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| Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within by Fiondil | 13 Review(s) |
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| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/23/2014 |
| For some reason, it sounded weird how Glorfindel reacted to the whole thing of the Valar setting up the chance for Finrod to work at the bookshop, seeing how Glorfindel was often the one accusing them of manipulating the Elves. Maybe he's actually learning it ;) Ugh. I don't like the conversation Daeron overheard, not at all. The Valinórean Elves need to get over their rank obsession and thinking that leadership in an environment none of them knows still has to be based on Valinórean ranks, really. Daeron is right, Finrod and Glorfindel need to know before that gets completely out of hand. Glad he went to Vorondur to talk; seeing his past experiences, I can see why he is hesitant to tell anyone. It's probably better to tell the two most concerned privately, or the situation would get even more ugly very fast. Author Reply: Glorfindel does sound awfully mature here, doesn't he? Probably won't last though. *grin* The conversation Daeron overheard was unsettling on many levels. Luckily, Daeron knew just who to go to for advice. Thanks for the review, Kitty. I appreciate it very much. | |
| obsidianj | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 3/1/2014 |
| Oh, boy. It seems some people (elves) will never learn. Did Helena break up with Glorfindel? I can't imagine talking about my boyfriend like that. Or was it all just Glorfindel's idea and Helena never was really interested? I think these Valinorean elves need a lesson or two or three... Just telling them that they need to work together obviously is not working. They don't seem to listen. Poor Daeron. That is a heavy burden to carry. I wish he would tell you how Glorfindel found him... Sounds like an interesting story. I think the elves can't start setting up a business fast enough. It would give them something to do besides gossiping and dwelling on who has the highest rank among them. Author Reply: Hi obsidianj. Some people, elves or otherwise, never do learn. Helena didn't break up with Glorfindel or vice versa. We will see her later on with Glorfindel, but she does have issues and she's not the only one. And trust me, the lesson is coming and in a big way. Daeron does have a heavy burden to carry here. Perhaps someday he'll open up to me and let me know what happened. I doubt it was anything good and was probably rather horrific. Yet, he's a survivor, like all the Wiseman Elves and he is stronger for it. They all need employment to keep them busy. I think once winter passes it will be easier for them. Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 2/25/2014 |
| And just when things were beginning to look like they were calming down between the two groups and they were beginning to work together.... A good idea to consult Vorondur, and an excellent decision. Author Reply: Unfortunately, some issues can't be resolved immediately, as well you know, Larner. We'll see how things progress from here. Daeron is wise enough to know he needs help with this and knows just who to go to to find it. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated. | |
| SashaHoneypalm | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 2/24/2014 |
| Does this story take place in the same continuity as "The Journey Homes"? Author Reply: Hi Sasha. Yes, this story takes place within the same universe as "The Journey Home" as well as "In The High Kings Secret Service". Essentially, anything that has happened in Valinor in my other stories happened in the Elf Academy universe. | |
| Soledad | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 2/24/2014 |
| Oookay. I know Glorfindel was a bit of a jerk during the "horror book" episode, but the Valinórean Elves really need to be taken down several pegs. They deserve a lesson and a really hard one. I understand that they respect Finrod, and not just because of what he did in the far past but because he'd been their prince for several millennia, but are they complete idiots? What the hell does Finrod know about modern-time Earth? They need to listen to Glorfindel (and Daeron and the Twins and the other Wiseman Elves) if they want to survive! And don't even let me start on how they spoke about Amroth! That made me look for a sharpened kitchen knife! The Valar must have been smoking something really delirium-inducing, too, sending this bunch of snobs unprepared into a situation they have no means to master without help. Vorondur's office sounds like a very welcoming place, though. Author Reply: Hi Soledad. You're right about the Valinórean Elves needing to be taken down a peg or two and perhaps that will actually happen. They do need to listen to the WIseman Elves more if they want to make it in the Mortal world. And the Valar always have their own agenda, which they don't necessarily reveal to others (not even to me *grin*). Vorondur of course strives to make his office as welcoming and nonthreatening as possible, so that his clients can not only relax but feel safe and that's vitally important in his line of work. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's always appreciated. | |
| 6336 | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 2/24/2014 |
| Hm, not too surprised about the conflict, the Valinorian Elves know Finrod they do not know Glorfindel, or at least not as well or as recently. And Glorfindel can, so, do mature when he wants too! Neah! Huggs, Lynda Author Reply: Hi Lynda. You're right that some of the Valinórean Elves knew Glorfindel from before, but they know and trust Finrod even more, thus the conflict. We'll see how this pans out. And Glorfindel can so do mature when he puts his mind to it. *grin* Thanks for reveiwing. I really appreciate it. | |
| Ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 2/24/2014 |
| I wonder if the Elves of Wiseman have ever really sat down with the Elves of Valinor and told them each of their stories? Either more respect would be forthcoming from the Valinor elves or out of horror they would be all over Finrod to take control. I think Edhellond is suffering greatly for not having Ron there to guide and support. I'm sure he has a blast whenever the Elves get together and deal with some issue among themselves, getting to analyze everyone. I admire Daeron and pity him. Author Reply: I don't think they really have, Ellie. The Wiseman Elves may just be reluctant to tell their stories and maybe the others for the most part aren't all that interested, but I think they really should listen to what the Wiseman Elves have to say. And I think you're right about Edhellond suffering for not having Ron in their midst, but it's probably for the best. Even Elves can suffer from burn-out. Daeron is very admirable, enduring what he has and still able to find humor in life. Glorfindel finding him and rescuing him from whatever situation he was in was the best thing that happened to him. Maybe someday we'll actually learn what that was all about. Thanks for taking the time leave a review. It's always appreciated. | |
| Monalex | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 2/24/2014 |
| Hello Fiondil! And again with poor Glorfindel, it seems that this new Elves from Valinor have no appreciation of all that he has done on their behalf and are quite happy to stage a coup d'etat - when they have just arrived to Middle Earth!! - just because they can and are more numerous. Really that is the equivalent of being stabbed in the back, but I'm happy that he has the loyalty of Dearon and I'm quite sure that of the Twins, Misty and Della, at the very least. Though I do think that Finrod and Glorfindel should make their position clear to the rest of the inhabitants of Edehellond as to who is their leader, if a leader should be had. I think that said leader is Glorfindel, since he was appointed so by Manwe himself, who named Glorfindel his Vice-Gerent to Middle Earth just as he is Vice-Gerent of Arda to Iluvatar. Also if I remember correctly Finrod said that he was told by the Valar that he should not take leadership from Glorfindel. In conclusion I think that from now on Glorfindel and Finrod should not air their disagreements to the general public of very nasty and judgmental Elves, because of that I think that nearly everyone should leave the house and find their own accommodations, except those who lived there first and Finrod, Valandur, etc. If not, this situation will arise again, and since no one seems to understand that brothers can and will always fight or have disagreements - and will not apologize in public - that is a workable solution. Also poor Dearon, to be forced into this situation and having to deal with this!! Now I’m curious about his past and how they found him!! But I understand his story would be too sad to be read or told. I will be happy if he finds acceptance and starts to be comfortable with it, maybe talking will help?? Or maybe not, at least not yet... Also I'm worried by this bigotry and/or prejudice that some Valinorean Elves have towards the Wiseman Elves, this could result in something nasty in the future, so Finrod, Vorondur, Glorfindel and the others should do something about it. It is too similar to how the Noldor acted towards their Sindarin counterparts of Middle Earth, when they first arrived many thousands of years ago. Finally I hope Glorfindel will start to keep his distance from that nasty and horrible elleth Helena. How, I wonder, could she be going out with him and think so little of him?? And to stab him on the back like that!! He will be better served keeping his distance!! Though I’m sad for him, since I’m sure he’s never had a girlfriend before, or anyone on whom he was somewhat interested in. She should be shown the error of her ways and maybe in the future – some decades from now – they will have a chance to establish a romantic relationship, when she has a chance to grow up bit. Great chapter as always!! Monalex Author Reply: Hi Monalex. We will see how Finrod and Glorfindel handle the situation and what comes of it. We will see a lot of angst in this story as the various groups of Elves attempt to resolve certain issues between them, and that includes the relationship between Glorfindel and Helena. Glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated. | |
| Kevana | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 2/24/2014 |
| Zach! Glad to know he's doing better and coming back. I missed seeing him in the story! Really curious as to what the others of that first class are up to now. I can't decide whether it would be more intimidating or less intimidating to have an Elf psychiatrist. Court, ugh. Lots of hurry up and wait. Dull as dishwater except when they're not and then everything happens at once. That's going to be a trial for Alex as well as a trial for Farrell. Does "what happens in Edhellond, stays in Edhellond" extend to the woods, because if not then that little discussion didn't sink in! Though I think you can also say that given the content of the overheard conversation, too. Power dynamics are a fragile thing and as hierarchical as Elves tend to be, well, this is gonna be good. By which I mean bad of course. ;) Maybe they ought to just go by what the Valar said, i.e. Glorfindel's in charge. Or I suppose they could always hold an election. "I am your king!" "Well I didn't vote for you!" I wonder if they have realized that technically just by being in Alaska they're under Mortal jurisdiction, LOL. Might be driven home by this mayoral election? And somebody friendly to the Elves ought to see about granting Edhellond embassy status and granting the Elves, at least some of them, diplomatic immunity. Maddy, got a minute to spare? Daeron, smart move, buddy. You obviously got that helping of wisdom you asked for. And speaking of wisdom – whatever Glorfindel's been doing it seems to be working because that was a great insight from him about Finrod and the bookstore. Have a great week and beware strange women lying in ponds distributing swords! That never ends well. -Kevana Author Reply: Hi Kevana. Zach will be back in Wiseman soon, no worries. Apparently the "What happends in Edhellond...." doesn't seem to apply to the woods. Perhaps they consider it as part of Edhellond and so feel they can speak freely. I don't think it's really sunk in with the Valinórean Elves that technically they are under the Mortal jurisdiction of the State of Alaska and the United States of America. Eventually, it will sink in I think. Making Edhellond an embassy might be the way to go, but they would need recognition from the US gov't before that happens and I don't think they're in any hurry to reveal themselves to the White House. *grin* And Glorfindel's not an idiot and he's been around, so it's not surprising that he does come up with a gem or two of wisdom along the way. Yeah, strange women lying in ponds distributing swords... you really have to wonder at the deeper Jungian meaning behind that. LOL! Thanks for reviewing. Have a great week yourself. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 2/24/2014 |
| I see now part of why the Valinoreans came: it is to remind us that among the Elves there have always been *factions*! Honestly it shouldn't surprise us long-time readers of the story, or anyone really who's familiar with the Silm. Yet the "Wiseman Elves" have been together for so long and worked together for so many ages that any friction between them has been easily dealt with for the most part. Their time spent in the increasingly rapidly changing world of the mortals has made them more flexible and able to understand things the Valinoreans cannot. But ages spent in a place where nothing really changes at all would have made the Valinoreans less likely to appreciate such flexibility. And they would not have been exposed to the democratic ideals of the place where they now live. Yet it is also a reminder to those who have been so long in Middle-earth that hierarchy *is* the natural state of Elves and Maia. Still, it is foolish and ill-done for some of these Elves to try and drive a wedge between Finrod and Glorfindel. And they are *still* paying no attention to their surroundings and assuming that no one's able to overhear them. And Vorondur's role is growing more and more important--I hope there is someone *he* can confide in and seek advice from. Author Reply: Hi Dreamflower. Your analysis of the situation is pretty much spot-on and there's nothing I can say to improve on it. While the Wiseman Elves as a whole have only been together for a couple of years, they've all, as you point out, have lived in the mortal world and have learned to be flexible so I suspect that there's been very little friction between them. Frankly, I think they were just bloody grateful to know that there were other Elves after having thought they were on the only ones left in Middle-earth, that any differences were quickly resolved between them, and having Ron with them probably helped with the transition. We will see how all this plays out and the rather grave consequences that will follow because of the inflexibility of some of the Valinórean Elves in their thinking. And as for Ron, he has Holly to go to for advice. That is, after all, what a spouse is for, is it not? Thanks for leaving a comment. It's very much appreciated. | |