Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within by Fiondil

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Kevana · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel

Ahaha, grey hares! That's too funny! And putting them out on Amroth and Della's yard was truly inspired. Finrod's behind the wheel, everybody get out of the way! Nah, he did fine, I did wonder if Glorfindel would make him watch the "Red Pavement" sort of horror reel they used to show to scare people into driving safely. On the other hand I don't know if he'd ever want to get in the driver's seat after that. I had a good giggle imagining a tall Elf trying to ride one of those bitty, scrubby ponies. I've often wondered just how big the horses in Aman must have been to handle seven-foot-tall riders! But those little ponies are great for pulling sleds, too. Technically you can keep other domestic horses in Alaska, they have a few riding centers there, but you have to take **lots** of extra care, like borium shoes and special shelter, and you basically have to import enough hay to last the winter which is VERY expensive. So it would be a full-time and very expensive investment, and then you can't take them out to work in the winter on top of all that. But maybe they can pull a Thranduil and tame a few elk, or better yet, moose. An army of Elves charging into battle on giant moose would scare the daylights out of anybody! And of course some reindeer for Elf Academy. *grin*

Author's reply

Hi Kevana. The gray hares joke is a lot of fun. I'm glad Ellie told me about it as it was perfect for this chapter. As far as I know the Yakut are the only horses that can survive above the Arctic Circle. Whether the Elves will ever really bother with them is hard to say. And those elk in the movies look very prehistoric to me. I don't think they grow them that large anymore and even if they did I don't think the State of Alaska would allow the Elves to domesticate them. *grin* And they already have reindeer. Anyway, thanks for your comments. They're appreciated.

Kevana · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

Clever, clever Glorfindel! Jacob shoots himself in the foot and the Elves get the last laugh. Jacob is probably better off moving to Florida after this, yeah. I felt bad for the grandson - he could have gotten in big trouble too and apparently was too young and/or loyal and/or foolish to say no to the plan. But anyway, maybe that's one person who won't go up against the Elves in the future at the least. "The Sandman cometh" - Metallica, Neil Gaiman, and an O'Neill play in one secret message that is itself a play on Sanderson's name - that is impressive. Aw, Alex. I doubt he would really want to be a god anyway...taking over the world is the fun part but running it is hard...and his ladyfriend and best friend are hardly what I'd call a consolation prize. Glorfindel, if you're going to threaten to kill someone, you might not want to do it in front of the DA. :P The line about their wrath was creepy though and, I'm sure, rightly so. I didn't remember that Glorfindel helped execute Eöl, or was that your addition? It was great either way...and Eöl, now there was a piece of work! Definitely a reminder that the Elves certainly weren't all sunshine and roses. “I agree, but if we want to get these bastards, we may have to let the little fish go. Those two were not the ringleaders. I want the one who gave the order.” And there was a coldness in his eyes that surprised even the Elves. *rubs hands gleefully* Talbot and I would get along just fine. It makes me happy that the Amigos' Mortal friends are sticking by them, the Elves might pooh-pooh their contributions but I think that will end precisely as soon as one of their Mortal friends dies to protect them (though that might not ever happen in the story I can only imagine it would have to happen at some point in the War).

Author's reply

Hi Kevana. I think you can tell I had fun with this chapter, especially with Glorfindel putting one over on Jacob. The Silmarillion doesn't specify who helped threw Eöl over the cliff, so having Glorfindel as a lord of the realm being involved doesn't contradict anything in the Silmarillion. And you're right that a time will come when the Amigos will have to endure the death of one of their mortal friends who dies to protect them, but hopefully that day will not come soon. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Ellie · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

The brothers parents are full of pretense even if the dad claims not to be. Too bad they are so jaded by their lives among mortals that they could not be comfortable with or believe the identities of the legends walking among them. I pity the brothers for what they have endured in this amazing longest afternoon of their lives. Unfortunately Namo tends to make things worse before he makes things better.

Author's reply

You're right about the pretense, Ellie, but it's hard to blame them considering how long they've endured without the company of others of their kind save their sons. And yes, Námo does tend to make things worse before making things better. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's always appreciated.

6336 · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

oops, sorry, meant to add, when I saw the line 'You rang?' I was expecting Fionwe and not Namo. I think Finwe showing up in full battle rattle would give any one a scare! It depends on the man and the tie! Lynda

Author's reply

I wonder if anyone would think Fionwë, but he's just a Maia and this calls for intervention of a higher type and Námo does makes a great entrance. I hate ties period. I avoid them as much as possible. I always feel as if I'm choking no matter how loosely I'm wearing one. I wish they would just outlaw them. They serve no real purpose except to block off oxygen to the brain.

Sarah · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

Tristan seems like an ellon after my own heart, no shame in being a nerd, geek, or enthusiastic lover of things! Lord knows I've been on both the giving and recieving end of that enthusiasm over the years. I can go on for an age about Rings canon and my poor S.O will just sit there smiling and nodding until I take a breath, whereas he tries to explain to me what he studies in school and I get completely lost in about five minutes. Of course you had Namo show up! There's no way that anyone would want to debate our friends' identities with him. Though the reaction to his entrance was a bit unfortunate, the poor dears. Let us hope they can pull themselves together easily enough, I'm dying to hear some of their backstory (though I've got a few vague theories myself). it looks as though I'll be seeing helcaraxe white outside my window for the foreseeable future. stay warm!

Author's reply

Hi Sarah. Tristan may be a nerd and a geek but he's pretty cool in his own way. We'll see how things go with Námo and the ap Hywels in the next chapter. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.

Lindelea · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

Jewish mother joke! I haven't heard one of those in a long time. Great contrast between the parents. I almost expected her to say "I can't take him anywhere..." Namo's entrance, appearance, and sense of humour sparkle as always.

Author's reply

Hi Lindelea. I couldn't resist the Jewish mother line. I actually modeled Iseult in part after my own grandmother. And Námo is definitely in a class all his own. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.

6336 · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

Oh, this had me chuckling! Namo has such a sense of theater,and he does it on purpose! I can see where the Ap-Howels are coming from, but to just meet more Elves, after so many thousands of years and then to question who they really are...?! The mind boggles! Hey, if I didn't have to get dressed up for work I would live in jeans and a tee shirt, though I get as close to it at work as I can, nice slacks and a knit top, to tell you the truth the slacks are made from the same pattern as the jeans! Elastic waist, very comfy. Well, now to resuscitate Tristan and clean up the carpet and hope they do not think Namo is an elaborate hoax on the others part! Have a good week, Lynda

Author's reply

Hi Lynda. Yes, Námo has a great sense of theatre and he does everything on purpose. I think the ap Hywels are just being wary and who can really blame them given their history? We'll see how they deal with Námo in the next chapter. My company finally instituted dress-down Fridays, so we're allowed to wear jeans then, otherwise it's dress casual, so I don't have to wear a tie, which I thoroughly hate doing so. Thanks for reviewing. Have a good week, yourself. Hugs back.

Dreamflower · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

What a meeting! I love that Tristan is such a geek and science nerd. And that it embarrasses his wife. The idea that they would not believe that the Elves were who they said they were never even crossed my mind. But what I find truly intriguing is that they seemingly have no idea of Glorfindel's participation in the major events of the Third Age. The main enclaves of Elves of that time.besides Imladris were Lothlorien, Mirkwood and the Grey Havens. Those Elves were all certainly in communication. So now I am even more curious than ever about their background. Tristan passing at the sight of Namo! That was too funny.

Author's reply

Hi Dreamflower. I like Tristan as a geek and science nerd too. Both Tristan and Iseult were born after the 4th age so they wouldn't necessarily know about the various elven enclaves of earlier ages or the people who lived there. They would've heard stories about some of these people's exploits, but only up to a point, I think. We will learn more about them and their families in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Anonymous · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

Thank you. I'm learning so much both with your stories and your replies to my questions. Now I'll be able to insert some words of French at school to make my work more realistic. I loved the end like most (if not all) of those who reviewed. Namo's entrance is so well written. Do Tristan and Iseult have anything to do with the tale of Joseph Bédier (I think that's the name of the author) ? I forgot to ask last chapter. Till Friday, Ora.

Author's reply

Hi Ora. I'm glad that you are learning a lot from my stories and my replies. Bédier, I think, wrote a version of the tale and I even had a copy of it once a long time ago, but the story of Tristan and Iseult goes back to the middle ages and was associated with Arthur and the Matter of Britain. Tristan and Iseult ap Hywel explain how they chose those particular names for themselves in the next chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.

someone · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

I think I'm going to like Tristan. Quantum physics is so very like something an Elf would love, even others than Noldor. Fëanor with a particle accelerator... that's a scary thought! (There wasn't one in Valinor when the silmarilli were made, right...?) Also, their reaction is quite inderstandable, for several reasons. First: there is no way to prove identity. Second: they have apparently been told a somewhat different version of history. Third: I doubt they are willing to easily accept anything that doesn't fit with their world view. Gareth and Nell's engagement might be harder to accept for them than to Nell's family (even if Galadriel gets to Wiseman and starts protesting). It's good that Namo decided to come visit at once, before Tristan and Iseult could decide for sure that none of the Elves are who they say they are. I don't think there is an Elf alive who would dare to introduce himself as Finrod, though.

Author's reply

Hi someone. I'm glad you like Tristan. He's pretty okay for a nerd and a geek. LOL! I think quantum physics and the like are very elven so he would fit right in. And yes, their reaction is very understandable for all the reasons you list, but you're right that there probably isn't an Elf alive who would dare introduce himself as Finrod unless he was. We'll see how the rest of the visit with Námo goes in the next chapter. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.

bookworm · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

"I get that a lot" HOWLS WITH LAUGHTER

Author's reply

I'm glad you enjoyed this, bookworm. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.

KathyG · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

"You rang?" LOL! Looks as if Namo's been watching The Addams Family! [g]

Author's reply

He probably has, KathyG. At any rate, it's a good line, and even Fionwë used it earlier with Glorfindel. Thanks for reading. I appreciate it.

UTfrog · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

Well, that is certainly an introduction to Alaska. I was wondering which Vala would appear. Namo was certain to be convincing. Wonderful chapter. Thanks so much. I fear the shocks will keep coming for the family.

Author's reply

Hi UTfrog. I'm afraid the shocks will indeed keep coming for them. Námo is the best one to put them all straight. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.

ellon · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

First off, you're stories are the best! You're my favorite author on this website so please please complete your writings because I look forward to them considerably. I really like how you've incorporated the message of hope into this storyline. It's a connection with the original storyline with Aragorn and the symbol of hope he stood for. The Valinor elves and their loss of estel makes it seem like they need to find a source of inspiration like Aragorn was.

Author's reply

Hello, ellon. Thank you so much for letting me know how much you enjoy my stories and I promise I am still writing and will continue to do so as long as I am able. Hope is an important message in this story and we will see it addressed even more so in Elf Academy 4 where we will actually get a glimpse of what is happening in Valinor. So stay tuned. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.

Kitty · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 86: Discussions on Coping with the Mortal World

Good to see that Aldarion is coming around about Legolas' chosen profession. Hm, I can see why Glorfindel finds it so difficult to let others handle responsibility after everything that happened. But he needs to let go a bit, or he'll work himself into the ground. Even an Elf has a limit how much work and stress they can deal with, and his short fuse is indicator enough that he's toeing the line already. Good idea to bring Legolas' decision up in the class again. Some need to talk it through and understand that they have no reason to expect that he's going to do what they think he should do. And discussing Glorfindel's problem might help the others to see where they could be useful - sometimes I wonder how much of the whole problem is that they don't know what to do with themselves. Sunny really did beat the Elves with their own weapons, so to speak. To bring up the situation in Gondolin was a stroke of genius. And Max did very well, too, making Legolas aware of possible resentments. In any case, interesting insight into the anger management classes.

Author's reply

Hi Kitty. Glorfindel's problems will be addressed more closely in EA4, but at the moment, he does need to others handle things for him. He doesn't need to do it all. I'm sure you're right that half the problems the Elves face is that they don't know what to do with themselves and they're still finding their way. One has to remember that, time-wise, only about 4 months have passed for these people. That's not a whole lot of time for them to get settled, but they'll get there eventually. And I think both Sunny and Max show them that Mortals aren't as clueless as the Elves might think. They're both very good at what they do. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Sunny · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

This is definitely Tristan's song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZGINaRUEkU Heheh, I guess it would take coming face to face with the Lord of Mandos in all his glory to convince Tristan and Iseult that the Wiseman Elves were who they said they were. And in this situation, I guess Tristan's reaction - fainting dead away - was perhaps not all that surprising. But there are even more surprises in store for the newcomers - we haven't even gotten to the news that Gareth is sort-of married (and to whom) and that Gwyn has fallen in love as well. I suspect the sparks will fly when Iseult meets Nell!

Author's reply

Hi Sunny. Yes, I am pretty sure that's Tristan's song. LOL! Lord Námo does know how to make an entrance, that's for sure. We'll see what he has to say to Tristan and Iseult in the next chapter and what their reaction is when they finally realize what their sons have been up to. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Celeth · 17 November 2014 · Chapter 93: Meeting the ap Hywels

"You rang?" Oh how I absolutely love that scene, and love love love Namo's sense of humor, and timing. I suppose Tristan did deserve that, poor ellon. He seems to have taken his profession to heart so much that he actually never listens to his instincts any more. Surely he must know that the Eldar do not lie. Iseult deserved it too. I am almost ready to dislike her, but I have this sneaky feeling that she will be a very different elleth after her chat with the Lord of Mandos. I suppose spending all those years trying to hide in plain sight among mortals has made her the way she is, so I cannot really blame her. So I hope talking to Lord Namo will help her regain her inner self. I enjoyed this chapter, and I am hoping to get to know the ap Hywels better. And I can't wait to know what happens. Thanks for making my Monday a great one.

Author's reply

Hi Celeth. Námo does have great timing, doesn't he? *grin* Tristan's 'show me' attitude will be addressed in the next chapter. And Iseult is really quite nice, but the circumstances are a bit out of her experience and she's not sure just what to believe yet, so try to give her the benefit of a doubt. You've only just met her, after all. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and are looking forward to what happens next and I'm glad the chapter helped make your Monday a great one. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciate.

Kitty · 16 November 2014 · Chapter 85: Prince Legolas’ First Day

Nice to watch Legolas going through his first day, learning some basics and meeting the Three Amigos. His casual reference to their age left me rather shocked, to be honest. I know they are a few ages of the world old, but a hundred thousand is so much. Leaves one wondering how old Daeron and some others are. Uh, Legolas needs to learn where it is safe to take someone down, or he will get himself killed, and I don't think he wants to deal with Námo (and vice versa). Besides, I doubt Dave will be too pleased.

Author's reply

It is hard to imagine the actual ages of some of these Elves, especially people like Daeron and Valandur, both of whom remember Cuiviénen, so that someone as ancient as Finrod or Glorfindel is considered a child in comparison. The mind truly boggles, but I thought it important to remind people just how old even the youngest of them are, at least those from Valinor. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Kitty. It's appreciated.

Kitty · 16 November 2014 · Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation

What an uproar! Leaves me wanting to know how these in Valinor reacted even more so. I just hope everything goes well, triplets can make a pregnancy much more difficult and dangerous. In any case, I am glad Finrod took over and stopped the others. That's something for the Valinórean healers to think about – how much mortal technology has achieved. During Vorondur's explanation of why he's taking these notes, it struck me once again how lucky they are to have him. He has helped them immensely already in defusing tension and arguments and helping them to cope with any situation that arises. I hope they acknowledge at least how much he's doing for them. Sounds as if Locke is more on the side of the Elves, which would be good. Legolas has a very sensible approach to living in a mortal society now, and sometimes I wish the others were equally sensible. Maybe he should speak up more. Anyway, I am sure the Dwarves would have agreed about not upsetting Thranduil ;) It was nice that Melian helped Legolas over his grief for Gimli. And even better to know how much Finrod was looking out for Legolas.

Author's reply

Hi Kitty. Vorondur is a treasure and he has helped them all out tremendously. I think they would all be lost without him, frankly. Finrod shows himself the prince he is in this conversation with Legolas and the relationship he has, not only with the younger Elf but with the Valar in requesting Legolas be allowed to return to Middle-earth with him. Thanks for the review. It's appreciated.

Eruherdiriel · 15 November 2014 · Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding

Hmmm. I still think there's going to be a really big reveal connected with the ap Hywels' arrival. ~Eruherdiriel

Author's reply

You'll just have to wait and see, Eruherdiriel.

Larner · 15 November 2014 · Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding

I'd not heard that form of the saying about being in Rome. Had me chuckling. Watched the manner in which Beorn and the leaders of Laketown came to be designed and have been having quite a good time, gearing up for a few weeks from now. Should be a wonderful experience, in spite of the falderol about Angmar and his fellows having died and been resurrected by the Necromancer! Heh!

Author's reply

Oh, that particular expression has been around for as long as I remember, Larner. Perhaps it's an East Coast thing. ;) Anyway, looking forward to the next Hobbit movie, myself. I'm actually surprised that there aren't any new Hobbit-based fan stories on the site. I was sure there would be some long before this. Whatever... Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.

Kitty · 14 November 2014 · Chapter 83: New News

The Elves may not appreciate the presence of their two visitors, but it was rather amusing. So these four are angry because they expected Legolas to become a Ranger, too. Explains a lot, but it really is none of their business what Legolas does, he's his own Elf and has no responsibilities to them I can think of. Good to know the Maiar made sure the story doesn't get online all over the world; it's definitely way too early for anyone outside of Wiseman to find out. Hm, Vorondur has a point about them being more themselves. They aren't able to pass as Mortals anyway, and denying their origins isn't really necessary within Wiseman. Only outside it is an issue. So, why bother? As long as they don't get on their 'I am an Elf and so much better than everyone else' high horse and still try to learn more about their Mortal friends, they should be fine as Elves, too. Good to know the youngsters are fitting in so well. College is a good experience for them, from the looks of it, giving them more first-hand knowledge about our world and helping them to find friends and all that. Looks like Della wants to show her ultrasound picture off? You know, I would like to be a fly on the wall when the news reach Valinor, particularly knowing how they think about elflings these days. And photos of babies still in the womb is a bit outside of their experience range, too. I was glad that Amroth backed Legolas up and encouraged him; the poor guy can need it, seeing how most other Elves reacted. Buying the clothing store, if they can afford it, sounds like a good idea. It would give some of them a job as well, and that would always be welcome, considering how many are still there who have to be fed by the few with money. Even though they brought jewels and the like from Valinor that will tide them over for a while, they need a few more steady jobs. Maybe they can include one of their female mortal friends in the staff as well, who knows more about mortal fashion? Hm ... it's true that they may give Peterson more ammunition if they join Locke's campaign, but it's equally true that they need to show support and interest in the elections. They will just have to tread carefully. Triplets? Wow! Now that's a bombshell to finish the chapter off if I ever saw one! Did ever any elf couple have triplets before? I only know of twins so far, and even these don't happen that often, from what I can tell. Now that's going to double the uproar in Valinor, lol.

Author's reply

While twins are known among the Elves, triplets are not, so yeah, there should be quite an uproar in Valinor when they find out. People, even Elves, make assumptions about others because they think they know them so well but no one knows anyone that well, so some of the Elves are upset that their plans have fallen through with regard to Legolas now that he's found other work. Such is life. I'm sure if they do get the clothing store that they 'll hire at least a couple of Mortals to help out and show them what they need to know to make the store successful. Thanks for reviewing, Kitty.

Kitty · 14 November 2014 · Chapter 82: Liam Prince, WPD

Looks like the police officers all approve of Legolas' action ;) Though with that many witnesses, it is going to be hard to keep it contained, and that stunt was a bit too obvious. And of course, the TV has to be there at once *sigh* So Dave is now hiring him anyway, rules be damned. I hope that's not going to come back to bite him, but am rather happy for Legolas. It may not be the regular way to do things, but maybe the better one. He's not been there long enough to really pass as a mortal, there's still way too much he needs to learn in order to blend in, so the Police Academy would be a certain problem. The other Elves left me rolling my eyes once more. It's Finrod all over again. Every time one of them gets a regular job, we seem to be going through the same uproar. And Glorfindel ... Elladan's question if it was because Legolas didn't ask his permission or if he was not there to join in the fun hit the nail on the head, I think. Now I am glad Vorondur came, that ellon has the most sensible head on his shoulders out of all of them, and it looks like Legolas needs more support than just the twins. So now the Maiar are involved again. Let's hope they can deflate some egos and defuse the situation.

Author's reply

I don't think Dave had much choice at this point, and you're right that it's too soon for Legolas to be able to pass as a Mortal and 6 months isn't a whole lot of time to learn. Elladan knows his captain all too well and pretty much nailed it as far as Glorfindel's reaction is concerned. Vorondur just keeps getting better and better and I just love him to pieces. He really is a gem among Elves. Thanks for reviewing, Kitty. I appreciate it very much.

Kitty · 14 November 2014 · Chapter 81: Job Interview

Sensible of Legolas to ask Elladan for proper clothes for the occasion, and I was glad how enthusiastic Elladan reacted to his plans. Legolas needs the support, I think. Dave is really great, helping in any way he can. Though the way the interview ended shows exactly why an elf could be useful to him in this job. What a crazy chase that was! Just the image of Legolas jumping from car to car – and who would have thought he could that way reach a speeding car?

Author's reply

I obviously stole the barrels out of Mirkwood scene from the movie for this particular chapter. That's my favorite scene in the movie and I really wanted to incorporate it somehow in this story so the carjacking was the perfect vehicle (if you'll excuse the pun) for showing off Legolas' skills. Thanks, Kitty. I appreciate the review very much.

Kitty · 14 November 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides

I am glad they in the end didn't care for the opinion of the Valinórean Elves, and I loved it that Glorfindel put his foot down and Finrod defered to him. And the dig at Legolas of Gondolin about only knowing him for two months; it's what I was thinking – they have known their mortal friends longer than the Elves who came from Valinor, so the latter have no right to complain and make demands. Nice to know that Legolas was feeling these Elves were disparaging the Mortals. Out of the ones who came from Valinor, I think he was the one who has the most experience in living with Mortals and would appreciate what they can do. Though he's certainly the one who knows best how hard it is to lose them later on, too. And it was nice to get this insight into Legolas' thoughts and feelings. I always liked him, and so far he hasn't been getting that much screen time, even though that was understandable. Anyway, I am glad he's following his heart and trying to do something not only useful, but which he is interested in and probably going to be good at, when he has learned what he needs to.

Author's reply

The Valinórean Elves really had no right to complain about the change in plans, so it was good that Glorfindel put his foot down and Finrod deferred to him on the matter. I'd been wanting to highlight Mirkwood Leoglas for some time but it wasn't until Dreamflower wrote her character sketch based on my story that I found the perfect means to do so. We'll be seeing more of Legolas now that he's found his calling. Thanks, Kitty. I appreciate the review.