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Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within  by Fiondil 12 Review(s)
KittyReviewed Chapter: 15 on 6/23/2014
Oh great, they are arguing [i]again![/i] *groans*

Honestly, I am impressed how much Alex registered in such a short timespan. Certain Elves could learn a lot from him, really.

As for the Elves ... it's becoming more and more clear that there are problems brewing between the different factions, and I don't like it.

Author Reply: Hi Kitty. Alex was properly trained by Amroth. Situational awareness means just that and I doubt that Alex stops to think about it. He's doing it all the time. It's how he (or any other agent) stays alive. And yes, there are problems brewing between the different factions and that will cause trouble later on. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/22/2014
The anger management classes can't get started in earnest soon enough. And it is not only Glorfindel that needs it... I think Alex can use that too.

It was funny to see that everyone deferred to Finrod the moment he used that special tone and expression. Derek is just funny with his "Namo dude" remark.

There is a lot of resentment running among the group, and I think they need more conversations like this to bring it out in the open and deal with it. This reminded me a lot of my childhood, where, when the anger was simmering under the surface for a while, my mother would make sure that there was an explosion and everything was brought out in the open. There was a lot of shouting involved, but everyone had their say and we agreed on new rules. Life was a lot easier after one of these "discussions",...until the next one ;-). People driving by our house probably thought we were murdering each other... But I learned a lot about the motives of my family and how everyone's behavior affected everyone else.

Author Reply: Hi obsidianj. There is indeed a lot of resentment running among the group and while some of it has been diffused here, it isn't completely resolved and we'll see how it continues to plague the Elves and their Mortal friends. Things will get worse before they get better, but hopefully the anger management classes will help to some extent.

Interesting about your mother's method of dealing with interfamilial anger. Thanks for sharing and thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.

LyanaReviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/18/2014
Whoa - good thing Alex and Derek are as unflappable as they are... I remember that when I read the Silmarillion for the first time after reading LOTR, I had to keep reminding myself that it was *elves* I was reading about because all the ones in LOTR seemed to be so perfect. I think you're capturing the reality of elves attempting to integrate with modern mortal society very realistically. Now for everyone to come to terms with their prejudices and the myriad of stresses they're dealing with. Yeah, I'm anticipating more fireworks. :-)

Looks like Finrod is quickly self-correcting on how to engage with mortals, and it's just in time!

Author Reply: Hi Lyana. They are a bit unflappable. *grin* It is good to remember that the Elves, being created beings just like the rest of us from the Valar on down, are not and never have been perfect, though they may seem that way to us Mortals. They are as flawed as the rest of us and we see it here. Hopefully, they'll be able to work things out but it won't be easy and, yes, there are more fireworks in the future (or what's the point of writing this story? *grin*).

Finrod's no dummy and he realized he was in the wrong. Apologizing to Alex and Derek was the right thing for him to do.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's very much appreciated.

6336Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/18/2014
Just thought of an answer to the Elves unemployment problem, have them start a business, a day care might be an idea, I am sure not all of them spent their time practicing for the Dagor Dagoreth!

Huggs,
Lynda

Author Reply: Hi Lynda. Well we know that Nell is going for her certification to work in a day care so maybe others will do the same. The quesiton of employment and possible options will actually be addressed in the next chapter. And no, they aren't spending most of their time practicing for the Dagor Dagorath. Thanks for your ideas. I'm sure others have their own suggestions as well. Hugs back.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/18/2014
There do appear to be more than a fair share of resentments around. Now, to get a handle on the situation and to learn to be discreet!

Author Reply: Quite a bit of resentment, Larner. Hopefully they'll work their way past it and get on with things. Thanks for commenting. It's appreciated.

LaerReviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/17/2014
Yikes, me thinks the boys are going to learn a lesson on calming down. Not that there isn't more that need to learn it.

I wonder if the elves would have issues with the culture shock /differences. A lot of elves unemployed in one house would be very stressful. The money situation alone can cause a lot of hurt feelings and worse; hateful thoughts. :(



Author Reply: Hi Laer. Yes, the boys do need to calm down, as do everyone else.

The topic of work and possible employment opportunities will be addressed in the next chapter.

Thanks for revieiwng. I really appreciate it.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/17/2014
Well, that was a dust-up, to say the least. And yet it was necessary; the Valinorean Elves just do not have the background knowledge to understand the trouble gossip and rumor can do in this day and age. It can quickly and easily spread far beyond the borders of Wiseman considering things like Facebook and Twitter. And not all of it would have to be malicious either! All it would take is an over-enthusiastic person who "confides" something online to a few "friends"...

(Thankfully it seems there are Maiar keeping a handle on that part of it so far!)

I look forward to seeing what comes next. The sooner the rest of the Elves have jobs the better. And working in retail or some other customer service related job might very well be the best thing for many of them. It's certainly helping Finrod to learn more quickly!


Author Reply: Hi Dreamflower. Yes, quite a dust-up, but totally necessary. Hopefully they'll get the message. As for how things go from here, that remains to be seen. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's much appreciated.

EllieReviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/17/2014
"Daeron, either less impressed or simply a better actor, gave them a brief smile and said, “I’ll just put the coffee on, shall I?” " Love Daeron here.

I like it that Vorondur snagged a scone. I suspect that in that group no one delicately delects one from the tray. LOL!

The valinor elves have an awful lto to learn about the mortals of today, don't they . Oh my wiht Gilvagor's comment and all. WOW!

Fionwe failed to inform them of things? LOL!

a decided lack of respect between the elves of Wiseman adn Valinor is an understatement.

“Just call me Finn,” the Maia interjected with a grin, “I’m in disguise.” ROTFL! I love this guy. He cracks me up. Love Derek, too. I think that Derek and Finn would be a bad combination, but a fun one to hang around and eaves drop on in any given situation. LOL

You know when I saw the phrase ‘What happens in Edhellond stays in Edhellond', my first thought was to comment that that shoudl have been the title of the chapter. Then I saw that it was and realsied we had already had this conversation many months ago. LOL! This is difficult reading soemthing that was beta-ed months ago.

"Unless you all want to have a little chat with the Lord of Mandos, either singly or collectively, I suggest you get with the program," I love it! That threat works really really well on elves. LOL!

Author Reply: Hi Ellie. Daeron is pretty cool and very laid-back about things. Of course, he's one of the oldest among the Elves there, along with Vardamir and Valandur, all three remembering Cuiviénen.

Finn and Derek would make a good team, but if they ever did get together, I suspect even the Valar would start running. LOL!

And threatening to have a chat with Námo really does work on Elves and probably even some of the Mortals who are acquainted with "Nate".

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to leave a review, Ellie. You know how much I appreciate it.

KevanaReviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/17/2014
Now I get why you said this chapter would be even better than the last one!

I had to stop reading and put my head in my hands to giggle at Derek's comments. *snort* He and Alex are so perfect here. I especially love Derek more and more with each chapter. His personality is coming out in this story and it's great. He could be such a wonderful influence on the Elves if they'd just let him, and Alex too, each in a different way.

I suppose it could be hard to believe, unless you know the truth of how Elves are, that somebody that pretty just isn't interested in knockin' the boots with anybody but their own mate. *grin* I doubt the guys gossiping really meant anything harmful by it, that kind of gossip goes on about everybody.

But Ron makes an excellent point that while this bit of gossip isn't anything unusual, there's sure to be other rumors far more perilous. I remember especially your mentions in EA2 that some religious folks were claiming the Elves were nephilim (hilarious as Alex and probably a lot of other humans could technically claim that angelic blood relation, whereas most of the Elves can't) or worse, in league with the devil.

I completely understand how people might have those fears, especially with the fearmongering that goes on these days about anybody "different," and it's not unjustified that people are freaked about trusting the wrong side. But it's gotta hurt beings who've literally given their lives to stop evil. And I hate to see what happens if/when the Valinor Elves hear that kind of thing. That's the kind of gossip that could drive a horrible dividing line between the Elves and the community.

Finn's point about their not respecting one another is truly driven home here.

I think Eonwë's undercover name ought to be...Harold. Hark, the Harold Angels Sing. :P

Good to know the Maiar are keeping things quiet, though I don't know how long they'll be able to keep that up.

Awesome chapter, thanks so much for the update and eager to see what they do in response to all this.

Take care,
-Kevana


Author Reply: Hi Kevana. Yeah, Derek and Alex are pretty funny here with their comments. They do make a good team. Ron is too right about rumors and it is ironic that the Elves would be accused by some of being fallen angels when they don't have any Maiarin blood in them. Oh well...

LOL on Eönwë's undercover name. That's too funny. Harold diAngelo. I love it. *grin*

Glad you enjoyed the chapter. More fun to come on Friday. Take care yourself and thanks for the review. I very much appreciate it.

6336Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/17/2014
Well that's given everybody something to think about.

Words are like feathers in the wind, once they have left your hand they are very hard to catch.

Not sure I liked Finn's crack about Mortals dying every day, even if it is true!

Huggs,
Lynda

p.s. Hope you are keeping warm and safe with this crazy weather.

Author Reply: Hi Lynda. You're right about words being like feathers. And Finn is just telling it like it is and isn't saying anything that isn't true.

I'm keeping warm enough. Had my tires rechecked over the weekend just to make sure they were okay. So far...

Thanks for reviewing. Hope all is well with you. Hugs back.

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