Elf Academy Part Deux by Fiondil
Larner · 10 August 2012 · Chapter 59: Sneaking into Wiseman
It is a most interesting situation for the newcomers. So, Celebrian has a sister, does she? Good! Sounds as if it's been interesting!
Author's reply
A most interesting situation, indeed, Larner. And I'm sure Celebrían was just thrilled to have a little sister, once she got over the shock, of course. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I great appreciate it.
Fantasia · 10 August 2012 · Chapter 59: Sneaking into Wiseman
Legolas is there! and Beleg! and everybody, well taht it is what it seems. I'm with Derek, I can't remember all the names. And a mini Galadriel, Hmm.... OK, now to see how the world welcome the new elves....
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Yes, Legolas is here and Beleg and many others but not everyone, not yet. We'll see how some of the people of Wiseman react to having more Elves in their midst as we progress with the story. Thanks for commenting. I very much appreciate it.
Whispy · 10 August 2012 · Chapter 59: Sneaking into Wiseman
Hello, hello! A few notes on previous chapters that I didn't get to: I find it a bit weird that Elves don't have their own form(s) of open-hand/non-weapon martial art. Weapons are great and all, but you've gotta think that no matter how careful or prepared one tries to be, sometimes you're going to be caught by surprise. At first, I kind of wrote off Findalaure's rudeness, but leaving Alex and Derek alone in the cold, snowy woods? Ach. What a di---erm. Jerk. ;) Granted, he probably didn't know how very dangerous that was for the humans, but still. Ditching them? Come on. Findalaure and friends are way, way, WAY to old to be pulling that childish stunt. I do think that Finrod's punishment was just. Although...I'm not sure I would want the three amigos to attend on me if I was Alex or Derek. I'd just want them to leave me alone. OK and so for this chapter: Agh, all these familiar faces! Beleg! And Legolas! And Legolas! Legoli? ;) Some interesting ellith too. Melyanna for one (might Daeron possibly have a little crush? ;), and then there's Nielluin, who might be one of my new favorite characters. She's a clever one...and devious too! Good on her, figuring out Aule and Ulmo and then getting Namo's help. As Lynda said, he probably was all too happy to help her. :P On the fact that she's the Twins' aunt yet younger than them...I've always imagined that that was not particularly unusual among Elves and leads to some, er, convoluted family trees. XP Now I feel like I'm doing a review on your reviews, but Sunny is so right. If I had insomnia and went down to the reading lounge to discover three very beautiful ellyn there...hoo boy. That'd be a pleasant surprise. I might think I was dreaming. XD We haven't heard from our little buddy Farrell in a while...I got a feeling he might be brewing some unpleasant surprises for our friends soon. Great update...Can't wait to see Monday's! Whispy (PS: Zip-lining wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be, and was actually really fun. It was a really good thing I'm not afraid of heights, though!)
Author's reply
Hi Whispy. I'm glad you survived the zip-lining. As for your question about the Elves having their own version of the martial arts, one must remember that our martial arts were originally developed in China by monks as a meditation technique but eventually became popular among the peasants who were not allowed to carry weapons but needed to defend themselves from attack by the local warlord's warriors. And so they spread. In a society where swords and other weapons are simply available to all and sundry, the need for unarmed defense techniques would not necessarily develop, at least I would imagine that would be the case. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this present chapter, especially Nielluin. She's definitely Galadriel's daughter as we will see in later chapters and that is not necessarily a good thing. *grin* Farrell is still around and we'll be seeing him eventually as well. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. It's very much appreciated.
6336 · 10 August 2012 · Chapter 59: Sneaking into Wiseman
Ooops, I meant Aule and Ulmo! Sorry Irmo for taking you name in vane, please don't send me any weird dreams, I get enough of them any way, I don't need any more! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Oh, that's alright, Lynda I know some people can easily confuse the Valar at times. I've even done it myself. I wouldn't worry about it too much. *grin*
6336 · 10 August 2012 · Chapter 59: Sneaking into Wiseman
Sweats and flip-flops would work, though I think their toes would get a little chilly, but they would not be outside for long and it does save having to explain zippers! Ooo and Velcro! So Calebrian has a baby sister, cool, I wonder who was more surprised, Galadrial, Celeborn or the rest of the family, I would imagine Earwen was very happy to go into Dearnana mode! Nelluin is one smart cookie, she at least is not afraid to go to Lord Namo to sak for help, I bet he was tickled pink at being able to put one over on Irmo and Ulmo! I would love to know what Manwe thought of the deception, I don't think he would have been too happy. No majoer problem, just have them watch T.V. for a couple of days and they will soom be up to speed. Lsets hope nobody goes into the Reading Room before Alex and Derek can get to them in the morning, I hope they showed the Three Stooges which room is theirs in case of any problems. Good one Fiondil, More please, Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Well, Elves don't feel the cold like Mortals, so I'm sure they'll be fine for now until they can get proper clothes. I have no doubt Námo was just delighted when Nielluin asked for language lessons and enjoyed the joke. I think Manwë decided to ignore what was going on and see how things developed. Perhaps he felt that the Wiseman Elves teaching the Valinórean Elves modern English would be a good bonding technique. I don't think we'll have to worry about anyone entering the reading room unexpectedly and I'm sure Derek pointed out which was their room just in case. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's always appreciated.
Sunny · 10 August 2012 · Chapter 59: Sneaking into Wiseman
Hey, someone, how about some _female_ students who either can't sleep or are coming home from a night of partying, and find three drop-dead gorgeous and oh, so innocent Elves in the library?? *snicker*
Author's reply
A very amusing image, Sunny, but I have a feeling that it won't happen, though we'll see how the Three Amigos react to some of the female students when they are introduced to them in the next chapter.
Sunny · 10 August 2012 · Chapter 59: Sneaking into Wiseman
Tee-hee-hee. I think I smell a romance coming up between Daeron and Melyanna. :-D And I gather that Glorfindel's interest has been caught by someone, too - which means that someone must have been listening in back in chapter 10. Glorfindel really should not have made such a very sweeping statement, since it only seems to have, ahem, encouraged the Valar. I really like Nielluin, even on such a short acquaintance. She seems like a really smart cookie! First, looking straight through Ulmo and Aulë, and getting Námo to teach her modern English - and then _not_ spoiling the joke the other two Valar were perpetrating on the rest of the expedition. The Twins certainly looked quite shocked at having a new aunt (and I LOLed at your description of Galadriel and Celeborn's reunion.) She sounds like great fun! Is she the one you have picked up for Glorfy? She sounds as if she has both the sense of humor and the sheer big brass ovaries that are needed to put up with him (and keeping the mighty Balrog Slayer in line!) It sounds as if the younger generation having a low opinion of their elders is a universal attitude.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, I'm sure SOMEONE was listening to Glorfindel's rather outrageous statement and decided to do something about it. *grin* I'm glad you like Nielluin. She's something of a character as we will see. As for Glorfy, we'll see which elleth catches his eye. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
UTfrog · 10 August 2012 · Chapter 59: Sneaking into Wiseman
Best chapter ever! Full of great information and even more humor. You just have to write the reunion of Galadriel and Celeborn!!! I know that I will reread this chapter many times, even out of context, just for the introductions.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Oh, please! I DO NOT need another plot bunny; the bunny hutch is already full to overflowing. LOL! I'm glad you really enjoyed the chapter, especially the introductions. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
someone · 10 August 2012 · Chapter 59: Sneaking into Wiseman
The twins have an aunt younger than they are? I would never expected that, but the worst thing is that it's not so suprising when you start thinking about it, as Galadriel has never been very coventional... And now Celebrían has a little sister! (And a smart one as well, she was right to suspect the language lessons!) I can hardly wait what happens when Beleg gets a modern gun into his hands, most likely he'll be the best sniper the world has yet seen. And the three amigos are now within the Academy. There will always be a student who can't sleep and might go to the reading room and see three tall, glowing beings speaking Shakespearean English... That would be interesting to explain later.
Author's reply
Hi someone. Maybe a Maia hung around to 'discourage' late-night visitors to the reading room. *grin* The Three Amigos will be meeting the other students soon enough as we will eventually see. Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
UTfrog · 9 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
First review in 3 chapters, but not because I did not enjoy them. I hope the "three amigos" is a foreshadowing that everyone has learned from this near disaster.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you enjoyed reading the recently posted chapters. We'll see just how much everyone has learned from this near disaster eventually. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
someone · 8 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
Some random things this chapter made me think about: This chapter makes one wonder what were those young elves like in Valinor (poor Celebrían, having a cousin like that!). Though it is possible they are just being difficult because of a culture shock... The only thing the Wiseman Elves and Alex (and Derek) need now is Farrel meeting the three amigos or the other Elves, and he as the leader of that ACCU team could cancel the permission to continue the Academy. The staff being involved with the transfer of illegal immigrants from outer space should be enough of a reason! If there are more Elves that are coming from Valinor, Finrod could send the brats back on Vingilot. That might be too cruel to the young Elves, though. And for this chapter, insulting Finrod's sacrifice wasn't the smartest thing his son could have said. They got away a bit easily, but perhaps losing their swords to the horrible mortals was hard for them.
Author's reply
Hi someone. I have no idea what these young Elves were like in Valinor but I suspect that culture shock is playing a part, if not necessarily a large part, in their present attitudes and behavoir. And certainly insulting Finrod's sacrifice wasn't at all smart. Hopefully Findalaurë and his gwedyr will learn differently once they actually get to know the Mortals with whom they must now live and interact. Hopefully Farrell won't know too much about the new arrivals any time soon. We'll see how Glorfindel plans to sneak them all into Wiseman without certain parties being the wiser in the next chapter. Thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate you sharing them.
Agape4Gondor · 8 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
Oh! The one really important thing I wanted to say about this chapter. And I forgot! "Was it worth it?" Findalaurë retorted, glowering at Alex and Derek. "Excuse me?" Finrod said in a whisper, paling. The other Elves acting as witnesses all stirred and there were looks of disbelief on more than one face. Besides the slight to humanity, I died for Finrod. After what he went through, the unspeakable horror of his sacrifice - to have it dismissed so lightly. And by his own son. Good grief, Fiondil. Could you thrust the knife any deeper????
Author's reply
And Findalaurë's words show you just how far from his father he is in his respect for humans, Agape. Findalaurë has yet to love the other, that which is different from himself, yet no less worthy of respect because of it. It is a lesson many humans have yet to embrace, as well we know. And I'm sure Finrod felt as much anger as sorrow at his son's words. Hopefully, Findalaurë will learn the truth, even as Finrod did all those ages ago when he first came upon Bëor and his people and fell in love with them.
Agape4Gondor · 8 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
I've decided I am bloodthirsty. Really. I wanted blood. I wanted these three to be tarred and feathered. Drawn and quartered. Branded. Hmmm - branding sounds like a really good idea. I finally tried to find my more noble side and agreed with the punishment. (I might regret this in upcoming chapters. I don't believe dear Finrod's son will repent or learn anytime soon.) Poor Alex. He really gets the brunt of bad things, doesn't he? I keep hoping the Valar will leave give him a break. Crikey! Glad Derek is still with him. Important to have a otorno nearby. Nicely written chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Agape. You and many other readers. I was surprised just how blood-thirsty some of them are, but I think Finrod's punishment is the better route to go. We'll see how successful these three are in redeeming themselves. Maybe they just needed a wake up call to reality. And yes, it's very important to have an otorno near by and I'm sure Alex appreciates Derek's presence. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Tari · 7 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
So, the "brats" have been given a lesson in humility. The question is, will they learn anything from it? One can only hope so.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. We will see if the "brats" have learned from this as the story continues. Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it.
Larner · 6 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
Sounds like a just reaction to the situation. The three elflings need to get a valid appreciation for the capabilities if mortal Men.
Author's reply
Indeed, Larner, very just. And hopefully the three ellyn will eventually appreciate the capabilities of Mortals and recognize their worth even as Finrod and Glorfindel do. Thanks for taking the time to review. I appreciate it very much.
Idril Celebrindal · 6 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
A just punishment, but Larry is going to take a lot more persuading. Idril
Author's reply
Hi Idril. Yes, I think Larry will need a bit more peruading that his atar's sacrifice was indeed worth it and that Mortals are indeed worthy of their respect. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate you doing so very much.
Fantasia · 6 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
Hmmm....too noble these people. I wanted to slap them forever...it seems that Findalaurë will be the hardest to convert.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Nobility does sometimes have its drawbacks. We'll see how well Findalaurë and the others learn their lesson. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Sunny · 6 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
Good to see that Ales has good gun etiquette - a gun is ALWAYS loaded - even when you have just checked to see that it is unloaded. :-p So now "Larry"'s princely pride has been pricked, but I get the feeling that he has not really learned anything from this little adventure. The two others may have gotten a vague glimmering of an idea that perhaps their behavior might need a bit of adjustment, or perhaps they just are less stiffnecked. But "Larry" is the leader of their little gang, and I get the feeling he is going to lead them straight into a fair amount of trouble. Finrod is really, seriously angry with his son and his friends now, which is clearly understandable, since they putt the two mortals' lives at risk just for fun. Findalaurë's attitude that the Mortals looked so unheroic, so they must be worthless certainly doesn't help matters. And as for heroic Mortals - I am sure Beren looked quite seedy when he arrived in Nargothrond to ask for Finrod's help. Getting their swords impounded should make it quite clear to the young sprats that their elders Do Not Approve of their behavior. And having Alex and Derek decide when they have become sufficiently grown up to get them back, will hopefully underscore the lesson. And so will the youngsters having to stay in the camp like elflings, and not getting to explore Middle-Earth with the adults.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Well, of course, Alex has good gun etiquette! He's a spy... er... inteligence officer, after all. *griin* Finrod is indeed seriously angry with them all and Beren was pretty seedy looking according to his description in the Silmarillion after living in the wilds alone for so long before he found his way to Doriath and then to Nargothrond. Finrod, at least, looked past that to see the worth of the Man beneath the seediness even if Elu Thingol did not. The punishment meted out to these three, I think, was very fair and probably hurt them more than anything, especially being denied their swords, which are, for all intents and purposes, staus symobls in their society. Well, we'll see how it all works out as the story continues. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. It's always appreciated.
Lyana · 6 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
What a sad day for Finrod. But to be fair, Findalaure really does need to work out the "Is it worth it" thing for himself, and I think Finrod understands that. But to say it to his father's face like that??? Wow... And not to justify the Three Amigos (love it!), but I think they are really, truly ignorant about how very frail Mortals are, and I don't think they are so callous as to deliberately allow someone to die in front of them just because of pique. I suspect that there was more Maiar prompting at work than just for Alex to keep this oh so fragile enterprise from being irrevocably destroyed because of foolishness. Ah... how to teach humility! That's tricky; humility of spirit must be chosen - I hope Findalaure chooses well; at the moment, the other two seem to be more willing. I'm curious to see what else is decided once they reach Wiseman! I'm also hoping that Alex and Derek can find it in themselves to behave with a bit more kindness. Yes, those three have been totally pompous jerks, but if you know you're up against someone who views you unfavorably, it doesn't help the situation to give them more reasons to dislike you.
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. A very sad day for Finrod and for others. You are probably right that Findalaurë and the other two simply are truly ignorant of just how frail Mortal are compared to Elves. And one cannot really teach humility except by example. It is, as you say, a choice of the spirit. As for what will happen once they are back in Wiseman, only time will tell. Thanks for leaving a comment. I am very appreciative.
6336 · 6 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
A fair punishment, while tanning their hides might ease Alex and Derek's agression towards the Three Stooges/Amigos, taking their pretty toys away and knowing that all the other Elves think them unworthy to be warriors will hit them where it matters, in their pride. Poor Alex is still in a lot of pain it seems and I don't think his and Derek's little juant with Glorfindel and Co has done him any good, he would have done better to stay home and rest up. Wonder what the Three Stooges have to say for them selves after spending the night in the van, I expect they are wishing themselves back in Valinor! It's too be hoped that they do not do any thing stupid when they get back to Wiseman and are let out of their elders sight?! An interesting chapter, let's hope all your more blood thirsty reviewers are happy with the punishment meted out to the ellyn!? Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I thought it was a fair punishment, all things considered. And yes, Alex is still in a lot of pain. And the Three Stooges or, as they are now referred to by Derek, the Three Amigos probably are wondering if coming to Middle-earth was worth it. Hopefully, they will settle in and not cause too much trouble in the future. Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciate.
FantasyFan · 6 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
Well, I'll never forget the Quenyan for "goose" now! It will be interesting to see all of the players mature from this and hopefully, eventually, learn to rely on each other. Nice parallel to Glorfindel and the doctor's situation as well.
Author's reply
Hi FantasyFan. No, it's not likely anyone will forget the Quenya for 'goose' now. *grin* And I hadn't thought of the parallel between this and Glorfindel and Stoner's situation, but thanks for pointing it out. And thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated.
Rhyselle · 6 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
I actually was waiting for Finrod to say something to his son to the tune of "Your mother would be terribly disappointed in you." Finrod's book of creative punishments aside, and remembering Amarie from EI1 and EI2, I get the impression that as an apparently favored son (until now!), Findelaure might have cause be more afraid of his mother's disapproval for his actions than he even is of his father. Obviously, we do not know what has been going on in Aman over all the ages that the Wiseman Elves have remained in Ennor, but my thoughts are that the children of those who had experienced the Darkening and Middle-Earth, etc., have not been challenged by their lives so far. They have years of life, but little real experience, and thus are naive and immature. I rather expected the loss of their weapons as one consequence; if you can't behave like a mature adult, you will be treated like an elfing, and elflings do not carry weapons. I did like the decision that the "three amigos" were to serve Alex and Derek. All three need to be humbled, and what better way to do it? I don't expect it to be an easy road for any of them, and Findalaure--at the very least--will probably have more stumbles along his path to redemption; rather like Vorondil did.... Hmmm, any chance that Vorondil might be on the next passenger manifest? *grin* He could really give Findelaure lessons on it. I rather enjoyed Derek's explanation of the "three amigos" appellation. I think what I liked best the the implication that the three disgraced ellyn still have an opportunity to become heroes in truth, and not the image of hero that each may have had in their minds before they arrived in Middle-earth. That elleth that Glorfindel seemed to recognize sounds intriguing... I'm not going to bother making guesses as to her identity, but will watch the developments with eager eyes and anticipation. Thanks for this story, Fiondil. Yes, it is definitely darker than the original Elf Academy, but I find it very satisfying. EA1 was a bit like eating candy floss--tasty and enjoyable and fun--but EA2 is more like a steak dinner--also tasty and enjoyable, but stronger and heartier and more satifying to the appetite. :-) Well done! I look forward to Friday's installment, wish you a wonderful week!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. I suspect you are right that the younger generations of Elves in Aman simply have not had their lives challenged in the way their elder's were, especially people like Finrod or Laurendil or even Valandur who lived through the Darkening and its aftermath. And it was Daeron, not Derek, who explained the 'Three Amigos" appelation, but the implications for the three ellyn which you mention are quite valid. I tend to think of EA1 as a very extended Prologue explaining how the Elves came to Wiseman and why, while this story goes into more depth. I could easily have written EA1 in more detail and it might well have been as long as EA2 will be but I had consciously limited the number of chapters to fit within the timeframe of the holidays, which, as you will recall, is when I posted it. Since EA2 does not have such restrictions laid on it, it is much more detailed and has more depth to it and, of course, it is darker in parts given the storyline. I am glad that you are enjoying the story, though, and I appreciate you letting me know. Have a wonderful week, yourself.
bookworm · 6 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
I won't lie, I sporfled at the title. And then I read it. I believe the term is "right in the feels". Oh man, THOSE THREE. Did they not realise they were ABOUT TO COMMIT MURDER. I feel like they got off too light, especially with that attitude! Such brats. Then again, I don't know if they were all three in cahoots or just playing follow-the-leader (in which case excuse me while I go and work out my murderous urges towards Findalaure in a more constructive fashion).
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. Being denied their swords probably was a worse punishment in their eyes than anything else Finrod could have done to them. In a warrior society, that would have been tantamount to being exiled from the group. And while the Elves do not necessarily live in a warrior society, these particular ones, coming as they are in preparation for the Final Battle, are in warrior-mode and so the punishment is apt in this case. We'll see how they do now and whether they win back their swords any time soon. Thanks for the review. It's much appreciated and I hope you feel better after you've had your "work out". *grin*
Siiw · 6 August 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
The young elves' behaviour leaves me with a disgusting taste in my mouth. Findalaurë seems to be the worst of them. He definitely didn't learn this from his father, maybe he has spent too much time with his grandmother? Alex and Derek both need a vacation in a nice, warm place.
Author's reply
Hi Siiw. Yes, it is rather sad that Findalaurë and the other two apparently didn't learn what they should have learned from Finrod and others who once knew Mortals. Hopefully they will learn better. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Calenlassiel · 5 August 2012 · Chapter 57: A Walk in the Woods
Please don't let Finrod kill Findalaurë ... LOL Actually, I am curious to see what punishment is going to be doled out to our young elven friends.. Also, I am dying to see who this mysterious elleth is that Glorfindel thought he recognized. Fiondil, Great Storyline.
Author's reply
Hi Calenlassiel. I'm sure Finrod won't kill his son though he probably would like to. We'll see what he decides to do with Findalaurë and his 2 gwedyr in the next chapter. As for the elleth that intrigues Glorfindel, we'll learn who she is eventually. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.