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Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within by Fiondil	18 Review(s)
Shemyaza	Reviewed Chapter: 102 on 12/21/2014
Interesting and I personally found very disturbing and distressing chapter. I imagine that in a real and similar situation stern questions would be asked, because I certanly couldn't see Celeborn OR Galadriel letting it past that their grand sons were party to a massacre of innocents, because 'down to the very last child born yesterday' does rather infer that the three of them set out to commit amassacre. I can't see Elrond or his wife being sanguine about it either, especially given that Elrond was partly mortal. It's also badly out of character fir Glorfindel and therefore even more shocking. Have you ever seen a massacre of men, women and children? I have. I helped clear away the bodies at Mutla Ridge in Iraq. Perhaps I should say, body parts, because that's what they looked like. Pieces of meat, not even human and that bald statement took me right back to seeing those bodies. I don't really drink, but for a day after I couldn't bring myself to be sober. Every time I closed my eyes all I saw was that, all I smelled was that. I was also involved in a firefight in a village just over the border of Saudi and I can still see, over twenty years on, the empty eyes of the three men I shot at pointblank range. I didn't snap. So why would sneobe like Glorfindel and the twins snap and invoke the 'wrath of the Eldar'? To all intents and purposes once the War of the Ring was over, the elves were meant to leave the shores of middle earth and seek healing. So why didn't Glorfindel and the twins do that? Daeron suffered at the hands of humans. So have many other humans suffered at the hands of their fellow man, but what should make us and the eldar rise above petty and vicious revenge is the fact that not all humans would seek that type of revenge. Most of us wouldn't stoop to those levels. I didn't seek to wreak vengeance ove the US troops who smart bombed the road from Basra, killing only a few fleeing Iraqi National Guard, but annihilating every other innocent family travelling on that road. I felt sickened and traumatised, but the only person That suffered from MY PTSD was me. PTSD doesn't make you vengeful, it makes you wary, hypervigilant and over-protective. I also find it very hard to believe that the Valar or Eru would have countenanced such a thing as the massacre of children. So I wonder where you are going with this story tack because right now Glorfindel seems to have gone from someone, bright eyed, fair with wisdon on his face to literally a vicious yob and if he is there to help humans to prepare for the end days he certainly doesn't seem to have the welfare of humans at heart. If push came to shove and he had to either protect his own or a human, which would he choos? Speaking as a former professional soldier I definitely wouldn't want him watching my back. Peopke with horrendous PTSD are rarely vengeful, usually we are actually quite sad and introspective. Usually the condition manifests itself according to the personalit of the oerson affected. If you are a violent person without scruples then you react that way, only magnified. If you are at heart a calm rational person who values peace and life as I imagbe Glorfibdel and the rwins to be at heart, the last thing you woukd do is add to your already vicious and disressing nightmares by slaughtering children. I think perhaps it might be an idea to put a warning before chapters that hold such notions as massacres so that your readers can avoid unnecessary distress. For myself I certainly would avoid them. Just tiny things trigger off my PTSD. A song, a smell, reading about certain things, a movie. I can now deal with them after many years counselling but that doesn't mean that they dont upset me. Author Reply: Hi Shemyaza. I am sorry this chapter was so disturbing for you and it was certainly not my intent to upset anyone. You say you find it hard to believe that The Valar or Eru would countenance such a thing, and, of course, they do not, but they didn't interfere when the Fëanoreans attacked Doriath or the Havens of Sirion. They didn't stop Maedhros from abandoning Dior's sons in the forest, too young to properly care for themselves so they could well have been taken by wild animals or simply wandered off and starved to death. And I'm not going anywhere with this. This was a past event, well before recorded human history and neither Glorfindel, the Twins nor Daeron will ever really talk about it nor is it brought up in conversation later in the story. If Celeborn and/or Galadriel asks questions about it, it is done "off-stage", as it were. It's unfortunate that it happened, I won't argue with that, and we would love to think that someone like Glorfindel would never stoop so low, but apparently whatever state they found Daeron to be in was too much even for him. I know they regretted what they did afterwards but they have had thousands of years to come to terms with it. And we have plenty of examples among humans throughout history who have committed terrible deeds who later dedicated their lives to doing good in restitution. I have no doubt Glorfindel and the Twins worked very hard to rededicate themselves to protecting mortals, else I doubt they Valar would have brought them to Wiseman to prepare for the Dagor Dagorath. Hopefully, you will continue reading this series (you wouldn't want to miss the wedding, after all), but if not, I understand why you won't. Thanks for taking the time to express your views on the matter.

Rebecca Ashling	Reviewed Chapter: 102 on 12/20/2014
I wonder why Turgon was such a difficult Reborn? How was it that his fëa was so injured? It will be interesting to find out why. Now re the massacre perpetrated by Glorfindel and the Twins. That is so... unlike Glorfindel. It seems very much out of character for him plus there is also a hint that he, and the twins, used torture as a means of vengeance. What state had they gotten themselves into before finding Daeron? People do indeed snap but this seems like a psychotic breakdown to me. Once Celeborn and Galadriel get over their shock, I feel certain they will ask Glorfindel some pointed questions. Something seems off here. Author Reply: Hi Rebecca. The whole Turgon thing will be addressed later on. As Glorfindel says, he and Turgon had a falling out just before the end and they never really resolved the issue. This apparently carried over even after death for Turgon. Now that he and Glorfindel have met again, they should be able to resolve matters between them. As for the massacre, Glorfindel never mentions torture and I doubt they used it. Just their anger would be enough to send some mortals over the edge, I suspect. I do not know any of the details myself, only what Glorfindel tells Celeborn, but this took place in a prehistoric age, probably during the tail end of the last ice age. It was a brutal time in more ways than one. I have no doubt that they regretted what they did afterwards, but the Fëanoreans were no different when they attacked Doriath and the Havens of Sirion. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's appreciated.

Kevana	Reviewed Chapter: 102 on 12/20/2014
Ah, thanks for the clarification! I was wondering. I did have in mind a number of the other bloody events Elves were involved in, and similar events from history- some of it recent - so I could see it happening, regardless of how I feel about it. The entire affair is really sad. I'm rather thankful that they refused to tell Celeborn! Author Reply: I glad you see it that way, Kevana. Some people will probably not. I don't say I approve of what they did, because I don't. I have no doubt they regretted what they did afterwards and it probably took them a long time to forgive themselves.

obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 102 on 12/20/2014
The title of this chapter sounds very light and comforting to me until I read the chapter. Revelations in the library would have been more like it ;-). Turgon's behavior makes more sense now and Glorfindel really has to deal with him. I don't think Turgon will find healing and will grow to maturity with all this unresolved history. I hadn't expected Celeborn to be so pushy, but from the little Daeron revealed his experiences must have been horrific. I just hope Glorfindel didn't mean that they literally murdered infants in revenge. Although, I think he and the twins are capable of doing it. Luckily, Vorondur is there to help and it is a great sign of trust and already healing that Daeron is able to have Vorondur help him. Author Reply: Hi obsidianj. You'll have to read my responses to Sasha and Kevana's second review to get the answer as to whether Glorfindel and the Twins actually killed the children in revenge. As Glorfindel tells Celeborn, if he knew the full truth of what happened he would want to kill the first Mortal he met even if that person had nothing to do with what happened. And Vorondur is very good at what he does and Daeron is in good hands and knows it. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Kevana	Reviewed Chapter: 102 on 12/19/2014
Sasha - Yikes, when I first read that part, I thought Glorfindel was just saying that as a dramatic example to explain that they were very thorough in hunting down the actual culprits. I didn't think he meant they literally killed babies. Now you have me wondering. It's a deeply sad and disturbing thought, especially as much as Elves love children. Since we don't know the full story (and no idea if we ever will) it's a hard thing to even begin to guess at. Reminds me of several real stories from history, though. Author Reply: Hi Kevana. You'll have to read my reply to Sasha as I don't wish to repeat myself, but no, this was not Glorfindel being overly dramatic but brutally honest as to what they did and why. And they probably did the children a kindness in killing them because if all the adults were dead the children would not long survive anyway, not in that very primitive age. Sorry to tarnish everyone's view of the Elves as always noble and good and all, but we know that is unrealistic. One only has to read the Silmarillion to see that.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 102 on 12/19/2014
Obviously not good memories for Daeron. I admit curiosity as well, but will grant the fellow his privacy. Alas for what we have done to one another! Author Reply: No, not good memories for him at all, Larner. I am glad you are willing to grant the poor ellon his privacy. Some things are just not for public consumption. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

rikki	Reviewed Chapter: 102 on 12/19/2014
This is a thought provoking chapter like a lot of this story has been. First, Tristan and Iseult, though they are your creations are very real in how you have written them dealing with Celeborn and Galandriel. I can imagine that the marriage contract between the two families is going to be complex and probably requiring a lot of negotiation. Then the interaction between Glorfindel and Galandriel is another instance where I had to stop and think that though we don't have a canon relationship written by Tolkien, they must have had quite a few meetings and dealings during the ages, especially after Elrond and Celebrian wed. Considering their beginnings in Aman, the interactions had to be more of old acquaintances and meetings of the same minds when dealing with the two enclaves of Elves. My final thought was how strong Ron must be. He hears all sorts of stories involving horror and heart-rending situations but he has the patience to listen and provide counseling to his patients. Though I wonder who hears his revelations when he needs to vent. Being there for Daeron is very important if Glorfindel and the twins eliminated the mortals holding Daeron down to the smallest infants. It must have been truly horrific. And I have a feeling Glorfindel is going to want to vent on Elu for having Celeborn questioning Daeron about his experiences. I hope that you have all your presents wrapped and decorations up if you celebrate the Christmas holiday. The last weekend before Christmas and our town is like a zoo with people rushing around trying to do their last minute shopping. After today, I plan to stay at home unless it is an emergency. Have a great weekend and I will be here Monday for the next chapter. Author Reply: Hi Rikki. I'm glad you found Tristan and Iseult very real in how I've written them. And it only makes sense that Galadriel and Glorfindel would have had some kind of relationship especially once Elrond married Celebrían and had the Twins and Arwen. Ron is very strong. He has to be. I imagine his wife, Holly, is the one to whom he goes to when he needs to vent. That is, after all, what spouses are for. I haven't even begun my Christmas shopping, though I have to do some this weekend. I'm going to wait until after Christmas to do the bulk of it. It'll be saner then and less hectic. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.

FV_Whisper	Reviewed Chapter: 102 on 12/19/2014
Looks like Finrod and Amarië are in for a tour of Finrod's bedroom. Lovebirds! It's nice to see some private talk between Glorfindel and Galadriel and she calling him hanno was a nice touch. Turgon really took away Glorfindel's status as 'most troublesome Reborn' with his behavior. It's interesting how he needed Eärendil to actually mature up himself again. Good thing by that time Eärendil had gained enough experience dealing with Reborn from Glorfindel. Things must have been bad with Turgon if Arafinwë had to order all those Death Sworn to leave Tirion, that's not a decision to take lightly, many must have left half their lives behind for that! Yes, there's going to be some long talking between Glorfindel and Turgon to make up for everything that has been hunting and standing between them since Gondolin's fall, but I think after that, things will be better. Celeborn is quite pushing things here, first with the ap Hywels, next with Daeron. He's obviously concerned about Daeron, but could have never guessed how much Daeron must have suffered and how deeply his trauma went. I feel sorry for Daeron here, one moment he's happily remembering a young Celeborn, a moment later the later is reminding him of his darkest hours. Whatever the Mortal's did to Daeron, it must have been something truly terrifying to justify the murder of a whole group of Mortal's to the youngest babe. I think it's quite saying something of Daeron he's giving in to himself and willing to let Ron come over. Glorfindel did a nice job of putting Celeborn on his place about Ron. Melyanna was sweet for Daeron here and I'm sure Ron will help make him feel better. Author Reply: Hi FV_Whisper. Turgon certainly gave everyone a run for their money with his antics. At least by the time he was released from Lórien, Arafinwë and others were long used to dealing with Reborn and knew what to do to help him. Hopefully, he and Glorfindel will come to some understanding now they have met again. Daeron is in a bad place right now, but Vorondur is there to help him and he has a staunch ally in Glorfindel. I'm sure Melyanna will be very helpful for him as well. And Celeborn will just have to accept that some things he will never know. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 102 on 12/19/2014
"Conversations" is such a quiet, tame word for all that goes on in this chapter. Alas, poor Daeron. While I am curious as to the back-story -- will it ever be written, I wonder? -- I shudder at the implications, knowing mankind's history and tendencies. Had the locals discovered his longevity, I wonder, and were they perhaps trying to use him or his blood to gain immortality themselves (though of course it wouldn't work that way... still, I can see an evil Shaman persuading his chieftain that he knew how these things worked...)? Glorfindel's and the Twins' rescue, and the consequences they dealt out to the Minstrel's captors sound like something out of the conquest of Canaan, with scorched-earth proportions. Pardon me, the teens of my acquaintance are lately deep in discussion of vampires (while they lampoon Twilight and that ilk, they are also speculating on how such a story might have been written, in a way that might make it plausible), and it colours my thinking at present. Love the easy conversation between Loren and Galadriel. And now I find myself speculating on the legalities of swearing one's life to another... does the vow cease upon one's death (after all, it is death!) or does re-Embodiment continue the commitment? Is it to death, or is it to the world's ending? Author Reply: Hi Lindelea. In my "Elf, Interrupted" series, it is specifically stated that even death does not negate the Life Oath, which makes sense, since eventually both parties, if they have died, will eventually be re-embodied. That is why everyone, especially the Amanians, feel the oath is too dangerous and should never have been created. As for Daeron's situation, yes it does sound like a scorched-earth policy on the part of Glorfindel and the Twins for what was done to Daeron. And we have instances in the recent past of people believing that bathing in the blood of virgins would keep them young and immortal, so your scenario is certainly plausible. I'm glad you liked the easy conversation between Loren and Galadriel. While in canon they never meet, certainly in reality they would have done so and built a relationship of some sort over the centuries. That only makes sense. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.

SashaHoneypalm	Reviewed Chapter: 102 on 12/19/2014
>“We’ve all suffered at the hands of Mortals, Celeborn,” Glorfindel retorted, his voice and his expression absolutely frigid, “and to answer your next question, by the time I finished with the Mortals who had Daeron, they were either dead or insane, and those who were insane died soon enough. They’re all dead, Celeborn, have been dead for thousands of years and their descendants do not walk this earth because I and the Twins made sure of every last one of them down to the child born yesterday.” < Wait, WHAT? What. I'm not understanding this right, tight? You're not saying your heroes murdered babies once, just because they belonged to the wrong village? Or that genocide is something that can be glossed over because it happened in the past? Please tell me I'm misunderstanding what he's saying here. Tell me I'm an idiot for even thinking Glorfindel and the Els would commit atrocities like that. I'm okay with being an idiot, I misunderstand a lot of things. Author Reply: Sorry, Sasha, but I'm afraid that Glorfindel was not speaking in hyperbole. He and Finrod have repeatedly warned the Mortals around them that the wrath of the Eldar is a terrible thing to behold and they should pray very hard that they never see it. And here is why. Whatever happened to Daeron was enough to send Glorfindel and the Twins into a frenzy of revenge against the Mortals who held Daeron prisoner. In effect, they snapped. It happens even to the best of us and they were provoked into doing what they did by the circumstances that they found. We may be appalled by such actions, but we can't really blame them. Humans have done things just as bad if not worse.

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