Lyana
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 13: Culture Shock of a Dark Nature
Uh oh... :-(
Poor Finrod! What a rude shock to the system that would have been - his reaction is entirely understandable. I think it was wise of Nate to saunter in and offer help rather than just popping up out of the blue; they really have learned more wisdom in dealing with The Children.
And as much of a jerk as Glorfindel is at the moment, I really feel sorry for him. He seems to be entirely unaware of how much darkness lies within himself if he is responding that way to his gwador who has, irrational as it may seem to him, obviously been badly disturbed by something he discovered. One might think that, or make that observation to someone later, but *never* voice that to someone in that state!
Vorondur, Valandur and Laurendil are going to have their hands full...
Author's reply
Yeah, I think Námo at least knows how to do things right around the Mortals especially, since he deals with them more than the others even if he's usually dealing with them when they're dead.
And you do have to feel sorry for Glorfindel. He's got a lot on his plate right now and Finrod's episode couldn't have come at a worse time for him, so he's reacting negatively to it instead of compassionately. Also, he probably had been worried about Finrod, thinking that something bad had happened to him and then to find out he got upset over a stupid book probably was just the final straw for him. We've all been there, I'm sure.
And Vorondur, Valandur and Laurendil will do just fine, I promise.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's always appreciated.
Dreamflower
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 13: Culture Shock of a Dark Nature
Oh dear! Poor Finrod! With his own previous experiences, especially of werewolves, his reaction is only too likely.
Perhaps the best cure (and a way of helping not only Finrod but the other Elves) to understand such cultural references would be to expose them to some of the sillier movies about werewolves and vampires. Seeing Michael J. Fox in wolf make-up playing basketball should convince them that "modern werewolves" have as much in common with First Age ones as turnips do with apples.
I am very sad (though unsurprised) to learn that hobbits are apparently extinct. *sigh* I wonder if any of Durin's line still exist somewhere.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. Showing the Elves Michael J. Fox in wolf make-up playing basketball would be a good cure. LOL! As for Hobbits and Dwarves, I cannot say because I really don't know. Glorfindel is speaking from his own belief, but it doesn't necessarily follow that that belief is valid. Perhaps they did survive but in such a way that we probably would not recognize them. After, if humans can evolve, why not Hobbits?
Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Ellie
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 13: Culture Shock of a Dark Nature
Oh my! at least Finrod hasn't watched any of the tv shows or movies that tout paranormal romance. He'd really lose it! I don't believe there is anything that anyone could have done to adequately prepare the Valinor elves for life in present day Middle-Earth. I fear the annoyance that Glorfindel feels over this is a symptom of something deeper. It was odd for him to react that way and I am so glad that Ron was there to be dad and step in to help handle this.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Yeah, I imagine Finrod would. And you're right that there really can be no way to adequately prepare something for this. Modern-day Mortal culture is too different from the earlier cultures of the Edain or the Elves who lived beside them in Beleriand and elsewhere in Middle-earth. Ron is the right person to step in and be dad here. Luckily, the Elves all respect him and that helps.
Thanks for taking time out from your super-busy schedule (and I know just how super-busy it is) to leave a review, Ellie. It's very, very much appreciated.
6336
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 13: Culture Shock of a Dark Nature
Honestly Glorfi I am beginning to think they missed a bit when they remade you! Some of your brain cells seem to be missing, namely the ones that deal with stopping to think before opening the mouth!
To Finrod, Warewolves were real, not figments of someones lurid imagination, of course he is going to have a major reaction to finding out they are the subject of stories in modern day M.E. Give him a break, he's only been here five minutes and you expect him to be up to speed on every thing Mortal.
I do like Kevana's Dragoinlet, Miss Kitty does an Otocat, with multiple flailing appendages when it comes to pruning claws or heaven forfend, giving her meds!
Stray warm and safe,
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
It does seem that way, doesn't it, Lynda? But Glorfindel's still under a lot of stress and he's still dealing with his anger issues and things are just not cool for him. We'll see how that works for him in later chapters. His negative reaction to Finrod will have consequences.
I think all cats become otocats when it comes to pruning claws and being given meds. I've never met a cat that wasn't.
Stay dry yourself. Hugs and thanks for reviewing. You know how much I appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Sunny
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 13: Culture Shock of a Dark Nature
Fiondil, you have managed to punch one of my buttons here - I'll TRY not to leave a long, ranty screed here on the Paranormal Romance genre!
Anyway, I really, really, REALLY like Nick here - one moment he is answering a question about how to shelve books, and the next he's on the other side of the looking glass, with the Angel of Death pulling Finrod out of his fit. And picking up a couple of the very books Finrod had a fit over for his wife, who evidently considers them to be surpremely silly jokes.
As for me, I can't really say paranormals is my favorite form of reading. Can only stand those Alphole brooding "heroes" in very small doses, and as for the plots, *rolls eyes* well they sort of remind me of certain characters that can be found in some of them. Namely, the zombies. Who are dead, and rotting, but for whatever reason manage to claw their way out of their graves. No, give me a good, clean space battle any day! Or an enjoyable Fantasy, or perhaps a nice Alternate History.
Yes, I have read some paranormals, the more popular of which tend to come in open-ended series, and whose readership keep them alive (or at least on their feet, see snark on undead series above) long past their need to be STAKED by date. But then, who reads those books for their plots, anyway? The attempt at a plot is probably there only to string the sex scenes together. :p
Ohoho - Finrod definitely did NOT take Glorfindel's comment well. And I guess Glorfy's attitude will have repercussions down the line. The Valinorean Elves have been in Wiseman only a matter of weeks, and that is definitely not enough time to get acclimatized to what would be for them a very alien environment. Glorfindel's dismissive attitude is definitely not a good thing here, he really needs to be more understanding!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Well, most Twilight-style paranormal romances aren't worth the paper they're printed on. 'Nuff said, right?
I'm glad you like Nick here. He really shines here, I think, and manages to keep his cool throughout the whole incident, which is a rare talent. And Glorfindel's attitude will indeed have far-reaching repercussions as we will see soon enough
And I'm like you: give me a good clean space opera or fantasy, though I'm not much into Alternate History myself.
Anyway, thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
Idril Celebrindal
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 13: Culture Shock of a Dark Nature
Cool Nick and I are the same INFJ. I enjoyed my time volunteering in the library at school and even thought about working in a book store.
Idril,
Author's reply
I always thought working in a bookstore would be ideal, but life took other turns. I also volunteered in the library at school as well as at the community library where I grew up. I enjoyed it very much. Glad you found a soulmate in Nick. LOL! Thanks for leaving a review. It's always appreciated.
Parmalokwen
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 13: Culture Shock of a Dark Nature
Oh, poor Finrod! Twilight will do that to a lot of people, although not for the same reasons. I second Kevana's recommendation of a therapeutic Buffy the Vampire Slayer-watching session. It's better-written than Twilight and Finrod will have a good long time to get used to the concept before the werewolf story actually starts in season 2.
Glorfindel, you're being an ass. Imagine if someone tried to tell you that Balrogs were ideal pets for small children. Stop it.
Author's reply
Poor Finrod, indeed, Parmalokwen. You really have to feel sorry for him at this point and Glorfindel is indeed being an ass and we will see what the consequences of that will be soon enough. And I loved Buffy and the Angel spinoff. They were loads of fun and very well written. In spite of the premises, they presented very intelligent storylines. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Twoflower2
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 13: Culture Shock of a Dark Nature
A great chapter, both moving and funny. Poor Finrod, he will have to learn to distinguish fantasy and reality on a totally new level. And perhaps Nate likes to browse through a paranormal romance once in a while himself. I am wondering about the halflings: “A branch of Men who were small in stature, usually not much taller than three or four feet... They apparently went extinct a long time ago." Apparently? They are not going to show up, are they? :)
Author's reply
Hi Twoflower2. I'm glad you found the chapter both moving and funny. I'm afraid, though, that no halflings (or dwarves for that matter) will show up in this story. The 'apparently' is strictly from the Elves' point-of-view, since they have no further information about their fate. Sorry to disappoint you, but thanks for the review. It's much appreciated.
Kevana
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 13: Culture Shock of a Dark Nature
Oh my goodnessssss. Do I feel badly for Finrod or fall on the floor laughing at Lady Vairë's choice of reading material? And Námo buying them for her! I'm so conflicted, LOL! I've seen dramatic readings of some of the more risqué paranormal romances where a very distinguished gentleman reads choice passages in a Very Serious Voice and it's the funniest thing.
I wish I could show up at Finrod's front door with popcorn and the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on DVD, see if that helps. *grin* (And also sit in on one of Lady Vairë's weaving sessions! I don't know how they would even get any work done.) I feel particularly obligated to share this comic.
Speciesism, now that's new! I see how it wouldn't be very nice, particularly given the connotations of being "human" or "humane," etc. in English, to imply that Elves aren't human.
By calling Men 'mortals' it almost makes it sound like dying's all that Men do or are good for, which admittedly could very well be the view of some of the Elves (though hopefully not the ones allowed to come to Wiseman). On the other hand, it makes sense since it's the defining characteristic from the Elves' point of view, but you have to wonder if the Men ever chafed at it or if those in Wiseman might do so. On the other-other hand, maybe it's more like the Valar calling them all "Children," more a reference to the Gift of Men and how freaky-cool that is than trying to say something dismissive. I guess it could go either way depending on the speaker. Anyway, I'm getting way off track. Just interesting and like that you touched on the "human" thing in the story.
That reminds me - “Actually a couple of those paranormal romances that Finrod freaked out over.” The Lord of Mandos just used the term "freaked out." My day = made. And I agree with someone, the "camouflage" comment was hysterical.
I also have to note I feel badly for Glorfindel here as well. Having lived among society for so long it probably does seem ridiculous for Finrod to be upset over fiction, especially considering the burdens Glorfindel's carrying about the battles ahead.
Anyway! Wishing you a week full of Elves and free of vampires. ;)
-Kevana
Author's reply
LOL! I love the comic. It's so apropos.
I purposely have used the word 'Mortal' throughout the Elf Academy series so as not to infer that Elves are not human or humane. As Daeron tells Anne, Elves are humans in the broadest sense of the word, just a different but related branch on the Human Tree.
And I'm glad Námo using the term "freaked out" has made your day, and the "camouflage" comment is very funny and just the thing Námo would say.
You're right about how Glorfindel is feeling. The burdens he carries are making him less compassionate to other people's upsets that, in comparison to what they are facing, are too minor to stress over. Unfortunately, as we will see, all this will have dire and unforseen consequences for everyone.
Thanks for the wishes and the review, Kevana. I appreciate both very much.
someone
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 13: Culture Shock of a Dark Nature
Well, yes, Glorfindel is right in that there are a lot worse things than certain types of literature. He should have taken into account that, if I remember right from earlier Elf Academy stories, there're no fiction books in Valinor. It might make it harder to understand that people don't really want to have relationships with werewolves. Poor Finrod.
Funniest part:
“Still can’t get used to seeing an angel in a black duster. Shouldn’t it be white?”
“Camouflage,” Námo said with a smile.
*grin*
Author's reply
That's true, someone, unfortunately, Glorfindel isn't thinking about that at the moment and is being less than caring of Finrod's feelings. We'll see what consequences follow from this in the next few chapters. And Námo is always funny, even when he's not. *grin* Thanks for the review. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 9 February 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
Fascinating chapter. Since my encounter with Meyers-Briggs is a long time ago, I did some search on the Internet and found a website which has a nice summary of all the types. freepersonalitytest dot info. They offer also a quick test. But I found it mostly useful to get a handle on all these personality types. I love it that the elves, especially the Valinorean elves, get a new appreciation for the abilities of the humans.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. The summary should help you figure out what the Elves' personality types are when all I've done is given the type without explanation (that would be too cumbersome). And the Valinórean Elves, especially those who remember Mortals from before, hopefully do have a new appreciation for Mortals' abilities. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Kevana
· 8 February 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
I'm glad the site's back up!
You did such a great job of organizing all of this information in just one chapter, Fiondil, it's really amazing. And making it readable had to be difficult. It's been so much fun working with you on this, I had a blast! It turned out great.
I totally encourage anyone interested in MBTI to look into your own type, or even try to type people in your life. It can help you learn more about yourself, help you play to your strengths and identify and address your weaknesses, and understand others better too. And then you can have fun typing your favorite fictional characters as well. ;)
I hope that, as another reviewer said, this fascination will be enough to keep a majority of the Elves in their sessions as they move on to other topics. A bit of honey to make the medicine go down a little easier, maybe? Excited to see where things go from here.
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for the update, Fiondil!
Thought I'd share this really cute fanart of Smaug...as a baby. (One) (Two) (Three) I suspect I got into reptiles because I can't have an actual fire-breathing dragon as a pet. But then, I have a very skewed sense of "cute," LOL!
Take care,
-Kevana
(PS - Sunny that music is simply gorgeous. 10/10 would recommend. o_o )
Author's reply
You and me both, Kevana. Putting all this information in a single chapter and making it make sense to the "layperson" was challenging but fun and I'm glad it worked and thanks for all your hard work as well. As for how many of the Elves stick it out, that remains to be seen. Thanks for the fanart. Reminds me of a cat I used t have. *grin* And thanks for the review. It's always appreciated.
someone
· 8 February 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
Hmm... Are the Elves predominantly extraverted? Or is it just that the more outgoing type can deal better with humans and most introverts are home in Valinor?
You said in some review response that the type is fixed at about college age, which inspired me to do it again. Yep, still the same as in high school. Not sure if that's a good thing or not.
Legolas as ENFP was a surprise, but it does make some sense. There were some surprises with the others, too. Good idea to have the twins otherwise alike but one introverted and the other extraverted.
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. You may be right about the more extraverted Elves being able to deal better with living in the Mortal world. Hadn't thought about that. And really, our personalities are pretty well fixed by the time we reach our twenties, though with maturity comes refinement and as it is pointed out in this chapter, we tend to develop some of our functions more when we get older, allowing us to become more well-rounded. And the profiling of the twins is pretty much how it goes: one twin is usually more out-going than the other and in my stories at least, Elladan is more extraverted than Elrohir. As for Legolas, we will actually see in later chapters why he is an ENFP. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
bookworm
· 8 February 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
Ooh, nice to see where people fit. And I agree with Ron, I really, really, really want to know how the Valar type now =p
Author's reply
Hi bookwornm. Well, Kevana and I actually did type most of the Valar based on how they appear in my stories and elsewhere. So here you go:
Manwë: INFP
Varda: INTJ
Aulë: ENTP
Yavanna: ISFP
Ulmo: INTP or INFP (we really haven't decided)
Oromë: ISTP
Nienna: ISFJ
Irmo: ENFJ
Estë: ESFJ
Vairë: INTP
Námo: INFJ
Tulkas: ESTP
Eönwë: ENTJ
We haven't typed Nessa or Vána mainly because they don't appear very often in my stories and not enough of their personalities come through. Perhaps someday we'll figure them out.
Anyway, you'll have to look the types up to see what they have to say about them.
Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Dreamflower
· 7 February 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
This is fascinating!
I think that the tests will be useful to Vorondur and his colleagues not only for the insight it will give them into the Elves in their groups, but also because it can give those Elves an insight into (and therefore more respect for) these mortal tools they use.
And I certainly think that you got the personalities you revealed down! Did you "give" the characters the test (by taking it for them in "their" mindset)? I would think that would have been a lot of fun, if time-consuming!
And I certainly got a chuckle out of Olorin and Fionwe's conversation--especially because it made me think of the version of Olorin that pandemonium and I share in "The Prisoner and the Hobbit". I'm imagining him giving Sauron the Meyers-Briggs, LOL!
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I think you're right that the profiles will be very useful to Vorondur and his colleagues for the reasons you give and more. As for the typing, Kevana did most of the work, for which I am grateful. She shared her findings and for the most part I agreed with her but in a few cases I disagreed with her typing so we would discuss it and come to a mutual agreement as to a particular character's type. You don't actually have to take the test for someone else. What you do is decide what the person's dominant and auxiliary functions are and from there you can pretty much type them. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the conversation between Olórin and Fionwë. I can just imagine what Sauron would think about the Meyers-Briggs. LOL! Thanks for leaving a comment. It's very much appreciated.
ellie
· 7 February 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
There is so much detail to take in here, but it is so important for each to understand how he or she reacts to the world so each can better adjust to life in this mortal world. I like seeing all of the elves coming to respect the mortals. Perhaps there is hope for them yet!
Author's reply
Hi ellie. It is important for anyone, Elves included, to understand not only how they react to the world but why they react as they do. Hopefully, this bit of self-knowledge will help the Elves adjust to their new lives better. And it is good that they are coming to respect the Mortals around them more. That can only be a good thing for everyone. Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Larner
· 7 February 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
Those findings for Elladan and Elrohir sound dead on. Mine, IIRC, was similar to Elrohir's.
Interesting reactions to the findings!
Author's reply
I'm glad you think so, Larner. Those two were fairly easy to type, I think, compared to some of the others. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Celeth
· 7 February 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
That was fun, and insightful too. I can't believe you acually typed the Elves, and the Maiar too! I'm not familiar with the Myer-Briggs test I'll have to look it up.
The story is getting more exciting and I'm enjoying it. Thanks for another story. I'm looking forward to reading how this unfolds.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. You can find lots of information on the Myers-Briggs and personality typing online. I'm glad you are finding the story exciting and that you are enjoying it. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Thanks.
Clouded Leopard
· 7 February 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
Hi Fiondil,
Finally got home to read the current chapter. Couldn't read it this morning due to server issues. I am getting a kick out of all these personalities. The way each of the elves, both Valinorian and Wiseman elves are fascinated with their profiles could be seen as hilarious or even astounded depending on whose profile your looking at.
Also I have been keeping track of all the Valinorians who came to Wiseman. I am only missing one person in the group (whomever it is, LOL). Also what name does Vardamir go by?
Can't wait for Monday's chapter and how they will react to group therapy.
Author's reply
Hi Clouded Leopard. Yes, SoA didn't come back online until about 4:30 ET. Anyway, I'm glad you're getting a kick out of the personality typing and who wouldn't be fascinated by such things? The mystery Elf will be revealed in this story. I just wasn't sure who had come with Finrod and was dithering about it. Vardamir goes by Mir (pronounced "meer"). Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
Sunny
· 7 February 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
It looks like these sessions are off to a good start, even the ones directed by Mortals. And it seems that most of the Elves are sufficiently intrigued by this that I would guess none, or at least very few, are likely to drop out.
So Fionwë is back in Wiseman, is he? I would have guessed he would still be somewhere in the Arctic, counting snowflakes, or something equally time-consuming. Or perhaps Olórin is there as his minder, in an attempt to teach him some sense?
Here, have some music that is lovely enough to make even Elves sit up and take notice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVTFJdl5DME
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, it does look as if theses classes are off to a good start. Whether people will stick with it or not remains to be seen. You're probably right about Olórin being Fionwë's minder. *grin* Thanks for the link. Very lovely. And thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
UTfrog
· 7 February 2014
· Chapter 12: “What’s Your Type?”
I actually need to read this again, more than once, to give a better review. My initial response is great job. You seriously pegged some of the personalities
Author's reply
No problem, UTfrog. There's a lot in this chapter and a slow re-read is a good idea. I look forward to any further comments you may wish to impart, but I'm glad you found that I managed to seriously peg some of the personalities. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 7 February 2014
· Chapter 11: Personality Testing
I suspect that Finrod as a royal prince and former King has a bit more authority to which his son and Finda's companions will respond than Max's children. Also, the younger Elves have still been responding to royal authority a LOT longer than Max's children, who after all are preparing for the day they leave their parents' home.
Author's reply
I suspect you're right about that, Larner, and such obedience is probably so ingrained, they don't even think about it. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
bookworm
· 5 February 2014
· Chapter 11: Personality Testing
oh ho, I remember doing that test once - it is a surprisingly hard one, sometimes - I agree with Aldarion, I looked at some of those questions and went... "but it depends..." Makes you really look at yourself. Be interesting to see where people fall out on the scales =D
Author's reply
You're right about some of those questions being hard to answer because you knew that under on set of circumstances your response would be one thing but under another set of circumstances it would be the opposite, so which do you choose? But choose you must. We'll see where some of the Elves fall out on the scales in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing, bookworm. It's greatly appreciated.
obsidianj
· 5 February 2014
· Chapter 11: Personality Testing
So all the elves do the Myers-Briggs. The results should be interesting. The attitude of one of the Valinorean elves towards the mortals is something they need to address. This kind of attitude will get them into trouble.
Looking forward to the results of the test.
Author's reply
The results should be not only interesting but perhaps in some cases unexpected especially for anyone familiar with the 16 personality types. We'll see for some of the characters in the next chapter. And that attitude toward the Mortals will indeed be addressed to one degree or another. Thanks for reviewing, obsidianj. I appreciate it very much.
Laer
· 5 February 2014
· Chapter 11: Personality Testing
Myers-Briggs hmmmm. I would love to have my test from High School, and then the one from Collage, but not until I took one now. Just so I can see where if any place I have changed at. (And please let it show that I truly have gotten wiser and not dumber) LOL It will be interesting to see how it will all work out :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. It's unlikely, thoughn not impossible, that the results would be too different. Our personalities and our personality preferences are pretty well set by the time we reach college age. The best that we can hope for is that as we get older we develop those aspects of ourselves that we ignored when we were younger. Anyway, we'll see what personality types some, if not all, of the Elves are in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.