Larner
· 27 October 2012
· Chapter 82: Finrod’s Court
So--familial vengeance! Had been imagining a number of different scenarios, but not that one. Now, to see how people react to the blackmail Bradford had been resorting to in order to control Amroth. Farrell still isn't showing himself to any good advantage, I see.
Author's reply
No, Farrell isn't showing himself in a good light at all, but at the moment he's too emotionally focused on Amroth to be careful about what he says or does. We'll see how things progress in the court soon enough. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. It's much appreciated.
Sunny
· 27 October 2012
· Chapter 82: Finrod’s Court
So Farrell was out for revenge, and a very personal bit of revenge, too. I can't say I'm surprised at this particular revelation. I'll also be interested in seeing how he roped the other agents into going along with him - if he had told them the truth, they would undoubtedly helped him get a nice, long vacation at a resort with padded room and jackets with extra-long sleeves for their guests.
As for Maddie, I wonder just how much she knew about Amroth. And it wouldn't surprise me if she, too, was out for a bit of revenge. Your description of her reaction to seeing him again makes me wonder if she had not once upon a time tried to make a pass at him and been soundly rebuffed, and the lack of reactions and support of Artemys from the Agency might not be an unconscious kind of revenge for that roll in the hay she never got.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. It's always about revenge, isn't it? And Farrell is very good at manipulation, as we will see. The other agents, however, aren't entirely blameless, though they are not as guilty of things as Farrell. And that's an intereting supposition about Maddy. Unrequited love? Who knows? I doubt if either she or Amroth will bother to discuss it in public, but it does perhaps shed some light on things. Perhaps if there's a sequel to this story we'll see more of Maddy and learn something about her possible relationship with one "Ambrose Elwood".
Thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 26 October 2012
· Chapter 82: Finrod’s Court
Interesting start to the proceedings. I was surprised that Artemus/Alex was called first and started telling everyone about the Agency and their dealings. I don't think Maddy will like that. Her Agency usually operates in the shadows. To get this much of publicity is probably not good for her. Good for Alex to resign. Another thing that will not make Maddy happy.
So, Farrell is Brady's nephew. Now the motive becomes clearer. Losing his cool like that was not in his best interest. But I can't say I'm sorry.
Author's reply
Yikes! I can't believe I missed this review, obsidianj. I've been re-reading this story, cleaning it up a bit (still finding the occasional typo and such) and re-reading reviews. Sorry for not responding earlier.
Anyway, I think that was why they called Artemus/Alex first, to bring light to the shadows as well as to make sure everyone was on the same page as to what was and had been happening.
And yeah, Farrell is not helping his case any.
demeter d
· 26 October 2012
· Chapter 79: Madison and Nate
I have just finished the first chapter of Finrod's "hearing". So it is sort of cheating to now come back and review this one. But I wanted to go on record as to what I first thought reading this one. I think that eventually the Mortal courts may be holding more than one trial. There might also be something done to bring Ms. Maddy's guilt in Shanna'a death to light, and putting "Ambrose" on trial for Sam Bradford's murder. And, I think someone needs to try Mr. Bradford for extortion, blackmail, and forcibly detaining one Ambrose Elwood all of these years. "But Mr. Bradford is dead and could not testify in his own behalf"? Perhaps. I think our friend "Nate" might have something to say there.
Author's reply
Hi demeter. Well, it would be interesting to see if the mortals do press charges against Amroth for Bradford's deaht, but with no body, there's no evidence, so he's probably safe. And Shanna's death probably can't be laid at Maddy's feet since she didn't authorize it, but who knows? And Bradford... hmm... an interesting idea. At any rate, it's any interesting idea. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate you taking the time to do so.
nancylea57
· 26 October 2012
· Chapter 82: Finrod’s Court
excellent as normal. just a quick question: is it a fashion statement to wear your shirt OVER your jacket?
Author's reply
Oops! Thanks for pointing out the error, nancylea. It's been fixed.
Tari
· 26 October 2012
· Chapter 82: Finrod’s Court
Things are getting very interesting. Farrell has done great harm to his case by loosing his cool like that. It may very well jeapordize his career with the agency. (One can only hope.)
Author's reply
Hi Tari. However things turn out in this court, I don't think Farrell will be going back to his old job. *grin* Thanks for commenting. I appreciated it.
Serindë
· 26 October 2012
· Chapter 72: Kidnapped!
I must confess I had to laugh. Zach offering a valuable peace of information- Loren is not Loren, which is Farrell not able to accept. He know that Loren is Loren. And Zach singing the reply in some gibberish. Kenya ? It is some place in Asia or in Africa? What the hell has common Kenya and Loren? Is he from Kenya?
And the three amigos joining Zach and Alex does not react how he is expected to react. Bot a good day for Farrell.
Author's reply
Hi Serindë. The whole thing with Zach was meant to be a laughing moment in the midst of what was a serious situation with the agents trying to figure out what is going on and the Elves confusing things by joining Zach in singing the lament to Glorfindel even if Farrell and the other agents have no idea that they are siing about "Loren".
And Kenya is, of course, a country in east Africa, but that's not the same as Quenya, the language of the Elves in Aman.
Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Serindë
· 26 October 2012
· Chapter 71: Monday
I must confess I expected something like this, Alex was given a deadline and he does not look like somebody who is going to follow the given order.
The kidnapping from the college failed and to try it once more is too risky.
The same goes for a kidnapping from the town. So now is time to act (it would be definitevely time of my choice).
Author's reply
Hi Serindë. It was inevitable that *something* would happen. Farrell had been way too quiet of late, and Alex may not have been as vigilant as he should've been. Farrell does show here that he does know how to plan things correctly, even if what he is planning is a kidnapping. Thanks for revieing. I appreciate it very much.
Serindë
· 26 October 2012
· Chapter 70: Meanwhile, Back at Elf Academy....
I can see it. Nell has never seen a computer game, she calls home in panic, children shouting in the background. Glorfi panics too, so he drives without thinking like a madmen to check what is happening. And poor Nell. She has nothing to be ashamed of, but she has never seen a make-up..
Hilarious.
Author's reply
Glad you found the description of Serindë's baby-sitting stint hilarious, Serindë. Thanks for lettng me know. I appreciate it.
Serindë
· 26 October 2012
· Chapter 68: Lessons
Oh, Nelluin - the famous last words.
I was once asked to babysit three children in a parking lot. I still remember who was on the winning side. It was not me.
Author's reply
Very famous last words. *grin*
6336
· 26 October 2012
· Chapter 82: Finrod’s Court
Ooo, this is almost as good as Court T.V.!!!
So now we know just why Ratty was so determined to have Amroth killed, I will be really interested to learn exactly why Amroth killed Bradford, there has to be more to it than just knowing who and what he was? ! I just can't see him killing some one out of hand like that.
More please.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Better, as it has Elves. LOL! Amroth isn't about to confess to killing Bradford in front of all of Wiseman, but you may recall in chapter 21 he describes to Alex/Artemus what he did and why, so you can re-read that chapter, if you'd like. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 26 October 2012
· Chapter 82: Finrod’s Court
Well the fireworks, aka court, have begun. Good chapter with an excellent description of the elves and procedures. Waiting for Monday.
Author's reply
Yes, the fireworks have begun and will continue of a bit. I'm glad you liked the descriptions of the Elves and court procedures, UTfrog. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
someone
· 25 October 2012
· Chapter 81: Thanksgiving Day
I now have this weird mental image of birds singing Gregorian chants.
It's good that Alex/Artemus has "softened" enough to remember his mother on Thanksgiving, perhaps it means that he is changing back to the person he was before the Agency. I've never celebrated a Thanksgiving, but it seems to be very important to be with family then, so it's good that Alex has at least some relatives (the twins, Finrod, Findalaurë and Galadriel's girl who's name I have forgotten) with him. I feel a bit sorry for Maddy and the lawyer, they are very far from home that day... Sorry for the late reviews, life's been a bit busy.
Author's reply
LOL! It is a strange image, isn't it?
Artemus has always has a soft spot for his mother, but his life has precluded him being able to be there for her as much as he would like. Thanksgiving is more family-centered than even Christmas, at least in the States. And it is always tough when you are far away from family and friends on that day, but it does happen. I've been there, done that more times than I like to think on. Oh well...
Anyway, thanks for reviewing, someone. I'm glad you were able to find some time to leave a comment. It's greatly appreciated.
someone
· 25 October 2012
· Chapter 80: Preparations for a Trial
Interesting. Finrod has his own mission? To heal these lands as he helped heal Aman? I still have a bad feeling about this trial, considering just how much it is against modern sensibilities and laws, but perhaps it will help Maddy understand something and so helps the situation.
Author's reply
Hi someone. Of course Finrod has his own mission and it may have something to healing these lands but we will have to wait until the next sequel to find out for sure. As for the trail, we'll just have to see how it goes and what it reveals. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Calenlassiel
· 25 October 2012
· Chapter 81: Thanksgiving Day
I was moved when Alex teared up and called his mom. I am lucky that I have my family and friends in my life. What I enjoy about Thanksgiving is that Americans of all religions celebrate this unique holiday together. As for football, I love it. Not really to watch it but to hear it on the tv in the next room. When I was younger I used to watch the entire game. Now that I am old I usually hide after dinner and read a book. I have to escape the in-laws.
I feel the Valar are going to making an appearance. I am also guessing they put the old "you will remember nothing" spell on the people who show up for the elves court hearing... LOL
As always Fiondil Great Chapter :)
Author's reply
Hi Calenlassiel. Thanksgiving seems to be the one holiday everyone can agree on, whatever their religous and cultural background. And, as Glorfindel tells Finrod, it's always a good idea to take one day out of the year to give thanks for what we have. I don't care for watching football, myself. Like you, I prefer to hide away with a book. Luckily I don't have in-laws from which to escape. *grin*
As for the Valar and what they end up doing at the trial, we'll find out soon enough. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it ver much.
Serindë
· 24 October 2012
· Chapter 67: Back at Edhellond
I understand that Glorfindel is pretty upset, but Nielluin is right (from a certain point of view). Mortals are dying all the time, so why the fuss?
On the other hand, somebody could ask her if she has never been upset about death of a pet. And if she was, why she values a life of a human less than a value of a pet?
Additionally it could be suggested, that she should not repeat something like that in front of her older sister or in front of her brother-in-law.
Author's reply
Hi Serindë. Nielluin is right, of course. Mortals die all the time, so who cares? But it's the callousness of her tone that Glorfindel and others resent. Unlike her, Glorfindel and Finrod and others have known and befriended Mortals so there is actual grief when they die. Nielluin will learn eventually, or so we may hope. Thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor
· 24 October 2012
· Chapter 81: Thanksgiving Day
Now you have my mouth watering for Thanksgiving. This one will be a little different for me. I'll be in Middle-earth, New Zealand, and not with family - but with friends. I hope I don't get to maudlin. I will definitely have to 'phone home' as Alex and Derek did.
Love how you bring the points of the deposition forward without telling the whole tale again. You do it succinctly. I loved the sun room scene. The building of Derek and Alex's friendship gets better and better. Loved the scene where Alex 'lost it.' Glad he has friends who can help him heal. I know they will.
As for the dinner itself, it was tasty. *g*
Looking forward to the trial.
Author's reply
Oh, what I wouldn't give to be going with you, Agape. You're so lucky. Oh well, maybe someday.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, especially the sun room scene and Alex losing it and calling his mom.
The trial begins with the next chapter. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 23 October 2012
· Chapter 81: Thanksgiving Day
Spending Thanksgiving day fishing? At least better than staring at the TV watching interminable football. Loved the Thanksgiving elvish style. It is good to have your friends around you when your family is far away. Thanksgiving and Christmas both can be very lonely when you are alone. I like it that both Alex and Derek called their family.
After that "debriefing" I'm even more curious about Finrod's court.
Author's reply
As you say, obsidianj, going fishing beats sitting in front of the boob tube watching football any day of the week (and I don't like fishing myself, but I like watching football on TV even less). *grin* We'll be seeing the start of Finrod's court in the next chapter (it covers several; you know how I like to drag such things out). Anyway, thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Malice2
· 23 October 2012
· Chapter 81: Thanksgiving Day
Nice thanksgiving. Though as we don't celebrate it at all in France I can only try to relate, but I associated it with Christmas spirit. I would miss my mum in Gordy's place.
You know, while I agree that it will be a learning experience for the mortals to see Finrod's trial, I think it woudn't be amiss for Finrod to see a modern mortal trial too.
Though I love all of your stories, and your elves, and am paricularly fond of Grofindel (who wouldn't be? lol), I think I wouldn't like them at all if I had to live with them. I can't stand people who tell me how I should live and what would make me happy (unless I asked), and that's all elves seem to be doing. Humans (at leats in your fic) are so much less judgemental... I understand that the first born feel like elders brothers helping the younger ones, but now I'm an adult (and have been for some time), my elder brother wouldn't dream of patronizing me, and I wouldn't dream of ordering around my younger sister either...
Still, I love pretty much all of your stories. Looking forward to sseing Nate too ;-) Thanks for the wonderful time you give us.
Author's reply
Hi Malice. I am sure Finrod will have the opportunity to witness a modern mortal trial, though not in this story. Perhaps in the next one, if I ever get around to writing it.
And the Elves here are so used to NOT dealing with mortals, even many of the Wiseman Elves, that they have to learn not to lord it over the mortals. I think the only one of the Elves who does not is Vorondur, the resident psychiatrist. He's dealt with mortals on a more intimate basis than the others and understands and appreciates their worth. The others, like Glorfindel, just need to be reminded of that fact. It'll take a little time, but the Elves aren't stupid and modern mortals, especially the American version, aren't impressed and will give as good as they get, as we saw in an earlier chapter where mortals and Elves clashed.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoy my stories and are enjoying this one. I enjoy entertaining people with my stories and hope to continue doing so for the foreseeable future. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's greatly appreciated.
Serinde
· 23 October 2012
· Chapter 66: The Enemy Within
"The one thing I have always been able to count on is the insolence of Mortals. They do nothing but give me grief in one form or another. It’s most entertaining."
I love your Námo.
Author's reply
I'm glad you do, Serindë. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 22 October 2012
· Chapter 81: Thanksgiving Day
Hmm--combining Derek and Alex's families sounds interesting, making them brothers indeed! Heh! I like the idea! Glad they both called home and were with one another and in such company for what could have been a lonely holiday.
Author's reply
Yes, it would be interesting if they ended up being brothers indeed, wouldn't it? Who knows? Stranger things have happened. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. It's much apreciated.
Tari
· 22 October 2012
· Chapter 81: Thanksgiving Day
What a wonderful way to spend Thanksgiving. Not having family or friends around can be hard. Been there.
Author's reply
Yes, it is a wonderful way to spend Thanksgiving. And not having family or friends can be very hard during the holidays. Thanks for commenting, Tari. It's appreciated.
Fantasia
· 22 October 2012
· Chapter 81: Thanksgiving Day
Hi Fiondil...I haven't review for a while, RL is busy...but still reading and loving this tale.... Thanksgiving and Christmas can make you so homesick, when your family is not around, I know and I feel so bad for Alex/Artemus/Gordy/Elurín, well, he really need to take just one name, it is gettine confuse. Thanks.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Thanksgiving and Christmas can be especially hard on people when they are not with family. But at least Alex is surrounded by friends who care for him and that helps. As for his many names, he's almost as bad as a certain Ranger, isn't he? *grin* Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate you doing so.
Rhyselle
· 22 October 2012
· Chapter 81: Thanksgiving Day
This chapter has left me smiling wistfully.
Having had my arms in casts more times than I care to admit here, I got a giggle from Zach's having Alex and Derek sign the plaster. I thought Alex's choice to sign as Elurin was wonderful. I can't explain why, but it just felt so right that he did so.
Reading through the "depositions" was interesting, and I could understand totally the different reactions that the three have been having in the aftermath of the abductions. I liked their conversation in the sun room, and giggled when they headed downstairs to see just how much of a nuisance they could be to the elves. *grin*
But the parts I liked best was the speaking of thankfulness before the meal and Alex/Artemus' actions at the end of the chapter. I couldn't stop smiling, even though I was so heart-touched that I was fighting tears, when Finrod said he was thankful to be back with Glorfindel. And those tears just about spilled over even as my cheeks were aching when I read Alex's conversation with his mother. Wonderful!
Thanks for a terrific installment! Well done!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. This is a regular tear-jerker of a chapter, and no mistake. *grin* I'm glad you liked Finrod saying he was grateful to be back with Glorfindel and Alex calling his mom. I think Alex decided "Elurín" was a safer choice than any of his other names. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's very much appreciated.
6336
· 22 October 2012
· Chapter 81: Thanksgiving Day
If you can't be with your family at the Holidays being around friends is just as good, some times even better!
A nice, reletively peacefull chapter.
I am still hoping Alex will make it back.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, being around friends during the holiday does help and sometime it is even better since one doesn't have to deal with the dynamics of one's dyfunctional relations. *grin* We'll see if Alex makes it back or not. Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.