Fantasia
· 30 July 2012
· Chapter 56: Getting Acquainted
Oh gosh, I was laughing like crazy when reading this, at work!!!! "Hosanna, heysanna, sanna, sanna ho, sanna hey, sanna hosanna," priceless.
So the new generation, interesting.
It is going to be hard, even the Wiseman Elves were a little arrogant, imagine The Valinórean Gang.
And I want to know who else is there....
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. The ending is priceless, isn't it? *grin*
Yes, we see some young (comparatively speaking) Elves who are totally inexperienced in dealing with Mortals. We'll be meeting others of the Valinórean Gang in subsequent chapters, I promise.
Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
ellie
· 30 July 2012
· Chapter 56: Getting Acquainted
I remember the crafting of this chapter and it is still so much fun to read. LOL!
Author's reply
Hi Elli. I'm glad you still enjoy reading this chapter. Thanks for letting me know. You know how much I appreciate your support and encouragement.
siiw
· 30 July 2012
· Chapter 56: Getting Acquainted
It is good to see these familiar faces again! What an adventure this must be for the young elves who have never been on this side of the world before. I wonder what they had expected.
A healer and a spymaster will come in handy for the war, obviously. I bet whoever picked the ones who got to go didn't need to ask Valandur twice! This story is getting better and better.
Author's reply
Hi Siiw. I'm sure it's a lot of fun for readers to see familiar faces again and we'll meet others as well that are equally familiar as the story progresses. And whatever the young Elves were expecting, I doubt it was Alex and Derek. *grin* As you say, a healer (and there is more than one in the group) and a spymaster will come in handy for the war. I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for leaving a review and letting me know. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 30 July 2012
· Chapter 56: Getting Acquainted
You know Glorfindel is going to get eye strain if he keeps on rolling his eyes all the time!
I excpect we do smell funny to Elves,if their sense of smell is as acute as their sense of hearing it is understandable and they had both cleaned up too!
Well Alex sorted Finda Jr., out right quick, that'l learn him to pick on an Intelligance Agent! Let's hope he and Derek don't have too many problems aclimating The Three Stooges to modern Middle Earth! Things are going to get very interesting! Very, very interesting!
Now to get them back to Wiseman and dig out the camp cots.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, Alex sorted out Finda Jr. quite nicely. We'll see just what further trouble the Three Stooges give our heroes in subsequent chapters. Things should be very interesting for them all. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Sunny
· 30 July 2012
· Chapter 56: Getting Acquainted
Those youngsters are certainly having an interesting day. Here they are, going on an Adventure, and it is nothing at all like they expected. Almost as soon as they had arrived, they were stuffed into a cramped vehicle (which did not have any visible means of moving), had to give up their swords, and were subjected to a rather horrible noise (though I think in time they will be able to count their blessings - Alex might have been a fan of rap!)
This morning wasn't any better. Their elders are treating these youngsters with the kind of respect they would show to those with rank, age and experience, and when Findalaurë quite reasonably expressed his disbelief that the young Mortal could have much to contribute, he only got insults in return. The young prince did not take this well, of course, but instead of getting to pound the smirk off the Mortal's face, the Mortal managed - somehow - to make him eat dirt instead. And now he is in trouble with his adar for attacking an unarmed person, despite how insulting he was.
The elders are more realistic. _They_ at least know that an adventure is _someone else_ in deep sh*t somewhere far, far away.
It shall be interesting to see what kind of trouble the youngsters get into with Ale and Derek - or despite them.
I liked Alex' definition of how it is that he is an accomplished spy: "I’m still alive, so I guess I am."
Nice to see Laurendil again. He is a sensible sort, and will certainly be good to have around when the youngsters get rambunctious!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. An interesting day, indeed, and it'll just get more interesting as we will see. And you're right about the definition of Adventure and obviously the older Elves are very aware of the truth of it. And Alex's quip is right on as well: the fact that he's still alive must prove something of his skills as a spy. And Laurendil just had to be a part of Team Valinor. No way was he going to let his liege out of his sight for a single moment. We'll see who else is there eventually. As for the youngsters getting into trouble... ah, you have no idea. *grin* Thanks for the comments. Tney are very much appreciated.
harrowcat
· 30 July 2012
· Chapter 56: Getting Acquainted
Lots to comment on and i hope that I will be back before Friday but for now....I was falling off my chair at work laughing but also with heart warmed over bits like seeing Glorfindel and Finrod together again.
And to top the lot 'JC Superstar!' I could almost hear the 'angelic' chorus singing along! Thanks for a great chapter.
Author's reply
Hi harrowcat. When Finrod said "Then we rejoice and sing hosanna" I just couldn't resist. It was too perfect a way of ending the chapter and I have no doubt that if any of the Maiar were about they were singing along. I'm glad you liked the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. It's much appreciated.
someone
· 30 July 2012
· Chapter 56: Getting Acquainted
Alex and the others are going to have a hard time with the Valinorean Gang, especially the younger generation. If Finrod's son is there, is the elleth Finrod's daughter? And what is Amarie thinking when she's been left behind again?
Now I remember what I had forgotten to say before. It seems that I'm in minority when I think that Glorfindel really is too old for serious romance - at least when he's in charge of a large operation and needs his brain for it. Or then I'm just too used to him being as he is.
Findalaurë is definitely not a diplomat. Smell funny?! Not the best thing to say to a potential new friend.
Author's reply
Hi someone. We'll learn who the elleth is soon enough. As for Amarië, I really have no idea, but I suspect she has her own concerns that keep her in Aman at this time. She may join Finrod later on.
As for Glorfindel... well, you're never too old for romance,are you? *grin*
And Findalaurë still has much to learn, as we will see.
Thanks for reviewing. I always appreciate your comments.
someone
· 30 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
Poor Alex and Derek and the Elves *grin*.
It was quite uncomfortable once to get three people to fit on the backseat, so I can just imagine three tall elves there, hardy able to move, head hitting the roof when driving a bumpy road in the middle of nowhere... Must have been an interesting ride.
Now that Finrod is there, is he in charge of the operation Dagor Dagorath or is the leader still Glorfindel?
And why is it that I always forget what I was going to say while writing the review... I'll be back with it in the next review if I remember again.
Author's reply
Hi someone. Yes, I imagine it was an interesting and uncomfortable ride for the Elves, for all of them, never having experienced motor vehicles before.
As to who is in charge, I think Glorfindel will still be in charge for a while, at least while Finrod is acclimating himself to Wiseman.'
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
harrowcat
· 29 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
Sunday night antidote to the Olympic swimming. GB out in the first round of the archery! Pity that the Elven trained mortals couldn't shoot for us.
That glow can be useful. Which reminds me to hunt out my torch for my camping trip.
Alex could do with remembering his own initial reactions to Derek's skills with reindeer and fencing to help him understand Derek's outburst. Wise words from Finrod and a wonderful meeting.
Another method of arriving might be safer for all concerned but probably not quicker. I actually heard a discussion on the BBC on Friday about mortality vs. immortality. The conclusion was in favour of mortality but it didn't like the idea of eternal life either.
C,mon Alex how do you think the Elves have survived the red tape for so long without forgery skills?
Needless to say the rest of the chapter had me giggling out loud and I'm still laughing second read round. Going to bed early so tomorrow comes sooner!
Author's reply
Hi Harrowcat. Finrod is very wise and maybe Alex will give Derek a bit of slack from now on. I'm glad you so enjoyed the chapter, especially the last part, even after a second read. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it. And there's more fun to come. *grin*
Larner
· 28 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
This would be quite the introduction to modern life for these three Elves! And to meet Earendil himself would be quite the experience for all of these Middle-earth bound Elves. Wonder who the ellith is that has caught Glorfindel's attention?
Author's reply
That's certainly true, Larner. And meeting Eärendil would be a treat for anyone. I don't think Alex and Derek really appreciate yet just what an honor has been bestowed upon them. As for the elleth... we'll learn soon enough. Thanks for leaving a review. You know how much I appreciate you doing so.
obsidianj
· 28 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
Another hilarious chapter. Picturing the elves trying to fold themselves into the backseat of Alex' car was too funny. Also the scene with the swords. For warriors that are used to have their swords with them at all times, it must be disconcerting to put them in a place where they can't reach them immediately.
Now we have people using Quenya, Sindarin, archaic English, modern English and Spanish. That is quite a mishmash of languages. I loved the 'gabbling' at each other when Alex and Derek didn't understand what the elves were talking. They are all in for some interesting times.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. It was fun coming up with the scenario, especially with the swords. Having been in the SCA years ago, I've first-hand experience in seeing fighters trying to get into vehicles with their weapons. It really doesn't work. And you're right that they are all in for some interesting times. Just how interesting remains to be seen. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 28 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
LOL! These meetings were hilarious. Having the elves speak in Shakespearean English was too funny. The Valar have too much fun at the expense of the children, but they should not underestimate the mortals. Finrod took all the strange things in stride. It seems that at least he got some lessons in modern day institutions as he wasn't questioning what 'military' was. Even I felt for a bit confused at the Apaches being armed until I remembered those are helicopters. Alex is right. He overdid it a bit, but the two soldiers bought it and that is all that matters at the moment. Now to see Earendil and who else came with the ship.
Author's reply
Yo, obsidianj! After two years on, I finally get around to answering this. LOL! Sorry about that. Not sure how I missed this. Anyway, this chapter was fun to write with Finrod speaking Shakespearean English and Alex telling off the NORAD guys. And yeah, unless you're aware of US military equipment, Apaches may not ring a bell except as Indians. *grin* Thanks for your faithful reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Lyana
· 28 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
Yet another chapter leaving me desperately trying to not LOL because I'm surrounded by other people who wouldn't get it even if I tried to explain. :-)
Ah - so Derek is a descendent of elf-friend Huor? Nice! Poor guy - he's had more than a few shocks in the last couple of days, and it's oddly reassuring to see that he's not completely unflapable. It is lovely to see Finrod again.
And the identities of the three "sardines" - my money is on sons of Finrod, Sador and Laurendil; poor guys - I was anticipating the hilarity of first encounters with cars, but totally forgot the aspect of swords, LOL! It's going to be an interesting couple of months until everyone adjusts.
As for the elleth... hmmmm. Now I'm going to have to go back and read through EI I & II for clues! All I can say is that I hope it's someone who turns Glorfi into a goey, love-sick puppy (all the while protesting that he's not); Finrod is there now, so let him manage things for a while - he'll get up to speed soon enough!
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. It is a funny chapter, isn't it? *grin*
Derek has had a lot of revelations thrown at him at once so it's not surprising that he might snap at some point. Luckily Finrod was there to set him straight. I'm not sure Glorfindel or the others could have done as good a job of difusing his anger.
As for the identities of the "sardines", we'll learn of them in the next chapter so you don't have too long to wait.
And as for the elleth... you'll just have to wait and see. *grin*
Thanks for reveiwing. It's much appreciated.
Sunny
· 28 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
"Blood betrayeth blood, but gwedyr remain true to themselves and to each other." Well said, Finrod. You rock!
Loved that "overdressed sardines" remark!
I think things are going to get Interesting in very many ways. And those poor Elves are going to be in for an entire strong of culture shocks - both good and bad. Modern music - and modern musical instruments. The Internet - and online shopping. World history - both good and bad.
It will also be interesting to see the Finrods meeting each other. And I wonder what Caleb's reaction to the original is going to be?
I wonder about the elleth that Glorfindel keeps looking at. Is she there because of Glorfindel's very sweeping statement that he is too old for romance? It would be fun to see Glorfindel silly in love. And if the elleth is there for Glorfindel, it wouldn't really be fair if Daeron didn't get one as well. ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Culture shock galore and this is just the first day... er... night. We'll see how these particular Elves handle things. As for the elleth, we will learn who she is and why Glorfindel keeps looking at her. You're right, though, that if she was sent for Glorfindel, it's only fair that there's an elleth for Daeron. We'll see about that as well.
Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Agape4Gondor
· 27 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
Oh my! This was hysterical and a bit sad. Those poor elves with Alex. Talk about culture shock!
Delightful chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Agape. Yes, both funny and sad. And what about poor Alex, not to mention poor Derek? It goes both ways, you know, as we will see. I'm glad you found this a delightful chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it as I certainly had fun writing it.
Tar
· 27 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
Alex & Derek got to meet Eärendil. How lucky can one get. I am sure at the end of times all will get to meet Iluvatar, be they elves, mortals, etc.
Author's reply
I'm sure you right, Tari. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Fantasia
· 27 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
Poor elves! "They look like overdressed sardines," This is so funny...
Now, you are really mean, until Momday to find out who is there....
Author's reply
Sorry about that, Fantasia, but I can't put everything in a single chapter. We'll be learning about some of those who came over the course of several chapters and we won't necessarily meet everyone. It's just not possible. Anyway, thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 27 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
So Alex has met his many times great grandfater, neat!
Errendil is right, I think sneaking them in by boat might be a better idea, just so long as they don't get picked up by the Coastguard! A little advance notice of who and how many might be a good idea too! (Yes, I know they came in by 'boat' this time but something a little smaller and not so noticeable would work a little better!)
Oh, goodness I can just imagine how they looked, while I can get three small choildren, with booster seats or two adults in the back of my car with a reasonable degree of comfort, I don't think three six foot plus elves would fit too well. Just how many did Finrod (Roddy?) bring with him, I was trying to work it out, it has to be at least fifteen?
Alex is right, the mansion will be packed and there is less room than before with the damage to the roof that still has to be fixed, perhaps they can stash them at the Academy until they can come up with a solution?
Sweet dreams Alex, get as much sleep as you can I think it is going to be very interesting for the next little while!
Yay! Olympics tonight, we're having Shephards Pie, to get in the mood and more EAII on Monday!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. The image of the three ellyn trying to get into the back of the car with their swords was too funny not to include. Alex and Derek both wil be having very interesting times for the next little while as we'll see soon enough.
Ah, shepard's pie... how I loved it when I was living in England. Bon apetit and have fun watching the Olympics and thanks for leaving a review. It's always appreciated.
Kitty
· 27 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
Hm, that makes some sense that the Elves who lived in Aman so close to Valar and Maiar would glow more, I guess. Very perceptive of Alex, but then, it's to be expected of him.
Of course, now I am curious about that elleth – doutbless what you wanted ;)
Oh, poor Derek feels a bit left out. Can't blame him, after all the bombshells dropped on him lately, it has to be a bit much at times, and so far he did very well. But Finrod handled the problem rather well. He has doubtless learned a lot over all these many millennia in Valinor.
Can feel for Alex – what do you say when you meet Eärendil as a mortal? And especially with his own particular situation? I'd not know what to say, either, even if I weren't totally tongue-tied and would understand the language a bit better.
So Derek is a descendant of the kings of Númenor, too? Had suspected as much and am rather happy about that. It may explain better why the Valar wanted them there.
Eärendil is so right; they need a different method of approach for next time, indeed! And hopefully he'll get the Valar to teach the next batch of Elves better modern English – we know that they understand it enough to pretend to be mortals, after all. In any case, I am glad they got away safely; I was a bit worried they'd be attacked.
Nice of Alex to ask the question I had wondered about before – how they get identity papers. Lol, it seems as if our dear Daeron has some hacker talents :D Very useful, that way the papers could be checked and would still be valid because they are registered.
The begin of the car ride in particular left me snickering a lot (at work!), and even now, on second read, it's still too funny! Valinor really doesn't seem to have advanced in any way if they don't know anything about modern day life, and the Valar didn't prepare them too well. Them not knowing how to get into the car was so funny! And not wanting to relinquish their swords didn't help. The Wiseman Elves and their mortal friends are going to have their hands full explaining life in modern-day Middle-earth to them.
Now that must have been one of the most strange car rides Alex and Derek ever had! And a very strange day for the three Elves as well. Btw, it's mean that you didn't give us names! You like to keep us guessing, do you? Now we have to once again wait for another update to find out more! *pouts*
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Well, hopefully Eärendil will clue the Valar in on a few things like a different approach vector and better language lessons. And the Wiseman Elves and their Mortal friends will have more than their hands full explaining life in modern-day Middle-earth. We'll see, for instance, how Alex and Derek handle things with this crowd. We'll learn the identities of the three ellyn who rode with Alex and Derek in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Whispy
· 27 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
Hm...I wonder who that elleth Glorfindel found familiar was? Interesting...
Those poor Elves. I can only imagine how disconcerting and frightening modern Middle-earth must be for them. Good thing they have friends looking out for them.
Whispy
Author's reply
Hi Whispy. We'll find out about the elleth in a later chapter. And it has to be very disconcerting for these Elves to come to modern Middle-earth without any real understanding what they're getting themselves into. Luckily, as you say, the Wiseman Elves are there to help. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 27 July 2012
· Chapter 55: The Ride Back to Wiseman
Delightful. I love the idea of carsick Elves. You have enough material to do a second story from the POV of these new arrivals to Alaska. Their comments on modern life should be hilarious. I also admire their bravery. Coming to a totally new time and place, knowing war is looming means each person is very special with their own story to tell.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you liked this. You're probably right that I could write another story from the POV of the new arrivals. Not sure if I would do so, but you never can tell where the Muse will lead you. They are all very special and, as you say, very brave to leave all that they know to come to Alaska. We will see how they begin to adapt to their new situation in future chapters, mostly through the eyes of the three Elves who shared the ride with Alex and Derek. Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
Agape4Gondor
· 26 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
Excellent! Alex's quick wit saved them all. Of course, I can't imagine Vingolot being 'invisible' ever.... *g*
As for Finrod (psst - does happy dance - I thought so, I thought so!)
Author's reply
Hi Agape. Yes, Alex did save the day here. And no, it's rather hard to hide Vingilot, which is probably why they didn't even bother. As for doing a happy dance because Finrod is here... you and everyone else *grin* Thanks for leaving a comment. It's always appreciated.
harrowcat
· 25 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
Yay! What an entrance Finrod? I am glad that Derek was at least able to put a few words of Sindarin together to say hello but I had to grin at the response he got. Perhaps certain entities need to upgrade their dictionaries. My mind back to that first language lesson in EA1.
Way to go Alex! Show those Elves how to perceive a threat and handle it with panache. Finrod seems better able to appreciate that Alex is in his element than Glorfindel at this point. I'm sad, like everyone else, that the camping trip has had to be cut short but, hopefully, Alex will get a chance to discover more about those racial memories.
Finrod may have a lot of reading to do if Glorfi digs out his letters!
Can you guess that I loved this chapter?
Author's reply
Hi Harrocat. Ulmo and Aulë obviously were having fun at the expense of the Elves with their language lessons. I'm sure Finrod and the others will soon pick up modern English so they blend in more.
Alex is, after all, an agent and used to dealing with these kinds of situations where he has to talk himself in or out of a situation. And the camping trip isn't exactly cut short'. We'll see what they decide to do in the next chapter. I'm glad you love this chapter. I enjoyed writing it. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 24 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
A masterful performance, I must say! Excellent!
Author's reply
I'm glad you thought so, Larner. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Kitty
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 54: A Tense Moment
*grin* Born somewhere in fairyland? Sounds about right!
So I got at least one elf from my wishlist! Yay! Finrod is with them! *happy dance* Perfect! Glorfindel really needs him. But honestly, his English left me laughing aloud. Who thought teaching him that archaic English would be a good idea? The Valar may think it funny, but I am not so sure. Weren't they supposed to blend in, not stand out?
Oh man, it was probably to be expected that Vingilot wasn't going to be ignored, not in our modern times and with the military so paranoid about terrorist attacks and all that. Glad Alex kept a cool head and Finrod listened and acted upon his advice while Glorfindel kept arguing – our dear balrog slayer doesn't like not to be in charge, it seems. He's been the leader of this group for too long.
Alex did a great job in dealing with these officers. His fake ID's certainly came in handy! He played the annoyed fisher pretty well, and the bit about chemo and revealing his bald head was a stroke of genius! Hopefully, that will give the elves *cough*Glorfindel*cough* something to think. Alex proved beyond a doubt that and why they need him, even if he's 'only' a mortal. I guess now they have to produce more false passports and the like for the Valinorean Elves to make their stay legal.
Sadly, Alex is right about leaving quickly; I had looked forward to them mingling with the newcomers :( Particularly, I don't want Eärendil having to leave so soon; it's the very first time the twins can meet him, after all, and I want them to have time to get to know their grandfather a bit. No matter how much Glorfindel may have told them, meeting him in person is better!
Really can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. I'm afraid certain Valar were having too much fun with Finrod and the others and their ignorance of modern English. I'm sure the Elves will adapt quickly and begin speaking 'real' English soon.
Yes, Alex did a great job and hopefully all the Elves will see him in a different light from now on.
Well, there may be future opportunities for the Twins to get to know their grandfather more, but for now, it has to be a very hasty reunion so the others can get on their way.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.