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| Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within by Fiondil | 16 Review(s) |
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| obsidianj | Reviewed Chapter: 109 on 1/17/2015 |
| What a lovely wedding reception. The poor guards, having to sit with their charges doesn't feel right to them and I can't blame them. They are probably guarding their kings for ages and are proud of their job. Now they suddenly get told that they are not needed, which will not sit well with them. In a way our society feel more safe and more dangerous at the same time. I liked Ingwe's pov. It made a very familiar ceremony new again. Author Reply: Hi obsidianj. Used to a hierarchical society, the guards just had no clue about living in a more egalitarian one. I'm sure the reception was very uncomfortable for them until they were able to do their duty and follow their respective kings when they decided to mingle. It must've been a relief and I pretty much doubt they will be sorry to be leaving. That's the reason I chose Ingwë's POV for this and the wedding, to make what is very familiar to us new again. I'm glad you enjoyed the reception. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it. | |
| Vanime | Reviewed Chapter: 109 on 1/16/2015 |
| I enjoyed this chapter very much - but why was Elrond nonplused about shaking hands? Not sure why he would be that way, as he always welcomed many to his home in Imladris... I really enjoyed Ingwe's look at things...makes me think that if he didn't have to go back to Aman/Valinor, he'd be just as happy to stay and experience things that he hasn't before... Looking forward to the next chapter and another review for you! :) Author Reply: Hi Vanime. In the culture of ancient Middle-earth, the hand shake was not a known form of greeting. The modern-day hand shake is a relatively late custom. Elves would greet others with a bow. Warriors would greet other warriors by briefly gripping each other's forearms. Even among mortals, this would have been so and family members and friends would most likely greet one another with hugs and even kisses (think of Italians or the French kissing each other's cheeks). Shaking hands would be considered by Elrond as too intimate a gesture, though we simply see it as a normal form of politeness. Even in our world there are cultures that do not utilize the hand shake as a greeting. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing this through Ingwë's eyes. I'm sure he wouldn't mind staying in Wiseman for a time, but he knows his duty and he has his own responsibilities back home. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. | |
| Rebecca Ashling | Reviewed Chapter: 109 on 1/14/2015 |
| That was a nice reception and a great idea to see it through Ingwë's eyes. I wonder what unexpected, last minute snag has necessitated this removal to Edhellond? Ah, well, I shall find out on Friday. Author Reply: Hi Rebecca. I'm glad you enjoyed the reception, especially through Ingwë's eyes, since he is not likely to understand everything that's going on. And yes, we'll find out what's going on in the next chapter. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated. | |
| Eruherdiriel | Reviewed Chapter: 109 on 1/13/2015 |
| Pretty much like most of the wedding receptions I've been too, minus the groups of teenagers eating everything in sight, even after the meal is official over. You really have a thing about ending on cliffhangers, don't you? Why did they move the reception? ~Eruherdiriel Author Reply: Hi Eruherdiriel. I'm sure there were teenagers at the reception, we just don't see them through Ingwë's eyes. I get the feeling you think I invented cliffhangers or something, but every writer uses them as a way of keeping the reader interested and wanting to know more. And we'll find out why the reception was moved in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. | |
| ReaderKit | Reviewed Chapter: 109 on 1/13/2015 |
| Ooh, fun reception. Go Alex, prank your newlywed uncle! It was interesting seeing this from one of the visitors' perspectives - good choice. His thoughts on the details we take for granted make them seem not as boring. The moon sounded really pretty, I'm jealous. Thanks for another nice chapter! Author Reply: Hi ReaderKit. I'm glad you enjoyed the reception, especially from Ingwë's POV. It does make it seem less boring. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much. | |
| Celeth | Reviewed Chapter: 109 on 1/13/2015 |
| I enjoyed reading about the wedding and the reception from the High King's POV. Its a fresh way of viewing something that's very familiar. Although I must admit, I have been thru a church ceremony and even attended several weddings of close friends and relatives, but I still get teary-eyed at some point during the ceremony or at the reception when the bride dances with her father. There's just something about weddings that brings emotions to the surface. Now, fortunately for Roy and Sarah, this was a quiet and uneventful ceremony. No upsets, no tantrums from the kids or the Reborn, and no sabotage attempts by the Enemy. I guess I shouldn't wonder, not with that contingent of Maiar who announced their presence to all and sundry. Seems almost like the calm before the storm, but I hope I am wrong there. Its very interesting reading about things from the POV of the Valinorean Elves who have never met mortals before, or those who have not seen Middle Earth for a long long time. And I loved that moment where Glorfindel danced with the little girl (but I would love it even if he is only sitting there reading a newspaper haha), and that moment where the Valar thru Tilion give their own blessing to the newlyweds. I second that, Elladan; hope there will be nephews and nieces for him to play with so he won't be too lonely now that his twin will have other priorities. Elladan sounds like a fun Uncle. And I hope one of the Royals gets to spend time with a Mortal child or two... Author Reply: Hi Celeth. The wedding went off without a hitch and the reception seems to have been good as well. We can only hope things remain calm for now, but with the election only a few days away (Wiseman-time), I doubt it will stay that way for long. At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed both the ceremony and the reception and all the details therein, especially seeing it through Ingwë's eyes. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it greatly. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 109 on 1/12/2015 |
| Personally, I am glad that the Valar sought to bless this marriage in spite of worry as to what that blessing might mean in the end. But the call sounds ominous. What kind of threat is brewing now? Author Reply: Hi Larner. I think the Valar's blessing was apropos to the circumstances. They couldn't exactly pop in and wish the happy couple well, could they? Well, actually, they could, but then Námo would be busy processing all the Mortals who would've died of fright if they had. LOL! As for what's brewing now, we'll find out soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated. | |
| Kaylee Arafinwiel | Reviewed Chapter: 109 on 1/12/2015 |
| Atya, I may have to have "Sunrise, Sunset" and "My Heart Will Go On" at my wedding, should I ever chance to meet the right person, now they came up in this. What other songs were being played? I'm especially curious about the song in a language none of the Amanian Elves understood. When I went to Danielle's wedding last summer, I requested Shania Twain's "Forever and For Always" for Danielle and Jason. I wasn't creative enough to think of "Sunrise, Sunset". LOL. I wonder why they moved the party? It doesn't sound good, whatever it is. And last but not least, the image of Roy and Sarah standing there bathed in moonlight, the blessing of Tilion and the Valar on them, really struck me and stayed with me. That was beautiful, Atya. Thank you. Tye-melin, Kaylee Author Reply: Hi Kaylee. We'll see why the party's been moved soon enough. I'm glad you enjoyed the image of Roy and Sarah standing there bathed in moonlight. I think it was a nice touch, myself. Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed the chapter. I really appreciate it. Tye-melin. | |
| FV_Whisper | Reviewed Chapter: 109 on 1/12/2015 |
| Using Ingwë's pov was a nice find to keep the reception interesting. It should be a quite interesting thing for the kings how many people at the wedding knew Quenya and Sindarin. They were clearly not expecting that. It must be weird for both The Three Kings as well as their guards to be considered of the same standard here. Something new to both and I think it will keep them thinking for a while. I thought it was somehow quite funny Ingwë's did not like the meal being served. Whatever it was, it must have been quite different from what he would have been used at a feast. Ah no speeches. I'm sure everyone was happy about that! I know I don't have the attention span for them and my mother is even worse, she thinks it's the perfect opportunity to think about what should be on the shopping list for the groceries! lol at Alex sneaky getting Sunrise, Sunset being sung first. What is the significance of the song? I take from the way it has beem mentioned/used it's a typical wedding song? lol at Ingwë's reaction of even thinking of calling for his guard when Alex was asking the bride for a dance! Sharing cake sounds better than sharing snails to me. And love this and the other mentions about the Wedding Story. So far, Elrohir and Serindë had a good deal of better luck at their wedding than Finrod and Amarië. The moonbeam was an amazing moment and a nice touch from the Valar and I think Tilion enjoyed himself in doing so as well. Well, something really is going on at the end and at least Glorfindel is not happy about it. *grin* Ingwë walking with a couple of gift boxes is a sight you don't see every day either. "Well, hopefully they would find out soon enough.' You know you're evil, don't you? ;) Author Reply: Hi FV_Whisper. The only significance to "Sunrise, Sunset" is that it's from "Fiddler on the Roof" and its sung by Tevye and Golda as the first of their daughters is getting married. Alex was just being funny about having them all sing it. I'm glad you liked the moonbeam. I'm sure Tilion got a kick out of doing it. We'll see what's up soon. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated. And of course I'm evil. I'm the author, after all. LOL! | |
| Sunny | Reviewed Chapter: 109 on 1/12/2015 |
| Heheh, the ceremony went well, yes, nobody fainted or threw up. And clearly any surpries at the reception were ones ppropriate to a joyous occasion, like Alex' request for the first song. And certainly nothing like what is described in this poem: http://www.espen.com/papers/fanitullen.html So the bodyguards got to be guests at the wedding as well. I hope they managed to relax enough that they got _some_ enjoyment from it, at least! You know, I'm rather disappointed with the kids at this wedding. So well-behaved! I would have expected at least a couple of little ones sneaking up to touch the pretty dresses or the long, shiny hair of the Valinoreans with hands well smeared with something sticky and sweet. Or perhaps crawling into somebody's lap demanding a tale - I'm sure all the Valinorean guests are carrying large, well-lit signs, visible to any little kid, saying something along the line of, "I'm a pushover and a total sucker for kids!" Well. well, well. That thing with the moonbeam, I guess it was a blessing. But was it also the Valar painting bulleye on Elrohir and Serindës backs? I hope not! And uh-oh, what has happened that caused Glorfindel to move the party to Edellond? I think I'll move into the Cliff House for the nonce! Author Reply: Hi Sunny. Sorry to be disappointed with the kids at the wedding. I suspect that their parents kept eagle eyes on them so that they wouldn't importune the royal guests even though said royal guests would probably have had a ball playing with the kiddies. And I don't think the Valar intended to paint bullseyes on Roy and Sarah's backs; they just wanted to be part of the wedding in some small way and this is how they chose to participate. As for what's happened, we'll see in the next chapter. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it. | |