Lyana
· 9 July 2012
· Chapter 50: Enchanted Pumpkins
So glad to see Alex really getting the help he needs - I know he's not through the woods by any means, but he's certainly on his way. Wish I had a Ron to inflict on a few people I know! :-)
I must confess that "pumpkin" and "sindarin" were two words I wouldn't have thought to see in the same sentence - let along sindarin ON pumpkins! Very creative indeed.
Can't wait to see just who's sending the message and what the message is...
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. Alex does have a way to go, but he's at least making progress and Ron is very helpful and sympathetic.
The message and who sent it will be revealed in the next chapter.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I quite appreciate it.
Sunny
· 9 July 2012
· Chapter 50: Enchanted Pumpkins
Well, well, well. Back to cliffies, are we?
I liked the way Vorondur described Alex' conflict - and the way he framed it as making Alex kill his friend as being cruel and deeply traumatic, would also give Alex a valid starting place to deal with - or rebel against - his controllers, and the Agency.
I also liked the way Vorondur convinced Alex to confront his shaven-headed image. Some may say, "It's only hair, it will grow out again!" and it is true, as far as it goes. Hair is an important part of our self image, more so for some, and as a long-haired person (approaching classic length now), this is something that definitely resonates for me. And among my long-haired friends we are quick to give comfort to each other when someone tells about stylists who cut off 20 cm instead of the 2 cm they are asked to cut. (Yes, those happen!) :-(
Aleks' reactions to the propositions he was getting due to his baldness was also quite fun, and should definitely cure him of any negative feelings about it! ;-)
The Enchanted Pumpkins things sounds like a really neat idea - and seeing all those carved pumpkins in their "natural environment" - outside, in the dark - makes it even neater.
I really wonder what is carved on those pumpkin that Glorfindel so needs to see. And who carved them. Perhaps some Maiar have managed to elbow themselves into the pumpkin-carving contest? Why, oh why does it have to be so long until Friday?
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I'm glad you like the way Vorondur described Alex's conflict as well as how he handled Alex's self-image.
The Enchanted Pumpkins is really neat and I look forward to going to it each year. As for the pumpkins that have upset the Elves, we'll learn more about them in the next chapter.
And a few days of waiting is not as long as a few months or years. *grin* Friday will come soon enough.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Fantasia
· 9 July 2012
· Chapter 50: Enchanted Pumpkins
Hi Fiondil,
I have been out for a while, Vacations! so I just read few chapters to catch up. I've missed this: Poor Alex! again in the hospital. Despite all, good that he is finding his new personality and recovering his soul.
Now, the suspense of the Pumpkins, What do the Pumpkins say? No hint for us?
Author's reply
Hi Fantais. I hope you had a good time on your vacation. And despite everything, he is begining to recover his soul and finding a new purpose in his life. As for the pumpkins, that will be revealed in the next chapter, promise. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Tari
· 9 July 2012
· Chapter 48: Recovery
Hi Manny. What a hoot. LOL. I can't imagine anyone having the nerve to call Lord Manwe, Manny. The Elves really should visit New Zealand. It is absolutely gorgeous, beyond description.
I always read your story, even if I don't have a comment. Do you have another one in mind when this is finished?
Author's reply
Hi Tari. No, I don't see anyone calling Lord Manwë 'Manny'. *grin* And I have another story I'm working on though I won't be posting it until later in the year.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it.
6336
· 9 July 2012
· Chapter 50: Enchanted Pumpkins
Oh,oh! Doo doo,doo doo, doo doo,doo doo!(Twilight Zone Music) Is it a message from the Valar, has a rogue Elf come out of the wood work or has Ratty learned Sindarin! Inquiring minds want to know!
Not too sure I am happy with Glorfy going off by himself in his state of mind, I Ron finds him and soon. What do the Pumpkins say?
Alex had a good session with Ron and is starting to come to grips with who and what he is and what he wants to be, he still has a long way to go, not the least of which is getting free of the Agency!
I see the Cliffee King is raising his head again, you have got to keep that guy under wraps a bit more, he has had far too much fun in this story!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. We will learn what the pumpkins say in the next chapter.
And Glorfindel is okay. He just needed a few minutes to himself, as we will see.
Alex still has far to go, but he is making good progress with Ron. We will see how all that progresses as the story continues.
Sorry about the cliffies, but this story does lend itself very well to them and it helps bring people back to find out what happened next. *grin*
Thanks for the review. I am very appreciative.
Larner
· 9 July 2012
· Chapter 50: Enchanted Pumpkins
It sounds fascinating. But it does appear that someone is threatening the army being built within Wiseman. Sauron's successor is apparently effectively using Sindarin to issue his threats.
And I rejoice that Alex is beginning to accept himself.
Author's reply
We will see if your assumption is correct in the next chapter, Larner. And it is good that Alex is beginning to accept himself. Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
harrowcat
· 9 July 2012
· Chapter 50: Enchanted Pumpkins
I am so glad that Alex is beginning, just beginning to feel better about himself. Removing the hat indoors is a milestone. I think that Alex and Derek were sensible sticking with the Elves as I was fearing that they might be ambushed by Farrell. But now I am wondering about that dark tent and Nicole and her kids but perhaps you were just getting them safely out of the way for the next bit! So who carved the pumpkins? We wonders, yes we does. I first thought that it might have been Glorfindel and that was the reason he had hung back but obviously I was wrong. I hope that he is okay and just getting some chicken noodle soup for the soul by the lake in the same way that Alex did with the trees. I definitely need some of that too.
And now it is a looooooooooooong time until Friday!
Author's reply
Hi harrowcat. Yes, removing the hat indoors was a milestone and there will perhaps be others along the way. As for who carved the pumpkins that have upset the Elves, that will be revealed in the next chapter, including why the Elves are so upset. And yes, Glorfindel is just getting some chicken noodle soup for the soul by the lake as we will also see in the next chapter.
And it's not *that* long until Friday! *grin*
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I very much appreciate it.
harrowcat
· 8 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
I thought that I was doing quite well in the reviewing stakes but, having gone through the lists I find that I have missed 19 chapters! Sorry about that. I shall try to do better in the future. Such dedicated and brilliant story-telling deserves at least a line in response from me.
So, has Alex finally reached rock bottom and is able to begin to rebuild and integrate himself? All the welcome back stuff must feel like it is about someone else. How long does the accreditation board take to report? I am glad that the Lord Manwe gave Glorfindel a short holiday. I would love to visit NZ but would prefer Valar Transport to a long trip by aeroplane.
Author's reply
Hi harrowcat. 19 chapters! Wow! I didn't realize. I had noticed that some people who were reviewing on a regular basis hadn't been doing so lately, but I really didn't think about it much.
Anyway, yes, Alex has reached the bottom and can only go up from here. As for the accreditation report, we'll probably hear about it as some point.
Thanks for taking the time to review. I appreciate it.
Lyana
· 7 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
Looks like the unmaking of Artemus has finally reached the point at which the re-making of Artemus can begin! It's gut-wrenchingly hard to see someone so far down, but he had to get to that point, and now he can rebuild - I'm glad Ron's there to help him! It makes complete sense for him to react this way to the celebration by the other students, since he knows that the person they're celebrating doesn't really exist, and if they knew who he was and what he'd done, they'd be horrified (well, that's the fear, anyway).
Poor guy - I think he's been so enjoying the "good" persona, he's over-weighting the bad side. Very much looking forward to seeing him grow into who he was made to be!
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. Yes, Artemus is finally reaching the point where he's being remade. It's not an easy process and it will be painful but necessary if he's to become who he was always meant to be. Ron will be very helpful there.
Alex has been enjoying the "good" persona and now finds "Artemus" to be somewhat distasteful. Hopefully Ron will show him that he doesn't need to abandon Artemus (far to dangerous to do that anyway) to be Alex. They need each other thought he doesn't realize that now.
Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 7 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
It sounds as if this injury is worse than the others have been to bring such a crisis involvong his identity. I can see why he wishes to leave behind a good part of his past as Artemus, though. Now, to learn more about Junior.
Author's reply
Yes, it is a lot worse, as head injuries tend to be. We probably won't learn all that much more about Junior than we already have, but certainly his death at Alex's hands has played a large part of Alex's wish to leave a good part of his past as Artemus behind. Thanks for commenting, Larner. It's much appreciated.
Agape4Gondor
· 6 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
These last two chapters have been extremely difficult to read. It has been way past time for someone to help Alex with the myriad issues he has had to face since arriving in Alaska.
Author's reply
Hi Agape. And extremely difficult to write. And at least Alex now has Ron to help him deal with all the issues he needs to deal with in order to become the person he really was meant to be rather than the one he became. We will see this as the story progresses. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
jgmsccc
· 6 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
I am sorry that I don't review regularly. I don't always know what to say except: Thank you so much for giving me this story to look forward to. It makes Mondays bearable and Fridays special. Even if we don't review, please trust that there are many of us who are enjoying your work.
Anyway, I am glad that Alex is getting down to the work of putting his two selves together. Maybe he won't get into such poor physical states if he gets his mental state together.
Author's reply
Hey, that's okay. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know that you are enjoying this story and I know that for every person who reviews there are probably 10 others who are not, but they are reading and I hope that my stories give them and you pleasure.
I am sure that now that Alex and Ron are working together that Alex will begin integrating the two sides of himself more. He'll always be Artemus (he simply can't ignore all his training and background) but at least the darkness that was eating away at his soul will no longer have a hold over him and that's the important thing.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Sunny
· 6 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
This chapter made me revisit Terje Sørgjerd's videos again, especially this one: http://vimeo.com/21294655
(Not that his vids aren't worth watching for their own sake!)
Author's reply
I remember those videos, Sunny, and had them in mind, plus my own memories of seeing the northern lights, though they were sheets of red and no other color. And the vids are indeed worth watching for their own sake. I'm sure others would enjoy seeing them.
someone
· 6 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
"They stood there mesmerized. Alex felt a sense of awe rising within him that he’d never felt before and he began to shiver at the beauty of the sight."
I know that feeling. I haven't seen northern lights for some years now, but can still rememember one night when I was a child and stood there in the snow, freezing, staring at the sky... It's almost heart-breakingly beautiful and somehow at the same time soothing and awesome, and it doesn't matter if you know that they are just ionized matter colliding with the atmosphere, the knowledge doesn't take away the wonder at its beauty. Sorry for the rambling, but that scene brought back very vivid and lovely memories. I love aurora borealis, especially if there's something else than slowly moving green curtains.
Alex doesn't sound like an over thirty-year-old agent. What, precisely, was the traumatic experience that caused him to sound like a child? Dying or falling off the cliff? Or both?
Lovely chapter that makes the reader feel what Alex is feeling.
I hope that you are feeling well now that there has been a long time since the operation.
Author's reply
Hi someone. I, too, have only seen the northern lights once when I was about 10 or so. It is something you can never forget. I was awestrucked by the absolute silence of the rippling curtains. I expected to be some kind of sound associated with them.
Alex has had one too many traumatic experiences and this latest one with a head injury has made him regress slightly. He'll recover soon enough; just give him a little time. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. I am doing very well with my recovery and am almost back to normal. Thanks for your good wishes and for the comments. Both are greatly appreciated.
Tari
· 6 July 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
As I was reading this, I couldn't help but wonder what the elves thought every time they came accross a new invention. Driving is so different from riding a horse and then there's cell phones, etc. Adapting to changes shouldn't be hard for them though; they certainly had enough in their lives.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. Well, certainly Glorfindel and the other Elves have had plenty of practice adapting to new technologies and such through the millennia. Perhaps they even helped some of that technology along here or there. I'm glad to see you are still reading this story. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 6 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
*adds her voice to the "Poor Alex" chorus*
That was a nice homecoming - cheerful signs, welcomes from the other students, and a celebration - with ballons and a cake! Not that Alex was in a condition to completely appreciate it.
So is another psychic break coming up for Alex? It wouldn't surprise me, given the way he is behaving with Gilvegil and Vorondur...
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. It was a nice homecoming and while Alex may not be in a condition to completely appreciate it, I think he was touched and surprised by the outpouring of goodwill from his fellow students. We'll see how he handles things as the story progresses. He's very conflicted at the moment and things won't change that much for him in the short run.
Thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 6 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
O.K. All together now, Poor Alex!
Gee, you are putting the poor guy through it!
I did like the welcome home banner, he is a hero, in many ways.
I hope his little chat with Ron will help him, I know Amroth is more than a little worried about him. I hope they are watching him for signs of TBI, with all the blows to the head he has suffered it is a possibility.
How was your 4th, ours was O.K. in spite of the Big Bay Boom Bust!?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Yeah, poor Alex again. And he is a hero in many ways, though he probably doesn't see himself that way. His chat with Ron should go a long way toward helping him to heal as we will see over the course of the rest of the story.
My 4th was quiet and no storms. Thanks for asking and thanks for leaving a comment, Lynda. I appreciate it very much.
UTfrog
· 6 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
Cliffhanging again! You are truly gifted in making us want more. This chapter is fine as a bridge, but I want to know about Junior.
Hope your area has recovered from the storm.
Author's reply
And it's a Friday, no less. LOL! I'm just taking a page from the old TV serials that always ended with a cliffhanger to bring you back for more. We may learn more about Junior, though I can't guarantee anything. We do know he was a close friend of Alex who was sent by his controllers to take him out, which he did, and that probably hurt him psychologically more than he realizes.
Anyway, the storm bypassed my neck of the woods, but thanks for asking and thanks for reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
Clouded Leopard
· 6 July 2012
· Chapter 49: Homecoming
Yeah, Alex is back to school once again! It would seem he is a bit over whelmed with coming back and everyone happy to see him back. It would seem he has a hard time accepting the praise or friendship with the other students at this time.
It seems he is having second thoughts about who and what he is. Maybe with the trauma he has just recently gone through he just might be tired of the game. He is probably hoping to leave the game altogether the more he thinks on it.
This chapter needed to have a box of Kleenex handy. It really was heartbreaking. Let's hope Alex gets better to finish his assignment so he can figure out what he wants to do with his life.
Author's reply
Hi Clouded Leopard. Yes, Alex is back at the Academy, though he still has some healing to do and not just physically. Hopefully Ron will help him there. And, of course, he doesn't see himself as his fellow classmates see him, since he never felt a real part of the whole Elf Guide thing. Now he's seeing things differently and having second thoughts about himself and his role in life. We'll see how he progresses along that line as the story continues. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it very much.
Clouded Leopard
· 6 July 2012
· Chapter 48: Recovery
I guess it's better waking up with Manwe than Namo, but then again maybe not. Glorfindel was like a little hin who just got caught doing something he shouldn't have been doing. LOL. I think he is going to need a long vacation when this over and done with.
Alex is really worried about his hair being gone, but he should be happy about the pressure on his brain or skull that was released. That's more important. It's probably a little scary for him at this time.
LOL, it was a shock when Glorfindel found out Dr. Stoner will be Dr. Harris's choice of taken his place when he is gone. So what if Dr. Stoner is a little rough around the edges. Diamonds are a little rough as well until they are polished to shine. It just takes a little time.
Looks like Dr. Harris is glad to a have a friend in Manwe and vise versa. They seem to get along very well.
I hope Alex will get back in the game after his little accident. Can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
I guess so, Clouded Leopard, though Glorfindel probably would say the jury's out on that one. *grin* He does need a long vacation but whether he gets it is another thing.
Alex, of course, is reacting much as many people in such a situation would react, more concerned about self-image than anything. And the trauma has probably sent him regressing somewhat.
Dr. Stoner will come around eventually. Obviously, Dr. Harris sees something in him that makes him the ideal replacement, but it will hopefully be some years before that happens. Stoner has a lot of training to get through first.
Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
Clouded Leopard
· 6 July 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
It's a good thing Alex has a lot of friends that care about him. He's not cursed with all the bad things happening to him. He just has a little bad luck here and there. I think Alex is really just starting to loosen up with all these new experiences. Like you said he was an only child with older cousins. Derek being the closest to a younger brother he never had.
Yes, I would say Glorfindel has snapped, but he should also remember that mortals are little more fragile than the elves. But then again, he does have a lot on his mind.
Elrohir was correct in both his way was more effective and that Glorfindel would not have taken the sedative without a fight. As for Dr. Stoner, I don't think he knows the elves as well as Dr. Harris so you gotta give him a break. How was he to know that Ron and the twins were doctors.
Can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Clouded Leopard. Yes, it is a good thing Alex has lots of friends and he needs all of them right now. Dr. Stoner knows about the Elves but apparently doesn't know any of them personally, hence his attitude towards the Twins and Ron. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
someone
· 5 July 2012
· Chapter 48: Recovery
Possibly something good came from that assault, at least now Glorfindel couldn't behave as a mighty Elvish lord from the past and humans can see the Elves as real, mistake-making people. Was this the assault you said before that Glorfindel was going to do?
That was interesting, Manwë arranging doctors to form another group in the coming war... I have to say that I didn't even think that it would be needed in Dagor Dagorath, but of course it will be.
I really liked this chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, this is what I had hinted about earlier. And of course there would be need of healers during the war, as is true with any war, so Manwë is smart to start the healers' program with Dr. Harris now instead of later.
I'm glad you really liked this chapter, someone. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
someone
· 5 July 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
Elrohir's way was far more effective than valium would have been *grin*. I think that Glorfindel doesn't listen well to reasonable advice, it has to be something painful to get through to him (at least, so it seemed in Elf, Interrupted!).
Author's reply
Very effective, someone. And Glorfindel does tend not to listen unless someone beats him over the head first. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Lyana
· 2 July 2012
· Chapter 48: Recovery
So Manwe's checking up on his apprentice... about time! I mean, I know he's got just a few things on the "to do" list, but I'd think that making sure his vice-regent doesn't come well and truly unglued has to be well up there on the list!
Love the glimpse into other arenas in which the Valar are working with the commission for Dr. Harris. It's one of those "duh!" things - of course they wouldn't only be working with Glorfindel and Elf Academy! Now I'm very curious about just who else they've been talking to...
And I must say I'm glad to see the mortals truly being able to assist the Elves, not in a vindictive, "showing them up" way, but truly adding in and filling in pieces (Dr. Harris being able to calm Alex was a good one). Appreciation of the differences and gifts of another really is the key to starting to work together effectively.
Poor Glorfi - rough start for him and Dr. Stoner, but there's nothing better than two gifted, strong people who can get past the egos and really be a team. Here's hoping they'll forge that kind of relationship over the years!
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. I think Manwë was waiting for Glorfi to blow a gasket first before stepping in. I'm glad you liked the glimpse into other arenas in which the Valar are working. Yes, of course they would not only be working with Glorfindel and Elf Academy. Glorfindel's shock at the revelation is understandable, though, thinking that the burden was all on the Elves and those Mortals who came through Elf Academy.
And we do see here how Elves and Mortals can work together through Dr. Harris and his relationship with Vorondur and the Twins. Glorfi and Dr. Stoner will have to find their own way toward such a close working relationship, but I'm sure they're both up to the task.
Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
Larner
· 2 July 2012
· Chapter 48: Recovery
I'm glad that the fences are now mended, and am certain that Dr. Stoner was impressed by the rate of healing on Alex's scalp. Now, to see how the man finds himself working with the Elves! Interesting to see Manwe himself getting involved.
Author's reply
Hi Larner. I'm sure Dr. Stoner was very impressed. He probably had heard of Elvish healing techniques, but had never seen it in practice. And Manwë is just full of surprises, isn't he? *grin* Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it very much.