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Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within by Fiondil	16 Review(s)
Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 6/24/2014
grin So Vorondur just beat Kyle to Eärnur? Seems I am not alone in my feelings ;) Now I just hope the three runaways got to Fairbanks safely with how the weather is. I don't like the idea of them driving through that snowstorm. It's true, they all have changed and need to change even more, if they want to admit it or not. But we have some of the more level-headed Elves here who see the problem; getting that realisation into a few hard heads will be another matter altogether. Though they will need to if they want to achieve anything, I fear. Author Reply: Change is always hard, even for those who recognize its necessity, but these Elves have lived through millennia of changes to one degree or another so hopefully they will accept it for what it is and deal with it. Thanks for commenting, Kitty. I appreciate it.

Kevana	Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 4/30/2014
Fiondil, something randomly popped into my head - is Amroth a fan of the name Alexander because he'd like to name one of the kids after Alex? (Though that was originally just a code name, now it seems like it's going to be his official chosen name anyway.) Maybe no connection but had to ask! Thanks! -Kevana Author Reply: Hi Kevana. It's a possibility. Of course, he could've just liked the name before this but Amroth sees Alex as a son, so who knows?

Laer	Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 4/23/2014
I am glad Finrod and the others are not only on speaking terms but also friendly terms. Hopefully Kyle explaining to them that they aren't all that and a bag of chips just cause they learned how to do this over "yonder" sunk in :) Author Reply: Hi Laer. It does help to be on both speaking and friendly terms. And hopefully Kyle banning the healers from the hospital on Finrod's orders will be a wake-up call for them all. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 4/21/2014
Now--if the different parties will kindly refrain from trying to destroy one another, willingly or through ignorance! Author Reply: That would be nice, wouldn't it, Larner? One can only hope. Thanks for reviewing.

Lyana	Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 4/21/2014
Ah - it seems like Finrod is finding his feet in this new reality and it sounds like he and Dr. Stoner are moving into a healthy working relationship. So glad all of them are having a bit of a (Valar induced?) respite; blizzards and storms are often good for that - some of our best family memories have resulted from weather-enforced quiet! And I love the name choices - Elvish and Mortal all in one name. It's so sad to think of Valinor as stagnated. It's going to be a tall order for them to overcome thousands of years of sameness, and I wonder if some might not be able to adapt. passes the mini quiches and tries to decide between chocolate cake with strawberries and whipped cream or chocolate/peppermint shortbread Author Reply: I think Finrod is beginning to find his way, now that he can't depend on Glorfindel to lead him by the hand, as it were. I'm glad you love the name choices. Whether they end up with those names for the children or some others remains to be seen. And there certainly is a lot of ennui to overcome on the part of the Amanian Elves. Maybe the threat of war will help. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Lyana. It's much appreciated.

obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 4/21/2014
Nothing like a quiet evening among friends when a storm is raging. Everyone including the readers needed that before the next crisis hit. So, Finrod was behind the order to not let any elf visit Glorfindel. I think that was a good move. If any group of elves would have been singled out that would just add oil to the flames. I hope Sarah and the twins check in soon. Or there will be the next crisis. Author Reply: I think everyone needed the respite, including the readers, obsidianj. grin We'll be seeing Sarah and the Twins next wee for sure. Time to see what they're up to. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

FV_Whisper	Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 4/21/2014
A quiet evening, a quiet chapter...Still enough stuff to munch on. Ah, baby names. It's fun to see how Nimrodel and Amroth are actually considering giving their children mortal names. It's another sign of how well the Wiseman elves have learned to blend in over the years. Of course, the names are still elf related, what else could you think? Amroth talking about running for mayor might be just a thought for now, but it's an interesting idea. Of all the elves currently in Wiseman, he seems the most suitable candidate for now. Good to hear Glorfindel misdoing somewhat better, when Kyle called in, I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only reader you got shocked! "what happens in Mandos stays in Mandos" lol! Now, the stagnating society in Valinor is an interesting thing. The elves attitude reminds me a bit of an apocalyptic cult, waiting for the world to end. Except this cult has now been going on ever since the last ice age and that's a bit too long fior a society to function in. It seems both the First and Secondborn seem to have a hard time to decide who of the two is better of. The Secondborn have always seemed to envy the Elves for their immortality (think Númenor), but now it seems the elves on the other hand seem to have troubles on their own with their fate being bound to the fate of Arda (although we do not know what will be in store for them after of course). In the light of Valinor's stagnating society it's no wonder Finrod feels Glorfindel has changed so much he's almost a stranger. It's only to be expected Glorfindel has changed much since he left Valinor. But for Finrod, coming from an almost static society, this would be a very hard concept to get grip off. Also, I think we find the base for a lot of troubles in this. The Wiseman elves who have adapted, and adapted and adapted again to the many different circumstance they faced, while they newcomers have barely come across any kind of chance in their whole long lives. You mentioned how Ron and the other elves have adopted mortal viewpoints and I think that goes for many things, also when it comes to holding a grudge. Ron wanting to apologize to Eärnur and be done with it after amends have been made is a perfect example of this. Some of the Valinor Elves however, I see quite able of holding grudges for centuries on. It's something they'll have to learn to drop, even though this might have to happen the hard way History lessons seems like a good idea. As an historian, I would gladly offer my services lol! Now I can't help but feeling the storm might have something to do with the Twins and Sarah and why they haven't called in yet. Storms at Wiseman seem to come there ever too often with a reason not to be suspicious about this one. And the fact the Valar have something to do with it does't help either! Too much talking already, I'm sorry, that's just how I am. I'll bring in the ice cream and cherries to the cliff house to make up for that! Kevana, I saw that picture a couple of says ago myself and it's truly hilarious! Author Reply: Hi FV_Whisper. Tolkien, in the Silmarillion, says, "Death is their [i.e. Mortals'] fate, the gift of Ilúvatar, which as Time wears even the Powers shall envy." And that probably holds true for Elves as well. And you're right about how the Wiseman Elves had adapted and adopted mortal viewpoints, so that Ron wants only to apologize and make amends and holding a grudge is, for him, no longer an option. Life, as they say, is too short for that even if you are immortal. Something the Amanians need to learn, I think. And hopefully the history lessons will help. We'll be seeing the Twins and Sarah soon enough and learning why they haven't called home yet. And whether the Valar have anything to do with the storm or if it's just a natural consequence of winter in Alaska, is up for debate. Anyway, thanks for the review. It's much appreciated. And, yes, the picture is hysterical.

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 4/21/2014
p.s. forgot to mention, my mom often quoted that scrap of Robbie Burns', though perhaps she quoted from the original, or another translation? Not sure, just remember her saying the words, "gang oft aglee" or something to that effect. Another of her favourites was "You can't win for losing," though I suspect that's a quote from someone else. Author Reply: Your mom was quoting from the original Scots of Robbie Burns, usually translated into English as "often go awry".

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 4/21/2014
Nice respite. Not "calm before the storm" as they are in the middle of a Siberian Express. "Calm during"? I'm with Dreamflower -- imagining the Twins & Co. stuck out there in the blizzard somewhere. At least we know the Valar have plans of some sort. But maybe that's not so much comfort. (Odd, quirky sense of humour displayed here and there -- like the Shakespearean language thing when they arrived.) Hmmm. The cliff house sounds quite cosy. I can bring the incredible gluten-free chocolate cake that Youngest made. It was so rich, more than half of it is left. Take small pieces! The frosting alone ought to be called "Death by Chocolate". Looking forward to Glorfindel's wakening again. Author Reply: I think "calm during" works, Lindelea. The Twins and Sarah are okay, I assure you, and will make it to Fairbanks safely. We'll be seeing them shortly. Still have some things to wrap up in Wiseman first. And I always say that death by chocolate is the only civilized way to go, so save me a piece. grin Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.

Kevana	Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 4/21/2014
What a nice and cozy chapter, makes me want to curl up somewhere and listen to storytelling! It really is sad that the Elves back in the old folks' home are so downhearted. And since the last ice age? That's an awfully long time to be stagnant, even for Elves. The Valar need to drag the worst of the bunch to Wiseman and toss them into the mix. Terrible idea? Possibly! But I can't help but think that getting thrown headlong into a bunch of Mortals - who, of course, know all about staring down an uncertain, frightening, confusing...er...deadline – would be good for them. I dunno, I'm just the polar opposite of apathetic and it makes me especially sad to see them succumbing to that. It's good Finrod had a chance to relax before going back to deal with the situation, whatever the cause of the storm it came at the perfect time. And let me guess, Nick had to remind him that even if he could get to the store, his customers probably couldn't? grin Upset Elven Daddies are probably not people you want to cross. I think Sarah and Co. better check in pretty soon! Still, I definitely would love to see Finrod in Fairbanks to see what he makes of a bigger city. Huh, I think that's close to where my cousin lives. Hope you and everyone had a beautiful Easter! I will gladly join everyone in the cliffside house, I will bring some fresh-baked bread and homemade honey butter and my famous dark chocolate and peppermint cream shortbread bars. ;) I am secretly an awesome baker. Shhh, don't tell. And some local muscadine wine and non-alcoholic juice. <3 Is that good enough to get me in the door? LOL! Lots of good wishes! Take care. -Kevana PS - You have got to see this. I laughed myself silly. Click in order. (One) (Two) (Three) Author Reply: I think you're right, Kevana. The Valar should set up sanatoriums for the clinically depressed Elves and staff them with no-nonsense Mortals who have no time for elven pity-parties. That would shake things up, wouldn't it? LOL! We may yet see Finrod in Fairbanks, but he shouldn't go without his gwador to show him around. You may be able to get in the door with all those goodies, Kevana, but I doubt you'll be able to get out, you or anyone else. LOL! Anyway, thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated. Author Reply: Oh, and thanks for the link. Absolutely love it! LOL!

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