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Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within by Fiondil	14 Review(s)
Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 6/24/2014
Now I really feel sorry for Finrod. He's out of his depth here, and still has to deal with everything thrown at him. The rift between the Elves is not helping, either. At least he seems to have found someone with whom he can share his problems without feeling ashamed or anything like that. Charles' fate sounds familiar, we have some cases like that around here, too. And he's right, Finrod needs to share the burden, no matter what certain parties say. The trio of Zach, Alex and Derek is good for Finrod, I think. Their easy banter helps him to relax, too. Hm ... I think Glorfindel has pointed out one of the problems the Wiseman Elves have with the newcomers in general and in particular with their opinion they have to bow down to being ordered around. Let's see if they can work out a way around that problem. Author Reply: Finrod is indeed out of his depth but he's smart enough to know when he needs help and discussing his problems with Charles was a good first step and then his continued conversation with Glorfindel probably helped him as well. There have been enough such cases similar to Charles' here in the States that I figured his fate wasn't outside the laws of probability. The young Mortals are good for Finrod and the other Elves, if they just knew it. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.

Laer	Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 5/25/2014
Wow, sorry I didn't realize how far behind I had gotten on this story. I'd say blame it on the chemo, but they are doing something else instead. So not sickly just tired..a lot. So on that whinny note (sorry about that. Just wanted to make sure you knew it isn't the story or your writing...it's me just being tired. Panis Angelicus sounds beautiful. I will look for it on Youtube. And yes a good mystery or LOTR fan fiction like this one does make me feel warm and happy. So I understand why they were reading it, although I would like to suggest a few stories to them from here ;) Author Reply: Not a problem, Laer. I've never had to deal with chemo though I have had cancer, but I've undergone heart surgery so I know all about tired. It was three weeks after the surgery before I had enough strength to get back to writing and even then my betas could tell I wasn't at full strength for at least another week or so just from how I was writing the chapters at that time. Anyway, I'm sure you'll enjoy listening to Panis Angelicus; it's a lovely hymn. And just as there's comfort food, there's comfort reading. I'm sure we all can name books that we like to re-read when we're feeling down or ill or whatever, and mysteries always seem to fit the bill, especially the English cozy types, at least for me. Thanks for reviewing and I'm glad to see you back, but don't worry about keeping up. Review when you're feeling up to it. The story will still be here when you are.

Kevana	Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 5/19/2014
Finrod discovers Shark Week. Ha! Dude, sharks are cute and cuddly compared to some of the stuff in the ocean. I guess Middle-Earth and Valinor did not see many great whites? Somebody ought to sit the Valinor Elves down for a "things in the modern world that will kill you" talk. I'm glad Finrod came to a realization about his own limitations. No, no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. He also gets a great insight into why things aren't working as well as he anticipated in regards to being in charge, courtesy of Glorfindel and Father Charles. It seems like there are a lot of things the Wiseman Elves and the Mortals take for granted about human nature that the newcomers are still struggling with. I think that is something any kind of cross-cultural exchange is going to come down to sooner or later. It's easy enough to explain things like that, but first you have to realize you need to explain it/have it explained! Beautiful hymn. I've been wondering what the newcomer Elves would think of the really lovely pieces of music composed over the years. (And by the way, I'm totally not imagining Námo in a mask playing the Phantom of the Opera overture on an organ. innocently polishes halo) I love Father Charles and enjoy seeing more of his story here, bittersweet as it is. I really sympathize with him. I don't often see characters like him represented in such a way in fiction, and it's refreshing that you've written him as you have. The fear and hate in some churches is so disheartening sometimes that just hanging on to your faith despite it all is a test of said faith in its own right. When you have pastors in the pulpit literally telling people "God hates you," just...ugh. But I think I am possibly, er, preaching to the choir here. Anyway. Love Father Charles. That poor kid, I remember he was mentioned in a previous chapter after the accident that killed his parents. Glad to know he made it at least. Oof, Kyle, you're probably lucky Glorfindel didn't take a swing at you about the restraints! Poor Amigos and Nell, still going directly to jail and not collecting $200. :( Nooo, don't drop out of school. I'm with the other reviewers about "Murder on Ward Three," that sounds like a book I'd read! Fantastic chapter, now on to today's! -Kevana Author Reply: Hi Kevana. Námo as the Phantom of the Opera... now there's an image. And who would be playing Christine, hmm? LOL! I like Father Charles, too. He's something of a conglomeration (if that's the right word) of all the good priests I've known in my years as well as how I wish they all were. Finrod is getting there. Glorfindel has had the benefit of millennia to hone his leadership skills to jive with present circumstances. I'm sure between the advice Father Charles gave him and Glorfindel's explanation of how he does things, Finrod will find his own style and be successful at leading both Elves and Mortals as time goes on. Yeah, I wouldn't mind reading "Murder on Ward Three" myself. LOL! Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.

Sunny	Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 5/17/2014
So Finrod doesn't like sharks? I suppose they can look unnerving, but they are (mostly) apex predators that have been around for a long time - since before the dinosaurs arose - so they have had a long time do evolve into what they are. I suppose Stoner and the rest of the hospital staff will be overjoyed to see the last of Glorfindel. He has been giving them far too much excitement for anything else. And I also guess that when Glorfindel does leave, everybody will be wishing him the best of health in the future. That way he won't be back again as a patient. So it was politics and disagreements over Church doctrine that got Charles exiled to the back of beyond? raises eyebrow at author I wondered if it had been something _really_ bad that had gotten him on the outs with the hierarchy - like wanting abusive priests arrested and jailed, instead of shuffled off to new hunting grounds. Glorfindel is giving Finrod some excellend advice. Options instead of orders! Havong one's orders obeyed would be critical in an emergency situation, but when you're not in a crisis, getting input from others would lead to better solutions. I wonder just who Glorfindel is imagining in the hapless Dr Thackery's place? Perhaps Dr Stoner, with his suggestion of restraining Glorfindel (he would not have known that Glorfindel would have such a very bad reaction to such a suggestion), or perhaps Nurse Callahan, for the way she managed to stop Glorfindel short when he was pulling out his IVs when he woke. Today was Constitution Day in Norway, which is always fun. For a couple of glimpses of what the celebration is like, have a look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WqNAsTu9ok (This is from the Children's Parade two years ago, but the celebrations are much the same every year. The Children's Parade lasts for about 3 hours) Also this: This is one of the most popular parts of the parade - this is the Royal Guard's Drill Troop's show in 2008, but it's a very popular part of the Parade every year. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHbk1yuTnLc Author Reply: Hi Sunny. Happy (Belated) Constitution Day! While the pedophile scandal is perhaps the most visible issue in the church today, there are other issues that are equally important (and disturbing) relating to anthropology, Christology and spirituality. de Chardin was silenced in the fifties for his views and Curran has been denied the right to teach in a Catholic university, while Matthew Fox was driven out of the Dominican Order and the cowards in the Vatican waited until Tony de Mello died before dissing his very popular (with the laity) books on spirituality. I may be a Catholic but I have no love for the Catholic hierarchy or the Vatican. They are the Pharisees of our times, as far as I'm concerned. Anyway, as to Glorfindel and the gang, Glorfindel has had the benefit of living through many types of governments, not just monarchies, and has probably developed a style all his own which the Wiseman Elves appreciate, no doubt having had their own experiences, but it will be some time if ever before those from Valinor get with the program. Having Finrod begin using Glorfindel's style of governing should help in that respect. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.

obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 5/17/2014
These discussions should give Finrod a lot to think about. But I'm not quite sure why Finrod suddenly thinks he has to give orders without consulting with anyone. I got the impression that his adar, Ingwe, and Olwe in Valinor all have advisers that will give them advice before decisions are made. An immediate crisis is something else, you can't discuss in a life or death situation, but for the most part there is time enough to get more than one opinion before making a decision. This chapter shows how Finrod and Glorfindel complement each other. Finrod needs Glorfindel and he has to accept that he can't handle everything alone, especially since his knowledge of the modern times is so limited. Poor Charles, having been sent into the middle of no-where because he ran afoul of church hierarchy must have hurt. After 30 years, he finally may see the reason why he is in Alaska. Although the time frame stinks for a mere mortal g. Author Reply: I think for Finrod it's been everyone deferring to him and going to him for answers, especially the Valinórean Elves, simply because none of them really have a clue about life in modern Middle-earth and so they look for someone to lead them and Finrod is it. Under normal circumstances, Finrod would have had people in place to act as councilors, but not here, which is why he's been shouldering the responsibility of leadership by himself. Hopefully, his discussion with both Charles and Glorfindel will help him. And, yeah, the time frame does stink, but I think it was important for Charles to come when he did and become so much a fixture of the community that people would listen to him when he spoke. Also, as he pointed out, the church hierarchy has probably forgotten him by now, so he's no longer on their radar, which can only be a good thing where the Elves are concerned. Thanks for commenting, obsidianj. It's much appreciated.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 5/17/2014
At least Finrod is willing to listen to advice and to follow it when he finds it wise. Glad they are making reasonable plans now. Now--why is the site messing up so many chapters written by others recently? Author Reply: Finrod was not called Nóm by Bëor and his people for nothing. grin And I have no idea why the site is messing things up but hopefully it will be fixed soon. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.

Ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 5/16/2014
Finrod sure has had it though with the realization that he isn't in Valinor anymore and it is hard to be a prince in this land where the elves are more democratic. I pity him for the dissent thing that have him depressed. Fr Charles is very wise indeed. I am glad that Finrod is starting too realise that he has allies among the mortals. It will be very interesting once everyone gets to Fairbanks. Author Reply: That's for sure, Ellie. And I think he is beginning to appreciate that he does indeed have allies among the Mortals. And interesting doesn't even begin to cover it. grin Thanks for leaving a review. I really appreciate it.

FV_Whisper	Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 5/16/2014
Fortunately, we are all able to read this chapter. I was already happy you didn't leave us at some cliff last time, or that the tittle was too tempting, that would be even worse. Panis angelicus is such a beautiful hymn, and it's nice to see it mentioned here. I can just see how hymn likes this would be music that would be appreciated by the Elves as well. A I right is assuming you are a Catholic yourself too? I've noticed for several times how Charles Waverly and the St. Mary’s played an important part in the series and both his tale as well as mentioning a lesser known hymn as Panis angelicas gave me that idea. Feel free not to answer if you don't want to. Charles tale is a sad one and even more sadly in knowing how this is all too familiar, having had similar experiences in my own parish where good people got into conflict with the hierarchy, led by a figure very similar to the mentioned Gerald O’Hara, as well. For the elves, I'm glad they have a more open person like Charles at their cause. Charles' tale shows again how long the Valar (and Eru! Charles is a priest after all ;) ) have been planning things in advance. It's a good thing Charles is seeing this a well, poor guy must have been lonely over the last 30 years. On to Glorfindel...Alex' Derek's and Zach's talk about smuggling him out of the hospital is amusing, and just something I can see them conspiring in doing. Alex is coming to Fiarbanks too? That could be interesting. Glorfindel isn't really too happy at the moment, but he's coming to terms with it and at least somehow has found enough sense to wait before heading off to Fairbanks. At least he has a novel to keep his mind occupied. Murder on Ward Three sounds interestinning. as well as the idea's how to do in some sadistic nurses (or doctors, my family dealt with a fair share of those when my grandmother died in hospital last year) snickers evilly Finrod, on the other hand, has much to think about, the way he's been trying to hold the group together isn't working, oh it seems to work well enough for the Valinor gang, but the others will not be taking orders from them. For all it will be a good thing to have Glorfindel back again, so at least he can tell Finrod what he should not do if the latter is trying to go all kingly again. It will not work for the Wiseman Elves, they won't let themselves be ordered around. The youngsters are still playing Monopoly?!! O dear... Author Reply: Hi FV_Whisper. I was honestly surprised that my chapter was accessible. I really didn't think it would be. I hope Rorrah is able to figure out what is going wrong so the other stories can be accessed for readers' enjoyment. Anyway, yes, I am Catholic, so I draw upon that background a lot, though not exclusively. And I've known good priest who have run afoul of the church hierarchy and have suffered for it, as Charles has here, but it does show just how long-planned the Valar (and Eru) are. We'll see who goes with Glorfindel and Finrod to Fairbanks in the next chapter. Finrod does indeed have much to think about. Hopefully, he'll take what Glorfindel has told him and apply it. And yes, the monopoly game is still going strong. I remember my youngest brother and his friends playing monopoly all summer, often to 3 - 4 in the morning, the summer my parents separated, eventually to divorce. I think it was a coping mechanism for him, so why not for these guys? grin Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.

Tari	Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 5/16/2014
Panis Angelicus is one of my favorite hymns. I find its beauty totally uplifting. Now I know what it means. I hope the twins are ready for what is heading their way. Author Reply: It is a very beautiful hymn and very uplifting. We'll see whether the Twins are ready for what's heading their way or not soon enough. Thanks for reviewing, Tari. I very much appreciate it.

SashaHoneypalm	Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 5/16/2014
" “Vorondur for obvious reasons,” Finrod replied and Glorfindel nodded in agreement. “I think I might join you and perhaps Daeron.” " I'm a bit confused about who's speaking the second line. Is Finrod planning to go to Fairbanks? That should send Gareth into a state. :) Author Reply: Yes, it's Finrod speaking. He's decided to go to Fairbanks with Glorfindel. I'm sure it will send, not only Gareth, but Gwyn into a state as well. grin Thanks for reviewing, Sasha. I appreciate it.

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