Larner
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
And so good intentions are thrown by the wayside as each side is certain it is right and the other side wrong, and as sensibilities get in the way of open communication. Time for a good talking to by our favorite Vala, I suspect, as both sides need some loving chewing out!
Author's reply
And we all know about good intentions, don't we, Larner? And I think Kyle is doing a good job of it himself with Mir and Ernie and I'm sure Finrod will show his displeasure as well when he finds out what's happened and then when Glorfindel finally comes to and is recovered enough to give the world grief... well, I'm sure we'll all be sitting there with popcorn enjoying the show. heh! Thanks for reading and reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Diana
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
Hi Fiondil,
This chapter had to be a lot of fun to write!
When my husband and I opened our foster home (we serve mentally ill adults) we had to become rather familiar with the DSM4 and various medications. Then we had a ball analyzing the Wizard of Oz because one of our residents was obsessed with it, and after watching it 15 times what else can you do?
Of course I'm sure everyone that read this chapter had to go take the test right away (which I'm probably going to do too).
Good story!
The Dude abides!
Diana
Author's reply
Hi Diana. Yes, I had loads of fun with this. Of course, without Kevana's help it wouldn't have been possible. We'll be exploring personality types even more once we get into Elf Academy 4. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Soledad
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
Poor Glorfindel, he always has to pay the price for the snobbery of others!
Go, Dr. Stoner! Oh, I was so proud of him on behalf of us, mere mortals! But where have Sarah and the Twins gond?
Author's reply
Yeah, poor Glorfindel, indeed, Soledad, but at least he's unconscious and is unaware of what's happening. And Dr. Stoner is definitely the man! We'll find out in the next chapter where Sarah and the Twins went and why. Thanks for leaving a review. I much appreciate it.
Lindelea
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
Finrod: I confess I never thought to enquire. I think I simply assumed
Ah, Finrod. Gotta watch those assumptions. There's a Mortal cliche about assumptions: ASSUME: Making an ASS out of "U" and "ME"
Eärnur: Mortal techniques are not as reliable as our own
My first thought on reading this was "famous last words." Almost became such, for Glorfindel. ("Slipping his leash!" I wonder what Kyle Stoner's first thoughts were on hearing that little piece of data... The missing ring is a sort of anchor, isn't it, which is why there's a constant Elf-watch on Glorfindel? And now he's without his Elf-guard (which sounds somehow like a brand of deodorant -- does my mind work weirdly before-coffee, or what?) -- although they haven't quite left the hospital, they just went to ask about the Twins, so hopefully they'll come back.
I do hope someone thought to call Finrod, or he's going to be Royally torqued.
Finrod rolled his eyes. “And I thought the Twins were being impossible. Yes, that is what I counsel. You are, of course, free to ignore my advice as you have done in the past, though you might recall that every time you did, you landed yourself in even deeper trouble than before."
I would listen if I were you...
Of course, as it turns out, they are very much in the right, in this situation.
Why do I get the feeling that Glorfindel is something of a lab rat or guinea pig (well, okay, that's not the exact image but it's the closest I can come when I'm this groggy) in this tiny piece of the Grand Scheme? I was thinking as the crisis escalated that he was being used as a teaching tool to take the New Arrivals down a peg... with the Maiar standing back and watching things unfold. Would they actually have allowed him to die, to teach the rest a lesson? Tough lesson, especially for Glorfindel, not to mention Finrod and the Twins.
Do Maiar bite their fingernails? (Rhetorically speaking.)
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea: Yeah, someone should tell Finrod about that mortal cliché. It's no less true for being a cliché and a mortal one at that. *grin*
I'm sure Kyle will be demanding to know just what is meant by "slipping his leash" and why that worries the elves where Glorfindel is concerned. I don't think he's going to like the answer when he hears it.
As I pointed out to another reviewer, Glorfindel has always been "bait", however one wishes to define it, and perhaps "teaching tool" in this context is a better term.
And while the Maiar can't interfere with our or anyone else's free will, when given direct orders to do so, they will interfere in matters, so I doubt they would allow Glorfindel to die, if only because that would make Námo very unhappy and we don't want that, do we? LOL!
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
FV_Whisper
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
The tittle already gave me an idea something was going wrong here...and so it did!
Falling in love with medical thrillers little less than a year ago myself, I have to to I loved this chapter. Must have been a hard thing to write, unless you are familiar with the stuff.
The Twins can be hot-headed as we've seen in the previous chapter, but at first here we see them showing quite a bit of common sense. Yes, they've been hurt by the attitude the Valinorian healers have treated them, but they're still healers and willing to learn more. It's interesting to see both of them already have a medical degree, they were mentioned as being doctors in EA2 already, it's nice to ge some more background on that.
I like it how Elrohir is slightly more stubborn over this than his brother. They may be twins, but knowing a pair of twins myself who have been on non-speaking terms with each other for over 30 years, it's good to see them having different personalities, a thing too often overlooked.
Eärnur on the other hand, I was giving him the benefit of doubt in last chapter, but now that we see a little more of him, I can't say I like it. 'Elrond all over again times two.' *Hisses* I fear that's the least the Twins will be doing to him after the later events of this chapter!
The Twins show their worth and skills in both Elvish and Human technics when diagnosing Glorfindel, and I was very happy to see they turned out to be correct in the end, even although that meant more problems for Glorfindel.
I never thought I would say it when he first appeared in the series, but I'm really starting to like Kyle Stoner here, he's clinical, taking in things with one glance and drawing his conclusion from that. And his arrogance proves it's worth now, he's not afraid to go against two elves when the sake of his patient is at stake! And he's not happy with them, not happy at all! I hope this will have some consequences we'll see more about later on.
I hope this might prove a turning point where the elves from Valinor will see they too are not without their flaws. This should take an interesting turn for both sides.
Sorry for rambling so long, I can be quite wordy when writing things, I guess that meant I liked the chapter ;)
Author's reply
Hello FV_Whisper. It was in fact pretty hard to write this chapter because I really don't have a medical background, though I've been in hospital enough times that I have probably picked up a thing or two or at least I would hope from my descriptions of hospitals and hospital procedures (at least from the patient's POV).
The Twins, while twins, are separate beings and of course have their own personalities, likes and dislikes. They are definitely not clones. Elrohir is not as outgoing as Elladan, but he can be stubborn when he needs to be.
And Kyle seems to be redeeming himself nicely here. I think having to work and teach the elves has helped him to mature somewhat. I think he'll make a fine administrator when Geoffrey Harris retires or dies, though he still has a way to go before he's ready to take over completely.
We'll see how things progress from here. The dominoes are still falling...
Thanks for taking the time to read and review and letting me know how much you enjoyed the chapter (and I presume the rest of the story to date). I appreciate you doing so very much.
Sunny
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
Things are heating up again, I see! And it's definitely not good!
The Twins were at least interested in learning the Elven techniques they don't know from the Valinoren Elves. They realized there are a number of things they can learn from them, and were willing to swallow their pride and deal with the condescension of the newcomers in order to learn.
I think all bets are off, now. At least between the Twins and Serindë on one side and Eärnur and Vardamir on the other.
When Glorfindel took a turn for the worse, the Twins started treatment based on what they found using Mortal techniques. Vardamir and Eärnur seemed to automatically assume that since the Twins had not been using Valinoran metods of diagnosing the problem, their conclusions automatically had to be wrong. So they stuck their oar in, and prescribed another course of treatment, which happened to be wrong! Now the Twins are beyond unhappy (which is understandable), because the superior know-it-alls from Valinor have kicked the two of them out of the ICU and are planning to give Glorfindel a treatment that is probably going to kill him. It's a damned good thing Stoner arrived and set things right. But I think Elladan and Elrohir are unwilling to take lessons from Eärnur and Vardamir now. As in, "Hell freezing over" unwilling.
So Glorfindel is slipping his leash again? That's one thing Mortal medicine can't help with. And I guess it is one reason the Elves wanted round-the-clock monitoring by other Elves in the hospital.
Speaking of which, right now Glorfindel _is_ alone there - as in, having no other Elves with him. Have somebody bothered to contact Finrod? He did ask to be informed if something happened. I guess he will be very unhappy if nobody bothered to call him. And even more so if something bad happens because Glorfindel is alone in the hospital. Actually, there was a lot happening that he has reason to be less-than-pleased about. Hopefully he won't make things worse by going all King of Nargothrond about them.
Hi, Kevana, you're definitely right about high SPF. Don't go out without having covered your skin with the stuff. I know how my skin reacts to ultraviolet, and it's definitely a painful reaction. But I guess some people just need to learn from experience, and 2-degree burns would be considered an effective learning experience.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. You're analysis of the situation is pretty accurate. The Twins used a combination of elven and mortal techniques to determine what was wrong, but Mir and Ernie couldn't be bothered and in their arrogance made the wrong decision on too little medical information. This was definitely a case of "a little knowledge is deadly and next to useless".
And while Glorfindel is temporarily alone, I doubt that will last, so let's not borrow trouble. As for Finrod, we'll see how he takes all this soon enough, and you're right: He'll be less than pleased by it all.
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
6336
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
Arrogant though he is I want to hug Kyle! That's telling 'em bud!
Elven healing techniques are all well and good but we are dealing with Mortal techniques here and the Twins know a lot more about them than Earnur and Vardimar, Master healers though they are. I think there will have to be major groveling done before this is over and the Twins will accept training in Elven techniques.
Finrod is going to be mightily pissed when he finds out! Plus this is going to drive even more of a wedge between the two groups of Elves.
As you said messier, very much messier.
Ah well, back to my comfy spot on the cliff, Oh Cliffy King!
Huggs,
Lynda
p.s. I am also mightily pissed with VCardimir and Earnur!
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Kyle may be arrogant but he's got good qualities and we'll see him shine later in the story. we'll see how it all falls out over the next several chapters. And yeah, Finrod is going to be mightily pissed. And the mess has just begun. Events are beginning to spiral out of control and the center cannot hold for long.
Thanks for leaving a comment. You know how much I appreciate you doing so. Hugs back.
Dreamflower
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
Oh my goodness! Poor Glorfindel!
But this is one more blow-up that could have even more repercussions. I think in the short run it will definitely make things worse (though it might prove in the long run to have a salutary effect). If Glorfindel's recovery is jeopardized by this I'm not sure the twins will be able to forgive the interference.
I do love how Kyle Stoner chewed Vardamir and Earnur out; for some reason his "voice" in this chapter sounded to me like Alan Alda in his role as Hawkeye Pierce in M*A*S*H. Those two were wrong on several levels and deserve to eat humble pie.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. Yep. Poor Glorfindel. The ellon I love to torment. *grin* We'll be seeing what the short-term and long-term consequences of these events are over the next several chapters.
Interesting how you "heard" Alan Alda in his role as Hawkeye Pierce in Kyle's voice. I'm not sure I had an particular "voice" in mind when I wrote Kyle in this scene, but I can certainly see where you're coming from. I don't remember if Alda's character ever chewed anyone out, but I don't remember every episode, so perhaps he did.
At any rate, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It's very much appreciated.
Monalex
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
It is also worth knowing that the twins have way more experience mixing and adapting elven healing techniques with mortal ones, so I would say they have a more balanced knowledge than the Valinorean Elves who are so dismissive of Mortal teachings. And as someone mentioned before, do these elves think they will just treat Elves?? What about the mortals?? I think in the long run they will have to learn to mix this two ways of medicine (mortal and elven) to have better results.
Author's reply
You're right about that, Monalex, and perhaps eventually there will be a blending of elven and mortal medical techniques and everyone will benefit from it, especially the mortals. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. It's appreciated.
Kevana
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
One minor addition, every time I see Stoner's name mentioned I think of Aragorn's healing abilities and title of "Elessar." I keep meaning to mention it and always forget. Anyway, thanks again!
-Kevana
Author's reply
I can understand how you would make such a connection. Never really thought about it in that respect. Who knows? Maybe Stoner's a distant descendant of Aragorn as well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Kevana.
Kevana
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
For the first part of this chapter, I wanted to stand up and clap for the Twins and Serindë - that was very brave of Elladan and Elrohir, and Serindë is brave as well to be able to step back and look at their situation and decide to put aside pride and encourage one another. I think their parents and the Alien Overlords would be very proud of them.
But then that resolve is tested immediately - they really aren't getting a break and neither is Glorfindel. What a roller coaster you have us on, Fiondil! Just when he's getting better..well, it *was* a desperate move using the donor blood.
Mir and Earnur just got a mighty smack in the face, I bet that will tone down their utter certainty in the superiority of Elven abilities, as well as teaching a lesson about why the "locals" - Mortals and Elves - are right to be adamant that the newcomers learn modern medicine and protocol. Thank goodness for Kyle Stoner! His attitude can come in handy when used properly, haha. He and Glorfindel really need to make up after all this.
Well, they call it a learning process for a reason, eh? Evidence that everybody needs to learn from each other. I just hate it's Glorfindel who's being the teaching tool here, but then it wouldn't be any better if it was anybody else either.
I have a lesson to learn myself, and that lesson is "use sunblock, stupid." Apparently I prefer having to spend a day slathered in aloe vera and parked in front of a fan to taking five minutes' precaution. Learn from my pain, my friends. SPF 30 is your ally. The steeplechase was great, but a horse tripped and fell over a fence about ten feet in front of me. The horse was okay but the jockey broke his collarbone. Ouch! It's scary seeing an animal that big, moving that fast, lose control and slam on the ground so closely to you – and much scarier for the poor rider, I'm sure.
Lots of good thoughts to you and to everybody, Fiondil! And thank you for the medical glossary, I had to go back and do a re-read afterward with all the jargon - it made a lot more sense after that, though not knowing most of the terms also gave the chapter a certain ER factor where it was even more thrilling. *grin*
Thanks for the update, have a great week, take care of yourself!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Roller coaster is a good metaphor and we're not done with it yet, as you will see.
Actually, I think Kyle and Glorfindel have made up, so no worries there. And Glorfindel is always bait of one kind or another, even if it's as a teaching tool for others. It's in his job description as a bona-fide balrog slayer. *grin*
I got a bit of a medical education writing this chapter and Ellie was a real trooper helping me to track down the possible life-threatening side-effects to having a transfusion. Without her help, I wouldn't have been able to write this chapter nearly as well as I did.
Yes, SPF 30 sunblock is your friend. Having suffered skin cancer back in my twenties, I am very careful about that sort of thing myself. So, please don't forget to use it the next time. Skin cancer is no fun, trust me.
Thanks for reviewing and I hope your sunburn improves rapidly.
Ellie
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
WOW! That was intense! And angry and unpleasant. It sucks that the twins were right that they were being ill-treated and dismissed by the other healers for not being pure bloods and for not being trained in Valinor. It is even worse that their diagnosis was disregarded outright and that it nearly cost Loren his life.
Oh my. Finrod certainly won't be happy when he hears about this. Makes one wonder how bad the fallout from this will be...
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Very intense. And angry. And unpleasant. No one's a happy camper and everyone's pretty much at their nadir. At least Kyle read Mir and Ernie the riot act, which should help. And no, Finrod will be royally pissed when he finds out what just happened and why.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, especially when I know how busy you are. It's always appreciated.
Monalex
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
Hello Fiondil,
So they are really underestimating them!! I can see how this will go down with Finrod, in that Earnur and Vardamir nearly killed his brother beacuse they refused to consider the twins' valid and more experienced point. Now it is clear that the Valinorean Elves or at least some of them, don't consider the twins to be on the same level as them, but as starting healers who have no business telling them that they are wrong. I fear that Finrod's plan of having Vardamir teach them just went down the drain... but on the bright side I can clearly see the twins maturity in recognizing that the Valinorean Elves have some interesting techniques worth learning and in pin-pointing who they will even ask to teach them (Laurendil and Manwen). I'm happy to see that the twins consider them not to be snobs and arrogant, unlike some other elves I can mention.
It is also clear in this chapter the level of influence Glorfindel has over the twins, in that they followed his advice in keeping up with their medical techniques and knowledge. I'm sure it will also be a surprise for the Valinorean Elves when they learn that the twins are considered by their mortal counterparts as being nearly full-fledged doctors and that contrary to what they thought, the twins actually have the acreditations to be recognized as such, but are instead taking a crash curse or refresher's course to get up to date sooner. I would not be surprised that by the time the twins are already surgeons the other are just starting medical school. It would also be great when the others remember who exactly are their maternal grandparents (Galadriel/Celeborn), so that they don't underestimate their power and capabilities.
It will be great seeing Vardamir and Earnur eating humble pay for once.
Great chapter as always.
Monalex
Author's reply
Hi Monalex. It's a right mess all around, that's for sure. And it is very clear just how influential Glorfindel is for the Twins. He's a father-figure as well as their captain and they look up to him more than they look up to any of their other elders. And you've already anticipated me. In a later chapter we will see Finrod reminding certain people just who the Twins are related to. And we will also see Mir and Ernie eating humble pie as well, I promise.
Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Celeth
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
Wow that was exciting! Kept me on the edge of my seat! But please, take good care of Glorfindel.And oh, now its the Twins...
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. I promise to take good care of Glorfindel and the Twins. Don't worry, they'll all be all right eventually. Glad you found the chapter exciting. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
rikki
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
I have grown to love your Dr. Stoner. He was a real pain when we first met him, but he has grown on me because he has made the changes to incorporate the elves into his medical knowledge and he knows his medicine. Kyle is going to be a good administrator when Dr. Harris ever retires. Even now Dr. Stoner is interpreting the information that he sees on the different monitors and making more acurate decisions as to what is wrong with Glorfindel. I think he has seen more of this kind of reaction to blood transfusions than Earnur and Vardamir. And that is a very tense situation when a wrong call can kill a patient as we see. He is also aware of the twins medical degrees and certainly has more trust in them than he does in elven technology. As he says, listen before acting.
I am rather pissed at Earnur anyway. He seems to think that all he will be doing is treating elves and that he is letting his interactions with Elrond taint his interactions with Elrohir and Elladan. Though he doesn't know about their medical degrees Earnur is also not trying to find out what they do know. He needs some serious reality therapy so he can get on board with what is happening and what is going to happen.
I am happy that Finrod is beginning to become aware of the fact that the Valanorian elves are holding themselves above the Wiseman elves and thinking that they know more while ignoring the mortals entirely. Finrod has his work cut out for him to integrate both groups of elves into one. But that is going to be his job I think, liaison between the elven groups and the mortals.
This chapter really revealed some secrets that weren't expected and I expect we will see more as time goes on with this story. Now off to work while waiting for Friday's update.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. I'm glad you have grown to love Dr. Stoner. He didn't start out as a sympathetic character, but I think he's grown in the last few months have to train the Elves and all. The Elves are totally unfamiliar with blood transfusions and the problems that can arise since they can (in my universe at least) induce blood growth in a patient. Kyle, simply by virtue of being a mortal doctor, does have more knowledge of the dangers of transfusions than any of the elves, other than the Twins.
Author Reply: Hi rikki. I'm glad you have grown to love Dr. Stoner. He didn't start out as a sympathetic character, but I think he's grown in the last few months have to train the Elves and all. The Elves are totally unfamiliar with blood transfusions and the problems that can arise since they can (in my universe at least) induce blood growth in a patient. Kyle, simply by virtue of being a mortal doctor, does have more knowledge of the dangers of transfusions than any of the elves, other than the Twins.
Author Reply: Sorry. The system seems to be acting up, so please ignore the double posting. I also wanted to say that you're right that Ernie and perhaps some of the other elven healers act as if they will only be treating elves in the future, but they will mostly be treating mortals and they need to understand that and accept the reality of it.
And I suspect you're right that eventually Finrod's job will be to integrate the elves and the mortals into a cohesive whole and he will be the liaison between the two groups.
Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
I am sorry for Loren's suffering, but I enjoyed every moment of Kyle's telling off of some very arrogant elves! They deserved more including a lesson in mortal bureaucracy and why they are very fortunate to be allowed in the hospital at all. Their casual dismissal, not of mortal technology, but of mortal abilities is so unfair. I would love you to write a separate chapter dealing solely with the Valar's reaction to their mistakes in sending so unprepared a bunch. I hope Olorin and Fionwe have kept them well Informed on this disaster in the making.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm sure you're not the only reader enjoying Kyle's telling off Mir and Ernie as he did. As for the Valar... what makes you think they think they made a mistake sending this bunch to Wiseman, hmmm? *grin* I suspect the Valar are of the opinion that the Children (and one can take that on many levels) should figure things out for themselves. Well, we'll see how it all turns out eventually. Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Sarah
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 29: Elves in Distress
*resists the urge to slap all these stubborn fools upside the head* I have tried to be understanding, sympathetic and supportive. Now, I am beginning to see this as one terrible, terrible test, and I think our friends are teetering on the edge of failure. Any one of them could end up in Glorfindel's place in the near future, and they clearly are not emotionally equipped to deal with it at the moment. Your little leadership squabbles do not matter right now. Your hurt feelings do not matter right now. Your need to feel correct and superior because you've got fancy training definitely doesn't matter right now. All that matters is putting your friend back together again, and if that means that you have to follow rules that you find silly simply because they are not yours, or double and triple check every point of data that you have, do it. Suck it up. Tear each other to pieces later.
I don't think they realize how lucky they are that their patient is so darn stubborn. Bravo to Kyle for giving them hell and basically voicing my sentiments but in a more concise, restrained manner. My apologies for the ah....emotional rant that is this review, I fear I get quite attached to fictional characters (I spend most of my re-reads of the Silmarillion beating my head against the wall and questioning the intelligence of literally every individual, since I can now see the consequences coming from miles away).
Now to find some lovely fluff to read. My nerves can't handle this much longer.
Author's reply
Hi Sarah. Kyle's no one's fool and as arrogant as he is, he puts his patients needs first and isn't afraid to call those under his command so to speak on the carpet and give them what-for if they deserve it, and Mir and Ernie certainly do here.
And don't apologize for getting upset with characters. How do you think I feel when my characters act less than nobly and there's nothing I can do about it but grit my teeth. Being a writer, I get a faint glimpse of how God must feel sometimes when we refuse to play nicely and follow the plot he's mapped out for us. LOL!
Enjoy your fluff reading. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 5 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
Woa! The twins are in a really bad mood. I didn't quite expect that. Although it is understandable with everything that happened. But I think they are a bit over reacting. Let's hope Glorfindel wakes up soon. I don't think Finrod is ready and able to take over the whole operation. He is still too new himself and has a lot to learn about the mortals and the world of this time.
Author's reply
They probably are over-reacting a bit, obsidianj, but too much has happened and they're probably still sleep deprived and fearful and under a great deal of stress so they're not thinking straight and taking everything anyone says the wrong way. We've all been there, done that. And Finrod really isn't ready to take over the whole operation but he'll do his best until Glorfindel recovers and at least he has people like Daeron and Vorondur and Amroth to help him, assuming he asks for their help. We'll just have to wait and see what happens next.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 5 April 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
Love the analysis of the various groups about the events in the last chapters. I was thinking about what mortals and elves can give each other. The elves have a lot of physical advantages and their feeling of superiority, I think, springs from that. But watching the mortals pick up on the tensions in the waiting room of the hospital and the three prayer-warriors being able to diffuse the situation, makes me think that humans have an advantage when it comes to the spiritual world. They speak directly to God (Eru or the One) and they seem to have an intuitive understanding of what to do when faced with a tense situation that can't be solved with physical strength.
The back story of Josiah Makepeace makes me curious and wasn't Charles Weaverly also only recently sent to Wiseman? I think someone is pulling strings again.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. I think you're right about what each race can give to the other. It must be strange to the Elves to think that Mortals seem to have a direct link to Eru, whereas they have to go through the Valar, particularly, Manwë. But then, they get to speak face-to-face with angels and archangels, and Mortals rarely do, so I guess it's an even trade, but certainly, the Mortals can teach the Elves a thing or two about spiritual warfare.
Father Charlie has actually been in Wiseman for many years, having been sent there by his superiors back in the eighties. Only Josiah is a recent newcomer and I think the rabbi is a native of Wiseman, though he obviously would have left to attend university and seminary before returning to head Wiseman's small Jewish community. But at any rate, you are correct that Someone is pulling strings.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Sarah
· 5 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
While I can understand their reactions, given the amount of stress that they've all been under & the general "halo effect" that comes with dealing with one's parents, I think they may have forgotten that there will always be someone better than you at something, even among masters :-)
Looking forward to the next update!
Author's reply
Hi Sarah. That's true, but right now they're too angry, stressed out, afraid for Glorfindel and just generally cranky from too little sleep to care or to recognize it. I'm sure if they stopped to think about it, they themselves probably don't consider themselves their father's equal in healcraft, though they think themselves as master healers. But emotions being what they are, they're not thinking along those lines.
Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it immensely.
Lyana
· 5 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
Oh, wow... Those two are about to go incandescent in a way I don't think they have since Celebrain was taken. Hope Glorfi wakes up soon, and can cool them down! Sadly, that was overdue - and par for the course when fear, stress and sleep deprivation all collide.
You know, I wonder if some of what the Twins perceive as condescension is really just not knowing *what* to say, and I wouldn't be surprised to find that there's some level of jealousy over how effortlessly the Wiseman elves navigate mortal society and how much less fettered and "exciting" their lives have been. We always seem to envy what we didn't have.
Can't wait to see how they react when they find out that the police knew they were hanging around the crime scene. :-)
*tries to get comfy on the tender hooks*
Author's reply
You're probably right about that, Lyana. I doubt the Twins have ever been this way since their naneth was taken. Glorfindel is the closest thing to a parent they have and fear, stress and sleep deprivation are all taking their toll.
And you're most likely right about the jealousy. Even the healers who have been more exposed to Mortals than most of the others must still be feeling their way and envying the Wiseman Elves, the Twins especially, navigate effortlessly through the Mortal world. So, what is perceived as condescension really isn't. Unfortunately, the Twins have decided it is and won't change their minds on the subject any time soon.
Thanks for reviewing. Hope you're comfortable. *grin*
Laer
· 5 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
Elrohir and Elladan are right. They do have a reason to feel like they are being looked down on; but only with some of the elves from Valinor.
They all need to be 'taught' a few things. It is not just one side that needs to learn nor is it just the elves...but then you know that. You are the one writing this fantastic tale :)
I would really hate to be the one caught with the ring..especially be the twins or Finrod. it is not going to be pretty for anyone if that happens...
Author's reply
Hi Laer. You're right that they all need to be taught and not just the Elves and it's not all the Elves from Valinor who look down on Elrond's sons (and perhaps that is merely their perception rather than the reality).
I would not want to be anywhere near where the one who took Glorfindel's ring is, too, if and when the Elves, especially the Twins or Finrod, find him.
Anyway, we'll see how that goes. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Laer
· 5 April 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
Gotta say loved how not only the last name is fitting for the Reverend Makepeace,he seems to be good at it, but how good they are were at reaching that peace for all. Loved the brothers and sisters reference reaction still from the elves. Also how Aramoth is putting in a bit more back ground for us.
If I didn't mention it last chapter I will this one. Also was very happy to have all three of the "God Squad" there to help all through this. It was needed.
Having the different views explained in a way that isn't "dumbing" the reader down was brilliant. I have always hated it when they become all third wall and then bring the fourth one back up in a story. We get to discover what is going on when they do. :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. A very appropriate last name of Josiah, and to tell you the truth, I don't remember how I came up with the name or where I even found it. Just a case of serendipity, I suppose.
I'm glad you liked the way I had the different views explained. I try not to "dumb" the reader. I hate that too.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 5 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
I am sensing itching powder being slipped into underwear here. I feel as if some unseen outside agent is doing its best to make everybody hypersensitive to criticism even when it's not being offered. Not a good situation to have around someone who is recovering from as nasty a physical attack as Glorfindel has endured, all who would watch over him sniping at one another. But, then the mortals in the Rusty Nail were being worked on in the same way to lead them to attack Glorfindel in the first place.
Author's reply
You may be right about that Larner. On the other hand, I'm sure you've seen where people just don't want to listen and take everything the wrong way even if what is being said is not wrong and the Mortals who attacked Glorfindel are the sort who would attack just about anyone for any provocation. You don't necessarily need an outside force for that, either. Still, your point is well taken and may even be truer than not. We may never know. Thanks for your thoughts, though. They do present a plausible explanation of what's been happening and I appreciate you sharing them with us.
Legolin
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
I really want to give Elladan a hug. Poor guy, I understand where his frustrations are coming from. I think he needs a vacation, or at least a nice long soothing walk in the woods. I hope Glorfindel wakes soon, that will be one less stress on all their shoulders.
Author's reply
Yeah, Elladan really needs a hug, and so does Elrohir. Frankly, I think they're all due for a long vacation, but I doubt they'll get it. *grin* We'll see how things go on from here. Thanks for reviewing, Legolin. I appreciate you doing so.