Tari
· 28 March 2012
· Chapter 21: The Last Picnic of the Season
What is going on with Alex? I'm thinking there is much more to him than we have been told thus far.
I cringe when I think of what they might have done to Ambrose by using him as a lab specimen. What did they expect to find? I'm sure he has the same inner parts as they do.
Author's reply
Well, luckily it never came to that, Tari, for which we can be thankful. I'm sure the lab boys would've had a field day with Amroth, seeing as he's not human and there would be differences between him and humans.
As for Alex... we'll find out soon enough. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Kitty
· 28 March 2012
· Chapter 21: The Last Picnic of the Season
Nice of Alex to ask; I had been quite curious myself how Amroth got into the Agency, particularly after his earlier hints. Needless to say, what this Samuel Bradford did was cruel and horrible, and all in all, his end was well deserved. I can't find it in myself to feel sorry for him, only for Amroth. Fifty years may not be that long for an elf, but under these circumstances even one day would have been too much. It must have been a hard time for him, and I am glad he got away and that blackmailer paid the ultimate price.
Now I wonder if Alex is counting – Amroth was 50 years with the Agency, then his fake death was 15 years ago, that are 65 years. Add to that that he should have been at least around 20 when he joined, and there's no way he can be that old and still look so young if he's human ...
Poor Shane, her mum is really tiring, to put it kindly. I can see why she prefers to be as far away from her as possible. And Hepsibah? Ugh. The taste of some people!
Do all the others experience Daeron's singing as intense as Alex, so they see what he is telling? Or is it just Alex? In the latter case, I wonder if he may have some Elven blood. We know that at least Arwen and Mithrellas had mortal descendants, after all ... though after all these millennia, I doubt anyone could confirm it, save maybe Námo. Then there's the way he reacts to the Tarn – not sure if that's the darkness in his soul or if he's more sensitive to feeling that thing in the water, too.
Oh no, what did you do to Alex this time? Didn't he suffer enough lately? But no matter what he himself thinks, it look like he still needs a babysitter if he faints from just singing.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Everyone was curious about Amroth's involvement in the Agency, so it was about time to tell his story. I don't think Alex is really willing to look too closely at the numbers quite yet. LOL! As for his experience with Daeron's music... that will be explained soon enough. Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
Lyana
· 27 March 2012
· Chapter 21: The Last Picnic of the Season
Oh, wow! I couldn't help thinking of all the betrayals the Elves had endured through their history, and Ambrose would remember/have experienced so many of them. But to be betrayed by a friend with the threat of being reduced to lab specimen status, all the other things he was forced to do, and then have to kill to avoid discovery... Even if 50 years is just a tiny fraction of his ages-long life, that's just horrific. I hope he has some long talks with Ron!
And Alex... well, I'd love to be a fly on the wall to hear the conversations between Loren and the others about him. :-)
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. Betrayal is an ugly concept, but, alas, a very common failing among Elves and Men. Amroth's situation was indeed horrific and I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't speak of it with Ron, now that he's told Alex. I'm sure he has demons to put to rest.
We'll learn what is up with Alex in the next chapter, or what the Elves suspect about him, at least.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 27 March 2012
· Chapter 21: The Last Picnic of the Season
Atya,
What has Alex got himself into now? (And oh, Shane's mother seems to definitely be my Daernana's sort - complaining just to complain *groan*) Alex, Alex...well, it seems Daeron's songs are affecting him again.
(You know what my theory is? That Alex is a descendant of Aragorn and Arwen. What do you think, Atto? Hmm? *grin*)
It's going to be a *long* wait until Friday to find out what's going to happen next...but you know what, Atto???
EMMA IS COMING ON THURSDAY!!! =) So I may even have to wait longer than Friday to read the chapter *lol*
Emma's going to be HERE! In my house!!!!!! Yay!!!!!
(Maybe we can find out together what Alex did next. Hehehe. We'll see.)
Tye-melin, Atto!
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. We'll see soon enough if your theory is correct. I'm glad Emma will be back this week. I know how much you missed her. Reading the next chapter together should be a lot of fun. Thanks for commenting. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 26 March 2012
· Chapter 20: Dancing in the Rain
Atto,
I like clam chowder, myself =) I wonder if Alex would like clams that way? Or if Ambrose would, for that matter...hmmmm. Sorry, the clams got my attention, lol. I may be an Elf at heart but food is as distracting to me as it would be to a Hobbit, so...hehe. Anyway.
I like how Amroth calls Alex/Ambrose "son", by the way. When Emma and I write our Elven stories, Rochendil (an OC of ours, a Captain, whose twin brother, Rochirion, becomes Oropher's master of horses - named rather appropriately, wouldn't you say?) refers to his protege, Lieutenant Lithonir, as "son", too. It reminds me of that (and, for that matter, how I call you "Atto", and you call me "yendenya"). I think Amroth really does see Ambrose/Alex as a son, the son he never got to have with Nimrodel. (Or did he? Hmm.)
(Now I really want Amroth and Nimrodel to have an elfling...)
Tye-melin!
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I'm sure Amroth does think of Alex as the son he never had. He and Alex seem to have a special bond between them.
Thanks for commenting. Tye-melin.
Siiw
· 26 March 2012
· Chapter 21: The Last Picnic of the Season
Alex will probably never be able to go back to the Agency with what he knows now. I have a feeling that his path was determined for him when he heard that story. He knows too much.
An Elf as a lab specimen...brr.
Author's reply
Hi Siiw. You're probably right about Alex not going back to the Agency. We'll see what he decides eventually. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Soledad
· 26 March 2012
· Chapter 21: The Last Picnic of the Season
Poor Alex! All that elf stuff is really getting to him, isn't it? And he could smell the ocean, eh? Interesting. I think I can smell a thin trail of Elven blood in him. *g*
As for Amroth's story, I was suspecting something like that. I like the fact that he offed the guy who thought holding him in the hand - it was chilling, yes, but you don't mess with an Elven King. They are keeping of holding long grudges, and they have the time to plan their revenge.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Alex may well have Elven blood in him. We'll have to see what is learned by the Elves themselves.
As for Amroth, you're right. You don't mess with an Elven King who can patiently wait and plot his revenge. Bradford, like many humans who have no real concept of what it means to be immortal, made a fatal mistake and paid for it with his life.
Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
Larner
· 26 March 2012
· Chapter 21: The Last Picnic of the Season
Glad this is revealed now. I can understand Alex's frustration at feeling perhaps he's being babysat, but as he's apparently just fainted or something, he obviously needed it. As for Amroth's tale of his former friend-turned-tyrant, that sounds very ominous, and I find myself wondering who else was privy to his hidden files.
Author's reply
Hopefully, no one else knows the truth about Amroth at the Agency. I suspect Bradford thought he'd covered all bases and didn't need to worry, which was a huge mistake on his part. We'll see why Alex fainted very shortly. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Lizbeth
· 26 March 2012
· Chapter 21: The Last Picnic of the Season
Goodness, sorry that it has been so long since I've reviewed! Life has been absolutely insane, but I have really enjoyed reading when I could find the time.
Yikes, Ambrose was betrayed? That would definitely explain why he was so hesitant to do anything about Alex. His story was spell-binding. I'm not sure what I was expecting when I first learned about him faking his death, but I had just assumed that he had gotten tired of working for the agency. What a nightmare.
"Hepsibah" cracked me up. That name has always been high on my list of "Worst Baby Names Ever." It has a lovely meaning but it just sounds terrible, at least in my opinion. Poor Shane. It will be interesting to see how the conflict between her and her mother works out.
And lastly, Alex is really not doing a good job of convincing the elves that he doesn't need a babysitter. I should count and see how many times he collapses/has a mental breakdown over the course of a week. *grin* I wonder what has happened this time?
Author's reply
Hi Lizbeth. I'm glad you are still enjoying the story even if you don't get a chance to review too often.
I'm glad you found Amroth's story spellbinding. It's very tragic in a way, and I don't think the wounds are all healed, which is why he's been treading so carefully around Alex, as you surmised.
I always thought Hepsibah was a funny name. *grin* We'll see how Shane and her mom resolve their issues later.
And we'll find out what's happening with Alex in the next couple of chapters.
Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 26 March 2012
· Chapter 21: The Last Picnic of the Season
Oh Eru, now what!? Loren and Co., really need to get Alex sorted out, I hope nothing weird has happened to him. I have to wait until Friday to find out?! You are a very cruel person Mr Fiondil, very, very cruel!
I think Shane's problem is more with 'Hiram' than it is with her mother, though her Mom does seem to have a health dose of Mother Knows Best! I don't think she liked the idea of Hiram taking over for her father, how old was she when he died, that might have someting to do with it?
Wondering through the Vale of Tears.
Huggs, oh King Of Cliffees!
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. We'll see soon enough what's up with Alex, I promise. And you may be correct about Shane's problem having more to do with her stepfather than her mother. I think she was old enough to resent that her mother found someone else after her father died, perhaps believing that her mother didn't waste much time finding another man, which would up the resentment level even more.
I hope you can wander out of the Vale of Tears safely. *grin* Hugs and thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
galathil
· 26 March 2012
· Chapter 21: The Last Picnic of the Season
Ok Fiondill "Who is Alex/Artemus" Iam throughly intrigued.Can't wait for the next chapter.LOl Galathil
Author's reply
Well, we'll find out soon enough, Galathil. Glad you're still enjoying this and looking forward to the next chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciatge it.
UTfrog
· 26 March 2012
· Chapter 21: The Last Picnic of the Season
So glad we have part of the Ambrose back story. Sure would like to hear some of his exploits. Alex keeps fighting himself, but am glad he seems to be adjusting. Wish I was present at that concert. Thank you.
Author's reply
Hi UTFrog. I know a lot of people were interested in knowing how Amroth got involved in espionage. Alex still has a ways to go but he's almost there as we'll see in the next chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 26 March 2012
· Chapter 21: The Last Picnic of the Season
Quite an interesting story about how Amroth was "recruited" to the Agency. And how he escaped it. Betrayal and blackmail to begin it and to keep him under control - and betrayal and murder to end it. I don't think Amroth would have enjoyed cold-bloodedly killing his frenemy, though it would be understandable if he did feel a certain amount of satisfaction, under the circumstances - and a large amount of sheer giddy relief when he succeeded in implementing his escape plan.
I suppose Samuel Bradford did underestimate Amroth - but in a way, _how_ he underestimated him would have been a natural consequence of dealing with an immortal. Amroth could afford to wait for a mortal lifetime in order to engineer a perfect escape from the Agency, with all the loose ends neatly tied up in a bow. Although I wonder if perhaps one or two minor ends were left hanging - or perhaps Farrell stumbled onto some classified information that was not meant for his eyes?
I'm not surprised that Sheila was carping at the food - since it was not kosher, that would have been a nice, "safe" thing to complain about. But it was clear that she did not stop there. Hopefully she did not manage to completely ruin the day for Shane.
Glorfindel was certainly right about Alex having a strong reaction to the music. I can hardly wait until Friday to see just what the reaction was! :-D
Author's reply
I thought Amroth's story very interesting as well, Sunny. It's a sordid tale but betrayal usually begets betrayal. And Bradford did indeed underestimate Amroth, perhaps treating him as if he were human without taking into consideration that Amroth was NOT human. Whether Farrell has stumbled onto some classified information concerning Amroth or not, we may never know. Amroth believes he covered his tracks very well. We'll have to see.
And we'll see just why Alex reacted to the music the way he did in the next chapter, I promise.
Thanks for taking the time to read and review. It's very much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 24 March 2012
· Chapter 19: The Unmaking of Artemus Gordon Meriwether
Shane's mother seems to be a handful. No wonder Shane was not happy to have her come. With a mother like that...
So, that's the reason Alex reacted so strongly to the mentioning of the tarn by others. But it does not explain why he reacts so strongly to the Tarn itself. Interesting practice of having a trigger word. Let's just hope the list of words does not fall into the wrong hands. Does Farrell know? He would face a nasty surprise.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yes, Shane's mom does sound like a handful. We'll be meeting her again at the picnic.
And yes, that's the reason for Alex reacting so strongly to others mentioning the tarn. As for whether Farrell knows it, that remains to be seen. And, you're right, he would get a very nasty surprise if he tried to use it on Alex. *grin*
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
harrowcat
· 24 March 2012
· Chapter 20: Dancing in the Rain
This is a man who is very self aware even if he cannot appreciate what has been done to him -for good and bad. Now we have taken the deep breath at the top of the coster we are getting ready for the next plunge.
BTW I think you need to reread the seating arrangements in the library. It reads a bit confused to me.
Author's reply
Hi Harrowcat. I'm not sure where you confusion lies in regard to the seating. Ron and Alex are sitting in easy chairs facing the fireplace and Loren is sitting on the hearth facing them. He's sitting on a large pillow for comfort. Does that make more sense for you? Next, the picnic, but before that we will learn something to our advantage concerning Amroth. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor
· 23 March 2012
· Chapter 20: Dancing in the Rain
Still with computer cords lying about, laughing at me.
Using Droid with difficulty to post this.
I did not want to read a modern day tale. Fought it tooth and nail. Finally had to admit you could write a tale from the yellow pages.
This is typical Fiondil. Excellent
Author's reply
Hi Agape. Well you have to admit, it's not your typical Elves-in-the-Modern-World story, is it? *grin* Glad you are enjoying this and thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it very much. Good luck with the computer cords.
Lyana
· 23 March 2012
· Chapter 20: Dancing in the Rain
Ah, the peril of elven encounters! It's certainly been an eventful weekend for Alex. I'm glad he decided to play this out to the end.
Absolutely love the "And why does everyone seem to glow?" Good thing he's got a place not among mortals to work things out, and very glad Monday's not to far away!
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. It's has indeed been an eventful weekend and it's not over yet and he's in a very good place to work things out. We'll see how things develop during the rest of his weekend stay. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Kitty
· 23 March 2012
· Chapter 20: Dancing in the Rain
Yeah, Alex has a choice – but what a choice! Either he waits or they are going to out him, with horrible consequences. No wonder he chose to stay and wait.
Hm ... bringing the dragon to the picnic might help to intimidate her into silence ... or maybe not.
Alex is already quite enchanted (can't think of a better word) with the Elves, seeing how he reacted to Alfa dancing and the music. And he added the glow as another strange detail. Good.
While I am glad they are going to help him, I agree with the fact that Farrell is the main problem. I don't trust that one further than I can throw him and am still worried what he might do. Plus, why did he turn up in the first place? This chapter confirmed again that it was irregular ... I really wonder how you are going to solve this whole mess.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Well, it wasn't much of a choice, but it was a choice and he made the right one.
We'll see how Shane's mom is at the picnic. She's not a very pleasant person, I'm afraid. Some people are just naturally negative and I've known too many of them in my life.
And you're correct that Alex is enchanted, though he doesn't realize it yet.
And Farrell is a huge problem and much of the rest of this story will center around that.
"I really wonder how you are going to solve this whole mess."
So am I. *LOL!*
Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
Larner
· 23 March 2012
· Chapter 20: Dancing in the Rain
Well, he's certainly not the first mortal to be enchanted by the sight of a dancing elleth! He still has a good deal to learn, of course, and I do hope we find out who sent this Farrel soon!
Author's reply
That's true, Larner, and maybe not even the last. As for who sent Farrell, well, the Agency sent him, but he may be playing his own game. Too early to tell yet. Anyway, thanks for leaving a review. I very much appreciate it.
6336
· 23 March 2012
· Chapter 20: Dancing in the Rain
Lots to think about in this chapter. Is it only Saturday, it seems like this weekend has lasted all week! Or it must seem like that to Alex, so much has happened to him.
I think Shane needed a break from her Mom, if all she does is complain all the time, no wonder Shane took the opportunity to get away from her. Lets hope she does not try to drag Shane back to 'civilization'!
Lorien is in a shambles.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. It does seem as if he's been there for a lot longer, doesn't it? And I'm sure it must feel that way to Alex with everything happening all at once or so it must seem to him.
When we see Shane's mom at the picnic, we'll see just why Shane 'ran away'.
Ah... Lórien... *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. Hugs.
Soledad
· 23 March 2012
· Chapter 20: Dancing in the Rain
So, Beren was not the only Man getting mesmerised by a dancing elleth, eh? *g*
Interesting development here. Glorfindel really brought forth the Balrog Slayer for a moment - I imagine it was a scary moment. Now I'm really curious what your plans are with Alex. And how the Elves will be dealing with Farrell.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. No, Beren certainly wasn't the only man. *grin* Glorfindel was definitely in Elf-Lord mode at that point and Alex sensed it even if he didn't recognize it. And hopefully you'll be pleased with my plans for Alex and how the Elves will be dealing with Farrell. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
UTfrog
· 23 March 2012
· Chapter 20: Dancing in the Rain
Another good chapter. Thanks
Author's reply
Glad you liked it UTfrog. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 23 March 2012
· Chapter 20: Dancing in the Rain
Nice relaxing interlude - and preparation for the picnic. So is Shane' mother going to show up? If so, it will be interesting to see her reaction to the Elves! If they are able to charm her into toning down her carping, it might even be a nice experience.
I like your description of Glorfindel's apron! :-D
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. More or less relaxing compared to previous chapters. Shane's mom will show up and we'll see how she acts and reacts around Shane's friends. Glad you liked the description of the apron. I thought it was a nice touch, myself. *grin* Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
harrowcat
· 21 March 2012
· Chapter 19: The Unmaking of Artemus Gordon Meriwether
I have just re-read from the beginning and was immediately struck by the immense amount of fore-shadowing of information you managed to pack into just chapter one. Brilliant writing Sir!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, harrowcat. I appreciate you telling me. It's music to my ears. *grin*
Edlyn
· 20 March 2012
· Chapter 19: The Unmaking of Artemus Gordon Meriwether
Oh, wow! That was such an emotionally. Barged chapter! Meldonya, your storytelling and character development just keeps getting better and better with each chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, Edlyn. I appreciate you letting me know how much you enjoyed the chapter and this story.