Elf Academy Part Deux by Fiondil
6336 · 7 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
I think I am going to etablish a support group for all your readers who are anxiously awaiting the next update! I am a little further along than Harrowcat, having got to where Allassiel is learning to be the King of Nogothrond's Squire! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
LOL! I'm sure you'll have lots of company, Lynda.
Lizbeth · 7 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
Another day, a near-Namo experience, and even more for Alex to think about...just when I think things can't get any more interesting, they do. *grin* I loved the way you handled Alex's feelings on the hike, as well as the details like the banter between Zach and the kids and Caleb's book. I may have said this before, but I really like how Caleb speaks Sindarin. His innocent knowledge of the elves is quite the contrast to Alex's bewilderment and attempts to make sense out of the situation. I also really liked how the hikers just mysteriously appeared to rescue Alex, knowing exactly what to do. I wonder if Zach knew who they really were. By the way, I'm sorry if my comment about the Maia scents in the last chapter came across as rude or mocking... I was not aware that it was canonical and I do think that is a neat idea, but for some reason it struck me as rather odd/funny at the time.
Author's reply
Hi Lisbeth. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, especially the contrast between Caleb's innocent knowledge of the Elves and Alex's obvious confusion and attempts to make sense of it all. I suspect Zach suspects that the hikers weren't really hikers. He's been around the Elves enough to realize that. As for the comment about the scents, I didn't take offense. I thought the image of the Elves sniffing the air rather funn myself. But yes, the idea that the Maiar exude flowery scents is canonical, although you're not going to find it mentioned in the Silmarillion or the Lord of the Rings. This comes from Tolkien's later writings which are slowly but surely being published. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
obsidianj · 6 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
You meant "downfall" quite literally in your answer to my last review. I don't think anyone will get Alex to ever go near that Tarn again. What will he do now? The clues about the identity of the elves are adding up. How long can he pretend not to put two and two together. The encounter with Namo will also give him something to think about.
Author's reply
*Grin* We'll see what Alex does next and the aftereffects of his experience at the tarn over the several chapters. He does indeed have much to think on. Thanks for commenting, obsidianj. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 6 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
Ooh! Namo and his Maiar are putting a hand into the mix now, are they? Alex/Artemus now has some serious thinking to do as to what he wants to do with what remains of his life. The Valar obviously have reason to see him as important, important enough to be offered the choice to live and be rescued from his life of intrigue to do what is necessary to protect this creation, and he's beginning to realize that the Elves are--Elves. And the tarn is able to shift its depth for its own purposes, apparently. Verrryyyy interesting!
Author's reply
Indeed they have, Larner, and we'll see how Alex deals with this development once he's recovered. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it.
galathil · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
Hi Fiondil,after reading the other reveiws there is not much I can add.So I will say that I am throughly enjoying the story.LOL Galathil
Author's reply
Hi Galathil. That's all I need to know, that you're thoroughly enjoying the story. Thanks for taking the time to tell me. I really appreciate it.
Lyana · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
Nothing like an interlude with Namo to force a decision point! Not sure Mr. Super Spy is going to be able to rationalize that or the disappearing rescue team away so easily - he certainly has much to ponder... *impatiently hopping from foot to foot waiting for Friday*
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. I don't think he'll be able to, either. We'll have to see how he handles all this in the next chapter. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Agape4Gondor · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
Even though this didn't end in traditonal cliffhanger fashion, I'm. Still biting my nails. So many questions for Alex. Grear chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Agape. No, not a real cliffhanger, but I'm sure you're not the only one biting your nails wondering what will happen next. Glad you liked the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Soledad · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
Oh, my! Now, that was creepy! Lord Námo doesn't do anything by halves, does he? I'd be interested to know which Maiar the "hikers" actually were. And it's really mean how you keep teasing us with the secret of Winterdark Tarn, without ever lifting it. I really want to know what is down there that some people have such a violent reaction to it. It can't be good. Looking forward to the visit of Shane's Mum. Oh, and Daeron's fairy tale books (or would that be history books?) must be a marvel.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Very creepy and Lord Námo never does anything by halves, that's true. I suspect Maranwë was part of the rescue team, but I don't know for sure since Námo has not told me one way or the other. Unfortunately, I have no more idea than anyone what lies in the tarn. I only know there's something there that should never be wakened. We'll be seeing Shane's Mum eventually. I wouldn't mind one of Daeron's fairy tale/history books myself. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
6336 · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
It is nice of Zach to take the children off Nicole's hands on Saturday's even if it only gives her a chance to catch up on laundry or house keeping, it is so much easier with out little ones under foot. Much as you love your children, you love them even more after a break from them! So now Alex/Artemus has a valid reason to stay away from Winter Dark Tarn, not the ideal place to go for a swim! I hope this wasn't planned and that Namo took the opportunity when it presented itself, Alex/Artemus does have some descions to make and soon, I wonder if this experiance will prod him towards have a confrontation with Ambrose/Amroth? I wonder if Glorfindel would have recognised any of the hikers, was one of them Maranwe by any chance, I do like him, he has a weird sense of humor! Good one Fiondil, Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, it is nice of Zach to help out Nicole. And I doubt you will ever be able to get Alex back to Winterdark Tarn again. I don't think it was planned but the Valar have been keeping a close watch on Alex so when the situation arose (and of course there was Caleb to consider), Námo took action by sending his own people to rescue them. As for the confrontation between Alex and Amroth... that will occur in the next chapter, though perhaps not in the way you imagine. And I suspect Glorfindel would've recognized the hikers and I think Maranwë was one of them. I don't think Námo would trust anyone else to lead the rescue team. I'm glad you like Maranwë. He's one of my favorites as well. Thanks for commenting. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.
Arwen75 · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
Ok now we definitely know the Vala and Maia are about. Wander what Alex/Artemus is going to do now - hopefully talk to Amroth after that meeting with Namo. Enjoying this story immensely - it gives me a lift at start of week and something to look forward to all week.
Author's reply
Hi Arwen. Yes, we definitely know that the Valar and Maiar are about. We'll see what Alex's next move is in the next chapter. I'm glad this story brightens your week. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
Well, well, well - I will not be surprised now if one of the first things Alex does now (after he gets out of the hospital) is to contact Amroth and Tell All. A personal encounter with Námo is likely to have its effect! (And besides, I think that Alex really _wants_ to have it out with his old mentor.) I am tot sure if it is comforting or not that the Maiar (and Valar) are on guard... :-P I wouldn't have minded having Caleb's book! Lately I have read mostly e-books, but that doesn't mean I have given up on the dead Tree variety!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. We'll see what happens to Alex and in what manner he confronts Amroth in the very next chapter, so you won't have too long to wait. *grin* I finally bought an e-reader and am enjoying it, but, like you, I still enjoy (and prefer) the dead tree variety. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
someone · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
I started to get a bad feeling about them going to the Tarn (and with children! Doesn't Zach know anything about the creature within the lake?). Fortunately there wasn't a monster like the watcher in the water as I expected, but for Alex, it was even worse than that. I know I'd be scared if I woke up face to face with the Angel of Death! So, Alex has now officially been warned. Hopefully he understands what it means. He's clearly starting to think, first the idea that Sindarin might not be an invented language and now he's wondering about the storybook. It's quite odd, actually, that he has never seen Ambrose's/Amroth's ears as they clearly know each other well and it's hard to keep one's hair tidy in combat. I really like that Namo made an appearance, perhaps he returns one day as Nate and scares Alex? *grin*
Author's reply
Hi someone. We'll learn just what Zach knew or didn't know about the tarn soon enough. As for Alex, he's coming to a point where he will be able to accept the existence of Elves more readily, though he's not quite there yet. We'll be seeing that transformation over the next several chapters. As for Amroth and his ears, I suspect he managed somehow. You can always wear a hat or a headband or something to keep your hair in place. And whether Alex ever meets Námo in his Nate persona.... *grin* Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
harrowcat · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
It was as if they’d disappeared into thin air. Which, of course, they had. Oh Alex - diving into unknown depths of water is the last thing you do! So, a crisis point reached - with a rather uncertain decision made. And i am glad to see that the 'Hall of Fire' tradition continues even in a modified form.
Author's reply
Hi harrowcat. Yes, a crisis point has been reached and what will follow from it remains to be seen. I suspect that Glorfindel and the Twins especially have kept up the tradition of the 'Hall of Fire' in one form or another throughout the millennia. It would give them a sense of 'home'. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
UTfrog · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
What a great chapter to start the morning off!
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed it UTfrog. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
bookworm · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
Humphrey Bogart? Oh dear me, someone's parents certainly hated him XD Or he's a spy, I suppose, but surely no spy would be quite that ...uh. Cocky. Only thing worse would be to run around calling yourself James Bond! And that last bit, my my, but someone thinks that their darling daughter joined a cult! Although I suppose it could look that way, if you were outside looking in. Looking forwards to the next chapter, as always!
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yeah, well parents can be cruel sometimes. We'll see how it goes and how it goes with Shane's mom. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
Lyana · 3 March 2012 · Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
Absolutely love Alex's way of managing Farrell - compliant and defiant all at the same time! As for mothers - well, Glorfindel has had experience with both balrogs and Amarie's amme, so hopefully he'll be fine. But poor Shane...
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. I'm glad you liked Alex's way of handling Farrell. We'll see how successful he is in keeping Farrell in the dark. And you're right about Glorfindel having had experience with difficult mothers before, so hopefully he'll be able to handle Shane's mom as well. Poor Shane, indeed! Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
Soledad · 3 March 2012 · Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
You know, all this scheaming of the higher powers makes me extremely nervous. It's a deeply dishonest thing of swelling of nice things (like apples and mint), and then appearing with a big, scary sword in hand and telling embarrassing stories about Glorfi. *gives Fionwë nasty looks* Poor Shane, though. I got "saved" by Mum like that once. Took me years to get over it. Of course, I had no ancient Elves to protect me. Sorry for the incoherence. Work is being extremely stressful right now. Will try to write reviews that actually make sense next time. *waves and drops to the floor dead*
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Actually, in a weird sort of way, this review makes a lot of sense. *grin* Fionwë obviously likes to make an entrance and he's not about tweaking Glorfindel and reminding him of his place every now and then. We'll see what happens with Shane and her mom in a subsequent chapter. Hope you have a miraculous recovery in time for the next chapter. LOL! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 3 March 2012 · Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
The title of the chapter seems quite apt. Ah, but they are all facing problems, it appears!
Author's reply
You're right about that, Larner. But obviously, this is one complication the Elves don't need. Thanks for commenting I appreciate it.
Lizbeth · 2 March 2012 · Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
Humphrey Bogart?! Poor Bo! I'd be shy too, if my parents named me that. Amroth is really getting to be frustrating. He keeps dropping hints about how dangerous Alex is but he won't DO anything. I don't blame the other elves one bit for getting impatient. It was good to actually "see" Fionwë again, but I'm wondering about the scent of apples. Is there some kind of symbolism there or is that just his smell? Granted, I have a weird sense of humor, but whenever the "Maia Dispersion Smells" come up in your stories I can't help but picture a bunch of confused elves left behind sniffing the air *grin*
Author's reply
Hi Lisbeth. Yeah, some parents can be pretty cruel with the names they give their kids. Amroth is in a difficult position and as Glorfindel points out, if they tip their hand too soon they might lose Alex altogether and be in a worse situation than they already are. As for the apple scent, Tolkien states that, unlike the Valar who appear as brilliant multicolored lights in their natural form (unclad), Maiar are recognized by scent, each exuding a particular flowery/spicey scent. He never specifies which scents are associated with any of the Maiar he mentions in his stories so I've taken the liberty of assigning certain scents to those in mine. I even keep a list so I am always consistent as to which scents I associate with which Maia. Beyond that, there is no actual symbolism involved. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
AleiTheLeaf · 2 March 2012 · Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
I must say, I'm more intrigued by Shane's problem than the spy issue. But that's because it's always better to know you're enemy, and since the elves know one (well, they have an idea, atleast), the unknown seems more sinister. I'm glad Shane is back- now that she and Zach have made appearances, I'm hoping others will too! Sorry about the late review, I'm a better lurker than reviewer and I never really know what I want to say (I usually just want to know what happens next. XD) Yours, ~AleiTheLeaf
Author's reply
Hi AleitTheLeaf. We probably won't be seeing all of the others at least in any great detail. They will make appearances now and then, but they are not integral to this particular story. And I appreciate any review you care to leave, whenever you care to leave one. Some people review every chapter, some only at the end of the story and others intermittently as the mood strikes them and they feel a need to comment on a particular chapter or scene or just to let me know they are enjoying the story. However you wish to review is up to you. I'm glad you're eager to know what comes next. Thanks for letting me know. That means I'm doing something right. *grin*
harrowcat · 2 March 2012 · Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
Finally! I'm home and can settle down to a good read. :) And now I am grinning at Glofindel's foolishness because I am halfway through Elf Interupted again as an antidote to the waiting pangs. Sador has just lost his braid and Glorfindel is still MIA. Hmm....I am glad that Alex is worried about innocents being hurt. It is a shame that he didn,t give in to his impulse to speak to Amroth but I don't think that he his ready to face the truth just yet. Retiring from the spying game before dying sounds like a good idea but hard to manage even with immortal help! The spying game and the warrior code of accepting death as a given are very similar. Perhaps that is why Amroth coped with his time in the Service.
Author's reply
That's okay harrowcat. It happens. I just deleted the extraneous reviews. No biggy. Anyway, I'm glad you found the chapter amusing with Fionwë putting Glorfindel on the spot the way he did. Ellon needed to be brought down a peg or three from his exalted heights. *grin* And Alex is still laboring under the delusion that the people at the Academy are normal humans and hasn't a clue (yet) about what's really going on. And I think you are correct that the spying game and warrior code of accepting death as a given is very similar and no doubt that's what helped Amroth to survive as he has. We'll actually learn something of how he got involved in espionage in a later chapter. I'm afraid it won't be pleasant reading, but espionage rarely is. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj · 2 March 2012 · Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
More trouble looming indeed! How to find the mole? I wouldn't discount any of the students on the roster. Alex is also a student. Why does Shane's mother want to rescue her? What did she hear? That emergency sounds quaint against the problem of the mole, but it is somewhat less serious (at least at the moment). Interesting that Alex had the thought of faking his death and going to Ambrose for help. This is not the Maia's doing "influencing" people? Alex has shown himself to be remarkable sensitive to things since he is in Wiseman. Unfortunately, it didn't work... for now.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Shane's mother probably didn't want her to go so far away from home in the first place and 'rescue' is probably Shane's interpretation of her mother's motive for visiting. And Alex's thoughts of getting out of the Game by faking his death with Ambrose' help is solely is own. No Maiarin influence involved. And Alex's sensitivity will, in one sense, be his downfall, as we will see shortly. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. It very much appreciated.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 March 2012 · Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
Atto, Actually, I suspect Whitman. Bogart is too obvious, and Jack Whitman is the name of a young man in the Rebecca Wells "Ya-Ya" series, a brother of one of the main characters, who apparently died in WWII. His Maman thinks he survived and vanished... *worries for Shane* I like Shane. Hope she'll be all right! Tye-melin Atto. Kaylee P.S. I knew it meant evil bear without looking! And FIONWE!!!! *huggles Fionwe* Yay!
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. We'll have to see if your suspicion is correct. And we'll see how Shane copes with her mother. And I guess everyone likes Fionwë (and what's not to like? *grin*) Thanks for reviewing. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 March 2012 · Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
Worse and worse! (Alex's predicament, not the story, Atto!) What an annoying person our ethir neth has to put up with. I will ask my Ada about the Blue Line...wonder if he went hiking when he lived in NY? Hm. Loved the tersely worded emails! Now on to the next chapter review! Tye-melin, Kaylee *throwing herself into B2MEM, muse bouncing squeefully* (Atto, if I get any prompts to cross a fic with another author, may I use the Fiondilverse? I won't hurt it, promise. I'll send you everything I write for it. And I will put it all back when I'm done playing. *grin*)
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Farrell is pretty annoying and we'll see how Alex handles him in the future. And you indeed have my permission to play in my Valarverse as your Aunt Rhyselle likes to call it, if you get any prompts that allow you to do so. Have fun. Thanks for commenting. Tye-melin.
6336 · 2 March 2012 · Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
Oh, Eru, that's all we need Shane's Mom thinking Elf Accadamy is some kind of cult! Though I am sure there are a few Ministers in the area who would be more than willing to jump on the Band Wagon! Nice to see the Valar are keeping a very close eye on all that is going on and good to see Fionwe again, even if he is playing Jimmany Cricket! I got the first instance, when they were training Glorfy to use his evil awareness talent, but the duel with the High King had me going 'Huh?!' till I remembered Ingwe's novel solution to flushing out the last of the malcontents or at least that batch of them, I am sure more have raised there ugly heads since then! Early start to day, stupid One Day Sale! grumble, grumble, grumble! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Probably that's what Shane's mom thinks or something similar. *grin* After all, Shane is Jewish. What's she doing hanging around a bunch of people pretending to be Christmas elves? Jews don't celebrate Christmas? Why is she working for people who are obviously NOT Jewish, etc. etc. etc.? Anyway, we'll see something of her when she arrives. Glad you recognized the references to Glorfindel's past, though I put the note in so people wouldn't have to go hunting for the references, or go 'huh?' because they'd forgotten about these events in Glorfindel's life. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.