Ah, I see Finda is already preparing for a future in the food service industry. "Here, have a sticky bun.... How do you like your coffee?" He can be "Esther's" assistant at the Gold Nugget, lol. Lovely chapter, as always. Just waiting for the stuff to hit the fan (but hopefully not splatter too badly!).
Author's reply
Hi MJ. Now that would be an interesting career move for Finda: Apprentice to Lady Estë in the culinary arts department of Lórien, learning to make comfort foods for the inhabitants. LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. As for the stuff hitting the fan, we'll see how that turns out in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Lyana
· 6 January 2014
· Chapter 3: New Year’s Eve
He had only to look into Findaráto’s eyes to know that he was no ‘youngster’. Young he might appear, looking no older than twenty or so, but his eyes gave away the truth, for they were old, old eyes. Here was one who had lived for a very, very long time, for longer than human history, if he remembered rightly, and that meant that Finrod and Glorfindel had lived even longer.
I'm sorry - I don't want to be a pest, but did you mean Findalaurë in that first sentence?
Poor Nick - I can well imagine his world going a bit sideways while he comes to grips with the otherness of these beings!
LOVE your stories... Thanks for bringing us along on a wonderful journey of imagination that feel so real. :-)
Author's reply
Not a pest, Lyana. Just another pair of eyes. Thanks for pointing out the error in the name. It's been corrected. All those Fin-boys, as Ellie would say, you can't keep them straight. LOL!
I'm glad you enjoy my stories and are enjoying this one as well. Thanks for your review. I really appreciate it.
Ellie
· 6 January 2014
· Chapter 3: New Year’s Eve
"And may [the new year] be less exciting than the last..." Famous last words. To quote george Takei :"Oh Myyyyy!" LOL!
Loved the elves adn shoemaker reference and the group inventorying of the bookstore. I bet the villagers had fun hugging and kissing elves. You watch, next year all the women in town will be crowded around the elves at midnight...
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. I have no doubt that every Mortal female over the age of 12 will make sure they are crowded around the Elves next New Year's Eve. LOL!
And you would think that after all this time the Elves would be chary of "famous last words", wouldn't you, but they never learn or they simply live in hope like the rest of us.
Anyway, thanks for the review. It's greatly appreciated.
6336
· 6 January 2014
· Chapter 3: New Year’s Eve
Yes, you can go along for the longest time and then it hits you, all of these Elves are older than dirt! They are alien in many senses of the word but they are who they are so just enjoy them for themselves.
I would have liked to have been in Wiseman for the Ball Drop, kissing Finda and Glorfi would have been worth waiting in the cold!
I hope Glorfi and Finda have an alarm system in place or there could be dire consequences if any body falls asleep while trying to watch the Elves at play!
Dig out the electric socks and underwear, it sounds as if you might need them or can you telecommute, it would mean you could stay warm and dry at home and not brave the polar vortex?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Unfortunately I can't telecommute, so either brave the polar vortex or I call it in. Luckily I do have personal and vacation time, so I'm okay with that. We'll just have to see.
Anyway, you're right about how you can go along thinking Elves are just better looking humans and than they do or say something and it hits you: these guys are alien.
I'm sure a lot of women (and not a few men) are wishing they could be in Wiseman on New Year's Eve so they could kiss the Finrod and Glorfindel, not to mention all the other Elves. LOL!
We'll see how the cookout works out in the next chapter.
Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated. Hugs back.
Kevana
· 6 January 2014
· Chapter 3: New Year’s Eve
It would be so thoroughly useful to be able to make people conk out on the floor when they try to come near you, mwahaha. That, and one of Námo's spiral teleportation maze-thingies, and I'd be all set. *evil grin*
I'm so happy to get to see more of Nick in this story. I really like him so far. Poor guy, Elves are not just particularly quirky Abercrombie and Fitch models, are they? And he did not realize – when he hired Finrod he got the rest of the family as well, LOL! What they did for him was so sweet. I cracked up at the shoe store reference. (And at Finrod getting smooched on at midnight – I can just imagine the look on his face.)
I love seeing little slice of life type chapters like this one, where they're making friends and getting to know each other. It's particularly entertaining!
Great chapter to liven up a dreary Monday morning, Fiondil! At least it's *just* dreary down here and not frigid as well, so I count my blessings. How was your barbecue in balmy 36-degree weather, hmm? ;)
Eagerly awaiting the next update. Take care,
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. It's pretty mild here at the moment, in the 40s, but tomorrow will be the zinger with dangerous wind chills (anywhere from -20 to -32 depending on where you are). And I didn't indulge in a barbecue myself, but I wouldn't have been surprised if others did.
Anyway, slice-of-life chapters are fun to write and show the ordinariness of life even for Elves.
Glad you like Nick. We'll be seeing more of him, of course, now that Finrod is working for him. I thought the shoe store reference funny, too, and Finrod getting kissed indiscriminately by whoever was nearest must've been a fun sight to behold. I bet the Mortals who dared had a good time, too.
Anyway, thanks for leaving a comment. It's always appreciated.
Gitte
· 6 January 2014
· Chapter 3: New Year’s Eve
I love your writing. I enjoy reading the way you write the characters, they are so well thought out and consistent. I have been following your stories for a few years now and have reread a few. I was delighted to find a new elf academy story and I am eagerly looking forward to each new chapter.
Author's reply
Hello Gitte. I'm so glad to know you have been enjoying my stories, especially the Elf Academy series and the fact that you've even reread some of them is great. Thank you for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
soledad
· 6 January 2014
· Chapter 3: New Year’s Eve
Am I first? Wow! That never happened before! Anyway, a lovely New Year celebration.
Poor Nick,realising that Elves need so little sleep! Sometimes it would be practical to be an Elf,too.
But now I'm curious if the Elven cook-out will really remain undisturbed.Knowing you,it's rather unlikely. ;)
Author's reply
Yep. You're the first, Soledad. LOL! Glad you liked the New Year celebration. And like most of the Mortals in Wiseman, Nick is still getting used to Elvish ways. We'll see what happens at the cookout in the next chapter. Thanks for reding and reivewing. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 4 January 2014
· Chapter 2: Conversations
Excellent warning, and I suspect all are wise to heed it!
Author's reply
Hopefully they will, Larner. We'll have to wait and see. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 4 January 2014
· Chapter 1: Finrod’s First Day at Work
There is nothing like the rumor of a great King to bring in the oglers, and it sounds as if Finrod is a perfect salesman! He certainly knows how to turn gawking into more productive activity! Heh!
I am so glad that Alassiel was able to adequately describe how well Shelby should be able to find her own way within the shop. The O&M instructor in me is most pleased to see that she was not denied good training considering the relative isolation of where she lived.
I know how pleased Tony was when he was able at last to begin amassing a library of his own books, after years of receiving and returning books from and to the regional libraries for the blind. Nowadays so many of my peers who are blind are thrilled to have such a wonderful array of books in text, audio, and braille formats for them to choose from, free to download at any time. Certainly my e-text and audio libraries are constantly expanding, although I doubt they will reach the quantity of books in my print collection!
Lovely first day at work!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. You're right about that. I think having been a king and having to "sell" himself to his people helped Finrod here a bit, though his one big sell failed unfortunately. But that's a different time and place and he's definitely in his element here.
It does help to have an expert on hand for correcting any errors and Alassiel, being blind herself, was very helpful in making this chapter more realistic in how blind people get around. And I know that Alassiel downloads a lot of her books these days as well as listening to audiobooks and she's as likely to criticize the reader as the story, which I find amusing.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 4 January 2014
· Chapter 2: Conversations
Well it looks like Finrod, er, Quinn had a good first day at work, let's hope it stays that way!
Valandur is right you know, the less waves they make the better, they have to learn to be stealth Elves, in the best possible sense of the word.
Any Mortal foolish enough to be out at midnight on New Years Eve in the middle of Alaska deserves all the chilled noses and toeses they get!
Don't for get the enemy within could be our own fears and doubts.
Happy New Year, stay warm, that weather map I saw shows solid white all through your area!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, he apparently did have a good first day and I'm sure it will stay that way but you never know.
Valandur is very wise and it's good that the others heed his advice.
We'll see just who (if anyone) shows up and what happens to them.
And you're perfectly correct about the enemy within being our own fears and doubts and such and we will see that aspect unfold in a myriad different ways throughout the story.
Happy New Year to you as well and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's always appreciated. Hugs.
Twoflower2
· 4 January 2014
· Chapter 2: Conversations
Happy New Year and thank you for this new story, I am enjoying it so much. Finrod's first day at work is very funny and touching, and I can't wait to see who breaks through the girdle they are going to build for the New Year's Eve. Somebody who brings doom, perhaps, like Beren?
Author's reply
Happy New Year, Twoflower2. I'm glad you enjoyed this first chapter and looking forward to more. We'll see who shows up and crashes the party in a couple of chapters. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
bookworm
· 4 January 2014
· Chapter 2: Conversations
*lol* oh dear, Glorfindel, ASKING FOR IT I believe is the phrase there!
Author's reply
Yes, I believe you're right, bookworm. We'll see how it pans out. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 3 January 2014
· Chapter 2: Conversations
And now we wait to see which human(s) will crash the party. This discussion and attitude is an open invitation *grin*. Let's hope it is friends and not foes.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. We will find out soon enough, one way or the other, I promise. Thanks for revieiwng. It's appreciated.
Sunny
· 3 January 2014
· Chapter 2: Conversations
Huh. “But really, what Mortal in his or her right mind would bother to go blundering in the woods on New Year’s Eve of all nights?”
I guess they will find out. It will probably be inevitable that someone stumbles into their celebration. It will be interesting to see who.
(I don't count any Valar or Maiar who might decide on crashing the party, though!)
Author's reply
Famous last words, or as we might say, "from your lips...". We'll see who shows us, and no, I don't count any the Valar and Maiar either. Thanks for leaving a comment, Sunny. I appreciate it very much.
Kevana
· 3 January 2014
· Chapter 2: Conversations
It’s a joy to see the brothers slowly coming together again, even though they’re having to learn each other all over.
So the Fëanturnildi are back! I had wondered if they’d been disbanded or gone inactive for all those long years in Aman. Y’know, I think that’d be my dream job. *grin*
Ernie. Ernie the Elf.
The young’uns among the Elves are such cuties. You just wanna hug them and ruffle their hair and feed them cookies while they glare at you and loudly protest such treatment, bwahaha. Nell is precious.
Valandur brings up a good and troubling point. I guess perhaps it’s like it was around the time of the Ring War, when Sauron knew a hobbit had the Ring but didn’t know which one or where, or what they planned?
“But really, what Mortal in his or her right mind would bother to go blundering in the woods on New Year’s Eve of all nights?” Cennanion asked with a dismissive sniff.
Now you’ve gone and jinxed it, Cennanion! :P Love the Hobbit reference by Legolas.
I have to share this photo. I saw it and went ”That’s VALINOR!” Two Trees era, with the stars over the sea and the Light of the Trees trickling through the Calacirya (sort of).
Try not to freeze in the arctic blast! Think warm thoughts, LOL, and have an egregiously excellent (and perhaps even splendiferous?) weekend!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Yes, it is nice to see them getting together. Let's hope it continues.
Ernie the Elf... just couldn't resist. *grin*
And Cennanion is just asking for trouble, isn't he, especially if someone's listening. We'll see just who shows up next week.
Love the photo. You're right. If you squint, it does look lik Valinor in the Two Trees era. Thanks for sharing.
And it's supposed to warm up this weekend to a blazing 36 degress F by Sunday! Whoohoo! Time to bring out the barbeque fellas! LOL!
Thanks for the review. I really appreciate it.
Laer
· 3 January 2014
· Chapter 2: Conversations
What is that old saying? be careful of what you wish for? ;) I am called that they are making their way in the new world, and Finrod is right. Soon they will be part of the Wisemen elves clan. I had to smile at Nielluin question about the party. I am sure she and the younger elves would love to be able to Party Down with the towns folk.
The title, The Enemy Within makes me a little fearful for them all tho. It sounds like it is going to be someone they all trust. :(
Author's reply
Hi Laer. There is more than one way to interpret the title, and not necessarily in the way you think. We will learn who the "enemy within" is as the story progresses. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 2 January 2014
· Chapter 1: Finrod’s First Day at Work
I couldn't wait to come back home from vacation to read this story. Have finished rereading the previous stories today. Finrod seems to be the born bookseller. Nick can be so glad that he hired Finrod. It is good for the store. Even if most people just came to look at the elf, they bought something. The novelty effect will wear off, but you never know, some people might discover they like books and will come back for more.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Hope you had a great vacation. I'm sure Nick is very glad to have hired Finrod and I think Finrod has found his niche in Wiseman, at least for the time being. That may change in the future. I'm glad you enjoyed this first chapter and I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the story. Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated as always.
Sarah
· 1 January 2014
· Chapter 1: Finrod’s First Day at Work
Yes! EA 3 is here at last, and what a lovely way to ease us back into the world. Looks like dear Finrod will take to his new position just fine :D
Eagerly awaiting Friday's once more. I look forward to seeing just where this story goes.
Sarah
Author's reply
Hi Sarah. I'm glad you are happy to see EA3 and looking forward to reading the rest. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 31 December 2013
· Chapter 1: Finrod’s First Day at Work
So the Wiseman Elves - old and new - are off to find another helping of trouble.
I bet Nick's bookstore may becomeone of Wiseman's nost popular shops with Finrod working there. Certainly this first day must have been one of the most successful ones ourside of the Christmas Crush, when everybody wants to get their hands on the latest bestseller to give to a friend or relative.
When it comes to steampunk, I haven't read much in that genre beyond Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series and the two books in the follow-up Finishing School series. Those books are absolutely hysterically funny, ans well worth reading. I was hooked when the heroine in the Parasol Protectorate series dispatched a vampire in the very first chapter of the first book - using her hairstick!! (I use hairsticks all the time) :-D
I bet Mrs Cramer looked somewhat stunned - Finrod probably gave her one of his patented brilliant smiles, which are surely enough to make heterosexual men and lesbian women rethink their orientation. Not that they have a chance, of course.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I'm sure the bookstore will become a very popular meeting place now. And I agree with you about the affect of Finrod's patented brilliant smiles. No, I don't think Mrs. Cramer had a snowball's chance against that smile. LOL! Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated. Happy New Year!
Laer
· 31 December 2013
· Chapter 1: Finrod’s First Day at Work
Quinn is doing great at as a salesman. I am sure he is making a tidy little sum for the book store. I am glad you are showing him as "human" and not as a perfect King of the Elves. :)
Great to see this story arch back. Hope you (and the other readers here) had a great Christmas and will have a wonderful New Year.
Author's reply
Yes he is, Laer, and I'm sure Nick is very happy to have him working there. And Finrod hasn't been the perfect King of the Elves in a very long time. *grin* Anyway, thanks for reviewing. Have a Happy New Year.
Dreamflower
· 30 December 2013
· Chapter 1: Finrod’s First Day at Work
Oh what fun to see a new Elf Academy adventure! I love seeing Finrod working retail. I have a feeling he's going to enjoy it, as he's very much a people person; treating every customer as an individual and concentrating on each person as if he or she is the only person at that moment is the key to success. Actually caring about them is another. I can see he's got that part down pat--all the rest is technicalities!
And I can tell him from personal experience that working retail in a small town is the best way to get to know people, so this job will be ideal for him.
I also love the way his identity is right out in the open as well, which is going to make getting to know his mortal neighbors much simpler; although if there are folks coming in from out of town it could also create difficulties.
I look forward to seeing more of all this.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I think Finrod will be quite successful at retail. I wouldn't be surprised if someday in the future he ends up inheriting the bookstore from Nick. And Finrod is definitely a people person and we will see this more later. Wiseman is remote enough that I doubt they would get too many outsiders visiting the bookstore, so for now, he's safe enough working there.
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment. It's very much appreciated.
katharein
· 30 December 2013
· Chapter 1: Finrod’s First Day at Work
Thank you Fiondil!
I have been waiting with bated breath since you announced that EA 3 was coming. Read and reread the other installments. A great beginning, Finrod such a hit, and coping so brilliantly, at the bookstore. And the vignette of him in his Man/preppy garb is too funny. Glad he has his cloak. Keep it coming!
Author's reply
You're welcome, Katharein. I'm glad you have been enjoying the series and that you are looking forward to this one. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I really appreciate it.
bookworm
· 30 December 2013
· Chapter 1: Finrod’s First Day at Work
Happy New Year! *bounces excitedly* Oooh, I can't wait to see what torture, I mean, exciting events they will face in this installment! Also Finrod seems to be enjoying himself - he's certainly good for business!
Author's reply
Hi Bookworm. 'Torture' is probably closer to the truth, as we will see. LOL! Finrod is very good for business. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Ellie
· 30 December 2013
· Chapter 1: Finrod’s First Day at Work
What a joy to see this posted finally! Your readers are in for such a delightful treat!!!!!
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie. Without you and Alassiel, this story wouldn't be half as good.
MJ
· 30 December 2013
· Chapter 1: Finrod’s First Day at Work
A delight to wake up to this after recent hectic weeks! Having worked my way through college in a retail job, I was very amused by "Quinn's" first day of work. He's already asking "cash or credit" like a pro. I can just see his son at McDonald's, asking "would you like fries with that?" :)
Author's reply
Hi MJ. Finrod's a fast learner. LOL! And the idea of Finda scooping fries at McDonal's is hilarious. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's greatly appreciated.