Reviews (2,009)

someone · 9 June 2014 · Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland

Alex' response to the spy question was perfect! I can't stop grinning. Yes, that sounds indeed like something that an agency of language teachers might do. I wonder how many places they have infiltrated... The situation at Edhellond was solved surprisingly peacefully. Glorfindel has grown very wise, not everyone could forgive all those elves have done. What I'm worried about is why would anyone want to tell about Alex' past. If they are from the same agency, they most likely would be very quiet about it. If they are not, Alex is in trouble.

UTfrog · 9 June 2014 · Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland

Great start to a new plot. So glad Alex talked to his mom. He had plenty of excellent advice and quick wits to help him. You show more than a passing knowledge of academic politics. Re:Edhellond still standing. Finrod was wrong and arrogant thinking the situation does not concern and pertain to mortal allies. Thanks for a good read.

Lindelea · 8 June 2014 · Chapter 46: Resolutions

Ah... there's nothing like lounging in a Starbucks far from home, missing those who stayed behind but enjoying catching up on a little good reading to go along with the occasional sip of coffee. Now if I could just figure out how to incorporate the coconut oil into the coffee like I do in my blender at home, I would be almost perfectly content in this moment... Just stirring it in doesn't stir it in very well. Looking forward to tomorrow's installment.

Laer · 7 June 2014 · Chapter 46: Resolutions

Helyanwë is doing better and I hope she understands what he is tiring to say to her. I fear she will never survive another parting like the last one. And as for the elves acting like mortals...well we are a bit younger than them...so :P~ I still think they need a dog. That will give them all something to spoil and love and...wait. No...that was us. And we got one. Never mind then ;) I know it isn't all over with yet, but I do hope this has given them all something to think about. Glad that they have a calm before the storm. Can not wait to see the reactions from the rest of the elves when the "surprise" happens!

obsidianj · 7 June 2014 · Chapter 46: Resolutions

These were some long overdue discussions and apologies. Let's hope the lessons stick for longer this time. I still sense some more or less unconscious arrogance in resenting a 'dressing down' from a Mortal from Ernie and Mir. I think some of it comes from the struggle to not lose ones identity when everything is still strange. These elves from Valinor got plunked down into a Mortal society more or less unprepared for what that means. They have to change their names, which to me is a biggie. I never realized how much of 'me' is connected with my name until I changed it. They are here only a few months, which for elves that are immortal and have all the time in the world is just the blink of an eye. The natural reaction is to cling to familiar stuff and draw a line between yourself and your own group and 'them', in this case everyone else, especially the mortals. Glorfindel and the Wiseman elves were living in the Mortal society for so long that they are used to change their names and go with the rapid changes of human societies as the centuries go by. The Valinorean elves are new to this kind of stuff and some take it harder than others.

Larner · 6 June 2014 · Chapter 46: Resolutions

After the turmoil of the last few weeks this quiet must seem doubly blest. And I so hope that the peace lasts for a time, and that most of the necessary lessons have been learned. Now--to see if the ring found in the pawn shop is Glorfindel's, and if it leads to the capture of the relevant suspects.

Eruherdiriel · 6 June 2014 · Chapter 46: Resolutions

I'm recognizing so many names from Elf, Interrupted! It's making me more interested to read the rest of the sequel. I'm glad they're working things out. It's about time. Now I'm looking for the next curveball. ~Tortoise

Sunny · 6 June 2014 · Chapter 46: Resolutions

So apologies are given and accepted all around. Still, I wonder just how much Vardamir and Eärnur have learned from the fiasco, since they found it so deeply embarrassing to be reprimanded by a Mortal. So it's true that the two of them are Master Healers, certified so by Irmo himself. But as yet they are raw beginners when it comes to Mortal medicine, and the procedures and technologies that have been developed outside Aman. And while I guess Stoner might find Elven healing magic useful when he learns how it might be applied, he certainly wouldn't be likely to trust it as yet. And the only Elven healers who at this point in time can be trusted to truly merge Elven healing magic with modern medical technology are the Twins and Vorondur - who are doctors themselves! So Glorfindel has delivered his scoldings - let's hope it sticks! It sounds as if just about all the Elves have been misbehaving. The one who very obvously hadn't, Valandur, clearly have had an immense amount of fun in his Quenya class. And since Glorfindel is clearly not up to fighting him over those classes, I guess he gets to keep giving them. I wonder what he is going to make of the SCA? (He'll surely be in the thick of that as well!)

rikki · 6 June 2014 · Chapter 46: Resolutions

Family. That should say it all between the elves, be they Wiseman or Valinoran ones. They laugh together, live together and fight each other. Then they come to some kind of peaceful existence - until the next time something happens and the whole situation fires off again. Glorfindel has forgiven people a lot better than I would have and he has pushed others to do the same. I like the way you have shown that Finrod and Glorfindel are co-leaders here, when Finrod lets Glorfindel admonish the elves for their actions while he was in the hospital. There were some truths in that speech that are very true in this life. If he or Finrod are killed in the conflict, who will take over the elves. Good chapter to end the week. Have a good weekend! I'm off to go weed the garden and fight the squirrels from eating all my tomatoes.

UTfrog · 6 June 2014 · Chapter 46: Resolutions

Well, much calmer than expected discussions of peace. I wish I was more confident it would take this time. I want to know what the funny event was at the hospital. Also I loved the new method of teaching Quenya. I am sure everyone learned a great deal. In an upcomg chapter, please let us know about the immersion of the "children" into dorm life. I am sure it will be enlightening and unsettling. Nell especially will be astounded at female discussions. As always, thanks so much.

Dreamflower · 6 June 2014 · Chapter 46: Resolutions

Well, I'm glad to see that everything's out in the open now and that everyone got the dressing down that was needed. I'm looking forward to seeing the reactions to the SCA news, and to finding out more about the investigation into the attack on Glorfindel. Also wondering what's going on with Farrell as he awaits trial. Somehow I don't think the enemy has been idle all this time. Who's defending him? And what's going on with the Agency?

FV_Whisper · 5 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

And a long drive to Wiseman it was.... Glorfindel asking for some pain medicine on his own, without being forced, is a sure sign he still has a way to go. So Finrod had to ask for a couple of Maiar? I'm pretty sure Námo would be more than willing to give them, considering the alternative. It's a good thing Glorfindel has been brought up to date with was going on in Wiseman, or else he would have been in for a surprise when he came home! A long road it was too for the Twins and Sarah. I think the Twins will better stay out of the way of Ron for a while after this. Thinking of this, I really wonder how they will react when they hear of Ron's own 'events' with Mir and Earnest! So, back in Wiseman... After the monopoly marathon, we now get the Star Wars marathon. All the Wiseman elves moving out is an obvious sign the tension at home was becoming too much for them too. Stan's ‘You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here’ speech should have been an interesting one. Glorfindel's talk with Fionwë was just precious! All of it. So Helyanwë was at the point of fading. You'd almost say it runs in the family....I hope her talk with Glorfindel did her some good, and in her current situation, it was a good thing he took the blame for it,but let not forget in the in she was the final straw to him... Finrod declaring Glorfindel his equal in some kind of ceremony might actually the thing that would work for a good deal of the Valinor elves and that's the group that needs to get the message. Although I'm pretty sure the Wiseman elves will pretty much laugh about it and the Twins won't stop teasing him about it for the next two centuries! So, let's see how Glorfindel deal's with Mir and Earnest next, and I suppose by the time he's done with them our Maia sheepdog might have rounded up the Wiseman elves...

obsidianj · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

That was a long ride home. When Glorfindel took two pain pills, I knew he was in bad shape. His talk with Helyanwe was a beginning, but I don't think everything is solved. Loved the interaction with Fionwe. Maybe this little demonstration showed Helyanwe more than anything that Glorfindel is not some nobody. Now to see how Glorfindel can mend fences with Ernie and Mir.

Laer · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

Mir and Ernie will have some apologies to met out to Loren. As long as it isn't followed with "those darn kids" I am sure it will be excepted. As for Helyanwe..maybe she will be ok after all. ;) Had to chuckle over him "stealing" her toast. That shows he still thinks of her as his "love' Glad that Loren told the truth. It was his own fault for letting himself become so angry over words. She needed to say those words so that she could understand just how wrong they were. Now for the rest of the crew ;)

Larner · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

Well, one gentle confrontation done with and another about to begin. Love the Lurch reference, of course. Glad Fionwe is cooperating. Now--to get everyone cooperating rather than competing. But the Valinorian Elves are facing distinct culture shock, of course. Best put their expectations behind them so they can accept things as they come.

Sunny · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

It definitely sounds like there is a lot of tension in the air among the Elves - and all the Wiseman Elves wanting to stay anywhere but at Edhellond is just a symptom. I sniggered a bit at the mention of a Star Wars marathon - and also thought of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEcjgJSqSRU I guess Valandur has found his perch already with the Quenya classes. So do you think ha will make that his carreer, and get a certification to be a "real" teacher? The interplay between Glorfindel and Fionwë was high comedy (and I also LOVED Daeron's little remark!) but undoubtedly also an eye-opener for Helyanwë and Melyanna. They aren't exactly used to seeing Elves give orders to a Maia - and having them obeyed! But then Glorfindel is one half of a certain Dynamic Duo that once upon a time had even the Valar hopping! To finish: More Star Wars fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgAlQuqzl8o

Eruherdiriel · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

Glad to see they're going to work everything out. Although, I must say, you write interpersonal tension really well. Usually that bugs me, but you are good enough it doesn't. Oh, and being most of the way through Elf, Interrupted, I enjoyed the spoilers about Sador's family. ~Eruherdiriel

Lindelea · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

p.s. Just have to add that I bless the little glossary sections at the end of your chapters.

Lindelea · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

Yikes! Car rides and captive audiences. Helyanwë doesn't seem completely convinced but at least she's eating something. (I love Glorfindel snitching her toast without realising...) Things are definitely in a mess. Love the image of a Maia rounding up strays, though my mental image is more of a rope-wielding cowboy than a shepherd. (Of course, that would hardly be Middle-earthian. OTOH, surely there must have been some Elves in the Wild, Wild West... Who was that masked man?) Sorry, am definitely punchy today. But thank you for helping me get started on this more-difficult-than-usual Monday. (Not circumstances. More that my body is in rebellion today after a very full weekend.)

Kevana · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

First of all - I think I squeaked like a dolphin at finally finding out what happened to Sador's sister! That made me so happy. Thank you sooo much for including that little bit of continuity, an answer to a story several years old now! Yikes, though, at Helyanwë fading. I'm glad she and Glorfindel are trying to put things to rights, but - even though I'm sure they had their reasons, it makes one wonder just *what* those reasons were for the Valar letting some of these folks come over on the first trip. It must be hard for everybody but some of them seem particularly sensitive to it... You have to wonder just *what* was said in that car between the Twins, Serindë and Daddy Vorondur! But y'know, the guy did lose his sons, I forget that sometimes, and it makes sense he'd be a bit mother-hennish toward his daughter. I'm glad they (apparently) got it worked out. Looks like the embroidery was the Wiseman folks' version of Monopoly. Good to see the Amigos + Nell decided (or were chased) into going off to school. I remember from my own college days it can be a real relief to get away from family troubles at home and escape to a nice little shoebox of a dorm room. Ha @ Glorfindel ordering Fionwë around, and double-ha @ Fionwë actually doing it! Maybe he was a bit bored. Another off-screen conversation to wonder about: putting the "fear of the Valar" in the runaways! Great chapter, lots of things coming together, and some others falling apart a little in very entertaining ways. Thanks for the update and have a beautiful week! -Kevana

Kevana · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 44: A Baronial Feast

Ahhh, I didn't think about Alex's past with "pretending" - but it makes sense (and is a fantastic way for you to carry through the character development from EAII). Ron makes a really good point about how people cling to the past as if it was some kind of Golden Age. When people start doing that, I always remember that wonderful quote circa 450 B.C. - possibly (mis)attributed to Socrates - about children being rude to their elders and society being terrible. 2000+ years and not much has changed. LOL @ Stacy's reaction to finding out about the Elves! Nope, not in Kansas anymore! It must have been fun seeing the Elves all dressed up, and the cloved lemon sounds like mobile mistletoe. Thank you for including it, now I know to watch out if I ever happen to see one pop up and/or if I ever go on Jeopardy. *grin* It reminds me of how Shakespeare's plays were pop culture back in his day, and full of dirty jokes that most people don't get because of the language/slang differences. Now we know where your encyclopedic knowledge of all of the feasting stuff and armor comes from! It's incredibly impressive how much time and effort goes into SCA. No doubt the folks in Wiseman are going to have to work hard to get theirs up and running. Curious to see what name they decide on for their group! Lots of awesome info in this chapter. Thanks for the update! -Kevana

ellie · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

Loved the long dark drive from hell that the twins and Sarah endured. I bet they did look glassy-eyed after a while. LOL Poor Glorfindel. You know he is bad off when he takes two and checks out for a while. Loved the whole exchange with "Lurch". “You rang?” Fionwë asked in a deep voice. “Yeah, Lurch, I did,” Glorfindel retorted and Daeron bit back a laugh while Fionwë practically glowed with amusement. “I need you to hunt down some errant Elves who are probably wandering about Wiseman like lost sheep. I want you to put the fear of the Valar into them and send them back here. This nonsense has gone on long enough.” “Do I look like a sheepdog, Glorfindel?” Fionwë countered. “I’m not in the business of herding wayward Children.” “Well, you can now add it to your resumé,” Glorfindel said, giving the Maia his best glare. “You have your orders. Find them. I don’t care what you have to do to convince them to return to Edhellond posthaste, but remind them that if I have to go looking for them, they will regret it for a very long time.” “Ooh, I love it when you talk dirty,” Daeron quipped and then started laughing as Glorfindel snarled a swearword at him. I fear that things are not as resolved with Helena as Glorfindel thinks they are.

rikki · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

Nothing worse that being trapped in an enclosed space of any kind when the parental unit decides now is a good time to bring up all the problems you have been creating and the trouble that you are causing the rest of the family. No escape! And those "little" talks can be more painful that just getting a paddling. Poor Dan, Roy and Sarah! No wonder they looked glassy eyed when they got out of the car. After Ron got finished with them, I don't think that any of them will consider going anywhere without telling someone. Glorfindel is not getting any relief either. He is still healing from the attack, and for it to take so long considering the way elves heal, is a real indication of how bad off he is/was. But rather than staying in bed and trying to stay quiet, Glorfindel is trying to fix all the problems that are facing the elves in Edhollend. I'm glad though that he finally did talk to Helena and hopefully have found some closure on the arguement that led to the attack afterwards. Glorfindel is right, he chose to go out and put himself in danger, Helena needs to forgive herself and come out of her room and start living again. Now that you have cleared some of the air from previous problems, I fear that all is still not well in Edhollend. We need to find out what Mir is angry about and the rest of the Wiseman elves need to be settled. If Dave has found Glorfindel's ring and a clue to the attackers, that might be a shock when we find out who was behind the attack. Glorfindel is going to think taking a vacation to Tahiti is sounding better and better.

Dreamflower · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

Quite a return. The drive back sounded so real--you really have a good way of describing road trips that makes me feel just like I'm sitting in the back seat! Poor Glorfindel, coming home to such a mess. I love him ordering Fionwe around! "Lurch"! LOLOL! I fear Helena is getting off too easily; but Glorfindel isn't the right one to ream her out, I suppose. Still, he's right: she and the others need to let go of their Valinorean mindset. I hope we get to find out how the Maian shepherd rounded up the Elven sheep. Bet that was amusing.

UTfrog · 2 June 2014 · Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman

This chapter has so much going on, it needs a second read. First impression is that some issues are beginning to be resolved though I see areas which will take a very long time to completely heal. Loved the Lurch impression. Good for Glorfindel in talking to Helanwe as he did. That was well done. She still needs a good shake however. Also loved Ron the continually overprotective parent. Cannot wait to hear about the adjustment of Nell and the others to life in a dorm. They are in for some real shocks, good and bad. Thanks as always.