harrowcat
· 18 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
I am loving reading the reviews - and your responses almost as much as the story. Well.....maybe not quite almost. My only addition to the comments is remembering back to a remark about Farrell maybe not being quite the enemy Alex thinks he is and remembering who the true enemy is. (EA2 I think?) (My, my grammar sucks when I am tired.)
Also, has Fairbanks suddenly got further away from Wiseman since EA1? Or is it that I don't understand travel and extreme climates coming from a mildish and wet England UK? You had people catching the bus there quite regularly, hanging about the Mall and even catching a movie before returning in time for tea.
Author's reply
Hi Harrowcat. I confess that when I first wrote Elf Academy I wasn't as familiar with how long the trip between Fairbanks and Wiseman would take and in my story the area around Wiseman is more developed than it is in the real world. Still, in the winter months, travel would be slower. Even here in central New York, winter travel can be slow and hazardous under certain conditions. I live 20 minutes from my place of work, but there have been times when it's taken me close to an hour to travel the 10-12 miles that separate my home from my office. That might give you an idea about travel conditions.
As for Farrell... you remember correctly and it was in EA2.
I'm glad to know you are still enjoying the story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Dreamflower
· 17 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
Awesome chapter! The plot is thickening, the suspense is thrilling, and Farrell's going to be in for a big surprise! *rubs hands in anticipation* Looks like a really good ride for the next few chapters! I'm not fond of RL roller coasters, but I do enjoy literary ones.
It seems pretty clear that one or more of the Enemy are pulling Farrell's strings, which accounts for the timing of a lot of events. I do hope we will eventually get to see who may be behind the scenes, so to speak, on the side of the Bad Guys.
Zach reminds me of Pippin for some reason. *grin* I think it's his spunkiness and loyalty and his youth--and perhaps his appetite! You don't suppose he has Took in his blood somewhere in the far distant past, do you?
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and the suspense. We may never "see" who the Enemy is, since this story is through the eyes of the Elves and Mortals of Wiseman who are on the side of the angels, so to speak, but I hate to say never, because one doesn't know what the Muse has in store for one. Anyway, I can see Zach as Pippin. You may be right about the Took blood. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
At least Farrell hopefully hasn't had the chance to learn about Tristan's boys in Fairbanks. Heh! I'm glad that Alex has such a guard. Having a Maia about is very handy for those who are in anticipation of possibly being bushwhacked.
Author's reply
That's true, Larner, so Amroth and the others should be safe with Gwyn and Gareth. And while Alex doesn't think he needs a guard, others obviously do and so he's covered, as are others.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
MikoNoNyte
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
A couple of things came to mind while looking at this chapter.
1. Alex. He oh-so-much reminds me of Ethan Hunt of "Mission Impossible" fame. I recently saw a couple of the films and my immediate thought was of Alex. LOL
I'm not going to be able to see Alex in any other light for a while.
2. I love Derek. He is funny, doesn't take Alex's guff for any reason and seems a very personable young man. And ex-Navy for the WIN!
3. Re: The Maiar and Valar and a certain statement in the last chapter that “We have no orders to interfere.” and “Not unless given explicit instructions to do so.”
It almost seems as though they don't have Free Will. And thinking back at the Valar, the ONLY time I can recall them using such was when they erroneously culled the Eldar from Middle-earth. Well it seems Manwe learned his lesson, but what of the Maiar? Are they restricted as well? or do you think their free will is negated by some oath or decision made by the Valar or Eru?
I know, you're not a philosopher but the Witch in me can't help but look at things like this and ask questions.
It seems perhaps that, from my point of view, the Maiar are forbidden unless ORDERED or ASKED by whomever. Seems rather counter productive somehow, unless Eru has given them a directive to forestall "Great Journey" episodes in the future. *grins*
Oh well.
I owe you a review and this is not getting it written. Hope your week goes well, count me in at the Cliff House even though I'm obviously playing hookey from other things. I'll bring the Earl Grey and home-made oatmeal cookies. LOL
Blessed Be, Fiondil.
Author's reply
Hi MikoNoNyte. Yeah, Alex is a bit like Ethan Hunt, though I didn't have him in mind when I created the character. He's more like a conglomeration of all the spy characters I've ever seen on film or TV or read. Derek is a lot of fun and he's grown as a character who originally was just a walk-on (a lot of my best characters start out that way). I'm glad he's in Alex's life because Alex definitely needs someone like Derek to keep him grounded and sane.
Now, as for the Maiar and the Valar: you are confusing the act of following the orders of a superior with lack of Free Will, which they all have. All Olórin is saying is that the Maiar will not interfere with the free-will choices of others, be they Men or Elves, unless given a direct order from above. Also, they cannot "help" unless asked. If you take this down to the human level, you know that you cannot help someone who does not want it. You can't force it on another person. To do so is to take away their right to choose their own path. This is no different. The Maiar have Free Will (they can choose to be in rebellion the way Melkor was or they can choose to be in obedience to the Valar and ultimately to the One) and the same is true with the Valar with respect to the One.
As a Wiccan, you probably don't hold to the belief in guardian angels, but those who do know that these guardians are just that, guardians of our souls. They are allowed to inspire us toward goodness, but they cannot interfere with our right to choose otherwise. And they can only really offer divine protection when we ask for it and not before.
I hope this makes sense (I'm working on my first cuppa as I write this so I'm not fully awake yet).
Thanks for reviewing and thanks for your questions. You don't have to have a degree in philosophy to discuss such matters and I enjoy doing so. Blessed Be.
SashaHoneypalm
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
You're right, that was funny. It now occurs to me to wonder what Amroth and/or Nimrodel's reaction was when they first heard that song. And if they're really tired of it by now.
It also occurs to me that I've been writing a lot of comments about "what's X's reaction", but reaction and revelation scenes are my favorites. That's why I'm so into DoubleG- as new guys, they're the ones getting the surprises. (I still hope we get a flashback to when the Twins mentioned Finrod and Glorfindel were about to stop by. Or at least an author's note). ;)
Author's reply
Hi Sasha. I'm glad you found the scene with Gwyn and Gareth amusing. It is fun to see them acting so young in front of Zach, never mind Amroth and Nimrodel. And yeah, I'm sure they are tired of the song by now, although in EA2, we see Daeron singing it at the Blue Petrel bar in honor of their second wedding anniversary, so I guess they put up with it.
We will probably never get a flashback about the 2Gs being told that Finrod and Glorfindel were dropping by, but I'm sure you can use your imagination to guess what their reactions were.
Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
If you think I've taken off the gloves for this one, Kevana, just wait until EA4. *grin*
...*gulp* o.o
Okay, forget the blanket and nailbiting, EA4 is going to require alcohol, tissues, and group hugs.
-Kevana
Author's reply
In spades, too. *grin* I just hope I can pull it off. I guess we'll see.
Soledad
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
Hmmm, I wonder who suggested Marty to send Derek home and why. Since he just hast to go back again...
Alex is back in his element. You can take the boy out of the spying business but you can't take the spying business out of the boy, it seems. We'll see if his plan works or not. It didn't seem to back in EAII, most of the time.
Gwyn and Gareth's reaction to the living legends walking into their home was adorable - and hardly surprising. I'd be a tad shocked, too, if St Elisabeth of Thüringen knocked on the door, saying that the mean relatives of her late hubby threw her out and could she, please, crash in my place for a few days. (She was Hungarian, you know.) *g*
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. I don't know who 'inspired' Marty to send Derek home, and that's true that he just ended up going back, but he would've done so in the normal course of events anyway, just earlier than originally planned. We'll see how Alex handles being a spy again. You're right about not being able to take the spying business out of the boy. Gwyn's and Gareth's reactions were adorable, especially Gareth's. And I know of St. Elisabeth of Thüringen, being the good Catholic boy that I am. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
Hm Hopefully Dave Michaelson and the sheriff are mollified by being invited to the council of war - this way they can at least not complain about not being in the loop.
Speaking of being in the loop, Daeron can't have been very informative when he sent that mail! But Gareth was really cute here (though he would undoubtedly deny this with vigor!) when he was face to face with yet another set of legends, and the prospect of having a (former) king and his pregnant (with twins!!!) wife as houseguests.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I think the Elves realized that the Wiseman law enforcement agencies needed to be on board since it was Michaelson who alerted them to Farrell's escape. And I guess Daeron didn't want to say too much just in case the email was intercepted or something. I'm sure Gwyn and Gareth will calm down soon and treat their royal guests no differently than anyone else they would entertain.
Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Eruherdiriel
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
How is Derek any safer at the resort? I would think that if Farrell was really out to hurt Alex, he wouldn't mind making a detour to capture Derek and bring him to Wiseman to get Alex.
Gwyn and Gareth's reactions when they learned just who they were hiding was hilarious.
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. Farrell will not necessarily know where Derek is at this point and those helping him would only learn that he wasn't in Wiseman but necessarily know if he's even still in Alaska, so Derek is safe enough for the moment.
Gwyn and Gareth are very young by elven standards and it shows here.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
"We're sending you some houseguests to protect!" *doesn't mention they're a famous ex-king and his very pregnant-with-twins wife* I have a feeling somebody's going to get an earful from the brothers about that. Ha!
I feel for Zach, though. He's gotta be feeling bad about this, I would probably be yelling at Glorfindel too. He *just* got back from recovering and, I'm sure, does not want to leave his friends again to go hide somewhere. I can only imagine that even seeing the sense of the situation, getting shuffled off to safety while others take on the danger is going to make you feel like a useless wimp. Maybe Amroth can talk to him, since he has just as much reason to hate Farrell as Zach does and probably is not any happier about this than Zach is.
Really glad someone asked for the "unclad" help to keep an eye out for Alex, since he wasn't going to/chose not to ask it for himself. Yet I have a feeling this little gambit is not going to go as smoothly as he thinks (hehehe).
Nell and The Amigos are getting yanked all over the place here. Go to school, but no, now you have to move home. Poor guys.
I love the return to the spying plot and how you've woven it back in to the story in such a manner. You took the gloves off for this one, Fiondil. The EA 'verse keeps getting more intense, at this rate I'm going to have to read EA4 with a blanket over my head while chewing my fingernails off! Gotta love it.
Fantastic chapter and great to see how much everyone has grown since EAII, when things were so different with Alex and the Elves.
An update on the bird situation: this weekend he came up to me and I shared a snack with him. I think we are definitely friends and he is probably not a crebain spy, LOL. I'm going to put a pinwheel out for him and see if he likes it. I think they're supposed to like shiny, spinny things. Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3
Thanks for the wonderful update and may your toast never burn! Have a beautiful week!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Zach really feels as if he's being shuffled out of the way. It may be for his own safety, but it still has to rankle. I'm sure once he calms down Gwyn and Gareth will help him feel less like a useless wimp who's just in everyone's way.
If you think I've taken off the gloves for this one, Kevana, just wait until EA4. *grin*
Thanks for the photos. Your bird friend is pretty cool. And thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it. Have a beautiful week yourself!
Kevana
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
Now there's a game-changer! Oh, man, just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water. Looks like Alex's spidey senses are still keen as ever. I do hope he calls his mother, though. While Farrell would more likely go after Alex and the others who took him down, he's the kind of scuzzbucket that would go after innocent family too, I think, and there's no telling how many "friends" he has helping him.
So now Alex is having to juggle teaching, his own classes, and oh yes, a murderous enemy on the loose bent on revenge. What a great way to start out a semester. *grin*
They really need to find a way to get that ring back on Glorfindel's hand asap. *Somehow!*
“To let you know that while we cannot interfere with events, we can offer our assistance.”
“You can assist by grabbing Farrell and putting him back in prison,”
I laughed out loud at this one!
Who helped him might or might not be relevant, but *why* they helped him is a big question for me! The guy was well and truly screwed, Maddy made it pretty clear she was letting him hang, so someone in the Agency helping him escape must have some very interesting motivations for doing so - and exactly no fear of Maddy catching them at it, or getting dragged down along with Farrell.
Anyway, what a smack in the face this one turned out to be! Yikes! Love the new twist the story's taking. I see what you meant about this part focusing more on Alex. That can only be a good thing (though maybe not for him, LOL.)
Thanks for the update!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Yup. A real game changer. We'll be seeing how much soon enough. And Alex can't say his life is now boring just because he's no longer a spy, oops! I mean intelligence officer. LOL!
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Kevana. It's much appreciated.
6336
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
Ah, Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, sounds good, although I use Bruce's Sweet Potato Mix, just add water, instant pancakes, yum! If any body wants some I can bring a pack to the Cliff House. Just plain old Tetly for me Sunny, though I have been known to drink Red Zinger on occasion.
Hm, just a sort of positioning chapter as it were, I would have thought it more likely that Ratty's FIHP would be more likely to help him than prevent him!
Well I hope Della and Ryan are back in Wiseman for the birth of the twins, I sincerely hope it dose not take that long to get Ratty exterminated!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, everyone is moving into position at this point. The real action will begin shortly. And I'm sure Della and Amroth will be back in Wiseman long before the babies are due. Eight months really is a long time, after all.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Hugs.
UTfrog
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
Poor everyone, Gwyn, Garath, Zack, etc. No one wants to leave home and the brothers are shocked by their visitors. You have certainly set up an fascinating confrontation. The mind games have started for your characters and for us your readers. Great job.
Author's reply
No one's happy with the situation, UTfrog. And the mind games have indeed started. Sit back and enjoy the show. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
rikki
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
Good title name!
Lines have been drawn in the sand. Even though Alex is used to working alone, he is struggling to make sure that he doesn't leave any one out of the loop. This is certainly a different way to working than he has done before. Its got to be hard to draw a target on one's back and then stand out there hoping to catch a crazy. Accepting the help from the elves and the local law enforcement and the maia is going to make things easier as well as harder. Hopefully, not too many people will get hurt in this hunt.
Royalty! And pregnant?!? I was really laughing at this part where Amroth and the rest of the refugees drive up to Gwyn's and Garath's house. Garath is so funny, in some ways more mortal in reactions that elf. I'm sure Della will finally put the brothers at their ease. And Amroth and Zach will be busy learning about the SCA and what it does. Zach would make a good go between the elves and the college students if that is the way Wiseman decides to create their SCA.
The cliffs are getting higher here. I am glad the cliff house is open again, makes it much easier to just stay here rather than hike up and down. Bringing along fresh fruit for smoothies and looking for other watchers. Have a good week!
Author's reply
Hi rikki. Yes, the lines have been drawn and the pieces are in place. Alex has been a lone wolf for so long that it's hard for him to play with others yet and we will see the consequences of that later on.
That is a funny scene with Gwyn and Gareth. Gareth does indeed sound more like a mortal in his reaction than an elf, but he is relatively young, not having seen a whole thousand years yet, so I guess we can excuse him. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Enjoy your stay at the Cliff House, as you'll be there awhile. *grin*
harrowcat
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
So, the board is set and the pieces are moving - yet again.
Great last few chapters.
one small typo! “That is only prudent,” Finrod said with a nod. “Please make the appropriate arrangements. In the meantime, we are proposing to send Amroth, Nimrodel and Mithrellas to Fairbanks. Zach, I would like you to go with them. No, here me out.” He raised a hand to halt the Mortal’s protest. Wrong 'Here'
Author's reply
Thanks for pointing out the typo,Dreamflower. Even having just re-read this chapter over the weekend, I still missed it.*sigh*
Anyhoo... the board is indeed set and the pieces are once again moving. I'm glad you've enjoyed the last few chapters. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 16 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
I understand why Derek and Zach wanted to stay; but Alex is right. They would be used a bait by the low life dirt bag. Then killed in front of Alex for not telling where the rest of his prey is located at.
But I have to wonder if they didn't see them leaving and maybe have followed them to their hiding spots :(
great update as always!
Author's reply
Hi Laer. That is a concern, but probably not realistic. Farrell has probably not reached Wiseman yet, so Amroth and the others are safe to leave under cover of darkness. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
someone
· 14 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
This was a surprise. I really didn't expect that Farrel would come back, at least so soon. This is not good. Glorfindel can't defend himself for some time and this time the Elves have lost the advantage of surprise, as Farrel & Co. know about their existence. Hopefully they don't really know that much about elvish abilities, otherwise it is really hard to defend the people of Edhellond. I don't believe that Farrel is after only Amroth or Alex, he must realize that his former plan was destroyed by quite a lot of people.
Poor Alex, no one even offered to hang his coat for him, even when he is the one with the news. *grin* I think that his language students are going to see spies in action sooner or later, as Farrel is coming there.
Author's reply
Oh, I don't know, someone. Farrell was arrested in November (story-wise) and it is now the end of January and he was being transported in preparation for his trail which had been set for early February. So he's been gone for almost 2-1/2 months now. And while Farrell knows about the Elves, the people who busted him out of jail most likely know nothing about them. Anyway, we'll have to see how things go now that Farrell is heading for Wiseman bent on revenge.
I thought it was funny how Finrod automatically handed his cloak to Ron who automatically hung it up for him without a word while Alex was left to his own devices. Just shows that rank does have privileges.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 14 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
Yikes he is out and on the loose. :( I don't think Alex is in the wrong on his premonitions. I have a bad feeling it will be nasty when it happens. Wonder if they were in on Loren's attack? Bigger yikes if they were.
Hope that Loren gets his ring back. He would need it when the fight happens, as it will happen.
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yes, he's out and on the loose. We'll see how things go from here and we'll see more about Loren's ring as well.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 13 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
Looks like things are starting to get _interesting_! ;-) Which means we are probably going to have a round-the-clock crowd in the Cliff house. *leaves platter of cookies on the living room table, then takes a round to check that everyting is as it should, and to fill up the tea tins in the kitchen*
So Alex has a good reason to be antsy, I guess he may start to take note of his premonitions again after this.
It loooks like Alex and Glorfindel are fairly similar in one thing, at least: they do their best to see everybody else gets the best protection possible, while setting themselves up as a target. And speaking of targets, yes, Amroth is his primary target, but given his lack of concern about harm to bystnders, getting Nimrodel away is an excellent idea, if Farrell get the chance (and has a particularly bad day) I'm sure he would want to shoot her first, before turning his gun on Amroth. And I'm sure that he has no warm feelings for any Elf by now, and I suspect Finrod is probably another target for him.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yeah, the Cliff House is open for business, again. *grin*
As Derek pointed out, just because Alex is no longer in the Game, doesn't mean his "spidey-sense" will cease to function, so he needs to pay attention to it more even if he has gone "civilian". And you're right that Alex and Glorfindel have one thing in common: willing to put themselves out as bait to protect others. We'll see how that works out as we continue with the story. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Soledad
· 13 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
And here we are, hanging from the cliff again...
I knew Farrell and his cronies wouldnt just wait meekly for the trial. Now things are really going to be interesting - the Chinese curse kind of interesting - especially with good ole Gandalf added to the mix!V
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Yes, this is definitely a case of being a Chinese curse kind of interesting, especially with Gandalf around. We'll see just how interesting this gets soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Dreamflower
· 13 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
*grin* My favorite Maia makes an appearance!
I do love the explanation he gave about the protection must be *asked* for, whether for oneself or for others. He sounded very cryptic and Gandalf-y. :)
The plot is definitely warming up.
Author's reply
Ah, then I made your day with Olórin showing up, didn't I, Dreamflower. *grin*
He is very cryptic, even more so now that he's in full Maiarin form. And the plot is indeed warming up. Hang on to your hat.
Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
SashaHoneypalm
· 13 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
*grin* Now I'm imagining G&G's reaction to hearing that two more famous elves are coming over. Add the whole "lives at stake" element, whether or no they're let in on the spy stuff, and it's a good thing they'll have time to get themselves under control before Amroth and Della get there.
Author's reply
Hi Sasha. We will see what Gwyn and Gareth's reaction to meeting Amroth and Nimrodel very shortly. I think it's rather funny and I hope you do as well. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
6336
· 13 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
Why am I not surprised? I am sure the Agency had no intention of allowing their extremely dirty laundry to be flapping in the breeze! In fact I am surprised that they did not, in my sons words 'Give him a 9 mm headache!' but then where would the story go. Farrell has friends in high places and they always take care of their own, one way or another!
So Olorin is on watch is he, look out for fire works!
Amroth needs to realize that he is not a single ellon any m ore, he has a wife and children and they come first, no matter what. Looks like Gareth and Gwyn will be getting into the action sooner than expected.
So they are keeping Maddie informed are they, I hope a certain Maia was more subtle in his approach than some we know, one with red gold hair comes to mind!
Good to be back.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Good to see you back. I'm sure a lot of people, from Alex on down, would love to be able to give Farrell a "9mm headache", but as you say, there's no story if they do, at least not an interesting one.
Anyway, we'll see how it all works out (or not) eventually. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's very much appreciated. Hugs back.
Larner
· 13 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
Oh, dear--Farrell again! Why do I shudder just at the mention of his name? Heh!
At least they are forewarned, which of course means forearmed!
Now, to get the slimy git and those who busted him out of prison!
Author's reply
Yes, I'm afraid you can't keep a good bad guy down and Farrell is a pretty good bad guy, don't you think? LOL! Anyway, we'll see how everyone handles the news about Farrell and what happens over the next several chapters. Thanks for commenting, Larner. I appreciate it very much.
Eruherdiriel
· 13 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
Oh great. Farrell again. This will be... interesting. Then again, there's Maia around, so of course it'll be interesting.
I like that last bit. I don't think Alex is used to anyone but his mom being really worried about him.
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. Yes, things are heating up and it will get very interesting very shortly. And I'm sure you're right that Alex is unused to having anyone worry about him and wanting him to be safe except his mom. It's a whole new experience for him. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.