Reviews (2,009)

Oh, wow! I wasn't expecting this. I thought maybe it would have been a conversation between Manwe and Atar about how things were going in Wiseman and not between Alex and Dad! Some how it brings Dad onto a more personal level. Er,hm, back to business. Dad was right, it all comes down to learning to trust again, I think Alex lack of faith in his fellow being can be traced back to his betrayal by Junior. That really hurt on so many levels, that and Ryan's death. There is a difference between killing in self defense and murder, maybe a fine line but there is a difference. I was more than a little shocked to realize that Artemus had really drowned those two men, did he mention it in his report, I wonder? He really needs to tell some one, even if it is his bed post, very good listeners bed posts. I would love to be a fly on the wall when Namo and Ratty have their little chat! Joins Rikki at the Cliff House, brings cold cuts and French bread and butter to add to veggies. Starts dusting. Have a very pleasant week end. Huggs, Lynda

Your chapters with Atar are always beautiful and this is no exception. I love how you "updated" the language and appearances; it was a great surprise and even poignant. I completely agree with the point made here. Burning bushes went out of style a while back, and Atar seems to prefer meeting people where they are, I think. The little details here and there, like the flame on Alex's shirt, add tremendous depth to the story. You manage to fit a lot into not a lot of space. It's almost lyrical in a way. Atar's comment about little Alex's smartass Popeye quip tickled me. Of course He would bring up the embarrassing things Alex did when he was a kid, just as a parent would to tease their son. That was so sweet in a way (but perhaps also to convince Alex of the truth of just who he was talking to?) For me, at least, this was a totally unexpected change in tone and pace. "Interlude" is the perfect name for it. I showed up expecting ongoing action and adventure in this chapter and instead ended up wanting to drag a blanket into that garden and stay there a while. The timing was wonderful and completely caught me off guard, and I'm so glad it did. Maybe this will be a turning point for Alex's decisions in working with the Elves (such as actually deciding to work *with them*), but given some of the comments I have a feeling nobody's out of the woods just yet. I do wonder if Alex and Glorfindel might have a little chat about this, depending on how much Alex remembers of it. Er, about his meeting with Someone, not about Alex's running off alone - though I am sure that's going to be a discussion as well, as rikki said. I hadn't realized Farrell would have gone all the way down with Alex. Was he so desperate to kill Alex that he didn't care if he died, too? That's kind of sad, besides evil and scary. Though I suppose "dead" depends on your definition, as Dad points out. I think the next chapter will carry more weight with it, after having read this one. It's a reminder of the consequences of all this. Thanks, Fiondil, this was a nice thing to wake up to on a gloomy Friday morning when I was in an equally gloomy mood. And I promise I will email you about that other thing when I can get my thoughts more organized on it, I would enjoy talking about it, too. At the moment it's a bit like having a loose tooth; it's going to come out at some point, but not till I've poked at it with my tongue for a while, if that makes sense! Take care and have a great weekend, hopefully far away from any monsters in lakes. -Kevana -UTFrog: I got what you meant, I'm sure others will too. :)

This was a great chapter with lots of humor among the not so humorous. The talk between Alex and Atar had me chuckling in places with Alex's near death experience especially his complaint he hasn't seen the tunnel yet and Atar's retort he gets tired of the sme old same old. Atar has really laid Alex's problems and choices on the line. Now it is up to him to correct his mistakes before it gets to the third time. I love in your stories that you incorporate the smellof various herbs and fruit to identify the different Valar and Atar. That would be very refreshing in a world that is so polluted nowadays. And if I was paying better attention I could identify the diety by smell alone, LOL! Though Alex has to face an angry Glorfindel, I feel that they will talk it out, once Glorfindel gets over his fright of Alex heading to the tarn without backup. Thank goodness Finlay will be there to protect Alex. Have a wonderful weekend. Now you have saved various people's fingernails and teeth, I think we can live until Monday for Alex's rescue. I will vacuum the Cliff House and bring fresh fruits and veggies from the Farmers Market. Ah, the freshness of summer.

Rereading my review of just a few minutes ago, I think it sounds snarky, which was not at all what I intended. This is a fabulous chapter drama and wit combined. What I was trying to say is that I enjoyed your version of God as a humorous, likable and still all powerful being. Children do come up with fantastic truths, funny though they may be. Anyway, Fiondil and readers, please try to understand what I meant, not what I said.

What a chapter!!! I did guess that the garden was the one in Spain. Loved all the interaction with Atar and Alex. Somehow I feel the "I am what I am" story came from someone very close to you. Children do come up with profound religious observations. "Is Mother Nature God's wife? is a favorite of mine. Great job. Thank you.

A strange thought occurred to me while reading this; really left field I know. But did not Alex ever get to Mt Horace as an Elf Guide? or did the Academy manage to pull strings? The light moment with Orome - seriously! Did you see the same Nerdist articles I did? http://www.nerdist.com/tag/the-silmarillion/ One had a referral to an artist whom I have seen around. http://varda-starqueen.deviantart.com/art/orome-87279015 There's the Orome I saw then read this chapter and practically spit my tea. XD Anyway, this chapter, *whew* Now THIS is what I call a cliff hanger! You've got Edward threatening to shoot (sans bullets, loved that!) and Glorfi giving the hapless mortal the Evil Eye. Honestly, the karma points are adding up here. haha But the confrontation between Farrell and Alex (sans Felicity, now how did I guess that one?) was really tense, both because of the proximity of the Tarn and Farrell. What struck me more I think was Farrell and his reactions and words. When one is acting for "another force" or is possessed, one sounds Just Like Farrell! His friends indeed. I almost hate to have to wait until Friday but at least I'm back online and working on a review for another of your stories. Luckily I found my notes. LOL Be well. I'll leave fresh tea, scones and Worry Beads before I go.

My, talk about cliffs! And as always lately, the worst cliffs seem to come on mondays (Yes, I know it's all written before and not intend, but something must be at work here! ) Glorfindel is not in a good mood, first low on fuel (I take it this would be a moment where he would miss having a horse instead), then there is the Oromë-caribou on the road. It was quite a funny sequence seeing all the other thinking Glorfindel was loosing it, and Finrod seems to be picking up an interesting choice of words. Now for the real question, would the van be Oromë-proof, or Oromë be van-proof? But Oromë message is more worrying than a caribou on the road. And why do I have the feeling he's not the only of the Powers who is into this? I really wonder what is the reason why the time they arrive is so important the Valar need to interfere with it. I have an idea, but we'll see how things will go. Glorfindel in any way, is not happy about the whole thing. This leads me to something I noticed in the last streak of chapters, Glorfindel seems quite protective about Alex (and the alter one isn't too keen on it). Seeing how Alex is of Aragorn's line (or rather Arwen's line is where I'm going at) could it be Glorfindel feels his oaths (to Eärendil, and ultimately to Turgon) would still apply to protection Alex as well? I would not put that past him. And speaking of Alex, is his journey to Winterdark Tarn the event foreshadowed in the poems he had to analyze. I feel sorry for the poor Mortal at the ticket service, I think they'll have to explain the whole situation and apologize to him later on, guy's only doing his job and not used to something like this going on. Farrell has lost it, and it's a scary thing he's not working on his own but there's something behind it that wants to have Alex on it's side. There;s much more going on than meets the eye in the area of Wiseman, so it seems. And o my, the end! It's going to be a long week.....

Ah. As bad as I thought it might be. And worse. So, the timing had to do with them getting to the conveyance (I have no idea what the thing is -- some sort of hanging cable car?) at the same time as Findlay, perhaps? Because they certainly seem to be about to arrive belated, all things considered. Poor Alex. This should get interesting. (Wait a minute. It's already gripping. Never mind.) Need to go brew another pot of coffee. I seem to have drunk it all up already.

Argh! Someone really, really wants Alex dead, enough to take what is left of Farrell as well. I still wish to know who it is, of course. Sorry for the funicular operator, but loved seeing this glimpse of Orome, of course. Yes, gotta arrive precisely on time and no sooner or later!

Oh, hell. You gave me a good goosebumps-shiver on that last line. Augh! Lots of things start to slowly become a little more clear. As serious a chapter as this is, I can't help but laugh at Oromë and his magic invisible caribou routine. I was wondering if Glorfindel had taken a few too many pain meds before setting out, up until the reveal of what was going on. Yes, run over the ten-foot-tall Vala! Try explaining that one to your insurance company. Huh, does vehicular damage from a Vala count as an act of God? Maybe there is something to the Elves' appreciation for horses. They're a lot slower, but at least they don't run out of gas. I think that poor lift operator could use some hot cocoa and a vacation. I'm starting to wonder if Farrell actually has Felicity or if she just happened to be out sick and he took advantage of it. :P I guess it was too much to hope for that if he had her, she'd be conveniently tied to a tree for the Elves to rescue. Hurry, hurry, hurry! (Elves and Friday both!) -Kevana

Hm, I see the Master Manipulator is at work again, obviously the gas fill up did not take long enough, so he sent Orome to hold them up for a few more minutes. I think if some one shoved a gun in my face I would be shaking so badly I wouldn't be able to do anything, let alone ask for a ticket! So now the Creature from the Black Lagoon, oops, sorry, wrong story, er, hm, so now the Creature From Winter Dark Tarn has them where it wants them, in its icy waters with no sign of their going in. I have a feeling Alex will be having a been there, done that moment with Namo, who is going to be one busy Vala in a few minutes. He has my sympathy having to deal with Ratty! Let's hope the rescuers get there in time to pull Alex out and if some one accidentally happens to push Ratty under I don't think any body will be too unhappy!(Yes, I am evil!) I do believe Ratty is more than a little insane and I truly want to know who his 'friends' are, probably the same ones who attacked Artemus in Spain. I'm with Finley, just because I am married doesn't mean I am blind and there are some gorgeous specimens of both persuasions out there! Heads off to the Cliff House with some hard cider and lots of nibbles, brings emery board for Sunny. Waiting with baited breath for Friday, good one O'Cliffee King. Huggs, Lynda

Scary ending there. Very scary with the ice reforming over them. So how come Orome is not wearing a duster? I hear they are all the rage among the Valar...Instead he is dressed like Robin Hood but without the hat. What a fashion faux pas in Wiseman! I think the light of "Mandos" in Glorfindel's eyes is a warning of the next and last light his enemy will see.

Alex's time-traveling flashback reminded me of those berserker legends, too. Lots of ferocity, but also not noticing injuries and such until you've nearly dropped dead of blood loss - as dangerous to yourself as you are to others! Sadly a statement that could apply to Alex in general, I think. That Alex doesn't tell the whole story here makes his unconscious motivations for "rescuing" Finrod even more interesting. (And Ron continues to be his wonderfully wise self.) I rather hope Bregdal and Ron will get to reunite and that Alex might meet the guy at some point. Maybe it would help settle those puzzle pieces into place. If every Elf tracker/hunter is out there looking for Farrell and not finding him, it's a natural conclusion at this point that he has some help from above...er, below, rather...in what he's doing. There's just no way he could be *that* good. The question is, exactly who or what is helping him? Spooky. -Kevana

Something I've started noticing across all of Tolkien's works is that the Mortals portrayed as the strongest protagonists are always the ones who measured up best to the Elves' yardstick, and we see that attitude here in Finrod's comments too. I make note of it here because you carry the Elves' attitudes through so well in your characterization, from the grand gestures right down to these casual comments. To me it's one of the things that makes the EA series work in translating these characters into the modern age. On the grander scale of things it makes me ponder the questions: what impact does it have on both races when Elves set themselves and their abilities as the highest achievable bar for Mortals (or unachievable, truly), and when Mortals get into the mindset that they *ought* to strive to be like Elves? Clearly Mortals learned a lot and grew greatly from their interactions with Elves and I'm sure Tolkien meant for there to be a less concrete and more spiritual aspect of it too, but it does make me wonder what each race might lose in the bargain of that kind of expectation and assumption. We have seen Alex and Derek in particular challenge that mindset in very interesting ways. I believe Manwë sort of touched on this in an earlier chapter, about each one's different abilities being needed. I hope in your EA 'verse, they are each able to find strength in themselves and each other and be proper allies. I think I see progress toward that here and there, it's great character development. This was something I had been thinking about recently and smiled at seeing in this chapter. Your Elves are simply wonderful and so true to Tolkien's schema despite being in a totally different setting. The lovely, arrogant, terrifying rascals. *grin* As to the nuclear weapons, etc. conversation, I have wondered that myself! But then I did recall that bladed weapons are best for dealing with zombies. You don't run out of ammo and make very little noise. So perhaps they are onto something here, LOL! Alex's ... "flashback"? I guess you could call it? ... was very intense. I had completely forgotten about his connection to Bregdal. Somehow I don't think Elladan, at least, will be forgetting it any time soon! -Kevana

It isn't always the way, you got an emergency and the gas tank is low. I have done that any number of times. Telling myself I won't do it again, but I do. Glorfindel is about ready to run down anything in his path including Lord Orome. I wonder how the timing is so important since Alex is ahead of them by some time. Oh, and I love Finlay's handling of the situation! He reminds me of some of the old time tv shows when the good guy would be going to the rescue and run into a problem and get through in the nick of time with some unexpected twist. He is such a good soul here, Alex should be very grateful that he is there. And you don't know what I said when I read the last paragraph to this chapter. But it is the one word that most airline pilots say when their plane in going down. The lunacy of Farrell is bad enough but to be backed up to that oily evil in the tarn is enough to make one lose their lunch. And when the ice reforms over the place they fell into the tarn made me shiver in dread. Quite the effect that you were writing for, eh? Drama, tension, a last minute attempt at rescue, a breath stopping attack and one very evil cliffie. Now I am going to be sitting here until Friday waiting anxiously for the next part of the adventure. I think the Cliff House is going to be very busy this week. Have a good week Fiondil.

I must say, Fiondil, you are very bad for my fingernails! And after this chapter I definitely need something a lot stronger than tea, just to see me through the waiting for the next chapter! *pours hefty shot of whiskey into a glass* Alex, Alex, Alex. Running off half cocked as you do here never is a good idea. And you certainy prove it here! I know that you're some fries short of a happy meal these days, but that means you really ought to stop and think before acting. And what about all your protestations that Felicity is NOT your girlfriend? I certainly wouldn't have guessed that, based on your behavior here! I see the Valar (with Oromë as their representative) are stirring the stew again. I wonder if they see Wiseman as sort of their embassy in the Mortal world, since they are popping in so often? Oh dear, Glorfindel, that was bad of you, scaring the nice Mortal like that, when he was only doing his job! I hope you make nice afterwards and give him a proper apology! So just who is the "us" Farrell is talking about, that he is so intent on recruiting Alex? And the way Farrell is talking, I'm getting some definite reminders of a certain confrontation at Orthanc. There is no doubt that there will be a big crowd at the Cliff House this week! *puts plates of fresh-baked cookies on the table*

I knew that awful tarn would be crucial. This is a terrific cliffhanger. Certainly one of your worst. Since you enjoy playing with us, your triumph is complete. Wonderful chapter. You even managed humor in with the tension. Not too shocked that Farrell is truly insane. Who knows how long the other has controlled him and others in the agency. I am waiting impatiently for Friday. Great, great chapter. A variety of beverages are on their way to the cliff house.

That last sentence there gave me the shivers. Farrell really is getting help, but then it seems Alex and the Elves have help too, and the presence of the Lord of the Hunt is a reminder. And I do hope having Finlay in the last part is just a typo. Surely he couldn't have been there at that time, the Elves should have gotten there first, and he has seemed to be on Alex's side all this time... But I enjoyed it, and I can't wait for Friday, and for the Elves to come in and save the day, and maybe a Maia or three too...or even a few Valar. Looking forward to the next chapter...

Yikes! Maybe what ever it is that wants Alex will allow both of them to live long enough for the heroes to get there and save them? And yes I agree Farrell is insane. Although I did get a bit confused when I saw Finlay in there. I am guessing it was a typo as Finlay is with the elves loping along in the snow...well not real close to them but in hot pursuit. Farrell seems to be tainted. Could he be a descendant of one of the nazguls? :D Can't wait for Friday to get here:)

Well, Alex dear, chocolate is often considered to be an aphrodisiac, and while that may not be accurate, the stuff certainly contains an interesting array of amino acids, and it _is_ a stimulant. Hm. Wonder if chocolate is made in Aman? If not, I'm sure the ellyth will love this product of the Mortal world. And if the ellyn are very good, perhaps the ellyth might be talked into sharing. ;-)

Hooo-kay. Things are really moving now. The foreshadowing in an earlier chapter ("Don't go to the Tarn alone" comes to fruition as Alex goes to the Tarn... alone. Is Felicity even there? (Reader juggles two images in brain for a moment -- the high drama of Felicity, conscious or unconscious, at the showdown, dangled as bait, versus the sinister-but-subtle ploy of an unknowing Felicity having been got out of the way, or having circumstances that got her out of the way naturally (a family emergency, say) and someone taking advantage (like substituting the Valentine for a note she might have left Alex).) Alex possessed (as one reviewer said)? Don't know about that, but Farrell certainly seems possessed, or at the very least, guided by dark forces. (As seems to be the case with that higher-up at the Agency, I forget her name, not Alex's boss, but the one who ordered Finlay and his cohorts into the picture, IIRC.) He may be a puppet, or he may not even be involved. One thought I had was that he is cold in his grave, after being broken out of custody, in order to have his name used as a distraction. However, I get the distinct notion that no, there's a showdown coming, and Farrell's involved. Is he bait, as well? Lots of bait flying around. Someone's fishing for big fish. Aiming for Glorfindel, perhaps? Finrod? Some of the other Big Names among the Elves, along with Elessar's heir? (Did I get that right -- that Alex is descended from Aragorn and Arwen? Seriously short on sleep this morning, and thought processes are murky.) And now I'm wondering if Sakari ought to be there, too. After all, her father's a shaman, right? She recognized the Elves (and Maia?) for what they are. She might have picked up a few things from good old Dad in past years, and might actually be better able to cope than her husband, if supernatural things are about to rear their (ugly or not so ugly) heads. Oh, my. I just had a Happy Thought. (Pardon my inner chortle.) I am remembering Glorfindel as he appeared when the Black Riders tried to cross the Ford to get to Frodo, Frodo's glimpse of his wrath and glory... A little bit of me is hopeful that we'll get to see this side of him unveiled at the Tarn. Pretty please? (I know, the chapter was written and posted months or at least weeks ago, and is simply awaiting unveiling. But what a fun thing to contemplate!) Brewing another pot of really good, strong coffee (it is truly an art form, here in the land where Starbucks sprang forth -- people are obsessed with coffee), and contemplating bringing to share around the Cliff House some of the lovely almond flour shortbread one of the not-so-wee-anymore hobbits baked up for our gluten-free friends.

Woa! This was some chapter. After all the analyzing and more quiet chapters we are bang back in action. The end of Alex' nightmare was harrowing, only Maia could pull that rising from the dead off. Were they already around at that time? Or was this just the way the nightmare went with Alex' more recent experiences thrown in? Alex is really not thinking straight. He should know better than to hare off like this without checking if Felicity is really gone. I like Finlay's reaction. Luckily, he at least didn't lose his mind. Farrell, although I begin to doubt that it is him or he has help from some Maia, knows exactly how to push Alex' buttons. Showdown at Winterdark Tarn... I just hope Glorfindel and the rest are arriving on time and that Felicity is well. This sounds like a trap. But what would the enemy gain if they draw most of the elves away and attack the rest of the crew in Edhelhond? I guess I will have to wait until Monday to find out... With my schedule I will probably have to wait until the weekend. Goes to join the rest of the crew in the cliffhouse. I'll bring some ice cream.

Another Poor Alex chapter. The mind is a curious thing. You never know what connections are made and Alex surely has a lot of baggage on his own without racial memory. If this all gets mixed up... I don't want to know what this can do to your mind. That story in Spain sounds harrowing and there is more that Alex isn't telling, for now. At least that incident sounded like self-defense and not premeditated, but still. In light of what we know so far, he went down the road to the dark side from there on. The scream at the end sounds ominous. Luckily, I don't have to wait. The next chapter is already in my inbox.

Ahh the Hallmark Holiday. A wonderful angsty chapter with me shouting Hooray! for Edward and WTF with Glorfindel's "aint" usage. My Mum and I would hit him with a whiffle bat! LOL There are some devious happenings here and poor Alex's nearly psychotic episode and dream are not helping. And he KNOWS better than to head to the Tarn; he phoned No One and it seems to me that some really dark beings are gathering around Wiseman. *sighs* Why does it feel like this is only going to get much, much worse before it even begins to even out, never mind get better? I'm back to read, remark and find my notes for EA2 someplace LOL Thanks for the edgy chapter. I'll bring Earl Grey and Wasa Crispbreads next time along with some killer cheeses. Ja ne!

Cues Twilight Zone music: Doo doo, doo doo, doo doo, doo doo. I have questions, lots of questions:- One. Is Alex' dream, nightmare, day mare, what ever, just that, a dream or is it what actually happened, because if those bodies did disappear then we are in a load of trouble. Bodies just don't disappear like that and why those two and not the one killed accidentally? Two. Why do I get the feeling that even then events were conspiring to turn Artemus away from the light and force him into the darker aspects of his profession. Just what did Junior have to do with Artemus attempted kid napping, did he set it up? It sounds very much like he did, also just how soon after this did Artemus have to try to retrieve Junior? Three. Some body has to be feeding Ratty information about Artemus/Alex since I don't think it is common knowledge that he died at Winter Dark Tarn, was it Ratty who took Felicity or was it some one else who wants Alex and the Elves to believe it is him? Could Ratty already be pushing up daisies some where? I am a little concerned that Glorfindel and Company are rushing into this with out a lot of thought, it seems a bit Show Down at the O.K. Corral to me, but then Ratty strikes me as a bit of a grand stander. Alex is right, he needs help, lots and lots of help! Well that's all I can think of at the moment, more will probably come to mind, checks out security at Cliff House, makes sure all locks and window catches are working properly, packs Huggy Blanket and trims nails.(If they are already short will not be able to bite them!) Buckles up and hangs on tight, ready for wild ride! Have a good weekend o' Cliffy King! Huggs, Lynda