Kitty
· 15 July 2012
· Chapter 46: Search and Rescue
*sigh* It sounds as if you thought up a few great races and other contests. Why did you have to ruin that? :(
Glad the Elves found Alex and he seems to have gotten off comparatively well – I mean, without broken bones and all that, even if he's probably one huge bruise all over his body.
This obsession to finish the race, however, sounds a bit worrying. I wonder what is behind it? And who on earth is Junior? Is that another Alex-Artemus problem? In any case, it's amazing that he actually managed to reach the finish line under these circumstances. It was great that the others gave him such a welcome; it might have helped him a bit.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Alex needed to finish the race for his own sake if for no one elses. And Junior is the same Junior from Alex's dream, the friend he'd been forced to kill on orders of the Agency. That death has always haunted him.
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Kitty
· 15 July 2012
· Chapter 45: Dreams and Races
Derek is really throwing himself into that whole mess and trying to help. Though Glorfindel is probably right that they should do that at a more reasonable hour. At least they learned never to agree to something again if them agreeing depends on his playing abilities ;)
So Irmo is sending dreams to push Alex on the right path to solve the problem? I can't help but wonder what truly is at stake, seeing how much interest the Valar and Maiar are taking in this whole Academy.
The Elves are really doing their best to keep things interesting for their students and to bring some change to the normal schedule. I am sure the students had fun with these races.
Though, of course, you had to destroy that fun with the last paragraph. What on earth has poor Alex done to you that you keep torturing him? He doesn't deserve that!!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Well, as another reviewer pointed out, you only hurt the ones you love. LOL! There is more going on here than first meets the eye where Alex is concerned and the issue of why all these supposedly bad things are happening to him will come up in the next chapter.
As for his dream, we'll see what comes of it.
Thanks for reviewing. As always, it's much appreciated.
Kitty
· 14 July 2012
· Chapter 44: New Orders
Well, I can't blame Alex for not wanting to open that envelope at all. It's just going to cause trouble.
Like it that Derek called Alex 'gwador'. It seems so fitting for these two even after this relatively short time.
Great of Derek to think to check the authenticity of the document, though I don't know if I should be happy with the result or not. All I can say is that I don't like it, and even less after Alex explaining how he's going to be blamed in any case. What Farrell needs is a heart-to-heart with the Lord of Mandos, if you ask me. He's a danger to society.
Derek made some interesting points about the validity of the termination order. That sounds like a way to get them out of that dilemma, even though Farrell is probably not inclined to listen. But it may come in handy later on to the higher-ups, who knows?
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Alex needs someone like Derek as his gwador, that's for sure. He's never really had one and Derek is very good for him in ways he doesn't yet appreciate as we will see as the story progresses.
And Derek is proving very helpful in other ways as we see here. Is reason is sound as well and hopefully it will be useful in the future.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Kitty
· 14 July 2012
· Chapter 43: Further Conversations
That vision of Amroth is worrying, as much as I like the idea of Alex and Derek fighting together. And the discussion of the two Maiar isn't exactly comforting, either. The same can be said about the discussion between Amroth, Alex and Derek. No, I don't like how things are going, not at all! I just hope no one is going to get hurt, but seeing what the Maiar said ...
Author's reply
Well, it was a vision but what it might truly mean is anyone's guess and the Maiar's conversation is troubling, but of course, war is like that and that is where they are all heading eventually. We are just seeing the opening moves here. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Kitty. I appreciate it very much.
Kitty
· 14 July 2012
· Chapter 42: Conversations with the Elves
Have to agree with Alex and Derek. At first glance, being immortal sounds great, but when you think about what it actually entails, it's not so great any more. To lose everyone you know and love ... no, thanks.
Farrell is in for it now, is he? Or at least I hope so. On the other hand, it's your story, so nothing is easy ...
Anyway, that was a nice invitation for dinner. They all needed that quiet time to relax. Sadly it didn't last very long. While it was probably to be expected that these two little criminals were killed, it's still worrying to think about the implications.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. You're right that they all needed the quiet time to relax even if the quiet time doesn't last very long. As for the two victims... yes, most unfortunate and we will see some of the ramifications of this later on.
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Kitty
· 14 July 2012
· Chapter 41: A Funeral and a Fight
Sorry, I've fallen behind quite a bit!
You know, I am not sure it is a good idea that Glorfindel keeps so much from Dave and his forces. We'll have to wait and see how that plays out, I guess, and I can only hope it is not coming back to bite him in the butt. I can't blame Dave for being a bit annoyed with him.
Walking into a church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than walking into a garage makes you a car *snicker* Nice comparison, and so true! And of course, that list of what the Elves saw over the millennias must have struck them dumb.
Hm. The other Elves are well and good, but what Glorfindel needs are Manveru and Erunaro to work off his excess energy, his frustration and everything else. Though I have to admit, I'd have liked to watch that fight. It must have been amazing, Glorfindel against six others and he still beat them all! I'm sure the students were very impressed.
Author's reply
Hopefully, you'll catch up in due time, Kitty.
Glorfindel is in a delicate situation here and nobody it happy. I'm glad you like the comparison. Nothing I made up; I came across it elsewhere but it is true nonetheless.
Having Maiar fight Glorfindel might have been better for him, but the students wouldn't have understood. And besides, the other Elves enjoy a good swordfight as well as the next Elf, so they were happy to oblige.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Agape4Gondor
· 13 July 2012
· Chapter 51: 51: 67.5 North by 151.6 West
I guess it takes a few doses of peace to make a frazzled Glorfindel unfrazzled. *g* Glad he took the time by the lake, though my heart went out to him. Songs can wreck havoc on us - for good or ill.
I found it slightly disconcerting that Glorfindel sneered at the pumpkins. I found it sad. I think this was most telling -- a by-product of his frazzlement.
I am hoping (fingers crossed) that Finrod might be coming... and that was the reason for Glorfindel's melancholy. Sort of precognition... Oh my - that would be soooo awesome... *heart starts to patter* ?Good grief - I don't want to get too excited - but perhaps Sador too and a few other 'brothers???'
I have this feeling that Alex and Derek will reach the lake - whether with the Elves' permission or no.....
GREAT chapter. Needless to say, I don't know how I'll sleep 'til I found out who..........
Author's reply
Hi Agape. Yes, it is telling that Glorfindel first sneers at the pumpkins. At least he unfrazzled enough to realize just how good the carvings were and enjoyed them.
As for who is coming.... only time will tell. You're right about Alex and Derek, though, and we will see what happens in the next chapter when they go to see the Elves.
Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Sunny
· 13 July 2012
· Chapter 51: 51: 67.5 North by 151.6 West
I see that people are speculating wildly about who are going to get a ticket on "Vingilot Airlines". ;-) I know who are heading _my_ list - Celebrían, closely followed by Elrond. I'm sure she has been told that her baby boy is getting married - and it would take braver ... people ... than the Valar to keep a mum and dad away from such a momentous event!
Author's reply
And of course we'll all find out who shows up in due time, Sunny. It will be interesting to see whose list comes closest to the truth. *grin*
Whispy
· 13 July 2012
· Chapter 51: 51: 67.5 North by 151.6 West
Aw, Glorfindel, come on. Let the Mortals and the ellith come.
Mmm, you're really keeping us on our toes here. I have my own suspicions on who the Elves will be, but only time will tell. How long is it until Monday again? ;)
PS: So I couldn't help but Google your coordinates, and you did your homework, didn't you?
Whispy
Author's reply
Hi Whispy. I do try to get things right. *grin* A map helps. Glorfindel does have certain issues and we'll see in the next chapter how they affect Alex and Derek and what comes of it. As to who is coming, that will be revealed soon enough. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 13 July 2012
· Chapter 51: 51: 67.5 North by 151.6 West
Oh, the suspense! hopefully we will encounter friends. I say "we" because I'm going too! How I wish for Finrod visiting, Glorfindel really need a brother. Maybe Elrond? Legolas? the possibilities!
Author's reply
Hi Fanasia. Well we'll see very shortly just who is coming and how. Hopefully people will be surprised and pleased. Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
6336
· 13 July 2012
· Chapter 51: 51: 67.5 North by 151.6 West
Do not discount Alex and Derek, bring them with you 'cause if you don't they will show up anyway!
I wonder if this has anything to do with that foresight flash one of the Elves had, forget which one?
It is strange that Alex and Derek were the only Mortals to recognise that the writing was Tengwar, they are meant to come!
Good to see Glorfindel finally getting his nerves unfrizzed a bit, he needed the break, makes you wonder how they, whoever 'they' are would have got the message across if Glorfindel hadn't gone with them to the Pumkin Walk.
Back to work today, grrr!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, Alex and Derek being the only Mortals who recognized the writing was tengwar is significant and we will see how important they will prove to be.
Glorfindel did need to be a bit more unfrazzled and the pumpkin walk and sitting by the lake certainly helped. I'm sure whoever sent the message would have made sure Glorfindel saw it somehow. Tricksy the Valar are, yes. *grin*
Thanks for leaving a review, Lynda. It's always appreciated as you know.
Larner
· 13 July 2012
· Chapter 51: 51: 67.5 North by 151.6 West
Well, the message is far less ominous than I'd anticipated, and I love Daeron and Vorondur's reasoning on why Derek and Alex should be included. I wonder who this fisherman might be, and find myself thinking about rocks and fishers of men!
Author's reply
Yes, the message is far less ominous than many had feared. Daeron and Vorondur's reasoning concerning including Derek and Alex in this venture will be addressed more fully in the next chapter. As for the fisherman... he is as Glorifindel said, a reminder of when Richard Martina took him to that same lake to fish, so Glorfindel has a good idea just where they need to go.
Thanks for the review, Larner. As always, I appreciate it very much.
UTfrog
· 13 July 2012
· Chapter 51: 51: 67.5 North by 151.6 West
After waiting impatiently all week,now I get to wait impatiently for Monday. You are truly a master at making us want more. Excellent chapter! Glad that it appears the mortals will be included.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Glad you liked the chapter. I'm afraid you'll be waiting a little longer than Monday to learn who is coming. There is a little bit of other business that needs to be addressed first, but we'll learn about who is coming fairly soon, I promise. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 13 July 2012
· Chapter 51: 51: 67.5 North by 151.6 West
And the follow-up to the the cliffie last chapter is, of course ... another cliffie!
Now who is coming to join in the fun at Wiseman? If it were Maiar, there would be no need for a welcoming committee, so I would guess that it is more Elves arriving - but who?? (I know - I must wait for Monday.)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. The answer to your question will eventually, though not immediately, be answered, but certainly your supposition that it will be more Elves rather than Maiar is correct. As to who they may be....
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
calenlassiel
· 12 July 2012
· Chapter 50: Enchanted Pumpkins
Maybe a new elf is going to show up. The message doesn't necessarily have to be something bad..
I love the whole pumpkin carving festival. I love Halloween. I don't do scarey. I like Happy Halloweens with happy pumpkins and of course candy corn. I am hoping that there is no evil message written on the pumpkins. I dont't want to be scared. So many bad things have happened to our cast of characters.
I also want Jr. to show up alive and well.
Well, I am too naive for my own good. Maybe something good will happen.
Great Chapter Fiondil :)
Author's reply
Hi Calenlassiel.Yes, the message doesn't necessarily have to be something bad and I love Halloween, too, but I don't do scarey, either. The pumpkin carving at the festival is amazing and people really show a lot of thought and talent in their carvings.
Junior is, of course, quite dead, having fallen to from 30,000 ft. while attempting to do Artemus in. So even though his death was his own fault, Alex/Artemus still feels guilty about it and wishes he could've prevented it.
And as for somethign good happening with the pumpkins, that remains to be seen.
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciarte it.
Tari
· 11 July 2012
· Chapter 50: Enchanted Pumpkins
I had a bad feeling about the pumpkin festival from the start. Looks like I was right. Something must be evil regarding the last pumpkins or else the elves wouln't be so grim.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. Ah... well, we'll find out for sure just what is going on with the pumpkins. Just remember that the grimness of the Elves is from Alex's point of view and he may not be reading them as accurately as he thinks.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
someone
· 10 July 2012
· Chapter 50: Enchanted Pumpkins
Good, Alex might one day be able to live in peace with his past.
The pumpkins sound lovely, but now I'm very curious. If none of the elves wrote the text on the pumpkins, it means that there are either other elves living secretly on the area or the Maiar/Valar gave a warning to the Elves, as I suspect that none of the students would be able to carve text like that out of fruit. I can hardly wait for the next chapter...
Author's reply
Hi soneone. Hopefully he will.
As for the pumpkins, we'll learn about them some more in the next chapter.
Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
Atto,
I think that lesson about self-image is VERY important. We can all learn from that. Thank you (and Vorondur) for bringing it up. I think even my Ada could benefit from that - he spends too much time talking about how others have messed up his life, and not enough time figuring out what he can do to live for himself without the opinions of others long in his past weighing on him.
The quips about bald being sexy made me laugh, and I wonder how frazzled Loren has gotten and just what's up with him. Also, I'd love to know what exactly Alex had to say about Junior, other than that he killed him, which is sad for Alex...or rather Artemus, as he needs to learn to reconcile the two personae.
I have a feeling Alex will really regret deleting email from Maddy unopened, and Amroth may want to talk to him about that...
Also, what on earth was written on that pumpkin?
And I want to see that pumpkin festival, Atto, you've made me jealous. Pictures? *hopeful* Please? (I also want to see the aurora...Alex and the rest are so lucky!)
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Yes, self-image is very important, Kaylee, though I think most of us have self-image issues of one type or another. Glorfi has been feeling frazzled for some time with all that's happened of late and Alex's latest accident hasn't helped.
As for the pumpkins, we'll find out. Sorry, I don't have any pictures. Maybe next Halloween.
Thanks for your review. It's much appreciated. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 10 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
Artemus...yes, Alex can never leave Artemus behind, true enough. Artemus is who he was born to be, but I rather think Artemus was born to be Alex, in a manner of speaking, if that makes any sense - let me try that again, Atar...
I think the way he is as Alex is how Artemus should have been. I don't know if that makes any sense either, lol. Oh well, you can probably figure it out, Atto, you're cleverer than me anyway. *grin*
I love, love love that Dante quote. It's so beautiful! :)
Why do I get the feeling that Alex will someday (soon?) be meeting the Source of his existence, if not the way Junior has then perhaps the way Glorfi and Ingwi managed it? Where's Earendil when you need transportation...
*wonders what Eru would have to say about our ethir neth*
*hugs*
Kaylee
Author's reply
What you say does make sense, Kaylee. Artemus was always meant to be Alex in personality, if not in other ways, but unfortunately, that didn't happened and he needs to accept that and see that 'Artemus' really isn't the bad guy; he'll need Artemus' knowledge and skills in the future as we will see.
It's unklikely Alex will meet the Source of his existence the way Glorfi or Ingwi did, but that is not to say he won't have his own epiphany.
Thanks for the review. It's much appreciated. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 10 July 2012
· Chapter 48: Recovery
And that is why Dr. Stoner should not be made into an enemy, Atto. Even if he is arrogant and all, he has many lessons to learn. And it's not like Glorfi hasn't been arrogant either. Well, fence-mending can be done (I hope for all their sakes) so hopefully we can see how that goes.
Chicken soup! I knew that would be better for Alex :) Yay! And healing sleep was best for him too. Now he has his blue hat (I love blue too! :) ) and he can go home. Well, back to the Academy, which is as much home right now as anything is. Also, when I first read it, "Hi Manny, long time no see?" made me stifle laughter so as not to wake anyone up. This time around I'm alone, so I can laugh as much as I want. *grin* Has anyone ever actually said that to Lord Manwe?
Tye-melin!
Kaylee
Author's reply
I'm sure that Glorfindel and Dr. Stoner will eventually become friends. They will need to be if they are going to work together. They both need lessons in being less arrogant, that's for sure.
I don't think even Námo has ever been brave enough to call Manwë 'Manny'. *grin*
Thanks for leaving a review, Kaylee. Tye-melin.
Agape4Gondor
· 10 July 2012
· Chapter 50: Enchanted Pumpkins
I think Ron has given Alex a small window to crawl out of with the cruel remark. It is true. Though Akex must take responsibility for killing his friend, both the Agency and Junior played a horrible part. Glad for Ron.
As for Glorfi -- you have a cruel tendency yourself! I do so hope he's hanging back to contemplate the night and not something horrid.
As for the pumpkins -- only you could change wonderful pumpkins into something sinister. Sounds like something related to Morgoth's minions. I hope I'm wrong!
Author's reply
Hi Agape. I think you may be correct concerning Ron.
We'll see what Glorfi is up to in the next chapter. I promise, nothing horrid.
And we'll learn more about the pumpkins very soon.
Thanks for the review. I appreciate it very much.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 10 July 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
Beef broth? Why is it always beef broth? Why not chicken broth? I like chicken soup, I'm sure Alex would like it too. It tastes so much better than beef broth to me, lol. Poor Alex again. I remember being in the hospital after having my gallbladder out and ALL THEY WOULD GIVE ME was beef broth, coffee and jello. Mum drank the coffee and I couldn't get the beef broth down. The jello I managed, but the broth did not like me. *recommends jello for Alex* Chicken broth I would have liked better.
Dr. Stoner, hmm? Well, well, this is a bit of a mess and as I recall, antagonizing Dr. Stoner will not go well for Glorfi...lol. But then Dr. Stoner was being a bit of an idiot himself, so he deserved it to a point.
Tye-melin, Atto!
Kaylee
Author's reply
Yeah, beef broth isn't a favorite but it is hearty and strengthening and generally 'safe'. Dr. Stoner has much to learn and hopefully, in time, he'll be less arrogant and not assume things.
Thanks for reviewing, Kaylee. It's much appreciated. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 10 July 2012
· Chapter 46: Search and Rescue
Awww, Atto. Poor Alex (again. You make us say that a lot, lol.) I'm glad the Elves helped him to finish the race. Finishing is more important than winning, I think, because finishing, no matter what place you're in, means not giving up. So is Junior going to be in Alex's head now? I wonder just what Junior was saying to egg Alex on...hmmmm...lol. Unless it was just left over from Alex's dream. If I was in Amroth's position, with a protege and all but foster-son I loved who'd been injured, I would've freaked out, but then I'm not thousands of years old, so perhaps that has something to do with it. He'll probably go on and get what needs doing done, and save his freaking out for...hmm, not Nimrodel, she might be upset by it. For Ron, probably. Well, hopefully this thing with Junior will get sorted out eventually and Alex will learn to ask for help more often.
(Speaking of people named Ron, oh, don't I wish Vorondur could meet my Ada. Someone needs to give him help, I swear. I can't do it for him, Atto. I just wish I knew what to say to him, but I can't see him as much as he wants me to. How do I tell him no without him getting angry with me? We're talking about the man who disowned my sister for half an hour in the car because he didn't listen when she told him our trip to San Diego wasn't a family vacation, she was going to Comic-Con and needed a ride, and me and Ada could do stuff together down there. *sighs*)
Author's reply
Yes, poor Alex again. Finishing is important, more so than winning and he needed to finish the race for his own sake, if no one else's. Amroth was probably freaked, but knew that being hysterical wouldn't help Alex. I'm sure he had a long talk with Ron later.
Thanks for commenting. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 10 July 2012
· Chapter 45: Dreams and Races
Atya,
*huggles* Sorry I've been bad at reviewing lately - six chapters late! All I can say is I've been under pressure from several sides. I kind've know how Alex feels, although my trouble isn't pushy spies, but a pushy Ada who won't take no for an answer. *sighs* Some days I *wish* I could crash into something like Alex (poor Alex though anyway!) get knocked into a tree or whatever and save myself the trouble of having to listen to Ada's whining about how lonely he is and how much he wants to see me. I feel sorry for him, but ever since Lory died he's gotten worse. I can't be alone with him. Maybe if the Maiar would deign to send him a dream like the one they gave Alex! Do you have the Maiar on speed dial, Atto? lol!
Anyway, so yeah, I thought that dream was pretty great, and poor Alex, he doesn't know what her answer will be! *hugs Alex* I have read all the chapters I missed reviewing, but I don't think I remember him ever getting back to her answer yet...if he did get an answer.
Anyway, on with reviewing!
Tye-melin, Atto!
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Sorry you're having trouble with your dad. I hope you can work things out with him. Unfortunately, I have no advice to give except to be patient with him.
Anyway, I'm glad you liked the dream. We'll find out how successful he is in getting info on Farrell from Shanna but not immediately.
Thanks for reviewing. Tye-melin.
UTfrog
· 10 July 2012
· Chapter 50: Enchanted Pumpkins
Managed to read the chapter yesterday, but never managed my review. Back to cliffhangers again! Now, are the tengwar pumpkins Maier or the Enemy? Friday still seems a long way off. Thanks again for all your work.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Yes, another cliffie and many more to come. *grin* As to what the tengwar signifies, that will be revealed in the next chapter as well as to why Glorfindel is missing. Thanks for being such a loyal reviewer. I truly appreciate it.