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Christmas at Edhellond: An Elf Academy Tale  by Fiondil 16 Review(s)
spinsterReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/14/2014
I love the Elf Academy stories. The characterizations are very believable and charming.

Of course I had to look up Wiseman on Google and Google Earth and was disappointed to find just a small hamlet of log cabins with a population of...wait for it...21 (6 in the winter). But "street view" was there so I got a good look at the desolate landscape.

I do think you could have done some research on dawn/dusk times as well as temperatures. For instance, around Christmas, sunrise is at about 11:00 AM and sunset at about 3:00PM. Temperatures are often below zero with highs at about 8 degrees F.

Thank you for writing these great stories
Suzanne

Author Reply: Hi Suzanne. I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying this series. Yeah, my version of Wiseman is pure fantasy, imagining the area to be more developed than it is. I really just borrowed the name and location for my stories.

At the time I was writing this, I really wasn't able to find the information on dawn/dusk times and I've been meaning to go back and revise this when I had the time. As for temperatures, I live in an area of the States that sometimes is colder than Fairbanks, so I think I got the temperatures pretty much right. *grin*

At any rate, thanks for the review. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know how much you love Elf Academy and its characters.

demeter dReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/7/2014
Oh, yes, I almost forgot. "Clair Du Lune" is quite definitely Elvish! It is the kind of music which creates pictures in your head as you become lost in the sound!

Author Reply: I always thought so, which is why I had Ron playing it here.

demeter dReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/7/2014
It is July 2014 as I write this. I just finished reading Chapter 55 of EA3, and it occurred to me I never did review any of this one. Even though I did then, and continue to now, enjoy it very much. I very much liked the way Fionwe set up his challenge for Finrod. "Do you mean the gift was a donkey?" I remember THAT had me giggling all day at work. I am sure, as Finrod begins his quest, that somewhere "beyond the circles" Andreth watches him and smiles. I liked that it was Grace, the Academy Elves capable, MORTAL friend, who steered them to "Secret Santa", which will help many of the new elves get into the spirit of the season.

Author Reply: Hi demeter d. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, especially Fionwë's challenge to Finrod and Grace steering the Elves to play Secret Santa. I'm sure Andreth is watching and smiling as well. Thanks for the review. I appreciate you taking the time to leave one.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/3/2013
You mean Finrod *still* hasn't written that book about punishments after all these ages? Well, if he's bored, he should get a start on it!

Ah ... you know, one of the Maiar should look by and tell Vorondur about Freud working with the sons of Fëanor. He'd have a field day himself from that story!

Obviously not even leaving Aman gets you away from well-meaning and interfering busybodies ;) Though I am glad Fionwë came; it seems Finrod really needs something. I wonder if part of the problem is that he's got nothing particular to do and feels useless, even if he doesn't realise it? Fionwë's challenge certainly could point in the same direction, at least as one of the purposes.

Hm, yes, Finrod needs something to occupy himself with.

Never played Secret Santa myself, but it sounds like a good idea. Besides the costs, if every Elf gave a gift to every other Elf on every occasion, they soon need to enlarge the house. That's something I've been wondering about sometimes. Considering how some are so many thousand years old, how much stuff do they have lying around amassed over the millennia? Not every gift lasts a short time only, after all.


Author Reply: Hi Kitty. I'm sure Vorondur would find the news about Freud quite amusing and he might even envy him. *grin*

We'll see how Fionwë's challenge to Finrod works out and what Finrod learns while exploring the meaning of Christmas.

There are a couple of ways to play Secret Santa and it's fun when you have a large group, whether coworkers or friends and even family members. This version is one that I played with coworkers and it was fun trying to figure out clues and even making up clues about yourself without giving too much away.

Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

TariReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/12/2012
Sadly, I think many mortals have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. A Secret Santa sounds like a really good idea.

Author Reply: Yes, unfortunately many have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. And Secret Santa is always fun to play, whichever version one uses. Thanks for commenting, Tari. I appreciate it.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/11/2012
Oh, not, he's NOT depressed--just--moping! Heh! Good diversion, and I love Fionwe's orders to Finrod. He has a good deal to learn about modern life.

Author Reply: That's right, Larner. It's a matter of semantics. *grin* And Finrod does have a good deal to learn about modern life. We'll see how he copes. Thanks for reviewing. I quite appreciate it.

LaikwalâsseReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/9/2012
again a great story of you. I have only glimpsed at it but what I saw was great - as always. My job and the kiddies does not leave much time to read but I managed to start read "Elf Academy" and I like it very much. I laughed out loud yesterday at the train at Elrohir when he asked Glorfindel if he ate "Rudolph". The faces of the ohter travellers were priceless. I will drop a review when I find the time. I only wanted to let you know. A story of you is alwaays good to lift the mood. Thank you. Lai

Author Reply: Hi Lai. I'm glad you are finally reading the Elf Academy series and are enjoying it very much. Thanks for letting me know and I look forward to your reviews when you get the chance to leave them.

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/8/2012
A great second chapter. So Finrod has been told to discover the true meaning of Christmas. I suspect he will have many avenues to explore and somehow an exciting journey along the way. Thank you so much for this story.

Author Reply: Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you liked the chapter. Fínrod's quest won't be quite what he or anyone else expects. Hopefully how this story turns out will not disappoint. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.

jgmscccReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/7/2012
Thank you so much for this story. I am so happy to be hearing from "the gang" at the Academy, even though they are not all full of Christmas spirit. (not yet anyway.) I have been re-reading your stories and I find it uplifting when you remind us (or the characters) that the One is always there and we should seek to have hope.
Enjoy the Holidays!


Author Reply: You're very welcome and I'm glad you are enjoying this story and thanks for your kind words. I am very gratified that you find my stories uplifting and I appreciate you letting me know.

LyanaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/7/2012
A Quest and mischief - very good combination to help with the blues!

Even more than the injury, I think encountering Middle Earth as it is now has taken a pretty good toll on him. He was a king; he is now less than a myth (well, except for in Wiseman). The adjustment from almost complete influence and authority to very little of either is tremendously disconcerting, even if you think you're ready for it - and especially when you have to pretty much re-learn everything! I think that discovering another king Who came without His crown is gong to be a very good thing for our dear Finrod.

Author Reply: Hi Lyana. Yes, a quest and mischief are a good combination, especially for Finrod and Glorfindel. *grin*

I think you're right about encountering the modern world taking its toll on Finrod and that on top of the shooting has him floundering a bit emotionally. We'll see how he adjusts and hopefully learning about another King Who came without His crown will help put things in perspective for him. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I truly appreciate it.

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