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Christmas at Edhellond: An Elf Academy Tale  by Fiondil 9 Review(s)
KittyReviewed Chapter: 8 on 2/5/2013
Harry Whitman not running again and the possible – or likely – consequences was a not so good surprise. It seems he had to deal with some enmity for supporting the Elves already. Yeah, from what he said, there could be some trouble brewing ... and knowing you, I don't even dare to hope it will not. Besides, we are talking about Finrod and Glorfindel here. These two are the best guarantee that trouble will come.

Anyway, it's good that Whitman warned them beforehand, so they can prepare.

Finrod as Mayor? That certainly sounds strange. A good number of Mortals wouldn't take that well, I suspect, though down the road, by the time he would be able to run, that even might have changed. But for the moment the idea alone sounds rather absurd.

Trying to support someone to be elected who would be sympathetic might be possible and even sensible, however. Of course, now you have me wondering where this will lead to!

Author Reply: The idea of Finrod running for mayor is a bit absurd, and as he points out, a step down on the social ladder for him who once ruled an entire kingdom. If none of the Wiseman Elves run for mayor then they need to get involved in seeing that a sympathetic candidate gets elected for all their sakes and this subplot will be seen in Elf Academy 3.

Thanks for leaving a review, Kitty. I appreciate it very much.

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/5/2013
Whoa! An election with Elves running for office. Interesting.

Author Reply: Well, we don't know that any of them will run, Agape, but certainly this election will be of interest to them since it will affect them one way or another as the mayor points out. We'll see what happens. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

TariReviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/2/2013
Wouldn't our world be a better place with a few elves in charge. I love that idea.

Author Reply: I totally agree, Tari. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

LaerReviewed Chapter: 8 on 12/28/2012
Love this so much. I hope that Finrod thinks long and hard about becoming a mayor to any place. Politics stink big time. LOL! It is making a very interesting story with all the turns we are being taken on. :)

Author Reply: Hi Laer. I think Finrod at this point is more interested in learning what the ramifications of anyone becoming mayor of Wiseman at this time might mean for the Elves rather than being interested in becoming involved in politics. As he points out, becoming mayor of Wiaeman would be a step down for him on the social ladder, not a step up. I'm glad you are enjoying this story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 8 on 12/28/2012
Hmm. A most interesting development, I must say. I rather hope Finrod doesn't decide to become a naturalized citizen. I think he may prove needed back home. But they have reason to watch events warily.

Author Reply: It is unlikely that he will, Larner, at least not yet, and you're probably right that he may be needed back home. The Elves who are US citizens have no ties to Valinor, except Glorfindel, and he's been away too long for it to matter (at least to his way of thinking). Still, it will be wise of them to take interest in the next election for it will impact them as well as the people of Wiseman. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

LyanaReviewed Chapter: 8 on 12/28/2012
Hmmm... parallels... :-) Very much looking forward to seeing how Finrod's discovery of the true meaning of Christmas influences his decisions. I'm also enjoying the tidbits about the history of the Wiseman Elves - the back story is so much fun - can't wait to see who else shows up!

Author Reply: Hi Lyana. I'm glad you are looking forward to seeing how Firod's discovery of the true meaning of Christmas influences his future actions and that you are enjoying the backstory on the Wiseman Elves. It certainly adds depth to their characters, if nothing else. As to who else shows up... that really remains to be seen. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 8 on 12/28/2012
So, here I was expecting just a lighthearted Christmas story, and now you bring politics into it. That was an unexpected turn, but it opens lots of possibilities for the future. I'm not sure Wiseman is ready for an elven mayor. Welcoming elves into the community is one thing. Having them intrude into the inner territory of human customs is something else. I think even people who are sympathetic or don't have an opinion at all may draw the line when it comes to elected officials. It will be an interesting election no matter who runs for office.

Author Reply: Well, you know me, obsidianj. I never do anything predictable with my stories (or at least I try not to) and this one is really a bridging story between Elf Academy 2 and 3, so certain themes are being introduced here that will carry over into the next installment.

Anyway, I think you're right about Wiseman not being ready for an elven mayor but obviously they would be concerned about who becomes mayor and how the election may affect their standing in Wiseman. We'll have to see.

Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.

SunnyReviewed Chapter: 8 on 12/28/2012
So Finrod is playing with the thought of going into politics? In a sense, he has been in politics all his life, as a member of the Noldorin Royal Family. But politics in Aman and in the modern world are two very different kinds of critters.

Author Reply: Well, at this point in time he is indeed just playing, but you're right that politics in Aman (or even in Nargothrond) and in the modern worl are two very different propositions. We'll see how this progresses later. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 8 on 12/28/2012
Another good bridging chapter and it opens a number of possible plot lines. Interesting to learn how long some of the elves have lived here. I also enjoyed the discussion about not everyone in Wiseman being thrilled with the elves. We knew about the dispute among the religious groups, but know we know others are unsure or hostile.

All I wanted was a nice little scene where Finda, etc got their swords back. What I am getting is a wonderful, full length view of Christmas and politics. There is no way to thank you enough.

Author Reply: Hi UTfrog. Much of what we will read in this particular installment of the Elf Academy series will impact the story later on. Slowly, but surely, I'm figuring out some of the backstory for the Elves who remained in Middle-earth.

Originally, what you are reading now would have been the opening chapters of Elf Academy 3, though not necessarily from Finrod's POV. When I decided to do this story, I decided to do it from Finrod's POV as a microcosm of what the other Elves from Valinor are experiencing as they attempt to integrate themselves into Wiaseman's society and try to understand the culture of modern-day Mortals. But never fear! This particular story will culminate with the Ceremony of the Swords and Elf Academy 3 (whenever I get to writing it) will pick up the storyline from there.

Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.

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