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Christmas at Edhellond: An Elf Academy Tale by Fiondil	12 Review(s)
Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/3/2014
Oops, forgot to mention, found this ironic, considering what I'm reading in Part 3: The Valar assured me that those who once dealt with Mortals and respected them would be allowed to return. They will not allow those who had no dealings with Mortals or who are not very sympathetic toward them. Author Reply: Very ironic, but, hey, the honeymoon had to end sometime and I'm afraid reality did not meet the expectations some of the Elves probably had about Mortals, basing them on what they remembered from before and most of the time they had little to do with the Mortals anyway. As the late Andrew Greeley's character Father Blackie would say, "There are many ironies in the fire".

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/3/2014
Finrod as mayor! What a thought! Ron's story is heart-breaking, and goes a long way to explain his depth, and capacity for empathy with Mortals as well as Elves. So that's how Finrod came to work at the bookstore. I must admit, such a bookstore sounds a little like heaven on earth to me. Sticky buns, yum. They are off my list, unfortunately, except for very rare and special occasions. I smiled at the special star pins, and realized, once more (as I make my way through this story) that a main theme seems to be Finrod's faith journey. So many great (and little) seeds of encouragement... And I'm reminded that "courage" is part of the word "encouragement" -- and so his faith and courage are cultivated and nurtured and encouraged to grow... Author Reply: Hi Lindelea. Yes, Ron's story is heart-breaking and it does explain his depth of compassion for others which makes him such a great psychiatrist. Sticky buns are off my list too except on special occasions, like Thanksgiving or Easter. And this story, at least, has the main theme of Finrod's faith journey and you're right about "courage" being a part of "encouragement. Never really thought of that. Thanks for pointing it out and thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/5/2013
Nice to find out a little bit of what has been going on in Aman in the meantime. So Tol Eressëa fell to Gil-galad? Glad he knew what a great job Sador did and made sure to keep him around! Now I'm so sorry for Vorondur. How horrible that he had to lose two of his three children! It must have been very hard for him and his surviving family. Poor guys. I really hope they are already reborn and will return to Middle-earth some time soon. Looks like Finrod found a nice little job; not much, but enough to make a bit of money and not have to depend on Glorfindel too much. The Wiseman Elves may earn a decent wage, but I doubt they can pay everything for so many additional Elves indefinitely. It wouldn't sit well with Finrod, either, to be so dependent on his gwador. That bit about the pins was strange. Not sure if they are supposed to have a special purpose later on, but anyway, it's nice when the Valar help out with something nice, not obviously important as well. Author Reply: Vorondur and Ercassë's history is very tragic, but hopefully they will be reunited with their sons some day soon, after all, their sister is getting married. grin And the bookstore will be a good place for Finrod. He'll get to meet people and interact with the community in a meaningful way as we will see in EA3. Thanks for leaving a comment, KItty. It's much appreciated.

Sunny	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/11/2013
It makes sense that Gil-galad would want to keep on the person who managed to keep the lid on all the ... personalities ... on Tol Eressëa until he could tke over as King of the island. And giving Sador the title of Prince would really have been a matter of formalizing reality. An interesting look at Vorondur's history. I'm sure both he and Ercasse - and Serindë - would be delighted to see his sons again. And if there will get to be another influx of Elves into Wiseman before Serindë and Elrohir's wedding, perhaps they will be able to wangle tickets on that flight on Air Vingilot? ;-) Quite amusing that Finrod got himself a job in a book store - but somehow not inappropriate, I think! Author Reply: Hi Sunny. I figured Gil-galad would see how invaluable having Sador by his side would be and elevating him to a prince only makes good political sense. I'm sure Sador was surprised though and had to be convinced by others to accept the title. Slowly I am beginning to learn something of the history of those Elves who remained in Middle-earth. Vorondur seems more forthcoming with information than some of the others but I'm sure they all have stories to tell. And I thought it appropriate for Finrod to work in a bookstore. Just think of all the bibliophile he'll get to meet. grin Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.

Agape4Gondor	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/6/2013
I like the idea of Sador being a prince. In truth, he always acted like one. Good and kind and full of wisdom, once he recovered from the shock of being reborn. I have been tormented, as Finrod, by ludicrous thoughts. I'm fairly certain that some Valar might be responsible. Or St. Nicholas g or even Eru. Who knows why these things keep ruminating in our minds. Vorondor's story was heartbreaking. I don't think of Elves dying. Especially once the 'true' wars were over. To lose them in battle against humans. That must have been even more traumatic. Shees! It's sad to think how many of the other Wiseman Elves were hoping a family member would be on Vingolot. Sad indeed. And yet, there is always hope, as Finrod says. Perhaps they will come later on. Well, it seems perfectly logical for Finrod to want to be able to 'care' for himself. And, of course, I'd give my right hand to work in a bookstore. I like Nick. Good chapter. A lot for thought - especially Finrod and researching the Valar's choices. Author Reply: Hi Agape. I'm sure a lot of readers are happy to know that Sador has been elevated to the status of a prince, though you're the first to mention it. He deserved it after what he went through with that lot on Tol Eressëa. I am slowly but surely learning more of the backstory of the various Wiseman Elves, in particular those who are OCs like Vorondur and he is the most fleshed-out of all of them to date simply because I really like him as a character. He pretty much put himself forward in EA2 and has never stepped back. Anyway, some of what I learn of their past is not pretty (how can it be considering the human history they've lived through) but as you say, there is always hope that their loved ones will come later. And I would love to work in a bookstore, too, which is why I thought Finrod would enjoy doing so. grin I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.

bookworm	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/3/2013
Oh, what a lovely New Years/Christmas present to come back to! Love love love this universe is a sucker for Modernday Elves Hm, St Nick showing up? Who'll be next, Jack Frost? =p apologises as has just watched Rise of the Guardians and has them on the brain In all seriousness though, I loved how the Valinoreans are slowly adapting, despite the rather dramatic culture shock! One does have to wonder what is going on behind the scenes, a Saint showing up, and Finrod's dwelling on being Mayor! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and wishing you all the best for the New Year! /stops abusing the exclamation point Author Reply: Hi bookworm. I'm glad you are enjoying this story. Some of what is happening in it will tie in with what happens in Elf Academy 3 whenever I get around to writing it. These chapters (at least in essence if not in detail) were orignally planned as the opening chapters of EA3, but now serve as a bridge between EA2 and EA3, which will pick up where this story leaves off. I did indeed have a wonderful Christmas and I wish you the best for the New Year, as well. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/1/2013
Well, he has found appropriate gainful employment, and will be in a unique position to offer inspiration and guidance to many who will need it. Well done! And of course what he needs is now at hand! (I wish the space bar on this thing worked consistently!) Author Reply: That is his hope, Larner. We'll see how others take the news of his finding employment in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.

Laer	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/1/2013
History lessons, language lessons all wrapped up in a fantastic story. Love book stores. Maybe Finrod will make some coffee that people can snag. They can have a sign in the door that says People Unite for Some Free Coffee and great books ;) Ok so that was a sad attempt. But well you know. LOL Author Reply: Hi Laer. Yeah, I know. LOL! We'll have to see what if any changes Finrod begins making at the bookstore and how he fares in working there. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it very much.

obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/31/2012
Finrod working in a bookstore? That sounds strange. I can understand Nick for having trouble getting his head around that. But if Finrod wants to work in retail, bookstores are a good choice in my mind. I love bookstores. So, the Valar anticipated Finrod's need for a little gift for his friends. Let's see what these pins are all about. Author Reply: Well, where else would he work? I really don't see him bagging groceries at the Safeway or flipping burgers at McDonald's. LOL! And I love bookstores, too, so I think it's a good place for him to be. As for the pins, we'll learn what they are about by the end of the story. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, obsidianj. I appreciate it very much. Happy New Year.

Clouded Leopard	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/31/2012
I'm glad your back with another story for the Elf Academy series. I figured Quinn aka Finrod would be getting restless soon. Glad that he took the initiative to find something to do like the others were doing. He seemed to be a little hesitant at first. When Quinn looked at the little pins (40 of them), I couldn't help start counting the elves. I know there were 15 Wiseman elves for sure. Then in Ch. 56 of Elf Academy part Deux, Finrod said, "There be twice twelve of us who have come". That would be a total of 39 unless Finrod did not include himself with those 24 that came. But either way, Quinn is taking his first steps in working in the mortal world. Kudos for him. Welcome back Fiondil Author Reply: Hi Clouded Leopard. You're right that there are only 39 Elves including Finrod and I have made the change in the text. Thanks for pointing it out. I appreciate it. Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying the story and seeing 'Quinn' attempt to integrate himself into the Mortal world. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. And, by the way, I never left. grin

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