Dreamflower
· 30 December 2009
· Chapter 17: Final Exam
What a delightful day Glorfindel had planned out for that family! And it was clear he enjoyed the chance to "be himself", even if everyone thought the "himself" he was being was an act. I hope very much that you will show us some of the other Elves in action-- though Glorfindel will be a hard act to follow, I wonder how the others will do at it.
I have a suspicious mind now, though. And I wonder about that particular Santa...
Author's reply
Hi, Dreamflower. Yes, it was a delightful day for everyone, including Glorfindel. Given the restraints of the story (i.e. I wished to limit the chapters so they fit within the Christmas season and not go beyond it) we won't see how the other Elves do on their tours except in mention. We won't really see anything of how their Mortal friends fared except in a couple of cases. This story, except for when we meet everyone's roommate for the first time and the end scene at the café, is from Glorfindel's pov as you might have noticed.
As for that particular Santa... hmmm.... *grin*
Tari
· 30 December 2009
· Chapter 10: Winterdark Tarn
My first thought was that another Watcher or perhaps the Loch Ness monster was in the water. The lack of birds is also disturbing. It's interesting that a Mortal would sense the danger too. Can't wait to find out what it is.
Author's reply
As to what lurks in the tarn, we will probably not find out for sure. Certainly it's something dark and dangerous and it's best to leave it undisturbed. There are many legends in our world of monsters sleeping under the earth which will waken at the end of the world. Some Mortals are more sensitive than others and even if they don't have the innate abilities of the Elves they can feel when something is 'wrong'.
Rhyselle
· 30 December 2009
· Chapter 17: Final Exam
I should be leaving for work, but I'm taking a few minutes to thank you for this chapter. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much and my eyes are wet with happy tears.
As much as I loved the whole chapter, my very most favorite part was when Santa asked Kevin if there was something that he desired deep in his heart and Kevin said he wanted a telescope to see Elbereth's stars. I got goosebumps. I can't explain, really, why that touched me so deeply, but it did.
More and more, I wish that this were a true story and I could go meet the real elves in Wiseman, Alaska...
Well done, meldonya!
Author's reply
Hi, Rhyselle. I'm very glad you liked this chapter very much, especially Kevin's interaction with 'Santa'. I wish this story were true as well, but alas! it is not. My one consolation is that perhaps it is 'true' somewhere in the universe.
Tari
· 29 December 2009
· Chapter 9: Red Is So Not My Color
Oh, those poor teachers. They have no idea what they've gotten themselves into. I'm surprised they didn't say anything about purchasing kits with which to give the elves pointed ears. Wouldn't they be shocked for find out there are those among them who wouldn't need a kit. I'd love to be a little fly right about now, flitting throughout the school. What a sight I would see.
Author's reply
No, those teachers have no idea what they've gotten themselves into, Tari, which is half the fun of reading this, isn't it? *grin* Maybe the fake elf ears were the next thing on their to-do list but with the reaction to the outfits, that got sort of put to the side.
Larner
· 27 December 2009
· Chapter 16: Dear Santa
Poor Zach--their first casualty. And the elves from the academy just keep getting more ME Elvish all the time! Love the appearance of the lullaby.
Author's reply
At least Glorfindel was there to help Zach. Of all the Elves he would be the most qualified even without his Search and Rescue training. That lullaby just keeps cropping up in odd places in my stories and I usually have no control over when it does. *grin* Glad you liked its appearance here. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I do appreciate it.
Larner
· 27 December 2009
· Chapter 15: ‘Poor Jud Is Dead’
A beautiful use of the song. And I would have loved to have been there to see the Elves in all their glory!
Love the "localized" snowstorm!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I would have liked to have been there to see the Elves in all their glory, too, even if they were wearing fake trim. *LOL*
Baggins Babe
· 27 December 2009
· Chapter 14: Into the Wilderness
I am loving this story, Fiondil, even though I have had little time to review. A new chapter causes me to bounce in my seat!
I love the empathy the Elves have with the natural world - next time I'm in a wildlife park I shall have to try the 'brothers-with-fur' form of address. After all, St Francis called the animals 'brother' and 'sister.'
Glorfindel is a natural leader, no matter what he does. I also love the way he is still keeping the Twins in order - they never grow up do they?
Poor wolves - they are a much-persecuted animal and usually blamed unfairly for all sorts of terrible savagery. They usually try to avoid contact with Man - and who can blame them? They used to roam Britain at one time and there are those who now think they should be re-introduced in some areas, where the deer population is out of control.
Author's reply
Thanks, Baggins Babe. I am glad you are still reading and enjoying this story and looking forward to each new chapter.
Since the New Cosmology teaches us that everything in the universe is connected to everything else then it stands to reason that those who share our planet with us are our brothers and sisters, just as St. Francis said, even referring to inanimate objects, like the Sun and Moon, as 'brother' or 'sister'. Very elvish in that respect.
Wolves have always gotten a bad rap and it is unfortunate that Tolkien maligns them as well. In my epic 'Elf, Interrupted (Book Two)' I have Glorfindel running with the wolves which are creatures of the Light in Aman and not of the Dark as they are in Middle-earth, or at least the Warg variety.
Sunny
· 26 December 2009
· Chapter 15: ‘Poor Jud Is Dead’
This doesn't really have anything to do with this chapter but the family Christmas Movie this year was _The Addams Family Values_. (Bought it on Amazon just before Christmas).
Just so you know ... ;-)
Author's reply
Never saw the movie myself, but I loved the Addams Family when I was a kid. Watched them all the time.
ellie
· 26 December 2009
· Chapter 15: ‘Poor Jud Is Dead’
Loved the song! LOL! I'm glad they got to be themselves and dress up like elves. That would have been magestic and awe-inspiring to see, that's for sure! The end of the story is approaching with 5 chapters left to go so I wonder how you will be resolving this story.
That last sentence in the chapter was the same as the last in Diaries this week, too. Interesting that they both reached points where they most desired a reply from the other and got none. I have to wonder how the thinning of the veil would have enabled those on the elf side to see through to our side. Would there have been a special place to go to see through the veil or what? Interesting plot bunny for you to explore one day to answer this question for us...
Author's reply
A mere coincidence the two chapters ending with the same sentence... or not. *grin* Granted, for Finrod, Glorfindel was still in Mandos and for Glorfindel Finrod is happily living in Aman, but both are wishihng the other were with them. An interesting plot bunny indeed and perhaps I might come up with something for next Halloween. *grin*
As to how this story will be resolved in only five more chapters.... just wait and see.
Thanks for reviewing, ellie.
Sunny
· 26 December 2009
· Chapter 15: ‘Poor Jud Is Dead’
Jud's idea was just brilliant!! I just about fell out of my chair when I first read this! :-D
Author's reply
Thanks, Sunny. I am glad you think so. And that's just about the reaction I hoped for from readers. *grin*
Arasinda
· 25 December 2009
· Chapter 15: ‘Poor Jud Is Dead’
Dear Fiondil,
I wanted to thank you in advance, before "Elf Academy" is over, in regards to the joy this story has brought me. There have been times I wondered how modern life would be like for any Elves that stayed in Middle Earth. You have answered that question with delight. Please have a wonderful Christmas holiday and a very happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Arasinda
Author's reply
Hello, Arasinda. You are most welcome, and thank you for letting me know how much joy this story has brought you. That was my sole intent for writing this particular tale, especially since it is meant to be a Christmas story of a sort. And may you have a wonderful Christmas holiday and Happy New Year as well.
Dreamflower
· 25 December 2009
· Chapter 15: ‘Poor Jud Is Dead’
ROTFL! The title made me think of that song at once, but I didn't think you'd actually *use* it in the story! That was a total hoot! I love that musical--so it was really funny!
I also have to say-- the Elves are definitely not keeping a low profile. How liberating it must feel to be able to "be themselves" for just a little while!
Author's reply
Hey! It was too good a song not to use, and it was always my favorite from that particular musical.
As for the Elves... I think the universe is indeed conspiring against them, forcing them to be themselves for the first time in a long time and of course that would be liberating. We will see how it goes as the story continues.
eliza
· 25 December 2009
· Chapter 15: ‘Poor Jud Is Dead’
LOL, you always make me show my age Fiondil, now instead of Christmas carols I'm walking around my kitchen singing show tunes. Poor jud is dead is really a strange song to sing on Christmas day and I had to explain to my kids exactly what the heck a "Surrey with the fringe on top" is.
Take you for the lovely Christmas morning present.
As always your stories are enchanting.
Author's reply
And I always show my age by coming up with the songs. *LOL* And you are most welcome and I thank you as well for your kind words.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 24 December 2009
· Chapter 14: Into the Wilderness
Hi, Atar Fiondil!
I've been reading this all along and loving it, though my reviews have been sporadic at best (like usual) Sorry! It's now Christmas Eve, and I'm re-reading yesterday's chapter. I'm wondering who set the fire! Hope we find out soon!
Yay for elvish names for EVERYONE! and I want to run with the wolves too! that's not a Balrog was it...? *shudders at the fire*
Eru bless you and have a Happy Christmas! Thank you so much for this beautiful fic for everyone! :)
Tye-melin,
Kaylee!
Author's reply
Hi, Kaylee. Glad you are still enjoying this story. We will find out next chapter how the fire was started. Don't be too disappointed that it wasn't a balrog, though. Some events are just prosaic happenings with no darker meaning to them.
I hope you had a Happy Christmas and you are most welcome. I enjoyed writing this story very much, even to the point of laughing out loud myself as I was writing certain scenes. *grin*
Larner
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 14: Into the Wilderness
Glorfindel saves the day, then. One wonders now just who set the fire, and perhaps why as well. Does sound as if the Elves, and particularly Glorfindel himself, are meant to confront the wolves, and publicly.
Now, where will this lead?
Author's reply
Hi, Larner. We will learn who set the fire in the next chapter and whether the confrontation with the wolves leads to anything more. Just don't be too disappointed if it doesn't. The meeting with the wolves could just have been accidental, you never know. *grin*
someone
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 6: So Which One of These Is Rudolph?
This story is hilarious! I have read all the chapters there are now (14), but decided to review on this one. (And nitpick a tiny amount, I hope you don't mind.)
First, as I am a Finn, this chapter was very amusing for me! The very thought of Glorfindel & Co. having an Elf Academy in Lapland...! :D (By the way, an elf that helps Santa Claus is called "tonttu" and the kind of elf that Tolkien used in his books has been translated as "haltia" in Finnish, so that "Tonttuakatemia" doesn't fit for G. & Co. as well in Finnish as in English, but that doesn't really matter, it's still a funny idea.) It was also funny to see a reindeer called Tapio.
What can I say? This fic is excellent and very funny. The only thing in the plot that bothered me was the reindeer taming, because that was too... non-human behavior from the elves, shouldn't every one of the humans have realized at that point that something is very wrong :D? By the way, Elrohir's “You ate Rudolph!?” was perfect!
I'm truly looking forward for the rest of the chapters!
Author's reply
Thank you, someone! I am so pleased that you are enjoying this story. As for 'tonttu', I merely cite the source of the inspiration for the story. How Glorfindel and Co. decide to translate 'Elf Academy' into Finnish, should they ever get there, will be their problem, not mine. *grin*
While the taming of the reindeer was perhaps a bit overdone, I couldn't resist and there may have been a lot of head scratching among the Mortals but the exigency of learning to handle the reindeer and the sleighs probably put their doubts about Glorfindel and Co. to the back of their minds and then simply forgotten.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it. I'm not sure, but I think you're the first Finn to review any of my stories. *grin*
Tari
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 8: Conversation In a Café
You really got me this time. First you have me thinking there is something sinister about Esther; then she spouts words of wisdom and redeems herself in my sight. The next thing I know, she and Nate turn out to be two of the Valar. I love it. I really couldn’t imagine the Elves still on earth being abandoned and have hope that they will be rejoined with their family and friends someday, even though I’d love them to remain with the mortals. They can’t have a totally fulfilled life with us.
Author's reply
Hi, Tari. Glad you loved this chapter. Your various reactions to Esther is just about what I hoped people would have as they read this. No, the Elves have not been abandoned, as they probably think they have been, but they will not know the truth of it for some time yet.
Dreamflower
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 14: Into the Wilderness
Uh, some of those mortals are going to be more than a little curious about Glorfindel now. I can imagine the gossip. None of the students will think of the truth, because there was no Red Book in your universe. But I can imagine some of them thinking he's a were-wolf or perhaps an alien from another world.
And after his advice to the twins to "lay low".
Yet he had to do *something* to protect the mortals...
What a dilemma!
Author's reply
What a dilemma indeed, Dreamflower. Glorfindel was caught between the proverbial rock and hard place this time. No doubt some of the Mortals will be wondering if Glorfindel isn't from Mars after this episode. *grin*
Sulwing of Mirkwood
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 14: Into the Wilderness
Honestly, I rarely like stories about elves in modern times. I was going to skip over this one, but then I saw who the author was and figured I would give the story a chance and read the first chapter. I did and realized that.....I actually really liked it!
I love how the elves try to fit in--or completely fail (thinking E2 and even Glorfindel sometimes). They just know too much about everything and are too good at it. At least some of the mortals are going to be suspicious about these strange folk by this point I would think. Especially after Glorfindel with the wolves.
That part was just really really cool! Wolves are so awesome...and so is poor* Glorfi!
*from a certain point of view, like the whole dying thing and then having to keep the twins in line for millenia... :)
Author's reply
Hey, Sulwing! I am so glad that you decided to read this story and the fact that you saw that I was the author is very gratifying and humbling at the same time. The Elves do have a problem trying to fit in when it seems that the universe keeps conspiring to force them to be Elves. I am glad you loved the part with Glorfindel and the wolves. Wolves are indeed very awesome. Thanks for letting me know how much you are enjoying this story. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 14: Into the Wilderness
Whew! Talk about keeping a low profile! I think Glorfi is in for some sharp questions for his actions. Don't think Paul will be too unghappy with him though!
You can take the Elf out of the warrior but you cxan't take the Warrior out of the elf!
Just what did cause that fire, it must have been pretty big to make Wolves flee?
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
We will see in the next chapter what caused the fire. And you are correct about taking the Elf out of the warrior but not the other way around, Lynda. Glorfindel will always be a warrior no matter what.
Rhyselle
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 14: Into the Wilderness
Oh, I wanted to run with the wolves too!
Am I weird in that the first thing I thought of when he saw the image of flames in the wolf's mind was "Balrog!"? *wry grin*
This was an excellent chapter and I really loved how Glorfindel and the Pettingill came to an understanding. I did laugh when I realized that the rangers had "set up" the animal tracks, although I also laughed when I understood just how much animal life that Glorfindel could sense.
Back tracking to the names thing, I really liked the little bit of interaction between Zack and Glorfindel about Finrod's name. I have a feeling that through this course and Glorfindel's friendship, Zack is becoming someone who the real Finrod would be proud to share his name with.
Thanks again for this lovely Christmas gift fic. I'm so glad that you are taking this out to Epiphany. While I'm looking forward to the final resolution of the tale, I'm so very glad that there are several more chapters to come. :)
Well done!
Author's reply
Hi, Rhyselle. Yes, I think you might be a little weird thinking 'Balrog' in this instance. *grin* But actually I can see where you might think it, given that we already are aware of something sleeping under the mountains.
I am glad you found this an excellent chapter and the one about the names. I think Zach is becoming someone Finrod would be proud to share his name with, as well. And I think in some ways, Zach is also becoming a friend for Glorfindel, something that he really needs even if it is with a Mortal.
I had originaly conceived this story to be only 12 chapters long, to coincide with the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' but as I was writing it I realized that there was too much that I wanted to tell in this story and 12 chapters were not enough. However, I did want to keep it more or less within the Christmas season and moving the posting of the first chapters during the Thanksgiving week allows me to end the story on Epiphany.
Kitty
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 14: Into the Wilderness
It's touching that even the kitchen staff wants elvish names. And the real Celeborn may not like it, but I like the idea behind it. Though now I am beginning to wonder if everyone will be making up a history for his/her name the way Glorfindel helped Zach to find something for Finrod. Not everyone will know the real bearer of the name and his history, after all. Could be interesting what some are coming up with. Btw, it's ironic that Glorfindel's roommate, of all people, ended up with the name Finrod! And I notice he doesn't stutter any longer.
Of course Glorfindel had to give the twins a talking to before they split up. But honestly, “Remember, you’re supposed to be Mortals. Try to act accordingly.”??? Considering how he himself shortly thereafter acted with the wolves, that's the height of irony. The twins will have a lot to tease him with when they learn about that! And Pettingill will begin to wonder about him, no doubt.
Aside of that, it was fascinating to watch how the wolves reacted to Glorfindel. I can't wait to learn how the human witnesses will react!
Author's reply
Zach's lessons with Daeron have paid off and he is stuttering less, though he probably still has relapses when he's tired or excited. I am not sure if all the other students will bother about creating histories for their elvish names, but perhaps a few with a flair for the dramatic might.
And Glorfindel is probably wondering if there really is a conspiracy against him since everytime he turns around he ends up not keeping a low profile. *LOL* We will see how it works out eventually.
Sazza
· 20 December 2009
· Chapter 13: ‘Pine Cone’ Is Not an Elvish Name!
Highly amusing - but you've spelled swap with an o!
The name lottery is great, these are definitely better than being called Pine Cone or Frank Incense!
Author's reply
Thanks for the typo alert, Sazza. I am glad you liked the chapter.
Dreamflower
· 20 December 2009
· Chapter 13: ‘Pine Cone’ Is Not an Elvish Name!
LOL! I should have known the Elves would take charge of the names, as well! But really? "Pine Cone"? "Bernard"? *shakes head*
This answers a question I'd been wondering about-- it's always a puzzlement for me in stories with Arda Elves living into modern times: Did JRRT publish his translations of the Red Book in that universe or not? Obviously, in your universe, he did not-- otherwise Glorfindel and the others would be taking a risk in using their own names, or even using Sindarin, since they might very well run into a "Tolkien geek". While such a person *might* assume that they were simply fellow geeks, some of their characteristics might cause the penny to drop and they could possibly get to wondering if Middle-earth was actually fiction. (I'm thinking, really, of Lily here. If anyone in the class might have been into Tolkien and Elven languages, it would have been her--and since she hasn't recognized Sindarin, or the name Glorfindel, I therefore deduce that LOTR and The Hobbit and The Silmarillion were never published in your universe.)
(Of course, it would not have mattered about the many who had only seen the movies, if *those* had existed in your universe-- since none of the Elven characters you feature actually appeared in the films, LOL!)
Author's reply
Hi, Dreamflower. Well, as I said in another review I decided that LOTR and Tolkien's Legendarium and therefore the movies based on them were never published. It just made things easier for me. And of course the Elves would take charge of the names as soon as they learned what their mortal friends were going to call themselves. *grin*
6336
· 20 December 2009
· Chapter 13: ‘Pine Cone’ Is Not an Elvish Name!
Well that was a fun chapter, I am glad they came up with some believeable names for every one. I wonder what Finrod and Galadriel would think of their names sakes?
Lynda
Author's reply
Glad you liked this, Lynda. I am sure they would be highly amused, though perhaps not every Elf would be.