Derek, I love ya, man! You were brilliant! You really should have been a lawyer, even with all the sharks!
I really think Ratty has been and gorn and dun'it this time, Alex has proof that he is wildly exceding his orders as an observer. It would be very interesting to know just what is going on in Washington with the agency and just how much they have been told.
Waiting for Friday,
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, Derek is a genius. And we'll learn what's been going down in Washington eventually. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 18 June 2012
· Chapter 44: New Orders
Caught between Scylla and Charybdis, is he, Atto? (if you don't mind the older expression, it sounds like one our Elves might have used. *grin*) Well, it looks like Amroth, as good an atar indonyo as he is to Alex (like someone else I know :) *hugs Atto*) has plans for covering his back and helping Alex out. And yay for Derek being Alex's gwador! He needs gwedyr, really he does. *is pleased*
*is not so pleased about Farrell* You know, I *really* wouldn't put it past Farrell to assassinate Maddy Washburn and begin forging all her stuff...O.o I really don't want that to happen though!!!
Tye-melin, Atto! I hope you had a really good day yesterday and that you're having a good week. I am SO glad to know you're back at work and doing better!!!
*hugs*
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. You've got that right. Alex is definitely caught between a rock and a hard place and hopefully he'll figure out how to get out of it soon enough. With Darek and Amroth beside him, he should do all right. Thanks for the review. It's greatly appreciated. Tye-melin.
Sunny
· 18 June 2012
· Chapter 44: New Orders
So someone is trying to set Alex up? Sounds as if he is stuck between a rock and a hard place - but hanging on to the letter with the forged signature will hopefully enable Alex and the elves to boomerang the trouble back at Farrell. What is going on with the Agency anyway?
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Obviously Farrell is pushing things a bit. We'll see what Alex does about it. As for the Agency, we'll learn a bit more about that towards the end of the story. Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
UTfrog
· 18 June 2012
· Chapter 44: New Orders
Excellent chapter with some very complicated planning. You must enjoy mysteries and thrillers, too. Really good plotting here. As always thank you so much. Understand from other reviewers that you are recovering. Please keep us posted.
Author's reply
Yes, I do enjoy mysteries and thrillers and have drawn on those as inspiration for much of the intrigue in this story. Glad you enjoyed the chapter and found the plotting believable. My recovery is going well and I'm back to work, which is great as it keeps me from being bored out of my mind. Anyway, thanks for the review, UTFrog. I appreciate it very much.
Agape4Gondor
· 17 June 2012
· Chapter 43: Further Conversations
Ack! You've got our heroes in a bit of a pickle and it only seems to be getting worse. What on earth is wrong with Maddy and the folks in Washington?
Author's reply
Hi Agape. We'll find out more about what is going on with Maddy and the folks in Washington before the story ends, I promise. Glad you're still reading. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Calenlassiel
· 16 June 2012
· Chapter 43: Further Conversations
Oh my :) a vision,Olórin and European Intrigues ... Wow.. What a Chapter... Loved it..
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there...
Author's reply
Hi Calenlassiel. Glad you love the chapter and found it exciting. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
And I second your sentiment: a Happy Father's Day to all the dads, granddads, and mentors of the young.
Lyana
· 15 June 2012
· Chapter 43: Further Conversations
Dur...
I want to hear the story about Glorfindel and *Daeron*. Though I'm sure there are plenty of stories about Glorfindel and the Twins!
Author's reply
No problem, Lyana. I sort of knew who you really meant. We always associate Glorfindel with the Twins so it's easy enough to forget that Daeron also has a history with him, at least in the universe.
Lyana
· 15 June 2012
· Chapter 43: Further Conversations
"The board is set" - that turn of phrase has sent a chill up my spine every time I've read or heard it. Hooo boy.
But that's a comforting vision for Amroth. I wonder what kinds of weapons they were holding if he couldn't identify them!
Loved the bits of Maiar conversation and the teaser about Glorfindel and the Twins. I second the motion for that story to be told at some point!
Author's reply
Yes, it is a chilling phrase in any context. I have no idea what kind of weapons they were holding, only that they were unknown to Amroth. Perhaps in some near future someone will create weapons that are not the usual kind, the sort that you see in Star Trek or Star Wars and those kinds of movies. Maybe someday we'll find out.
As for the story about Glorfindel and Daeron (and most likely the Twins) in 14th century Florence... we'll you never know. *grin*
Thanks for the review, Lyana. It's much appreciated.
Lady Edlyn
· 15 June 2012
· Chapter 43: Further Conversations
Oh, ho! Ww get another little tidbit about what Glorfindel and Daeron have been up to over the centuries! That would be an interesting tale to hear. Too bad there's no way I'll ever be invited to sit in on the telling.
I was glad to see Olórin and Fionwë on duty and enjoyed the mental images of Amroth, Alec and Derek taking on all comers in the snowball fight.
Regarding the conversation between Amroth and my two favourite mortals, I'm worrying about Maddy. I certainly hope that the Enemy hasn't subverted her as I kind of liked the person she seemed to be in the first chapter. Now we just have to wait and see what happens next. I am glad to see that Alec didn't go off the handle at Amroth when he was told to stay put and stay in role. Then again, Amroth was a lot more tactful than Glorfindel has been lately and Alec is "programmed" to consider Amroth his boss or "commanding officer".
A very nice chapter to read on an all too quiet Friday morning. Take care, meldonya! I hope the weather and your health are good enough to indulge in a walk around the lake this weekend.
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. Well, you might not be invited to sit in on the telling but you never know, the Muse may inspire me to write about their adventures in spying, though it would take a tremendous amount of research on that particular era. But I love doing research so who knows?
Anyway, I know a lot of people were happey to see Olórin and Fionwë together on duty. As for Maddy, we will see her towards the end of the story and we will learn what's been going on in Washington all this time. And Alex does think of Amroth as his commanding officer to some extent so he doesn't find it difficult to obey him even if he does not like his orders. And Amroth is a bit more tactful that Glorfindel has been lately.
My health is coming along nicely, thank you. I've been back to work for the last two weeks and it feels great! I'm no longer bored and desperate to find something to keep me occupied. I do intend to go to Beaver Lake this weekend, as I did last weekend, but it'll be a while before I'm ready to walk around the lake. Right now I am just concentrating on walking the shorter and less strenuous trails to build up my strenght and endurance. It will probably be another month or so before I try the lake trail.
Thanks for your comments. I very much appreciate them
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 15 June 2012
· Chapter 43: Further Conversations
Harya alassëa ar vanima Atarya, Atto Fiondil! (Well, a couple days early, but still. :) I hope I did that right, but I'm sure you understood it. *hugs Atto* My Ada and I had our day yesterday - we saw The Avengers. Have you seen it? I think our ellyn would like it. Maybe the ellith too, but I don't know. Some of them at least :) )
Speaking of the Elves, Atto, I liked the way things were handled here. I wish I could have learned how to play 'snow forts' as I've never had enough snow to do such a thing. The few snowballs I've made in the drifts outside Yosemite were clumsy and pathetic things, not worthy of being referred to as balls as they're not round enough. *sigh* But it was good that Amroth played with the 'children'. The Maiar's discussion had me on edge, though...
As did Amroth's discussion with the Children later (despite it being over coffee and hot chocolate, the latter of which you made me want despite it hovering between the 80's and triple digit temperatures here. Maybe just because it's probably Roy's creation.) I am still wondering what Farre
(Ok. *blinks* That's weird, I start typing that guy's name, and my computer decides it has to 'reconfigure' mid-word. Maybe he's spying on me? O.o So I'm not going to finish it.)
Anyway, you know who I mean, lol, him...you never answered my query on whether he was possibly not human, but Elven, perhaps enspelled by Morgoth, Sauron or one of their lesser servants - maybe that Helcaran or the so-called "Prince of this world", lol, which you mention in other stories) Or if he is indeed human, maybe he's experiencing some sort of the same thing Alex is, only from a much less friendly source?
Tye-melin, Atarinya. Harya vanima aurë!
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Thanks for the good wishes for Father's Day. You did very well with the Quenya.
To answer your question about Farrell, he is completely Mortal without a drop of Elvish blood in him. We will learn eventually why he is the way he is and why he has it in for Amroth.
And I'm afraid the Maiar were only stating realities. There is always pain and sorrow in this world no matter how hard we try to make it otherwise and as the Elves and their Mortal allies are preparing for war, that's just going to make things more painful for them. A sword must be tempered if it is to be wielded correctly without breaking and so it is thus with people.
Thanks for leaving a comment. You know how much I appreciate it. Tye-melin.
someone
· 15 June 2012
· Chapter 43: Further Conversations
I had to check from Wikipedia what are "Guelphs" and "Ghibellines", never heard about them. Glorfindel and Daeron spyed (spied?) for the Pope?
It's hard for the police to find Farrell, when they have no idea what the murdered criminals were doing in the Academy. And it's also hard for the poor boy who thinks he was going to get kidnapped and someone murdered his would-be kidnappers.
The developments in the Agency don't sound good, and "There will be pain for them all soon enough" sounds even worse. No one of the Elves or their close friends is going to die, I hope.
"Yet, our lord is unsure that he is even full aware that he is playing into the Enemy’s hands." The One or Manwë?
Great chapter and the former one was nice, too.
Author's reply
Hi someone. Well, the Guelphs and the Ghibellines are not known to too many people today unless they happen to be interested in that time period. And yes, apparently Glorfindel and Daeron spied for the pope, or at least, for the pope's party which was ruled by many nobles. It was a very tumultuous era and cities changed allegiances as often as most of us change our socks.
Anyway, none of the Elves or their close friends die in this story, but that doesn't mean they don't suffer along the way as we will see as the story progresses. We are at the very beginnings of the Final War and there will be casualties on both sides. That is unfortunate but inevitable as in any War.
As for who 'our lord' is meant here, I suspect Manwë is meant, since the One would know the truth regardless. Even the Valar don't know all and must discover the truth even as we must, by peeling back one layer of lies at a time.
Glad you liked this chapter and the previous one. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 15 June 2012
· Chapter 43: Further Conversations
Ghibilenes and Guelphs? Now, that sounds to be a story!
And trust Olorin to be involved! Bless him!
Author's reply
And it probably is, Larner, especially with Glorfindel involved. *grin* And Olórin just can't get away from Middle-earth, can he? He probably was the first to volunteer for sentry-go.
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's very much appreciated.
6336
· 15 June 2012
· Chapter 43: Further Conversations
I hope they find out who is behind this soon and put a stop tp it. I know it has to be one of Melkor's tools, but who and just where have they been hiding all this time?
Good to see two of our favorite Maia, if only briefly, and to know that they are watching out for everyone.
Watching and waiting and trying to redirect people's attention away from the Academy is probably a smart move at this point,they do need to keep tabs on Ratty though, as much as they can do, that is!
It would be interesting to know just what Amroth's vision portends.
Been mulling over the 'Godless Elves' question, and if any thing they are closer to God in some ways than any body, Glorfindel especially, since he has met the person in question!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I have no idea just what Amroth's vision portends, but obviously it was meant to hearten him and let him see that there were at least 2 Mortal who would be allies to the Elves at the Dagor Dagorath, whenever that will occur.
And you're right that the Elves are closer to God in some ways than Mortals, and Glorfindel has spoken face-to-face, not only with the regents of the One but with the One Himself. If only those nay-sayers knew. *grin*
Thanks for leaving a comment. You know how much I appreciate your input.
UTfrog
· 15 June 2012
· Chapter 43: Further Conversations
Greatchapter, moving the plot along. Happy to know Olorin is part of the outside security force. Please, please consider a short story of Olorin telling Elrond, et. al. of the engagement.
Author's reply
Glad you liked this chapter, UTFrog. And perhaps I will write a short story about Olórin tellling Elrond and others of Elrohir's engagement. We'll have to see what the Muse says. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
harrowcat
· 15 June 2012
· Chapter 43: Further Conversations
I am reminded of the phrase. 'the board is set and the pieces are moving. '. I don't suppose either Alex or Farrell would like to think of themselves as pawns Even though, as agents, that is essentially what they are. Amroth, Alex and Derek are going to make a great team but giving Alex orders about Farrell may hinder rather than help the process. Another great chapter and YEY my favourite Maia is still guiding and guarding Middle Earth! Hope life is getting back to normal for you but don,t rush it.
Author's reply
Hi harrowcat. Yes, that is a very apt phrase for this chapter. And no one likes to think of themselves as being pawns. You're right, though, that Alex sees Amroth as his superior officer and is more likely to obey him than he would Glorfindel or any of the other Elves.
Life is indeed getting back to normal, thank Eru! And I don't rush it. It'll be another month or so before I'm totally 100% but I'm getting there. Thanks for your well wishes for my continuing health and thanks for the review. I appreciate it very much.
harrowcat
· 14 June 2012
· Chapter 41: A Funeral and a Fight
Lots to comment on and I am sorry, again, that it has taken me this long to do so. RL is playing havoc with me at the moment. The agancy's feeling about the police etc seems somewhat similar to the Elves thinking about mortals in general. I think that Derek has been 'playing dumb' for quite some time. I am glad that he can let his talents out more now. Looking forward to his time at Edhellond. And....what a great description of the workout. Almost as good as being there.......almost!
Author's reply
Hi harrocqt. I think you're right about Derek 'playing dumb' for some time now. He's a canny person and he keeps his eyes open and his mouth shut. Glad you liked the way the workout was described. I don't do a lot of details of who did what how. I actually find that rather boring and usually skim over that part when an author is describing a battle scene. I prefer to give a glimpse of the movements and let the readers fill in the gaps from their own imaginations.
Anyway, thanks for the review, however late. It's greatly appreciated. The nice thing about this is that the chapters (or stories) are always there when you can get to them, so whenever you are able to review is fine.
Erulisse (one L)
· 14 June 2012
· Chapter 39: Night Raid
Geez, I leave for a few days holiday and suddenly the **** hits the fan. 'Nephew', huh? I like it! I could give you a nice, long, effusive review, but I would rather move on to the next chapter...
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
See what happens when you go away? LOL! Glad you're back. I look forward to your reviews of the other chapters when you get to them.
Clouded Leopard
· 12 June 2012
· Chapter 41: A Funeral and a Fight
I feel for Glorfindel. He seems to be getting frustrated with having to deal with Farrell, trying to protect the innocent, grieving for a good friend and now having to deal with narrow minded people after a funeral when people should be remembering a good person instead who is allowed in church. He has a lot on his mind right now.
Having a good fight is a great way to break up the tension. Good call Daeron. For Farrell, I would say he is "two bunnies shy of a hutch" at this time. Things are getting out of control with him. I wouldn't be surprised if maybe another Melkor, Sauron or Saruman in the making has Farrell on a leash. Maddy needs to rein him in or have him taken out as Alex would say.
As usual another good chapter. Love both Elf Academy stories and hoping to see another one in the future. This a very good series for you. I wish you well on the road to recovery from your surgery so you can get back to your physical self.
Author's reply
Hi Clouded Leopard. Glorfindel really is feeling a lot of stress here, so the sword fight is a great stress-buster for him.
We'll see if Maddy does anything about Farrell eventually.
Glad you enjoyed the chapter and have been enjoying the story. I'm sure there will be yet anothr sequel, but not immediately. I have other writing projects waitingin the wings after this one is completed.
And I'm well on the road to recovery. I went back to work last week and am feeling stronger all the time. Thanks for for your good wishes and thanks for the review. Both are much appreciated.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 12 June 2012
· Chapter 42: Conversations with the Elves
Atto,
Uh, yeah, Farrell needs to be dealt with about NOW. Or five minutes ago. Seriously, why haven't they done something about him yet? I'm doubting he's really an agent, or if he is he's definitely gone rogue. Are they sure *he's* even human? *narrows eyes suspiciously*
Has anyone suggested Farrell might be an elf who was previously enslaved by Morgoth or Sauron yet? Or perhaps an Umaia? Because he seems to be getting a little *too* personal with Amroth. And how on Arda did those pictures come about?
I liked the Lady Macbeth reference, (intentional or not) for she it was - "Out, damned spot! out, I say!—One: two: why, then ’tis time to do ’t.—Hell is murky!—Fie, my lord, fie! a soldier, and afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account?—Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him? (...) Here’s the smell of the blood still; all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, oh, oh!" (Macbeth, Act V, scene I)
I also like the rapport Alex and Derek share. :)
Tye-melin!
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Thanks for the Macbeth reference. I'm sure Soledad will appreciate it, knowing she was right. *grin*
Farrell is too good at hiding his tracks, and since leaving the Goldmine Inn, no one knows where he's holing up. That makes it difficult for anyone, even Alex or the Elves, to track him down at this time, and they do have other concerns, such as finishing up the term and getting the students ready to become Christmas Elves.
Alex and Derek are fast becoming friends and allies and that will prove important to Elf Academy in times to come.
Thanks for reviewing, yeldenya. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 12 June 2012
· Chapter 41: A Funeral and a Fight
Atto,
I think it would be a bit much if the Maiar came in and gave Glorfi the workout he REALLY needs, but it'd be a sight I'd love to see! :)
Glorfindel may not be a Christian, but I have my doubts about those who called him out on it as well. "Love thy neighbour" is something these Mortals certainly aren't practicing toward their resident Elves. That said, narrow-mindedness occurs more often than one would like to admit - but hey, 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone' and this lot certainly aren't sinless. Cripes. *pokes them for insulting my favorite Elves*
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Yeah, you're right on all scores, and certain brands of Christians aren't the only ones who forget about "Love thy neighbor" and the like. Unfortunately, it's just the way the world is at the moment and Glorfindel and Daeron recognize this even if they don't like it.
Thanks for your comments. I appreciate them very much. Tye-melin.
obsidianj
· 11 June 2012
· Chapter 42: Conversations with the Elves
Good! We learn a little bit more about Derek. Now he and Alex and the elves are finally a team (until the next time Glorfindel orders them around without explanation). Dave is also not too happy about the way the elves treat him. It might be for his safety, but Glorfindel has to be careful. If Dave gets put off too much, he can make their lives miserable.
So the too poor bozos are dead. Farrel didn't waste any time to get rid of them. I don't think he expected them to be found so fast.
Author's reply
Hi obsidanj. Yes, Derek and Alex are finally a team. And Dave is very unhappy, but he's known the Elves for the last two years and has learned to live with their high-handedness to some extent. Hopefully, the Elves won't do anything to jeopardize their friendship with him; they need him more than he needs them.
And of course, Farrell was expecting the ice to freeze over, not realizing that the temperatures were warming just enough that the freezing was slowing down.
Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
Lyana
· 11 June 2012
· Chapter 42: Conversations with the Elves
Divide and conquer, fuel distrust - somebody's got the old playbook open...
Farrell certainly doesn't waste time - sounds like he took care of business himself this time so it didn't get messed up. With all the cover up (well meaning though it may be), I think the "Godless Elves" contingent could really make things difficult if they catch wind of the goings on and start a few conspiracy theories about what *really* happened at the college and police station.
Despite how ugly things are, I feel ever so much better now that Alex and Derek have really joined forces - two heads are better than one!
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. You've got that right!
No, Farrell didn't waste any time, unfortunately. And you're right that the "Godless Elves" contingent could make a lot of trouble if they knew what was going on. Let's hope they don't find out.
And Alex and Derek were meant to join forces, which is why I suspect the Valar arranged for them to be roomies in the first place. Now they are truly becoming gwedyr to each other and that can only be a good thing.
Thanks for your comments. They're much appreciated.
Soledad
· 11 June 2012
· Chapter 42: Conversations with the Elves
Me again. Sorry. I might have picked the wrong drama - there was something about bloody hands that can't be made smell clean again or whatnot. It's been Ages that I was exposed to Shakespeare the last time, so perhaps it wasn't Lady Macbeth, after all. I tend to mix up these doomed characters. Still, the association gave me a much-needed moment of hilarity while struggling with translating Elfhelm's adventures into English.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, now I see. Some Shakespearean character went on about not being able to get the spot (of blood) out. Like you, it's been too long since I've done anything with Shakespeare. Anyway, thanks for the clarification, such as it is. *grin*
Soledad
· 11 June 2012
· Chapter 42: Conversations with the Elves
Poor, stupid petty criminals. That's when little seewater fish go swimming with sharks. The Elves are right, though - nobody deserves to end like that. Well, with the exception of Farrell, of course, but it would be too quick and easy for him. I hope his fate would be a lot worse.
And yeah, I know it probably wasn't your intention, but Alex as Lady Macbeth had me in stitches. Perhaps it's just my weird, twisted mind, but I was howling with laughter. Sorry. *is vaguely ashamed*
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Yes, those two flunkles deserve only our pity for their wretched end.
I'm not sure where you connect Alex with Lady Macbeth here (my only recollection of her is her "Out,out brief candle solioquy), but if it amused you, I'm happy.
Thanks for leaving a review. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Larner
· 11 June 2012
· Chapter 42: Conversations with the Elves
Not unexpected, I fear. Alas for the teenager. Now--to find Farrell.
Author's reply
Alas, indeed, Larner. Whatever his crimes, neither he nor Ersck deserved that end. Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.