Kitty
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 79: A Change of Plans
Oh man, and I thought it was bad trying to find a day to meet with three friends! That's quite an unlucky point in time to get married from a mortal point of view, and with all their mortal friends attending that would indeed be a problem.
Poor Serindë, having all her plans messed up was a bit much. Good idea to go and talk to Ron, he's such a sensible one and it's clear how much everyone appreciates his advice. It really shouldn't be so hard to wait a few more weeks. What's that to an immortal Elf, after all?
Loved it when Elrohir went into healer mode and sent Amroth to bed. Sounds like he really needs it, too.
Author's reply
And if this is the worse that happens with respect with the wedding, I'd say they are getting off very easily. LOL! At any rate, problem solved and hopefully Amroth will follow doctor's orders. Can't have him fainting away now.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Kitty.
Kitty
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
Now that was a bit anticlimactic, Gareth finally admitting that he has found his future wife and Gwyn already knowing. Misty couldn't have waited to let Gareth tell him himself, could she? But I certainly hope Gwyn can talk her out of the idea marrying again would be a betrayal of her former husband. That may be true among immortal Elves, but he was mortal, after all, and it's not very likely they will ever meet again, save the world is remade and the Elves and Men will be together after that.
Oh, I hope the brothers can talk their parents into coming for the wedding; by now I am pretty curious to meet them and hopefully learn a bit more about them.
Author's reply
A bit anticlimactic, but realistic, I think. And Misty didn't tell Gwyn about the bonding, just that Gwyn and Nell were interested in one another. Anyway, we'll see how successful Gwyn is in convincing Misty that it's okay to love him and even marry him.
Thanks for leaving a review, Kitty.
Kitty
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 77: Gareth Receives an Education
I'm glad Finrod apologised. His reaction wasn't nice, even if I totally understand where he came from. And I think he's right. At the moment, Nell's parents are still in Valinor and out of reach, but who knows who is going to come back over the years? One day, Celeborn and Galadriel might turn up, or other high-ranking Elves, and they'd expect to be treated accordingly.
Though just looking at the family tree has to be intimidating, at least when you realise who everyone really is. It's good they are in Middle-earth, where they don't have to deal with the whole bunch of royals.
Author's reply
Yes, it's a good thing that there's an ocean and a dimension dividing Middle-earth from Valinor. Gareth can breathe easy on that score at least for now. It has to be intimidating for him, nonetheless, to see just how closely related Nell is to the highest echelons of Valinórean society, but he has nothing to be ashamed of; he comes from honorable stock.
Thanks for commenting, Kitty.
Kitty
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 76: Decisions
ROFL – now that was illustrating pretty well why Gareth, though millennia younger, is so much more mature than the youngest other Elves. Elennen's comment about using the tongue was hilarious!
Though I hadn't expected Finrod to bring up the 'commoner' thing. Shame on him!
Oh yes, I can totally see Galadriel storming on board of Vingilot and demanding Eärendil brings her to Wiseman at once, or else!! *lol* Though Finrod is doing a good job acting in her stead.
Hm, I guess explaining what happened to Gwyn is easier in person, though I wonder what his brother is going to say.
That was a fun chapter, I've been laughing so hard, particularly about Finrod and the three amigos!
Author's reply
This was a fun chapter to write with everyone up in arms and Glorfindel acting the mature Elf while Finrod is ranting, a complete reversal of character for them both. Finrod is speaking from shock and I think once he calms down he'll realize he was in the wrong and apologize.
I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter so much, Kitty. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding
So, the brother ap Hywel call in reinforcements before confronting their parents. They probably hope that their parents will be too distracted by meeting the great Finrod to get too upset about the wedding plans. The long drive to Fairbanks will give Finrod plenty of time to practice his driving.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yeah, reinforcements. We'll see how well that goes in the next chapter, but Finrod will certainly get lots of driving in. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel
Loved the gray hare/hair joke. That was too funny. Finrod's driving lesson went as well as expected. At least he had a wide field with no traffic to practice. They should go back there after the first snow and practice driving in snow.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the joke, obsidianj. Yes, Finrod and everyone else will need lots of practice driving in snow, just like the rest of us. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
rikki
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding
Meant also to add I loved the song from My Fair Lady. That brought back a lot of memories.
Author's reply
I thought it was appropriate to the scene. Thanks.
rikki
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding
Time is aflyin' and Elrohir and Serinde will soon be moving to their own place. What with cars and horses and possibly more Elves in the future, the Elves should be looking for a large farm or a series of houses in town that could be rented out to students at the Elf Academy and distributed to the others as they got their own jobs and gained the ability to live away from the Wiseman Elves.
Blood types is a very interesting topic and one to crop up in the future. I wonder how many blood types there are among the Elves? And I wonder if their plasma could be stored for emergencies. Kyle will be busy with the hematology it seems.
The ap Hywels are on their way. They don't know about the Wiseman Elves and seeing them there in the airport is likely to cause some kind of stir. I am curious as to who they are and what they will think about having their own kind in the world after all. Should be a very interesting coming chapters as the wedding comes up.
Great chapter overall. Looking forward to the next installment.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. Yes, time is aflýin' though it will actually be some time before we see the wedding itself. Lots to do beforehand. You're right that the Elves should look into buying a farm or several houses, perhaps even an entire apartment building. We'll have to see what they decide on eventually, but certainly they can't all continue living in Edhellond.
I would imagine that their plasma could be stored. There certainly is a lot to consider, particularly since no one really knows when the War will begin, but again, there are other types of emergencies where the plasma would come in handy, such as when Glorfindel was in surgery.
We'll see how the ap Hywel parents react to meeting the Wiseman Elves in the next couple of chapters. It should be an interesting experience for them all.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Tira
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel
I loved Finrod's reaction to driving. I remember when I first learned (I did driver's ed at 16, but didn't get my license til 18) and had to learn in a minivan also. It's very different from a smaller car or SUV.
As for his picture, I commiserate. I recently had to renew my license, and the picture is total deer-in-the-headlights look...better than the original, where I had ear shadows on the wall behind me, but still not pleasing.
Your stories always make me happy, even the tense chapters. I love that you do thorough research on the things you write about so it reads believably. There is nothing worse, after all, than having a glaringly obvious incorrect factoid in a story that is not displayed as simply character error.
Author's reply
Hi Tira. I don't know anyone who likes their ID photos. They all look like mug shots. LOL!
I am so glad to know that my stories make you happy and you appreciate the amount of effort I put into doing proper research. I think that's important for any story, even one that is essentially fantasy. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Tira
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding
Ooooh, I'm excited to meet Gwyn and Gareth's parents. And about the wedding...I hope it won't have the same excitement as Finrod's did! But I guess we will just have to wait and see. I am also interested in seeing where the blood typing bit goes, and the corporation bit, and, well...just all of it. I'm also hoping we get to see a bit more Alex. The human input into these stories are always interesting.
Loving it all so far! Looking forward to the rest! Knowing you post Fridays and Mondays is the best...it gives me something to enjoy before my ten-hour work shift on Friday (I work until 5 am) and something to unwind with on Monday after the long weekend working.
Author's reply
Hi Tira. Everyone is eager to me Tristan and Iseult. I hope you like them when you do. They are a fun couple. As for the wedding, we'll just have to see and hope for the best. Getting incorporated can be a hassle, but it is doable, especially if they incorporate as a not-for-profit. They are, after all, engaging in an enterprise, almost a charitable one, if you think about it, giving up their own lives and plans to help prepare the people of Wiseman for the End of Days.
I'm glad this story helps you through your work schedule, before and after. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
jgmsccc
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding
Wow. What a fun chapter! Driving, buying property, blood typing, wedding plans...and you still had time to bring up past events! I can barely keep up. But I enjoy it so much. Thanks!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this chapter jgmsccc. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
SashaHoneypalm
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding
Ooh, I can't wait to meet the "mystery parents". Also, how would they keep an Elven blood bank secret?
Author's reply
Hi Sasha. We'll meet Tristan and Iseult in the next chapter. I hope you like them. They're lots of fun. As for the Elven blood bank, that's a good question. I have no idea. :) Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding
We get to meet Tristan and Iseult :) Wonder if it is due to the two brother's not wanting to be alone when they drop the bomb shell of getting married. :)
Or we will get to know maybe who they "were" and what family they might be to some of the other elves. Or not family but maybe friends.
Would love to have seen Elrohir singing to Serinde.
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Actually, both scenarios are true. :). The brothers want back-up when they spring the news about Gareth being betrothed to Nell and we will learn something of their family and history.
Seeing Elrohir singing to Serindë would be a treat.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Anonymous
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding
I've turned fifteen a month ago and I'm not really interested in how my parents drive (I know the basic rules, but that's all) so thanks for clearing that up.
Great chapter, I hope they can buy their car park (cute joke, by the way) and find a solution for the blood typing problem, I don't know anything about genetics but I'm impatient to know what you'll suggest.
Just a question: Glorfindel's 'moi' during his conversation with Amroth, is it usual for people who speak English or is it because he speaks more than one language (and does he speak French) ?
The only times I heard people speak English was at school, so it's not really an indication.
Till next time,
Ora.
Author's reply
Hi Ora. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Believe it or not, it is quite common for (native) English speakers to use common French phrases. "Moi?" is used quite often when someone accuses you of something and you are protesting the accusation, much the way Glorfindel protests Amroth accusing him of setting up the bunny joke. It is often done in a joking manner since both parties usually understand that the accusation is not serious even if it's true. I hope that clears it up for you. And Glorfindel does indeed speak French, among other languages.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
6336
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding
Oh, yes, those colours Armariel picked out still must give people nightmares. I am quite sure that Serende's gown will very beautiful and the bridesmaids are not going to be big, puffy meringues!
Hm, interesting discussion on the blood typing, which must, at some time be done. Could Elladan and Elrohir not do it them selves? That would help prevent any 'cuteness' on the part of the lab techs, plus there is always the possibility that if the results were sent to the CDC they would be dismissed out of hand as a hoax, maybe with a little Mairian help? I really don't think the Valar want the Elves in a lab being dissected!
Yes driving to Fairbanks will be good experience for Finrod just not all the way, long distance driving can be very tiring, especially if you have never done it before, let alone just learning to drive!
Can't wait for the Ap Howels reaction to our Daring Duo also to Gareths not quite betrothal to Nelluin! (Hope I got the right brother!)
The idea of a fleet of cars makes a lot of sense, there will still be quite a lot of people living at Edhellond even after the El's and Serende leave.
I have been trying to figure out the logistics of feeding close to 30 people on a regular basis and the mind boggles at the quantities they must consume, pity they don't have a Costco nearby!
Well the craziness is officially here, they are playing Christmas music at the store and of course I was singing Glorfi the bright haired Ellon, when I heard that tune!
Have a good weekend, stay warm and stay safe.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I'm sure that eventually the Elves will need to do the blood typing themselves, but it's not as if they have a secret lab in the basement to which they can retire and perform experiments. LOL!
At any rate, there is a lot to consider, not only about blood supplies but about becoming a corporation, obtaining a fleet of vehicles, etc. But most of this will have to be put aside until after the wedding and all.
I suspect that most of the Elves are used to living in conditions where feeding 30-odd people was the norm (think Imladris or any palace), so they would be used to it. I'm afraid they only have the Safeway for food shopping, but they make do. Still, I imagine they look forward to the day when the population of Edhellond is at a more reasonable level because most of them have moved out into homes of their own.
I bet all your customers and coworkers gave you funny looks as you sang that version of the song, wondering just what you were smoking. LOL!
Thanks for reviewing. Have a good weekend yourself. Hugs back.
Celeth
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding
Wow I wish I could have heard the Elves sing that one. Sometimes when I hear a particularly good singer with a high clear voice I imagine that it is an Elf singing, maybe Maglor or Daeron in disguise, never mind that you already sent Maglor to Valinor in The Journey Home, and Daeron is now living in Wiseman, Alaska.
Its so great that the Elves are now considering expanding their property, and even becoming a corporation. That seems like a clever idea, although I am not familiar enough with corporation laws to know if it is indeed a sound one.
I am so excited for the meeting between the ap Hywels and Finrod and Glorfindel. I keep imagining that maybe one of them might have been a citizen, even a noble in the court of, maybe Nargothrond or Doriath. I can't wait for Monday, again.
Have a good weekend and thank you for sharing your talent with the rest of us.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. It would've been grand to hear the Elves sing that or any other song from a musical, I'm sure.
We'll find out in the next couple of chapters how the meeting with the parents go and what comes of it.
Thank you for taking the time to not only read but to leave a review. I appreciate you doing so very much. Enjoy your weekend as well.
Dreamflower
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding
A good solution for the excess bunnies! (For some reason I am suddenly reminded of Ithilien's "Free to a Good Home", LOL!)
The blood test discussion brings up the difficulty of the twin dilemmas created for the Elves with the advances in mortal science: on the one hand, sometimes it might be necessary to have on hand information such as blood types or genetic information; on the other hand, however, it is very important that such information never fall into the wrong hands. This is a subject that could have some serious implications for the Elves, and the consequences could be serious in either case. As we saw with Glorfindel, a lack of knowledge could cause dire consequences for an injured Elf. Yet if that same sort of necessary information got leaked, CDC people in hazmat suits would only be the beginning of the nightmare.
So, Finrod and Glorfindel are going to meet the parents of Gareth and Gwyn? Why do I have the feeling that meeting will be more interesting than the parties expect?
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. There is much to consider about the implications of blood typing and all. The Elves are, for all intents and purposes, aliens and while their blood types necessarily are similar enough to humans to allow viable offspring between them, there are differences and they can prove fatal to both groups, as we saw with Glorfindel. At the same time, a secret shared is no longer a secret and that is equally dangerous. There are no easy answers to any of this, unfortunately, and the Elves will have to be very careful for the near future.
And the meeting with the parents should prove very interest for all concerned and in ways none of them can imagine. :)
Thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 92: Countdown to a Wedding
Yea, we are getting close to the wedding. I hope it is beautiful and peaceful. Love the brothers calling for help when they meet their parents. A long drive will be great for Finrod's driving skills. Hope you have a good weekend.
Author's reply
Fairly close, but it's still many chapters away. There's a lot to do beforehand. Anyway, you're right that Finrod will get lots of driving practice on the way to Fairbanks. Thanks for reviewing, UTfrog. Have a good weekend yourself.
Laer
· 14 November 2014
· Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel
Loved it when Erestor said he would like to name the store Linda's That was very sweet of him :)
Driving is one thing, teaching someone else is so much a different animal. I work next to a park. One that people will bring the newbies to learn how to drive in. There are several lagoons in the park, not to mention a river that runs through it. I can think of 4 cars in the last 14 months that had to be pulled from the lagoons. People get nervous and hit the gas instead of the brake. Kind of crazy.
Oh! And all the bunnies in Amtoth, Vorondur, Ercassë and Nimrodel would have been a hoot to see. :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Erestor is very sweet. You're right that driving is one thing and teaching someone else is something else again. I am glad I've never had to teach anyone. I doubt either of us would've survived the experience. I'm glad you liked the bunny joke. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
Tari
· 12 November 2014
· Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel
That definitely was a great joke.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Tari. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 11 November 2014
· Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel
Atya,
I loved this chapter very much. I think my favourite bits were the suggestions on horses - where would they put them all, though, I wonder - and of course, like everyone else, the grey hairs/hares/breeding like rabbits prank lol. The thought of Finrod stunning the Woman at the DMV by reading the bottom line of the vision test made me giggle too, and of course Finrod driving Glorfindel around. Gray hairs, indeed...and Finrod checked for them too LOL.
Amroth and Della sure got a surprise! :)
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, Kaylee. You're right that even if they had horses, where would the put them? Most likely they would buy land or rent stable space somewhere. At any rate, now that Finrod's finally gotten behind the wheel, there'll be no stopping him. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much. Tye-melin.
Larner
· 11 November 2014
· Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel
Both jokes are wonderful! Love it!
After the first time I took the Kid out to try driving, I forbade my students to even touch the gas pedal until they got used to how the car will move on its own (I, too, was teaching in an automatic, just as Glorfindel was doing) and they learned to brake gently. I then found a parking lot where there were two cars and taught my students how to drive figure eights both forward and backwards around them until they felt fully comfortable with the steering of the vehicle both ways. My daughter never had a speck of trouble, and has had only a single ticket in all her years, and that was due to her trucking instructor not advising her to get over to go through the first weigh station re-entering the state when she was working on her trucker's license. She drives a bus between our town and the biggest airport in the region, also taking people to the major hospitals in our largest city.
The Kid was nowhere as good a student as his sister, while the niece and nephew I taught to drive were both excellent, both passing the driving test their first time with ease.
Ah, but I did love Vorondur's reaction to the plethora of bunnies on the front lawn! I'm with him!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. Sounds as if you learned good ways to teach the kids how to drive. I'm glad you enjoyed both jokes and loved Vorondur's reaction to the bunnies on the front lawn. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Eruherdiriel
· 10 November 2014
· Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel
That's funny. I seriously burst out laughing, and incurred my housemate's ire.
The driving part reads eerily familiar... from both sides. I enjoyed it.
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed the chapter, Eruherdiriel. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
rikki
· 10 November 2014
· Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel
What a fun filled and lighthearted chapter. It's good that Glorfindel has a large place for Finrod to learn to drive. I am guessing that in town driving is next and then highway driving to learn hills and curves. But I was thinking about Glorfindel learning to drive and realized that he would have learned to start a car that had a crank. Thank goodness he doesn't have to show Finrod how to drive a straight shift or they would still be out there at the airport.
Horses?? I have a feeling that if the elves get horses they are going to have to invest in a farm. I wouldn't think that the city ordinances would allow large animals like horses in the city limits.
Grey hares, huh?!? It sounds like there will be some practical joking and punning between the two Edhellonds in the near future. The elves are back to a more normal living and hopefully they can relax before the next crises hits.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. It is lighthearted and fun. I think everyone, readers and Elves alike needed the break. *grin* I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
6336
· 10 November 2014
· Chapter 91: Finrod Behind the Wheel
Oops, for got to mention that if they are looking into horses, they might also look into breeding and training sled dogs, you can always put wheels on a sled when the snow is gone and still use them. In fact I think they do that here in the lower 48 as quite a few people have teams.
Lynda
Author's reply
With dogs you need kennels just as with horses you need stables. Each has its own logistic nightmare associated with it, but I'm sure the Elves will figure something out. It's a good suggestion though, given where they live. Thanks for this, Lynda.