sharonb
· 7 March 2016
· Chapter 6: Counselling Session
Well, relief that all of those chapters were a bad dream. But I'm with everyone else in wondering who is hijacking the dream from Irmo and giving it such nightmarish qualities. Not much time has passed, the triplets aren't hear yet and drat Alex and Felicity aren't married let alone having a little one themselves. Maybe we can hope that a few happy things are prophetic from Gorfi's dreams.
Bringing a coffee cake to the cliff house and waiting for the next installment!
Author's reply
Indeed, the hijacking of Irmo's dream is very worrisome. In fact NO time has really passed in the real world, so things are more or less strolling along in Wiseman.
xxx Shemyaza
Dreamflower
· 7 March 2016
· Chapter 6: Counselling Session
*WHEW!!!!*heaves great sigh of relief*
I am SO glad that this was all a dream! Edhellond is not destroyed at all, which is a good thing, since it seemed to be an essential part of the saga.
But poor Glorfindel! And who could possibly be interfering with Irmo? Because that really seemed to be what's happening, someone taking the dreams that are sent and twisting them in a darker direction.
Author's reply
Yes, thank goodness it was a dream, but not a nice dream. In fact rather a nightmare really for Glorfindel and I guess it shows to some degree the state of his mind that someone from outside could manipulate him to that extent.
xxx Shemyaza
6336
· 7 March 2016
· Chapter 6: Counselling Session
Whew!
Well I am glad that is over, I knew it had to be some kind of Irmo inspired dream, (By the way Irmo next time we meet I am going to have a few words with you regarding this, per haps you can send him something pleasant to make up for it?) it sure was a doozy!
Now all he has to do is remember the talisman.
Breaths sigh of relief, settles back in chair in Cliff House with cup of tea and Bear Claw, better, much better.
Lynda
Author's reply
Well, not entirely Irmo's dream. Someone IS manipulating Glorfindel's mind. Is it because he is possibly fading, or might it be someone outside agency? We shall see.
Enjoy the Bear Claw.
xxx Shemyaza
Lindelea
· 7 March 2016
· Chapter 6: Counselling Session
Oh! I'm so glad to have found this.
Thank you, Ellie, Mari and Shemyaza, and thank you to Fiondil's family, for bringing his storytelling voice back to Mondays again, while this story lasts. How I've missed him (and I know it is only a fraction of what you have been feeling. Blessings and comfort to you all).
Alas, poor Glorfindel. I must admit that the chapters leading up to this one had more and more of a dreamlike quality, with the time- and place-shifting, and then the dead showing up. And the Dreamshaper not in control of who/what showed up? How interesting. Who or what is interfering? Fascinating to contemplate... (So Charles' words of comfort and encouragement were part of Loren's own subconscious, trying to tell him something, or were they perhaps someone or something else interfering in the harm being attempted...? I'm becoming muddled, even though I know what I am thinking/saying, I'm not sure I'm communicating it.)
Farrell is dead? I need to go back and read the earlier EA tales... The last thing I remember was him waiting to go on trial, and after that my mind is blank regarding what happened to him.
The counseling session was interesting to read. Is Vorundur's counseling philosophy common in his field? I know one person who is benefiting and growing from therapy, and another who fled therapy and refuses to go back to talk to anyone else (not because of an inability to cope, but the therapist's malpractice -- my heart is grieving and I don't know what to do to help). Not a very big sampling, admittedly. Still, I highly admire the way Fiondil has shaped Vorundur. (As well as other characters. He exhibited an ultimately optimistic vision, even though there are rough spots in the road.)
I don't know much about elves' fading. It seems from what was said here, that it involves them losing their energy? Where do they go when they fade? Is it the same as physical death, or different? When they die physically, it seems that they get rehabilitated and re-released into the world, from what I've read of Fiondil's tales of Glorfindel and Finrod (and other Reborn), but does Fading entail a different fate?
I am once again teased by the reference to Daeron, and what happened to him before he was rescued (which I think even Fiondil admitted not knowing all the details). And ironic that Glorfindel wasn't sure they'd be able to keep him from fading, and yet he was "stronger than even he knows".
Perhaps the words are prescient, and can be applied to Loren himself, though he doesn't know it yet.
Gladly taking up my usual chair in the Cliff House, bringing gourmet chocolates and a few bottles of good wine to share.
Author's reply
You are very very welcome Lindelea. We are ALL grateful to Arthur's family for allowing us to publish this, his last work. It was important for all of us who knew him, closure was important. I still have difficulty with the fact that he is no longer with us as does Ellie and Mari, but hopefully this will allow us to move forward.
I did wonder at first whether readers might be confused at the time jumps. We don't really know who is manipulating Glorfindel's dreams. You aren't any more muddled than the rest of us!
Yes, Farrell is dead, it might be a good idea to read the earlier tales because they do set the scene for all of the varied characters who turn up. #
I personally believe that most therapists form their own counselling philosopy based on what they take from their studies. The problem with Therapy (and I am what they call a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Co-Counsellor) is that so many people go into it believing that the therapist has some sort of quick fix. They don't provide answers, what they do is provide the patient with coping mechanisms so that they can find the answers relevant to them and their particular situation. I admit that I did have a few discussions with Fiondil/Arthur simply because he knew I had PTSD and was a co-counsellor.
As far as fading is concerned, first of all, it's important to get some distinctions in terminology out of the way because Tolkien can be rather confusing where the fates of the Elves are concerned. There is death, as in when the body of an Elf loses its life. Then there is fading, which is something totally different and to make matters even more tangled, Arwen's situation is rather unique, even within all that.
The Elves are, by their nature, immortal, meaning that they will live as long as the world (Arda) lives. However, they are not invincible. A beheaded Elf doesn't keep wandering around like the Green Knight, groping for his head. Tolkien conceived of his fictional beings as divided into body (hroä) and spirit (feä). The body can be destroyed, but the spirit remains bound to Arda for as long as Arda endures. "Of the Beginning of Days" in The Silmarillion says:
"...For the Elves die not till the world dies, unless they are slain or waste in grief (and to both these seeming deaths they are subject); neither does age subdue their strength, unless one grow weary of ten thousand centuries; and dying they are gathered to the halls of Mandos in Valinor, whence they may in time return."
What happens to their feär or spirits when the body dies? This is a bit more complicated and is explained in the text Laws and Customs among the Eldar, found in Morgoth's Ring. The feär of slain Elves are summoned to the halls of Mandos in Aman, where after a time of healing, they may be given new bodies and resume their lives in Valinor. (For example, although Tolkien was unclear on this matter, one possibility is that Glorfindel from The Lord of the Rings was Glorfindel of Gondolin, reembodied.) However, going to Mandos is no guarantee of reembodiment; Fëanor, for example, is said never to have returned to life (The Silmarillion, "Of the Return of the Noldor"). Other Elves refuse the summons, and their feär become attached to the area in which they lived, as spirits that Laws and Customs suggests could be malicious.
Fading is also discussed in Laws and Customs and related to the duality of feär and hroär. Here, once an Elf reaches a certain advanced age, the spirit is said to overpower the body so that the body becomes invisible. These Elves still technically live, but they cannot be seen, and their exist in almost purely spiritual form.
I hope this helps with regard to fading and the Elves.
Enjoy the chocolates and the wine. I will be along to Cliff House shortly!
xxx Shemyaza
UTfrog
· 7 March 2016
· Chapter 6: Counselling Session
Interesting that even Namo and Ulmo are confused too. I am so happy they are still in Wiseman. That town has become so real and so dear. Thank you.
Author's reply
You're welcome, although I personally had nothing to do with that! Keep reading!
xxx Shemyaza
harrowcat
· 7 March 2016
· Chapter 6: Counselling Session
Hugh Sigh! of not quite relief. Oy Fiondil What a start!!!
Author's reply
Hahaha! Fiondi still keeping everyone jumping even after death! So typical of him.
xxx Shemyaza
Sarah
· 7 March 2016
· Chapter 6: Counselling Session
Oh thank goodness. For a minute there I wasn't sure if I'd be able to push through the craziness for this one. Still very not good for Glorfindel, I'll grant you, but not nearly as doom and gloom as I feared. Fiondil, good sir, you got me on this one.
Dreamflower
· 6 March 2016
· Chapter 5: Into the Gorge
Oh. My. Goodness! Real or hallucination, that was a stunning cliffie. I will be glad for tomorrow and maybe some answers!
Dreamflower
· 6 March 2016
· Chapter 4: The Enemy Attacks
Oh dear! Nope, not happening. Along with others I think that this is probably some fever-dream Glorfindel is having.
Father Charles insistence that Glorfindel has to BELIEVE those supposedly killed are alive seems to be a clue. Like everyone else, I'm beginning to wonder just how much of this story so far has actually happened.
But this is exciting, and the story is breaking new ground...
obsidianj
· 1 March 2016
· Chapter 4: The Enemy Attacks
This chapter had a surreal feeling to it. Glorfindel's time slips and then all the dead. Somehow, I don't think they are all dead. It's a bit too much. I know accidents can happen, but to have at least 5 people killed in accidents within a few days seems odd. I have a bad feeling over the expedition to retrieve the talisman. Glorfindel should speak up and say something to his friends. In my opinion, he is not in a fit state for anything until his mind is sorted out.
elrondion
· 1 March 2016
· Chapter 5: Into the Gorge
cannot help but think namo is somehow and for some reason gathering a formidable group perhaps for very specialized training. maiar have been suspiciously absent once new york has been reached. oh, yes, they may have influenced things for the twins and serinde but otherwise they have been hidden. have to see where things go from here. in the meantime, i will settle in to the overstuffed chair in the corner of the cliff house with a cup of russian caravan tea and a scone awaiting the next chapter.
Author's reply
Wherever Finrod and Glorfindel are around Namo is never far away! As far as the Maiar are concerned, it might be that their help is a little too much 'Deus ex machina' for the situation in modern Middle Earth. Not giving anything away, you understand. I'm just saying!
Enjoy your tea and scone and please save some for me and the other beta amigas!
xxx Shemyaza
Larner
· 29 February 2016
· Chapter 5: Into the Gorge
Someone has been manipulating Glorfindel's mind, at least, and I wanna know WHO! What is real in all of this?
Author's reply
Well it could be manipulation but as to the who and what is real in all of this, you're just going to have to be patient!
xxx Shemyaza
MikoNoNyte
· 29 February 2016
· Chapter 5: Into the Gorge
Aaand we're back to the "adult" only entry: Calibre say's "bad file" cannot download.
Oh my aching eyes!
*clears throat* Now, regarding this latest chapter...
Woah, wait, what?
Glorfindel is realizing there's something odd, yet STILL saying nothing?
And then... Farrell. Last I recall he wasn't dead so much as comatose. Soooooooo
This is all reading like a psychic attack; anyone want to lay tea/coffee/cookies that everyone is still in Wiseman while Glorfindel is off chasing the Light Fantastic?
A test of their psychic strength perhaps, or their spiritual.
Author's reply
The warning was meant this time Miko! We knew that Glorfindel and others dying would upset the readers so it was my way of warning you all that the content of this chapter could upset you.
Don't worry too much though. You know that Glorfindel is very hard to kill and even harder to keep dead. Never mind the fact that Namo definitely won't want a certain golden haired Balrog Slayer causing mayhem in his Halls.
Not all is lost. Keep reading. After the beta emigos read these chapters we were ALL like, Omigod, what the hell Arthur, but you know, Arthur had a very mischievous side to him which wasn't always evident and he's having a good hearty laugh at us all from wherever he is!
Shemyaza xxxx
6336
· 29 February 2016
· Chapter 5: Into the Gorge
O.K. Now I am really weirded out! If this is a dream Irmo must be really pissed off with our favorite Balrog Slayer, it's either that or he got in to some funny mushrooms.
If Glorfi has managed to get himself killed off I hope he has a sword with him so he can skewer himself to Namos door, though come to think of it that has to be very boring hanging around on Namo's door like that, I expect the odd Mair comes round to dust him off every now and then.
The rate Elves and people are getting killed off Namo will have to open a new wing and muster up a few more swan boats.
As for the jewel some how I don't think it is a Silmarill, don't forget in E.A.3 it is so bright that Alex and Derek have a problem with it, its light is too pure for Mortals to bear, probably the Elendilmar or maybe the Arkenstone.
As for Farrell, now I know it is all in Glorfi's head, the last time I heard Farrell is in a long term care facility in Alaska vegetating away, if he hasn't passed, that is.
Ah well now I know which chapters to skip when I come to reread this.
Trudges up to Cliff House and settles in for something to happen, for the better, I hope, it better be!
Lynda
Author's reply
I can't actually tell you what the artifact is, it could be a Silmarill (Remember Maedhros threw it into a fiery chasm and jumped with it; unlikely to be the Arkenstone which was buried with Thorin Oakenshield, but there is a slim chance it's come to light, however the Silmarils and the Arkenstone have very negative effects on all who come into contact with them. At the moment only Arthur knows what was in his head and I am not about to enlighten anyone!
As for Glorfi in Namo's Halls, I believe Namo has made it quite clear that the Balrog Slayer is not welcome to clutter up the Halls and cause alarm and despondency!
xxx Shemyaza
FV_Whisper
· 29 February 2016
· Chapter 5: Into the Gorge
Eehmm, Glorfi, if you're dreaming...this would be a good time to wake up...
For I still refuse to believe Fiondill would ad both Glorfindel and Finrod tp the body count. One of them would be unlikely, but the two of them? He could not do that to poor Namo!
And o yes, yes, YES!! My guesses about the talisman were right and it is indeed a Silmaril. Now let's hope that part of the story is actually true and the brothers have indeed stowed one away in the mountains...
(Long ago, I came up with the (apparently not so crazy) idea how one of the Silmarils made it somehow into the Templars treasure, so I guess my own idea's about the talisman were mingled with that, but it's so nice to see Fiondill was having similar thoughts).
My guess is that this would have been Maedhros' stone, seeing how Maglor's one gets redeemed in his own story.
Kaylee, it's nice to see others thinking about the Silmaril/arkenstone theory as well (I admit, I've given those little gems too much thought over the last few years...) And your thought of Farrell being servant of Morgoth would make sense. The thought of Farrell being Morgoth is downright scary....
Corine
Author's reply
You will have to wait and see. There is a lot of water due to pass under this bridge!
Glorfindel probably could do that to Namo, just to spite him, but I suspect that he would be reborn very very quickly, before he wrecked the joint!
xxx Shemyaza
UTfrog
· 29 February 2016
· Chapter 5: Into the Gorge
Okay, definite cliff house chapter, but something different from what we have been reading must be happening. Great chapter, though.
Sunny
· 29 February 2016
· Chapter 5: Into the Gorge
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Please, is this a nightmare Glorfy is having because he had too much chili or something?)
Author's reply
Is it a nightmare? Perhaps it is, we shall soon see! Watch this space!
xxx Shemyaza
Sarah
· 29 February 2016
· Chapter 5: Into the Gorge
OK. The crazy can stop any time now. *sticks fingers in ears* NOPE NOPE NOT REAL I REFUSE TO ACCEPT THIS
Author's reply
I nearly missed you for the reviews!
You can't keep your fingers stuck in your ears forever! Arthur is full of surprises with this EA4, naughty man. I think he was chuckling as he wrote all of this in expectation of the alarm and despondency it would cause!
xxx Shemyaza
someone
· 29 February 2016
· Chapter 5: Into the Gorge
What...? What just happened? Was that Maglor's or Maedhros' silmaril?
I've been confused by the last few chapters, mainly because of Glorfindel's memory problems, but not nearly so much as by this one. Most of the main players seem to be dead now, and as (supposedly) dead people have been walking around, there seems to be something weird going on. I haven't read any reviews or review responses for a few chapters, and don't know what others think, but I have three theories:
1: The old group is being eliminated so the younger generations and mortals have the spotlight from now on. (Not really likely, though. Fiondil wouldn't just kill Glorfindel off, would he?)
2: The battle is going to be on two fronts, spiritual and material, and the story is going to be on those two, separate levels.
3: The line between death and living world is about to break in this war. (The most likely explanation, in my opinion.)
I sincerely hope that Namo is not going to make true of his threat if Glorfindel turns up on his doorstep... again. And I think I'm going to spend the week being confused by this, hopefully the next chapter will make things clearer.
Author's reply
The Weirdness never ends and Arthur was more than happy to confuse everyone with this story. Would he kill Glorfindel off? Maybe if it suited the story arc, but we all know that Glorfindel is not the easiest elf to keep in the Halls of Mandos!
As for your theories, you will have to wait and see! Arthur is full of surprises in this Elf Academy 4.
xxx Shemyaza
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 29 February 2016
· Chapter 5: Into the Gorge
All right, the only thing keeping me from screaming out loud when I finished this chapter was the certainty that this is still just Glorfindel's nightmare, brought on by the Enemy. I'm beginning to wonder more and more if Farrell was ever a real person. Well, no. I imagine Farrell, nephew of Sam Bradford, WAS a real person. But has the Farrell the Elves knew ever been real, at least since he inserted himself into the story in present day? I wouldn't be surprised if he was some long forgotten servant of Morgoth playing his own game - or, since this is apparently the Dagor Dagorath, perhaps Morgoth himself.
*shudders at THAT*
Ew. Terrible thought, Kaylee! >_<
However. The talisman being a Silmaril puzzled me. It has to either be Maglor's stone or Maedhros', and since Maglor's had a different fate (see the story where Maglor returned to Aman *finally*) this must be Maedhros'. Was it mined out of the rock somehow? (Or taken from Thorin's body, if one subscribes to the theory that said Silmaril = Arkenstone)? Was Maedhros' body ever recovered? Is Earendil in danger? @_@
Everyone Glorfi loves has been getting shot down...literally in this case, it would seem, after all...
And so, as the Watcher-or-whatever-it-is drags Glorfi down into darkness, all I can do is pray things turn out better for Atto's favourite Balrog-slayer. He sure doesn't seem to be Atto's favourite at the moment, nettenyar. :(
Tye-melin, Atto, beta amiga nettenyar, Fiondilie. Hoping next week comes soon...
Kaylee Arafinwiel
Author's reply
Well we are dealing with The Enemy here and we all know how tricksy he can be don't we? I think that those in the Blessed Realm are pretty safe Kaylee, so Earendil can feel safe.
Remember that the Enemy is not averse to showing everyone their worst nightmares, so everything is fluid.
xxx Shemyaza
sharonb
· 29 February 2016
· Chapter 5: Into the Gorge
Okay, this is definitely a nightmare that Gorfi is having, but is that a Simiral or the stone from the Elendimar or the Elessar stone? I know my spelling is way off on some of these but I'm at work on a short break and just had to respond quickly to this.
Author's reply
Don't worry too much, our resident Balrog Slayer is not that easy to kill!
xxx Shemyaza
katharein
· 25 February 2016
· Chapter 4: The Enemy Attacks
Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people. I remember Ellie a few chapters back saying that Fiondil had planned this story very carefully. I draw comfort and estel from that and await further developments. All of you who are saying this is in Glorfindel's mind, I hope you are right. I was reluctantly sucked in until I read this last chapter and your comments. Thank you to Fiondil's family and devoted friends.
Vanime
· 23 February 2016
· Chapter 4: The Enemy Attacks
Okay, a couple things... I do believe that there are two talismans that could be at play here - either the Ark of the Covenant or the Holy Grail. Whilst the Holy Grail is the most likely of the two (as it is associated with the Knights Templar in regards to "known" history), I believe it is more likely to be the Ark of the Covenant, as that can destroy the Enemy quite sufficiently, and it would be just like Fiondil to have something spectacular for a storyline. :D
Second thing, in regards to this chapter - I feel that Glorfindel is in the clutches of the Enemy (mentally wise). Let me explain my theory.
First, as one of our readers has mentioned in a previous review Derek was in the Navy, and a boating accident seems rather suspicious. Plus Alex and Felicity dying before the baby is born seems rather cruel, no?
Second, the time lapses.. I strongly suspect the Enemy is at play here and no one is aware of it. (By no one I mean everyone on the Good side) When Glorfindel was attacked and lost his ring - he got a duplicate ring to replace the one stolen, correct? As the ring is "linked" to Glorfindel to keep him "in place" - did the first ring get "shut off" by the Valar? Because if the Enemy has the first ring, (which was surmised to be the case in earlier parts of Elf Academy), then it would stand to reason that they are manipulating Glorfindel through the ring, despite him having a second ring on. After all, if Sauron was soul-linked to The One Ring,... well I think you can see where I am going here. Glorfindel's first ring was made by the Valar, and only the Valar can destroy it (a la like how the One was destroyed from "whence it came").
And wouldn't that be something? Because Sauron was able to "follow" his ring when the Fellowship made their journey... G's ring is another GPS device of sorts...it would certainly explain how the enemy is following them all.
Unless the admins of the story can correct me if I am wrong about G's ring? Especially in regards to the first ring of G. I feel that this is what is potentially going down in the this story, for this chapter at least.
I sincerely hope all is not lost with our elf and mortal friends alike and that no one has died. It would be just awful to think and contemplate over.
I look forward to the next chapter...perhaps G will wake up from a very bad nightmare brought on by a hangover from partying all night. Elves love to party after all. I have to hold on to hope so how...
Hugs and Love,
Vanime
Lyana
· 23 February 2016
· Chapter 4: The Enemy Attacks
Wow - what a chapter! Glorfindel's despair is palpable... I wonder if he's wearing his ring - perhaps he's experiencing some kind of psychic break again? Poor guy - with all the weight of the world on his shoulders and love lost, well, I'm hoping it truly is a dream state and he'll pull out of it (or the others will be able to pull him out of it) soon. He better not be fading - Namo would be most put out!
Erulisse
· 23 February 2016
· Chapter 4: The Enemy Attacks
Wow, the time gaps Glorfindel is experiencing are really stunning, but having Charles in the church was wonderful. I'm already looking forward to next week's posting.
- Erulisse (one L)