Elf Academy Part Deux by Fiondil
Tari · 21 September 2012 · Chapter 72: Kidnapped!
Excellent place to end the chapter. I'll be on pins and needles waiting to see what happens next. Hope you will be having fun wherever you are.
Author's reply
Tari. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and I did indeed have fun. Thanks for asking and thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Sunny · 21 September 2012 · Chapter 72: Kidnapped!
Farrell's plans really has gone down in flames - he doesn't know it yet, though. And for now he _does_ have the edge, since he (and his compatriots) have the guns. The young ellyn clearly are upset when Alex orders them to let themselves be tied up - but then I don't think they don't really understand guns as yet. Alex wants to keep them all alive for as long as possible, to wait for the reinforcements if that is what it takes, but definitely on the lookout for a chance to get the drop on the kidnappers. And Farrell seems to be the sort who will shoot first, think later, and regret it - if he does so at all - only if he is not able to evade the fallout. It looks as if Farrell is not happy with Zach's reaction to the truth serum. He's started _singing_ his answers to the questions, and it wouldn't surprise me if Farrell thinks he has started hallucinating, since the answers are so weird. :-D Or else he will probably guess that both Zach and Loren are deeply into gaming and LARPing, to the point that their game personas are taking over their real lives. Honestly - Elves??!? What would the next thing be - angels, perhaps?? ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yeah, the Elves are pretty pissed at Alex/Artemus, but he knows the score better than they and it's a good thing they listened to him. Zach singing is the last thing anyone was expecting. I think it's funny that when he starts singing the Lament that the Elves join in. That must've really been weird for the agents. And yeah. Angels? LOL! Thanks for commenting. I apprecite it very much.
Fantasia · 21 September 2012 · Chapter 72: Kidnapped!
Monday, it is Monday already? only you can make me wish for a Monday and bypass my weekend..I know that we should not laugh, but Zach's answers were funny, even singing a lament for Glorfindel. Equally funny was the agents reactions, they thought that Zach was resisting the serum because they couldn't even imagine the truth. Noticed that the elves were not happy with Alex/Artemus not reacting when they confronted the kidnappers, but they really don't know what a gun can do, to bad that they will know soon. Hopefully Alex will be Ok after the fall.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Zach was funny. I enjoyed writing him and the reactions of the agent. And of course Artemus was right to discourage them in their attempt. Someone could easily have been killed and that would've been a bad thing. We'll see how things fare with them all in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog · 21 September 2012 · Chapter 72: Kidnapped!
You certainly have my understanding that you have a life and must be away from computers. However, you are straining my patience considerably. I bet you have horrible cliffhangers for the next several chapters! This was a good one. I feel for poor Zach. I assume you have a lovely punishment in mind for Farrell's gang. I think Derek and Alex should take care of Farrell. Thanks again.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm sorry about straining your patience, but the next chapter will be posted on Monday, just not at the usual time. And there are many cliffhangers in store, for this part of the story cannot be told all at once. As for Farrell, we'll see what happens. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. It's greatly appreciated.
someone · 19 September 2012 · Chapter 71: Monday
So, Farrell kidnapped an agent, a former soldier and three elves with very annoyed relatives... It almost couldn't be worse for him, those were very wrong "kids" to kidnap. I wonder when he realizes it *grin*. This is getting even more interesting than before and I'm glad they were captured at that time and not with the test family. And now the local police might understand the real reason the Academy was attacked, though it must have been a shock to realize that the town was full of spies.
Author's reply
Hi someone. No, Farrell has no clue just who he has kidnapped. Of course, the original plan was just to take Alex/Artemus, who is a known quantity as far as Farrell and his men are concerned. I think when this is all over the police chief and the sheriff are going to sit down with the Elves and have a very heart-to-heart chat about certain things. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Larner · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 71: Monday
I'm pleased they're being practical and using osanwe to communicate. Now--to find out where they're being taken. Having the direction helps. But I do have the feeling that the kidnappers have little idea as to whom they are messing with. Derek alone is a force to be reckoned with, as is Alex and as are the three amigos. Add in a few vengeful Adas and their allies and Farrel's folk have little chance.
Author's reply
The Three Amigos are being pretty cool about it and staying in telepathic communication with Finrod will help with the rescue. And you're right. The kidnappers have no clue, as we will see. *LOL* Thanks for commenting, Larner. It's much appreciated.
Lyana · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 71: Monday
Well, The Hunt is well and truly on. Artemus is certainly in the fore which is a very good thing, and well done by the Three Amigos rising to the occasion - great idea to join their thoughts to contact Finrod! I don't think the two kidnappers have a clue just how badly the odds are stacked against them. Maybe Lawrence will get a chance to use his newly acquired skills? I've really enjoyed the maturity collision - the contrast of completely immature 7,000+ year old Elves with very experienced 30ish humans. But Zach?!? I don't like the sounds of that, not one little bit! And now Dave and other authorities are in on it as well, but aaaaahhhhh - a monster cliffie! If it weren't for fake nails, I'd have nothing left by Friday.
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. Yes, the Hunt it well and truly on. Artemus is definite in charge now and a good thing, too, as we will see. The Three Amigos are not as feckless as they seemed and when push comes to shove they truly are warriors and act accordingly. I'm glad you are enjoying the maturity collision (nice phrase, by the way *grin*). It's been amusing to write. We'll find out what's happened with Zach in the next chapter and keep the fake nails handy because this isn't the only cliffie we'll be encountering during this sequence of events. Thanks for takin the time to read and review. I appreciate you doing so very much.
Calenlassiel · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 70: Meanwhile, Back at Elf Academy....
Oh, poor Nell, I think she is in for a couple of more lessons before she can earn her place as a mature elleth. Great Job Fiondil....
Author's reply
Hi Calenlassiel. Hopefully not too many more lessons. *grin* Thanks for letting me know how great a job I'm doing. I appreciate it very much.
Fantasia · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 71: Monday
Well, Farrell was due to appear and make Alex and Co. miserable, so I'm not surprised. I'm glad that Artemus is taking charge, he definitely will know what to do. And elves to the rescue!!!!A battle! well, no like the old times, the Valinor warrior elves will have a big surprise, first exposure to modern warfare, at least, to modern weapons.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. This is Artemus' world and he knows what the score is. And there will be something of a battle, but as you can guess it will not be quite like old times. Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 71: Monday
Writing this as I read, so you're getting first-hand feelings. Hope you enjoy my angst! You know, I hate it when my senses start tingling. Drat. I know something's going to happen. The van seems strange. Drat. And now you have Derek feeling uneasy. I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. So now Artemus takes over. Great. He will be needed, I'm sorry to say. And Lawrence and his buddies are, hopefully, communicating with Finrod. The hairs on my arms are shaking as Glorfindel tries to figure out which 'Elf guide' is missing. Oh my! Glad the cads didn't kill the poor driver and assessor! Hooray! The cavalry has arrived! Go Finda! Good grief! Where can Zach be? I'm hoping I'm wrong on this one. OK. My last 'good grief' for today. I wish I had hated till Friday to read this. More nail-biting. Bless you - great chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Agape. We'll be seeing how Aretmus works in these next few chapters. And we'll learn what happened to Zach in the next chapter. I'm afraid there's going to be a lot of nail-biting over the next week or so because there will be a lot of cliffies as I attempt to tell the story from all angles and there will definitely be a few surprises along the way. Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Agape4Gondor · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 70: Meanwhile, Back at Elf Academy....
Poor Nell is all I can say. Been there; done that. As for Derek, glad he enjoyed his elf time. And very glad Lawrence is well. I was a bit concerned there, myself, thinking perhaps Farrell... dratted man. Great chapter. I had a good laugh at Nell's expense. I'm sure she'll file it away as a great story to tell others.
Author's reply
Hi Agape. I'm sure a number of readers have been where Nell is and can sympathize, but I think must readers were with you in laughter. Hopefully she'll see the humor of it all eventually. And it is nice that Derek enjoyed himself and nothing untoward happened on his tour. Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
Agape4Gondor · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 69: Biding Time
First, I can't believe I've missed these chapters! I don't know where my mind is cause usually I wake up on the morning of the postings and sit by my computer. Must have been an especially stress-filled week. As I read about the humans, Calbe and Nicole and them, I got very worried about Farrell. I hope he doesn't decide to strike innocents. And then you speak of those innocents on the tours and I cringe. Stupid Farrell. Wish they could catch him and tie him up somewhere! I'm writing a book at the moment with a character with a kind of split personality. As I read this chapter, I felt for you. It's very hard to write two people who inhabit one body. You do an awesome and excellent job! I'm very glad Alex spent some time with Ron. I think it helped. And now I'm biting my nails over what / who / why the phone call. Thankfully - *giggles gleefully* - I don't have to wait. It's sitting there waiting for me! For me!
Author's reply
Hi Agape. Farrell is a pretty dangerous dude and we'll see what he ends up doing. Ron has been very helpful to Alex and will continue doing so. Is this the same book you were writing before or a different one? I can't keep track. *grin* Thanks for reading and reivewing. It's always appreciated.
Kitty · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 71: Monday
With that title, you could of course not post this chapter on a Friday ;) Otherwise ... what can I say? I've had that feeling that something was going to happen during the test tours for a while now, particularly as they happen around Thanksgiving, and obviously, I was right. Farrell was quiet for way too long. You've got me quite worried about these five! My only consolation is that at least the test family wasn't kidnapped, too. The two agents and three Elves are at least not completely helpless. Though there is Zach, whose vanishing worries me, too. On the other hand, I wonder if the kidnappers know that not only Alex is dangerous, but that they have another agent and three Elven warriors at their hands who will not be as easily intimidated as they probably think, and more resourceful. Well, at least they now told Dave ... but once again, the Elves want to do everything by themselves. While I agree that they can sneak in where the police couldn't, I think they shouldn't cut them out completely. Good on the Amigos to keep in touch with Finrod that way. That will help, particularly if they can get out of the town and follow quick enough to keep the contact. Um ... could you maybe be planning to post a third chapter this week, too? Just to make up for another very evil cliffie?
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. And now you know. *grin* Had I been able to post as usual while I was in the hospital there wouldn't have been any need to post on Wednesday. At any rate, I am back on schedule and the rest of the chapters will be posted on Mondays and Fridays as usual. We've been building up to this moment, since no one has seen much of Farrell lately and everyone's been worried about him. We'll find out what happened to Zach and why he's vanished in the next chapter. And I doubt the kidnappers have taken into account that the others are in their own way just as dangerous as Alex/Artemus and we'll be seeing how that affects things. The Elves still need to learn to play nicely with others. LOL! It'll take them a while to get used to doing so. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 71: Monday
So now we know why Farrell hasn't been seen for a while. He was busy setting up a kidnapping! So the Elves are up in arms about this whole thing with Farrell. And no wonder. Finrod's son is among the kidnappees. Well, the kidnappers don't really know what they are up against. *grins evilly at the thought of the kidnappers' upcoming consternation* Hopefully there won't be any big surprises for the Elves as they mount their rescue. But then you never know. Everything gets f*cked up as soon as the enemy arrives. That's why he is called the enemy. Really big cliffie this time! I am going to be waiting very impatiently for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, Farrell's be busy organizing the kidnapping. And now the Elves are on his trail and he has no clue what he's gotten himself into. We'll see what, if any, surprises occur as the Elves effect a rescue. And there will be a number of cliffies over the next several chapters as we describe all that is happening and to whom. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it greatly.
galathil · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 71: Monday
Finrod will have to stand behind me,what I would love to do to Farrell.Hope they find them soon,glad I"m not Farrell&Co when they are finally caught.I know that you were not well earlier this year,I hope you are feeling better.Had my gall bladder out in a emergency op in June,I am feeling much better.LOL Galathil
Author's reply
Hi Galathil. Ouch! That's not good. I'm glad you're feeling much better. I'm doing well enough. Thanks for enquiring. We'll see how long it takes the Elves to rescue Alex, Derek and the Three Amigos. I'm glad you were up to leaving a comment. Take care of yourself.
UTfrog · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 71: Monday
I really hope you plan an extra chapter this week! Great cliffhanger. I have been wondering when Farrell would show up again. His having information on Alex's tour is bad news. Love that the elves were sending for help with their eyes closed.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Sorry, no extra chapters from now on. You'll just have to hang on until Friday. I'm glad you like the cliffhanger. There will be others over the next several chapters because of what is happening and it can't all be told at once. Thanks for leaving a review. It's always appreciated.
Arwen75 · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 71: Monday
Help - I expected Farrell to do something soon but not this. And now you left us at a cliff-hanger. Really hoping you are going to surprise us with a post on Wednesday as it is a long time to wait till Friday. A great chapter though - and at least the elves have some ideas of where to go thanks to Finda & his gwedyr and Finrod....
Author's reply
Hi Arwen. Sorry, but the Wednesday posting was a one-time thing for this story simply because I needed this chapter to be posted on a Monday because of the title and for no other reason. And I'm afraid, given the nature of what has happened, the next several chapters are all going to be cliff-hangers to one degree or another. We'll be seeing how the Elves handle things and what happens with Alex/Artemus and the others and we will soon learn why Farrell is the way he is. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj · 15 September 2012 · Chapter 70: Meanwhile, Back at Elf Academy....
Oh, the joys of video games. I guess Nell was not standing near the kids when they yelled that Adam is dead and she simply panicked. I laughed at the description of her appearance. I liked the little touch of Glorfindel counting to 12 and not to 10.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. No, she was in the kitchen on the phone. *grin* The girls were probably working out their Halloween makeup using Nell as the model. I'm glad you like the touch of Glorfindel counting to 12. I have to stop and think that the Elves counted in a base 12 rather than a base 10. It's those little details that count. Thanks for reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
Lyana · 14 September 2012 · Chapter 70: Meanwhile, Back at Elf Academy....
Hmmmm... so Alex sensed a tracker (elven, I assume), eh? Not bad, not bad! I'm so glad that he is starting to be able to see how "Artemus" and his skills can be redeemed. And oh, Nell! Poor thing - that's what you call getting pushed into the deep end; I hope she doesn't sulk too long and uses her native fortitude to come to terms with it.
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. It is good to see Alex acknowledging that 'Artemus' isn't all bad and has skills that can be redeemed and even used in other situations besides spying. And definitely Nell's been pushed into the deep end. I'm sure she'll take this as the lesson it is and learn from it. She might even see the humor of it... eventually. *grin* Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog · 14 September 2012 · Chapter 70: Meanwhile, Back at Elf Academy....
What great chapters this week, with a bonus as well. Thanks so much. You said we would learn why the bonus appeared next week. I just hope nothing is wrong for you personally. All the chapters had great lines and plot advancements. I love the situation of Nell and the video games. Thanks again.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Nothing is wrong with me personally. I'm doing just fine. I was unable to post a chapter while I was in hospital earlier in the spring so my posting schedule was off and you will see next week why I posted an extra chapter this week. I'm glad you enjoyed all the chapters, especially Nell and the video games. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Kitty · 14 September 2012 · Chapter 70: Meanwhile, Back at Elf Academy....
Oh, and extra chapter? Always good – thank you :) These talks with Vorondur seem to do Alex some good; maybe he can actually come to terms with his Artemus side without any bad repercussions. Though knowing you, that's probably wishful thinking. Glad to see that Finda gets along with Alex rather well now; after the bad beginning, this is quite an improvement. LOL, even I guessed that Adam dying had something to do with a game. Who'd have thought that Nell would panic that much? And then freak out about her make-up! God, that must have been hilarious! No wonder Finda never got down to the Grange Hall under these circumstances. Hm ... now you leave me wondering if that little excursion is a good idea or not? With Farrell still out there ... but then, better he attacks with these five than while families with children are around. If he does something, that is.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Yes, an eztra chapter, so that my personal posting schedule would be more on track. You'll see why next week when you see the title of the next chapter. Anyway, Vorondur is very good at what he does and Alex has benefitted greatly from working with him. And Nell's never even seen a video game so she was not sure what was happening. She knows better now. *grin* I wouldn't worry too much about the guys' little excursion. They'll be fine, as you will see. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's grealy apprecited.
Kitty · 14 September 2012 · Chapter 69: Biding Time
*snort* Elrohir and Serindë are way too old to need chaperones, IMO. In our times, that's more than old-fashioned. It's funny when Glorfindel wants to teach the Valinorean Elves about modern times and then acts like they were millennia back in time himself. Hm, now you have me worried about Alex again. Derek can read him rather well, after all. And from the looks of it, he has Alex rather well in hand. To be honest, I don't think it is stupid that Alex is planning the tour with Farrell in mind. Actually, I had been thinking about that – that guy is crazy enough that he would attack anyone, families with children included, if he thinks he can get back at Alex. And Alex would be hampered with protecting the Mortals and maybe not able to hit back adequately. It would probably be a good idea to have him trailed by Elves ... To get away for a few days sounds like a good idea. Risk or not, Alex in particular needs a break and time to unwind, and it will distract them a bit from the upcoming tests. Though that phone call at the end was a bit ominous.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Oh well, some customs die harder than others and the Elves are pretty traditional in their views. *grin* Alex's planning the tour as he did is indicative of how he can incorporate the skills and knowledge he's garnered over the years as a spy for other types of jobs that have nothing to do with spying. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Kitty · 14 September 2012 · Chapter 68: Lessons
Nice to see that the amigos are interested in the test tours and try to learn something about them. There is hope for them yet! You know, at the one hand it would be fun to see a rematch for that infamous first tournament match between Finrod and Glorfindel, but at the other hand, I am not sure it would be wise. Though ... by now they should be able to control themselves and not have flashbacks of that sort any more. Hm ... Nielluin is having to watch the kids? That's an unusual punishment, but then, Finrod was the one handing it out. Though in her place I'd not say that loud 'how hard can it be' – she's jinxing it!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Yes, it does seem as if the Three Amigos are settling in and willing to learn. I am sure that even now, any attempt by Glorfindel and Finrod to spar together would cause any Maiar in the vicinity to turn white with fright and there would be an instant alarm sent to Valinor, but maybe not. Perhaps one day we'll find out. *grin* And you know Finrod and his punishments. We'll see how it works out. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny · 14 September 2012 · Chapter 70: Meanwhile, Back at Elf Academy....
I see that Alex' Dúnedain heritage is popping up again - and since his instincts have saved his bacon (not to mention his life) before, he is not averse to listen to them. And his instincts have been whispering to him that _somebody_ has been dogging his steps while he and Derek was away for a bit of R&R. Which meant that he wasn't really able to relax. Hopefully Alex will be able to start befriending Artemus, now that he has seen that he can be a useful fellow. Though parts of Artemus is a dangerous fellow - and even that can be useful in the right sort of circumstances. It looks as if Derek and Alex have started bonding with the Three Amigos. And the stint of private tutoring in martial arts for Findalaurë has probably done away with the excess pride in the young princeling. I don't think Nell will ever want to rile her Uncle Finrod again. The children certainly had her bested, and that even though they had (mostly) behaved! As for her makeup and new hairstyle - it just goes to show that what a child thinks is pretty may not exactly be to your taste! I suppose that they _either_ pained her with lots of glittery make up, or used Nelluin to try out some ideas for Halloween make up. Big, fluffy, heavily backcombed hair would work for both options. No wonder Nelluin started screaming. I would have done so too if I saw my hair like that! (My hair is long enough that I can sit on it, and it can get tangled enough on its own when I wear it down, without any backcombing!)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, either that or he's just very good at the spy business and knows when he's got a tail. I'm sure Alex will start befriending Artemus now that he sees how useful his past experiences as a spy can be in other situations. We'll have to wait and see. I think the Three Amigos, now that they've learned something about the Mortals in their midst, are more willing to accept that Mortals have much to teach them and are now being less haughty about it. And no, I think Nell has learned her lesson also. You're probably right that the girls were using Nell as a model for Halloween and she wouldn't have understood why she looked like the Bride of Frankenstein, which is the image I was attempting to convey without actually saying it since Finda wouldn't have known about the character either. Thanks for commenting. It's always appreciated.
someone · 14 September 2012 · Chapter 70: Meanwhile, Back at Elf Academy....
That was priceless! Nell with all her face covered in make-up, screaming at kids playing a video game... No wonder the other Elves took over from there. Though if they had started to think about it, it would have been quite unlikely that there had been a real sword in the house. Good to see that Derek's tour went well, even with Elves shadowing him. And now I'm sure that Elves looked after Alex and Derek when they went to Fairbanks. Alex is good at his work if he knew they were being followed without seeing anyone.
Author's reply
Hi someone. I'm glad you think so. I think Glorfindel just freaked out for a moment and stopped thinking. And they did need to rescue Nell, after all. *grin* Most likely you're correct that at least one of the Elves trailed Alex and Derek to Fairbanks to keep an eye on them. And Alex is very good at what he does or else he wouldn't have survived as long as he has. Thanks for taking the time to review. I appreciate it always.