Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within by Fiondil

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Kaylee Arafinwiel · 25 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

Atya, So they're related to Tulcafindil! :) That makes me happy, to know that they're related (Gareth and Gwyn I mean, and Tristan) to an Elf we know, even if Tristan and Iseult themselves aren't Elves we've met before. I wonder who else will bring the parents out of their reluctance to talk a bit more? Hmm... Glorfindel calling Tristan a child was funny, but in relation to their ages, accurate. And I adored the in-joke between Finrod and Namo. :) Tye-melin, Kaylee

Author's reply

Hi Kaylee. I thought it was fun to have them related to someone my readers would know, but at the same time not be someone "famous" or come from high nobility, like being cousins to the High King or something. Tulcafindil comes from a minor noble family but they are not highly placed in Ingwë's government. Not sure about Iseult's family, but I get the feeling they were commoners, and let's face it, there are more of them than there are of the nobility anyway. And Daeron, having been born in Cuiviénen, thinks they are ALL children. LOL! Thanks for the review. I appreciate it. Tye-melin.

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 25 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

Atya, Tristan ap Hywel should try ordering from Loot Crate. That is, if he moves to Wiseman permanently, since I can't remember if they go internationally other than Canada. (I get the feeling he would ADORE the Ninja/Pirate t-shirt I received in my box yesterday!!) But he would absolutely adore it. And Iseult, from what I can see, would probably whinge about it. *snickers* Tristan is such a geek, but that just makes him awesome. ^_^ Iseult would get along well with my mother, who is, after all, at least partially Jewish and very much acts the part. Heh! So, they don't believe that Glorfindel, Finrod and Daeron are who they say they are. Letter of introduction? Let's have Lord Namo turn up instead. "I get that reaction a lot." Ha! Yeah, especially when he makes people walk his maze, so at least they didn't have to do that! And, of course, "You rang?" Which I heard in Lurch voice, which is not at all how I usually hear Namo, so that was priceless! *Giggles* Kaylee

Author's reply

Hi Kaylee. Tristan is indeed a geek and awesome. Iseult whinges a lot but she loves him and that's all that matters. And Námo is his usual irrepressible self. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 25 November 2014 · Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding

Atya, "When in Rome" indeed...I think that's only polite really. The rendition of 'My Fair Lady' made me giggle. I remember my friend Jeff singing it in a performance at our high school but that was ages ago so I don't remember it well. (Well, not *ages*, but over ten years, so...) Edhellond, Inc.? Interesting idea...O.o I wonder how that will work out. Dear God, that wedding china from Angband. :P I swear, I hope whoever does the designs has MUCH better sense this time around. Haha. Sorry for playing catch-up (again), but it's been a busy couple weeks...any fun Thanksgiving plans? Hugs, Kaylee

Author's reply

Hi Kaylee. I have no idea if Edhellond, Inc. could actually work. I'll have to check on it. Anyway, I'm sure the people doing Roy and Sarah's wedding have a whole lot more sense than Almáriel. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.

bookworm · 25 November 2014 · Chapter 95: The Ride to Wiseman

Gandalf! And enjoying trolling I see XD I think Olorin spent far too much time with Merry & Pippin back in the day =p Now you've got me all curious as to the surprise~

Author's reply

Hi Bookworm. I suspect you're right about Olórin spending too much time with Merry and Pippin but he could've done worse, don't you think? *grin* Anyway, you won't have to wait long to learn what the surprise is. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.

6336 · 24 November 2014 · Chapter 95: The Ride to Wiseman

Well we know about Tristan's family, or some of it, what about Iseult's family? No, they did not do their sons any favors by not, at the very least telling them some of their history, even if it was just a quick family tree. That sort of thing has a nasty habit of coming back and biting! Well they seem to have mended the fences, or at least made a start. I am wondering if the surprise at the collage has any thing to do with wedding guests? Yes, I know, wait until Friday. It will give me some thing to unwind with when I get in at 4a.m., you should have it posted by then. That is assuming I am even working, the jury is still out on that. My foot has been extremely pain full for the last four days, so off to the Dr.s I went today, x-rays, blood tests, possibly an auto-immune problem, I get the results on Wednesday, till then it is elevate it and ibuprofen! Oh, Joy! Hobbles up to Cliff House and settles in to wait, contemplates installing elevator. Huggs, Lynda

Author's reply

Hi Lynda. Sorry to hear about your foot. Hope it's nothing serious, but staying off it for a few days should help. I don't envy anyone who has to be on their feet all day. It's brutal. Anyway, I'm still trying to find out about Iseult's family. She's been a bit tightlipped about it for some reason. At least the boys know something about their dad's family and that's a start. Perhaps we'll learn more later. As for the surprise.... Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Hugs back.

galathil · 24 November 2014 · Chapter 95: The Ride to Wiseman

Oh no you cant'n do this to me! I have to know what is waiting for them at school. Now I have to wait a whole week! Can' t you give us a clue "please". I am sure that the miar just love being annoying for the sake of it.He! He! Love Galathil

Author's reply

Sorry, galathil. To give you any clue would spoil it. I promise, though, it's not anything bad. I hope everyone will be happy when they see what the surprise is all about. Until then, hang in there. Friday's only a few days away. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.

Eruherdiriel · 24 November 2014 · Chapter 95: The Ride to Wiseman

Everyone is going to jump out and yell, "Surprise". And Olorin is in on it, because it fits his sense of humor really well. Glad to see a little bit of familial rebuilding going on. ~Eruherdiriel

Author's reply

We'll have to see, won't we? I'm sure the ap Hywels will be just fine once the boys get past their anger and the parents get past their reluctance to speak about their past. Being around the Wiseman Elves should help. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Eruherdiriel. It's appreciated.

Ellie · 24 November 2014 · Chapter 95: The Ride to Wiseman

Muwahahahahaha! What a lovely cliffie!

Author's reply

You know me and cliffies, Ellie. LOL! And as cliffies go, this one is rather mild. Thanks for commenting. It's appreciated, especially since I know how super-busy you are tonight.

Larner · 24 November 2014 · Chapter 95: The Ride to Wiseman

I'm more than a bit surprised that Glorfindel doesn't slip sometimes and call Olorin Gandalf. Heh! But it will be interesting to find out what the group is doing at the college.

Author's reply

And if he did slip, I suspect he would call him Mithrandir rather than Gandalf, since Mithrandir is what the Elves normally called him, but I guess having known him first as Olórin, it's easier for him to call him that than any other name. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it very much.

Kevana · 24 November 2014 · Chapter 95: The Ride to Wiseman

Forever in love with Tristan's supply of geek shirts. "You are here," pffft! Reminds me of one I saw that had an image of the planet as seen from space and the caption "human race group picture" or something like that. Heh, an Elf is an Elf no matter what they're wearing, but it always tickles me to see unusual Elven wardrobe choices. Dreamflower, what an insightful analysis, it makes so much sense. Oh no, Gareth let Gwyn's courting slip. There's no way he's going to be able to keep that quiet for long now that it's out there, LOL. I am sympathetic for Gareth here. That love at first sight thing certainly comes with a few downsides. Heh, don't feel badly, Gareth, nobody expects the Námo inquisition. Love the glimpse into their family's history. Maybe Tristan and Iseult will learn a little more about their own family that even they didn't know. At first I thought that perhaps the other Elves had planned a surprise party for the ap Hywels, but that doesn't seem to be the case. And now Olórin is here, hmm. HMMM. Well, Friday can't come soon enough for us to find what is waiting down at the college. It has to be something big if all the Elves left and almost forgot to lock the door! It's good he remembered to knock and not just pop in, very nice, Olórin. At least there are a few house-trained Ainur around, even if they are not tame. :P Happy Thanksgiving, hope it's a good one! -Kevana

Author's reply

Hi Kevana. Tristan has a whole closet full of such geek shirts, I'm sure. :) At any rate, I'm sure he and Iseult will enjoy becoming acquainted with the Elves in Wiseman and reconnecting with their own past and history. As for the surprise, it is rather big as you will see on Friday. Big and totally unexpected. And Olórin learned early on about the dangers of popping in unannounced, so yeah, he ma not be tame, but he is house-trained. LOL! Have a great Thanksgiving yourself! Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Sunny · 24 November 2014 · Chapter 95: The Ride to Wiseman

Hehe, I suspect Tristan has a big stack of geeky science t-shirts in his luggage. And I wonder how long it will take before the Maiar (and Valar) start showing up in t-shirts with funny pictures. A small idea for an element in future fics, perhaps? ;-) So there is a surprise in the offing. It shall be interestig to see just what is waitig for them at the college!

Author's reply

I suspect you're right about Tristan, Sunny. As for whether any of the Maiar or Valar start sporting similar T-shirts remains to be seen. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.

Celeth · 24 November 2014 · Chapter 95: The Ride to Wiseman

It seems that Tristan and Iseult are more relaxed now, more Elvish if that's possible. It will be so nice seeing them interact with fellow Elves and not trying to hide their true identity from mortals. that sounds like quite a surprise. I've missed Olorin, and I can't wait to know what his surprise is.

Author's reply

I think being around other Elves will only help them and their sons. And we'll see soon enough what the surprise is. Thanks for reviewing, Celeth. I appreciate it very much. Author Reply: I think being around other Elves will only help them and their sons. And we'll see soon enough what the surprise is. Thanks for reviewing, Celeth. I appreciate it very much.

Anonymous · 24 November 2014 · Chapter 95: The Ride to Wiseman

Oh! That's not nice, now I have to wait till Friday to know what they are doing! I can't wait. Parents taking stupid pills is something I hadn't thought about, but now that you say it, some things they say or do make sense now ;). Don't worry, I don't mean it and the adults must think the same about us teens. Thanks for the laugh, I needed it after my history test. I can't wait for your next update, Ora.

Author's reply

Hi Ora. Yeah, I think it works both ways. LOL! Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Hope your history test went well. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Dreamflower · 24 November 2014 · Chapter 95: The Ride to Wiseman

A long and interesting journey, we learn more about Tristan and Iseult's background. The family dynamics between Gwyn and Gareth and their parents are revealing. The two ellon are centuries old, and have spent most of their time among mortals where they must hide their nature by pretending to be the age they appear, and not the age they are. Without any Elven culture in their lives to ground them, they seem to be locked into a permanent post-adolescence in their attitudes and reactions. Their parents treating them as children exacerbates that, making them seem even more immature. But their parents have clearly done their sons a disservice by refusing to give them any of the traditions and grounding that would have been so useful to them. Yet now we learn that part of the reason for their reticence may have been rooted in the rift left when their parting from their own families had been bitter. Vorundur may need to do some family counseling. And what in the world is going on in Wiseman? I will be eager to see Monday's update!

Author's reply

Hi Dreamflower. Your analysis of the family dynamics between Gwyn and Gareth and their parents is pretty astute. You're right that the brothers, not having any Elven culture to ground them, seem to be in permanent post-adolescence, at least when confronted with other Elves. I'm sure around Mortals, their reactions are somewhat different. Of course, their parents really haven't done them any favors with their refusal to impart to them something of their cultural background and traditions. Unfortunately, unless they all move to Wiseman, I doubt Vorondur will be able to offer them his services. They'll just have to muddle through on their own. *grin* As for what's going on, you'll have to wait and see, but luckily not until Monday as I will post as usual on Friday, something to look forward to after a day of holiday shopping. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

UTfrog · 24 November 2014 · Chapter 95: The Ride to Wiseman

You even managed a cliff hanger for a relatively simple and charming chapter! Love Olorin showing up. Equally love that he is smirking. I am guessing a party of some sort pre wedding, but I know I have to wait until Friday. I did enjoy the conversations on the way to Wiseman. Guess everyone is a bit more comfortable. May you have a good Thanksgiving, filled with love and family from the bloodline or the heartline.

Author's reply

We'll find out soon enough why Olórin is smirking, UTfrog. Have a happy Thanksgiving as well. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. It's much appreciated.

Silmarien · 22 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

Oh, can we get to watch Tristan have a discussion with the Valar about the 11th Dimension?

Author's reply

Sorry, Silmarien. I'm afraid that's one conversation that will remain unrecorded, though I'm sure it would prove interesting to listen to, assuming you are of a scientific bent and can understand what they're talking about. *grin*

obsidianj · 22 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

Lot's of shocks and revelations in this chapter. Poor Gwyn! Always being blamed for the misdeeds of your younger brother is no fun. In this case there was nothing he could do about it and when Iseult calms down I think she will see reason. I hope that when the apHywels come to Wiseman and meet the other elves they will loosen up. They are not alone anymore. I love your Lord Namo. The way he gave Glorfindel the introductory letter was too funny. If that does not convince Tristan, nothing will. But it is a shock to have one's whole worldview turned upside down.

Author's reply

Hi obsidianj. Námo is pretty cool and the ap Hywels will eventually come to terms with what has happened around them as we'll see in the next chapter. I'm glad you enjoyed Glorfindel's letter of introduction. Just shows that the Valar have a sense of humor after all. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.

obsidianj · 22 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

LOL! This chapter was great. I had to laugh at the Neutrino joke and wisely put my coffee away before Namo showed up. Sitting in bed with a cup of hot coffee reading this chapter is hazardous. Poor Tristan, Namo was not what he expected, but he just invited him, and Namo is not someone to ignore such an opening. Be careful what you wish for. Iseult is such a contrast to Tristan. I know a couple that is similar. She is always dressed to the nines, very stylish and elegant, and he looks more like a hobbit in dress and manner. Seems like opposites are attractive. Now Namo has to convince both about the identities of the Wiseman elves.

Author's reply

Hi obsidianj. Now you're the first to mention the neutrino joke. Thanks for mentioning it. Tristan and Iseult have a lot to get their respective heads around, no doubt about it. And I thought it fun to have them be so contrastive in style and manner. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

bookworm · 22 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

I must confess I like the ap Hywels as Tristan and Iseult better anyway XD

Author's reply

I do, too, bookworm, and that's how I think of them. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.

Kevana · 21 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

I was wondering whether you'd even have electricity to post a chapter today! Did you get a piece of the action from the Buffalo snowstorm? I am so happy to see the truth come out! Sad to hear they had something come between them and their family members who Sailed - was that ever explained? I can't remember, but I wonder how Valandil will react to this, and who else might remember their families. Tristan follows the true scientist's creed: if you encounter something strange, poke it with a stick. Or a finger, if a stick is not readily available. Great characterization about the couple clinging only to what can be empirically proven. I can't recall ever seeing an Elf portrayed that way, as they're always the ones "in the know" spiritually. It's amazing and mind-bending to see Elves actually expressing doubt in a higher power. And such a good way of showing how they might logically have been affected by living among Mortals for so long. I had to lean back from the computer and put my face in my hands and shake my head helplessly at the letter of introduction. I'm sure it was exactly what was needed, as it proved to be. I just can't get over the mental image of the decision-making process that had to have gone into that. "He wants word from Atar? Manwë, come put your John Hancock on this thing, we'll call his bluff." It is priceless. And so was Finrod's little inside joke. And Námo dropping the bomb about Nell and Gareth. Sidenote - "Little tumult" is a fantastic name, though maybe just not in Sindarin. Love that bit about folks recognizing Daeron by his singing - makes a lot of sense! This was a great set of contrasts and complements in one chapter. Oh my, sounds like we're in for some wild twists and turns - I can't wait! Have a wonderful weekend! Take care, -Kevana

Author's reply

Hi Kevana. The Buffalo storm never reached us, neither did the one that hit Watertown to the north. Don't worry, though. Our time will come; it always does. Anyway, Tristan and Iseult have been alone together for so long, longer than they've been with their sons, that I suspect, after awhile, they just stopped remembering what it was like before, too caught up with blending into whichever mortal society they happened to be living in at the time. And not having the companionship of other Elves, especially those who remember conversing with at least the Maiar during the War of Wrath if not with any of the Valar, well, you can imagine what it was like for them. I'm glad you loved the letter of introduction, Finrod's inside joke and Námo dropping the bomb about Gareth and Nell. Those were the highlights of the chapter for me as well as I was writing it. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Eruherdiriel · 21 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

Good balance of reveal and reluctance here. At least there's no long feud with some member of the Wiseman Elves. And Namo was his usually charming self. ~Eruherdiriel

Author's reply

Námo is always charming, even when he's not. LOL! No, there's no feud with any Wiseman Elf, so we can put our minds to rest on that score. Glad you liked the chapter, Eruherdiriel. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it.

Sunny · 21 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

Hehehe, I guess thst by now Námo is the one amon the Valar who has the largest number of friends - I don't doubt for a second that ALL of the Reborn regard themselves as his friend. I loved that parchment. and I'm sure it will look great in a place of honor on Glorfindel's wall. So Námo dropped the bomb about Nielluin, though I would guess that if he hadn't mentioned it, Gareth would have waffled on bringing it up. But I notice that the boys have not yet mentioned the possibility that there could be a double wedding in the offing. If, that is, Gwyn manages to talk Mithrellas into marrying again.. ;-)

Author's reply

You're probably right about that, Sunny, and I suspect the Reborn out number the Once-born by now, so Námo has LOTS of friends. As for Gwyn and Misty... once shock at a time. As it is, there's nothing firmly decided between them yet so it's a bit early to tell the parents about it. And I'm sure Glorfindel's parchment is absolutely beautiful in its calligraphy and illuminations. It will definitely be a conversation piece once he gets it properly framed and hung up. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.

Laer · 21 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

Poor Gwyn. to be the oldest (and I was not) has to be the bane of every child's life. :( Well, maybe their parents will not be so critical once they get around the elves that knew them back "then" Stories might be shared including ones that would explain why mom and dad are so strict :)One can hope :)

Author's reply

Hi Laer. Yes, much is expected of the oldest child. I, luckily, did not have to suffer that fate. *grin* At any rate, meeting up with other Elves should help the parents be less critical of things. We'll have to see. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Larner · 21 November 2014 · Chapter 94: Family Ties

So, they were born at the end of the war against Morgoth, then? And they've been living in suspended belief in their own histories ever since? Aha! So, now we know! Love the certificate sent for Glorfindel! Nice touch! And love the in-joke as well.

Author's reply

Actually, they were both born well after the War of Wrath and they have struggled to survive all on their own for a very long time. Now they know that other Elves live in Middle-earth and that should make it easier for them. I'm glad you liked Glorfindel's certificate and enjoyed the in-joke as well. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.

Laer · 21 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

Wow,rude elves to other elves. I understand it is like meeting a fictional character and they think this is a con; but again wow. Rude much? I have a feeling good ol' Nate will be getting this all straight and right with them tho. And maybe the over protecting role will be replaced with a much nicer one? :)

Author's reply

Hi Laer. Well, they are suspicious of the truth. You can't really blame them. We'll see how Nate handles them. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.