Soledad
· 23 January 2012
· Chapter 3: Trouble Looming
Gah! This entire situation reminds me more and more of my daily life - we got these supervision visits on a bi-annual basis, and then we have to tremble for our jobs all the time. Poor Elves! I hope something nasty wakes up under Winterdark Tarn and eats the ACCU people for breakfast!
Now, who could be the Elf named Ryan McKinney? You do like to be mysterious, don't you?
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Well, Elves in the modern world, what can I say? As for he identity of Ryan McKinley aka Ambrose Elwood... we'll learn of that soon enough (though not too soon). Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I really appreciate it.
Larner
· 23 January 2012
· Chapter 3: Trouble Looming
Aha! So they are already aware of Alex Grant, and perhaps from the Person/s who chose to forward to him the pack of photos of "Ryan" teaching at the Elf Academy? Now he apparently needs to be brought onboard, it would seem. Heh!
The accreditation process they ought to do well enough on. Evaluators are always a bit problematic, however, when one is dealing with anal-retentive idiots.
Author's reply
Hi Larner. Yes, they do appear to be already aware of 'Alex' but how they handle him remains to be seen.
As for the accreditation evaluators... we'll see just how anal-rentitive they are. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 23 January 2012
· Chapter 3: Trouble Looming
I can see where they would have to tread carefully with an ACCU review coming up, could somebody have complained about some of the 'new' course requirements, they are very specific?
Just how does Glorfindel know about Alex Grant, or has he been asking aquward (SP?) questions?
Keep it coming,
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. If by 'he', you mean Alex, he hasn't arrived at the colleg yet. We'll see him arriving in the next chapter. At this point in time classes are still a week or so away from starting.
As for the ACCU review, that would've happened with or without the Elves involved; it was just the time in which the review was due.
And I will certainly keep it coming. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Ces
· 23 January 2012
· Chapter 3: Trouble Looming
Having been through an accreditation myself I know what the academy is in for. I don't envy them at all! Yep, hide in plain sight is the best thing they can do - although it will be interesting to see how they go about it.
Great story so far and looking forward to more updates.
Author's reply
Hi Ces. Well, hopefully the Elves will be able to pull it off without too much hassle. Glad you are enjoying the story so far and are looking forward to more updates. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
eliza
· 23 January 2012
· Chapter 3: Trouble Looming
Jeez, you mean to tell me even in an alternate reality, paperwork and adminsitrative agencies can foul up your day?
I'd rather have the orcs
Author's reply
Hi Eliza. What can I say? I'm sure Glorfindel would rather be facing a horde of orcs without a weapon himself. *grin* Unfortunately, in the modern world (even in an alternate reality), the only thing Glorfindel can battle are bureacracies and paperwork.
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 23 January 2012
· Chapter 3: Trouble Looming
Love it! love it! As a librarian married to a community college professor, I know all about accreditation studies. I am delighted to know this complication has been added to the story. It has a real potential to really mess up the academy.
Love Glorfi's educational experience.. Can we get the backgrounds of some of the others? Dareon as Homer perhaps?
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you approve of the accreditation complication. It won't figure too much in the story overall but there will be some surprises. And I do interweave some of the background of the other Elves into the story, but I doubt Daeron was Homer unless he could fake blindness for a human lifetime. *grin* Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Dreamflower
· 21 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
Good heavens! Things really *are* getting ramped up! I'm glad they found more Elves-- it would have been a real shame if six had really been all there were left.
I look forward to seeing more of this universe!!
Author's reply
Well, these Elves are the ones who showed up at the end of "Elf Academy", but there are bound to be more Elves out there. Hopefully, they'll see Daeron's message on the web and will show up eventually.
Glad you are looking forward to reading more of this story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Dreamflower
· 21 January 2012
· Chapter 1: Infiltration
Oh what fun!
"Artemus Gordon" *snicker* Well, it's no worse than many names people saddled their kids with in the sixties, and a sight better than the names some poor kids get saddled with nowadays.
Onward...
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I always thought it was a cool name myself when I was a kid watching "The Wild, Wild West". *grin* Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 21 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
And what is one of them going to do when he finds one of his students is one he mentored before in a government program? Interesting they continue to find Elves in the community, and love the name they've given the mansion. Most appropriate!
Author's reply
We'll find out soon enough, Larner. Glad you love the name of the mansion. I thought it was apropros myself. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
Well, that was an entrance. The poor mortals getting a full dose of Valar. Loved the casual comment about the supernova in the Andromeda nebula.
Fencing or swordfighting classes for tour guides? Classes in foreign languages nobody has ever heard of? I can understand that tour guides should know more than one language, but a language that nobody speaks? No wonder someone is getting suspicious. Can't wait to see how this all plays out.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. If nothing else, the Valar do know how to make an entrance. *grin* I'm glad you're looking forward to the rest of the story. Thanks for letting me know. It's much appreciated.
Lizbeth
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
I realize that other more important things happened in this chapter, but firstly: When it comes getting beaten, scared out of his hröa, or hugged nearly to death by random Valar or Maiar, it's always Glorfindel on the receiving end, isn't it? Poor elf, though I suppose he's used to it by now.
On the positive side, it's good to see that although things are getting more complicated for the Elf Academy, the Valar are paying close attention to make sure things work out... especially with the "new student" on the way.
Author's reply
Hi Lizbeth. Poor Glorfindel does seem to be the Valar's favorite cuddly-toy, doesn't he? *LOL* And we'll be seeing just how closely the Valar are keeping watch on the Academy and all that is going on there. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Fantasia
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
Hi Fiondil,
Catching with the story, so glad to see the whole gang back again. Glorfindel and Nate, that make me smile.
Who is Ryan McKinley? Don't remember an elf with that name. Can't wait ti find out.
Thank you
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. The identity of Ryan McKinley will remain a mystery for a while but it will be revealed (at least to the reader, if not to the characters of the story) soon enough. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Tari
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
The appearance of the Valar among the mortals would be a site to behold. I'm surprised no one fainted from shock. This is too funny. I wonder how many more elves are wandering around,
Can't wait to see how this ties in with the FBI coming to town. LOL
Author's reply
Hi Tari. I think they were too shocked to think about fainting. LOL! As for the Elves, we'll see who's wandering round and who shows up later. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Rhyselle
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
My, my, my! As you promised, lots of Elves in this chapter! And even a couple of my favorite Valar! Do you think that Tulkas will ever be able to greet Glorfindel without squishing him until Glorfy is purple? *grin* I laughed out loud when Glorfindel greeted Namo--good thing I was at lunch and no one was in my office with me. That would have taken a bit of explaining to the non-Tolkien-fans. *snicker* I was hoping to see Lord Namo again, although I wasn't expecting him to show up quite so soon. Were you?
This chapter was a bit of an info dump, but I wasn't bored by it at all. Although I can see how you described it as sort of the second half of the Prologue; setting the scene in Wiseman.
Our immortal friends are feeling the strain of their success. They need more elves to teach the mortals, and more time to train the trainers. The bit about the teachers feeling just barely ahead of the students was a nice touch.
There were good points about the age range of the mortals and their abilities in the discussion. At age 50, I suppose I wouldn't be a candidate for being an Elf Guide, as my knees and hips are starting to complain, but I admit that I really would love to find a way to help the Elves accomplish their mission in preparing us for the Dagor Dagorath, if this were really happening in our world and not a work of derivative fiction. Do they need an experienced secretary with hearing problems? *LOL*
I think I'm half afraid to see what Elladan and Elrohir might come up with to draw more elves to Wiseman. I had this mental image of them making a YouTube video in Sindarin...
Thanks for going back into this AU, Fiondil, and granting my wish to see more of the Elves in Wiseman. I've re-read Elf Academy more times than I can count, and it never palls. This already looks like it will be a re-read fic for me, too. I look forward to Monday's update.
Well done!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. There is a lot of information in this chapter, I agree, but as you point out, it is meant to set the scene in Wiseman and to show that the Elves' optimism might be misplaced or at least premature, a foreshadowing, so to speak, of the troubles that loom ahead of which they are unaware.
The Twins on YouTube. LOL! That would be something to see, and considering the strange things you can find on YouTube these days, people probably wouldn't bat an eye. *grin*
And you're more than welcome. I was happy to return to Wiseman and see what our favorite Elves were up to. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I've benn having in writing it. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Kitty
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
Sounds like the Elves made a nice home out of that old house.
Not sure what to make of the difference about the older students and the fencing, but of course now you have me wondering if it has any importance for later.
Ah, I had been wondering if the Valar will pop in now and then during the story to tell the Elves what to do, and you didn't lose any time to confirm my suspicion. Tulkas really hasn't changed, always squeezing poor Glorfindel half to death. But then, it's only been a few ages of the world, not enough time for him to change his ways, huh? It's going to be interesting to see how not only the other Elves, but particularly the Mortals are going to cope with Námo and his fellow Valar turning up whenever they please. The way they are talking about travelling the distance to the Andromeda galaxy must have been so disconcerting to the Mortals!
So the Elves are supposed to keep playing guide and reveal themselves? Now you have me wondering if that Artemus-Alex is one of these they are going to reveal themselves to? (Yes, yes, I know, I have to wait for the updates ... take it as a rhetorical question)
Phil is right, I think. Swords are quite heavy, and not everyone would be able to handle them, I guess. By making it optional, people could try out if they can do it and continue if it works out. Having a few good students learning it well is probably going to do more than having all of them learn it only barely and would keep the class at an more equal level. In any case, it sounds as if they are going to be quite busy.
I like the idea of finding more Elves who have stayed. Considering you said back then that you chose some whose fate was ambiguous, I wonder about Maglor? And maybe Thranduil? (Though that could be interesting, lol - not sure I could see him teaching at all).
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. We'll see as the story progresses what Aretmus/Alex's relation with the Elves will be (for good or for ill). And hopefully they will find more Elves, but just who remains to be seen. Even I don't know for sure who else may show up. *grin* Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Sunny
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
I wonder if the Valar (and Maiar) are going to pop up as frequently in this fic as in the EI stories and the wedding story (and IDB). A mere few ages would hardly cure them of their equivalent of poking sticks into anthills. ;-)
So what other elves are going to step onto the scene here? (I know - wait for the story to unfold... :-P ) I am not going to be surprised if Maglor pops up here, though.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, we'll all have to wait and see who shows up. Even I don't know for sure and I'm writing the story. LOL! And we'll see the Valar and Maiar off-and-on through this story, probably more so than in the original story as they are more involved with things at the Academy now than before. We'll just have to see. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Soledad, not logged in
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
Wow! This has eerily reminded me of real life - only that we don't discuss Quenya or Sindarin courses and swordfighting on our staff meetings, rather curriculum changes, sharing classrooms and the likes. *g*
The appearance of the Valar was great fun, although I'm always afraid that the furniture wouldn't survive Tulkas' exuberance. It was fun to see that - for a change - their audience actually had an inkling what supernovas are and where the Andromeda galaxy might be.
I really, really hope that they'll find more Elves - probably such ones as we know from canon, that would be fun. Oh, and I can't wait until Artemus Gordon appears, all wide-eyed in false innocence... and experiences the shock of his life. *is evil*
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. I've never sat in on a school staff meeting myself, but I have a great imagination. *grin* And I'm sure the Valar were happy to be able to speak of such things as supernovas without having to actually explain what they are.
I'm sure they will find more Elves (or the Elves will find them), but just who and how many remains to be seen. As for Artemus Gordon... we'll see how long it takes for him to find out that things really not what they seem.
Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
Okay first of all, Atto, may I say I LOVE their meeting room, and I so want a picture of it. *grin*
Secondly, I'm sure the Twins are VERY relieved to have a younger Elf around now. "Older than human civilization" though? *ponders that*
Thirdly, of COURSE I loved Tulkas and especially Namo dropping in. "Nate!" Ha! I loved that and Namo deserved it...almost. :P
So Namo, where's the Arctic Fringe playing tonight? *waits impatiently for Monday* =)
Hehehe.
Tye-melin,
Kaylee!
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I appreciate you leting me know. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 1: Infiltration
Atya,
"Artemus Gordon"? Okayyy...don't know that one, but it's probably the reason everyone who spells my Artemis' name wrong or calls her a boy does that. (Hehe. Got Artemis as a birthday present when I was 20 from a friend. I'll send you a picture of us if you want, Atto. She's adorable. :) )
Meriwether...what, like Meriwether Lewis? Heh :) I'm taking notes on this one, Atya...you won't fool me if I take notes!
Okay so first we have Artemus Gordon Meriwether the not-spy who's doing spying anyway and vacations in the Bahamas.
We have his Deputy Director, Madison Washburn, who is the type that even God (or the Valar? *snort*) might take orders from. (Is she perhaps a Valie or Maia? One to watch...)
And her secretary, Sarah Dunlap. *ponders her motives*
But the real mystery is this Ambrose Elwood/Ryan McKinley character. "Died" or disappeared 15 years ago, but hasn't aged a day in a more recent photo. Definitely an Elf then. I'd say not Amroth, as Amroth wouldn't need to change his name, would he? So one of those that Amroth's looking for. Huh. Definitely keeping a close watch on this lot.
Tye-melin, Atto.
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Well if you google "Wild, Wild West" you'll find out all about Artemus Gordon. Artemis (the Greek goddess of the hunt) is usually spelled with a "u" when it's used as a man's name, although I've also seen it with an "i". It's one of those names that have become gender-neutral over the years.
As for the mystery of Ambrose Elwood/Ryan McKinley... we'll see. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much. Tye-melin.
Aha...once more into the breach, then. Of course I've already read the chapters, but this is just to tell you I'm really excited about this fic, in case you haven't guessed, Atto. *grin* What will our dynamic dozen (six elves, and six Mortals) plus the new Elves and Deirdre, Marian, Paul, etc., be up to next??? Also how about the Arctic Fringe? =) Maybe I should get one of their CDs. Know where to find me one, Atto? *lol*
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Yes, once more we visit Elf Academy. It should prove an interesting semester for everyone concerned. Tye-melin.
6336
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
Well I see Tulkas has not lost his enthusiasm for bone crushing huggs!
The Vala do know how to make an entrance, don't they! I wonder just how much cosmic 'tweaking' they have had to do over the years.
Well Glorfindel and Company have had their orders, erm, suggestions, let's see how they impliment them.
Coming along nicely, waiting for Monday.
Huggs,
Lynda
p.s. I'm with Darion, I don't think they have reached half the Elves still in M.E.
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yeah, Tulkas will always be Tulkas, and the Valar have 'making an entrance' an art form. *grin* We'll see how things go with Glorfindel and the others as the new term begins. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Ces
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
And we're off! I'd love to be in the class learning Quenya and Sindarin - although I'm wondering what new students think of that!
I learned my lesson in the first story about trying to figure out who's doing what - I was positive it was Thranduil's presence in the forest that the twins felt - ahh well, perhaps he'll make an appearance too somewhere! But I do know someone is doing something somewhere in the academy - I just have to put my thinking cap on!
Monday can't come fast enough for me!
Author's reply
Hi Ces. It's always wise not to make assumptions about things where my stories are concerned. I like doing the unexpected. *grin* Glad you are enjoying this story so far. I appreciate you leaving a review and letting me know.
...another person walked into the room and some visceral instinct alerted the Mortals that this was someone whom they would someday come to know more intimately than any of them would like...
Gee...do you think? The Valar certainly do have their thumbs on this Academy. And, of course, their goals are murky, if not completely obscured. Loved Glorfindel's interaction with Namo. I can tell it's going to be another good year at the Academy :-)
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. *snicker* I love Námo's entrances. As for whether this will be a good year for the Academy or not, remains to be seen. After all, if nothing bad happened, there wouldn't necessarily be a story, would there? *looks innocent*
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
someone
· 20 January 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
And now the pieces are set and the game may begin...
No wonder someone contacted the agency, it's definitely odd that a college course for tourist guides has old-fashioned military training. The elves have truly taken over the Academy if not even Deirdre is complaining about it, and Nate is back! I'd really like to see more of Namo sneaking around the town as Nate.
And thanks to Wikipedia, I know now why Artemus Gordon is a good name for a spy!
Author's reply
Hi someone. Yes, the pieces are in place and the game is about to begin and who comes out the winner and who is the loser is anyone's guess at this juncture.
We may well see Námo in his 'Nate' persona at some point during the story. That remains to be seen.
Glad you approve of our spy's name. I always had a fondness for the character. He was a lot of fun.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Edlyn
· 19 January 2012
· Chapter 1: Infiltration
Hurrah! I am so glad I don't have homework tonight and was browsing fanfic to read. For once I'm reading chapter one right after you posted it. I'm intrigued and looking forward to the upcoming chapters.
I'm going to keep my suspicions as to which of our band of Elves was working as a spy to myself and wait to see if I'm right.
This looks like it is going to be a great story and I'm going to make certain that I set aside time to keep up with your posting schedule. I really loved the first Elf Academy story and will be glad to get back to Wiseman, Alaska.
(Do you have the college brochure BTW? I'd liketo contacttheir admissions office and see if my credits from Wright State will transfer...)
Blessings!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. Yay for no homework and being able to indulge in fanfic. Glad you found this and are looking forward to more. I'm hoping the story I'm crafting will be as entertaining to everyone as the first Elf Academy. And, believe me, if I had the college brochure, I'd be applying there myself. LOL! Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.