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Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within by Fiondil	14 Review(s)
Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 62 on 11/8/2014
snicker Love the idea of sending an ultrasound picture via Maia post to Valinor. That's going to be a nice uproar, but hopefully it's going to get them thinking. Gwyn and Mithrellas? Now that could be interesting, if anything comes of that interest. Admittedly, I am beginning to get more and more curious about the family history of the ap Hywel brothers. It sounds like there's something sad in it. It would be great if they actually came for the wedding. Though I admit, there's a certain Half-Elven former Lord of Imladris and his wife I'd like to see there even more. For me it is hard to understand that there were no elflings for so long, too. Sure, not every couple would want children, but with so many Elves in Valinor, you'd think some would still found a proper family. It's a depressing thought, no elflings at all. All in all, it was good that Námo visited the brothers, I think they needed some reassurances. Author Reply: We'll see how it goes with Gwyn and Mithrellas and the ap Hywel parents will definitely be at the wedding and we'll learn more about them when they arrive. And who knows? There may be other unexpected guests for the wedding as well. ;) It is hard to imagine an entire race giving up all hope but apparently it has happened and the consequences are rather dire for all. We'll actually be addressing this issue in Elf Academy 4 (so now you know there's something to look forward to after this story). Having already encountered Námo, he was the best one to come and speak to them and give them the reassurances they needed. Thanks for reviewing, Kitty.

obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 62 on 8/9/2014
Interesting conversation with Namo. It brought something up, I have thought about for some time. Where is the future for the younger generation when the older one never dies? What good is it to be heir of something when you know in the normal course of things you never come into your inheritance? I can see that it is the younger generation of elves that loses estel. They are kind of at a loss as to what to do with their lives. As sheltered as they live there is not really a challenge or adventure or new frontier they can explore. Once all or most of Valinor is explored and occupied, what can they do? Bringing more elves into the world just compounds the problem. They need a real task, they need to feel that they are needed before they can go on. Author Reply: Hi obsidianj. Your comments are very thought-provoking. Where, indeed, is the future for the younger generations. For a time, they had the southern parts of Valinor to explore once they were opened up to the Eldar, but after a while, that would not have sufficed. I do not know if they have bothered to explore the rest of their world. Perhaps the Valar for reasons of their own have not allowed it. I really don't know. I hope, though, to address the situation in Elf Academy 4. We'll have to see. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Diana	Reviewed Chapter: 62 on 8/4/2014
Hi Fiondil, Just wanted to say I really loved how you explained the reason for Eldar in modern Arda! The news about Valinor is worrisome. But I guess theyre fighting their own "enemies within". Discord and resentment, misunderstanding and mistrust, forsaking hope. Like you said early on, this war will be fought on many levels and it's good everybody's getting practice. I know it'll be fun finally meeting G&G's parents. I think I like the boys' mother already! The Dude abides! Diana Author Reply: Hi Diana. I'm glad you like my explanation for the Eldar in modern Arda. And you're right that those back in Valinor are fighting their own "enemies within" and I hope to explore this further in Elf Academy 4. I think you will enjoy meeting the ap Hywel parents. I've enjoyed writing them. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.

Kevana	Reviewed Chapter: 62 on 8/4/2014
I honestly hadn't picked up on Alex somehow enjoying all the chaos, but maybe it's so subconscious even he's not aware of it. Amroth knows him well, though. Maybe Alex is also sort of subconsciously enjoying being a bit of a drama queen about it, much as he would protest if it were brought up. I can only imagine what the folks back in Aman are going to think of ultrasound photos. But the Maiar better watch out, or they're going to end up as a courier service taking stuff between dimensions left and right. grin I'd personally be begging them to take weird and random Mortal things over just for the Elves' reactions to them. Or better yet, start an inter-dimensional penpal club! Anything to snap them out of their funk and prove they're not alone. Looks like family history got very edited, either on purpose or by a millennia-long game of telephone. Even beyond any reasons for their family's fibbing about earlier events, if that's what happened, it's always interesting how assumptions can create misconceptions down the line. My mom's generation assumed their grandfather's unusual (for an American) accent was Dutch, but some genealogy research I did proved he was from Argyll, Scotland. You never know what's lurking - and I can't wait to find out what happened with their family. Like other reviewers, you have my gears turning on that one! Anyway, interesting that the reason the Elves didn't fade was essentially because of Mortals, or so I gather from what's said here. Come to think of it, even in canon it's those Elves who held themselves apart who tended to start fading, and those who had lots of interaction with Men (i.e., Elrond, Legolas) didn't leave until everybody else did. Maybe gives credence to the idea that it was the time of Men and therefore those with ties to Men were sustained - though I'm sure the Valar had something to do with them not fading, too, beyond inspiring the EA Elves to stay. As for the Elves in Aman, it makes me wonder what other signs there are of their apparent civilization-wide depression. No more elflings, perhaps also no more new songs, no new innovations, no further building or exploring in that same time period. For some reason I get the most upsetting image of a grand city fallen near to silence. Námo's words here about being recognized as a friend really remind me of this beautiful bit of storytelling. Tons of stuff to ponder here, and you introduce a lot of great threads that I hope to see come together in the future! -Kevana Author Reply: Hi Kevana. Alex is an adrenaline junkie. What can I say? Hopefully as time goes by he'll get "clean" and won't be so dangerous around others. We'll have to see. I'm sure the Maiar won't mind be carriers. They probably would get a kick out of it. I hope to explore the issue of fading and lost of estel and the stagnation of Amanian civilization in Elf Academy 4 so I won't really say anything about it here. I think it's another form of "the enemy within" which has been explored on several levels (but mainly within group dynamics) in this story. Elf Academy 4 will probably focus on individuals' responses to fading. Thanks for the link. Eventually I'll look at it when I have the time. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

FV_Whisper	Reviewed Chapter: 62 on 8/3/2014
It's been a while time since I wrote a review, so a lot to catch up, but I've been busy lately (aka where are Yavanna's Maiar when you need them) and much reading on my phone. Also, I had some fun painting some LOTR action figures into Silm characters. A major drawback however when do so is when you get some unpleasant e-mails, you suddenly feel the need to send your newly painted sons of Feänor after them lol! okay, this was a very interesting character. what intrigued me most was the following: "All of them should have faded a long time ago when they did not Sail, but they didn’t and you want to know why?” The thing with the concept of modern days elves is how by canon they should have faded a long time ago, and the story needs to come up with a reasonable explanation as why this did not happen. Now in EA1 we get a very brief explanation how the original 6 were always up to something new to try out and thought that was the reason they did not fade, and it worked nicely for the shorter story that originally was, but it's a very good thing for the story seeing this worked out a bit more into detail. Giving this by Námo adds authority to this. Well done! The ap Hywel brothers keep intriguing me and I kept asking myself "who are they, who are their ancestors?" Anyone we happen to know from your other stories by any chance? I'm not surprised how the history as the bothers know it has changed from how the stories originally went, that is after all how especially oral history goes, and justifying one's action is like the most common reason to adapt stories! Nimrodel wanting to give an ultrasound to the first Maiar that comes along cracks me up! And I can see some fights breaking out between Maiar to see who gets that honor too. And as for Nate: “Yes, the people of Wiseman know me as Nate and I usually appear to them in this guise. It’s less, shall we say, intimidating. They will eventually meet me in other circumstances, but hopefully, by then, they will be too familiar with me to feel any real trepidation.” Really deep. I think Námo will be truly happy when the people who will come to him will meet Death as an old friend. Author Reply: Hi F_V Whisper. I'm glad you're able to resume reading and reviewing. I know how real life can get in the way of having fun. The whole concept of fading and why or why not is something that is central to the whole Elf Academy series, though it's not explicitly stated anywhere, but it is something that will be explored more deeply in Elf Academy 4, so we're laying the groundwork for it here. I'm glad you like the extended explanation that Námo gives. Coming from him does make it more authoritative. We will hopefully learn more about the ap Hywel brothers in Elf Academy 4 and we'll be meeting their parents later in this story. And I'm sure there will be lots of arm wrestling between the Maiar for the privilege of taking the ultrasound to Aman. LOL! And hopefully, when the Mortals of Wiseman come to Mandos on their way to the Timeless Halls, they will indeed greet Námo as an old friend (at least those who are on the side of the Elves; can't say about those who are presently the naysayers). Anyway, thanks for taking the time to catch up on reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Eruherdiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 62 on 8/1/2014
Hmmmm. Why would someone edit the story they told the brothers? What secrets to their parents hide? That particular group of elves really interests me. I'm also super excited about the baby elves. Names and developmental rates especially. ~Eruherdiriel Author Reply: History is always edited, Eruherdiriel, whether it's personal history or national history. And Gwyn and Gareth's parents aren't necessarily the ones responsible. They are as likely to be victims of edited history as their sons. Babies are always exciting and we'll learn something of them and how they're doing as the story progresses. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

rikki	Reviewed Chapter: 62 on 8/1/2014
Another great chapter with a lot of meaty information. I especially liked Gwyn and Garath's talk with Nate. They are much more accepting of the Valiar than a lot of other elves. When one thinks about it, it is sad that elves are not having elflings. As young as Gwyn and Garath are there are few or no elves their age to meet. Hopefully as the future develops more elves will choose to start families. Amroth and Loren have also pegged Alex's reaction to Farrell. Keeping an eye on him is probably a good idea as Farrell could get the drop on Alex and he will need help. Amroth needs to be back home to Wiseman to work with Val and Alex. But I am sure that they have a plan in place. Have a great weekend. Looking forward to the next chapter on Monday. Author Reply: Hi rikki. Gwyn and Gareth are young as Elves go and they've met Námo before, though not as Nate, so they're used to him. Amroth certainly does need to get back to help Val and Alex but unfortunately he can't risk it while Farrell is still loose. We'll see how things go for him and them in the coming chapters. The whole thing with Farrell is coming to a head and soon, I promise. Have a great weekend yourself. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 62 on 8/1/2014
Self-justification tends to lead to so many errors that tend to compound themselves. Glad that Gareth and Gwyn are open to communication and accepting that others do try to cover their own behinds and are willing to let it go. Author Reply: You're right about that, Larner, but at least Gwyn and Gareth are learning the truth and are willing to accept that people make mistakes and not hold it against them, especially since they have no idea who changed the history to suit themselves. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.

SashaHoneypalm	Reviewed Chapter: 62 on 8/1/2014
Always good to see G&G again! sits down and hatches elaborate conspiracy theories on their parents This is as good a time as any to mention my theory on the fate of Elves in the Fiondil-verse. This has several parts to it, or at least the logic behind it does. The Reborn Elves, despite lingering... well, Reborness- anyway, in some ways they end up much more emotionally adjusted than the Once-Born; they manage to retain their second-childhood innocence in a way that no one does the first time around. I remember, at some points in EI, thinking that the other Elves could use a Reborn-attitude-makeover. Like, "It's a pity more of them don't go through the process". And then I remember that, duh, that's because they would have had to die first. And they're not supposed to do that. Then there was a part in EI where the Valar were examining various people's DNA during a sort of Reborn slumber party; there were weird genetic discrepancies, and someone (Ulmo? I'll have to go back and check) suggested that this might be the natural next stage of Elf evolution. Which raises the question of when this evolution is supposed to happen, because again, Elves ain't supposed to die while the world's still standing. Putting those two together, I'm thinking that whatever happens After The End is going to include a process something like what dead Elves go through. Some sort of judgement-therapy, followed by brand-new squeaky-clean innocence. I have no idea if this is anything near what the author intended, or even if Fiondil's muse has brought up the topic in the first place; I could be wildly off-base. But it seems a reasonable conclusion to me. A reason for those scaredy-Elves to have some estel that it won't end in a big nothing (I mean, if they somehow had access to the text of Elf Interrupted; obviously the general population has no idea of the private conversations of some Valar several Ages ago). Have a good weekend! I'm learning to cook, so maybe I'll send up a pan of garlic-lemon salmon to the weekly Cliff House party. Yours, Sasha Author Reply: Hi Sasha. Interesting enough, one of my betas and I are having a similar discussion about the reason(s) behind the lost of estel among the younger generations of Elves in Aman and what might be done about it to offset it and that, of course, ties in with their ultimate fate and how they view it. Tolkien's only nod to evolution is that, according to him, in the third age of the Elves' existence, the ellyn (male Elves) are capable of growing a beard, yet the only one who is shown doing so is Círdan, though I also have Ingwë bearded. And there is the idea of the Elves eventually fading and that this is supposed to be a natural progression, though the idea of them being bodiless is apparently repugnant to the Elves themselves. At any rate, I hope to explore this theme a bit more in Elf Academy 4. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject. It's much appreciated.

6336	Reviewed Chapter: 62 on 8/1/2014
It's as if the Elves in Valinor, the younger generations at least are in mourning for them selves. Why bother, the Dagor Dagorath is coming so why bother to live, really live that is. They need a very firm, swift kick in the butt. Maybe if the older generations started adding to their families again, things would change. Just a thought. It is so sad to see their society stagnating the way is has. The Valier need to start inspiring a few Ellith to want Elflings! So the brothers Ap-Howel have met Namo/Nate and learned a few truths about them selves and their family. I wonder what their parents reaction will be to the history book. I do like their Mam's reaction to the end of the world is, can you hold off for a while, I just want to read the HEA! Nice and cool this morning, it is only 70% at 7.38 a.m.! Huggs, Lynda Author Reply: That sounds about right, Lynda, as far as the younger generation of Elves in Valinor are concerned. And it's a situation that does need to be addressed if they hope to succeed in the Dagor Dagorath. It may be foretold that they will prevail against Morgoth, but nothing is absolutely assured. And the ap Howel brothers met Námo years earlier in Fairbanks, but this is the first time they've met him as Nate. We'll be meeting their parents later in the story when they come for the wedding and you can judge for yourself what kind of people they are. Thanks for reviewing. Stay cool. Hugs back.

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