Rebecca Ashling
· 19 January 2015
· Chapter 111: Realizations
Sounds to me as if Glorfindel is suffering PTSD from his mugging. Hope he won't be too proud to accept counselling from Vorundur for that.
The malaise in Aman is kind of worrying. The Elves are essentially hothouse flowers locked inside a gilded cage, forever. They have the talents and have had the time to have exceeded, or at least equalled, us Secondborn in technological acumen but simply haven't. It also occurs to me that there is little political change. Ingwë, Arafinwë, Olwë and the leaders of the other Amaneldarin realms are at the top and stay there. What's the point of say Ingwion, Finrod and Lindarion being haryoni to their atars if they don't relinquish the throne. And this must apply to every Amaneldarin institution, not just the monarchies. There is no new blood at the top , the youngest are always at the bottom of any hierarchy, subject to their elders. Why subject their children to it? Hence the lack of offspring which makes even giant pandas seem to have the philoprogenerative enthusiasm of rabbits. At least in mortal societies even the most antiquated gerontocrats don't endure forever, much as they would like to.
I wonder if the Valar are planning a lot more interaction between Quendi and Atani to catalyse change amongst Elvish societies?
Anyways, a great chapter with lots of food for thought :D
PS: Perhaps satelite TV to Aman might be just the thing!
Author's reply
Hi Rebecca. Yeah, I think Glorfindel is still trying to deal with his mugging and the consequences of it will be a major aspect of Elf Academy 4.
The malaise in Aman is indeed worrying and we will see the attempts of the kings to counteract it, again in EA4. As for what the Valar are planning, that, too, remains to be seen.
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and found a lot in it to think about. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 19 January 2015
· Chapter 111: Realizations
Heh. I see it took only one ocean-related documentary for Olwë to want a TV set of his own, and access to satellite TV channels. Makes me wonder if it is Ingwë or Arafinwë who will start clamoring for a computer and an internet connection.
And of course, with internet access you can also get to see nature-relted stuff - like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE1HDSipRxU
I see the servants are shocked that Ingwë and Arafinwë actually know their way around the kitchen. And that the Mortal aren't showing "proper deference" to the Elves! Poor dears! ;-)
Looks like Amroth is about due for a serious talking-to by the Healers. Hope he will take their admonishions to heart and start resting more - it sounds like he really needs it!
That big glowing arrow in the sky was too funny! *snickers*
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. We'll have to see who starts clamoring for internet connection, but we'll have to wait until Elf Academy 4 for that.
I'm sure Ingwë and Arafinwë enjoy shocking the servants and luckily none of them will be staying behind so they won't be further offended by the Mortals' lack of manners. *grin*
We'll see what happens when the healers confront Amroth in the next chapter.
Glad you liked the big glowing arrow. As Ron says, the Maiar are having way too much fun. LOL!
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
bookworm
· 19 January 2015
· Chapter 111: Realizations
*GIANT GLOWING ARROW* /crying tears of laughter
But aw poor Glorfindel, too much stress huh? I know the feeling of wanting to escape. I imagine he'd get bored pretty quickly though! And lol TV-junkie Olwe. Could be worse. He could have become addicted to daytime soapies...
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. I thought the glowing arrow a nice touch. *grin*
I imagine Glorfindel would get bored pretty quickly too, but it is tempting to wanting to escape the madness at times.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Atya,
Loved the wedding and the reception, and that goes double for the news report!! So THIS is why the reception got cleared out early! I see SOMEONE might not be entirely happy with his newscasting partner about her choice of words; I wonder how that will go down. Will we see the repercussions? Will there be some sort of retraction?
I absolutely loved the comment "better than my brother's palantiri." Four times as funny when you remember that "palantir" and "television" both mean "far-seeing"!!! In a sense, TVs ARE Mortal palantiri! Ha! I wonder if that's ever come up in Quenya lessons???
I wonder what Feanaro would think of Mortal palantiri - that is, if he wasn't spending his existence in Mandos beyond the Galvorn Door (and, of course, seeing what we see of him in Ascent, it's no wonder he's not 'all there'.) Probably be secretly jealous and sniff and say they copied his idea. Heh.
As has been noted by others, I find it REALLY fascinating that you're showing us the views of the Amanian kings on the Mortal goings-on in Wiseman. It really puts things into perspective.
The elections are soon, aren't they? Will we see them tomorrow or Friday? I hope Roy and Sarah have a lovely honeymoon and they begin fulfilling Dan's wish for nieces and nephews soon! Although speaking of babies, there's now TRIPLET elflings to look forward to - how far off is THAT birth, I wonder? Multiples almost never go full-term, after all, and since for Elves full-term is a whole year, would a triplet pregnancy last nine months?
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I doubt we'll see any repercussions or any retractions. Right now everyone is more interested in the upcoming election. We have one more week before we get to it. There are some other matters that need to be addressed in the meantime, but never fear, we will see the election and what comes of it soon.
Nimrodel's laying in is still a few months away and the babies won't be born until we get into Elf Academy 4. So you'll just have to be patient. *grin*
I'm glad you've enjoyed the last few chapters, especially from the POV of the Amanian kings. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much. Tye-melin.
ReaderKit
· 17 January 2015
· Chapter 110: Sunday Discussions
Ooh, the Elves see television! I'm glad that the wedding and reception went without a hitch, and that the news coverage didn't flame them. Glad to see the kings doing dishes, and it would be nice if Derek and Alex actually became brothers. ;)
Author's reply
Hi ReaderKit. It would be nice if Derek and Alex could actually become brothers. We'll have to see how that works out.
Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
obsidianj
· 17 January 2015
· Chapter 110: Sunday Discussions
Ah, so the surprise was the evening news. I like it that it was rather low key, despite of all the visitors from Valinor. Even if the news were picked up by national news stations, I don't don't think anyone would bat an eye at "Valinor". This would be just one more country somewhere nobody has ever heard of *grin*.
It was such a homely scene with Glorfindel doing the dishes and the kings drying them.
Author's reply
I'm sure that the Maiar will make sure the news isn't picked up by national news stations. You might be able to explain away "Valinor" as a country nobody has ever hears of, but you wouldn't be able to explain away the pointed ears that would've been evident. *grin*
Anyway, you can see that Glorfindel and the kings are quite the domesticates. LOL!
Thanks for leaving a review, obsidianj. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 17 January 2015
· Chapter 109: Wedding Reception
What a lovely wedding reception. The poor guards, having to sit with their charges doesn't feel right to them and I can't blame them. They are probably guarding their kings for ages and are proud of their job. Now they suddenly get told that they are not needed, which will not sit well with them. In a way our society feel more safe and more dangerous at the same time.
I liked Ingwe's pov. It made a very familiar ceremony new again.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Used to a hierarchical society, the guards just had no clue about living in a more egalitarian one. I'm sure the reception was very uncomfortable for them until they were able to do their duty and follow their respective kings when they decided to mingle. It must've been a relief and I pretty much doubt they will be sorry to be leaving.
That's the reason I chose Ingwë's POV for this and the wedding, to make what is very familiar to us new again.
I'm glad you enjoyed the reception. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
ellon
· 17 January 2015
· Chapter 110: Sunday Discussions
I really appreciate how you spend time to describe the reactions and perspectives of arafinwe, olwe, and Ingwe. At the wedding and this last chapter I find the angle you take really interesting. It's believable to me that this is how eldar who had never seen mortals before would react and these are questions they would ask.
Author's reply
Hi ellon. I thought it would be more interesting to see all this through the eyes of Ingwë who has never met any Mortals and is unfamiliar with modern-day customs and the like. I figured that way the reader would see these very familiar settings in a new light. Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed these last few chapters. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 16 January 2015
· Chapter 110: Sunday Discussions
I'm looking forward to seeing the relationship between Anne and Andy progress. They both certainly deserve happiness.
Love the news recap, although we still haven't learned why the party was moved, unless it was simply to allow those who were doing cleanup to do their thing.
Author's reply
Hi Larner. We'll see if there is anything between Anne and Andy, though probably not until Elf Academy 4.
And the reason for the party being moved was because of the news. Someone called Daeron to warn him that the wedding would be in mentioned in the late-night news and so Glorinfdel, when he learned, decided to shift the party to Edhellond so they could all see the newscast. And, of course, it did allow the cleanup crew to clean up. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 16 January 2015
· Chapter 110: Sunday Discussions
What a nice surprise! I'm glad that even folks not attending the wedding got to hear about it. And of course that the kings got to experience TV and how fast our communication network operates. Yes, much better than a palantir- at worst you'll zone out in front of a sitcom, much less dangerous than ending up in a battle of wills with Sauron, hehe.
Of course people cry at weddings, though I imagine Alex must not have been to many. Perhaps especially with his mom, since he joined the Agency and couldn't be home much. I'm totally in the Anne and Andy court, it would be great for them to end up together.
Heh, I forgot all about Zack being Finrod. It's so cute that there are folks running around with his name.
Well, I got to read this chapter and review it while waiting for Wicked to start. 10 years of loving the music and I finally get to see it. Have a great weekend!
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. I doubt Alex has been to any weddings before this, that aspect of human society not being a part of his former life as a spy.
It would be nice if Anne and Andy got together. At the moment, though, with them being on opposite sides of the continent, that might be a bit hard. We'll have to see.
I hope you enjoyed Wicked and you weren't disappointed. Thanks for taking the time to read and leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
Vanime
· 16 January 2015
· Chapter 110: Sunday Discussions
Loved the one king's remark about how his hair was out of place when seeing himself on the news...wonder what Elrond and his family thought of it? :) I am very much looking forward to Elrond's reaction to a pharmacy...I think he will be stunned. :)
Wonder what Celebrian is thinking about it all too...hope the two of them don't change their minds about staying with their sons...
Looking forward to another chappie! Oh, and when will Alex really get to talk with his Valinorian ancestors in depth? I would love for him to have a deep conversation with Turgon and Elrond...and just what does Elrond think of his grandfather Turgon?
Hugs and Love,
Vanime
Author's reply
Hi Vanime. I doubt that Elrond and Celebrían will change their minds about staying however confusing the modern world might be for them at the moment. They've been separated from their sons for too long and they have no intention of being separated from them again.
I'm not sure when or even if Alex will get the opportunity to speak with the Elves in any depth in the short time that they will be here, considering that Alex has his own life and work with which to occupy himself. And I'm sure Elrond loves his great-grandfather very much.
Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Vanime
· 16 January 2015
· Chapter 109: Wedding Reception
I enjoyed this chapter very much - but why was Elrond nonplused about shaking hands? Not sure why he would be that way, as he always welcomed many to his home in Imladris...
I really enjoyed Ingwe's look at things...makes me think that if he didn't have to go back to Aman/Valinor, he'd be just as happy to stay and experience things that he hasn't before...
Looking forward to the next chapter and another review for you! :)
Author's reply
Hi Vanime. In the culture of ancient Middle-earth, the hand shake was not a known form of greeting. The modern-day hand shake is a relatively late custom. Elves would greet others with a bow. Warriors would greet other warriors by briefly gripping each other's forearms. Even among mortals, this would have been so and family members and friends would most likely greet one another with hugs and even kisses (think of Italians or the French kissing each other's cheeks). Shaking hands would be considered by Elrond as too intimate a gesture, though we simply see it as a normal form of politeness. Even in our world there are cultures that do not utilize the hand shake as a greeting.
I'm glad you enjoyed seeing this through Ingwë's eyes. I'm sure he wouldn't mind staying in Wiseman for a time, but he knows his duty and he has his own responsibilities back home.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 16 January 2015
· Chapter 110: Sunday Discussions
So it wasn't a disaster, for once, that made the Elves scamper. Instead, it was an opportunity for the Valioreans to be introduced to the evening newscast. They can certainly see the value of that, and would certainly comprehend sport progrms on TV, but what would they make of soap oeras and the like, I wonder?
And I wonder what they would make of computer and the Internet?
Heh. It looks as if Alex can come and go whenever he wants to the Elven camp, where most people would be gently shooed away by the watching Maiar.
I see the ladies are enjoying their stitchery and knitting. As it happens I've recently finished a knitted item I'm quite proud of myself - my Quellë scarf (google it if you wish!) (Yes, it's my own design.) ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. No, no disaster. As for what they would make of TV programs and computers, well, we may see about that later.
As for Alex, I doubt the Maiar would ever consider keeping him away, considering who he is and what he's capable of. *grin*
Congrats on the scarf. I'v been working on a Dr. Who scarf myself but it's slow going and maybe it'll be done in time for next winter.
Anyway thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's much appreciated.
rikki
· 16 January 2015
· Chapter 110: Sunday Discussions
And now the News at Eleven..... It is nice to see that the wedding is acknowledged by the media even though it is treated as a mortal wedding. However, I can see the station director's feeling, with the election so close the media shouldn't be trying to influence the populace one way or the other. Even without trying the anti-Elf camp could complain that the Elves had planned the wedding so that they would be in the news close to the election. Ai!
The clean-up at the encampment was insightful. Nimrodel sitting there knitting and Galandriel with her embroidery. Glorfindel was washing up and the kings were drying, all in all it was a calm normal occurrence after the wedding. When Alex showed up I was wondering if he and Turgon would face off again, but the news was more that Alex would spend some time alone in Fairbanks in the summer. Between Alex and the ap Hywels in Fairbanks and the twins and Sarah in NYC, you are going to be busy keeping up with all the different groups.
Have a great weekend. We are promised sunshine and after a week of heavy fog and rain I am glad to see some sun. It may be cold but it does improve my mood. I take it that the election is next. Will any of the Elves be helping at the polling stations?
Author's reply
Hi Rikki. Certainly with the wedding so close to the election, keeping it low-key was probably a good choice on the part of the TV station's chief editor.
In my Amanian stories, I often show the royals, especially someone like Finrod, doing things like being the last to serve themselves at a buffet or helping with the cleaning up afterwards. Those who would rule should first learn to serve. It is a lesson our own leaders rarely bother to learn, unfortunately.
At any rate, Alex being in Fairbanks over the summer will play a significant role in Elf Academy 4.
We enjoyed some sun yesterday and are promised some tomorrow. It's rare to see it during the winter where I live so when we do have it I can definitely feel my mood lifting and brightening.
There are a couple of more chapters that need to be gotten through before we reach the election. We'll see who may or may not be involved with it at that time.
Thanks for reviewing and have a great weekend yourself.
Dreamflower
· 16 January 2015
· Chapter 110: Sunday Discussions
So that was it--a chance for the Elves to see themselves on the local news! I think that the idea of instant media all over the world impressed the kings; because of the stagnation in Valinor, the Secondborn have far surpassed the Eldar in terms of technology. (For some reason it makes me think of HP, and the division between the Muggle . BTW, I do hope someone managed to save a clip of the broadcast for the newlyweds to see later!
It looks like even if the local TV station is remaining "officially neutral", there seems to be a slight bias in favor of the Elves on the part of some individuals.
Lots of news from Alex, so I thought you picked the perfect time and way to deal with it.
Great chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. Oh, I'm sure someone made a copy of the news report for Roy and Sarah. And yes, the Secondborn have surpassed the Eldar in terms of some technology, though probably not all. We'll have to see.
And yes, Alex had a lot of news to impart. Glad you thought it was the perfect way to deal with it.
Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Shemyaza
· 16 January 2015
· Chapter 110: Sunday Discussions
I find myself wondering whether the local television newscasters were warned to be selective about how they referred to the wedding, perhaps the tv stations owners were a bit worried about a national news service picking up the item? I know that when I lived in North Carolina, the main news often picked up snippets of local news. I would be willing to bet that the fact that there were visiting dignitaries from Valinor would cause a bit of alarm and despondency in the White House? It will be interesting to see how you deal with the increasing public profiles the Elves are beginning to get and how a wider audience and authorities would deal with the idea.
Author's reply
I suspect that the Maiar watching over Wiseman are making sure that the national news services are not picking up local items. Besides, Wiseman is so far off the map that no one really knows it exists except the locals. At any rate, as Vorondur points out, the station editor obviously decided to treat the affair as any wedding would have been. Thanks for reviewing, Shemyaza. I appreciate it very much.
Sarah
· 16 January 2015
· Chapter 110: Sunday Discussions
oh thank God it was only a news report, here was me worrying my week away thinking someone had gotten another bright idea with some highly explosive materials. Silly silly. Looks like Turgon is enjoying another sulk. I hope he shakes it before they all shove off, it would be a shame for him to have missed out during such a lovely "vacation" as this
Author's reply
Sometimes not all cliffhangers are bad, just suspenseful. *grin* Anyway, Turgon and Glorfindel will have their little talk soon enough and that should help. Thanks for reviewing, Sarah. I appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 16 January 2015
· Chapter 110: Sunday Discussions
Another charming chapter. You did a great job filling us in on the important conversations of daily life. I am glad to know that Zack was at the wedding. I agree with Ron that the wedding reporting was well done, but "interesting." Thanks
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you found the chapter charming and the reporting on the wedding "interesting". And of course, Zach was at the wedding. He wouldn't have missed it for the world. :) Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
"This is better than my brother's palantiri!" Well, that is high praise for mortal technology ;) Will, Arafinwë be rousting out his loremasters to reproduce the wonders of the Aftercomers that he saw on his brief visit on a small, backwater town?
I see that the problems between Glorfindel and Turgon have yet to be resolved. Will be interesting to see how that goes.
Great chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Rebecca. We'll have to see what Arafinwë decides with regards to adapting mortal technology, but that won't be until Elf Academy 4. Glorfindel and Turgon will have 'the talk' soon enough, I promise. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
That was a nice reception and a great idea to see it through Ingwë's eyes. I wonder what unexpected, last minute snag has necessitated this removal to Edhellond? Ah, well, I shall find out on Friday.
Author's reply
Hi Rebecca. I'm glad you enjoyed the reception, especially through Ingwë's eyes, since he is not likely to understand everything that's going on. And yes, we'll find out what's going on in the next chapter. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
Eruherdiriel
· 13 January 2015
· Chapter 109: Wedding Reception
Pretty much like most of the wedding receptions I've been too, minus the groups of teenagers eating everything in sight, even after the meal is official over.
You really have a thing about ending on cliffhangers, don't you? Why did they move the reception?
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. I'm sure there were teenagers at the reception, we just don't see them through Ingwë's eyes. I get the feeling you think I invented cliffhangers or something, but every writer uses them as a way of keeping the reader interested and wanting to know more. And we'll find out why the reception was moved in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
ReaderKit
· 13 January 2015
· Chapter 109: Wedding Reception
Ooh, fun reception. Go Alex, prank your newlywed uncle!
It was interesting seeing this from one of the visitors' perspectives - good choice. His thoughts on the details we take for granted make them seem not as boring.
The moon sounded really pretty, I'm jealous.
Thanks for another nice chapter!
Author's reply
Hi ReaderKit. I'm glad you enjoyed the reception, especially from Ingwë's POV. It does make it seem less boring. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Celeth
· 13 January 2015
· Chapter 109: Wedding Reception
I enjoyed reading about the wedding and the reception from the High King's POV. Its a fresh way of viewing something that's very familiar. Although I must admit, I have been thru a church ceremony and even attended several weddings of close friends and relatives, but I still get teary-eyed at some point during the ceremony or at the reception when the bride dances with her father. There's just something about weddings that brings emotions to the surface.
Now, fortunately for Roy and Sarah, this was a quiet and uneventful ceremony. No upsets, no tantrums from the kids or the Reborn, and no sabotage attempts by the Enemy. I guess I shouldn't wonder, not with that contingent of Maiar who announced their presence to all and sundry. Seems almost like the calm before the storm, but I hope I am wrong there.
Its very interesting reading about things from the POV of the Valinorean Elves who have never met mortals before, or those who have not seen Middle Earth for a long long time. And I loved that moment where Glorfindel danced with the little girl (but I would love it even if he is only sitting there reading a newspaper haha), and that moment where the Valar thru Tilion give their own blessing to the newlyweds. I second that, Elladan; hope there will be nephews and nieces for him to play with so he won't be too lonely now that his twin will have other priorities. Elladan sounds like a fun Uncle. And I hope one of the Royals gets to spend time with a Mortal child or two...
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. The wedding went off without a hitch and the reception seems to have been good as well. We can only hope things remain calm for now, but with the election only a few days away (Wiseman-time), I doubt it will stay that way for long. At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed both the ceremony and the reception and all the details therein, especially seeing it through Ingwë's eyes. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it greatly.
Larner
· 12 January 2015
· Chapter 109: Wedding Reception
Personally, I am glad that the Valar sought to bless this marriage in spite of worry as to what that blessing might mean in the end.
But the call sounds ominous. What kind of threat is brewing now?
Author's reply
Hi Larner. I think the Valar's blessing was apropos to the circumstances. They couldn't exactly pop in and wish the happy couple well, could they? Well, actually, they could, but then Námo would be busy processing all the Mortals who would've died of fright if they had. LOL! As for what's brewing now, we'll find out soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Atya,
I may have to have "Sunrise, Sunset" and "My Heart Will Go On" at my wedding, should I ever chance to meet the right person, now they came up in this. What other songs were being played? I'm especially curious about the song in a language none of the Amanian Elves understood. When I went to Danielle's wedding last summer, I requested Shania Twain's "Forever and For Always" for Danielle and Jason. I wasn't creative enough to think of "Sunrise, Sunset". LOL.
I wonder why they moved the party? It doesn't sound good, whatever it is.
And last but not least, the image of Roy and Sarah standing there bathed in moonlight, the blessing of Tilion and the Valar on them, really struck me and stayed with me. That was beautiful, Atya. Thank you.
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. We'll see why the party's been moved soon enough. I'm glad you enjoyed the image of Roy and Sarah standing there bathed in moonlight. I think it was a nice touch, myself.
Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed the chapter. I really appreciate it. Tye-melin.