Reviews (2,009)

Kitty · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 63: Fight Practice

Well, for now it may just be something to kill time for Zach, but I get the feeling he'll be an eager member of the future Wiseman SCA branch. Amroth has a point about the brothers always holding back during these practices. That's all well and good when doing it with the Mortals, who won't be able to match their speed, but among each other, they should go at it in full.

Kitty · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 62: Midnight Conversations with the ap Hywel Brothers

*snicker* Love the idea of sending an ultrasound picture via Maia post to Valinor. That's going to be a nice uproar, but hopefully it's going to get them thinking. Gwyn and Mithrellas? Now that could be interesting, if anything comes of that interest. Admittedly, I am beginning to get more and more curious about the family history of the ap Hywel brothers. It sounds like there's something sad in it. It would be great if they actually came for the wedding. Though I admit, there's a certain Half-Elven former Lord of Imladris and his wife I'd like to see there even more. For me it is hard to understand that there were no elflings for so long, too. Sure, not every couple would want children, but with so many Elves in Valinor, you'd think some would still found a proper family. It's a depressing thought, no elflings at all. All in all, it was good that Námo visited the brothers, I think they needed some reassurances.

Kitty · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 61: After the Concert

Oh well, it was clear from the beginning that something was going to happen, so I am not really surprised. Didn't Alex learn some Sindarin already? I seem to remember them conversing in Sindarin in the other story already. He may not be that fluent, but I thought he could at least hold a simple conversation? Or do I remember that wrong? Anyway, I don't like the idea of Farrell tapping into their phones. Alex is right, that guy needs to be taken down, and soon. Preferably day before yesterday. I am surprised that the ones watching the exits left; surely they knew that Alex was still inside? Or did they realise that he had enough Elves around to protect him? In any case, I am glad they got away and home safely. Finlay and the Elves are right in that Alex needs to learn to work more with the team instead of alone, but we'll see if he can do that.

Kitty · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 60: Saturday Evening

Daeron did well in calming Alex down. Though I don't envy him having to explain the concept of dating to the Valinorean Elves; it's pretty different from their rather old-fashioned ways, isn't it? Finlay and Sakari being in that restaurant as well is a bit too suspicious to be coincidence. Even more so as we all know certain people are going to keep an eye on them. Hats off to Felicity for understanding Old High German. I've seen a text or two and was not understanding much of it. But I have to say, she and Alex would make a great couple, they get along well and have some things in common like interest in languages, and both are in Wiseman out of necessity. It was good to see Alex having a good evening, though I could have done without him feeling so uneasy at the end. And of course he had to run into Glorfindel in the end.

Kitty · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 59: Saturday Morning

Good to know Alex is still going on his non-date. Let's see how many they need until they agree to scratch the non ;) Felicity is a nice one and would be good for Alex, I think. Rising numbers of applications may be a space problem, but at least it proves that the Academy is a success, and considering the slightly eccentric sounding purpose of training Elf Guides, it could have been different. So all in all, better having problems housing everyone than not enough applicants. In any case, to me it proves that they do a good job. Right, the Valar could just hand them a list, instead of influencing them to chose the right ones, which they probably are doing. Nice to see Shane and Jud again; it's been a while, though it's understandable with that huge cast. *sigh* On the one hand, Glorfindel is right about being more careful. On the other hand, I can understand Alex, too; he finally has a chance to live his own life instead of playing roles in the line of his work, and won't appreciate being told what to do.

Kitty · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 58: Dinner Conversations

The Elves not wandering around alone sounds like a sensible security measure, at least while Farrell is still on the loose. Ah right, I had forgotten all about the elections over the excitement with Farrell and everything that happened. One more thing to worry about. Glad to know Finlay is better, and it seems as if Fionwë has already taken care of explaining things to him, saving the Elves the trouble. Staying in touch with Finlay sounds like a good idea. You never know when they need his help. Besides, it would help him, too, not to be cut off from civilisation and the going on with Farrell and everything as well, I believe.

Kitty · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous

Nice title and group name :D You know, that' something I like about the Elves. They may be a bit arrogant at times and think they know better than everyone else, but when you need them, they are always there and willing to do their best to help. The idea that whatever is in the Tarn was able to influence Zach to continue on to the Mountain instead of his initial destination is more than a little creepy. It would have to be pretty powerful, and considering how evil it is ... One of my online friends would get along splendidly with Alex – she's a complete Patriots nut *grin* Why do I get the feeling that Glorfindel jinxed it when he told Alex not to go to the Tarn?

Kitty · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 56: Words of Comfort from a Reborn

*sigh* I really don't like it how much that poem influenced Alex negatively. While he probably still has to go over it again in order to heal properly, that was not how it should have happened. And the reaction is too strong for my liking, too. I can only hope he'll get over it one of these days at least far enough that he won't react so badly any more. Good idea to get another Reborn there who can relate better to the one thing upsetting Alex the most. Brethil did a good job in getting Alex to finally come out of his shock and talk a bit, and it is true that he needs to go over his dying in the Tarn with someone. I understand that at first, he just needed time, but by now, this unresolved issue is causing too much harm. He can't just bottle it up forever. I'm glad the Elves are there for him whenever he needs them.

Kitty · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 55: Haunted Memory

While I am not certain Farrell would try that rather unsubtle approach and shot Alex from the roof, it is still worrying that they can't really avoid such an incident in this room. Having Alex work with Beowulf is rather fitting, knowing that the Professor did spend so much time on it, too :) This literature analysis started out so well and interesting, and then went downhill so fast. Poor Alex. He still is not over that horrible experience at the Tarn. Thank God Valandur was there to help him.

Kitty · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 54: The Next Morning

Alex knows the Elves only too well by now *grin* It's a bit worrying that someone put Finlay in healing sleep. Somehow I doubt it's just for healing. So, do the Valar want him out of the way for some reason? Can't blame Dave for insisting that the Elves keep out of the case. He has his experiences with their interfering ways, after all. Of course, that contradicts the orders of the Valar, and if Farrell allows anyone to decide is another matter, too.

Kitty · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 53: Conference Call

Glorfindel has a point there. Normally I would say the police should handle that, if only so the Elves don't get into trouble with authorities about interfering in a criminal case, but with Farrell, there seems to be more to it than meets the eye. Sounds wise to move to another classroom or something like that. Regardless of the danger Alex himself is in, we don't want Farrell to accidentally hurt anyone else, either, and he strikes me as someone who wouldn't care about what the military so cynically calls 'collateral damage'. Somehow I suspect it's not going to be easy for Amroth to be so far away from all the action. Of course he has to protect his family, but considering his background and history with the Agency, he must be chafing at the bit even more than Zach, though he doesn't show it. At least there they can move about more freely. Now I am getting more and more curious how that shot was really done, considering how everyone insists that the angle was all wrong. Keeping an eye on Alex sounds like a good idea, even if he himself won't see it that way. Amroth is right about him being more of a lone wolf; it's going to take time for Alex to change his ways, if he ever completely changes. The end left me grinning. Might actually be necessary to keep Glorfindel busy and from interfering too much.

Kitty · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 52: At Edhellond

So much for keeping up :( RL can be such a pest. But let's try to get at least through a few chapters. No need for Finlay to be annoyed with the books his wife bought. There's no such thing as too many books, after all – take it from a professional who knows what she is talking about. Now I really feel sorry for Finlay; for him all this is way beyond his comprehension and experiences. Sakari is much more accepting, and that may help him, as he trusts her, but it's still a lot for him to take in. Obviously a bit too much, in fact. You know, I feel sorry for him. Who would have thought I'd change my mind about one of these agents so fast? In any case, I think it is sensible to keep them at Edhellond for the time being.

obsidianj · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

That was a fun auction. Jacob used his own grandson as a plant? Did the grandson know he was part of a scam? I didn't feel too comfortable with Glorfindel's gloating in public. Glorfindel was right and I don't grudge him his lecture, but at the present time with emotions running high with the election, some people might turn this into "The elves are going to take over the town! People beware!". This might split the towns people even more. They might not like what Jacob did, but they sure won't like the aliens taking over their town.

obsidianj · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 89: Afterwards

Enough C4 to take out half a block? Woah, where did they get that stuff? Surely not from Wiseman. I don't think this is Peterson's doing. There is someone else behind the scenes using him. Even if Peterson is nasty, he still loves his town. Blowing up a part of it, even to get rid of the elves, with his supporters also getting hurt, I don't think he would stand for that. In my mind someone is using him and not telling him all. I got the impression not only Finrod was very angry. Legolas' demeanor and his silent treatment was very telling. I hope by Monday he has calmed down and is able to listen to Dave concerning permits without blowing a fuse. As part of the police force he needs to follow all the rules, even if he doesn't really like it.

Laer · 8 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

To quote a cartoon character... "HA! HA!" busted at their (well Jacob's) own game. I have a feeling that the good people of Wiseman would have started to boycott the store if his grandson had gotten it. Coming from a small town I still remember a new store owner bashing her competition with some very mean gossip. Her competition kept her cool about it all and waited. The new owner lost her business in a little over a years time. For some reason her customer's didn't like the conversations over there. Even after the new store closed, the established owner didn't make comments about it all. So yea for small towns and for the good people you find in them :)

diana · 7 November 2014 · Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation

I know I've fallen behind again (my Nexus died, and i mean dead!) I think this will be one of your best chapters. I loved how you wrote about the talk in the woods between Finrod and Legolas. It was great insight into both characters, and VERY well written! You made me fall in love with both of them. I'm sure Tolkien would've enjoyed a lot of your stories. I sure as hell do. I wont be reviewing anymore but I'll keep reading. Much love to you, The Dude abides.

rikki · 7 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

This was a good chapter for the elves. They have gained some supporters in the students (I have to say aren't they sweet even if they are trying to protect beings who are thousands of years older) and have seen some of their enemies (the ones who attacked Glorfindel) captured. I don't know if you will go into the trial that much but people are going to have to question again whether the actions against the elves have become too violent even if you don't want them living in your town. Some naysayers may become neutral in this conflict which would help the elves in the long run. I really enjoyed your depiction of the auction. So Jacob was considering a scam on the town by having his grandson buy the store and then still continue to run things in someone else's name. I have a feeling that he did not limit his hatred to just the elves. Other people have suffered and would be glad that Jacob has had his comeuppance. If people don't want to deal with the elves now that they have the store, they can either go to Fairbanks or open a rival store. Though I think most people will just be happy that they don't have to make the trip to Fairbanks to do their shopping. Hope that you have a wonderful weekend planned. I have baked fresh bread and will be taking some to the Cliff House for those who are gathered there. And it is time to start researching hot drinks for the colder weather - hot chocolate, mulled cider and various teas sound wonderful for the cold weather coming.

Anonymous · 7 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

Ha ha ha ! I loved how Sanderson got caught at his own game. "Bien fait pour sa poire", as we say in French which means "serves him right". I'm happy that the Three Amigos' friends are willing to protect them. It's a very brave thing to do. Thank you for clearing the confusion. I understand that it can't be easy to track every character when there are so many of them :). Also, thanks for the linguistic lesson in one of my previous reviews. Now I'll hunt down every story I have ever read where the Haradrim are mentionned and read the word correctly. Again, continue like this, Ora.

SashaHoneypalm · 7 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

>“No, he doesn’t,” Glorfindel said, giving Jacob a cold stare. “You really should have sold the store to us in the first place, Jacob. We even offered twice as much for it than what we’ve now paid. You used your own grandson in an attempt to prevent me from winning the bid. I don’t appreciate having an innocent being used against me in that fashion. I knew you would do all you could to prevent me from winning the bid, so, I stacked the deck, as it were.” He paused, more for effect than for any other reason, and then continued, the smile now on his lips never reaching his eyes. “You failed to understand one thing, Jacob VonHoltz: I’ve been around a lot longer than all the Mortals of Alaska combined. I know all the tricks. Hell, I taught most of them to your ancestors.” < That... is not going to ratchet down people's potential paranoia any. If the Elves want to win the undecided or only mildly hostile Wisemaners over, they're going to have to stop acting so superior. I know Glorfindel was technically only talking to Jacob, but he did so in a public place. People are going to be gossiping about the Clothing Store Auction Incident anyway, probably embellishing the details as gossipers do. An Elf triumphantly telling one of his adversaries that, essentially, Elves can outsmart mere mortals any time they wish (or at least, that's how it's going to be interpreted by some people) is going to make people nervous. Joe Shmoe Neutral of Wiseman may be undecided about what to think about the aliens who landed in their midst, but if the aliens have the advantage in every confrontation, he's going to worry about what happens if he ever ends up on the wrong side of one of those confrontations. He's going to be afraid of the aliens taking charge of the place. Yes, you and I know that wouldn't happen, but Joe and his ilk didn't know about the Elves until they happened to him. He probably has seen enough movies to be worried about the Alien Overlord scenario. I hope I'm not projecting too much on your characters- they are yours, after all- but I can understand why some people wouldn't be unconditionally overjoyed at the turn things have taken. The Elves really need to be careful with what they say and do in public. Sorry for the Russian novel of a post above, it's just something that seems very worrisome to me in the story.

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 7 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

Atya, Jacob may be clever - but not so clever as Glorfindel! (I'm beginning to think NO ONE except maybe Finrod, and the Maiar and Valar and Eru, are cleverer than Glorfindel. lol) It was underhanded of Jacob to try and swindle the Elves that way. Of course, they were underhanded right back, but what matters in the end, I suppose, is that Jacob got a fair price. I don't like that Jacob used his grandson that way, either! I suppose the vonHoltzes are in with Peterson's crowd - were they among the bomb setters? Oh, but I DO like Greg Sanderson, if I hadn't said so already. He's a good friend for the Elves to have! And hey, Greg, if I was treated to filet mignon and lobster I'd always be on the Elves' good side too (not that I wasn't on their side in the first place hehe) Glad to know Glorfi's attackers have been caught (at least some of them) by the way!! *adds filet mignon and lobster to the Cliff House menu* On a final note, I found it telling that the elflings think of their Mortal classmates as "children". This tells me that they're not quite as humble as I thought...they might still need a reality check or two. Sure, the college youngsters are 'children', but only in the same way as the 'elflings' are 'children' to their elders. The Three Amigos & Nell haven't got much call to be referring to them as 'children' despite the disparity in their ages - as far as maturity goes, they are peers and these 'Mortal children' have shown their loyalty and love for their Elven friends. It's time the Amigos and Nell show them the same courtesy. Tye-melin, Kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 7 November 2014 · Chapter 89: Afterwards

‘Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?’ indeed, Atya - sorry, this is a catch-up, somehow Monday slipped by me. *facepalm* Anyway, speaking of priests, I really think the Preacher Amigos are 'turbulent priests' in their own way, a good way, and by stirring up the good in people's hearts maybe it will help to show the ones on the wrong path where exactly they're headed. I'm sure some of Tom Peterson's followers at least *thought* they had good intentions and we all know where THAT road leads. really, explosives...good lord, are the Elves going to have to get permits for their weapons if they need to protect themselves from THAT? Anyway, those unfriendly eyes give me the shivers...let's hope the Maiar are, as always, within shouting distance should something go wrong after the auction (I do know, of course, how that auction turned out already.) Tye-melin, Kaylee

6336 · 7 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

Well if Sanderson does not prosecute Jacob, maybe some body should have a little chat with him, Jacob that is, because what he did is illegal. I wonder how this will go down and what sort of effect it will have on the election. Yes, the Elves had very much 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth' type of justice, look at the Kinslaying, was there very much petty crime among Elves, I can't believe that they were perfect in every way, apart from Glorfindel that is? So now the Elves own a clothing store, I wish them luck, oh remind them to do an inventory and have a good accountant look over the books before they take possession, I wouldn't put it past Jacob to try to rearrange things a little for them. I can think of numerous ways he could cause problems for them. I have been rereading E.A.II and thinking about Ratty and who he took his orders from, I have the feeling that it was directly from the Director and not our Maddy, I wonder just how much she knew of the relationship between Ratty and his uncle and also between His uncle and Amroth, may be not exactly who or what Amroth was but that he had a hold over him. Did she suggest that Alex take the case or was that a decision Maddy made for herself? Ah well only 375 days approximately before retirement, can you guess I am looking for ward to it? Enjoy the weekend' Huggs, Lynda

Dreamflower · 7 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

Well, I'm glad Glorfindel was able to identify some of his attackers from the line-up! And what an interesting revelation: that the prosecuting attorney is not only a transplant, but a plant as well. Clearly the Valar are stacking the deck in Wiseman, and they aren't even particularly trying to hide their manipulations (from the Elves, as most of the mortals are not going to consider that aspect unless they are in the inner circle, so to speak). The part about the auction was a hoot! I loved that they did not try to hide what they'd done from the former store owner. He will now have to kick himself, because he has no one but himself to blame. I look forward to seeing what changes they make in the store, and to seeing it open under new management!

UTfrog · 7 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

That would have been a fun auction to attend. Good for Mr Sanderson lecturing on ethics. Thanks.

Sunny · 7 November 2014 · Chapter 90: The Auction

Aaaand today's lesson is, how NOT to (try to) screw over the Elves. The lesson is delivered by Mr Jacob VonHolz. Well, if Jacob had been a bit smarter, and bit more honest, he would have ended up better off - with more money, AND with his dignity intact. But no, he had to try to do this scam, while at the same time trying to prevent the Elves from buying his shop. Well, if he wasn't an enemy already, he certainly is now. Glorfindel (and the other Elves) might do well to keep this quote from Machiacelli's _The Prince_ in mind: Never do any enemy a small injury for they are like a snake which is half beaten and it will strike back the first chance it gets. (I'm sure Finrod can find the book in the bookstore) Good to see the Three Amigos being polite to their "bodyguards". The young Elves surely have better training than the young Mortals in the fine art of mayhem, but having to batter down that massive wall of brawn should give any prospective attacker pause. Well, I see Michaelson and Talbot have been warned about Elven wrath. They have a positively Treecat-like attitude towards enemies: they come in two "flavours" - those who have been properly dealt with, and those who are still alive. (For those who haven't encountered David Weber's Honorverse books, Treecats are cute, fluffy, hexapedal, felinoid, telempathic creatures that from time to time form a psychic bond with humans. Most people see only the cute fluffiness, and don't realize how unexpectedly deadly they can be, especially if "their" humans are threatened.) (Most of the books can be downloaded - legally - here: http://baencd.thefifthimperium.com/ Pick the _Mission of Honor_ download link)