Tree Amigos enjoy the martial arts class very much. So there is a little competition between the three gwedor, that's a natural where males are concerned. Even when they went to their first movie they enjoyed it even if they were trying to understand the mechanics of acting. All the Valinorian elves have a lot of catching up to do with learning. They should also learn a little more about compassion when dealing with the mortals they will soon be having contact with. All right! I was wondering if Erestor would be one of the elves to come with Finrod to help Glorfindel. Was it a shock for Glorfindel to see Erestor (and married too)? I am sure Glorfindel remembers Lindorille when she was a page for Finrod when he lived in Aman before he left for Middle Earth. So, who are the final five elves? (grin and LOL) Author Reply: Hi Clouded Leopard. I think only the Elves, like Nell and the Three Amigos, who never actually interacted with any Mortals are in need of learning some compassion. Certainly, someone like Finrod or Erestor would already have compassion for Mortals. It's the younger Elves in the group that are in need of lessons in that area. And I bet it was a shock for Glorfindel to see Erestor and more to see him married Lindorillë. As for who the remaining Elves are, we'll learn soon enough. I'm surprised anyone is actually keeping track. I thought I was the only one who had to. grin Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated.

obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/8/2012
A nice quiet and calming chapter. I needed it after a hectic week. It seems the three Amigos have turned a corner and become likable. Of all the Valinorean elves they now have the most experience with humans in the modern world. Nielluin has a lot to learn. Her attitude reminds me of my own experience with pets (they also die all the time so what's the deal). I never had any pets until I got my first cats a few years ago. I really got to know their personality and quirks and now my attitude has changed dramatically. When one of them died from an accident, I was devastated. I so can understand Glorfindel and his grief. Although, don't get me wrong, humans are no pets. Just Nielluin's and to some extent Finrod's attitude reminds me of that attitude. The Valinorean elves desperately need language and history lessons, or more to the point lessons in contemporary life, language, history. The trouble with their use of English is that they not only speak a 'dialect', but one that everyone associates with outdated language, not a modern day dialect, and that is the sore point. I love driving in snow on streets where not every one thinks the laws of physics don't apply to them. But Glorfindel is right, with their lack of knowledge of modern technology, learning to drive in winter is not a good idea. Author Reply: Hi obsidianj. I love driving in winter too where half the drivers act as if they're driving in Florida instead of in the middle of a snowstorm. grin The language and history lessons that have begun should help tremendously in getting the Valinórean Elves more integrated into the society of Wiseman. And you are not alone in your (past) thoughts about pets. I remember my sister-in-law complaining tha when her and my brother's dog died, how some of their friends basically said, "Oh well. You can always get another dog." The callousness of that statement was more than she could take. People who don't have pets don't realize how quickly they become 'family' and losing them is as devastating as losing one's child. That's something Nell needs to learn about Mortals and the Elves who have befriended them. Finrod understands, since he knew many Mortals in his day, and that is probably true of some of the other older Elves in the group, but not true for the younger members. At least the Three Amigos are learning and that's a step in the right direction. Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.

Kaylee Arafinwiel	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/8/2012
Atto, Sorry I haven't reviewed for ages and ages...in fact I'm not sure when I last reviewed :( But I have been reading the whole time. I've just had a very, very hectic summer, ending up sick quite a lot and then at one point heading off to Disneyland one weekend and a wedding the next! O.o Well, anyway, I'm sure you could tell me where to start off so I can catch up, but to sum up: Poor Alex! (Not that you don't hear that enough!) Poor Derek as well, though I think he's doing wonderfully at being a gwador to Alex - he's just what Alex needs. And oh lord, what have you done introducing Valinorean elves to Wiseman without them being prepared? What have the Valar done, I should say? The Three Amigos, as they've been nicknamed, are the best of the lot of new characters, though I quite like Nell, too...although she could do without the arrogance. I wonder what Uncle Finda is going to do with his wayward niece...something more creative than smacking the arrogant child, I imagine, although he could go the Alassiel route...hehe, I wonder if she knows about that. If she did, she should have known better than to piss off Finrod. Or Alex. Heh. Well, she's learned now, hasn't she? Have I gone this whole review without mentioning Ratty? If he's not with the Agency, just what is up with him? Is he an agent of Helcaran (or whichever Maia is hanging around screwing things up these days, but I remember Helcaran being mentioned in one of your early stories)? Just what is up with him? And where's Maddy? WHAT IS GOING ON?!?!?! headdesk Sorry, Atya, not screaming at you, just really confused and wanting to be in the loop. :P I imagine Alex and Derek feel the same way!!! More Nate and Esther soon, please? Oh, and Manwe as Santa's friend was great before. Will he be coming back? :D I wonder how the Three Amigos will do shadowing the other students - I must say, I was impressed that they behaved as well as they did in the language lesson. Speaking of language lessons, it's about time the other Valinorean Elves got rid of the 'haths' 'thous' and so on. :P (And speaking of that, I posted some fics on "The Lizard Council", a Proboards site for constructive criticism and writing workshop type stuff. Huinare set me straight on the usage of "-est/-st" vs. "-eth/-th" when dealing with "thou" vs. "you". I got the usages mixed up a few times, and I think I'll do better now it's sorted out.) On a personal news note, Wednesday before last, my Ada and I went to the chiropractor so we could have examinations done. My spine is pretty bad, and Ada's isn't great either. Last week we had our first adjustments, and we'll be going every Wednesday for 24 more weeks. ...That means I have to see Ada every Wednesday for nearly 6 more months. headdesk Well. Perhaps after our treatments have progressed far enough, it might iron out some of his attitude problems, considering the pain is probably a big part of it. And I'll have less stress on me, so maybe I won't be as affected by him. What do you think, Atya? All right, I'm rambling now so I'll leave it there. I hope I will be able to review more often. huggles Atto Fiondil I've missed you :( Please forgive me for my long absence! Tye-melin tenn'Ambar-metta, Kaylee Author Reply: Hi Kaylee. As I said to another reviewer, summers are pretty busy for lots of people and they tend not to review even if they are reading. Usually reviews pick up once school starts and the summer fun is gone. Anyway, we'll see what kind of punishment Finrod comes up with for Nell and we'll see what Farrell is all about by the end of the story. There's still quite a bit more to tell, though we are coming to the end of this sequel at least. Whether there's another remains to be seen. It wouldn't surprise me if there were though we eon't see it anytime soon. However, all that aside, we'll be seeing more of Nate, if not Esther or Manwë, and we'll see how the Three Amigos do in shadowing Alex and Derek on their final exams. Good luck with the chiropractor. I hope the treatments help both you and your dad. Tye-melin.

Fantasia	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/7/2012
I haven't review for ages, I've been so busy....and when did Erestor and Lindorillë popped out? didn't remember them,and they are married! Fiondil, you have so much to tell in your stories...and where is Legolas, I always thought that he will be close to the twins and Glorfindel... As it always happen in your stories, I like the three amigos now and find another one to dislike, Nielluin. That is one of the reasons I like read your stories, there are so many twists, plots, characters and as real life, nothing is black and white, a lot of shades of grays... Thanks and read you Monday... Author Reply: Hi Fantasia. Summer is a busy time for many people. I'm glad you are still reading even if you're not able to reivew all that time. With the Valinórean Elves, I am sort of introducing them a little at a time and mostly just mentioning their names. With so many it's impossible to list them all. So, Erestor and Lindorillë are mentioned here for the first time. We'll see something of Legolas of Mirkwood (as opposed to Legolas of Gondolin) in a later chatper.. The Three Amigos are becoming more likeable and Nielluin needs a few more lessons in diplomacy. And you're right, there is no black and white in my stories, but subtle shades of gray, which is true of real life. Even my villians are never depicted as entirely black, just as none of my heroes are entirely white. The two extremes are rather boring to write about and in fact there is nothing to write about them, since they are absolutes. Where it gets interesting is in the inbetween of moral ambiguity. That's where the action is both for a writer and a reader. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to reivew. I greatly appreciate it.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/7/2012
Martial arts classes for the new Elves sound like a good idea. They can't rely on their swords any longer, after all, or only in limited circumstances. Interesting day for the three amigos – watching a movie has to be quite the experience for them grin Completely agree with Glorfindel here – it's way too early to teach the new Elves driving, and even more so in winter in Alaska. God knows I've had enough problems driving here in Germany sometimes, and the snow here can't be anywhere as bad as in Alaska. And I've got over 20 years of experience! Nielluin doesn't have that much tact, huh? It was surprising that Finda even got what she did wrong. But then, maybe not. After all, he was spending a lot of time around Alex and Derek and the others, and even if he only really got to know these two, I guess he got a good idea of when to keep his mouth shut. And I was impressed with what he said about Alex not wanting to be a guide, but admiring him for going through with it anyway. Finrod is right, the new Elves aren't prepared very well to live in our world. Their lack of knowledge about modern day technology is bad enough, but add the language problem and all that, and it gets really bad. And they don't really have time to teach them even such simple basics, but they don't have a choice. Author Reply: Hi Kitty. I'm sure that when the Three Amigos tell the others about the movie, everyone will want to go see it. grin I live in the snowbelt myself and even after almost 40 years of winter driving I still hate and dread it. I actually took my driver's test in winter. I still don't know how I managed to pass on the first go. Well, anyway, the Wiseman Elves have their work cut out for them in getting their friends from Aman up to speed about modern day life and technology. I don't envy them. Thanks for leaving a comment. I am most appreciative.

Sunny	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/7/2012
The Three Amigos clearly had fun getting tossed about by Amroth and Vorondur. And learning unarmed combat lets them do something warriorly without breaking the "no weapons" stricture. And they need to get used to not toting swords around anyway. Also good to see that they are starting to like and respect Alex and Derek. Nielluin clearly needs to work on her compassion, and her attitude of "Mortals die all the time, so why bother getting upset about it" is definitely not one that will fly if she wants to blend in! So classes are over at the Elf Academy, but are clearly going to start at Edhellond. The newcomers have a lot to learn! And if they are going to get used to dealing with Mortals, perhaps the Wiseman Elves are going to call on some of their Mortal friends to help with that? That would have the added benefit of the newcomers getting used to being around Mortals (and those who have previous experience, it gets them used to _modern day_ Mortals!) Author Reply: Hi Sunny. Yeah, learning unarmed defense will be helpful when swords are not available and seeing Alex and Derek in their everyday life, they are learning more about what Mortals are all about, so they are learning to respect them and their abilities. Nell, of course, really needs a lesson in compassion, but I suspect that she is not alone in her thinking; other Elves (not necessarily those who are now residing in Edhellond, but many of Aman who have never known any Mortal) probably have similar thoughts. I think eventually the Wiseman Elves will call upon their Mortal friends to help out in integrating the Valinórean Elves. Perhaps some of them will even help teach them how to drive. grin Anyway, thanks for leaving a comment. It's always appreciated.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/7/2012
Now, dealing with Galadriel's daughter would indeed be an interesting situation, as she has not had yeni of congress with mortals and half-mortals to temper her perceptions as happened with her much older sister, who after all has not lived with her parents for far longer than she's been alive, probably. Interesting arguments here, but ones that were bound to come up. Author Reply: No, Nell has much to learn about dealing with Mortals and how to temper her perceptions. And I imagine Finrod and the others are feeling as if they aren't getting integrated quickly enough to be effective, hence their desire to learn to drive and so on. Glorfindel, though, is correct in saying that it's going to take time and they have to go slow. Learning how to speak modern English will help with the integration. Thanks for leaving a review, Larner. It's much appreciated.

6336	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/7/2012
Oh, goodness I hate to think what the premiums would be for their car insurance if they start teaching 20 some odd Elves how to drive! I can understand Glorfindel's reluctance to teach them how to drive in snow, it's bad enough on dry roads, let alone wet or icy! Something tells me Nell is going to be a problem until she looses her disdain for Mortals. I am waiting to see which page of his book Finrod uses! Though I think the flat of his hand on her rump might be a better answer, something Nana and Ada should have done many years ago! Ooo! Ooo, I know have him do to Nell what he did to Allasiel(sp?) in E.I. I think Glorfindel is feeling a little overwhelmed, it might have been better if the Valar had not sent as many as they did, three or four new Elves would not have been a problem, a smaller number would have been so much eaiser to blend in, not a whole clan! Now to set up history and language lessons for the Valainorian Elves and figure out some way for Glorfi to sit in the snow with out getting his butt wet! Good one Fiondil, Huggs, Lynda Author Reply: Hi Lynda. Yeah, can you just see Glorfindel trying to teach Finrod how to drive and keeping his eyes closed all the time? LOL! Nell has a lot to learn, especially how to be a bit more tactful. We'll see what Finrod does with her soon enough. You may be right about Glorfi feeling overwhelmed, but he's been there before so he should do alright and at least he now has Finrod as backup. Thanks for leaving a comment. I always appreciate you doing so.

UTfrog	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/7/2012
Excellent chapter. I am glad to see you are dealing with the enormous differences of modern times vs what the elves remember. Taking the rest of the elves to the movies might be useful. I certainly cannot imagine what the Valar were thinking in sending unprepared allies. Everyone including the mortals has so much to learn. It does keep everyone busy. Do I dare hope that Alex and Derek's final exams will be as interesting as those in the first book? Author Reply: Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. There's a lot of work to be done in getting the new Elves integrated into Wiseman. And we'll see something of Alex and Derek's final exams. Thanks for commenting. I greatly appreciate it.

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