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Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within  by Fiondil 13 Review(s)
KittyReviewed Chapter: 27 on 6/23/2014
Just the thought that poor Glorfindel was injured that badly and then thrown away like garbage makes me so angry. I really hope they catch whoever did that to Glorfindel and they get their well-deserved punishment. And I have to agree with Alex and Derek, it's probably better if the police gets in there first, due to the repercussions if it's the Elves.

Hm ... interesting point about Josiah. But then, we all know there are more powers at work than is obvious.

Author Reply: Hi Kitty. Having the mortal police handle the case is probably the best way to go. If the Elves catch up with the perpetrators and deal out their own brand of justice, it would not sit well even with their friends. And it is obvious, I think, given the people who have wandered into Wiseman over the years that the Valar are stacking the deck, so to speak. Thanks for commenting. It's appreciated.

obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 27 on 4/5/2014
Love the analysis of the various groups about the events in the last chapters. I was thinking about what mortals and elves can give each other. The elves have a lot of physical advantages and their feeling of superiority, I think, springs from that. But watching the mortals pick up on the tensions in the waiting room of the hospital and the three prayer-warriors being able to diffuse the situation, makes me think that humans have an advantage when it comes to the spiritual world. They speak directly to God (Eru or the One) and they seem to have an intuitive understanding of what to do when faced with a tense situation that can't be solved with physical strength.

The back story of Josiah Makepeace makes me curious and wasn't Charles Weaverly also only recently sent to Wiseman? I think someone is pulling strings again.

Author Reply: Hi obsidianj. I think you're right about what each race can give to the other. It must be strange to the Elves to think that Mortals seem to have a direct link to Eru, whereas they have to go through the Valar, particularly, Manwë. But then, they get to speak face-to-face with angels and archangels, and Mortals rarely do, so I guess it's an even trade, but certainly, the Mortals can teach the Elves a thing or two about spiritual warfare.

Father Charlie has actually been in Wiseman for many years, having been sent there by his superiors back in the eighties. Only Josiah is a recent newcomer and I think the rabbi is a native of Wiseman, though he obviously would have left to attend university and seminary before returning to head Wiseman's small Jewish community. But at any rate, you are correct that Someone is pulling strings.

Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.

LaerReviewed Chapter: 27 on 4/5/2014
Gotta say loved how not only the last name is fitting for the Reverend Makepeace,he seems to be good at it, but how good they are were at reaching that peace for all. Loved the brothers and sisters reference reaction still from the elves. Also how Aramoth is putting in a bit more back ground for us.

If I didn't mention it last chapter I will this one. Also was very happy to have all three of the "God Squad" there to help all through this. It was needed.

Having the different views explained in a way that isn't "dumbing" the reader down was brilliant. I have always hated it when they become all third wall and then bring the fourth one back up in a story. We get to discover what is going on when they do. :)



Author Reply: Hi Laer. A very appropriate last name of Josiah, and to tell you the truth, I don't remember how I came up with the name or where I even found it. Just a case of serendipity, I suppose.

I'm glad you liked the way I had the different views explained. I try not to "dumb" the reader. I hate that too.

Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

EllieReviewed Chapter: 27 on 4/4/2014
It is fascinating watching everyone try to piece things together and how they judge and misjudge so many things. One the shock wears off perspectives start to change. I don't think anyone will be prepared for the fallout.

Author Reply: It is quite fascinating to watch everyone try to piece things together and not necessarily drawing the correct conclusion. And you're right, none of them are prepared for the eventual fallout. Thanks for reviewing, Ellie. It's quite appreciated.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 27 on 3/31/2014
Hmm. The realization that Josiah Makepeace is more than he seems is one that tends to stop people in their tracks. Most interesting revelation there! And I'm sure that more than one Maia was in that hospital to keep an eye on things and to relay information. Now--to learn who it was at the Rusty Nail that followed Glorfindel out, and I still don't want to be the one who is found in possession of his ring! Heh!

Author Reply: That's for sure, Larner. There's more to Josiah than meets the eye and we may learn more about him though probably not until we get to Elf Academy 4. At any rate, I have no doubt that there's at least one Maia watching over Glorfindel at this point. And I wouldn't want to be the one found in possession of Glorfindel ring either. Poor smuck has no idea the world of hurt he's in danger of experiencing if the Elves ever catch up with him. Thanks for the review. It's much appreciated.

KevanaReviewed Chapter: 27 on 3/31/2014
Hm, so many questions indeed! The little posse of troublemakers who jumped Glorfindel couldn't possibly have known he'd show up there. I can't decide whether it's more or less terrible that it wasn't premeditated, apparently.

At some point I think they are just going to give up being surprised at mysterious phone calls and who made them, LOL!

Random Bartender Person with the big vocabulary sounds interesting.

It might be a minor thing, but it was really cute how the Elves were surprised at being called brothers and sisters of the Mortals. I doubt that was accidental on Josiah's part. Of course it's a common phrase among congregations but including the Elves in the mix certainly gave them something to think about. And might be a paradigm shift that could be useful.

Also really funny how the Elves thought they were being invisible and nooope, y'all got caught. Interesting how the cops didn't call them out for it at the scene. I think I really like this Brad Conrad.

So Josiah's got an in with the more recalcitrant pastors in the city. Good! Church politics are not fun, but if he can make it work in their favor, all the better. I think Amroth's a little grumpy over the Valar slipping one under his radar in sending Josiah to Wiseman.

God Squad! *snort* Star Trek reference! More bonus points for you, Fiondil. *grin*

If the Elves go vigilante against the perpetrators, that IS going to raise some hell. The last thing they need is to give the "Neo-nazi Elf-haters" more fuel for the fire. Dangerous situation all around. And somebody really needs to have a talk with Helyanwë.

Great chapter, like other reviewers said, a restful moment after the chaos and nice to see it from all perspectives.

Take care and have a great week!
-Kevana



Author Reply: Hi Kevana. I think it was a spur-of-the-moment thing on the part of the attackers. The one felt humiliated by Glorfindel was, as the bartender said, there was murder in his eyes after that.

It is funny that the Elves thought the Mortals were unaware that they were watching from the rooftops and the cops were well aware that they were there but elected not to show that they were aware. Just shows that 2 can play this game. *grin*

And you're right about Amroth feeling a little miffed over the Valar slipping one past him. Can't say I blame him. I would be too.

I couldn't resist the Star Trek reference and "God Squad" is so apropos.

Don't worry. Finrod will soon have a little chat with Helena and find out once and for all what the hell is going on.

Take care yourself and have a great week. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

6336Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 3/31/2014
Hm, looks like the Valar have been pulling strings again, lets hope they do not get too tangled.

Well we know where Glorfi was and we have an idea who might have ambushed him, but will we be able to prove it, I'm not sure.

I found Amroth's comments to be very interesting, there is more to Josiah than it appears. He truly is a Holy Warrior as are Charles and Daniel.

Now we wait, some more!

Huggs,
Lynda

Author Reply: Yeah, the Valar are pulling strings, but I'm sure Vairë is making sure they don't get tangled. *grin*

And you're right about Josiah, as well as Charles and Daniel. They are all three Holy Warriors, primarily because they allow themselves to be open to the Spirit and be led by Her.

Thanks for reviewing, Lynda. It's greatly appreciated. Hugs.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 27 on 3/31/2014
A very intriguing chapter--leaving, as I am sure you intended, the readers with more questions than answers.

I'm glad you are showing the workings of the investigation--and I wonder will the police get to the truth first, or the Elves? I'd love to hear a little more from the two Legolases (as the plural of Baggins is Bagginses) and Beleg.

"Importuned"? *grin* I believe I've used that in a fic myself, actually. It's a great word with a lot of connotation behind it. Admittedly not one you'd imagine the bartender in a place like The Rusty Nail to use!

And now I am curious about the backstory of *another* minister in Wiseman.

Also, I do hope we are privy to the conversation when Finrod has a heart-to-heart with Helena. I have a feeling she's not going to enjoy that much.

What effect will Glorfindel's injuries have on that upcoming trial? Isn't he a witness? Will he be up to testifying?

Author Reply: Hi Dreamflower. I promise that when Finrod finally gets around to speaking to Helena that we will all have a ringside seat. *grin*

I don't know too much about Josiah's backstory yet. Perhaps someday I'll learn how he happened to end up in Wiseman. I'm sure it will prove very interesting indeed.

Elves heal faster than Mortals, so he might be able to attend the trial. We'll have to see what happens.

Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.

rikkiReviewed Chapter: 27 on 3/31/2014
Ah, the eye of the storm. A little peace and quiet to gather one's breath and prepare for the next fight. Analysis - the mortals gathering evidence into the crime and watching the elves while the elves are looking more closely at themselves and watching the mortals. Daeron and Valandur were observant of what happened in the waiting room and I think they will be watching things a lot more closely. Finrod is getting a taste of what mortals of today are capable of doing. Alex and Derek are right, as well as Dave and Conrad, the mortals are under the gun to solve this crime and arrest the perps before any of the elves get the idea of revenge.

God squad! Wonderful description of the three warriors. And the friendships that Amroth was unaware of, this could push the other pastors into a more supportive action with the elves especially if they are influenced by Josiah.

You have added all the ingredients to start tying the various elven and mortal groups together into a strong fighting force. And now is the time for the investigative team of Alex, Derek and Amroth to do some digging on their own to see if the attack is actually just locals or something more. Great chapter.

Author Reply: Hi rikki. Yes, indeed, this is the eye of the storm and the other half will be on its way soon enough as we will see. There are a lot of analyses going on in this chapter among the Elves and Mortals and there is much reevaluating on all fronts.

Glad you liked the description of the three prayer warriors.

As to whether the Elves and Mortal groups start cooperating more and start forming themselves into a strong fighting force, remains to be seen. There is much work on both sides that needs to be done.

Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

SunnyReviewed Chapter: 27 on 3/31/2014
Nice, quiet chapter - sorely needed after all the tension in the previous ones!

Amroth's comments were quite interesting. So the three members of the God Squad (nice expression, BTW) were old friends, and two of them were not well regarded by the more conservative locals, while the third is feared. Add to that Josiah's comment in a previous chapter, and it really makes my wonder what the three of them were up to together in the wild and woolly days of their youth. (And by now I almost take for granted that the Valar had a hand in the three of them taking up the call - voluntarily or not - to be stationed in a certain small town in the icy wilderness of Alaska.

Author Reply: Hi Sunny. Yeah, a nice quiet chapter.

I wouldn't say that the three members of the God Squad were *old* friends, but they certainly were friends, nor were they ever together prior to their making their way to Wiseman. But certainly they are forming a triumvirate of spiritual power, you might say, that is definitely on the side of the Elves. Amroth's concern was that pubically, they appeared not to be friends, but were only fellow ministers and were exhibiting professional politelness toward one another. Until this crisis with Glorfindel he was unaware of their deeper relationship and that disturbed him, for he felt that he *should* have known and didn't.

Anyway, we may see the God Squad in action again some time, if not in this story than perhaps in the next.

Thanks for commenting. It's very much apprecited.

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