Soledad
· 14 May 2012
· Chapter 34: The Ice Storm Cometh
Ugh, the end was... disturbing, to say the least. What the hell has ridden Alex to leave the hospital during an ice storm? Did he have unexpected (and unwanted) visitors?
The image of Lord Námo drinking hot chocolate or working on a computer is hilarious, though. *g* As is Fionwë hanging out with the Elves in the cafeteria. I imagine the baby shower will be spectacular, too.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. I'm glad you liked the image of Námo drinking hot chocolate and working on a computer. He's just full of surprises. And Fionwë probably felt the Elves needed some company to assure them that Glorfindel was really okay. And that baby shower, when it comes, will probably be very special indeed. Thanks for leaving a comment. You know how much I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 14 May 2012
· Chapter 34: The Ice Storm Cometh
Once a Reborn, always a reborn seems to be the motto when it comes to flashbacks, it seems - and how many millennia is it now since he was Reborn? evidently the stress has been mounting up for our Balrog Slayer! Or perhaps this was just one surprise too many - and we all know how Glorfindel detests surprises!
I loved Grace's little comment of, "Men! What do they know?" I suspect Amroth will be seeing more of that! ;-)
Now what has gotten into Alex' head to make him go out in a blizzard?? A verdict of "Death by stupidity" would be as valid for him as for Farrell, though less welcome. And given Alex' background, he would have known the dangers of braving the fury of the storm in this way - so he must have thought that he had a _really_ good reason for this.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I guess you're right about Reborns. And "Death by stupidity" is very apt in this situation. As for the whys and wherefores of Alex's flight from the clinic, bviously, the young man's not thinking too clearly and we'll learn more about it in the next chapter. Thanks for leaving a review. It's always appreciated.
Lady Edlyn
· 14 May 2012
· Chapter 34: The Ice Storm Cometh
Oh, my! I having flashbacks to the ice storm that took out three trees in the yard and took out power at my house for a week last winter! Luckily, things got cleared enough that we could go and take refuge at a friend's house than still had electricity and heat. It took ages to get warm again.
And Glorfindel is still slipping back in time? I wonder if his ring could be reshaped or disguised so that it won't be so obvious to people who don't need to know about it. But twin elflings are a wonderful thing (and its not just because I'm a twin myself). I loved Grace's comment about men not understanding the importance of baby showers. Actually, I enjoyed lots of things about this chapter. And I'm intrigued about how Alex managed to escape the clinic and make his way to the Academy as well as why he did it. I'm hoping he isn't delirious and that he didn't hurt anyone on his way out of the clinic. Maybe he is having another of those racial memory things and thinks he's someone else... Needless to say, I can hardly wait until Friday's update.
You know, even with all the bad things happening I still want to transfer from WSU to the Elf Academy. Does that make me crazy? You've certainly given me a lot to puzzle over this week (which makes a good change from macroeconomics and marketing classes!)
I do hope that your recovery is going well, meldonya, and you remain in my thoughts. Feel better soon! Hugs!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. Well, I've drawn on my own experiences of blizzards and ice storms for this part of the story, and I know all about power outages and the like.
Glorfindel is obviously beginning to stress out. Too much too soon and none of it all that good. It'll get worse before it gets better, I'm afraid. And Alex showing up as he did instead of being safely at the clinic isn't going to help matters.
Thanks for your good wishes. It's a slow process of recovery but I get a little stronger every day. Thanks, also for taking the time to review. I never cared for macroeconomics myself, so I'm glad I was able to give you a bit of relief from that. *grin*
Lyana
· 14 May 2012
· Chapter 34: The Ice Storm Cometh
Poor Glorfindel - sounds like the stress of everything is finally getting to him; nothing like trying to prepare for the end of the world, manage a college and fend off government agencies, spies and assassins, never mind the snow and ice! And Alex turning up in the middle of an ice storm - whaaaat?!??
The next person who utters the phrase "It's all under control" or any variant thereof deserves a good whack or three!
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. I think you're right. The Elves are a little too sure of themselves here and that can spell trouble if they're not careful. And the stress is only beginning for Glorfindel with the storm yet to peak. As for Alex.... we'll learn more about that in the next chapter. Thankd for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
6336
· 14 May 2012
· Chapter 34: The Ice Storm Cometh
Pardon the language, but what the bloody, blue blazes is Alex doing out in an ice storm!? I am beginning to think the guy has a death wish!
Well, yes, Glorfindel's enthusiasam at Nimrodel and Amroth's news was a little underwhelming, I can see where he is coming from though, Nimrodel is going to be out of action for a while and so is Amroth to a certain extent, depending on how much Nimrodel needs to draw from him.
It would be interesting to know what Namo was reading on the computer, perhaps some fan fic from a certain author of our aquantance, but it was more than likely something else, probably very dry and boring, unless it was information on the Artic Fringes next performance!?
Things seem to be under control at the Academy, I wonder how the rest of the collage is doing?
Yep, can't start to early to plan baby showers. Now just where did I see that knitting pattern for booties, I know it's on the computer but I could swear I printed it out!(Goes off muttering to her self to look for pattern and stuff.)
Hope you are continuing to improve.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. That's what everyone wants to know. We'll find out in the next chapter.
I have no idea what Námo was reading on the computer. You may be right that he was looking up the concert schedule for the Arctic Fringe... or maybe for the Grateful Dead. LOL!
Things may appear to be under control but that doesn't meant they are, as we will see.
I seem to be getting stronger each day and when I went in for an echo yesterday, the doctor said I was pretty much on track and he was pleased with my progress.
Thaks for commenting. I appreciate if very much.
harrowcat
· 14 May 2012
· Chapter 34: The Ice Storm Cometh
I do have to grin at your titles. Methinks Glorfindel is working himself to a standstill here. Also, too many people congratulating themselves on everything being under control too early! *grin* Not a safe thing to do. Oh, Alex - you had to get back into the story! And Twins! *squee* Now where is Shane's mom in all this and Farrell?
Author's reply
Hi harrowcat. Methinks thou'rt correct in thine esttmation of Glorfindel. *grin* And it is a bit early yet for congratulations. The storm's barely begun and it won't be over soon. As for Shane's mom, we'll learn about her later on, as well as something about Farrell. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
UTfrog
· 14 May 2012
· Chapter 34: The Ice Storm Cometh
I am so very glad that it is spring when I am reading about snow and the terrible. I hate cold weather. Good organizational skills by the elves. Now I have to wait to see if Farrell has anything to do with Alex's sudden appearance.
Author's reply
Hi UTFrog. I hear you about the snow and cold weather. Not one of my favorite seasons either. As to the why of Alex's sudden appearance, we'll learn something of that in the next chapter. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 12 May 2012
· Chapter 33: Storm Preparations
It does sound as if they are on top of things--literally in the case of the Elves. (GRIN) And the news of the impending birth--what a pleasure after so many eons of childlessness for the Elves of Middle Earth!
Author's reply
Well, more or less on top of things, Larner. We'll see just how on top of things they really are when things go a little pear-shaped around them. And even if it isn't the greatest timimg, the impending births will go a long way towards boosting the morale of the Elves. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 11 May 2012
· Chapter 33: Storm Preparations
Poor Nicole - having to deal with four sick children at once would not be any fun at all!
It is not a good situation at the school either. Some there are sick, some are recovering, and then there are those who haven't yet gotten it. Or who are going to have another round, now that they are through the first round. And now the storm is coming in, as well!
Hopefully Farrell will have enough sense to stay indoors during the storm, so that the elves won't have the trigger-happy agent lurking in the bushes. Or on second thought - perhaps he really _ought_ to decide to use the storm as a cover for moving in on Alex or the Elves. The local coroner should be perfectly happy to return a verdict of "death by stupidity". :-P
I wonder if some of the students are going to want lessons in ribbon embroidery as one of their desired activities? They have an instructor for that right there! ;-)
Amroth and Nimrodel's honeymoon must have been, ahem, quite active, and delightful, since they now are expecting twins! but the timing could have been better IMO. They have bloodthirsty agent lurking in the bushes, just aching to get a good shot (literally) at Amroth - and Dagor Dagorath is just around the corner. (Sort of.) OTOH the two of them have waited a long time for this!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yeah, having sick kiddies isn't fun, but at least she has help with Zach there.
The school situation isn't much better and is bound to get worse just for the reasons you give. Hopefully the storms won't last for very long, but you can never really tell.
Death by stupidity sounds good to me. LOL! I doubt Farrell will be up to anything with this storm. Even he can't move in it and with a curfew on, unless he's stupid enough to blow his cover, he's going to have to lie low for now.
And yes, the timing for the babies could've been better, but in truth, what better times could there be? All times are fraught with dangers and concerns so in theory there is no good time for bringing children into the world, but, of course, people do. I'm sure Amroth and Della spoke about it between themselves for some time before making the decision. And they have waited far to long for this.
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Fantasia
· 11 May 2012
· Chapter 33: Storm Preparations
Babies!!!Finally a good news. Well as good as can be with Amroth being hunted by the Agency.
Preparing for a blizzard, not too much different than preparing for a huracan. I have experience with that, the waiting is what really make you nervous. Glad to heard about Jud
Just for constancy: Poor Alex!
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Yes, preparing for blizzards and ice storms is very much like preparing for a hurricane. The same comcepts apply.
And babies are always (or should be) good news whatever the circumstances.
Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
6336
· 11 May 2012
· Chapter 33: Storm Preparations
Aw,baby Elflings! Now that's cute! Sends them two pairs of virtual booties!
Well they seem to have everything under control, for now, now to see just what kind of spanner gets thrown into it! Farrell perhaps!?
Hope all is well with you.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, there will be a spanner or two that gets thrown into the works. We'll just have to wait and see.
Thanks for the comments and the good wishes. They are both appreciated very much.
Soledad
· 11 May 2012
· Chapter 33: Storm Preparations
I know it sounds a bit harsh, but are Amroth and Nimrodel insane? Begetting children while there's a death sentence hanging over his head, and she could easily be caught in the backlash? I understand that they've got a great deal to catch up with, but their timing could have been a lot better.
I really like the thorough preparations for the blizzard - I just can't help thinking that there will be a few really nasty surprises they simply cannot prepare for. Hope I'm wrong.
By the way, can you arrange Farrell to be eaten by a polar bear or something? Who knows what he'll be up under the cover of the blizzard?
I hope you're getting better steadily. Seeing a new chapter is as much ressuring as it's pleasing.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. I know it is a bit insane for them to do so, but I guess they decided it was worth the risk. If anything were to happen to Amroth, the children would be his legacy and they would force Nimrodel not to fade and follow Amroth (at least that's Amroth's thinking; what Nimrodel thinks is another matter).
No matter how well you prepare for such eventualities, even after years of experience doing so, something can, and usually does, go wrong. We'll see how the Elves hold up under this particular storm, especially dealing with sick and/or bored Mortals.
I'm still feeling pretty weak and do a lot of sleeping but I think I'm getting a little better each day. It's not something from which one recovers overnight. It's usually a 6-8 week process of healing.
Thanks for you review and your good wishes. Both are much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 11 May 2012
· Chapter 33: Storm Preparations
This was so good, I hardly know where to start. First, I am so glad you are back with us. I hope you are truly better, not just posting to keep us happy. On to the last two chapters. Poor Alex! Glad to know he is improving. Surely Farrell can be alone and ill in the storm. Love the line about college students up all night and charging electronics before the storm. Amen! Then you cap it off with news about babies! This was great. Thanks.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I am well enough to post and respond to reviews. Not well enough to continue writing, but I have enough chapters written already to take us to the end of August so no worries there. I'm glad you enjoyed the last two chapters. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Lyana
· 11 May 2012
· Chapter 33: Storm Preparations
Elflings!? And twins too - squeeeee!! Congratulations to Amroth and Nimrodel!
Well, so far it looks like everyone's working well together; they've got a good plan, now to see how it stands up in the face of back-to back storms. Being snowbound can be fun, but if it goes on too long... And if the other four agents are locked in with everybody else? Ugh. Something tells me that Elves and Mortals are about to be pushed to their limits and have to gain new levels of appreciation for each other.
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. Plans usually don't last any longer than a minute or two after they've been made because so many factors that can't be predicted come into play. We'll see how everyone fares during this particular storm over the next several chapters. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 11 May 2012
· Chapter 33: Storm Preparations
Good Alex is on the mend. I already get cabin fever just reading the preparations for the storm. And having an ice storm on top of a blizzard? They are bound to lose power. At least they know how to prepare. The next days will be not much fun. After the first excitement of the games wears off, people will get bored. The trick is to keep them all busy, which will be hard.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. That is the trick, keeping people busy who are suffering from enforced confinement because of a storm. Been there, done that, myself, and much of these chapters are drawn from my own experiences over the years of enduring blizzards and ice storms.
Thanks for leaving a review. I very much appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 11 May 2012
· Chapter 32: Snowed-In
Another 'Poor Alex' review. You have it in for him. After all these shocks now he is really hard hit by this virus. And poor Derek, having just somewhat recovered himself to find Alex in this state.
Having Maia's around is really helpful. Luckily, they can also erase the memory of the unusual transportation mode or Derek would have nightmares for the foreseeable future.
Author's reply
Hi obsidanj. Yeah, I suppose this entire story could be subtitled "Poor Alex!" LOL!
It's best for Derek not to remember too much at this point, so Fionwë is doing him a favor.
Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
someone
· 10 May 2012
· Chapter 32: Snowed-In
Sorry for the double review, but I only just read your other reviews and answers. I do hope you are getting better soon and there won't be any further trouble.
Author's reply
Hi someone. Each day has its ups and downs and recovery from open-heart surgery is slow but I'm getting there. Thanks for your good wishes. I appreciate them very much.
someone
· 10 May 2012
· Chapter 32: Snowed-In
They are getting snowed in? That's suspicious. I remember that a certain Vala has used that tactic before when needed...
I'm also even more sure that the virus was planted there and Alex was given a different, worse version of it somehow (in a sandwich, perhaps? or in mail, if the virus can live for a couple of days within an envelope) to make his possible death look accidental.
Author's reply
Hi someone. Hey! It's Alaska. Snow. Lots. Natural phenonmenon. It may be a bit earlier than usual but that's all. And some people react to the virus more violently than others, just as others barely react to it at all. Alex is just one of those unlucky ones.
Anyway, thanks for leaving a comment. I very much appreciate it.
someone
· 10 May 2012
· Chapter 31: The Beginning of Woes
I do wonder if that virus was planted there by Farrell... It seems just his style not to care a bit about what happens to other people.
Ransom note? *grin* What a pity they didn't try that, but probably it wouldn't have worked.
Author's reply
Hi someone. It really tickles me how many readers immediately suspect that Farrell somehow introduced the Norovirus, when, nast critter though it is, it's a naturally forming virus that is found all over the world and people get it all the time. The timing may seem suspicious, but I suspect the Norovirus would've hit Wiseman when it did regardless of what was happening there.
Of course a ransome note implies someone to ransome, but since they don't want to ransom Amroth to anyone, there's no point, is there? *grin*
Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
someone
· 10 May 2012
· Chapter 30: Aftermath
I wonder if that message and the kidnapping of the agents will only bring the whole Agency to Alaska... And what is everyone going to think when after those six months the agents finally can tell that Ambrose was never there! Great idea to get ninja elves to kidnap "Ambrose", though, and that Inuit villare really was probably the best place to store the agents for a while.
Author's reply
Hi someone. That is a risk, of course, but hopefully Glorfindel's message will give them pause, since they have no idea with whom they are dealing. We'll have to see how it goes. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
someone
· 10 May 2012
· Chapter 29: Gambit
Alex really should have asked the Elves first for their opinion, but perhaps this is the best solution, after all. That signal to attack was priceless and sure to confuse the agents!
Author's reply
Hi someone. He should have but he didn't. Glad you like the 'signal' to attack. I thought it was priceless, too. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
bookworm
· 10 May 2012
· Chapter 32: Snowed-In
D= !! *pets Alex/Ambrose and hooks up an IV line* Oh poor guy. That has got to suck majorly. Derek is a good friend and lol Maia Taxi. Also! I am glad you are better! Take care of yourself!
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. IV's are not fun. At one point I had two regular ones and two arterial ones, one of which was in my neck. I was so relieved to get that one out. Glad you liked the "Maia Taxi". it would be very handy to have on hand anywhere and anytime, wouldn't it? *grin* Thanks for your good wishes and your review. Both are greatly appreciated.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 9 May 2012
· Chapter 32: Snowed-In
Atto,
"Cute"? I wonder what Ilmare would make of the CIA and MI-5? I have to say, I am feeling sorrier for Alex than ever. Are you sure this is a natural illness? :(
I can't wait for Friday!
Again, glad to hear you're out of the hospital, and I hope (if you haven't already) that you finish recovering swiftly.
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Well, what can I say? One person's (or Maia's) idea of 'cute' is another's idea of 'nightmare' so there's no accounting for taste. *grin*
And the illness is quite natural, if highly inconvenient to the Elves and Elf Academy.
Recovery after my kind of surgery is slow and usually takes about 6-8 weeks for complete healing, but I'm doing okay. Thanks for your concern and for your review. I appreciate both very much.
Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 8 May 2012
· Chapter 31: The Beginning of Woes
Atto,
Looks like me and Emma (and my Ada, with bronchitis) aren't the only sick ones! At least none of it is Norovirus...ick :( This sounds really very bad. Will some of Este and Irmo's People need to be called in?
Tye-melin,
Kaylee!
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I have no doubt that Estë and Irmo are on hand if needed. We'll have to see.
Thanks for cmmenting. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 8 May 2012
· Chapter 30: Aftermath
Atya,
I'm so glad you're all right, for starters! Second, I wonder just how poor disoriented Alex survived being attacked by ninja Elves, LOL! I wonder how his "friends" from the North are faring by now...
(Spent a good deal of time last Thursday in hospital myself. It turns out I only have an upper respiratory infection, but Emma has walking pneumonia, though she's recovering well, I think. She was well enough for us to go to Yosemite National Park. We left the day before yesterday and got back in last night.)
Anyway, I hope Alex will be all right, Farrell is still raising my suspicions, and Maddy too...
Tye-melin!
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Sorry to hear you and Emma were ill. Am glad you are feeling much better. I'm doing about as well as expected this early in my recovery. Things should be getting easier for me as the days progress.
And Alex is a survivor, whatever life throws at him.
Thanks for commenting. Tye-melin.