UTfrog
· 20 October 2014
· Chapter 85: Prince Legolas’ First Day
Guess even a prince cannot have an easy "first day at work." That second successful chase ought to make Wiseman's crooks think of going somewhere else, but I doubt they are that smart. Great job with the chapter. Also good to know that many of the police officers will welcome Legolas.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I don't think anyone has an easy "first day at work" no matter who they are. *grin* Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Celeth
· 20 October 2014
· Chapter 85: Prince Legolas’ First Day
Only his first day, and the action has already started! It looks like Officer Prince's training will not take as long as six months.
And I wonder just what the prowler was intending to do? Just his luck indeed, that he went about doing it while the defender of Mirkwood is on duty. After all those orcs, spiders and wargs, this must be peanuts for Legolas; except of course, with the bill of rights and other stuff, dealing with mortal criminals is much more complicated. I bet when the defense lawyers get into the scene Legolas is going to heartily wish that the criminals were just orcs and spiders that he could shoot on sight! I hope one of the Elves considers becoming a lawyer.
A good thing that Michaelson has not asked Legolas to cut his hair so far. I thought short hair was a requirement for those in the police and military force. I can't imagine Legolas without those silky golden locks... on second thought, he would look even smarter and more handsome in uniform haha!!! But what would King Thranduil say if he saw his son with regulation hair cut and wearing a police uniform?
I can't wait for the next chapter. I wish we could have a new chapter each day, but having one twice a week means we will be able to savor the story much longer.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. We'll see in the next chapter what the prowler was up to. And that's not a bad idea having at least one of the Elves considering becoming a lawyer. I'll have to keep that in mind. *grin*
I think Michaelson knows better than to demand that any Elf cut their hair and as long as it's neatly tied back, I guess it doesn't matter. I'm sure if Thranduil saw his son with short hair and in uniform, he wouldn't recognize him at all.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
someone
· 20 October 2014
· Chapter 85: Prince Legolas’ First Day
My favorite quote from this chapter:
"I am a police officer, as well you know, my orclings."
For some reason, it's so sweet that Liam called the Three Amigos "orclings"!
Nice first day as a cop. I only hope there won't be any trouble with the prowler's lawyer, as he was arrested by someone who shouldn't be in the police force officially.
Author's reply
Hi someone. I like that quote as well. It shows that Legolas has a relationship with the Three Amigos, almost as an uncle and they respond in kind. And it could always be claimed that Legolas made a citizen's arrest. As long as his partner reads the prowler's his rights, then there shouldn't be a problem.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Tira
· 20 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
I'll admit, I did a happy dance with squeeeee when I heard you were writing EA4. I love your stories dear, and have for many years now. You have a way of capturing elven personalities and moments. I can't wait to see where this one (and the next) go...and I'll also admit I've had to make a character list to keep everyone from the three stories straight! I'm still not sure I've got everyone.
Author's reply
Hi Tira. I'm sure you're not the only one doing a happy dance on learning that there is Elf Academy 4 in the wings. LOL! I'm glad you enjoy my stories and the way I capture elven personalities and moments. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much. As for a character list, I may eventually provide one that covers all the Elf Academy stories.
spinster
· 19 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
The Elf Academy series is now my favorite fan fiction. I've been staying up late, getting up early, even dreaming about these characters. You are a wonderful story-teller and writer. And you accomplished this huge story with no sex, no slash, and very little (even "off screen") violence! THAT is a mark of a true professional.
I hope you are writing a novel. If not, for goodness sakes write this story faster! I need my Elf fix like I need coffee in the morning. I guess I'll read your other stories while I wait.
Author's reply
Hello spinster. I'm glad that Elf Academy is your favorite fan fiction. It's fun to write. You will be pleased to know that Elf Academy 3 has many more chapters to go and you will be reading it into the New Year. Also, I am already in the middle of writing Elf Academy 4 so you have something else to look forward to for next year as well. By all means, feel free to read my other stories in between reading the chapters of this one as I post them, which is twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. Hopefully you will enjoy them just as much as you're enjoying the Elf Academy series. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 18 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
Finally, we get to be at one of the Saturday meetings*grin*. I was always curious as to what they talk about, but it was always mentioned more or less in passing. I liked the discussion between Legolas and Finrod. They have more in common than I thought. Having Melian console Legolas in his grief was a great idea.
Author's reply
We saw one such Saturday meeting in the beginning of Elf Academy 2 and I think they are pretty much the same. Most of the discussions generally center around Elf Academy and the integration of the Elves into Wiseman society.
Finrod needed to hear from Legolas that he could handle being "bossed around" by Mortals and Legolas needed to hear that Finrod's been watching out for him from the get-go. And as Melian was "kin" to both Finrod and Legolas, it was logical that Finrod would recruit her to help heal Legolas of his grief.
Thanks for leaving a review, obsidianj. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 18 October 2014
· Chapter 83: New News
Wow! Triplets! That's a handful or two. Luckily, elves don't need that much sleep and they have a large support structure. It will be challenging to care for babies in an unfamiliar culture. I remember coaching friends from different cultures caring for their firstborns when none of the familiar remedies from home for the little incidents in life were available in the new home.
Loved the two Maiar playing the peanut gallery. It worked in diverting all the simmering anger.
The idea of buying the clothing shop sounds great. They should make sure to hire mortals to help run the store though, so that it doesn't seem like the elves are taking over the town.
Author's reply
Hi obsidian j. The Elves do have a great support structure and that even includes the Mortals who are their friends. I am sure that Amroth and Della will have difficulty being alone with their children with everyone lining up to "help". LOL!
The Maiar know how to diffuse volatile situations with unexpected humor and absurd behaviors. And I'm sure they had fun doing it too.
I'm sure if the Elves do buy the clothing store that they will hire Mortals to help out since the Mortals would have a better sense of what is considered fashion and what Mortals in general look for in terms of clothes for that particular environment. They would be foolish not to and Erestor is no fool.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 17 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
Aha! A good meeting followed by a good and productive conversation. Good to have it shown forth Legolas's ability to take a subordinate role, and how this is a good thing in his circumstances.
Author's reply
Yes, a good meeting and a fruitful conversation. Legolas is very wise to be able to put aside any sense of superiority with regards to learning from the Mortals at the police station. Unlike other Elves, he's had practice. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I very much appreciate it.
Eruherdiriel
· 17 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
I was very pleased to see how you handled Thranduil. I've seen so many teenager's characterizations of him based on the films or exaggerations in social media. Very refreshing to see a more balanced approach.
The other thing to consider is that the identical twins could share a crib. I've heard lots of stories about twins only sleeping well in the same cradle.
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. Thranduil has always intrigued me and I think he gets a bad rep. The very fact that he ruled without a ring of power and practically on Sauron's doorstep says a lot about him right there and I would think the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, so Legolas has to have inherited some of his father's better qualities.
And it doesn't have to be identical twins. Even fraternal twins find comfort sleeping in the same crib, at least at first. Eventually you have to wean them from each other. With triplets, that's going to be even harder.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 17 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
loved your insight on Thranduil he is one badly portrayed elf in most fan fictions. The onslaught of the elves with the announcement of triplets were kind of scary. Glad she had her husband to protect her and that Finrod was there with the voice of reason. Well, maybe not so much reason at first. ;)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I'm glad you like my insight on Thranduil. He's a cool character. The healers were all taken by surprise and weren't thinking clearly, that's for sure. Luckily, Finrod was on the ball and put them in their places.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
rikki
· 17 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
A very interesting chapter that included a lot of things going on with both mortals and elves. With the news of triplets, the healers really went crazy to scan the mother. Thank goodness Amroth was there to protect her while Finrod gained control of the situation. Seems like there will be lots of belly patting over the next few months. And in another sense, Della is at least versed in mortal traditions, so she will be happy when all the baby showers start. I keep thinking about all those diapers they are going to need.
If Jacob is prejudiced about the elves, I wonder if he has said the same things about Max Lightfoot? Max seemed very aware of things going on from overhearing things. It would be poetic justice if the elves even started their own store now that Jacob is retiring without having to buy his. He certainly could not complain that they were competing against him.
I noticed that one reader mentioned the similarities between Finrod and Legolas. I have to agree with them concerning the likenesses with the interactions with mortals but also as sons of kings. And I loved your insight on Thranduil. He has always been my favorite elf from the first time I read The Hobbit. I wonder if Finrod had reasons for including Legolas in the group from Valinor besides his expertise in weapons and his ability to deal with mortals. Like father, like son, I have often thought that Tolkien never really developed Legolas' character, but he must have had some of the same characteristics of the strong personality of his father to have been successful in completing the journey with the One Ring without falling to its lure. And no, I would not like to be a fly on the wall when Thranduil finds out his son is becoming a police officer. With my luck, Thranduil would throw something and I would get smushed.
Have a great weekend. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. Shock will do that to people. Luckily, Finrod was on top of the situation. Having been king once, he's used to commanding his subjects when they get a bit unruly. *grin*
We'll see what happens with Jacob and the clothing store a few chapters from now. There is more than one way to exact poetic justice. *grin*
Thranduil has always intrigued me but he has to be taken in small doses, which is why he's always a supporting character in my stories and never the main focus. I think he and Legolas are more alike than many would like to believe.
And I'm with you about not wanting to press my luck around Thranduil. He's as likely to smush me as you. LOL!
Have a great weekend yourself and thanks for leaving a review. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 17 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
I thought it might be something like that, the triplets, that is. Since Elves are formed Fea first, it looks like one split to form two Elflings and since Amroth and Nimrodell are first time parents they would not know, in fact it would take a trained healer to know for sure. It does look as if Eru is trying to start a population explosion in M.E. since the Elves in Aman seem to have fallen down on the procreating business, are they still getting bonded?
Waiting to see which way a politician jumps is very wearing, why they can't stay away from the mud slinging and get down to the important issues beats me. I wonder what would happen if a politician gave a polite rebuttal to an accusation and refrained from responding in kind, some how I don't think the world would end!
Have a good Weekend, enjoy your self carving pumpkins or was that last week, are you going to be working it this year?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, it does look as if Eru is determined to increase the population of the Elves, at least in Middle-earth. The Elves of Aman have not bonded in quite some time and the number of single Elves now outnumber those who are married.
We'll see something of the politics but it will not be a main concern storywise, just mentions of what is happening, though we will see the results of the voting and what effect it has on the Elves.
I'm going Sunday to do some carving. The event begins next Thursday and runs until next Sunday. I should be working there on Saturday if all goes as planned.
Thanks for reviewing, Lynda. Have a great weekend yourself. Hugs back.
Dreamflower
· 17 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
What a lovely chapter.
The reaction to triplets was adorable and predictable. It is, after all, truly a first for the Eldar--even more so than the usual media reaction in RL to multiple births like quintuplets or even octuplets! Three babies at once is literally unheard of among the Elves!
I see that the political race is probably about to become the next story arc--and I look forward to seeing that. Traditional party lines look likely to take a second place to the "Elf question".
I loved Finrod's talk with Legolas, and Legolas speaking freely of his time with the Fellowship, and his grief over losing Gimli. Yes, Melian would truly have been the best to console him, for she would have known just how he felt. (Olorin/Gandalf would probably have been dealing with his own grief for Gimli at the time, I imagine.) But Legolas is right; he already knows how to sublimate his Elven ego to Mortals, and I think he can respect Dave Michaelson as a Man of integrity and wisdom and authority much as he did Aragorn. It's a good thing that he'll be the only Elf on the police force to begin with. None of the others have his experience, and might find such self-subordination more difficult than he will.
Also, it was cute the way he couldn't wait to try on his new uniform, LOL! I think Legolas in uniform will have a very interesting effect on the females of Wiseman!
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. Yes, while twins seem to be, if not common, then normal, triplets are unheard of among the Eldar. This is definitely one for the history books.
We will see something of the political race, though it will be more in terms of a mention then actually listening to debates and such.
Finrod and Legolas have a lot in common and Finrod would know that Melian would be the best one to help Legolas deal with his grief.
I'm glad you loved the chapter, Dreamflower. Thanks for taking the time to review. I appreciate it very much.
Celeth
· 17 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
"I would like to be there when he does find out, but I am very glad there is an ocean and an entire dimension between us." Too bad (or maybe good) for Legolas, but I hope we will get to be a fly on the wall when King Thranduil does find out...
I love the little aside about Melian helping Legolas recover from his grief over Gimli's death. Its nice to see the two princes being friends; now that I think of it, they have some things in common that most of the others do not share: their close friendship with men and dwarves, for one thing.
What a pity Jacob doesn't like Elves, but I hope they still manage to buy the store thru a third party.
Now I wonder which Maia will be bringing the ultrasound results to Valinor, and how I wish we had palantir to see how the people there will receive the news! Triplets!
Thank you for this interesting story; I always look forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. We may see something of Thranduil's reaction to learning what his son is up to, though probably not until Elf Academy 4.
You're right that Finrod and Legolas do have a lot in common. Until you pointed it out, I really hadn't thought of the connection.
We'll see what the Elves do with regards to the clothing store. That's a whole chapter in and of itself. *grin*
As for which Maia had the pleasure of bringing the good news to Aman, we probably will never know, but I imagine there were a few fights between them for the honor.
I'm glad you find the story interesting and are enjoying it. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review and let me know. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 17 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
Quite the reaction to the news aout the triplets - which was only to be expected, I guess. And as for the reaction in Aman, that will presumably be what we saw here, times a million, more or less. Perhaps the Wiseman Elves wil pool their resources and buy a few video cameras, if they can get a few Maiar to act as cameramen.
If the Valar are planning to send more Elves to Wiseman, I suspect there will be some rather serious fistfights between the healers fighting for a place aboard Vingilot!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I'm sure you're right about that. The Eldar reduced to fisticuffs to determine who gets to go to Endórë. The mind boggles. LOL! Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 17 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
Interesting comments all around. Loved the ending about Gimli, Legolas, Melian, and all the comments on Thranduil. Good chapter. Thanks.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this UTfrog, especially the ending and the comments on Thranduil. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Soledad
· 17 October 2014
· Chapter 84: Council Meeting and a Conversation
Go Thranduil! I like it how he commands respect, even from the Valar.
Er... you meant Oropher, not Orophin, right? I'm sure it was just a typo, generated by Haldir's presence. ;)
Author's reply
Hey, Soledad. Gah! Yeah, thanks. I appreciate the heads-up. I've made the correction. Can't keep the damn Elves straight. LOL! Glad to see you're still reading and enjoying the story.
Tira
· 16 October 2014
· Chapter 83: New News
Triplets! Woo! And I'm so glad Legolas...er, Liam's...adventure worked out well. Looking forward to the rest of this exciting tale.
Author's reply
Hi Tira. Yes, triplets and Liam's adventures have just begun. LOL! Thanks for letting me know how much you are enjoying this tale. I really appreciate it.
rikki
· 13 October 2014
· Chapter 83: New News
Really enjoyed this chapter. Thank goodness for Maiar and Valar keeping the elves hidden in Alaska for a little while longer. Though I wonder what other elves around the world would have thought about Liam's action.
It also sounds like the elves are starting to branch out into new careers. Storekeeping and rangers sounds like some will be busy in the near time. With Liam adding to the law community elves will be even more in front. It will be interesting to see how the election affects these plans. Though life goes on no matter who supposedly is in charge.
And triplets!!! That is going to be a first for the elves. Della and Amroth will really be pressed to keep their babies supported for a full year. These three may make their appearance before their conception date. But plenty of aunts and uncles when they do get there.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.
It makes sense that not all the Elves could or even should be involved with Elf Academy, so they need to find other kinds of employment. Hopefully, over time they will become more integrated into the mortal society to the point where people don't even comment, but that will be years from now.
It's doubtful that the triplets will make it to their begetting day. Multiple births rarely if ever go to term and I don't see it happening here. As to how soon they'll come, remains to be seen. But, as you say, there will be lots of aunties and uncles to help out, so Della and Amroth won't be complete overwhelmed.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
FV_Whisper
· 13 October 2014
· Chapter 83: New News
Maiar ex machina is what comes in mind for the solution to the crisis. Well, I guess they are Maiar, they can get away with that.
Had to laugh about the Maiar drinking lemonade for being on duty.
- “Can I go get my sword so I can run them through?” Glorfindel asked Vorondur. “Please?”
“I will arm wrestle you for the pleasure, my brother,” Finrod said, casting a dark look at the Maiar.-
*Grins* You can always divide the job and takes one each, you two.
Elladan is right, it will be very beneficial to have someone who's both in with the Elves as well as with the police. And we are talking here about a long timespan, I can see Legolas in Dave's place a long way in the future. And he can have plenty of time playing detective before that day comes.
One might indeed wonder how many crisises more to go...Enough to fill up quite a few chapters...
I recalled the upcoming elections when the mayor was mentioned in the last chapter, and it's good seeing the Elves being involved. This is even more about their future than it is for most people gf Wiseman.
Owning a clothes shop will be a very good idea and I can see Erestor pulling that one off. For an isolated place as Wiseman, it's important to have a decent and variable group of stores, it makes a it a beter place to live. (This partly being based on my own experiences with some similar issues in my local countryside) And in case of the Elves, them running a store where most of the town buys their clothes, therefor preventing the store from closing down, I think it will help with them being accepted as well. And another group of Elves who finds themselves a job.
I had a feeling it had to do with the ultrasound what Amroth and Nimrodel wanted to talk about. I even had the ideas if they were not expecting twins already, this would be just the kind of thing to announce. Guess that feeling was right.
So triplets...Why did neither Della or one of the healers not notice this before? And triplets must have been quite a rare occurrence among the Eldar, we've seen many Twins, but triplets in something until now unheard of among the better know Elves at least. It seems Amroth and Della are over the moon with it, but I guess they'll have a heavy time ahead of them, both before and after the three are being born.
Author's reply
Hi FV_Whisper. Oh there are plenty of crises in store for our heroes, never fear, not only in this story but in the next. LOL!
We'll find out in the next chapter why no one realized there were three babies instead of two.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Eruherdiriel
· 13 October 2014
· Chapter 83: New News
Triplets. My, my, they will be a busy family. I don't envy them three infants at once. At least they won't have older siblings who also want attention.
I like how all the Elves are finding different jobs. It give their personalities more depth.
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. Yes, very busy, but I'm sure they'll manage.
I'm glad you like the idea of the Elves finding different jobs. It stands to reason that not every Elf is going to be a ranger or whatever. Each is unique and has their own talents and interests.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Tari
· 13 October 2014
· Chapter 83: New News
Triplets! That has to be a first. Two at a time is quite enough to handle; more than that is a bit much.
I did love the ending of the previous chapter. The Maia really are rascals aren't they and they're enjoying every minute of it.
Author's reply
Yes, Tari. It is a first, at least with the Eldar. And the Maiar are having way too much fun, I think. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Lindelea
· 13 October 2014
· Chapter 83: New News
Almost forgot... and we’re still waiting for the other shoe to drop with Alex
Sounds ominous. More action coming up soon? Will dust the Cliff House -- someone else want to sweep? -- and stock up on snacks and drinks. Chocolate is always good. Any other suggestions?
Author's reply
Well, Lindelea, with Alex there's always the other shoe waiting to drop. Alex is a wild card and the Elves recognize this. Whether anything will happen with him or not remains to be seen. Still plenty of story to tell. *grin*
Lindelea
· 13 October 2014
· Chapter 83: New News
Aha! I'd guessed fairly early on in the chapter as to the surprise being linked to the result of the ultrasound (the manila envelope was the clue), considering that the bearers of the news were smug about it, rather than distressed. Sounds as if Illuvatar is even more interested in new life and growth than was previously hinted.
And this, No one bothered to answer what was clearly a rhetorical question, though Elrohir punched his brother in the arm on principle.
Perfect illustration of brotherly interaction.
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea. I imagine you're right about Ilúvatar.
Glad you liked the brotherly interaction. Having four brothers of my own, I know whereof I speak. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
SashaHoneypalm
· 13 October 2014
· Chapter 83: New News
> Olórin nodded. “I liked the part where Thranduilion swung himself around the lamppost. That was fun to watch.”
I read that as "Thranduil" at first, and I thought that someone had tattled to Aman, and that Legolas's dad had worked himself into a physical fit over it. Then I got to the "we didn't tell any Elves" bit and reread, but I still like the mental image of a bellowing Thranduil throwing himself over the nearest bit of architecture while informing everyone around him that his son is a total IDIOT ARGHH!!!!
Author's reply
LOL! And I wouldn't be surprised if he did just that once he learned what his son has done, Sasha. Thanks for the image of Thranduil going ballistic. I needed a laugh.