Fantasia
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
Finally Alex showing his quality! He handled the situation like a master.
Poor planing indeed. Probably to show the elves how capable men are.
And Finrod! I knew it! let see who else is there...Elrohir and Elladan will see their grandpa and Alex his many, many, many generations grandpa....A family reunion.
The language, I was laughing like crazy, the Valars are so wicked.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Yes, Alex does show his quality here and handled the situation like the master spy that he is. And it's quite a family reunion in many ways, as we will see eventually. The Valar (or at least some of them) are indeed wicked. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
6336
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
Wow! Well Finrod sure knows how to make an entrance!
I did like how Alex was able to bamboozle NORAD though, very quick thinking on his part, I do wonder who 'inspired' him to bring false I.D. though! (Somebody was thinking ahead!)
Well I know some Ellith are going to be busy doing something dear to the heart of any Nissi, be they Mortal or Elf, major shopping trip, Finrod and company will need clothes, though coming in as they did on Halloween will help, if they get stopped!
Now to get everybody packed up and on their way, I would love to see Finrod's expression when he sees his first car though and how he handles riding in one!
Yay! Finrod's here, Finrod's Here! Glorfi must be over Ithil!
Two things to look forward to on Friday, your update and the opening ceremonies for the Olympics! I am not sure which one I am more excited about!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, Finrod does indeed know how to make an entrance. As to who may have inpsired Alex to bring false ID, we'll probably never know. Perhaps he simply had a premonition about it and was savvy enough to act on it. And yes, there will need to be a lot of shopping done for all those who came with Finrod.
And you can certainly enjoy reading the next chapter while watching the Olympics. *grin*
Thanks for commenting. It's always appreciated.
someone
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
This is getting very interesting *grin*.
Either the Valar don't think before they do something or they had some reason for the military to see the ship. I was sure that the radars wouldn't see anything, but it seems that I was wrong... And now I'm curious, as I had been thinking who would come. Finrod was one possibility (but I thought that by this time his father would have retired and he would have been king and unable to come to help - and also he said before in Elf, Interrupted(?) that he wouldn't leave Valinor again), Elrond and Celebrían another (that has also its own problems, but at least they would be there for their son's wedding) and there were also other possible people (Ingwion, for one), but I think I'll wait before speculating more, as I've already been wrong. And I never thought they would come on Vingilot! That must have been a sight to remember for anyone wathing the sky that night. Is Eärendil still forbidden to walk on Earth? Not fair, everyone else will get off the ship and he has to sit there.
That lie Alex invented was just too funny. His bald head is clearly very useful in some situations. And Finrod really needs to read some modern literature instead of Shakespeare
Author's reply
Hi someone. I'm glad you think things are getting very interesting. I think so, too. *grin*
We may never know the reason why the Valar did not send the Elves under the radar, but there you have it. At least Alex was there to deal with it as well as he did and deflected NORAD's attention. That's the important thing. As for Eärendil, he's too busy ferrying others to bother setting foot on Earth, but a time may come when he will be able to, just not yet.
Alex, of course, is a past expert on thinking fast and improvising along the way. Even if he didn't have a bald head, I'm sure he would have thought of something to send the NORAD boys on their way. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Whispy
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
Ah, I knew it, I knew it! I bet Glorfindel was very pleased to see his gwador. But poor Finrod...stuck speaking in such archaic language. XD That won't help him, er, exactly blend in. :P
BUT WHO ELSE IS THERE?
-hops up and down in anticipation-
Also, seeing Earendil will be quite the experience for Alex and Derek.
Whispy
Author's reply
Hi Whispy. Oh, I have no doubt Glorfindel is very pleased to see his gwador again. We'll meet some of the others along the way. Sorry, but I didn't want to make a laundry list of who's who at this point. And meeting Eärendil should be a very interesting experience for our two Mortals. We'll see how that goes in the next chapter.
Thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.
Rhyselle
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
I have to admit that I literally squealed with glee when I read the last paragraphs of the prior chapter on Friday while prepping green beans for canning. Vingilot! And I was go glad to see that my hope from Friday came true with this morning's new chapter. Finrod is here! I'm almost as happy about that as Glorfindel is!
(Although, what about his oath to not leave the Blessed Lands? Did Lord Manwe or Lord Namo release him from it?)
I'm not going to make guesses on who else was aboard the ship, but I am looking forward to meeting them as the story continues.
I loved Alex's rant/story about the Apache helicopters ruining the camping trip. Who would have thought that the shaved head that he was so embarrassed by would turn out to be a blessing in disguise as he came up with a story to divert the military attention?
The Valar's little joke about teaching Finrod (and the other new arrivals) archaic English was amusing, but it also means that they won't be as effective in doing whatever they're there to do because of having to learn to speak modern English first. Should be fun, though, to watch them in the meantime.
I do hope that having his best friend with him will help Glorfindel. Hey! Now Glorfindel can give Finrod all of those letters that have been building up over the centuries and millenia that he's been writing them. :-) I wouldn't mind reading some excerpts of them, myself!
I'm very glad that Alex and Derek are going to get to meet Earendil before the Mariner returns to Valinor. I haven't forgotten about the threat of Farrell, but there's so many new potential story threads being added to this tapestry that I don't want to speculate on what they may be. I'll wait (more or less patiently) for Friday. :-)
As always, Well Done!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. Finrod's oath states that he would not go any further east than Tol Eressëa UNLESS the Valar bid him otherwise. So, in this case, his oath hasn't been violated and I think given the chance to be reunited with Glorfindel, he would forget that oath in a heartbeat. *grin* As for the archaic English, as one of my betas pointed out, that means that the Amanian Elves will need to rely on the Middle-earth Elves more and perhaps in teaching them modern English along with everything else they will bond more as well.
Thanks for taking the time to reivew. You know how much I always appreciate it.
Lyana
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
I. am. DYING. here!! (Of laughter, of course!) Finrod - speaking Shakespearean English??? I think that's one of the funniest things I've ever read; still giggling just thinking about it!
Alex was incredible, and Derek did a fantastic job of shutting up. Very much looking forward to finding out who else came off Vingilot...
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. The idea of Finrod speaking Shakespearean English tickled me so much I just had to do it. He'll learn modern English soon enough, but for now it's fun to listen to him speaking forsoothly. And Alex was indeed incredible and we see a bit of his spy training in practice. Who knows how often he's been in a pickle and needed to do some fast talking to get himself out of it? Anyway, thanks for commenting. I always appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
Excellent! I am so glad Alex and Derek were able to remind everyone that humans make great allies. Certainly Finrod got the point that having been away from ME for so long, they have much to learn about modern life. "Hello, the Interent" was a perfect example.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Yes, humans do make great allies, especially one's like Alex and Derek with their specialized training. Glad you found the chapter to your liking. I appreciate you letting me know. It means a lot to me. Thanks.
Sunny
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
So Finrod managed to finagle himself onto the expedition! :-D It will be interesting to see who else have come.
Food that Finrod, at least, takes Alex seriously and lets him handle the soldiers who are out chasing the UFO, or whatever it was they thought Vingilot was. And Alex certainly did his part well, even using his shaven head to get rid of the soldiers. And I can certainly understand him complaining about the planning of this voyage - Vingilot was not exactly inconspicious!
It will be interesting to seethe newcomers' reactions to the modern world - from learning modern English, to encountering the marvels of modern technology - like the Internet.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. We'll learn more about who else came in later chapters, though we won't meet everyone. Perhaps if there's a sequel to this sequel we will. Alex does have a point about how visible Vingilot was. There may have been a reason for that. Perhaps putting the Enemy on notice. Who can really say? We'll see how things go with the new arrivals and how Alex and Derek interact with them over the course of several chapters. Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Arwen75
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
Well I see Ulmo & Namo decided to have some fun in teaching Finrod English. Now to see who else is here - and how Alex takes to meeting his umpteenth great grandfather. Slightly less of a cliff hanger today ... good thing as it is a longer wait till Friday. Really enjoying this story.
Now to see how they manage to come up with ID for Finrod and the others - and how quickly they can get out of there and what Farrell is up to...and...ok so many questions still to be answered. I am loving this story and it is the highlight on my Monday/Friday - normally lunchtime for me in UK but earlier today as my student due at 11am decided not to turn up.
Author's reply
Hi Arwen. Actually it was Ulmo and Aulë who gave the language lessons. We'll see how everyone manages (or doesn't) over several chapters. I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I really appreciate it.
bookworm
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 53: Rendevous at Wild Lake
Air Vingilot! *squeals excitedly* ...yeah I have nothing useful to add apart from that. =D
Author's reply
And you're not alone in being excited about Air Vingilot. We'll see who's aboard in the next several chapters. Thanks for leaving a comment. I always appreciate it.
harrowcat
· 22 July 2012
· Chapter 53: Rendevous at Wild Lake
Swords by a lake in the middle of the wilds seem okay. Perhaps in the middle of London even in Olympic year it would not be weapon of choice. When relationships are strained apologies do oil the way.
I will be intrigued to see what use will be made of the alternative identities. Interesting that Alex has dropped the A of his 'real' name. Donne's poetry is some of my favourite too 'no man is an island.' very appropriate.
I couldn't last five hours driving without a comfort break! ;)
I can't imagine a mortal being overly comfortable sleeping in a tree even on a flet. I love my tent but I would really like to try an igloo. And you got in my favourite phrase about Halloween * grin*
And of course Vingilot and the singing is the best bit of a wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
Hi harrowcat. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, especially Vingilot and the singing. I like Donne's poetry as well. We'll see in the next chapter what use Alex and Derek will make of the fake IDs. Thanks for leaving a review. I always appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 22 July 2012
· Chapter 53: Rendevous at Wild Lake
Grrr. Another cliffhanger. And I was hoping that we would get to know who is coming in this chapter. I love the subtle shift in tone between the elves, mostly Glorfindel, and the mortals. It feels more comfortable. Gun-toting elves would really be out of place, although I asked myself what the elves in a world full of machine guns and bombs want with swords. But I guess we'll see.
Author's reply
Sorry, but if I'd continued on the chapter would've been way too long. We'll start seeing who came with the next chapter and for a number of chapters thereafter. I don't mention everyone's name, just those who play a role in this story. Perhaps if I write yet another sequel we'll see who the others are.
Thanks for reviewing, obsidianj. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 22 July 2012
· Chapter 52: A Minor Upset
That confrontation was long overdue. Luckily, the Maia were able to calm everyone down, so they could talk. Glorfindel needs a long vacation ;-). He is no use to the course if he antagonizes the help they need. He is even angering his own people. I hope the help that will arrive will do him some good. Had to laugh at the Internet comment.
Author's reply
Very long overdue, obsidianj. I'm glad you liked the internet comment. Thanks for letting me know. I always appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 22 July 2012
· Chapter 51: 51: 67.5 North by 151.6 West
It seems to be a nice surprise for the elves, one can hope. I loved the scene with Glorfindel finding peace by watching the lake. But he still needs some more time to come to himself. He is as arrogant as Stoner in his own way.
Author's reply
You see, not everything needs to be sinister. *grin* Glorfindel is arrogant but he comes by it honestly. And I think they ALL need a long vacation, but thy're not likely to get ony any time soon. *grin* Thanks for leaving a review. I always apprecitate the effort.
obsidianj
· 22 July 2012
· Chapter 50: Enchanted Pumpkins
Alex is on the way to recovery. Good. Why does everyone assume, there has to be an immediate solution to a problem? Just talking about it sometimes helps. At least it is a start.
Why did I get a bad feeling about the pumpkin contest? I said to myself, I'm just paranoid because of the nature of the story, and then you dropped the bomb. Pumpkins with Sindarin writing and Glorfindel is missing. I just hope this is nothing bad for a change.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. You're right that some problems don' lend themselves to immediate solutions. Alex has a bit to go before he gets there. As for the pumpkins... you'll see soon enough. Thanks for the comments. I greatly appreciate them.
obsidianj
· 21 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
Alex' condition troubles me. Although I think I figured out what you do with his character. He has to be broken down to build up a new persona. Not Artemus, but not Alex as he is now either. As Vorondur said, he needs to meld the two together. I just hope he gets the time to do it before the outside world intrudes again. Farell is still out there plotting trouble. I hope the next chapter tells the story of Junior and it is not just some 2 sentences.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. You're right about Alex needing to be broken down to build up a new persona that integrates Artemus with Alex. We'll see how that goes as the story contnues. As for Junior, we heard all abut him from Alex when he told Farrell about him during their conversation in the café many chapters ago. Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I always appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 21 July 2012
· Chapter 48: Recovery
So, Glorfindel and his Academy are not the only group preparing for battle. Is that Manwe's way of telling Glorfindel that he has no business to think he is superior to everyone else? I loved Vorondur's suggestion of anger management classes for Glorfindel. He sure could use them. Dr. Stoner has a lot to learn about elves and valar and their healing capabilities. But he is still young...
Author's reply
That's true, obsidianj. Manwë has more than one iron in the fire, as is only right considerng what's at stake. Anger management classes might be a good thing for Glorfindel but I doubt he would take Ron up on his offer.*grin* Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 21 July 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
Of all the places Glorfindel could lose his temper, it had to be very publicly. Ts, ts, ts... that resident was out of line, but he was not completely off. I was wondering myself why they wouldn't fly Alex to Wiseman. I remember having a concussion once, and the doctor was furious that they let me walk home from school on my own and then to the doctor... Admittedly, that was a long time ago. I think Alex' fixation on having Derek nearby is a bit troublesome. Why does he need Derek around him all the time?
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. I think in this case it's just Alex wanting another human around more than anything else and with his injuries he's not thinking too straight anyway. Thanks for reviewng. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 21 July 2012
· Chapter 46: Search and Rescue
Had to wait until after my vacation to see how Alex is doing. Not so well as it seems. He obviously has a bad concussion. I'm not so sure allowing him to "finish" the race was such a good idea. But probably better for his peace of mind. Loved the welcome committee at the finish line. What did Junior do in his head? Oh, well, I have several more chapters to read, so I will hopefully find out.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Alex needed to finish the race for himself. We'll see how he fares with the concussion. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Agape4Gondor
· 20 July 2012
· Chapter 53: Rendevous at Wild Lake
Whoo hoo! The Elves are coming! The Elves are coming!
Good grief - now to wait 'til Monday.....
Author's reply
Indeed they are, Agape, and Monday isn't that far off. *grin* Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Tari
· 20 July 2012
· Chapter 53: Rendevous at Wild Lake
What I wouldn't give to be in Alex or Derek's place. I hope they realize how lucky they really are.
Ninja squirrels? I'd love to see one of them try to take an Elf down. LOL
Author's reply
Hi Tari. I'm sure they will realize how lucky they are once the get over the shock of seeing a ship floating in the air. *grin* And you have to watch out for those ninja squirrels. LOL! Thanks for commenting. I reallly appreciate it.
Larner
· 20 July 2012
· Chapter 53: Rendevous at Wild Lake
Hail Earendil! Now, THAT would be something to see, of course, particularly if it were to happen in January! I wonder what passengers are aboard Earendil's craft that night? Perhaps the twins' father or other grandparents? I can imagine Galadriel itching for a fight!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. Hail Eárendil, indeed! We'll see soon enough who came along for the ride. Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated.
Lyana
· 20 July 2012
· Chapter 53: Rendevous at Wild Lake
Oh, the imagery in that last paragraph was amazing - what a sight to see Vingilot and Earendil with the Silmaril descending! And the singing... I'm sure it would be incredible for all of them. Boy, are Sam and Gary getting an introduction to the "who'd have thunk it!"
Now... to see how/if NORAD responds and how many UFO sightings are filed - or is there some Valarian cloaking device at work?
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. I'm glad you enjoyed the imagery in the last paragraph. It's one of my favorite scenes. As for NORAD... well, we'll just have to wait and see, won't we? *grin* Thanks for the review. I appreciate it very much.
Fantasia
· 20 July 2012
· Chapter 53: Rendevous at Wild Lake
Vingilot! Why I didn't think about that? well, that is the reason why I'm not a writer.
Swords, really?
Fiondil, now we have to wait to Monday! Do you realize that you make me wish for Mondays?! it is all wrong, I should be able to enjoy weekends and not waiting for updates on Mondays....
Thanks you.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Well, I'm glad you were surprised and perhaps you'll be more surprised when you learn who is coming. And at least Mondays are not something to look forward to instead of dreading. *grin* Thanks for leaving a comment. It's always appreciated.
6336
· 20 July 2012
· Chapter 53: Rendevous at Wild Lake
Arrgh! Cliffee King strikes again!
Well at least we know one person who is coming, or has Vingalot been borrowed by someone again?
Nothing too wild happened at least, a nice quiet moving along chgapter, expect for the Major Cliffee at the end!
Waiting, impatiently, for monday.
Lynda
p.s. Send me your size, I am going to get you a tee shirt with 'King of Cliffees!' on it, for the King of Cliffees!
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Sorry for the cliffie but that just makes the anticipation even more exciting wondering who is aboard. We'll learn soon enough, never fear, and Eärendil will definitely be at the helm. It's his ship, after all. And I usually wera XL tee-shirts *grin*. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it as always.