Sunny
· 17 February 2012
· Chapter 10: Discussions
That Caleb is even cuter than Elrohir in love! ;-) and I'm glad that Elladan doesn't have a problem with his twin's newfound love for the fair Serindë. Though it sounds as if he has too much fun chasing the ellith anyway to grumble about her "stealing" his brother from him. I suppose he will be chasing the ellith until one of them catches him. ;-)
So Daeron and Glorfindel are too old to fall in love, are they? It would be fun if another elleth appears during the story and one of them falls for her like a ton of bricks down a well ... and speaking of age, do any of the elves have beards? Daeron and Glorfindel, at least, ought to be old enough to have started to sprout facial hair. You haven't actually described any of the Elves as having beards, but then neither have you said that they _don't_.
Hmm. Why won't Amroth talk to Alex? Zach's description of him is really quite worrisome, and Daeron agrees with him, and he has also raised the possibility that someone might get hurt if Ales is not dealt with. And Glorfindel won't push Amroth into doing anything. Let's hope they won't regret that lack of action.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Glorfindel should know by now not to make such blatant statements. After all, from his lips to some Vala's ear and all that. LOL! We'll see how your prediction goes as the story progresses.
The problem with Tolkien's descriptions of Elves is that he doesn't defined "the third age" so I have no idea when Elves enter it. Círdan is the only canon Elf who is mentioned as having a beard. In my "Elf Interrupted" series, I have Ingwë bearded but none of the other elven rulers. Daeron, I think, would qualify as being able to grow a beard, but given the times in which the Elves are living and all, I would think that he might prefer to be beardless. I really don't know, and so I've hesitated to explicitly state that this Elf or that Elf was bearded.
We'll see how things go. Unforseen events will occur to bring certain things to a head, forcing Amroth to confront Alex instead of waiting for Alex to confront him.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Sunny. I appreciate it very much.
Soledad
· 17 February 2012
· Chapter 10: Discussions
Glorfindel certainly likes to play with fire, doesn't he? I'm sorry, but I'm with Daeron in this. He always gives good solid advice (thinking back of Part One), but people somehow seem to ignore him, most of the time. I only hope that they won't have to learn the hard way to listen to him.
Poor Zack, he still starts stuttering when nervous? Oh, my. But I guess that isn't something one can grow up in just two years. He's a very observant young man, though.
And why exactly is Amroth hesitating to confront Alex? Especially after showing that he did recognize the guy all right?
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Glorfindel is Glorfindel and he's not always in the right. Daeron is even older than Glorfindel and while he may not be a warrior, he's had his own set of experiences and has learned a different sort of wisdom than Glorfindel has.
People who conquer their stuttering can't always control it when they become nervous or tired. One of my brothers was a stutterer and while he eventually grew out of it, he still does it when he's tired or excited.
As for Amroth's motives... to tell you the truth, even I'm not sure about them. All I know is he refuses to confront his former student at this time. We'll have to see how that goes.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Lizbeth
· 17 February 2012
· Chapter 10: Discussions
I wish I could post "helpful" reviews with plot critiques and such, but I just get so caught up in the life that's happening in your stories that I can't think of anything else. It means that you are doing that part of writing very, very well, but it also means that I'm going to be saying the same sort of thing all the time. *grin* I hope you don't mind.
There's so much to like in this chapter! Caleb is too precious for words. I'm curious... did you intend for Caleb to be like Estel when you thought up his character, or did he just decide to be that way?
Poor Zach, being "assigned" Alex! I know he can handle it, but I still feel sorry for him. When he said Alex was scary, I bristled and was probably just as concerned as the elves, if not more. *scowl* You'd better not let Alex hurt Zach, got it?
All that drama, and now we're starting to get disagreement between the leading elves, as well. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
Author's reply
Hi Lizbeth. Actually, the fact that you get so caught up in the life of my charcters that you can't think of anything else is a great compliment. Thank you.
As for Caleb, well, aren't they all Estel-cute at that age? *grin* I don't usually plan my characters to be one thing or another except in genreal terms. I've found out the hard way that my characters have their own ideas of how they will act and woe betide the author who tries to make them act differently. Such attempts are usually followed by rebellion in the ranks. LOL!
Anyway, Zach is made of sterner stuff than you might think and, unlike some of the other elf-friends, he's the only one who might successfully pull it off so that neither Alex nor Derek are suspicious of his motives for befriending them.
And whoever said that the Elves had to always agree with one another? That would make them rather uninteresting people, wouldn't it?
Glad you're looking forward to more. Thanks for your review. It's much appreciated.
Lizbeth
· 17 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
Goodness, Alex seriously needs to get rid of some of that stress before he gives himself a heart attack from the overload! Good for Elrohir for watching out for him.
Ah, what I wouldn't give to hear Daeron sing. That was definitely the highlight of this chapter for me! I really like the way you described the effects his singing have on Alex. It explains just enough of what he sees to draw us in without spoiling the "magic".
Author's reply
Hi Lisbeth. I think everyone reading this chapter will agree with you that Daeron singing is the highlight of the chapter. I'm glad you liked the way I describe what Alex is experiencing. It's a tricky tightrope between giving just enough information to keep the story moving forward and giving too much and having it bog down. Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
6336
· 17 February 2012
· Chapter 10: Discussions
Good to see Caleb again, he's starting Kindergarten, wow, he is a big boy?! Do they teach beginning Sindarin in Wiseman?
Poor Zach, Glorfindel has put him on the spot a bit, even if he is not actively
spying on Alex he is still keeping an eye on him.
Interesting about the way the Religious comunity reacted to the Elves, how did their congrgations react, that is the important thing. Could one of them have sent the pictures, but they would have had to know about Ambrose/Amroth, so maybe not.
Waiting for Amroth to get on with it.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. The Elves do hold community classes in Sindarin and Quenya and other subjects. I suspect there are classes for children and they would pick up the language naturally, especially the younger ones.
Glorfindel is indeed putting Zach on the spot, but I don't think he would ask him to help out if he didn't think Zach couldn't handle it.
It's a good possibility that someone in the religious community opposed to the Elves (or someone in their congregation) too the photos and sent them off. They wouldn't necessarily be aware of Amroth's previous life as a spy. His photo would be just one of several. There will probably be more about this later in the story.
We'll see just when Amroth 'get's on with it' soon enough (if he ever does).
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
This is sounding rather ominous and yes, this duplicity of Alex's must be confronted at one point or another, sooner the better. I loved the way you brought that often forgotten area of the Old Testament into this. There is history here and it is always well to learn from history. Thanks for helping my day out of the mud.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. We'll see how the Elves deal with Alex and under what circumstances soon enough. And if one doesn't learn from history, one is doomed to repeat it. I'm glad my story has helped brightened your day. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it.
Ces
· 17 February 2012
· Chapter 10: Discussions
Lots of intrigue going on - how exciting! Zach is very perceptive, isn't he? He's good for the academy I think - he can give a mortal perspective of the students.
Are we going to see the final battle or will there be a third installment of Elf Academy?
Author's reply
Hi Ces. Yes, Zach is very perceptive and good for the Academy.
I was joking with one of my betas when she said that she thought there might be more than one sequel to the story that I could just see it: 'Elf Academy: Part Thirteen: Morgoth Strikes Back'. LOL! I honestly have no idea if we'll ever see the final battle or if there will be any more inatallments of Elf Academy. We'll just have to see what the Muse says about it.
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 17 February 2012
· Chapter 10: Discussions
Another excellent chapter, full of developing plot lines. I loved the information about Glorfindel and the different religious leaders. As a Christian, I am so sorry that so many leaders use only parts of the Bible to justify their actions.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked this chapter, UTfrog. Yes, unfortunately, there's a lot of religious prejudice running around and it's endemic to all faiths. Some of the ministers in Wiseman were bound to find fault with the Elves based solely on religious bigotry. Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Truffles
· 16 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
What I would give to be able to hear Daeron sing... Wonderful, powerful chapter if I do say so myself! I was glad Alex didn't manage to shoot himself in the foot while in archery, and found the (albeit short) scene between Alex and Amroth deliciously panicked on Alex's part.
I could go on for quite a while on that vein, but I'm unfortunately pressed for time so this'll have to do. I'm eager for the next installment, and am wondering if we'll get to see more of some of the other elf-friends, it's great to see Zach, and stutter-free too!
~Truffles
P.S. And on another note, the whole 'Sarah'-Elrohir scenerio was quite surprising! I wonder what his brother thinks?
Author's reply
Hi Truffles. You and everyone else, including me. *grin* I'm glad you found this a powerful chapter. We'll see something of the other elf-friends, though only peripherally for now. Later, some of them may play larger roles. As for what Elladan thinks about Elrohir and 'Sarah', we will learn that in the next chapter, actually. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it very much.
Tari
· 14 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
Oh, if only the Elf Academy really exists. It's sounds heavenly and I would sign up ASAP. Hearing their music had surprising effects on the humans.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. I think we all wish Elf Academy really exited, but at least we can enjoy it vicariously through this story. And if you recall (assuming you've read LOTR), when Frodo is in Rivendell and listening to the singing in the Hall of Fire, he sees images of what is being sung. It's something that Elves can do.
Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 14 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
Atto,
Tuesday night? That's tonight! =D Hehe, well I suppose it might not be in the timeline, so we'll see. But I really enjoyed Daeron's singing. Incidentally, how does one pronounce 'Daeron'? For some reason I'd been pronouncing it the same as 'Darren' but I'm pretty sure that's wrong, lolol. What would Daeron's name be in Quenya? And Nimrodel's?
Tye-melin, Atto!
Happy Valentine's Day!
I really hope your day is a wonderful one. Sorry I couldn't send you a real valentine, but I hope this pack of reviews suffices, hehehe.
Tye-melin, tenn' Ambar-metta.
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Well, it's just coincidence that this chapter is posted on a Tuesday and it's not even in the same month. *grin*
Daeron's name is pronounced as "die-ron". The Quenya form is Sairon. Tolkien says that Nimrodel was not properly Sindarin and couldn't be completely translated though obviously the first element of the name "nim-" means "white" but that's about all we know about it. Christopher Tolkien tentatively translates the name as "White cave lady" which, rendered into Quenya, would be something like "Ninquirottiel". I think I like Nimrodel better. *grin*
Thanks for all your reviews. They brightened my day considerably. Happy Valentine's Day to you, as well. Tye-melin, tenn' Ambar-metta.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 14 February 2012
· Chapter 8: Making Amends
Atto,
It's interesting that the trees allowed Alex to approach. I'm wondering what the trees have in mind for our intrepid hero, LOL! =D
Hmm, you know, I'm wondering if Gil is really an Elf. *studies Gil suspiciously* Maybe he's a Maia or Vala pretending to be an Elf. *lol*
*is trying hard to remember who took Glorfindel to that one globe where he could listen to the woods and hear the Song resonating through everything* I know I know, I just don't remember...but whoever it was, maybe that's who Gil is *lol* That's my guess, Atto.
Tye-melin!
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. It is interesting that the trees allowed Alex to approach. It shows that he's got the right stuff even if he's not aware of it.
You're thinking of the Maia, Nyéreser, who showed Glorfindel the globe. And no, he's not Gil. As I said earlier, Gil is an Elf, a Sinda, to be precise.
Thanks for commenting. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 14 February 2012
· Chapter 7: History Lessons
Atto,
Alex, Alex, Alex...telling an Elf to her face that Elves don't exist is rather silly. Of course, you don't KNOW that...but soon you will =D
Heh, I love his reactions to 'Della', but I can't help feeling worried for him. James Bond he's not, indeed! I wonder how Amroth got into espionage, and when, and why? Hmm.
Of course I figured Amroth was Ambrose, the name similarity was too coincidental to be a coincidence. =P One of these days, Atto, you'll come up with a character who's hiding under a completely unpredictable pseudonym and stun me and all the rest of us with the reveal. *giggle* But just because I expected Amroth was Ambrose doesn't mean I wasn't a little bit surprised. =) I knew for sure as soon as Ambrose and Della were described as lovers, though.
Anyway, now to reread what the mysterious Gil will do about Alex...
Tye-melin!
Kaylee Arafinwiel
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. And when Alex finds out the truth, he's going to be so embarraseed. *grin*
I probably should've come up with a different alias for Amroth, but I really liked "Ambrose Elwood" as a character name, and he insisted he didn't want another, so what was I to do? *grin*
Thanks for commenting. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 14 February 2012
· Chapter 6: Field Trips and Nature Walks
Atto,
Poor Alex, getting freaked out by the Watcher in the Water or its multi-great-descendant lurking in the water (at least, I'm convinced it is). *shudder* I would be freaked out, too. Ick. I can't help wondering, though, what would have happened if Derek had thrown the rock in...
It's a good thing Glorfindel took care of him. Oh, and the line about 'If you start singing that stupid song, I will personally escort you to the gates of Hell and kick you inside,' made me laugh so hard. =D
I'm trying to work out who 'Gil' is. One of the newcomers among the Elves? He's an Elf, that much is clear, so he must be new. He's obviously not Daeron, Glorfi, or the Twins, or Amroth. Is he the dad from the group that arrived with their 'elfling' at the end of the other story, or someone else that's come since?
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I'm sure nothing would've happened if Derek had skipped the stone as the others were doing, but obviously Alex thinks something bad might happen.
I'm glad you found the Rudolf reference so funny. I thought it was a hoot myself.
Gil is one of the Elves who came to Wiseman at the end of the first story. He came with four others. We'll be meeting all of them by name eventually. Gil's Elvish name is Gilvegil.
Thanks for commenting. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 14 February 2012
· Chapter 5: Alex’s First Day
Atto,
Sorry these reviews are so late!!! I read all the chapters on time, I've just been having difficulty in RL getting enough time to think over what to say. I love your writing (as always) and things are getting more and more interesting as the story goes on...not that it wasn't interesting in the first place! But the intrigue is mounting. Hmm. I have to say, I want the recipe for that eggnog bread :D hehehe.
Also, glad Elrohir did his best to take care of Alex. Poor Alex, he really doesn't know what he's in for...Maybe he could use a cup of tea and some eggnog bread to cheer him up. =)
Especially if 'Esther' made it and 'Nate' helped. Will they be dropping in again? =D
Going off to finish catching up on reviews!
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. No problem. I'm glad you're able to comment at all. I'm glad you think the intrigue is mounting (it is). I'll send you the eggnog bread recipe in a PM later this week. Thanks for commenting. Tye-melin.
Sunny
· 14 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
Alex picks up on quite a number of things, doesn't he? It will be interesting to see where you are going with that. And if Alex _does_ have some sort of psychic abilities, they would likely have contributed to his success as a spy - and his survival, too! though right now anything he might pick up from a number of persons here in Wiseman is probably having him convinced he is going batty. Not that he is likely to be be consciously aware of this awareness. And speaking of going batty - if Alex really has some kind of talent - his career as a spy _can't_ have been good for him!
Huh. Reading what I have written above, you can clearly see that my fondness for reading Fantasy and SF has warped my mind, and made me see ESP everywhere ;-)
Elrohir in love is just _so_ cute! I have a half-finished picture of Amroth and Nimrodel being sappily romantic, but I clearly need to make one of Roy and Sarah (Serindë?) too! And does Elladan have a sweetheart as well?
Daeron's performance was wonderfully described! I really wish I had been there!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I'm sure his sensitivity has been an asset in keeping him alive all these years, though I doubt Alex would consider himself "psychic".
And Elrohir in love... why does everyone think it's so cute? *grin* In the next chapter Glrofindel will have a discussion with one of the Elves' mortal friends about Elrohir and Serindë and how Elladan feels about it.
I'm glad you thought Daeron's performance was wonderfully described. Thanks for letting me know and thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
bookworm
· 13 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
oh man lucky fraggers, to get to here Daeron sing! I would say "poor Alex, getting his whole worldview so forcefully upset" but I am feeling juuuust a tad jealous right now so =p
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. I'm sure a lot of readers are jealous of Alex and Derek and everyone else who was in that bar that night to hear Daeron singing. *grin* Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Lyana
· 13 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
Well, well, well... our young Alex is proving to be very sensitive! I wonder how often he's experienced intuitive events before. He's certainly unnerved, but doesn't seem to be as freaked out as I would expect him to be if he was entirely unfamiliar with sensing things like he did at the tarn and in the woods.
Your portrayal of what Alex "saw" as Daeron played was just beautifully, achingly evocative - I felt swept away with him. Lovely.
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. I imagine that being intuitive is a very good trait to have when involved in espionage, but I think Alex is getting a bit of a workout with the Elves, which is why he's becoming unnerved at all the uncanniness around him. I'm glad you found my portrayal of what Alex 'saw' to be evocative. That is what I was aiming for. Thanks for letting me know and thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
harrowcat
· 13 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
Learning Sindarin and Elvish history by total immersion ...can't beat it! I want so much to go to that Academy.
Author's reply
Hi harrocat. That's for sure. You and everyone else, including me. LOL! Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Soledad
· 13 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
Oh, wow! What I would not give to hear Daeron sing and witness Elven history unfold before my eyes! The whole thing made me shiver, and in a very good way!
Elrohir in romantic mood was cute, too! Now I wonder what lasting effects this evening will have on Alex.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Ah... that's the reaction I was hoping to achieve... shivers, but in a good way. we'll see what affect, if any, this evening has on Alex. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 13 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
Now, that was something to think on, and that's a fact! And tomorrow he and Ambrose will have their first face-to-face encounter since the older "man's" alleged death. Frodo would have sat as entranced as the rest, I suspect, sharing the beauty and the terror of the tales sung. Certainly Alex is in good company.
Author's reply
I'm sure you're right about Frodo, Larner. As for when Alex and Ambrose will have their first face-to-face encounter, we'll just have to see. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really apreciate it.
6336
· 13 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
Well at least Alex dosen't need Orc arrows, the ones printed with "Pointy end goes out."!
Alex does seem to be having a lot of issues with this assignment, could part of it be that he is getting burnt out and not just the uniqueness of the situation?
What a wonderfull way to learn history, now, maybe he will be more recaptive to what he is learning at E.A.
Waiting for Friday.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. You may be right about suffering from burn out, but certainly the uniqueness of the situation doesn't help him much, especially when he's used to living in the very harsh and practical world of espionage and dealing with terrorists on a regular basis.
It is a great way to learn history, isn't it? Wish I'd had Daeron as a history teacher way back when. *grin* We'll see how this affects Alex as he continues playing his role.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
jgmsccc
· 13 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
I had to share how much I am enjoying this story. I find the entire concept fascinating and look forward to your updates. Just wanted to say thanks for Part Deux!
Author's reply
My kind of review, jgmsccc. LOL! Thanks for letting me know how much you are enjoying this story. I appreciate it very much.
Erulisse (one L)
· 13 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
What a treat for all, to have Daeron play for a night. Lucky, lucky, lucky! And I am SO envious. If you ever truly hear of this happening anywhere, you have to let us know! LOL. I so wanted to be a member of that audience.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
A real treat indeed, Erulisse. And if I ever do hear of Daeron playing somewhere, I'll let you know. *grin* I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Ces
· 13 February 2012
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
Very powerful chapter. And what an enlightening and puzzling moment for Alex during the song. He has much to think over. Bet he doesn't get much sleep tonight!
Zach has definitely blossomed in two years, hasn't he? Good for him - I bet his parents are very proud of him!
Author's reply
Hi Ces. It was indeed a very enlightening and puzzling moment for Alex and he has much to think about. Zach has matured and gained a lot of confidence over the last two years, thanks to the Elves, and I'm sure his parents are very proud of him even if they don't know what he's really up to.
Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.