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Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within  by Fiondil 14 Review(s)
FV_WhisperReviewed Chapter: 104 on 1/7/2015
That was some mic stalking between Elrond, Celebrían and Elladan. It seems the first two are all ready for staying now, although they'll have some adjusting to do.

I wondered if Glorfindel's name was a version of Gilgamesh and indeed it was. I used to have a teacher who thought Gilgamesh was the perfect name for a cat lol!

It's fun to see how Ingwë has a healthy interest in modern day politics

Quite some dark themes are going on with Alex. He's a mess and he knows it. But he doesn't realize the heroics of his actions yet, nor what little Sergei calling him Uncle Gordy should tell him about it.

Author Reply: Hi FV_Whisper. Gilgamesh is a cool name. I can see naming a cat that.

As High King, Ingwë needs to be politically aware and astute, so it's only natural for him to be curious about our political system.

And yes, some very dark themes going on with Alex. Hopefully, with Ron's help, he'll begin to see just how heroic his actions were where little Sergei is concerned.

Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.

obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 104 on 1/2/2015
Shudder! Poor Alex, what memories to live with. No wonder he snaps every once in a while. But Vorondur is right. The fact that the boy looks to him as a trusted uncle must show Alex that he did something right in all this mess. I don't think there would have been a peaceful non-violent way out of this situation.
I admire Derek. Having such a volatile roommate can be hazardous to your health. Alex can't have a better friend.

Author Reply: Hi obsidianj. You're right that there wouldn't have been a peaceful, nonviolent way out of the situation and Vorondur rightly points out that Sergei sees Alex as family, so he obviously did something right.

There are depths to Derek that we have yet to see, I think, and he is the perfect friend for Alex.

Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.

KevanaReviewed Chapter: 104 on 12/29/2014
Deeply disturbing, as you warn it would be. It's no surprise Alex has struggled with memories and flashbacks of that awful experience; I doubt anyone could possibly come through that unscathed. Trauma involving children is always the worst. At least the youngster was able to escape with his help... proof that some good can come of evil situations. Perhaps Alex will even be able to grasp that more fully for himself, in time, and separate the good from the bad.

Derek's a special guy, though, and a good friend/adopted brother to take busted ribs in stride like that.

On some of the lighter aspects of this chapter:

Oooh, I'd love to pick Ingwë's brain about governmental theory – or Elladan's for that matter. Having lived through so many regime changes, he probably has some unique insights. Although you could say the same about any of the Elves, about anything, really!

Will the Twins and Serindë be moving out of the story for EA 4, or so I would guess? Or are we going to get to see them in medical school?

Am I understanding correctly that the Elves from Valinor don't have coffee? The poor things! Get them to a Starbucks asap!

Ugh, wish I could get to a Starbucks asap, there's not one in my town and I have a holiday hangover. :P

-Kevana

Author Reply: Very disturbing, yes, but, as you point out, some good came from it with Sergei's rescue. I'm sure with Ron's help Alex will see this eventually.

The Twins and Serindë will be in EA 4 though perhaps not as much as people would like. Still, I won't be leaving them out completely.

Sorry for your holiday hangover and you still have one more holiday to get through *grin*. Maybe Dunkin' Donuts coffee (if you have one) will help.

Thanks for reviewing, Kevana. I appreciate it.

LaerReviewed Chapter: 104 on 12/27/2014
No calm before the storm for Ron this week. But he is helping a lot of beings.

The wedding is gong to be coming up soon and everyone will be happy...for a little bit any way. Before they become nostalgic and Ron has to do his magic once more. ;)

Poor Alex, he did right in killing the guy (IMHO)....but wow a memory to have to live with. :(

Author Reply: Yes, Ron is pretty busy right now, but he's in his element so he doesn't mind.

And poor Alex indeed. Hopefully Ron's 'magic' has helped. :)

Thanks for reviewing, Laer. I appreciate it very much.

SunnyReviewed Chapter: 104 on 12/26/2014
Oh those weird human names. I guess Elrond and Celebrían will just have to get used to them. Of course, I guess some Elf names can be ... interesting as well. Certainly Feral pig-sticker of Stone has a certain ring to it. (I know, they aren't Tolkien's Elves. But they are great fun! (Wen Spencer's Tinker books, fwiw. Think of Tinker as a female version of Fëanor - only fun, but more destructive as well. She carries her nickname Godzilla of Pittsburgh with panache!) (Yes, that's what I'm reading (or rereading) this Christmas))
https://www.facebook.com/wen.spencer/posts/740557509368546?_fb_noscript=1
https://www.facebook.com/wen.spencer/posts/740558959368401

Alex is amking things interesting again. So he's ahead of schedule - again - with his episode. And I definitely liked Vorondur's way of explaining Ale' reactions. “Your feelings of being sickened and aroused at the same time are normal physical reactions, very similar to when one is in a combat situation, especially when one is fighting with swords. There is a sick exaltation that accompanies the act of slaying your enemies before you." Sounds like he's been there and done that,and that there's quite a stack of t-shirts in his wardrobe.



Author Reply: Hi Sunny. Alex always makes things interesting. I'm glad you liked the way Vorondur handled it and the way he explained Alex's reactions to what was going on at the time. And yeah, he's definitely been there, done that, and bought all the T-shirts.

Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Enjoy your (other) reading *grin*

VanimeReviewed Chapter: 104 on 12/26/2014
You have quite the skill with weaving the storylines of so many in this part of EA. I wonder how you manage it! :)

I love that Ron's sons are staying, and that Elrond and Celebrian are staying as well...Would that Galadriel and Celeborn could stay also, and Ingwe, him too -

I hope that Alex gets to met Elrond and Celebrian soon, as he is Estel and Arwen's descendant right? Maybe even Elrond can provide healing for him, and I think it would be good for them to bond. I am surprised at Ingwe's reaction to Alex having an episode, and his concern for him; is it because he is a descendant to Ingwe somehow? Trying to remember the family trees here and really struggling - as you said, the family trees are all interwoven with one another and it is easy to get confused.

I know that Elladan and Elrohir and Serinde are used to NYC, as they have had time to acclimate to all of Arda as it is now...can you imagine the shock of Elrond and Celebrian in such a large city? :D

I can see Elrond fulfilling a role at EA, by being a teacher and a healer. Squeeling here at that thought..I want to be in EA myself! LOL Elrond has always been my favorite. :D

Anyway, thank you for the ride thus far. Looking forward to more, which you seem to be cranking out fairly steadily....<3

EruherdirielReviewed Chapter: 104 on 12/26/2014
"Firebrand Offspring"? There really couldn't be a much more appropriate name for Glorfindel.
~Eruherdiriel

Author Reply: I thought it fit him quite well. *grin* Thanks, Eruherdiriel.

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 104 on 12/26/2014
Mmmm, warm spiced wine. It's one of our Christmas traditions, and for some reason this year it was especially delicious.

Still wondering why Derek was worried about Alex well before this brainstorm happened. Will we find out what was setting him off?

Author Reply: Hi Lindelea. Mulled wine was always a favorite of mine, though my meds no longer allow me to indulge. I doubt we'll ever know what was worrying Derek about Alex. I'm afraid this episode has overshadowed whatever was bothering Alex previously, though perhaps this episode has brought things to the fore sooner rather than later. It could simply have been an attitude thing with Alex or the fact that being an adrenaline junkie he was wishing for a fix.

At any rate, thanks for reading and reviewing. It's appreciated.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 104 on 12/26/2014
Ah, I was wondering if that was a form of Gilgamesh's name, and I was obviously right! Had a hamster named Nabu once, Nabu being my favorite from the Babylonian pantheon.

I can see what Alex snapped this time, but dealing with a sordid past will definitely not be done overnight.

Author Reply: That's true, Larner. It will take time and patience for Alex to get through all the baggage of his past, but luckily he has Vorondur to help him.

The Sumerian/Babylonian pantheon is quite interesting and quite different from the Greco-Roman one.

Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

rikkiReviewed Chapter: 104 on 12/26/2014
Your chapter titles are usually very descriptive of what is happening and when I read today's title I was worrying over what had happened. The chapter, while it was darker than most, did have some glimmers of light in them. I liked the way you tempered the good with the bad.

Yah! It looks like Elrond and Celebrian will be staying. Though they will have a lot of catching up and adapting to do, the twin's parents will be happiest with their sons. It must be very hard to see one's children and realize that they have been through a dark time and one could do nothing to ease their pain. Celebrian and Elrond will never know all that Elladan and Elrohir have been through, but the future is looking bright. Maybe Elladan will find a mate in New York?

Poor Alex, it seems like he can't catch a break. I feel sad that he thinks himself a monster even though, as Ron says he has done evil in order to combat greater evil. I hope that if he can ever forgive himself, Alex will find a measure of peace in his life. His talks with Ron are certainly helping and perhaps if he talks with Ingwe, he will see that others do care for him and accept him without judging.

When is the wedding? I can't wait to see everyone in their finest and celebrating a wonderful day. I'm sure you will write a lot of laughter as well as tears of happiness.

Have a good weekend. I am in the mountains of home again with family enjoying the holiday though I am stuck with a tablet instead of a laptop. No internet at the house. But I will be here Monday for the next chapter.

Author Reply: Hi Rikki. I do try to balance the dark with the light if at all possible. Even in our darkest hours we are usually capable of humor, even if it's gallows humor.

Elrond and Celebrían do have a lot of catching up and adapting to do, but I think they will do okay.

Alex is in a bad place right now but he's surrounded by people who genuinely care for him and wish him only well. I'm sure he'll make it and be the stronger for it.

The wedding is soon, I promise, but there are a few other things that have to happen before we get to it, including the highly anticipated tour (next week) and the dinner party with the ap Hywels, Galadriel and Celeborn and Alex and Derek.

Have a good weekend yourself. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.

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