Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within by Fiondil
Ellie · 29 September 2014 · Chapter 79: A Change of Plans
Awesome ending. I would hope that the whole chapter was not written just to lead up to that remark by Elladan at the end. LOL!
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Actually the whole chapter with the dates and days was serendipitous. When I saw the calendar and realized the significance of things, I just knew this chapter had to be written as it was. Glad you thought the ending awesome. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Eruherdiriel · 29 September 2014 · Chapter 79: A Change of Plans
I like Elladan's suggestion. They should totally go for it. Hmmmm, shifting wedding date. I think this is going to be important somehow. You're getting me all excited about the outcome now. Please, please, please write more quickly. ~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. Believe it or not Elf Academy 3 is completely written and I am presently working on Elf Academy 4. So I can't write more quickly nor will I post more often than I do. Twice a week is often enough. You'll just have to be patient. *grin* Shifting the wedding date will be important to some extent as we will eventually see. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 29 September 2014 · Chapter 79: A Change of Plans
What is that thing with not having a wedding on a Tuesday, is that some American thing? *is clueless* I can certainly understand Elrohir and Serindë not wanting their wedding to collide with important community holidays like Easter, Passover and importand football matches. But why not having it on Beltane, despite that day being a Tuesday? Autumn can also be a busy time. And it is especially so this year, becaue the garden is getting finished here - soon we'll spread the grass seeds, and hope the incipient lawn will survive the coming winter. I'm also going to buy some blackcurrant bushes (I wanted redcurrants also, but they're sold out, unfortunately), and rose bushes, and I'll also be buying a crapton of bulbs (or rather a crapton MORE of the things, but I'll be wanting more. HUGE garden!)) So the babies aren't giving Nimrodel grief (yet) but Amroth is. Rather amusing that Nimrodel jokingly encouraged them to start kicking her, but it wouldn't surprise me if she starts blaming Elladan and Elrohir for giving her twins ideas when they do start doing katas. ;-) So just what is Amroth doing in the basement? If it's not super-spy stuff for Alex, I guess it has to be wonderfully artistic items for the babies, twin cradles and wonderfully carved toys. ;-) Wise of him to make a strategic retreat about getting enough sleep. If he had not, EVERYONE would have been on his case, and I think he knows it! :-D Love the Star Wars reference!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. How many people do you know who have gotten married on a Tuesday? I can't say I know any. Most people I know get married on Saturday or Sunday. Anyway, I'm sure the babies are already giving Nimrodel grief and who knows what Amroth is up to down in the basement? Della doesn't care as long as he's not hovering over her. And I couldn't resist the Star Wars reference; it was too perfect. *grin* Thanks for commenting. Good luck with your garden.
UTfrog · 29 September 2014 · Chapter 79: A Change of Plans
Yes, weddings are always complicated. Good job setting up the problem and the resolution.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the resolution to the problem, UTfrog. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Celeth · 29 September 2014 · Chapter 79: A Change of Plans
I have to admit, this puzzled me a bit. Why do they seem to think that its unthinkable to get married on a Tuesday? And apparently its only in Middle Earth, because Finrod says he, and Elves in Valinor, get married on Tuesdays. Ah, the perfect, all-knowing Glorfindel strikes again. How did he know? Don't tell me he checks everyone's calendars everyday haha. I only remember his lessons on detecting evil (and other life forms) around him in EI2. But then there were no specific details on the other lessons he had (like those under Lord Manwe) before the Valar sent him back to ME.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. While I'm sure there are people who have gotten married on a Tuesday or any other day of the week, traditionally, weddings seem to fall sometime on the weekend, which just makes sense, since most people are not working then. The Elves of Valinor have different traditions so getting married on a Tuesday would feel "normal" for them. And I think Glorfindel was just pulling Elrohir's chain with his comment about getting married on a Tuesday. As Finrod pointed out, Glorfindel would have been aware of the Valinórean tradition, knowing that Elrohir and Serindë would not. Thank for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Lindelea · 27 September 2014 · Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
At first I thought Misty might be too old for Gwyn, but she sounds very young at heart in this chapter. How ironic that both brothers had similar secrets to tell each other! I must confess, I am very curious about their parents.
Author's reply
Well, as Glorfindel once told Nicole Lord when the subject came up, after your first millennium, nobody bothers to keep count. If you're immortal, I guess it really doesn't remember what your actual age is. And Misty is young at heart, or at least, has learned to see life in that respect, which helps to keep her from fading, I suppose. At any rate, we'll see how her relationship with Gwyn progresses. Thanks for reviewing, Lindelea. I appreciate it.
obsidianj · 27 September 2014 · Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
So, Gwyn had a secret to tell as well. At least that made Gareth' story go over easier. Now, I'm really looking forward to meeting the parents. They will be in for a shock. I don't think they expected their sons to meet some elves and, voila, both find love interests. I do hope Misty and Gwyn can make a go of it. Staying alone for all the ages of Arda is not a prospect I would look forward to. Misty needs someone.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Everyone is looking forward to meeting the parents. I hope nobody is disappointed in them when they do; I find them interesting and funny myself. As for Gwyn and Misty, hopefully they'll be an item as well. It's early days yet in their relationship but I am hopeful. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj · 27 September 2014 · Chapter 77: Gareth Receives an Education
Poor Gareth. He must feel overwhelmed. Having all of the royalty of Aman as in-laws must be daunting. Luckily Valandur and Daeron can help him to navigate the sticky relationships. Finrod's comments will sting for a long time to come. No matter that he apologized. Finrod is a hero to Gareth and realizing that your hero is not perfect must hurt. It takes time to get over it.
Author's reply
I'm sure Gareth will rise to the occasion, obsidianj, once he's over the shock. Finrod's comments hurt but we all say things in the heat of the moment that we regret so I think Gareth will forgive him eventually. Finrod's later actions of acceptance should help. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Diana · 26 September 2014 · Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
Yea!!! Misty might find love again!! I'd hoped for a match between her and Glorfindel but Gwyn will do quite nicely. I cant believe that I'm a little offended by the Elves attitude towards mating with mortals. What's up with that?? We'd fall at their feet and they act like we're their retarded cousins? Well at least we'd die before they'd get tired of us. Kiss my mocha mortal butt guys!😝 In spite of it all I've really liked getting into Gareth's head these last few chapters. I think I'm liking the brothers more and more. Where've the twins from hell been btw? Thanx for writing. The Dude abides.
Author's reply
Hi Diana. Well, historically, there have been only a handful of Elf-Mortal matings and they do end rather tragically in most cases if only because one of them ends up dying in the end while the other either dies of grief or continues on. As Finrod said to Andreth, according to the Athrabeth, he could only see such a union occurring for high purposes according to Eru's plans for both races, and not for common reasons. I think Mithrellas's mating with a Mortal was a special case and their offspring remained Mortal, though long-lived in comparison to those around them. But as it is constantly pointed out, he died ages ago and has left the circles of the world never to return until possibly at the end and so marrying Gwyn would not be a betrayal. At any rate, we'll see how it goes between them. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing things from Gareth's POV these last few chapters. As for the Twins, we'll catch up with them eventually. They're busy being doctors. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 26 September 2014 · Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
It would appear that Gwyn wasn't surprised. Heh! Now, to learn if we'll meet the parents? As Mithrellas's husband died many eons ago and he was mortal, it's not as if she's playing her late husband false. And who knows? He might just have come back as an Elf this time!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. We will indeed meet the parents when they come for Roy and Sarah's wedding, but that's not going to be immediately. And while I don't believe in reincarnation, it is an intriguing idea that her husband would come back to her as an Elf, but I don't think Eru works that way, at least not in my stories. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
rikki · 26 September 2014 · Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
FYI: I noticed in reading near the end, Gareth is Skyping with Nell. When they finish you have Gwyn shutting down the computer. Don't you mean Gareth? Now on to the review. You are throwing in some spicy interactions here just before the wedding. Somehow I don't think this is going to be a nice calm quiet wedding. If nothing else if Elladan follows some mortal traditions for the bachelor party, things could get interesting. I'm glad Misty is thinking about a courtship with Gwyn. Like the brothers said, it has been umpteen years since she was married to a mortal. I remember something I think in EI1, where someone was talking about Misty not considering another marriage. It seemed like the speaker was hoping she would find someone someday. Here's hoping. And yes! Team ap Hywel is going to show the other elves they are not country bumpkins. I see a determination to excel in their learning projects. I hope that they succeed in their attempt. Hope you have a great weekend. I am on the road this weekend but had to bring my tablet so I could read this chapter.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. Thanks for pointing out the error. It's been corrected. With regards to Misty, you may be thinking of a conversation between Glorfindel and Nicole Lord in Elf Academy 2 where the subject of Misty comes up and Nicole hopes that she finds love. We'll have to see how successful Gwyn is in pressing his suit. And the ap Hywel brothers are not country bumpkins and they can certainly teach the Elves from Valinor a thing or two. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Good luck in your travels.
Eruherdiriel · 26 September 2014 · Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
Ah, spring, when a young ellon's fancy turns to love. Seriously, though, I like the idea of Misty and Gwyn. I'm not sure how he's going to court her, though. I'm glad you'll be coming up with that, not me. Why do I get the feeling that there's going to be some big revelation at the wedding? ~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. I'm glad you like the idea of Misty and Gwyn. I think they will make a cute couple. As for courting her, I'm sure he'll think of something. There are plenty of stories out there of long-distance courtships even in our own world. *grin* As for revelations, we'll just have to see. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 26 September 2014 · Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
Gareth telling Gwyn about his meeting with Nielluin went fairly well, though I had to laugh at the comment about Gareth's "sort of" marriage being like "a little pregnant". And Gwyn had a secret of his own to confess, too, I see. I do hope Gwyn (and Gareth) will be able to convince Mithrellas to make a go at marriage again, though I guess all the other Elves will be shocked down to their toenails. I'm really, really looking forward to the elder ap Hywels' arrival so that I can get a ringside seat when the boys tell them what they have been getting up to - namely, getting girlfriends. And if Mithrellas is still reluctant to make a commitment to Gwyn at that point, I'm sure Isault will be happy to help her son overcome Mithrellas' reluctance. And since Mithrellas has now been a widow for however many thousands of years, and with no prospect of her ex returning from Mandos, since he was a Mortal, it's definitely time for her to get a life of her own again. Besides, I suspect Iseult will want grandelflings from BOTH her sons! I wonder if the Wiseman Elves will be able to get the watching Maiar to share some gossip about the socia nukes that are sure to go off in Aman with all the recent news from the Mortal world? Maybe Amroth or Nimrodel could try to extract a promise about reports on the reactions of the Amanian in return for the copy of the ultrasound picture.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. While many of the Elves will no doubt be shocked if they learn that Gwyn and Misty are getting together, not all of them will be. Amroth already suspects and no doubt Della, too, and I'm sure they are rooting for them if secretly. I hope you enjoy your ringside seat when the elder ap Hywels show up and the boys have to tell them about things. And getting the Maiar to tell them about reactions in Valinor over recent events sounds like a good idea. Now all they have to do is corner one. LOL! Thanks for commenting, Sunny. I appreciate it very much.
Ellie · 26 September 2014 · Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
Delightful chapter. I pity both of the brothers. They are in their own very difficult situations. I hope that Misty comes round. Gwyn would worship her and treat her well. I pity the brothers when they tell their parents, too. That should be fun!
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Yeah, the brothers are in their own difficult situations, but I'm sure they'll rise to the occasion. Hopefully Misty will come around. She'll be good for Gwyn and he will be good for her. She's really been alone far too long. As for the parents... well, that scenario should prove interesting. Thanks for taking the time to review. I appreciate it.
Laer · 26 September 2014 · Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
Misty and Gwyn...did not see that one coming. I am starting to wonder who Gwyn and Gareth's parents are more and more. I had to go through my brain and try to remember where a lot of the elves are in this wonderful universe of yours. I am sure I am missing someone that you had talked about before. Maybe I should reread a story or two. like the The Journey Home. hmmmm. perhaps a clue that I may have missed or not, ether way it will be a good weekend read why I wait for the next update. ;)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I suspect few saw Gwyn and Misty as a possible item. Makes for a nice surprise for the readers and I'm sure they'll be anxious to see if the relationship blossoms. We'll learn what relation the ap Hywels have with any of the Elves of Valinor eventually. I'm sure the connection will not be one that any will expect. At any rate, have a fun weekend reading The Journey Home and thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
UTfrog · 26 September 2014 · Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
Love, love Gwyn and Misty. What a great idea. Skype does seem to make distance less of a burden. Thanks for a great Friday read.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Well, it was only fair that Gwyn have a love interest now that Gareth and Nell are all but betrothed. And Skype does help close the distance. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Celeth · 26 September 2014 · Chapter 78: Gareth Confesses
Oh, how I would love to hear the story of how Valinor will react to the ultrasound results. It would be just too wonderful. I remember in EI1 when Tulkas told Finrod about the reaction of the Valar to the birth of the first elfling who was born in Aman. I liked that scene a lot, especially about Manwe and Aule nearly coming to blows and "sneaky" Namo getting to hold the baby elleth first. And speaking of sneaky, Gwyn has a secret! I'm happy for the brothers that they have both found someone to love, even if Gwyn's was not as dramatic, but that's the way it is. At least Misty has not downright refused him, and I think her remark about some things being told in person seems meaningful. It would be so nice if the brothers could have a double wedding. I can't wait for Gareth's parents to come into the picture so Finrod can put his famous persuasive powers to work...
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. Well you may get your wish about that, though not necessarily in this story, more likely in Elf Academy 4. I'm sure the Valar have gotten over their giddiness at seeing their first elfling by now. *grin* Yes, hopefully Gwyn and Misty will get together. It's still too early to tell, but it would be nice if there's a double wedding for the two brothers. They both deserve some happiness. We'll see the parents in due time and we'll see just how persuasive Finrod is with them. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Vanime · 25 September 2014 · Chapter 77: Gareth Receives an Education
I am loving this story...but wondered at why Alex has yet to say that he is descended from Elros as per Atar. I also also confused and wonder at his pressing need to get things done; I get that he had to tell folks about what happened in Spain, but still, he really believes that number three is going to happen sooner than later...I didn't get that from Atar?? I didn't get the sense that Alex's days are numbered - certainly he should be aware of time, but I also feel that he is acting out of fear if he doesn't do everything right this second....then BOOM he's dead for real this time. I dunno, don't mind me...just random stream of consciousness here. Also, is there a list of names of the elves and their mortal name counterparts..sometimes I get confused and it would help me get it straight. Thanks, and as I said I am loving this story. Can't wait to see what happens next! :)
Author's reply
Hello Vanime. I don't think Alex feels that he will die soon, but certainly after his experience he knows how fragile life is and so he's not going to fool around and procrastinate the way we all do. At the same time, he probably either doesn't recall all of his conversation with Atar about his heritage or just hasn't found an opportunity to discuss it with the Elves. They already know that he is possibly a descendent of Elros anyway, that was confirmed by the Valar. What is puzzling is that he is having visions that surround Beren, Elros' great-grandfather, rather than of Elros. At the moment there is no name list though I might put one in at the end. For now, you'd best make your own list to keep track of people. Except for people like Glorfindel, Daeron and FInrod and a few others whom we see on a regular basis, I always give both the Elvish and Mortal names of the others who only appear once in a while. At any rate, I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
6336 · 23 September 2014 · Chapter 77: Gareth Receives an Education
Hay, when you are young and in lust, er, love a year can seem like eternity, Gareth can be thank full that it is not a Valian year! The Valar need Gareth and Gwyn's outlook on life, they are what the Elves were supposed to be like, friends and companions of the Second Born, if they had remained in M.E. and not scurried off back to Valinor at the first opportunity. The Valar, even though their intentions were for the best, should not have brought the Elves to Valinor in the first place, they were always intended to remain in M.E. Melkor not withstanding. I am surprised that the brother's parents did not teach them Tengwar but then if they were trying to distance them selves from the rest of the family or were afraid that they would find writings that would give them a different viewpoint of Elvish history it would explain it. Right at the moment Valandur is the best Elf for Gareth to be working with, he is a Lore Master and knows just how much information to give at a time to be absorbed and retained. I wonder just what Gareth's family will have to say when they find out! Well I finally have the Ice Princess dresses finished for the girls, we could do with some ice right about now, it is starting to warm up again here. Heads up to Cliff House, opens windows and waters the plants, checks on supplies and nibbles. Welcome back, Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I think you're right about Gwyn and Gareth. We see what the Elves could have been had they all remained in Middle-earth, friends and companions of the Secondborn, as you say, living alongside them and sharing their lives with them. Even the original Wiseman Elves hadn't done that to the same degree except perhaps Vorondur, being a psychiatrist and all. I think not teaching their children tengwar was a matter of self-preservation. For most of their history, they would've lived in oral societies where writing was the purview of a particular class, usually a religious class. Literacy was not common and there most likely were no books written in Sindarin anyway, so what would've been the point? And Valandur is indeed the best Elf for Gareth at this time for many reasons. He and Daeron actually make a good team, both being loremasters. And now you're all set for Halloween. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated. Hugs back.
Larner · 23 September 2014 · Chapter 77: Gareth Receives an Education
It is a lot of information to swallow all at once. But Gareth will handle it, even as his new "family" foresee. And learning the problems Valandur faced were greater than his own must prove helpful in accepting the waiting he now faces, which after all isn't all that long in Amanian terms, or even his own. After all, he's lived many centuries already.
Author's reply
You're very right, Larner. It is a lot of information to take in, but Gareth will have plenty of time to get used to it as will everyone else. Learning something of Valandur's trials in love should help put things in perspective for him. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Laer · 23 September 2014 · Chapter 77: Gareth Receives an Education
Valandur seems to be everyone's bff when it comes to making sense of ones life. :D Granted Valandur has had a lot of experience when it comes to going through those deep elvish royalty waters with grace. So Gareth will need to listen to him; here is hoping he does. Yes telling his brother would be the best place to start at for all of this. But something tells me Gwyn is already up on what is going on with his little brother's life. LOL I think Nell's mother will approve, once she looks into his soul and sees that he has nothing but love for her baby girl. But...well...there is that looking into ones soul thing that would freak me out if I was Gareth. Now as for her father....wellllll, no one is ever good enough for the baby daughter. Good luck on that Gareth. (I am sure that Elrond would give some sound advice on how to handle that one. LOL)
Author's reply
Yeah, Valandur is certainly that. LOL! It's a good thing, too. Gareth will need someone like him to help him steer the shoals of Amanian politics and relationships now that he's practically "one of the family". And Gwyn is an older brother. Of course he suspects something. LOL!. I'm sure Galadriel will be the easiest to convince that Gareth is right for Nell. Celeborn on the other hand.... well, we'll have to wait and see, I suppose. They have to be told first. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing, Laer. It's much appreciated.
rikki · 23 September 2014 · Chapter 77: Gareth Receives an Education
This was a great chapter with some interesting character development. Gareth has gotten a valuable lesson that includes more than just names of elves and their place in society. Now he just has to get over his awe of the older elves and see that he is just as valuable in his own way as a king. Your inclusion of the different elves beyond Glorfindel and Finrod is crucial here as Gareth doesn't seem to be as intimidated by them. Valandur will be a great mentor for Gareth as he has "been there, done that". In the meantime, Gareth has a lot of work in front of him, including bringing his brother up to speed on what has happened. I have a feeling that Gwyn knows something is up with his younger brother and has got to be wondering what is happening beyond meeting SCA potential members and setting up the group in Wiseman. Once the word is out, he will want to visit Fairbanks to meet his new sister-in-law. And even with Skype and email, the road between Fairbanks and Wiseman will be well traveled over the next year. Have a great week!
Author's reply
Hi rikki. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter and its character development. Valandur will prove a good friend for Gareth and probably even for Gwyn. They're the "young'uns" of the crew so Valandur will naturally feel protective of them and want to help them adjust to their new reality of dealing with elven royalty and the like. And I'm sure the road between Wiseman and Fairbanks will see quite a bit of traffic from now on. *grin* Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
SashaHoneypalm · 22 September 2014 · Chapter 77: Gareth Receives an Education
"“It is true that you don’t see it happening that often. I can only think of one other time in the last several millennia where it did." Was this in one of your other stories, or a (currently) Mystery Incident?
Author's reply
No, Sasha, this doesn't show up in any of my other stories. This is just something that is mentioned as a way to add depth to the characters, giving them a history beyond the borders of the story itself. And I seriously doubt I will ever write about it or provide further details as it's not germane to what is going on here. It happened at least once before in (for Elves) recent memory and that's all that we need to know.
Celeth · 22 September 2014 · Chapter 77: Gareth Receives an Education
That was a lovely lesson, and coming from a true expert, a loremaster and insider who truly knows what he is talking about. Valandur will be good for Gareth because he has had the same experience as a "commoner" marrying into royalty as well. I remember how Feanor (not that he really cared for Findis), and even King Finwe, tried to keep them apart, in In The High King's Secret Service (another of your stories I enjoyed a lot). I hope Valandur and Gareth will become close friends; there's a lot Gareth could and needs to learn from him. I hope Gareth gets over his bitterness and anger towards Finrod soon. I cannot really blame him, but things would be easier for everyone, especially Nell, if Gareth and Finrod get along well. Daeron is right, Finrod does take his duties seriously, and his guardianship of Nell is not a light matter, not least because it would have been given to him by his beloved sister and Celeborn, who, from your earlier stories, Finrod admires. Although, admittedly, Finrod could have expressed his reaction in more diplomatic terms hahaha. It seems he is learning much more from mortals than he is aware of, shooting off like that - I would never have believed it of an Elf Lord, especially a former King and the highly educated Haryon to the Noldoran. Then again, being Reborn... Gareth, please, please don't marry off Glorfindel just yet...
Author's reply
I'm sure Gareth and Valandur will become good friends. Valandur is a font of wisdom and information that young Gareth needs and he's more than willing to impart it to the younger ellon. I'm sure Gareth will get over his bitterness. It won't happen immediately but I'm sure in time he will see that he has no reason to be bitter and Finrod did at least apologize for his earlier behavior so that should count for something. As for Finrod, even the best of us can get flustered and say and do things unthinkingly in the heat and shock of the moment. Finrod is a wonderful ellon, but he'll be the first to insist that he is far from perfect or has all the answers (unlike Glorfindel *grin*). At any rate, once everyone calms down, I think they'll be friends again. Finrod is a very good ally to have on your side and Gareth knows this. Thanks for reviewing, Celeth. I appreciate it very much.
UTfrog · 22 September 2014 · Chapter 77: Gareth Receives an Education
Poor Garath did get quite a history lesson. He has plenty to learn but the same can be said of Nell. Garath has been shocked, but he needs to stop whining. Everyone will adjust in time. Hope you had a great weekend. Thanks for the chapter.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm sure Gareth will stop whining soon enough. It's just all too much for him right now but he's good at adapting to new situations and this really is a pleasant if unexpected situation for him. And everyone will indeed adjust in time. I had a great weekend. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.