MikoNoNyte
· 25 July 2014
· Chapter 60: Saturday Evening
Most readers have remarked about Alex's "Non-date" so I won't do so here. The concert however had my radar flashing! haha
Wagner! One of my long beloved composers, and here we have, as you noted, the Valar entering Valinor. But wait! The Magic Fire that is the love between Beren and Luthien and her subsequent mortality! Well played!
The Fall of the Gods however: how can I not think that this is a message and not necessarily one from the Powers that Be so much as the Powers that WANT to be. the message is too clear: you will all fall, you will all fail.
And as for Glorfindel on his throne... um, haha, a bit of Odin in there? or perhaps Loki pulling a trick.
Either way, lovely chapter; I had to re-read while listening to Wagner just to get the feel of it all.
Thank you for a wonderful chapter Fiondil, and sorry I've been silent; my computer died and I'm working on getting another.
Bon chance!
Author's reply
Hi MikoNoNyte. I love Wagner too and have been fortunate enough to see a couple of his operas live. The Beren and Lúthien motif for the Magic Fire music is one that I hadn't really thought about but it certainly fits. As for the ultimate message: well, we'll just have to see about that, won't we?
Sorry to hear about your computer. It always sucks when that happens. I hope your next computer treats you better *grin*. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 25 July 2014
· Chapter 60: Saturday Evening
Clearly Alex and Felicity had a nice date, despite the nervousness of Farrell potentially lurking in the shadows. So maybe the two of them will end up together, and give Alex' mom little Dúnedain grandchildren. If you do decide to work on their relationship, despite the Romance cooties, hopefully we'll see more than the two of them saying hi in the mornings a few times before heading to the respecive classrooms, and a wedding in the Epilogue. (And if you do it that way, I'll feel very slighted, and probably Felicity will too!)
Hm. Wagner. I can't say I care much for his music, it' so very overwrought. And best enjoyed in very small dosages!
So is Alex going to have another confrontation with Glorfindel? And what is Glorfindel doing out on his own anyway? I'm sure his healers are going to be unhappy with him, so I guess he might get a talking-to as well.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I promise there will no wedding in the Epilogue. There isn't even an Epilogue. *grin* Wagner isn't for everyone but I've always enjoyed his music for their mythic dimensions.
We'll see what kind of confrontation Alex and Glorfindel get into, if any, and why Glorfindel is there in the first place in the next chapter.
Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Ellie
· 25 July 2014
· Chapter 60: Saturday Evening
Okay so one who is even distantly part maia and thinks there is a message in something should know by now that there probably is even if it is cryptic. LOL
It was a nice date even if they were followed and checked up on. Love Glorfy sitting there waiting inside. I'm glad that Alex listened to his spidy sense and went to see if he could find the something wrong in such as a way as to not endanger Felicity. I hope Alex and Felicity stay together. She is good for him.
Author's reply
Only thing, Ellie, Alex is too new to the idea of being even distantly part Maia and Elf to remember that. And it was a nice date and at least Alex didn't feel completely as if he was under watch all the time. I hope Alex and Felicity stay together, too. They make a lovely couple. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
rikki
· 25 July 2014
· Chapter 60: Saturday Evening
Daeron is a resourceful elf, he and the other elves did a good job of getting Alex to agree to go on his non-date with Felicity. That Glofindel is going to be more devious about watching Alex is a good thing. On another note, one on one dates are really more of a modern thing. Beyond the societies which prearrange marriages, most get togethers for unmarried couples of any age were group oriented parties where there was not the single one on one meeting. At least you weren't stuck with coming up with a headache to go home from a awful date.
Felicity seems to be like a lot of people in Wiseman, eg the priest, who have come to live here because of situations that have pretty much exiled them there. Felecity seems though not to have gotten to the accepting stage, though she accepts that she is there, she has not accepted her situation. Hope we learn more of her story at some time.
It seems that Felicity and Alex's date went well. Having Finlay and Sakari there as red herrings meant Alex might not see the elves who were there. And the concert was interesting in the selections. Wagner is not easy to play and the apparent expertise of the orchestra made it more enjoyable. Active Spidey senses can be a good or a bad thing. Is it the music or is it the good watchers or is it Farrell? Now the next cliffee. Glorfindel being there may be what Alex needs to go hunting Farrell. It is a short wait on this one, but I think I will join Lynda at the Cliff House. Chili sounds good and I can bring ingredients for cornbread. Have a good weekend.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. Yes, Daeron is very resourceful and is basically Glorfindel's right-hand Elf. One-on-one dating is a fairly recent phenomenon. Even in the last century it wasn't uncommon for young singles to meet at church socials and such to find prospective mates.
Felicity does have a story to tell but so far she's only hinted at what drove her to Wiseman in the first place. She's probably new enough to the town that she's not completely accepted the situation. That may take a little time and maybe with Alex being interested in her, she will settle down to her new life.
We'll see how things go with Alex and Glorfindel in the next chapter.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 25 July 2014
· Chapter 60: Saturday Evening
Well that was a very pleasant evening, even if it looks as if 'some one' was influencing the choice of program!
Now, just what is our Glorfi up to, or is he?
I know, I know, wait until Monday!
Packs bag for weekend at the Cliff House, loads op on Chili ingredients, might as well make dinner one night.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. It was a pleasant evening, whether anyone influenced the choice of program or not and in spite of Alex's sense of unease. As for Glorfi, we'll find out soon enough. Enjoy the weekend and thanks for leaving a review. It's appreciated. Hugs back.
Eruherdiriel
· 25 July 2014
· Chapter 60: Saturday Evening
"Sitting in a chair was Glorfindel." I think someone's about to get an earful...
I enjoyed getting to know Felicity a little more. I have to agree with the elves that dating is a rather messy way of getting to know someone.
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
We'll find out how much of an earful soon enough, Eruherdiriel. Felicity is an interesting character and hopefully we'll learn more about her, though not necessarily in this story. And dating is indeed a rather messy way of going about things, but there you are. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
UTfrog
· 25 July 2014
· Chapter 60: Saturday Evening
So Alex learned to scream in the woods as do certain elves. Good for him. Loved the discussion of dating and the confusion of the Valinor elves. Someone better have a long talk with the Three Amigos and Nell. I think they will quickly learn to prefer this culture. Glad the Findlay's were having a nice evening. Good chapter. Thanks.
Author's reply
Dating is a weird concept if you think about it, especially for people whose culture does not have such a mating ritual. It leaves too much to chance. I imagine the Three Amigos and Nell would enjoy dating, though. Another form of freedom for them. Thanks for reviewing, UTfrog. I appreciate it.
Anonymous
· 24 July 2014
· Chapter 54: The Next Morning
Hello, I'm the girl who corrected your French.
I'm sorry if you felt that I was behaving like a coward if I didn't leave a name because it wasn't my intention. I'm not registred on this site and I don't know if by leaving my e-mail address it would be seen everyone or just the author. This also the first story I have ever reviewed and so, maybe I'm a little clumsy (I'm sorry if that's the case). Would simply leaving my first name help ? Also, I don't mind your comment, I just don't appreciate being called a coward. Please, say what you want a little more gently next time.
French is my first language, so excuse me if there are mistakes,
Thanks,
Ora
Author's reply
Hi Ora. I apologize for anything I said that was less than kind. Unfortunately, I've had too many anonymous reviews that were less than kind themselves, written by people who were too cowardly to sign their names.
At any rate, your email address is never shown and if you look at other people's reviews you will see that that is so. You can just type in your name where it says "Name (penname)" without adding your email address.
And your English is way better than my French will ever be.
Anonymous
· 24 July 2014
· Chapter 54: The Next Morning
Another great chapter !
I just wanted to tell you that "He is deeply asleep" is translated "Il est profondément endormi"
Good bye !
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for the correction. French is not a language I know very well. Why do you feel you need to be anonymous? I really don't care for reviewers who are too cowardly to leave their names.
Look I want to ask a question but it's not based on this story, Why is Namo wearing warrior braids??
Author's reply
And I think you're the first person to even ask, Amna. The answer lies in the past, specifically in my story "The Wars of the Valar" where we see Námo as a warrior. He adopted the warrior braids for himself, but whether before or after the Sindar came up with the idea, I have no idea. I suspect he adopted them before the Elves did, a testament of his ability to see further into Arda's history than anyone else save perhaps Manwë. At any rate, I hope that satisfies your curiosity. Thanks for asking. I'm sure other readers have wondered as well but never thought to ask.
Lady Edlyn
· 23 July 2014
· Chapter 59: Saturday Morning
Hi, meldonya! I have a week before my next exam so I took the time this morning to get all caught up on my reading. You picked the perfect place to end the chapter in my opinion. I'm one of those crazy people who like cliffies because then I can let my imagination run wild with guesses about what happened or will happen next. I guess that the scream was Alec: a) Just letting out all his frustrations before giving in to sending certain Elves to Mandos; b) falling victim to a practical joke set up by one of the Reborn; or c) finding an ugly reminder of something or someone else from his past with the Agency. I'm sure more I'll come up with more ideas when I re-read the chapter later today.
Speaking of cliffies,I was browsing house plans and found a picture of what I think the Cliff House looks like: http://www.architecturaldesigns.com/vacation-home-plan-15662ge.asp. I think we would need to add extra bedrooms though, given the number of inhabitants that tends to congregate there. I've donated a crate of HobNob Chardonnay and a dozen loaves of homemade bread to the pantry.
I hope that you are well and having a good summer. Thanks so much for sharing your stories with us. The world is a better place with Elves in it.
Hugs,
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. Glad to hear you're all caught up with this story. I thought it was a good place to stop and I agree that cliffies do let you try to guess what might happen next. I rather like option A in your list. I'm sure Alex would love to send a whole lot of Elves to Mandos with his regards to Lord Námo at this point. LOL! We'll see just what set him off screaming in the next chapter and how things are resolved to everyone's satisfaction (or not).
Love the house. It's real cool and I love that kind of architecture. Thanks for sharing.
My summer is going okay. I hope you are having a good summer, as well. Good luck with your exam. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 21 July 2014
· Chapter 59: Saturday Morning
And what did he find in the woods, we wonders? Alas, Alex--life for you is so blasted complicated!
Author's reply
We'll find out in the next chapter, Larner. And yes, Alex's life if very complicated, but then, that could be said of many. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Laer
· 21 July 2014
· Chapter 59: Saturday Morning
Alex needs to tell people BEFORE he runs outside to scream about the trials of his life ;) At least that is what I think is going on. LOL
Sounds like Dave's police force are finding the rotten mean people that hurt Loren. Good job guys! Still waiting for my piece of cake tho. Maybe they can find out what happened to it for me? ;)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Well, sometimes it's just not possible to explain things except by screaming. *grin* And Dave's police force are on the ball. We'll be seeing more of this later. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 21 July 2014
· Chapter 59: Saturday Morning
Ah, but if I remember correctly we will be in there fighting anyway, or at the very least cheering Idril's husband on, (can't remember his name, sorry.)
Makes way up to Cliff House carefully carrying Banana bread and my Field Guide to Eadable Plants, might as well get some research in, just in case.
More Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Idril's husband is Tuor. I prefer cheering from the sidelines rather than being in the middle of the mess. But it will be as Eru wills, I guess. Research is good. *grin* More hugs back, Lynda.
Eruherdiriel
· 21 July 2014
· Chapter 59: Saturday Morning
Another cliffy? Really? They're getting rather annoying by now.
Who screamed?
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
I'm sorry you find the cliffhangers annoying, Eruherdiriel, but given the nature of the storyline, they are bound to occur every once in a while and it has actually been some time since we've had a major cliffy. As for who screamed, a little thought, I think, will show you that it most likely has to be Alex given what occurred just before. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 21 July 2014
· Chapter 59: Saturday Morning
Whoops, looks like Alex is getting the Elf Secret Service treatment - guarded at all times, even the times you don't want guarding. Elves don't mess around with their protection duties once they've been offered, do they? It's sad how Glorfindel and Alex both want the same thing but end up butting heads out of frustration. I'm sure Glorfindel doesn't want to hold Alex back from living his life, and I'm sure Alex doesn't want to put Felicity (or those kids in the orchestra) in danger. I think perhaps they can find a solution if they chill out a bit.
Sakari and Finlay must be out of sorts after seeing that. Maybe Finlay could offer some advice on how to make the not-a-date-date safer, being an agent himself.
Well look at that, Dave's officers are getting stuff done! Go, Wiseman Police Department. Interesting to see who these folks are that jumped Glorfindel, if he can identify them, that is. Any step closer to getting Glorfindel's ring back is a step in the right direction.
Getting the history department involved sounds like a good plan. Also, it was nice to see Shane and Jud back again, even briefly. You're working with such a huge cast that it must be hard to give everybody screen time, but I feel a little attached to that first group of folks who were with the Elves in EA.
That comment about preparing for a post-post-industrial world really makes one think! I'm a good enough gardener and improviser that I could probably be of worth to a community and make it in a world without technology, as long as my glasses don't break and if I could deal with being without my medication, LOL. But I'm with you, Lynda, I'd rather be cheering from the sidelines at that point. Or if the apocalypse could at least wait until after they release the Star Wars sequel trilogy and my favorite authors finish writing their in-progress series, that would also be acceptable, heh.
Go get him, Daeron. Looking forward to Friday.
Thanks, Fiondil! Great update.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. A solution will be found in the next chapter, though not necessarily the way everyone expects. And we'll see what Dave's people have turned up in a later chapter when Glorfindel goes to the police station to see if he can identify the perps.
I personally would not want to be around for a post-post-industrial/post-apocalyptic world. I doubt I would survive it very long. *grin*
Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
6336
· 21 July 2014
· Chapter 59: Saturday Morning
I'm with ya buddy, some times you just want to go out in the woods and scream! Life can do that to you.
I must say Glorfindel has the worst/best timing when it comes to yanking the chain! Alex really should have told them about his Dutch Date but it seems to me that he is trying to keep part of his life to him self and not involve the Elves in it.
Getting somebody in the History Department interested in the S.C.A. sounds like a good way to go. While I think I could regress to living with out electricity and all the modern conveniences I don't think I would like it very much, I hope the Dagor Dagorath, when it comes, if it comes, is a long time after I am dead and gone!
And on that happy note I will wish you a pleasant week at work and sign off!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Yeah, sometimes you just need to go out into the woods and scream, Lynda. Glorfindel does seem to have the worst timing, doesn't he? *grin* And Alex did tell them about the date earlier in passing but I don't think anyone really paid attention.
And I'm with you on the Dagor Dagorath. I prefer to be safely in my grave when and if it ever happens.
Anyway, have a pleasant week yourself. LOL! Thanks for the review. It's always appreciated. Hugs back.
rikki
· 21 July 2014
· Chapter 59: Saturday Morning
Ah, Saturday mornings. Loved the tai chi practice between Alex and Finlay. A great way to start the morning. Then the council meeting. That had many various tie-ins to the story and the development of the SCA in Wiseman is going to be interesting as it develops. Even though Alex says he is not interested in joining, I think he may change his mind in the future. Then class with Val teaching. All of this has a very easy feel to it.
Yeah! The non-date is still on between Alex and Felicity. Her revelation about her Army father shows that she would be more receptive of Alex's past if they ever get that far in the non-dating arena. I think Alex is more smitten than he is letting on. Especially when he and Glorfindel face off about being protected while Alex has his evening with Felicity. He surely doesn't want to feel like he is being babysat while he goes to the concert. Maybe walking in the woods will cool off the anger and Alex can think of something that will satisfy everyone about being protected from Farrell. And then the cliff hanger! Ack! You haven't done that for a while and now it is a wait see until Friday to find out if Alex is just expressing his frustrations or if something has happened to him. I think I am going to go join the crowd at the Cliff House and discuss scenarios. Have a good week!
Author's reply
Hi rikki. Yes, it all has a very easy feel to it, until Alex and Glorfindel come to loggerheads over his non-date with Felicity. We'll see how things go with him and Felicity in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Have a good week yourself!
Dreamflower
· 21 July 2014
· Chapter 59: Saturday Morning
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! *checks to make sure cliff house is not teetering on the brink*
Very nice chapter, moving things forward on several fronts--and then wham! Hope my fingernails last till Friday...
Author's reply
I'm sure you'll survive until Friday, Dreamflower. *grin* At any rate, things are moving forward indeed and we'll see how everything progresses as the story unfolds. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
UTfrog
· 21 July 2014
· Chapter 59: Saturday Morning
Well,I climbed the cliff in record time this am! You must love making us sweat to put that ending on a Monday chapter so we have to wait an extra day. Whining over. Great chapter. I had forgotten the council meeting and the announcement about the brothers. Going to the history department makes sense. Thanks.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Sorry about that, but I don't go out of my way to plan when a particular cliffhanger shows up; they just do so naturally and it's just the luck of the draw as to which posting day they land on. At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 19 July 2014
· Chapter 58: Dinner Conversations
So, Finn put Ed into healing sleep. Interesting. I don't think Finlay is ready to be acquainted with Maia. Elves are bad enough, but Maia and Valar? I think he will draw the line there. It will take some time to get him to accept them for real.
You again mention that the shots came from an impossible angle. I get a bad feeling about that. It seems as if there is more than one party that has it in for Alex. Let's hope they can figure out what is really going on before anyone gets hurt.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. No, I don't think Finlay is ready to be acquainted with Maiar even though he's met a couple of Valar already; he just doesn't know it. But you're right that Elves are one thing, angels are something else. It's enough for now that he's able to deal with Elves without having to deal with Alien Overlords, as Alex likes to call them. As for the shooting and who's behind it, we may or may not learn the truth about it (at least not in this story). That remains to be seen. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 19 July 2014
· Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous
Uh, oh. Why do I have the feeling that Alex will be at the tarn soon? He just jinxed it -;).
I don't get the chapter title. It's probably a reference to a show or movie I have never seen, but it sounded funny, and I could see Derek uttering it with a deadpan face. Alex has a long way to go until he can come to terms with all that has happened to him in the last half year. Was it only half a year? It feels a lot longer.
Author's reply
You and everyone else, obsidianj. *grin*
The chapter title is a nod towards such groups as Alcoholics Anonymous where participants introduce themselves by saying, "Hello, my name is X", then everyone says "Hello, X" and the person then goes on to say "and I'm a ____" whatever the person is, an alcoholic, a gambler, etc. I hope that clears things up.
And it hasn't even been a whole six months (for Alex) since he drowned in the tarn, more like five, and that's not a long time. It just feels longer because so much has happened to him in the meantime, he's barely had time to breathe.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 19 July 2014
· Chapter 58: Dinner Conversations
Having patrols set up is a good idea, but here is hoping that the law will agree with that, should and if they get caught. :)
Glad that Finlay is awake and thinking straight again. Although, I can understand the missing out on cake. After reading this I am ready for some frosted cake and ice cream. Do you think I can get one of the elves to deliver?
There seems to be a few without anything to do right now.
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yes, it wouldn't do for the Elves to be caught by the proper authorities patrolling the town square, so I'm sure they'll be very circumspect.
We'll be seeing more of Finlay over the next several chapters as he and Sakari interact with the Elves and Alex.
As for Elves delivering... good luck with that one. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 19 July 2014
· Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous
I hear the drama chipmunk music after the last comment. (Don't go there with out one of us) yikes here is hoping Alex isn't dragged up there by the bad guys.
Loved the “Welcome to Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous, gentlemen. My name is Alex….” comment. The rest of the group will get it and find it funny (I hope)
Author's reply
*Cue organ; fade to black* We'll see if Alex actually remembers this warning when the time comes.
I'm sure the Elves will eventually get the joke once the reference is explained and will find it funny, at least the Reborn will.
Thanks for reviewing. Laer. It's appreciated.
rikki
· 18 July 2014
· Chapter 58: Dinner Conversations
This is a multi-read chapter, there are so many things being discussed here that are beginning to tie things together in the story. There is the logistics planning - many things happening on this level. The usual who, what, where, when and how, but also it shows the Valarian elves working together with the Wiseman elves and mortals with none of the nitpicking that has been going on before. Then there is Val instituting the Wiseman Security Agency and making Alex his lieutenant. This may be understood among everyone but saying it out loud sets a lot of things in motion. Once Alex starts thinking about where the bullet could have come from he may get an idea of where Farrell is hiding out. The action is building here and the roller coaster is starting to move up the first high grade. Hold on folks, it is going to get busy I believe in the next chapters.
Loved the Black Forest cake discussion between Alex and Finlay. It is funny when Finlay is mentally having an eye roll when Ron is asking if he is ok. Sorta of the ok, he's a shrink and I'm not committing myself to saying anything. The two men are building the relationship/friendship that they will need in the coming months. But I have to admit the mention of the cake made me hungry. Will have to go eat some of my blueberries since I have no desserts in the house.
Looking forward to the Saturday council meeting. Have a good weekend!
Author's reply
Hi rikki. There is a lot going on in this chapter so reading it more than once to get all the nuances and such wouldn't be a bad idea. We do see more interaction with the Valinórean Elves as they are discussing setting up patrols and more cooperation between the various groups. And Val making Alex his lieutenant just makes sense with Amroth not there, but stating it out loud does alert everyone else as to Alex's status among them.
Alex and Finlay, of course, have a common bond through being former agents, so they know what the other is capable of and can rely on that to build a relationship between them. We'll see how that progresses over the next several chapters while Finlay and Sakari remain in Wiseman.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. Have a good weekend yourself!