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Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within by Fiondil	13 Review(s)
Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 86 on 11/17/2014
Good to see that Aldarion is coming around about Legolas' chosen profession. Hm, I can see why Glorfindel finds it so difficult to let others handle responsibility after everything that happened. But he needs to let go a bit, or he'll work himself into the ground. Even an Elf has a limit how much work and stress they can deal with, and his short fuse is indicator enough that he's toeing the line already. Good idea to bring Legolas' decision up in the class again. Some need to talk it through and understand that they have no reason to expect that he's going to do what they think he should do. And discussing Glorfindel's problem might help the others to see where they could be useful - sometimes I wonder how much of the whole problem is that they don't know what to do with themselves. Sunny really did beat the Elves with their own weapons, so to speak. To bring up the situation in Gondolin was a stroke of genius. And Max did very well, too, making Legolas aware of possible resentments. In any case, interesting insight into the anger management classes. Author Reply: Hi Kitty. Glorfindel's problems will be addressed more closely in EA4, but at the moment, he does need to others handle things for him. He doesn't need to do it all. I'm sure you're right that half the problems the Elves face is that they don't know what to do with themselves and they're still finding their way. One has to remember that, time-wise, only about 4 months have passed for these people. That's not a whole lot of time for them to get settled, but they'll get there eventually. And I think both Sunny and Max show them that Mortals aren't as clueless as the Elves might think. They're both very good at what they do. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Kevana	Reviewed Chapter: 86 on 10/27/2014
Pass or fail grading, Michaelson is a tough teacher! I'm sure Legolas can handle it though. It's good he'll be learning modern weapons, the first of the returned Elves to do so if I'm not mistaken. He might be the very best at teaching the others as well, and maybe can introduce them to the concept of Kevlar vests/body armor too. I am so grateful for this chapter because I had honestly been wondering why on earth the others were so dreadfully upset about Legolas doing his own thing. Like, it's his life, he doesn't have to answer to the other Elves (or I guess he does to Glorfindel and/or Finrod, but not the others). The glimpse into the anger management classes helped me understand where Aldarion and Haldir and the others were coming from. It seems more like general hurt feelings and miscommunication than anything else, if I'm reading it right. That'll always trip you up, won't it! It kind of seems like the Ranger-Elves might be feeling the need to band together and protect each other, I hope they don't turn their Rangering into an excuse to run away to the woods and separate from society aside from hikers and such. Poor Glorfindel, panic attacks are bad enough without having to worry about having an out-of-body experience if one happens. Heh, Sunny, you've done your homework. Nice going. I can just see Mithlas getting swarmed with little ones and looking all confused! That's too precious! Very insightful chapter and helped me understand a little better. -Kevana Author Reply: Hi Kevana. Michaelson is going out on a limb for Legolas so his "100% pass or you're out" is his way of protecting himself, but, as you say, Legolas can handle it. I'm glad this chapter cleared some things about the motives of some of the Elves ad why they were upset with Legolas. And it is mostly hurt feelings and miscommunication and assumptions without a real basis in fact, but at least the air has been cleared and they can all move on. The image of Mithlas being swarmed by little ones asking the type of embarrassing questions only they can ask with a straight face is indeed too precious. Poor ellon! LOL! Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.

sue cooke	Reviewed Chapter: 86 on 10/26/2014
Once again, I'm riveted. Have you thought about writing some side stories about the various Wiseman Elves and their adventures through history? Author Reply: Hello Sue Cooke. I know a number of other readers have asked for such stories. They would involve a great deal of historical research, which takes time to do correctly, so it's not something I've planned on doing, but I try never to say never, which, as Manwë or Námo would say, is a long time even for the Valar. So, in the meantime, I include tidbits of their histories to give historical depth to this story and I'm afraid you'll have to be content with them for the nonce. At any rate, I'm so glad you are riveted to the story. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I really appreciate it.

obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 86 on 10/25/2014
The anger management classes were interesting. Each group had a different angle on Legolas' actions. I liked Sunny's history lesson. The elves should have known better. That only shows how much out of their depths they still feel. Author Reply: You're right that the elves or at least some of them should have known better, but as you say, obsidianj, they are very much out of their depths and not thinking straight. Luckily, Vorondur, Max and Sunny were able to set them all straight. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.

Laer	Reviewed Chapter: 86 on 10/25/2014
Glad Sunny knows her history. Keeps some over inflated egos in check ;) I don't think the First Born means to disregard us like that. I think they still think of us mortals as people who needed them to help us wipe our noses. I also think the Valinor elves need to take a step back and truly look at what is going on around them. I think they will be surprised at how much we have changed...and yet at the same time. we still needs help in wiping our noses Glad they "ranger" gang is no longer upset with Prince Legolas. Author Reply: Hi Laer. Sunny knows her job, that's for sure, and certainly did her homework. I'm sure the Firstborn don't mean to disregard us in that fashion, but there is a superiority thing going on with them, especially with those recently from Valinor. It's easy enough for them to fall into it because those who once lived in Middle-earth have only the memories of earlier Men to rely on and we modern-day humans aren't like our ancestors who were probably more in awe of the Elves than the people of Wiseman are. Eventually, though, I think they'll get a clue and treat us as we deserve. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Kaylee Arafinwiel	Reviewed Chapter: 86 on 10/24/2014
Atya, This chapter was wonderful! I especially loved the discussion about how the Ranger-aspiring elves thought Prince Legolas would lead them, and didn't bother to ask, and Haldir going 'soft in the head' - imagine what Celeborn would say, especially how evil that one can get with him remembers Dinner With Namo and Vaire and snickers Oooh, and Gondolin Legolas getting smacked down "you don't think a Mortal is good enough to lead you? What about Tuor??" Hahahaha...grin Yeah, really, what ABOUT Tuor?? smirks Sunny doesn't pull her punches, does she? Yes, Legolas, do try to keep your head down and behave - but that's from your lips to the Valar's - and Atto Fiondil's - ears, my friends. I suspect things will just get more...cough interesting for our Thranduilion from here on out... Now, where IS Glorfi's ring? And I still wonder about the Great Elven Politics Mess-Up and where it will take Wiseman... Longing to see how the SCA plays out!! Tye-melin tenn'Ambar-metta, Atya! Kaylee Author Reply: Hi Kaylee. Celeborn would certainly take Haldir to task for making assumptions the way he has. Luckily, he's not there, so Haldir's safe. grin But it has to be embarrassing to be called out by a mere mortal. And Sunny was right to smack down Gondolin Legolas and the others for their wrong thinking. One really has to ask if Turgon just put Tuor in the House of the Wing because he had to put him somewhere or if Tuor legitimately earned the right to lead the House and its people. I think the latter, so it stands to reason that elves are as capable of following a mortal as mortals are following an elf. Glorfindel's ring will eventually turn up and we'll see what results from the Great Elven Politics Mess-Up later as well as the SCA, though we probably won't see much of that until EA4. Thanks for reviewing, Kaylee. Tye-melin.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 86 on 10/24/2014
I liked this chapter. I'd hoped we'd see one of these sessions when they were first begun, but then thought that it wasn't going to happen with all the other exciting things going on. And now we get to see all these different sessions. I was not surprised at the reactions of the Elves who'd hoped Legolas would join them as Rangers: it had never occurred to any of them that they'd have to follow the structures and rules of the mortal organization, nor that it meant they'd have to ultimately answer to a mortal. Legolas had. It's one of the advantages he has over most of the Elves from his previous experiences. He deliberately placed himself under the authority of Aragorn, both in the Fellowship and later on in Gondor when Aragorn became King. He did not have to do so--he was, after all, a high-ranking noble of another realm altogether. He chose to do that because it was the wisest course of action, and he sublimated his own authority because of that. Few other Elves have ever done this, and none, I think to the extent that Legolas did. He learned to appreciate the strengths and natural abilities of many kinds of mortals. (In fact, it has just occurred to me, he's the only Elf in a position to have done that with every single race of the Free Folk: Men, Dwarves, Hobbits and Ents! Wow, thanks for giving me that bit of food for thought!) If he had not been attracted to police work, he might indeed have joined the Rangers. But he would not have taken authority over his fellow Elves who joined, but would have insisted instead that they place themselves under the rightful authority of Paul (who after all, is the one legally in charge and the one who knows how things are properly done). I think both Max and Daeron made some good points about how others are going to perceive things, and not only Legolas and his success with the police, but what any of the Elves will face as they begin to make their way in the modern Mortal world. There will be those who will accept them as people and friends. There will be those who are in awe of their abilities, and may put them on rather uncomfortable pedestals. There will be those who are jealous of their "uncanny" abilities and will resent them. And then there are those who hate them on principal just because they are "other". They've encountered the first and the last, but as they mingle more, they'll see more of the awe or the resentment. Anyway, great chapter! Author Reply: Hi Dreamflower. I purposely did not show anything of these anger management classes except in mention because I didn't want to get too bogged down with them, but I felt it necessary to show one such session after Legolas joined the police force because I knew there were issues about that that needed to be addressed. Legolas is indeed unique in his relationship with the other races of the Free People, and when you stop and think about it, he must have also had dealings with the former enemies of Gondor after the Ring War, perhaps even acting as Aragorn's emissary on occasion. He may well have developed friendships with the odd Haradi or Khandian. At any rate, you're right that had he joined with the rangers he would have insisted that the other ranger-elves place themselves under the rightful authority of Paul and the other senior mortal rangers and he wouldn't have thought it strange or unnatural to do so. And something of this will be addressed in the next chapter. We will also see how Legolas takes to heart what both Daeron and Max said about being careful not to cause too much resentment among his fellow officers in the next chapter as well. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 86 on 10/24/2014
Good awareness for Legolas to keep in mind as he deals with many likely to find him intimidating and horning in on their territory, as they see it. Author Reply: Good awareness for them all as they interact more with the Mortals. They must all be careful not to be stepping on toes. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.

Eruherdiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 86 on 10/24/2014
This was a cool chapter. I really enjoyed seeing everyone's POVs. Mithlas is going to have to deal with questions from children. They are always curious. ~Eruherdiriel Author Reply: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, Eruherdiriel. I'm sure Mithlas will get a clue about dealing with children. There haven't been elflings for so long, he's forgotten just how curious and unself-conscious the little tykes are. grin Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Sunny	Reviewed Chapter: 86 on 10/24/2014
Lots of good advice all around here. I particularly liked the way Sunny put those wannabe rangers on the spot and got them thinking, and made them realize that their plan (with the inherent isolation from Mortals) would not have been a good idea. Hopefuly Legolas' next shifts will be pleasantly boring. All in all a nice, quiet chapter - which probably means a new disaster is right around the corner! does a quick check of the Cliff House, tops up the stores of tea and coffee and fills the cookie tins with a fresh batch of cookies Author Reply: Hi Sunny. Sunshine is one smart cookie and knew just what to say to show the would-be rangers the flaw in their plans. As for any new disaster, I guess you'll have to wait and see. grin Thanks for commenting. I greatly appreciate it.

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