Elf Academy Part Deux by Fiondil
Tari · 14 September 2012 · Chapter 70: Meanwhile, Back at Elf Academy....
The idea of Nell even setting car alarms off was hilarious. It even had me laughing. Talk about a rude awakening. I'll bet she mends her ways after this.
Author's reply
It is funny, isn't it? Hopefully she'll be less arrogant after this. Thanks for commenting, Tari. It's much appreciated.
Fantasia · 14 September 2012 · Chapter 70: Meanwhile, Back at Elf Academy....
Poor Nell, I'm still laughing. It wasn't that bad, just the Prince of Persia. The best part was: ‘Why are you not dead?’ And I loved that the kids were not even concerned with the question, just upset because they need to start all over again...priceless. Love the friendship between the five amigos now. So Finda and Alex in the tour, should we looking for good or bad surprises?
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, especially the part about Nell. It looks as if it is now the Five Amigos, doesn't it? A good thing, too, as we will eventually see. As for Alex's tour, we'll be seeing how that goes next week. Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
Larner · 14 September 2012 · Chapter 70: Meanwhile, Back at Elf Academy....
Nell was unobservant enough to get a makeover, eh? Heh! I'm certain she deserved it! Poor girl. And she does not approve of violent videogames? I can empathise to a degree. Fascinating!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. I think the girls convinced her to let them "play" with her hair and all without actually checking to see what they were doing. *grin* And she probably has no clue what videogames are anyway. I think it'll be a while before she sees the humor of the situation. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj · 12 September 2012 · Chapter 69: Biding Time
The title of this chapter is fitting. They are biding their time. I was wondering already in the last chapter if elves are very fast learners. They are generally exceptional at nearly everything, but they usually had hundreds of years to perfect anything they do. Learning a new language/dialect in a couple of weeks is something else. This time, they don't have millennia.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yes, they are all biding their time here as Elf Academy gears up for the final exam tours. Since the Elves already have a knowledge of English, it will be easy for them to drop the Shakespearean forms for the modern ones. Even the Three Amigos have begun doing so after simply being around Alex and Derek and their friends for the last week or so. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Tari · 12 September 2012 · Chapter 69: Biding Time
The plot thickens. Who was Vorondur talking to she wonders? Can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
The plot thickens, indeed, Tari. I suspect Vorondur was talking with either Amroth or Glorfindel, but we probably will never know for sure. Thanks for commenting. I apprecitae it very much.
Larner · 12 September 2012 · Chapter 69: Biding Time
A bit early this week, are we? Good plans to distract themselves with the trip, and looking in on the two ellith. And I suppose it's Amroth who wants to keep an eye on Alex--I hope so, at least. Although I'm sure a few Maiar will be doing so as well. Armed or not--a question that needs deep consideration in this case. Now--to search out Farrell.
Author's reply
The reason for posting an extra chatper this week will be made clear next week, Larner. And most likely it is Amroth who wants to keep an eye on Alex and Derek, though we don't know for sure just based on the conversation and I'm sure at least one Maia will go along for the ride. *grin* Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
Sunny · 12 September 2012 · Chapter 69: Biding Time
Findalaurë has to learn that even though he is an elf, that doesn't mean he will be a big expert on everything under the sun. But I suppose he will cheer up a bit when some of the older Elves is completely stuck when trying to use a tech to and he, the "teenager" is able to rescue the clueless oldster. Just like among Mortals. So Derek is able to perceive when it is Artemus in the driver's seat, and when it is Alex. I suppose that can be useful. And speaking of useful, it looks as if Artemus is a great tour planner - which means that he can be useful after all. ;) Vorondur's phone call is making me very suspicious, you know. I hope Alex and Derek's little pleasure jaunt won't be ruined by any unexpected surprises.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. That's very true - no one can be an expert on everything, not even an Elf. I imagine Findalaurë's self-esteem will go up when one of the older Elves asks for his help with something. Artemus being a great tour planner should be an asset not only with respect to Elf Academy but also in other areas of interest should he eventually remain in Wiseman to help the Elves. We'll see how Alex and Derek's little jaunt goes in the next chapter, which will be posted on Friday as usual. Thanks for reviewing, Sunny. I always appreciate it.
6336 · 12 September 2012 · Chapter 69: Biding Time
Well, another sort of moving along chapter! I am with Ron when it comes to Artemus/Alex, it is almost as if he is suffering from a kind of multiple personalty problem,if he could drop out of the Academy right now it would solve a lot of problems, but, then again it might cause more, right at the moment he has some thing to focus on, his tour and that may be the only thing keeping him going at the moment! Hay, Lawrance, I am not the greatest with computers but I get there! Hang in there kid, it will come to you! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yeah, this is something of a filler until the action heats up again. Dropping out of the Academy would not really solve the underlying identity problem Alex is facing. It is almost like a multiple personality syndrome except he is always aware of both personalities, rather than just one. It's more a need to let go of the darker aspects of Artemus and hang on to the skills and knowldege which he has accumulated over the last 15 or so years that can benefit the Elves and their mission. And, like you and Lawrence, I'm not that great with computers either, but I get there and he will, too. *grin* Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
someone · 12 September 2012 · Chapter 69: Biding Time
What? A chapter on Wednesday? You know, I'm so used to a new chapter on Monday or Friday that my first thought was that I had somehow mistaken the day *grin*. This was a very nice but worrying chapter. If Farrell tries something during the exam, the test family is in real danger because he wouldn't hesitate to put a bomb under their car, just to get rid of Alex. And if Alex sees Farrell, it's going to get ugly, especially if they are both armed. Perhaps they could have a few elves shadow Alex and the test family, I'm sure that the Legolases and Beleg and the others would be able to deal with Farrel without the people at the exam knowing.
Author's reply
The reason for this chapter being posted today (and I will post a chapter on Friday) will become clear next week. To explain now would spoil things. This is a worrying chapter, to be sure. We will see if Farrell does try anything while Alex is testing. Thanks for reviewing, someone. I appreciate it.
someone · 12 September 2012 · Chapter 68: Lessons
About the time the Valinorean elves started learning modern English! But I'm not sure if I agree with Finrod, Nelluin might not be the best possible person to babysit those children. Children can't always be quiet and might tell someone about a strange Elf/Elves speaking Shakespearean English. It's a shame that Dave Michaelson wasn't there at Edhellond, I would have liked to see his reaction to these "illegal immigrants" (even if they have forged official papers).
Author's reply
Hi someone. Well, the babysitting is supposed to be a kind of punishment, although I think Finrod would call it a lesson, one that Nell really needs. I feel sorrier for her than I do the kids and we will see just what happens there. It would've been funny to have Dave there trying hard not to arrest these particular "illegal immigrants". *grin* Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
Serindë · 12 September 2012 · Chapter 61: The Elven Tour Guide at the Blue Petrel
Hilarious, absolutely hilarious. The tree amigos going slowly through all greenbacks reminds me about the old comedies with Louis de Funes or Vlasta Burian. The whole drinking challenge. It would be to much even for my Russian friends, who are normally able to get down 200 g of vodka in one go without showing any effects. And Findalaurë singing Noldolante.
Author's reply
Hi Serindë. I thought it was hilarious, too, and had a lot of fun writing this. Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed the chapter. I appreciate it.
obsidianj · 11 September 2012 · Chapter 68: Lessons
LOL! Oh, Nell, you have no idea. 4 kids and you are the only adult. Good luck. Finrod was not very diplomatic when he offered Nielluin's services. Nicole must put very high trust into Glorfindel to agree to that scheme. Having an inexperienced, unwilling baby-sitter... I don't know if I would have agreed. The Three Amigos look positively pro humans against Nielluin. They seem to settle in nicely.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yeah, She is pretty clueless, isn't she? *grin* And no, Finrod wasn't being too diplomatic, but Nicole has known Glorfindel long enough to trust him, if no one else. The Three Amigos have had more exposure to Mortals than Nell, however limited that exposure might be, so they're ahead of the game in that respect. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Serindë · 11 September 2012 · Chapter 60: ‘And this is my Cousin Larry....’
I love the barefooted and tee-shirted Finrod and the whole kitchen scene including the three gaping youngsters and supposedly some friendly banter about certain kitchen duty.
Author's reply
It's a great image and I could so see it, especially the three gaping youngsters. And I'm sure Finrod and Glorfindel well remembered a certain royal kitchen and were clearly teasing one another over it, much to everyone else's amusement (or almost everyone else). Thanks for reviewing, Serindë. I appreciate you doing so very much.
Serindë · 11 September 2012 · Chapter 59: Sneaking into Wiseman
So for once Námo had a willing student and the Twins have an aunt, who is younger than they. Beautiful and clever Nell. If she is somebody like the famous Nell Gwyn, the life will be interesting.
Author's reply
Hi Serindë. Námo must've been tickled pink when Nielluin came to him. And Nell is quite an interesting character, but she does have a few faults, arrogance being one of them, as we will see. I'm afraid she takes herself too seriously. Anyway, thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Serindë · 11 September 2012 · Chapter 58: Trial of the Three Amigos
Laurendil is absolutely right. A prank, even a stupid and dangerous prank is one thing, but watching another slowly freeze to death is completely different thing. Now, it could be argued that they were not aware of what they were doing, but no remorse even the day after? I do not envy Finrod. He must be pretty disappointed. On the other hand it is also difficult when your father is also your Liege. My aunt was a teacher in a small village school, so she taught also her children. One day my cousin played with her friends instead doing her homework. The next day she were given an exam by my aunt, who was aware how unprepared my cousin was. My coisin has never forgotten the "F".
Author's reply
Hi Serindë. I don't think these three really understand just what they did wrong and why it was wrong. Finrod is very disappointed and no doubt blames himself for not properly educating his son about Mortals and you're right, it is difficult when your father is also your leige. I always felt sorry for the kids who had parents as teachers. It was bad enough that my mom was the guidance counselor's secretary. *grin* Thanks for reivewing. It's much appreciated.
bookworm · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 68: Lessons
"How hard can it be" ...l..lol, oh dear, Nell really has no experience with littlies AT ALL does she? I hope she survives the experience XD (I suspect this comes under 'cruel & unusual punishment') Ah, they are starting to learn world history. Have fun explaining two World Wars, the Nuclear Bomb, and the Middle East guys! Us mortals have gotten horrifically good at killing each other over the years. And the Valinorean elves now get to experience the um, 'joys' of modern English...complete with all its quirks. I guess the Wiseman crew will leave off the slang for now! The Three Amigos are slowly getting more personable as well I see (still acting like little kids though)
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. Well Nell will find out soon enough. *grin* I'm sure the Wiseman Elves will do their best to show the better side of human nature as well as they can without sugar-coating the realities of our modern world. I suspect a few of the Valinórean Elves will be wishing they had stayed home where it's nice and safe. *grin* Anyway, the Three Amigos are getting better and unlike Nell, they're not quite as arrogant as they used to be. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Whispy · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 68: Lessons
Oh, Nell. Oh, Nell...why. Why would you go and say that. /Why./ Haven't gotten to reviewing your newest chapters, as I've moved back into college and my friends have introduced me to the glory that is Star Trek TOS. But two very nice chapters. I can't wait to see Nell's reaction to Caleb. -rubs hands together evilly- Mwahaha.
Author's reply
Hi Whispy. College life can be busy. We'll see how Nell deals with being a babysitter for mortal children. I'm glad you're still reading even if life and friends don't give you much time for reviewing. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Clouded Leopard · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 68: Lessons
The Tree Amigos are getting into the swing of things now. They don't seem as arrogant as when they first got to Wiseman. It would seem that the Valinorian elves keep getting off track when it comes to their lessons. Oh well, it's just like the first day of school, no one stays on track for long. It's a shame Nielluin is stand offish, I think she would be a great friend. I agree with everyone on the famous last words of "How hard can it truly be." Kids love to see what they can get away with when they have someone new watch over them. At least Finrod will have a back up in having Laurendi and Manwen checking on Nielluin and the Nicole's kids. Glordindel interested in the great granddaughter of his gwador Sador. Awwww and sigh. Isn't Helyanwe the Quenya form of Ninniach which is Sindarin? Wouldn't Helyanwe be named for Sador's little sister? I seemed to have read it somewhere in EI-book 1. Can't wait to read the next chapter on Friday!
Author's reply
Hi Clouded Leopard. Yes, the Three Amigos seem to be settling down now. Nielluin needs to loosen up a bit, I think. She's too enamored by the fact that she is the daughter of the great Celeborn and Galadriel and wants everyone to know it. She'll learn that Mortals, especially mortal children, aren't all that impressed by things like that. *grin* And yes, Helyanwë is the Quenya equivalent of Ninniach and so she was named after Sador's little sister. And for reasons that will be made clear next week, I will actually be posting a chapter on Wednesday this week as well as Friday. It's a one-time thing, though, but as I said, the why of it will become clear next week. Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Fantasia · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 68: Lessons
Oh, famous last words indeed! Nelluin you have not idea how hard is to take care of children... Beleg is there as well? well, they emptied Valinor. I'm really happy with Glorfindel, he has a lot of good friends with him. Love the description about humans, live the present, the past can't be changed and the future, it might happens or not, so treasure your present and live every day as your last one. Hm, romance is in the air, it seems, who is this Helyanwë or Helene? Do we know her from your other stories? I can't recall, you have so many characters...well, a good excuse for re-reading some of the stories. The three amigos are doing well, good for them. I can hardly wait for the introduction to the old testament and Christianity to the Valinórean Elves, what a shock will be for them to know what the One did for the Mortals, that alone it will cure their arrogance, don't you think? That is something that I would love to read through your POV, I can picture the shock in Valinor.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Helyanwë does not appear in any of my other stories as she is the great-granddaughter of Sador and Alassiel, born long after Glorfindel left Aman for Middle-earth. As for the Valinórean Elves being introduced to Hebrew and Christian scriptures and the history of the Jews and early Christians, I suspect that Finrod, at least, will not be all that surprised, remembering a conversatino with a certain Mortal Woman one spring morning in Beleriand where they discussed the possibility of Eru entering into Eä and into history, but for the others, yes, it would probably be a shock for what the One did for the Mortals. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Larner · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 68: Lessons
Indeed--famous last words! As a former teacher and parent of adult children and surrogate parent of several, BEEN THERE, DONE THAT so MANY times! Heh! She will learn a good deal more than she anticipates.
Author's reply
I'm sure a lot of readers have been there, done that and know jus what Nell is in for, Larner. *grin* We'll see how well she handles four MORTAL children. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
Lyana · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 68: Lessons
I'm very happy to see the Three Amigos settling in. I'm sure there's more adjustment to go, but looks like they're doing well. And whoa Nellie - she has NO idea what she's in for! I'm very much looking forward to seeing how things go. Something tells me she will end up never, ever again wanting to end up on her uncle's bad side. :-)
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. Yeah, the Three Amigos are settling in and adjusting quite well, though it's early days yet. And Nell has no idea what she's in for as we will eventually see. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's always appreciated.
6336 · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 68: Lessons
Oh Finrod, you are truly evil, three days with a seven year old and a preteen in the mix, it is a good job Nell is a blonde, her hair will be several shades lighter by Sunday! Good to see the Valinoian Elves getting sorted out, so to speak, language lessons and fast track history lessons will help them a lot, if they want more detail they can read about it. They can read and write English I Hope? Oh, ho, ho, Glorfindel has a girlfriend, Glorfindel has a girl friend! Way to go 'Too Old Guy'! Nice one Fiondil! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Actually, Caleb is five and there are TWO preteen girls, plus a moody teen, so Nell's prospects are even worse than she imagines. *grin* I think the Valinórean Elves can read English if not write it, but perhaps they can write it as well. Yeah, Glorfi's got a girl friend. *snicker* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 68: Lessons
Famous last word indeed! Nielluin, those kids have you surrounded and outnumbered already (hell, young Caleb alone could manage that, and you are going to be watching four of them!), and your stint as a babysitter hasn't even started! I can only say that the only thing that will surprise me is if Nielluin does _not_ end up frazzled, overwhelmed and exhausted - I have worked with kids. XD The introductions between the Valinorean Elves and the mortal friends of the Wiseman elves went well, for the most part. The children, especially young Caleb, would have been helpful. Caleb simply by being his own cute-as-a-button self. Hopefully he likes this new Finrod, and I also hope Zach gets along with his "namesake". I see that Helyanwë has started to turn Glorfindel into a blob of romantic silly putty. And if Glorfindel is being too slow for her taste, I'm sure the Mortal women will be delighted to offer bits of advice on dating and relationships - the lady can also be the one who pounces. ;)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, famous last words. We'll see how she manages in a later chapter. And it's early yet on the romance horizon, but I think Glorfindel is falling in love. Perhaps we'll be seeing him getting married some day. *grin* Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Clouded Leopard · 8 September 2012 · Chapter 67: Back at Edhellond
It would seem the Tree Amigos enjoy the martial arts class very much. So there is a little competition between the three gwedor, that's a natural where males are concerned. Even when they went to their first movie they enjoyed it even if they were trying to understand the mechanics of acting. All the Valinorian elves have a lot of catching up to do with learning. They should also learn a little more about compassion when dealing with the mortals they will soon be having contact with. All right! I was wondering if Erestor would be one of the elves to come with Finrod to help Glorfindel. Was it a shock for Glorfindel to see Erestor (and married too)? I am sure Glorfindel remembers Lindorille when she was a page for Finrod when he lived in Aman before he left for Middle Earth. So, who are the final five elves? (grin and LOL)
Author's reply
Hi Clouded Leopard. I think only the Elves, like Nell and the Three Amigos, who never actually interacted with any Mortals are in need of learning some compassion. Certainly, someone like Finrod or Erestor would already have compassion for Mortals. It's the younger Elves in the group that are in need of lessons in that area. And I bet it was a shock for Glorfindel to see Erestor and more to see him married Lindorillë. As for who the remaining Elves are, we'll learn soon enough. I'm surprised anyone is actually keeping track. I thought I was the only one who had to. *grin* Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated.
obsidianj · 8 September 2012 · Chapter 67: Back at Edhellond
A nice quiet and calming chapter. I needed it after a hectic week. It seems the three Amigos have turned a corner and become likable. Of all the Valinorean elves they now have the most experience with humans in the modern world. Nielluin has a lot to learn. Her attitude reminds me of my own experience with pets (they also die all the time so what's the deal). I never had any pets until I got my first cats a few years ago. I really got to know their personality and quirks and now my attitude has changed dramatically. When one of them died from an accident, I was devastated. I so can understand Glorfindel and his grief. Although, don't get me wrong, humans are no pets. Just Nielluin's and to some extent Finrod's attitude reminds me of that attitude. The Valinorean elves desperately need language and history lessons, or more to the point lessons in contemporary life, language, history. The trouble with their use of English is that they not only speak a 'dialect', but one that everyone associates with outdated language, not a modern day dialect, and that is the sore point. I love driving in snow on streets where not every one thinks the laws of physics don't apply to them. But Glorfindel is right, with their lack of knowledge of modern technology, learning to drive in winter is not a good idea.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. I love driving in winter too where half the drivers act as if they're driving in Florida instead of in the middle of a snowstorm. *grin* The language and history lessons that have begun should help tremendously in getting the Valinórean Elves more integrated into the society of Wiseman. And you are not alone in your (past) thoughts about pets. I remember my sister-in-law complaining tha when her and my brother's dog died, how some of their friends basically said, "Oh well. You can always get another dog." The callousness of that statement was more than she could take. People who don't have pets don't realize how quickly they become 'family' and losing them is as devastating as losing one's child. That's something Nell needs to learn about Mortals and the Elves who have befriended them. Finrod understands, since he knew many Mortals in his day, and that is probably true of some of the other older Elves in the group, but not true for the younger members. At least the Three Amigos are learning and that's a step in the right direction. Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.