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Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within  by Fiondil 14 Review(s)
DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 107 on 1/5/2015
It was fun to see and hear this dinner party at last. I especially liked the outfit that you chose for Galadriel!

The discussion of dowries and modern living standards was very necessary; the two cultures are so very different that it's going to take a while for the two sides to begin to understand one another, but I think it's probably help that the ap Hywels are able to bridge having lived through the transition between when mortal culture was more like that of Elves. It will be easier for them to understand the Valinoreans than the other way around.

I liked seeing Nell stand up for herself, and her little speech cut very close to the heart of why the Elves have been brought to Wiseman. Esther's contributions to the conversation were spot on, leading them to discuss what needed to be said.

BTW, I've been curious about something for a while and keep forgetting to ask: What gave you the idea of the cafe and Este being a waitress? Was it only the exigencies of plot (perfectly understandable), or was it something about her character that made you think she'd fit that role? Or was it the choice of her name "Esther" (perfect for the role and the other way around)? Or something else altogether? I'm terribly curious about other writers and their process, so forgive me for being nosy!

Author Reply: Hi Dreamflower. I'm glad you enjoyed the dinner party and the discussion that was had between them. You're right that it will be easier for the ap Hywels to understand where the Valinóreans are coming than the other way around.

As for café and Estë being a waitress, well, to tell you the truth, way back in EA1, when Glorfindel stepped into the café and met 'Esther', I had no idea who she really was or that 'Nate' was Námo until after Glorfindel left the café. And I figured Estë, as the Valië of Rest, would be the perfect person to step in. There are many ways to achieve 'rest', whether physical, emotional or spiritual, and sometimes a cup of tea and homemade pie and a sympathetic ear is all you need. *grin* Many times while writing Elf Academy I sometimes feel that I'm not the one doing the actual writing and things just happen, like the café, that I didn't initially plan for or foresee.

Anyway, I hope that answers your question. Thanks for taking the time to comment. It's much appreciated.

KevanaReviewed Chapter: 107 on 1/5/2015
I can't help but wonder why Celeborn thinks Elladan couldn't find a spouse in Middle-earth? Roy and now Nell are spoken for – two out of three, not too bad!

It's really cute that Alex calls Misty "grandmama," especially since she probably looks his age or younger. Glad to see he and Felicity are getting on so well. Maybe Gwyn should take him up on that offer of advice.

It's always fun seeing the Valar mess with Reality like it's play-doh.

Bar in Thailand, huh? Clearly there are many things we haven't learned yet about Derek and his time in the Navy. ;)

Maybe Nell is trying to break away from Valinor entirely, and I couldn't blame her, but I'm with Esther on the money situation. If you have what amounts to a trust fund, use it, girl! Especially if they have kids.

Enjoyed seeing the different little family and friend groups interacting here. And now, on to the wedding? I wonder if Elves get cold feet and, if so, how cold Elrohir and Serindë's are right now.

Wishing you good health and happiness for 2015!
-Kevana

Author Reply: Hi Kevana. Well, as far as Celeborn is concerned, if Elladan hasn't hooked up with any of the available ellith in Wiseman so far, he's not likely too and there is no indication that he would find an elleth to love unless he returns to Valinor. At any rate, Elladan seems content to remain a bachelor for now.

Alex seems to be accepting the situation about his heritage and taking advantage of it by tweaking Misty.

And we certainly haven't learned everything there is to know about Derek and his time in the navy, and I doubt we ever will.

I'm sure that once the dowry is transferred to Wiseman Nell and Gareth will realize that the money will come in handy, especially if they have kids. Gareth, at least, knows how much it will cost to educate their children even if Nell has no clue as yet.

And yes, the next chapter is the wedding. I don't think Elves get cold feet, but we'll see. *grin*

Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

OraReviewed Chapter: 107 on 1/5/2015
I don't know what to say other than great chapter as usual. The winter holidays are just finished and your story is a welcome break from the gloom of going back to school.
Ora.

Author Reply: Hi Ora. That you enjoyed the chapter is enough. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it. Good luck with school.

SunnyReviewed Chapter: 107 on 1/5/2015
I gues this is the first time the non-Valinoreans have been exposed to how architecture can be ... malleable when the Valar are around. Yes, I guess the café _can_ have a back room when Esther's around.

Nice dinner party, and a pleasantly quiet chapter. Is it the quiet before the storm, I wonder? Certainly just having a wedding celebration (and one with a heap of unexpected guests at that) will provide its own excitement, but no doubt Murphy will be working overtime for a while.

I definitely liked the way Nielluin contrasted life in Valinor to life in Wiseman. But Celeborn needs to lighten up a little. Even if life is not all about having fun, certainly fun shoule be included!

Heh. Ester butts in advising Gareth to accept Nielluin's dowry as a gift from the bride's family, and saving it for the children's college education. Does she know something the rest of us don't?

Author Reply: Hi Sunny. Yes, this would be the first time Gwyn, Gareth, Misty and the Mortals have had this experience of the Valar shifting reality to suit themselves or others.

Actually the next few chapters will be mildly quiet, though I hope still interesting in their own way. You'll have to wait and see for yourself.

Celeborn has probably never had 'fun', poor ellon.

And Esther's suggestion just makes sense, don't you think? I'm sure eventually Gareth and Nell will want to add children to their house and as Esther points out college educations don't come cheap even for Elves.

Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.

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