Anonymous
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
Once again, it's a great chapter. I just wanted to tell you, as a French speaking person that it's smoother to say "Est-ce que ça va, ma petite" than "Es-tu bien, ma petite", when you mean "Are you well, my little one".
Good day.
Author's reply
My knowledge of French is pretty basic so I appreciate you correcting me on it. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know.
Anonymous
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
Your story is great.
There is only one thing that bugs me a little in this chapter, it's when Alex teaches French and says goodbye:
It's not "Au voir" but "Au revoir"
Good day
Author's reply
Oops! You're right. I didn't see that. Thanks for pointing it out. It's been corrected.
6336
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
Ah, what it is to live in a small town where everybody knows everybody!
I think this should have come with a seatbelt warning but then you would have lost the momentum. Poor Finley, he's not quite sure just what is happening, but I think Sakari will help him to understand.
Not too sure I would be so calm after an incident like that but I expect Nate and Ester were working their magic on people, other wise Nate might have had a few new customers!
Rather a dramatic way for Ratty to show his hand and I think he is loosing it, I wonder just how long he was sitting up there in the cold waiting for Alex to show up, makes you wonder. He has no concern for collateral damage has he, just take out Alex and to hell with anybody else!
Hm, I am beginning to think I might be multilingual since I was able to figure out the French with out you translations, some of those classes I had in school, way back when, must have stuck! I make it six so far, including the 'Cat'.
Keep 'em coming!
Huggs,Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I'm sure the presence of the two Valar helped keep everyone calm, cool and collected. As for Farrell... what can one say? He's definitely not working with a full deck. Glad you were able to figure out the French without looking. Just shows how much we really do remember even when we don't think we do. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Hugs back.
Sarah
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
Well, it seems the roller coaster ride is resuming in earnest. An action-packed chapter like this is just what I needed to get me up and about this morning :-) Got to love the banter between everyone here, and of course the Powers being their meddling selves. Finrod randomly sticking his head in when the action was over made me laugh out loud, I can picture it so well---and sympathize with the local authorities too :D
Author's reply
I'm glad this chapter revved your motor this morning, Sarah. It was lots of fun to write with all the action and banter between the characters. Finrod showing up was just the icing on the cake and very hilarious. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
Love the spirit guide and angels comments. That was an exciting dinner in the cafe. I suspect you have even more excitement coming.
Author's reply
More excitement than people were expecting, UTfrog. And yes, more excitement is on its way, so hang on. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Lindelea
· 23 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
"Dude in the cloak"! Such a way with words...
My phone is doing odd things, so this review is short (but hopefully sweet).
Author's reply
Well, it's pretty descriptive, if nothing else, Lindelea. LOL! Thanks for letting me know you're still reading and enjoying this story while traveling. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 21 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
Interesting meetings, indeed. I was surprised that Alex didn't see the attack coming. Luckily for him it was not Farrell. He needs to pay more attention to his surroundings with Farrell on the lose. Alex was probably thinking about Felicity more than about what he was doing *g*. I never heard the expression 'going Dutch'. Is that when everyone pays for himself? At least that is what I gathered form the context.
Hmm, that dream of the shaman in suspicious and having Esther and Namo show up at the cafe makes me wonder what is up. It seems like they want to bring Finlay to their side or they are there for Alex' protection.
Author's reply
Alex has relaxed his guard. I don't think he was expecting Farrell to be in Wiseman yet and it much more pleasant to be thinking about the fair Felicity than about Farrell any day of the week. *grin* That being said, he should have been more aware of his surroundings, but he is, after all, only human and not a Maia, so we can forgive him his lapse.
And yes, "going Dutch" means exactly that.
We'll see how things go on from here now that Nate is involved.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 21 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
So, the board is set to await Farrell. I just hope Alex calls for help when he needs it and doesn't do too many heroics on his own. Loved Gwyn's and Gareth' reaction to Amroth and Nimrodel... Even for elves it must me disconcerting having legends in your home and trying to hide them.
Author's reply
Yes, the board is set, obsidianj. Whether Alex calls for help and tries not to be a hero on his own remains to be seen. And Gwyn and Gareth, never having lived with any other Elves but their parent, having any Elves out of legend visiting them has to be a shock, but I'm sure they'll adapt. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Lindelea
· 21 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
Oh, a comment on a comment. Sakari meaning something in two languages: our Giant Schnauzer was named Zoe ("life" in Greek). One of her nicknames was "Sweetheart". Another was "Jo-Jo". While walking her in a touristy area, we were calling her Jo-Jo and a group of Japanese tourists were walking by and began to exclaim in delight over the name. When I looked it up later I found one source that claimed that jo-jo sounds very similar to a Japanese word for sweetheart. I like to think that source is correct, anyhow. She was a real sweetheart.
Author's reply
It is interesting how words or names cross language barriers that way. Sakari as the Inuit name meaning "sweet" obviously is derived from the English word "sugar", while Sakari as the Finnish name is derived from Zachary.
Lindelea
· 21 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
Still travelling, occasionally finding wi-fi, as I am not curious to find out what "additional charges may be involved for roaming". What fun to read this chapter!
Ah, I had wondered about those agents who had been put on ice. Curiosity nicely satisfied. I like this preliminary glimpse of Sakira. As a shaman's daughter she likely has unsuspected depths to draw on. In fact, I can see her being much more comfortable with the idea or even physical manifestation of the Valar than most.
"Going Dutch" is not only used to head off gossip. When I was in college, it was a way of maintaining personal space. There were sleazy young men (and likely such people are still all too present in today's society) who presumed that if they bought you dinner, you were under obligation to them to provide fun and amusement afterward. (Buying me dinner equates to renting my body, taking away my option to say "no"? I don't think so.) Sad, but true. I always went Dutch in my college days, especially with someone I didn't know well, partly for that reason and partly because many of the guys I knew were as broke as I was.
Love the cafe scene, the waitress speaking Russian. (BTDT, actually. Spoke German to a German-speaking family I was serving as a waitress, and some years later did that again for an elderly Austrian woman visiting the historical site where I volunteer. But I don't claim any powers beyond conversational German in a land far away.)
If there are any oddities in this review, chalk it up to pecking away at a small tablet and not catching the autocorrect feature when it thinks it knows better.
Grim Nano stops by for a chat? Things were interesting already. Now I suspect they're about to become downright gripping.
But my random brain can't help quipping, "So, a Vala..." (hoping that's the singular form) "...walks into a bar..."
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea. Hope you are having a wonderful time on your vacation.
Yeah, "going Dutch" is a good way of holding off the predators and it's unfortunate that there are still people who think you owe them something just because they buy you dinner. And of course, when everyone in your group is tight for money, it's a good method of paying for meals.
I'm glad you enjoyed the café scene. It will get more interesting in the next chapter. And yes, "Vala" is the correct singular and that's such a classic opening.
Anyway, thanks for reviewing and I look forward to any other reviews you are able to send whenever you find Wi-Fi on your travels.
obsidianj
· 21 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
Uh,oh! Bad news indeed. I admit, I didn't look forward to a trial, but having Farrell on the loose once more is not good. The bit about the Maia granting protection if asked was interesting. But Olorin must have been aware that Alex would tell the others about his visit and that they would ask for protection of Alex. Or was this some kind of test?
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. The trial would've been very stressful for everyone, including me if I had to write about it. *grin* I suspect that it might have been a kind of test on Olórin's part to see how much Alex was willing to trust to a higher power other than his own. That he "failed", if that's even the right word, did not negate the fact that others could ask on his behalf. Alex does indeed have trust issues and this will be brought out later on. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Diana
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
Happy Litha everyone!
Will we be seeing more of the Inuit family in the story? I hope so. Boy howdy! Farrel doesn't waste much time, does he?! I also got scared when he first grabbed Alex, then I remembered he's supposed to be protected...right? BTW where the heck are the Elves who were supposed to be watching him? Well, I'm off to the cliff house to do dishes, see everyone at the sink.
The Dude abides.
Diana
Author's reply
Happy Lithe to you, Diana. I am assuming you mean, will we be seeing more of Finlay and Sakari, and the answer to that is, yes. And I think you are confusing Finlay with Farrell, at least that is the impression I have from your sentence. It was Finlay who grabbed Alex, not Farrell. At any rate, we'll see shortly to what extent Alex is indeed protected. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
So, the Valar are here for reasons of their own, and I look forward to learning what those are.
Sounds as if Finlay is being drawn into the forces of the Light, and is finding himself able to fill a need in this remote village that will in the end benefit its people. And Alex is becoming more interested in Felicity.
Interesting directions these people are now headed in.
Author's reply
Hi Larner. Yes, the Valar run their own game. It does appear that Finlay has been drawn away from the darkness of the spy business to a more productive and life-affirming role. I think meeting and falling in love with Sakari was a major factor in his decision to leave the Game. And Alex finally has the opportunity to fall in love for real as well. We'll see how that goes. Thanks for reviewing. I much appreciate it.
FV_Whisper
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
I think it's now really time for a cliff-house gathering again, nothing like a little Námo ending to keep your readers attention!
Going Dutch? Does that mean both will pay there own bills? It's an expression I never heard of, but if that's the case, then I can say that's very Dutch indeed! And it can go really far with that too.
For a moment I thought Farrell had tracked down Alex already, but after only two chapters wouldn't really be your style, so it had to be someone else.
I have to say I had to think a few times who Finlay was, but the Inuit village did the trick in bringing memories back.
The shaman's dream is an interesting one and there's little doubt where that dream came from.
You seem to be on a roll on bring up interesting characters, with Sakari being the latest addition.
Esther showing up serving in the café was a clue for sure more was coming up, her replying in Russian was a typical touch *snickers*
And then Námo shows up...
Author's reply
Yes, the phrase "Going Dutch" means just that, each person in the party pays for his or own meal rather than having just one person paying for everyone. I have no idea where the expression originates, but it's an old one, at least in America. In Alex and Felicity's case it allows them to insist to others that, technically speaking, they are not on a date, since Alex is not paying for them both.
I figured people would not remember Finlay since he appeared only once and spoke only a few sentences, but once the Inuit village was mentioned, lightbulbs would come on. And I like creating interesting characters who are not your typical walk-ons, even if that's all they are in my story. Some walk-ons have ended up becoming major players.
Esther showing up is one thing. I think she hangs out there a lot dispensing advice along with the coffee, but Nate showing up is something else altogether as we will see.
Thanks for reviewing, FV_Whisper. I really appreciate it.
FV_Whisper
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
Ah, Alex is the kind of person too where you have to pull it out of him before he starts to tell what's wrong. Good thing Derek is there to actually pull things out of him too.
It's a good thing Alex is sending him away for his own safety, but being away from his friend for a longer time and pulled back into the game again might not be that well for Alex current fragile mental state I fear.
Good thing the council was not just an Elves thing, but had Dave and Carl in out too. Seems like the Elves are making steps in not handling things alone.
Poor Gwyn and Gareth. It seems things are getting just a bit to excited for them right now and to add to that they now suddenly have to legends standing on their doorstep. I'm sure they settle things once they've gotten used to the idea, though.
Author's reply
Hi FV_Whisper. The situation with Farrell is definitely not a good one for Alex. There is the danger of him going completely over to Artemus and never coming back as Alex. We'll have to see how it goes with him. Hopefully, with the support of the Elves, he'll stay on an even keel.
Gwyn and Gareth will adjust, but it really has to be a shock. Like having King Arthur and Queen Guinevere show up on your doorstep for tea. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
FV_Whisper
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
Well, well, well, he's back. An interesting, yet no so surprising plot move. Some people you'll just have to club to death in order to get rid of them, like my grandfather used to say, and Farell just seems to be one of them. That's no good, precious, no good at all.
Its seems like Alex spidey-sense (or should we make ik spy-fey-sense? ) was right after all.
Like the Elves pointing out as well, of all the Maiar, Olórin is a most interesting choice to appear, to say it one way...
From the reactions for the other Elves about Olórin, I take it none of them ever met him (or to to know him any better, for that matter) when he was Gandalf?
(yeah, my spell check knows Gandalf too! I seem to have a very Middle-Earth friendly spellchecker *snickers*)
- Glorfindel muttered something that might have been ‘good morning’ but Alex suspected that it was something else entirely. -
Someone is not happy!
Ow, and on top of it,. Glorfindel's ring has been found. Now that would be an interesting thing to explain to Dave why Glorfindel needs that ring back ASAP.
Author's reply
Yes, Farrell is back, just like a bad penny. The different reactions of the Elves to hearing that Olórin has made an appearance indicate those who know him as a Maia from Aman as well as those who knew him when he was Gandalf (yeah, my spell check knows him too, he and Elrond, but no one else. Go figure), but not all the Elves who lived in Middle-earth would have known him even in his Gandalf guise, though they may have heard of him.
I'm sure no one really wants to have to explain to any Mortal why Glorfindel really needs his ring back. Which is why Alex is aware of their concern over it, but has no clue about it.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Eruherdiriel
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
That was not how I expected the chapter to go from the beginning. How truthful is Finlay being?
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. How truthful Finlay is being remains to be seen. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Ellie
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
Nice tension building up to a visit from someone unexpected. That happened a lot here actually with Finley, then his wife, then Esther (loved her speaking Russian), and then Nate. Finley's wife really is cute and sweet. Finley is cut from a different mold like Alex is. That is encouraging to see.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. You're right that there were a number of unexpected meetings throughout the chapter: Finlay, Sakari, Esther and then Nate. I thought Esther speaking to them in Russia a hoot, especially when they didn't realize she was until afterwards. Finlay is certainly no Farrell, that's for sure. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
6336
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
Oh,oh a grim looking Namo is not good.
Honestly Alex, I think you need a refresher course in Basic Awareness 101! It seems that taking the boy out of the game has taken the game out of the boy! Especially since you know Ratty is out there!
Hm, any time Namo and Este show up together I start to get worried, when they tag team we are in for interesting times.
Hold my place for me in the Cliff House, I will be there as soon as we know how my B.H.'s cousin is doing, she just spent the last 5 days in the hospital and has to go to another today for a procedure. We get to play taxi service! I am planning on charging by the mile!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yeah, a grim-looking Námo is not a good thing, though he may be only doing it for effect.
I think Alex was probably daydreaming about Felicity and wasn't paying attention to his surroundings as he should have. Hopefully, he'll be more attentive from now on.
Hope B.H.'s cousin gets better soon. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated. Hugs back.
someone
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
I hoped that Nate would turn up in the café as Ester was already there. It seems that he's not exactly happy, thought.
It easy to forget that although we have been following this story for months or years, it has been far less time for the characters. I had forgotten the ninja scene and the other agents. It seems that those agents have not forgotten the ninjas during that little vacation. *grin* If Alex and Nate can bring Finlay to their side, they have one more trained agent and that is not a bad thing with Farrell on the loose.
Finlay's greeting to Alex was quite funny and very understandable. It can't have been easy for him, though he did find his wife and new home there.
Funny how there are words that look the same but mean something different in different languages. Did you know that Sakari is a male name in Finnish? It will take me a while to see that name without thinking "sweet".
Now, I'm waiting for Nate to get introduced to Finlay! And I hope this meeting doesn't mean that Alex is going to forget his dinner plans.
Happy Midsummer!
Author's reply
Hi someone. You're right about the timeline. Since the beginning of EA3 only about six weeks have gone by for the characters. We'll see how and if Alex and Nate bring Finlay to their side in the next couple of chapters.
And that's interesting about the name Sakari. Thanks for telling me and thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated. Have a happy Midsummer yourself.
Sunny
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
Welllll ... I do think I detect the delicate scent of a budding romance here! A bit worrying for Felicity, though - if something starts to develop between her and Alex she is definitely a potential target for Farrell and his buddies.
It does seem as if Alex' carreer as a teacher is off to a flying start, with new pupils popping out of nowhere. I guess the grapevine has been busy, and that Alex has acquited a reputation already (after only one day teaching!) as a very cool and interesting teacher.
Interesting development with Finlay - is he going to be another ally, I wonder? But I guess that is why Námo has decided to stick his oar in. I'll look forward to seeing what Finlay decides - to live with the Inuit and join up with Alex and the Elves, or to go back to Washington, and never wanting to go anywhere near Alaska again. In any case, I guess that Namo is going to scare the poo out of him. Hope he's brought along a change of underwear! :p *puts popcorn on the shopping list*
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I think you do detect the scent of a budding romance. We'll see how it goes and to what extent it impacts on them both. And we'll see what role Finlay ends up playing before long and how Námo affects him. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
Dreamflower
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
o_0
*blink*
Well, well, well. This chapter certainly lives up to it's title.
I love this little twist and can't wait to see what happens next.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I'm glad you like the twist the plot is taking. We'll see where it goes. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Soledad
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
Sweet Jesus, Fiondil, you nearly gave me a heart attack when poor Alex was "attacked". An amusing outcome, though. Things that can happen when you're snowed in and have nothing to do and all that... *g*
So, Námo and Estë are up to their usual tricks, eh? I wonder what Finlay has really planning in the back of his mind.
Author's reply
Heh, heh. Sorry about that, Soledad. I'm sure you're not the only one to jump when Alex was "attacked". We'll find out more about Finlay and his plans in the next chapter. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
rikki
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
Wiseman is becoming Spy Central with Alex and Farrell and now Finlay showing up. Three people would not be a crowd, but Wiseman is not exactly on the map that most people use. Supposedly Finlay has left the agency, but if so, then he didn't quit in a normal fashion like Alex did. Which is going to bring the Agency to Wiseman to collect their agent. Alex is acting less like a spy and more like an Italian teacher when he lets Finlay get the drop on him. If he has Farrell after him then Alex is going to have start using Artemus more in this hunt than Alex. Thank goodness Finlay was happy with just one punch, though there will be a bruise to explain away. I am getting paranoid, now I wonder besides Farrell who else is in Wiseman.
Alex and Felicity are moving to the date stage. Hopefully she will not freak out when Alex finally decides it is time to tell her the truth about himself. We, the readers, know less than nothing about Felicity and so does Alex. She may have some secrets that will be surprising when they are discovered.
Ester and Namo at the Golden Nugget. Whoa! Finlay is going to get the test on his open mindedness. He may wish to return to the village as quickly as he can once he meets the Valar and elves. Or maybe he will be a good hidden asset for Alex with the hunt for Farrell on going. You have enough twists in this story right now to keep the most picky mystery solver here happy for a while.
Have a good weekend!
Author's reply
Hi rikki. It does seem like it, doesn't it? We'll see about Finlay and how he interacts with Alex and the others in later chapters. And we'll see how things progress between Alex and Felicity as well. I think just about everyone who originally came to Wiseman from somewhere else has a story and Felicity is no different. We may learn something about her and what brought her to Wiseman later on.
I'm glad you are enjoying the twist this story has taken. We'll see where it leads us. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Have a great weekend yourself!
UTfrog
· 20 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
Unexpected meetings for sure! Findlay, his wife, Esther and Nate , quite a combination to say the least. At least none of them seem to be against our heroes. You are setting up a great plot line. Hope you have a great weekend.
My poodles, Apollo and Zeus (named for the Dobermans on Magnum P.I), are unhappy with your timing. I told them we were on our way to their favorite treat, the doggy day care. Then I saw the new chapter and stopped to read. They have alternated whining and looking sad at me. I am a fast reader so don't feel too sorry for them.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I hope what happens from here on meets with your approval. We're about to get back onto the roller coaster, so hang on. And I love it that you named your dogs after the Dobermans on Magnum P.I. I loved that show. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Have a great weekend yourself.