Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within by Fiondil
Larner · 19 March 2014 · Chapter 23: Further Conversations
A good, positive conversation this time, and a good stop to the quibbling and bickering too many have been party to earlier. Eru is, after all, the greatest gamesman of us all!
Author's reply
Very positive and hopefully it will help stem the quibbling and bickering a bit. And Eru is indeed the greatest gamesman of us all, but most of us don't like to remember that. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. It's much appreciated.
Tari · 18 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
This story keeps getting better with each chapter. I am totally engrossed in it and can't wait for the next chapter. This is so realistic, scarily so.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. I'm glad you are enjoying this story so much. It is scary how realistic some of the situations are, isn't it? Thanks for reading and reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
ellie · 17 March 2014 · Chapter 23: Further Conversations
How interesting the reasons folks stayed behind. I know Finrod was looking for insight into the Wiseman elves, but instead he is learning the vast influence of the Valar. It must be humbling indeed to realise just how long this plan has been in place.
Author's reply
Yes, it is interesting to know why they stayed behind. And you're right that Finrod and the others are learning the vast influence of the Valar. One has to wonder in our own lives how long God has been planning for us to do something to advance His own designs. Thanks for reviewing, Ellie. It's very much appreciated.
Laer · 17 March 2014 · Chapter 23: Further Conversations
Glorfindel is hitting a church where it hurts. No money in the collection plate means they are that much short of making their goals. It sounds like the elves know there is an issue, now for them to figure out how to fix it. Love the nod to your other stories in these. The "powers that be" do weave a rather unique tapestry once they start. You either take a deep breath and believe, or you keep hitting that brick wall until you do what they need you to do. Like making you go back home for something you know is done; but then see something bad that you can stop. You then have a choice, become involved or not. (We had someone fall on the ice while doing their job in a pleasant neighborhood. Woman came home stared at him laying on the side walk..went into the house. Later she came back out. stared at him still laying on the sidewalk. Got in her car and drove off. He had broken his leg and could not work. Luckily his co-worker decided to check on him (different areas, no reason for him to be there. He (the guy who was injured) had left his cell phone in the truck.) So if the co-worker wouldn't have followed his inner voice...who knows when someone would have called 911.
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Your story is pretty gruesome but unfortunately very typical of the day where we've forgotten the lesson of the Good Samaritan. I'm glad you like the way I weave my other stories into this one. That gives it greater historical depth, I think. And the Valar are the master weavers for sure. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate you doing so very much.
Tari · 17 March 2014 · Chapter 21: Finrod Gets Religion
AMEN! That was awesome.
Author's reply
Amen, indeed, Tari. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Kevana · 17 March 2014 · Chapter 23: Further Conversations
Good things abound - Finrod being a peacemaker, Glorfindel being the wonderful ellon he is, the healers hard at work, things moving along for the craft-making. And Finrod standing up for the Mortals, and even the Valar, and Glorfindel backing him up! It's evident Fionwë's talk had quite an impact, as did Manwë's visit. And now we get to see the other side of what happened with "The Journey Home," too! So that's how it all went down. I love how you connected the two stories, it makes it so much more immersive and detailed. It was so sweet how happy Gil was to finally find out what happened with the Elves that returned. Also wonderful to find out why the little crew didn't Sail. I really sympathize with the free will issue they're confronting. I'm independent to a fault and it's always hard to give up the reins and trust, even when you're willing. On the one hand you can be and do so much more when you surrender, but heaven knows it's scary and you want to fight it every step of the way. I can only imagine how much harder it would be for the Elves who (just in my view) generally seem to be less used to being at the mercy of things they can't control. Maybe that's one of those things that the Mortals could teach their Elf friends. I think that Manwë's example about the candles and the two churches' messages are brought home in this whole business about the spiritual warfare...because what happens if they lose that one candle that could make the difference, because they decided that person was an enemy and drove them away instead of trying to help them? Something they should think about. Although some people might shriek in horror at disfiguring a book, when it's to turn it into Hobbit art like this, I think I am more than okay with it. *grin* Lovely chapter, Fiondil! Thanks for the update, have a good week and take care. -Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. It was fun to connect the two stories the way that I did. I'm glad that I actually had it that not everyone in the elvish colony joined Denethor on his quest and we perhaps have a better understanding of why Glóredhel appeared so wistful whenever Maglor noticed her. The free will issue is a difficult one on all fronts, even for us, and the idea of spiritual warfare is not something most of us like to think about, but you're right about the need to be careful in not rejecting someone who might well be the saving of all. After all, that's already happened once in history. I'm more than okay about the book-disfigurement for art's sake, too, especially in this case. Thanks for the link and thanks for leaving a comment. Both are much appreciated. Have a great week yourself.
Sunny · 17 March 2014 · Chapter 23: Further Conversations
Heh. So the Twins don't do boring, do they? Well, neither do Glorfindel, so maybe he wasn't so convincing after all when he tried to convince them to Sail. Lovet the reference to The Journey home - I bet some of the others will be pestering the Valinoreans for tales about them!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. You're probably right about Glorfindel not being too convincing. He definitely does not do boring either. I'm glad you liked the reference to Journey Home. I figured it was a good place to make it and helps to tie things together rather neatly. I'm sure there will be lots of pestering for tales about Maglor and Denethor and those who followed them. Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
6336 · 17 March 2014 · Chapter 23: Further Conversations
Hm, not too sure I like the idea of being a chess piece, even with you know who as the Chess Master! As to the question of free will and predestination, perhaps it can be explained as free will within certain boundary's, i.e. the constraints of polite society. Feeling better today, off to shower and get some breakfast. Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better. And I suppose the idea of being chess pieces would not please most people, but in a sense that is what we are, assuming you believe in the struggle between good and evil, which hopefully will not be eternal but will end in victory for good. At any rate, I think your suggestion about free will within certain boundaries is a good one and perhaps when we think of it in that respect, it's easier to accept. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it. Hugs back.
Dreamflower · 17 March 2014 · Chapter 23: Further Conversations
This was a very needed conversation; I can see that these Elves are now beginning to understand, if not their personal role, at least that they do have roles that are necessary to what is going to happen. There is a fine line between manipulation an coercion. Eru's Ainur do not coerce, yet sometimes they come perilously close. (Those who have shifted their allegiance to the Enemy, I am thinking, would have no such qualms.) But a person must allow him/her self to be manipulated: there is the element of free will still there. Still, I can understand the Elves resenting the knowledge that their decisions are being influenced. I do hope the Elves set up their Etsy shop soon! ;) (BTW, if you want to see what a mortal can do when inspired by Elven art, check out this project by Elliska, made for Back to Middle-earth Month: Three versions of the Elessar-- http://b2mem.livejournal.com/259581.html )
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. A very needed conversation, and there is indeed a fine line between manipulation and coercion. Eru's Ainur don't coerce, but they do manipulate or perhaps a better way to put it, they provide opportunities for others to do or not to do something, leaving it up to the person's free will. One has to ask if it's true manipulation if the person is spiritually open to hints and promptings. Finrod felt himself drawn to those two churches though he could not have said why but he could well have ignored the prompting that sent him out of Edhellond. That is the risk that Eru takes with us all. Thanks for the link. Awesome. And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog · 17 March 2014 · Chapter 23: Further Conversations
Another great summary chapter. Thanks you for letting us know the ties between Wiseman elves and those who sailed with Maglor. I just loved those paragraphs. After dinner I suspect there were small groups talking and others thinking deeply on what they heard.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the chapter, UTfrog. I felt it was necessary to tie the two groups together. One of my betas kept asking me if any of the Wiseman Elves would've known those who followed Denethor in search of Maglor. I'm sure there was a great deal of discussion about it all for many days to come. Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Lindelea · 17 March 2014 · Chapter 23: Further Conversations
...which brings me to a question: Do Elves have free will in the same way Mortals do?
Author's reply
In the "Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth" Tolkien speaks plainly of the Elves having free will. Part of the problem people have is that the wording in the Silmarillion gives one the impression that Elves do not have free will, but a careful examination shows this is untrue. The wording in the Silmarillion speaks of the Elves' ultimate fate with regards to Arda, in other words, while Mortals are not bound to Arda but leave the circles of the world upon dying, Elves are bound to Arda until the End of Time whether they die or not. They are bound in the same way as the Valar and Maiar who cannot return to the Timeless Halls while Eä exists, but they all have free will. If they did not, the Valar would not have been taken by surprise by Fëanor's rebellion. Hope this clears it up for you and anyone else who's wondered about whether Elves have free will or not.
Lindelea · 17 March 2014 · Chapter 23: Further Conversations
Automatically folding the blanket. Turning off the light as he leaves the room. I am seriously impressed. While he's a king, he's not stuck on himself and automatically expecting others to serve him and pick up after him. I read the story of the Exile mentioned here! I was reading on my phone, which was not cooperative that day and would not let me leave a review! Fascinating and well-written, vivid descriptions and moving story. Ah, the seeming contradiction of free will and divine plans laid out in the Beginning (or before). Fascinating topic for speculation.
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea. Finrod was brought up properly. *grin* I'm glad you so enjoyed Maglor's story and found it well-written with vivid descriptions. And the eternal debate between free will and predestination... I doublt we'll ever get a straight answer on that topic ever. Thanks for reviewing. I'm very appreciative.
6336 · 16 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
Hm, still not quite sure what is going on in this chapter, I think Fionwe was a little harsh with Finrod, he is still trying to come to grips with all the changes that have occurred, recover from a gunshot wound and suffer the pangs of separation from his wife and family, which he will not be seeing for a very long time! Now he has a Maia telling him off for being angry at being manipulated into attending worship services at which he was, apparently the guest of honor! Not good, not good at all. I feel like everybody is on an express train careening down the track to Dead Mans Curve and the operator is not there! Stop the World, I want to get off! Sorry if this is a little off, my sinuses are having a field day and my head feels like it is going to go sliding off somewhere! Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Sorry to hear you're under the weather. Sinuses are a pain sometimes. Hope you're feeling better soon. Fionwë was being honest and telling it like it is, and honesty can sometimes seem harsh. Finrod and the others have to understand that more is at stake than their hurt feelings and that battles are being fought whether they're aware of them or not. Fionwë really has no time to coddle even Finrod, in spite of recent events with him. And yes, they are on an express train without an operator, as we will shortly see. Thanks for reviewing. Lots of hugs.
Lindelea · 15 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
Hmmm. Good reminder for Finrod. A little attitude adjustment can go a long way. Good reminder for the reader, too.
Author's reply
God reminder for everyone, Lindelëa. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's appreciated.
someone · 15 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
Interesting. If one looks at the last few chapters, it seems quite clear (at least to me) that the Elves have one main problem: they look only at the surface. Of course not all of them and not always, but quite often. That makes them think of mortals as clumsy, inferior creatures and the ainur as meddling troublemakers. This operation likely won't work until everyone sees each other as individuals with their own strenghts (and this goes both ways, humans/mortal variety of human beings need also to see the Elves as people, not fast, pretty and glowing aliens taking over their hometown). I think they really need that zombie boot camp, with different teams (mixed elves and mortals) to get to know each other outside normal social situations. Finrod really had strange day, poor dark creature without soul that he is. *grin*
Author's reply
Hi someone. You're right that at the moment the Elves are looking only at the surface of things. Finrod's vision or whatever it might be points to that assumption. More is going on than everyone realizes. The zombie hunter boot camp with mixed mortal and elvish teams is a great idea and hopefully someone will suggest it to them when the time comes. Strange as the day was, I'm sure Finrod is glad for the experience. Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated.
obsidianj · 15 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
Wow! What a chapter. This was a wake-up call that there is more at stake than just the elves finding their way. Finrod, and his friends from Valinor mostly, needs to grow up and adjust to the situation. I got the feeling from Fionwe's attitude that they have less time then they thought. The newcomers need to speed up their adjustment. Fionwe made a good point about the "unpreparedness" of the Valinorean elves that they would not have believed the Valar/Maiar if they had told them what the Mortals and the new societies would be like. Some things you have to experience for yourself before believing them. I loved the reminder of the true powers of the Maiar and by extension the Valar by showing us Fionwe as angel in the eyes of Josiah, in the vision of Finrod, and then in his ordinary Finn disguise, not to mention the little teleport stunt. It is easy to forget how powerful they really are....
Author's reply
Definitely a wake-up call, obsidianj. As to whether time is short or not, remains to be seen, but certainly, the Elves from Valinor need to speed up their adjustment to reality. There's too much at stake for them to be floundering about as they have been. I'm glad you loved the reminder of the true powers of the Maiar, and by extension the Valar. I thought it necessary, not just for Finrod, but for the readers, who can easily forget just how powerful these beings really are when they're laughing at their so-called antics, like Fionwë in his Finn disguise or Námo as Nate. The very least of the Maiar has the power to destroy worlds with a single thought. Something that one should always keep in mind. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Laer · 14 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
Very nice update sir. Loved the interaction with Finrod and the members of the Congregation. The elves and the mortals need to become as one just as the elves need to be all one group. Hopefully this will start to happen now. I hope that the powers that be bring him his wife. She seems to be his rock. :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I'm glad you enjoyed the interaction between Finrod and Josiah's congregation. The two groups do need to become more consolidated and hopefully this will be the first step. I hope they allow Amarië to join him, too. He's getting annoying with his sighs. *grin* Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated.
Larner · 14 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
Quite an interesting set of interventions, and I see that Fionwe is doing his Gabriel act. I almost hope that Finrod gets a bit of sleep now, as I suspect he does need it, particularly after a Maia-focused teleportation of that magnitude. And what a description to give of the Maiar! Not a kind one, either. Heh!
Author's reply
Yes, they are, Larner, and it shows that more is going on behind the scenes than even the Elves suspect. I'm sure Finrod will get some sleep as we will see in the next chapter. And the description of Fionwë in full battle-mode merely shows that they are very dangerous creatures indeed and they hold more power than they let on before the Children, which is only right. No sense scaring them all into Mandos, now, is there? *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
demeter d · 14 March 2014 · Chapter 21: Finrod Gets Religion
Oh, I do adore your Josiah Makepeace. He is REAL, he feels just like many I have known out here in the "real world". And his son, Marcus, and the fact that Nicholas Greene attends that congregation, do give one hope for the future. I like that Finrod picked up on the fact that Reverend Josiah is fighting a battle. That is exactly what these stories are all about, after all. That reminded me of another little "blast from the past" if you will. During the great Civil Rights struggles of the 1950s and 1960s, the "Generals" of the cause may have been the Kings and Abernathys and Jacksons of the world. But the "Front Line Captains", the "Sergeants" on the street, in the busses and the jail cells with the ordinary people who did the marching, were, in many instances, black preachers like Josiah Makepeace. They preached, motivated, scheduled and planned, marched on the streets with their parisioners, and helped them take the blows and went to jail with them as the occasion arised. I am guessing that your Josiah might be about my age, his Marcus certainly feels like one of my children. So he grew up at the feet of those activists, and now is continuing the battle on a more personal scale, and has taught his son to take up the torch in his time. The battle may be more one to one now, but it is every bit as much a battle.
Author's reply
Hi Demeter d. I had fun with Josiah and we'll be seeing more of him later in the story. He is proving to be an important supporting character. And the battle for people's souls is probably more important than any physical battle, especially in this case. You are correct that he grew up in the turbulent Civil Rights era and is following in the footsteps of those same activist you describe and we will discover that there's more to him than meets the eye. Anyway, I'm glad you found him to be so real. That is what I strive for with all my characters, that they could be real people in the real world. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's very much appreciated.
Dreamflower · 14 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
The lines are being drawn, and it's clear the Powers have been instructed to take a more obvious and active part in Wiseman than they have for a very long time. Of course, that's been so since the start of this series, but I sense that in this story the pace is picking up. And I see I was just a little "off" in my guesses about the sermon. I was envisioning Gandalf/Olorin invisibly whispering in the two pastor's ears, not a full-blown visitation from Fionwe! Still that leaves me wondering about what Olorin is up to, since I am sure he did not hesitate to take up his new mission. Also, I am now very curious about Charles' backstory, due to the hints from Josiah. And I am quite glad to see that Finrod can once more take comfort in his gwador's presence...
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. Yes, the pace is picking up and we will see why when we eventually get to Elf Academy 4, which I am already plotting out even as I finish up writing Elf Academy 3. I am sure Olórin is very busy in his own way, as are others. We will learn something about Charles' backstory soon, I promise. And it is indeed good that Finrod can once more find comfort in his gwador's presence. Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Ellie · 14 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
Wow! That was powerful on some interesting fronts! Finrod got a very interesting dose of reality there. Poor Fionwe on probabtion again. He is dramatic adn cool though and tends to give a very intersting "talking to" when the situation calls for it. It is fascinating to get reminders of the powers of the different levels of the hierarchy. We get so caught up in elves versus mortals and forget the Maiar abilites. WOW!
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Yes, very powerful on a number of fronts. I think Fionwë will survive probation, and he is definitely dramatic and cool and his chats are almost as interesting as those given by Námo, and considering he was once under Námo's jurisdiction (according to my story "War of the Valar") he probably picked up one or two tips from the Lord of Mandos along the way. *grin* And I think the Ainur as a group tend to underplay their true powers to the Incarnates for obvious reasons. It's good to be reminded every once in a while just how powerful they truly, truly are. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule (and I do know how busy that schedule is) to leave a review. It's very much appreciated.
Sunny · 14 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
I gues the pastor and his son were ... a bit taken aback, shall we say? ... at Finrod's lack of abject awe when he heard Josiah's story. But then he is used to Maiar and Valar being around. And right now, I suspect Finrod is feeling that the Maiar (and Valar) sticking their noses into his life is getting rather old. And I also think that the Valar (and Maiar) should think back to when Glorfindel was newly reembodied, and take some lessons from his reactions to Valarin interference in his life, and back off a bit.
Author's reply
It does seem that way, doesn't it, Sunny. I imagine they were expecting Finrod to be shocked and amazed, but he was much too blasé about it all. Finrod is most likely beginning to agree with Glorfindel about the Maiar and Valar interfering with things, but I think Fionwë set him straight on that. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate you doing so.
Kevana · 14 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
Fionwë just knocked the wind out of me. I don't know what Finrod was seeing, but I certainly thought straight to Passover. Whew, Fiondil. Finrod is one tough guy (duh, LOL). That would have had me on my knees and crying. I have to sniff back a fond tear at the Son of Adam thing. And I really hope we find out how Father Charles got exiled. That sounds like a story and a half. The chapter title is far too innocuous. :P Coffecake and furious Maiar! I don't even know what you were channeling here in writing this one, but I believe I would like to go have a nap myself! Way to knock my socks off. I don't even know, dude. This entire chapter was amazing. That's about all I can say. You have a wonderful weekend and take care! -Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. It was a pretty intense vision, that's for sure, and shows that the Maiar are more powerful than they let even the Elves see. Any one of the Ainur has the power to destroy worlds if not an entire universe with but a single thought. That's why, even as incarnates, their warfare ended up destroying half a continent. I couldn't resist the Son of Adam thing and we will learn something about the reason for Charles' exile soon enough. I'm glad you found the chapter amazing. That was the plan. *grin* Have a great weekend yourself! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog · 14 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
Fantastic chapter. Glad the Maier are getting openly involved. Am even happier Finrod got a lecture that "they ain't in Aman anymore." Sadly mortals are very inventive in ways to kill each other. I do not think the newer Elves really understand our technology or appreciate what an advantage it conveys. Loved the interaction at the Baptist Church. Hope Finrod can see what allies these two men of God can be. Thank you.
Author's reply
Glad you liked the chapter, UTfrog. The Maiar are certainly becoming more visible and active and Finrod did need the lecture. He's too used to being the one in charge, so being given orders, even indirectly, doesn't sit well with him yet. He'll need to readjust his thinking on that soon enough. I'm sure Finrod recognizes that both Charles, whom he already knows, and Josiah, whom he's just met, are allies and very important ones. Thanks for leaving a review. It's always appreciated.
Celeth · 14 March 2014 · Chapter 22: Coffeecake and Conversation
I feel like lying down myself, after those encounters, especially the last one with Fionwe. It is a measure of the utter humility and selflessness of the Maiar that they allow themselves to be verbally (and sometimes physically) abused by the Elves, and never try to retaliate. It looks like Finrod is getting a crash course on Mortals, and their relationship with Eru Illuvatar. I do wonder how Glorfindel would have reacted had it been him? Surely he would not have knocked the church down? After all, he has lived with the Mortals for thousands of years and knows their belief systems, their attitudes towards his race, and most importantly, the necessity of maintaining good relations with them. I guess it is another sign of how much Glorfindel has grown since he last parted with Finrod that the latter still thinks of him that way. Then again, their last few encounters has not exactly highlighted Glorfindel's maturity to him. I hope things will become smoother between them from now on; they're gwador, after all.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. Well, that's the first time anyone has accused Fionwë of humility or selflessness. LOL! Some people might dispute that, including Fionwë. At any rate, Finrod is certainly getting an education and we will actually hear from Glorfindel himself as to how he would have reacted to the situation when Finrod describes his encounters with the others in the next chapter. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.