Erulisse
· 3 January 2010
· Chapter 19: An Unexpected Encounter
I must join the clamor of those wishing for a sequel to this storyline. This has been absolutely charming and the thought of only one more chapter makes me sad. And…the Final Battle and preparations thereof has not really been covered in fanfic – touched upon, but not really covered (with the main exception being "Celebrian's Journal"). I think you are one of the few authors who could do justice to that grim subject.
The world is indeed going downhill quickly. The thought that there might actually be a method to learn how to combat the evil and once again defeat the dark brightens my heart. The fact that it would be directed by and peopled by elves that I have come to know well through your words is even better. The Academy needs to live on :-)
Thank you for a simply lovely Yuletide gift.
- Erulisse
Author's reply
You are most welcome, Erulissë. As I have said in reply of other reviews, when I first conceived of this story, no sequel was planned. This was just supposed to be a one-shot, so to speak, a simple Yuletide gift for all my friends. However, when it comes to the Valar (and Muses) one should never say never. I do not know if there will be a sequel, but you never know. Stranger things have happened in fanfic world. *grin* I have been toying with the idea of writing about the Dagor Dagorath as a sort of sequel to my "Wars of the Valar", since, technically speaking, the Final Battle would be the Valar's last war. So we will have to see. I do thank you for your vote of confidence in thinking that I am one of the few authors who could do justice to the subject.
Anyway, I am so glad that you have thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to (near) end. Thank you for letting me know. I much appreciate it.
Kitty
· 3 January 2010
· Chapter 19: An Unexpected Encounter
Ellen was quite fast in realising that they aren't human. Impressing. The same goes for Zach.
You know, considering how disgusted the twins were initially with the cooking lessons, it's funny that Elrohir is now collecting recipes :D
Anyway, I was glad when they found Zach and his group and no one was hurt. Though now I wonder if Beth Henderson was really so stupid, or if she has been silently influenced by the Valar to make her decisions to not stay at the other place and to leave the van ...
Yay, I see my guess was very close, I only got the waiting Valar wrong *grin* Though the snowy owl made my brain scream "Hedwig!" Definitely reading too much Harry Potter ;-)
Anyway, it was great to see Olórin with them. And little Caleb must be the first Mortal who can say he's been sitting in the lap of the Elder King! He's a cutie, btw.
To learn the Dagor Dagorath is coming soon is sobering. Though admittedly I have already thought, if Tolkien's world were real, it can't be that far away now, considering the state our world is in. The Valar's plan for that took me really by surprise - the Elf Academy as a way to prepare the Mortals for it? That's really unexpected. But in one thing Manwë's right - I had already wondered if the six could afford to build a whole Academy in Finland; to take over the one in Wiseman should be easier for them - they've already got a lot of practice in taking over *LOL*
Oh, and Manwë could at least have offered to take Glorfindel's letters to Finrod *grin*
The way the Valar want the Academy to change sounds interesting. I know you don't plan a sequel yet, but if your muse ever decides on one, I would be a happy girl. I wonder how your muse could be tempted?
Anyway, great chapter!
Author's reply
Well, some Mortals are a little more perceptive than others. *grin*
You may be right about Beth being influenced. At any rate it did work out for the best.
Glad you liked Caleb. I sort of modeled him on the son of friends of mine (his name is Caleb, too), as well as several other three-year-olds that I have know in my time.
As for the Dagor Dagorath... I think it's pretty close even in our own world, never mind Tolkien's. I think the idea resonates with many people regardless of their personal beliefs about such things.
Sequel, sequel, everyone wants a sequel. *LOL* We'll just have to wait and see what the Muse decides. I don't always have control over what I write.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know, Kitty. I really appreciate it.
Idril Celebrindal
· 3 January 2010
· Chapter 19: An Unexpected Encounter
Great chapter! I see sequel!!!!! Say its so!
Author's reply
Thanks, Idril. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I cannot say at this time if there will be a sequel to this story. None was initially planned but the Muse may have different ideas. We'll have to wait and see.
harrowcat
· 3 January 2010
· Chapter 19: An Unexpected Encounter
Oh my... that chapter put shivers up and down my spine. Brilliant and leaves me wanting far more than one more chapter!
Author's reply
Hi, Harrowcat. Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Unfortunately, one more chapter is all there is, but I hope you will not find it too disappointing as to how the story ends. Thanks for reviewing right along. I've really appreciated it.
utfrog
· 3 January 2010
· Chapter 19: An Unexpected Encounter
I so did not see that coming. You have all sorts of good ideas of how to keep us on edge and be happy at the same time.
Thanks again.
Author's reply
You're welcome, utfrog. I know there was a lot of speculation as to who might show up in the story. I figured Manwë and Varda would be the last people anyone would suspect to show up. *grin*
njomo
· 2 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
Hi Fiondil,
I just wanted to get a review in before the story finishes. I've enjoyed this story so much during what started out to be a very difficult holiday season for me. I've been dealing with an ill elderly parent (who is much better now) but the first installments of this story helped me through some pretty rough days. I've enjoyed it particularly because of the point of view--one of my favorite elves, as you know. But I also appreciate the way you weave the humorous and the serious together.
And now I wait with all your other readers to see how the story plays out. I'm not even going to speculate on the conclusion. I'm enjoying the story too much, and I trust you to not disappoint. No matter, it will be good to have questions answered and loose ends tied up. But I'm not looking forward to the aftermath. Your frequent updates of this story have me spoiled. What am I going to do with only two updates a week from you?! Lol!
Thanks Fiondil!
Joanne
Author's reply
Hi, Joanne. Sorry to hear you were having a rough time earlier but am glad to know that things are getting better and that this particular story helped you through rough days. Of course, since this particular story was a Yule gift for everyone I really needed to update frequently in order to keep the story within the holiday season (more or less) otherwise it would have been almost Easter before we got to the end. *LOL* But don't worry, there are other stories coming up for you to look forward to.
rick
· 2 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
Yay!! This is wonderful - go, go, go!! I'd use more exclamation points, but I think you get the idea. Is this where Maglor comes out of the wood(work) to guide Zach & crew to Santa's grotto to wait for the rest of the elves? Keep it up, write faster & all that.
Happy New Year, Fiondil!
Author's reply
Happy New Year to you, Rick! Glad you really enjoyed this chapter. As to who comes out of the woods... that remains to be seen. *grin*
Radbooks
· 1 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
Oh, yay, elves to the rescue!! Now they'll just have to avoid all of the paparazzi when they return with Zach and company. :) I can just see them on Good Morning America and Oprah, etc. *grin* But, seriously, I don't see them being able to go back into 'hiding' after this event so I'm anxious to see what happens next!
Author's reply
I very much doubt they will be able to go back into hiding after this, either, Radbooks. How they handle the situation (and more importantly, how the Mortals handle it) will be revealed in the final two chapters.
ellie
· 1 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
Excellent chapter! You need to write this kind of tension building stuff more often as you do it well. I think you could pull off a good action adventure story without much trouble at all.
it was awesome seeing the elves reveal themselves in all of their glory. That was so cool. I can't wait for the next chapter to be posted. Happy New Year!
Author's reply
Thanks for the vote of confidence, ellie. I am glad to know that you think I could write a good action adventure story. Perhaps someday I will. Actually, didn't I already write one featuring Aragorn as Thorongil? *grin*
Glad to know you thought the big reveal was awesome. It's what I was aiming for.
Happy New Year to you as well! Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Baggins Babe
· 1 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
Oh I was cheering when the Elves started braiding their hair! I wondered when and how the reveal would happen and it didn't disappoint. I do hope their friends won't be afraind and even the parents may be reassured, particularly when they return (I have great faith in Glorfi).
Hmmm, if Ranger Pettingill had been listened to they wouldn't have been out in that weather - he's not an Elf as well is he? :-)
We have to wait for the next chapter *pout* How will we survive?
Author's reply
Hi, Baggins Babe. I am so glad this chapter did not disappoint. And no, Ranger Pettingill is not an Elf, just a very good ranger. Perhaps he's even a descendant of the Dúnedain Rangers. Who knows? And, of course, if he had been listened to, we wouldn't have much of a story now, would we? *LOL* At least you only have to wait a couple of days for the next chapter and not a couple of weeks or months or even years!
Idril Celebrindal
· 1 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
OOOh Boy as I rub my hands together...... great stuff.
Happy New Year!
Idril
Author's reply
Thanks, Idril. Glad you liked this chapter. And Happy New Year to you as well!
Rhyselle
· 1 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
Oooh! I wondered what would make them reveal themselves to their Mortal friends!
This was just awesome--a fantastic chapter!
I just got goosebumps when Daeron called Glorfindel "my lord" in English, and when Glorfindel began to braid his hair! Wow! :)
I hope that Matt and the family are holed up in Santa's Grotto. I really do.
And I bet that when they get everyone safely back, Roland Smith is going to be having a very "interesting" conversation with the elves about making stupid decisions that impact the safety of people.
I can hardly wait for the next chapter!
Of course, now I wonder what will happen after all this is over. I'm going to be sad to see this tale end, but still can't wait to find out how it all resolves.
Well done!
Author's reply
Hi, Rhyselle. Glad you found this an awesome chapter. That is pretty much the reaction I was looking for in my readers. And it's Zach who is out in the blizzard rather than Matt. You must have had your own son on your mind when you wrote this. *grin*
Anyway, we will see in the next chapter how things work out for Zach and the Elves and then the final chapter will wrap the story up. I know some people are already clamoring for a sequel (or sequels) but at the moment none are planned. That is not to say that the Muse won't decide otherwise. You just never know. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it knowing as I do how busy you are with your family and all.
harrowcat
· 1 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
Can't wait for more of this. Loved the great reveal!
Author's reply
Thanks, Harrowcat. I'm glad you liked this chapter, especially the great reveal. *grin*
Dreamflower
· 1 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
Goodness! This is exciting!
I love the reactions of the others to the "big reveal"! *grin* And I look forward to seeing the rescue!
Author's reply
Hi, Dreamflower. Glad you found this so exciting and the reactions of the Mortals to the big reveal. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
rikki
· 1 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
I found this story this morning while I visiting SOA (haven't been here in a while, RL calls) and I have really enjoyed reading this tale. You have created a realistic situation and populated it with some of my favorite elves. Going to an Elf Academy was really very funny though a good way for Glorfindel and the others to be themselves while "acting" as elves. Today's chapter had me gritting my teeth hoping Zach would make it back to the Hall in time to miss the storm. Having the elves reveal themselves and then take charge had me cheering. I hope Zach's group have made it too the grotto as being out in that cold for very long is not going to be fun. Elves to the rescue!
Rikwen
Author's reply
Hello, Rikwen. I am so glad you found this story and have been enjoying it, especialy this particular chapter for which I think everyone reading this story has been waiting. We will see in the next chapter how both the Elves and Zach's group fare. Thank you very much for letting me know how much you are enjoying this story. I really appreciate it. As you only found this story today I will tell you that there are two chapters left and they will be posted on Sunday and next Wednesday so you don't have too long to wait to read the resolution of this tale.
utfrog
· 1 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
WOW! I have been thoroughly enjoying this story, but this chapter is terrific. Go Elves!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this chapter, utfrog. Thanks for letting me know. I greatly appreciate it.
Sunny
· 1 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
Hmmm... Has Manwë decided to stir the pot a bit? He is the Lord of the Breath of Arda, after all.
Of course, the storm _may_ have come without any help at all. (Suuuuure....) ;-)
Author's reply
As to your suppositions, Sunny, only time and the next chapter will tell. *grin*
Kitty
· 1 January 2010
· Chapter 18: Blizzard
Not a good idea to believe in the weather forecast too much under the circumstances. A pity the Elves could not tell them the truth, and no one listened to Pettingill!
Ha, I knew something like that would happen! The whole time since quite early in the story I had the feeling some of the Mortals would end in trouble somewhere in the snow and the Elves come to the rescue, revealing their true nature in the process, and I was right :-)
So the evaluator was the one who insisted on going further, not Zach? Very relieving to know; I hope he gets his butt kicked after they are back!
Yay, the Elves to the rescue! It was fun to watch how the Elves took over and revealed that they *are* Elves, real Elves! Somehow I am not surprised that the Michaelson children were the ones not so surprised and disbelievingly; after their tour with Glorfindel they must have felt that he is special.
And now I wonder how to survive the next two days. Can't wait for the update! Oh, and btw, I think they will end up at the grotto with Santa. And the longer I think about it, the more suspicious I am becoming about the one Glorfindel met before. Why do I have the feeling that the Santa and Mrs Santa on duty today will be Námo and Estë?
Author's reply
Ah, so you thought something like this would happen to force the Elves' hand in revealing themselves, did you? I know a lot of my readers were wondering, not so much if, but when and under what circumstances they would show the Mortals that they were actually Elves. Of course the Michaelson children would feel that Glorfindel was special and not be too surprised to find out just how special he is. Grown-ups take a little longer to be convinced about such things.
As for what will happen next, I won't tell, but I think you will be pleasantly surprised. And two days isn't that long, is it? *gives an innocent look*
Mr.Namo
· 31 December 2009
· Chapter 17: Final Exam
Haha. Never thought that a John Denver phrase would EVER come up in a LOTR story. That's funny. Had me laughing for hours.:D
Ouch! Head injuries are bad. I was surprised that Zach wasn't nauseous or any thing. Then reading letters for three hours strait the next day! Wow. Zach might not look like much but he's surprisingly tough.
The final exams were a neat little twist. Wish everyone would do all exams like that.
I'm loving the story so far. I really really hope the elves find out who was watching them and go home at the end. (don't answer that. I hate spoilers)
Thanks so much for writing.
Mr.Namo
Author's reply
Hi, Mr. Namo. Well, I'm a John Denver fan from way back, so I couldn't resist considering the question being asked. *grin*
I am sure that like a lot of people Zach was 'braving it out' a bit more than he should have. Having had a head injury myself that required 3 stitches, I don't recall feeling nausous at any time so perhaps it's not a symptom everyone experiences.
I'm glad you like the format of the final exam. I figured it was the most practical way of having the students show what they knew since they would be doing it on a daily basis for the next five weeks or so anyway.
And I am glad you are still enjoying the story. There are only a few more chapters left to go and hopefully how it ends will not be a disappointment for you. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I truly appreciate you taking the time to do both.
ellie
· 31 December 2009
· Chapter 17: Final Exam
How very cool! I want to go on a tour with Glorfy!!!
Author's reply
Don't we all! *LOL* Glad you liked this, ellie. Thanks for letting me know.
Larner
· 30 December 2009
· Chapter 17: Final Exam
Elf magic at its finest! Glorfindel has them all enchanted! Well planned and executed, and am so glad the hare cooperated.
Author's reply
Yes, indeed, Larner! And with Glorfindel there I don't think the hare had much choice about cooperating or not. *LOL*
Kitty
· 30 December 2009
· Chapter 17: Final Exam
Nice how Glorfindel took care of Zach.
You found a great way how the exams are done! And I love how Glorfindel put more and more of his true identity into it – hinting at his true age (which makes a good story, even if the Mortals can't know it's true), telling them stories from the First Age and finally teaching them the hymn to Elbereth seems quite appropriate for an Elf. And I am sure he will get extra points for his imagination *grin*
Could I please book a tour with Glorfindel? That whole day sounds wonderful!
Author's reply
Thanks, Kitty. I ran a few scenarios as to how the final exam would be conducted and thought the best way would be for them to simulate what they would be doing for real in another week with paying customers. And it certainly gave Glorfindel and the other Elves the opportunity to be more themselves.
I wouldn't mind booking a tour with Glorfindel myself, but I guess the closest I or any of us will come is vicariously through this chapter. *grin*
Kitty
· 30 December 2009
· Chapter 16: Dear Santa
Bilbo and the Dwarves would certainly have appreciated such an Elf-path – would have saved them time and probably the leaving of the path ;-)
Anyway, that visit to Santa sounds like something the kids will really enjoy. You really put a lot of thought into this story and what could be done in such a job.
Hm, a door that's opening with Words of Power would be fun, but not very practical. And we know what happens when Glorfindel is playing with that ... not such a good idea, sadly.
You know, it's good to see the Elves slipping more and more into their real identities. First the costumes, then the Tengwar script, and finally that lullaby! You're right, that has to be a conspiracy! Anyway, I am glad Zach isn't hurt worse.
Author's reply
I'm sure if Thranduil had thought to put Elf-lights along the Elf-path, it would have made for a much nicer journey for everyone. *LOL*
And thanks. I did put a lot of thought into the story and what a typical Elf Guide might do, based on the scanty information that I had to work with.
And it is good to see the Elves being able to be more and more themselves. We will see in a few more chapters just what kind of conspiracy (if there is any) is involved here.
Kitty
· 30 December 2009
· Chapter 15: ‘Poor Jud Is Dead’
Glorfindel is really invaluable for the Mortals, always helping in every way he can.
Love it that the Elves went to the Halloween party in costumes that were in truth what they used to wear in the good old days. It must have been great for them to dress in these tunics and robes again. And it was ironic that Lily thought they looked like real Elves. If she only knew!
And I absolutely loved what Jud did with that coffin. That was hilarious!
To be honest, I wish myself that Finrod and the others in Valinor can watch them somehow (isn't there a seeing stone?) and are having a bit fun with it, even if they can't be together. (While I'd like Finrod and Glorfindel to be together again, I don't think these poor Mortals could handle both of them ;-))
Author's reply
Hi, Kitty. Yes, Glorfindel is very invaluable to everyone, Elves and Mortals alike. That's why he's Glorfindel. *grin*
I'm sure that Lily was not the only one to think 'Wow! They look like real elves!' that night. *LOL*
And I am glad you loved what Jud did with the coffin. My younger brother and his friends did something similar without the singing and it was pretty cool how they did it so I sort of stole the idea from that.
I am sure that the Valar are letting Finrod and others 'see' what is happening with Glorfindel and the others. And yes, legend does say that Elrond took the Seeing Stone from the Elf Towers wet of the Shire when he left Middle-earth, so maybe they are using that to keep an eye on their favorite Balrog-slayer. *grin*
And I'm not sure if the Mortals could handle both Glorfindel and Finrod at the same time, either. Thanks for reviewing, Kitty. I really appreciate it.
harrowcat
· 30 December 2009
· Chapter 17: Final Exam
This is a wonderful and beautiful chapter. A lovely read, thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you, Harrowcat. I am so glad you enjoyed this chapter. I appreciate you letting me know.