Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within by Fiondil
Lindelea · 6 October 2014 · Chapter 81: Job Interview
Laughing in delight. Great job! And now I really want a cop show, with an elven prince trying to pass for mortal and resolving situations in his own unique way every week...
Author's reply
Now that would be a fun show to watch. LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, Lindelea. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Kevana · 6 October 2014 · Chapter 81: Job Interview
"Can we keep him?" Oh please say yes!! LOL! I know they have to go by the book or any work he does for them won't be legal, but they can't ignore what he just did. C'mon, guys. Maybe hire him as a special consultant? It works for Sherlock Holmes. If you can get so-called psychics on board at departments, maybe you can have an Elf consultant. Although, he will probably need every minute of those six months to acclimate as much as possible. He's spent time among mortals, but pretending to be one? Now this is going to be good! The Elves as a whole need a "Leadership Wiseman" program. Those are awesome for getting involved/introduced to a community. Also - wow, stealing a car in front of a police station, that's a monumental show of stupidity. Zero sympathy for those guys, they darn well deserved getting served with a generous helping of Angry Elf. This is some straight-up Mission Impossible/Die Hard pursuit, gotta love it. Exciting stuff! -Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. We'll find out next chapter if Dave decides to keep Legolas or not. And you're right that it's one thing being around mortals but pretending to be one is harder and 6 months really isn't all that long. And of course I modeled the pursuit on the orc-chase scene from the 2nd Hobbit movie. That's far and away my favorite scene and I just knew I wanted to incorporate it somehow into my story with Legolas. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Kevana · 6 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
Looks like the whole family, well-wishers, distant relations and acquaintances think they ought have a say in the happy couple's big day, sheesh! Good grief, and they think mortals are bad for arguing at meetings. The descriptions of the evening and the aurora were just lovely, but getting a peek at what's going on inside Legolas's head was even better. He has been quiet for such a long time and now we get to see why. Maybe he will be more active if the narrative and your muse allows for it - he certainly will have reason to be more active if he does become a cop! An Elf police officer. I'm suddenly reminded of Star Trek with all the different folks coming together in the Federation. I bet he will look great in a blue uniform, too, hehe. ;) At least they didn't send Thranduil. Ha! I can see it now, Thranduil trying to set up a kingdom in the woods and getting into fierce arguments with the United States parks service. Loved seeing the little aside between father and son. Dreamflower, wonderful story and Fiondil, wonderful chapter. It's so much fun seeing the two of you playing off each other's writing, to readers' benefit. -Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. I'd want to showcase Legolas more than I had been doing and when Dreamflower wrote her little piece I just knew what I wanted to do with him. I think we'll be seeing more of him in this story and in the next now that he's no longer staying in the background. Thanks for reading. It's much appreciated.
6336 · 6 October 2014 · Chapter 81: Job Interview
And no C.G.I. or Stunt Doubles either! Way to go Liam! Huggs, Lynda p.s. Can I keep him too?
Author's reply
Yep. It was all done live and in person. LOL! If you can catch him, Lynda, you can surely keep him. Hugs back.
Dreamflower · 6 October 2014 · Chapter 81: Job Interview
ROTFL! Legolas stopping a car-jacking right in front of the entire Wiseman police force! What a perfect ending to his job interview! Congratulations on writing a superb action-sequence, too. I could see each and every move without it slowing me down or having to go back and look at what happened before. That sort of thing is MUCH harder to write than it is to film. I love the solution Dave came up with: with six months to learn about how the police function, and to practice "becoming Liam", I think his future success is likely. So long as he doesn't give his true nature away in Fairbanks, he's likely to ace the Academy. And Elladan's help was also great--the Twins, I think, will be a great help to him in learning to integrate into mortal society. I'm looking forward now to seeing the reactions of the various Valinoreans to his career choice.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I'm so glad that you were able to see each and every move. I could see it very clearly myself as I was writing it but I'm never sure if others can do the same as they read. We'll see if Dave sticks to his original plan for Legolas or modifies it now that he's seen the Elf in action, something that he's never really seen from any of the Elves before this. And we'll see how the other Elves react when they learn about all this in the next chapter as well. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Celeth · 6 October 2014 · Chapter 81: Job Interview
Wow! That sure was an exciting first day at work (of course, technically speaking he wasn't hired at that time...). Reminds me of his time with the oliphants in the movie. I agree with Conrad and sure hope they will keep him. I suppose he does have a thing or two to learn from the police academy, but on the other hand, there are things he can do that no mortal can ever hope to copy. Legolas in the police force is going to make an interesting read.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. Yes, very exciting. I suppose it could be considered a job interview test. LOL! While Legolas does need to learn about modern police procedures, as you point out, there are things he can do that no Mortal can hope to do so he would be a great asset to the force. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
someone · 6 October 2014 · Chapter 81: Job Interview
That scene was almost exhausting to read! I think my own heart started racing when Legolas went after that car. It seems that there are benefits in spending one's childhood (and most of life) racing in trees. Dave's no fool, he won't let Legolas go find some other job after that! I think police academy really is in his near future. It was fun to see that chase after the awkward scene within the police station, with Legolas having no clue what to say. I hope Elladan's nice suit didn't tear or get dirty.
Author's reply
Hi someone. It was fun to write, though. LOL! I'm sure Dave won't let Legolas go after this. We'll see what his solution is in the next chapter. The scene within the police station was awkward, as Legolas really has no clue how to conduct himself among Mortals, but he'll learn eventually. Thanks for the review. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny · 6 October 2014 · Chapter 81: Job Interview
Now, that was eciting! I guess that even Legolas himself would agree that he is not ready for the Police Academy yet - he would at least be able to pass as a Mortal. But he has offered, and Michaelson will probably do his best to help him achieve his ends. And given the stunt he just did, in stopping the car thieves and getting the kid back to his mom, I'm sure most of the other cops on the force would love to have Legolas among them!
Author's reply
I'm glad you found it exciting, Sunny. We'll see what Michaelson does now with Legolas' request to join the force after this. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
obsidianj · 4 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
I love Legolas' musings. At least now I know why he didn't speak up earlier. Legolas as a cop will be great. I just hope Dave Michaelson can be convinced. It seems to me that these last 2 chapters are setting up the stage for the next part of the roller coaster. The story is taking another to me unexpected turn.
Author's reply
We'll see how convinced Dave Michaelson is about Legolas joining his force in the next chapter. You're right that we have finished an Alex-arc and we are shifting gears a bit. The next several chapters will revolve more around Legolas, though not exclusively, as we move the story on to its conclusion, though, trust me, you'll be reading this story into the New Year, as there's still much to tell. Thanks for reading and reviewing, obsidianj. I appreciate it.
obsidianj · 4 October 2014 · Chapter 79: A Change of Plans
May the fourth be with you! LOL! That was too funny and perfect for this chapter. Oh, the joys of planning a wedding. Good Friday is definitely a day you want to get married in such a small and close knit community as Wiseman. I don't quite get what is so wrong about May 1st. It is a holiday in several countries and a Tuesday is not the end of the world. How many friends from out-of-town do they have that would have to travel far? Saturday weddings are mostly for the convenience of people who have to travel far. But as Ron said, it is Elrohir and Serinde's wedding and they should do as they see fit.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. It's true that other than the ap Hywels in Fairbanks and their parents flying in from Wales, anyone else attending the wedding would be living in Wiseman, but I think for Serindë it just seems odd to be married on a Tuesday. And while May 1 is a holiday in many countries, it isn't in America. It's just another working day if it happens to land in the middle of the week. At any rate, I think they've settled for the first Saturday of May. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
6336 · 4 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
Should we be keeping our eyes open for C.S.I.:Wiseman in future Fall Line ups? Still reading if not really reviewing. Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Unlikely, Lynda, but you never know. I'm glad you're still reading. Review when you can. Thanks. Hugs back.
bookworm · 4 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
Cop Legolas! ... somehow this makes me glee
Author's reply
You and everyone else, booksworm. We'll see in the next chapter how successful Legolas is in convincing Dave Michaelson to let him join his police force. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Legolin · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
May the fourth be with you! That was a great jibe from Elladan. I was cracking up as I read it. So Legolas is going to be a cop, this is going to be entertaining. I'm sure there will be heavy moments, like him giving his heart to the mortals, as well as lighter moment reading s. Looking forward to reading the many adventures I'm sure he'll get into. Please forgive any errors, writing on my kindle. Sincerely Lin
Author's reply
Hi Lin. I couldn't resist the Star Wars reference, especially when I saw how the calendar for 2012 lined up. We'll see whether Legolas actually becomes a cop and how he goes about doing so in the next chapter. I'm sure he'll make a great one. Thanks for leaving a review. It's greatly appreciated.
rikki · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
First, congratulations on reaching Chapter 80. Quite an accomplishment for continuing a story so diligently. I wonder how many keyboards you have worn out over the years writing your universe. Legolas, son of Thranduil, has indeed been involved with mortals more than a lot of the elves here in Wiseman. He already knows the heartaches and the love that can come from that association. His years spent protecting the people of Mirkwood and the dangerous path taken as one of the nine walkers could be interpreted as a law keeper in a way. I really hope that Dave will look at what is being offered and decide that Legolas would make a good law enforcer. If he does, Legolas will have a high scale of learning the ways of the modern mortal. Talk about discussions over supper then! I enjoyed Dreamflower's and your thoughts about Legolas. I am now over to read the original that Dreamflower wrote. Have a good weekend. It looks like autumn may make a brief appearance.
Author's reply
Thanks, rikki, on the congratulations. I suppose 80 chapters is quite an accomplishment, but you still have 40 more chapters to read and then on to Elf Academy 4! I've only worn out one keyboard over the years, btw. Anyway, Legolas is a smart Elf and I'm sure he'll take to modern police techniques like a duck to water, assuming he manages to convince Dave to let him join the force. We'll see how that goes in the next chapter. Dreamflower's character sketch came at the right time for me because I'd been wanting to showcase Legolas more but hadn't found a way to do it without disrupting the flow of the narrative. This was the perfect way of doing so and I'm glad she let me dip my little toe into her universe in this manner. Have a great weekend yourself and thanks for the review. It's greatly appreciated.
KathyG · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
I'm thinking that Legolas would also be great in Search-and-Rescue as well as in catching criminals. Not only can he move with great stealth and is light on his feet even in a snowstorm, he is also such a great climber and can move through treetops with ease.
Author's reply
Hi KathyG. You're right and we know that Glorfindel was in Search-and-Rescue before he came to Wiseman, so it's not that far-fetched an idea. I suspect that the police in Wiseman might actually help out with SAR activities when called upon by the Rangers given the wilderness location. Legolas, I think, would fit right in with such a police force because of his previous history. Thanks for your thoughts. They're much appreciated.
someone · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
Lots of interesting things in the last... well, quite a few chapters. (And I learnt a new word just now, "gumption". Thanks!) The Nell and Gareth's engagement was quite surprising, at least in how fast it was! Their social standings are very different, but perhaps they will learn to overcome that. The Valinorean elves are not consistent, though, for being against that marriage and not against Roy and Sarah. Roy is, after all, just one generation away from Nell and no one is complaining that Sarah is a commoner (or am I missing something about her family?). As for Galadriel's reaction... Well, her elder daughter married someone part mortal, her granddaughter someone mortal and now younger daughter someone "mortal born". I can see a trend developing, so most likely Galadriel and Celeborn can blame some of their own genes for this. *grin* Legolas as a cop! That will be funny, though I'm sure the criminals won't agree. That is going to be a policeman they can't run away from, literally. He is just too fast (and has a very good eyesight). The image of an elf looking at auroras in a forest is lovely, too. It shows that Valinor is not perfect, either. Or that the elves are not living everywhere in Valinor. I just want to say that I'm reading and enjoying this story, even when I don't have time to review. It shows the real problems elves have when living in a mortal society, not just the nice utopia.
Author's reply
Hi someone. The only person objecting to Nell and Gareth getting married is Finrod. I don't think the other Valinórean Elves have an opinion about it or if they do, they're keeping quiet. The phenomenon that they witnessed is something that they wouldn't object to because they recognize that this is the will of Eru Ilúvatar. I suspect they believe that this is a case of direct divine intervention and they're not foolish enough to offer any objections. Finrod, however, acting as in loco parentis, is more concerned at how Nell's parents will react to the news than anything. He feels responsible for Nell and this is something he has no control over. And, to be honest, I'd not thought of the trend in marriage partners until you pointed it out. Thanks. It is an interesting way of looking at it. Legolas as a cop should be a lot of fun to write and to read, assuming he can convince Dave Michaelson to take him on. We'll see about that next chapter. Thanks for letting me know how much you are enjoying the story. I appreciate you telling me very much. Writing about the various conflicts as Mortals learn again to live with Elves and vice versa is a lot of fun and I like coming up with different "real-life" scenarios that could plausibly happen with them.
SashaHoneypalm · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
Also, if the muse strikes, I'd love to read about Legolas solving those cases for Aragorn. *feeds plot bunny some nice, juicy carrots*
Author's reply
Who knows, Sasha? Once I finish writing Elf Academy 4, I may take a break from that series and go back to playing in Middle-earth. A Legolas-Aragorn story would be fun to write. I'll have to keep it in mind. Thanks for the suggestion.
Sunny · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
Just when Elrohir and Serinde was going to have their wedding was up to them. I would have guessed that even in Valinor this would be so. And yet, the Valinorean Elvesseemed to heve issues with this. At least when both Finrod and Glorfindel put their foot down the arguing stopped. And I gues it would take someone with really BIG bras ones to reopen this particular discussion. Lovely description of Legolas musing over what to do with his life, now that he had returned to the Mortal world. I'm sure he would be an excellent cop. I suspect Thranduil would be appalled, though, and I wonder if Legolas knows what he is letting himself in for.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I think the Valinórean Elves don't understand why Roy and Sarah are catering to mortal sensibilities. After all, the Firstborn are the superior race and their wishes should take precedence over those of mortals, blah, blah, blah. And you're right, that when both Finrod and Glorfindel speak, EVERYONE listens and listens hard. I'm glad you enjoyed the description of Legolas musing over his life. Much of it is Dreamflower's, but I added some particular details, especially his conversation with Thranduil. And Thranduil would indeed be appalled, which is probably why Legolas is doing this. *grin* We'll see how successful he is in getting a job as a police officer in the next chapter. Thanks for commenting. It's appreciated.
SashaHoneypalm · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
Officer Legolas? That. Would. Be. Awesome. Not to mention he might be able to help smooth relations between Michaelson and Those Darn Elves.
Author's reply
I'm glad you think so, Sasha, and you're right. He would make a great liaison between Michaelson and Edhellond, since he would be able to explain the elven viewpoint on things while also understanding the mortal viewpoint because of his relationship with Gimli, Aragorn and the Hobbits. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's appreciated.
Larner · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
I find myself truly proud of Legolas and his decision. Yes, this is what he can do, and undoubtedly will be able to do well. Nothing like the great archer of the War of the Rings and the hunter of spiders and werewolves and wargs and who knows what else to hunt out those who do evil in this day and age!
Author's reply
Legolas would make a great cop, that's for sure, Larner, given his history and his talents. I'm glad you approve of his plans. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Dreamflower · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 80: Prince Legolas Decides
OH! Oh this makes me SO happy! Thank you for incorporating my own little bit of headcanon into your wonderful story! And Legolas would make a terrific detective. I hope his dream will come true. And what a great chapter to say: I am all caught up now!
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I'm so glad this chapter meets with your approval. When I read your headcanon, I just knew that I had to incorporate it into my story, though, obviously, I've moved the timeframe forward past "Christmas at Edhellond", though there's still snow on the ground. *grin* At any rate, we'll see where he goes on from here. And now I'm all caught up answering all your reviews. LOL! Thanks ever, Dreamflower. I appreciate your continued encouragement and support.
Dreamflower · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 79: A Change of Plans
What's so awful about Tuesday? May1 would have been a great date, with personal significance to Elrohir (being the date of his foster-brother's coronation--not to mention the date of Sam and Rosie's wedding, though not so important to Elrohir). But these days weddings almost always take place on a weekend for very practical reasons.
Author's reply
There's nothing awful about Tuesday or being married on it and I'm sure many people have been. It's just that in our culture the expected wedding day is usually either Saturday or Sunday, sometimes Friday evening. And May 1 in our calendar isn't really May 1 in Middle-earth. According to Tolkien, there's a 10-day difference between our present calendar and that used by the Hobbits, for instance. At any rate, as Glorfindel points out, symbols can get in the way of the truth, and the truth is that they would be married regardless of the day. Thanks, Dreamflower.
Dreamflower · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
So Gwyn already knew...well, mostly, LOL! And he's interested in Misty? That's going to be fun. Glad the brothers are going to learn Tengwar. It's such a beautiful script. I was never terribly interested in learning the languages, but I was always attracted to those beautiful letters!
Author's reply
Tengwar is a beautiful script. When I was a teenager, my best friend and I wrote to one another (his parents moved to the next town over) in tengwar, though of course it was in English and not in Sindarin or Quenya. As we both had younger siblings, it was a great way to keep things secret. *grin* We'll see how successful Gwyn is in wooing Misty, though probably not until we get to Elf Academy 4 which is being written even as I write this review. Thanks for reviewing, Dreamflower.
Dreamflower · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 77: Gareth Receives an Education
Valandur is a very good teacher; I'm sure that Gareth will find he's learning quickly under that wise and observant Elf's tutelage. I find myself increasingly curious about the backstory of G&G's parents...
Author's reply
I really like Valandur a lot. He's fun to write and he's a great OC. We'll meet the parents soon enough, I promise, and we'll learn a little bit about them and their history. Thanks for the review, Dreamflower. I appreciate it.
Dreamflower · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 76: Decisions
Oh dear! What a lot to spring on poor "young" Gareth all at once. I love Glorfindel and Daeron blithely making marriage plans right over the top of both Finrod's and Gareth's objections, LOL! Finrod's objections may seem a bit harsh and hypocritical, given his earlier conversation with Gareth. But the poor guy is in the unenviable position of in loco parentis with Nell (even if she is of age). And I get a hint that he is a little bit afraid of his sister. TBH, I don't really see Galadriel objecting as much as he thinks she will. After all, she is the one who gave a push to Aragorn's courtship of Arwen, dressing him up and sending him off to meet her at Cerin Amroth. That was a match of her beloved only granddaughter with a Mortal! I believe her foresight enabled her to know that the marriage was Eru's will, and it would not surprise me if even now, even with her in Valinor and Nielluin in M-e that she already knows and has accepted what's just happened. But Finrod can't know that!
Author's reply
To be honest, I don't see Galadriel objecting all that much either, Dreamflower. Celeborn might have something to say about it with Nell as his "little girl" but even he won't get in the way of what is basically a fait acoompli as far as the Elves (and Atar) are concerned. But, yes, Finrod is in the unenviable position of having to explain all this to Nell's parents. And any sane person would be a little bit afraid of the Lady of the Golden Wood and Finrod's no fool. LOL! At any rate, I'm sure Gareth will survive. And it was fun to show Glorfindel as the mature one instead of Finrod for a change. LOL! Thanks for commenting. It's appreciated.