Good thing I don't eat or drink while reading your fics, else the ‘Hi Manny, long time no see’? remark would definitely have sent the tea and food down the wrong hatch! ;-)
And Glorfy complaining that the doctor was arrogant? Pot, meet kettle. Yes the doc was arrogant, but so are you, Glorfy dear! Comes of being an Elf, I suppose. Good that Glorfindel and Dr Stoner made up, at least.
The Valar clearly like their little surprises - I wonder if Dr Stoner has met Dr Harris' "boss" yet? It would be quite interesting to be a fly on the wall for such a meeting.
We haven't seen Farrell for a while, which worries me. Alex is clearly in no shape for a confrontation, so it wouldn't surprise me if Farrel decides that this is a good time to poke his nose out of the dark hole he has been hiding in. There is also Alex' mental state when he was going to the hospital - he was worrying about Derek all the time, and since his hunches have been right before, perhaps this is another warning? And Farrell is so very unconcerned about collateral damage. I hope that one of the nefarious plans he is no doubt hatching don't include lighting off a nuke in the basement of the Elf Academy!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Well, Manwë does have a sense of humor, after all, though probably only his fellow Valar would appreciate it. *grin*
Yeah, Glorfindel is very arrogant here, but he's been under a lot of stress lately and Stoner's attitude was the proverbial straw. I don't think Stoner's met Manwë yet, but he will eventually and it would be an interesting meeting.
Farrell is still hanging around and he will pop up eventually. We're not done with him yet, and neither is Alex.
I think Alex was feeling panicky on the way to the hospital rather than actually worrying about Derek. He'd had a traumatic experience and just wanted the reassurance of his gwador.
Thanks for taking the time to review. It's greatly appreciated.
6336
· 2 July 2012
· Chapter 48: Recovery
'Hi, Manny, long time no see?' Snorfle!!!
Tyring not to laugh out loud, as it's 6:35 a.m. and I don't want to wake the Orclings, who will be up soon any way.
So Manwe stopped by for a visit and took Glorfindel off for a little R and R, sometimes a little walk in the park is what you need.
I was beginning to wonder if Alex had regressed there, as he sounded so young and confused when he first woke. Understandable I suppose, if somebody had been rummiging around in his head! The healing sleep has helped and I don't suppose Estes assistance hurt either!
Well now Dr.Stoner and Glorfindel have to come to a working relationship, makes you wonder why they don't have courses in Medical School on how not to becomes an arrogant you know what!
I am waiting for Glorfindel's disscussion with Elrohir on how not to administer a tranqulizer!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yeah, well, who says the Elder King doesn't have a sense of humor? *grin*
I think Alex had regressed a bit. He wakes up with no memory of where he is or what's happened to him and he is naturally frightened and feeling panicky. The healing sleep will indeed help.
And Stoner and Glorfindel do have to come to a working relationship, sooner rathre than later.
I'm afraid Glorfindel's discussion with Elrohir will occur off-stage, so to speak, as the focus will continue to be on Alex for the most part, but I'm sure you can imagine just what our favorite balrog-slayer will say to the son of Elrond. *grin*
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Rhyselle
· 2 July 2012
· Chapter 48: Recovery
Yeesh... How did I miss that little bit where Manwe "stepped out of the shadows" on my first read through? LOL! I guess that's why it's better for me to read the chapter later in the day, when I've woken up thoroughly!
Still a great chapter! :-)
Author's reply
Yeah, sometimes it does pay to wait until you're awake to read something. LOL!
Rhyselle
· 2 July 2012
· Chapter 48: Recovery
So nice to wake up to a new chapter this morning after a weekend of horrific weather. After the dereko and the excessive heat warnings all weekend, topped off by another nasty wind and thunderstorm last night, I think I'd be glad to be up in your Wiseman with the elves even if they've just come out of a massive blizzard and ice storm.
So nice to see the Elder King again, too. :-) I am assuming that Manwe did not incarnate himself in the hospital room when he brought Glorfindel back to it, as you said "and they were back in the room with Alex", but didn't refer to Manwe again in the chapter. I actually had to go back and re-read that part to be sure, because I'm so used to you indicating when the Valar depart or at least go unseen to mortals and elves.
One thing that I like about your stories is that when someone gets hurt, their physical responses feel realistic, even when he has Este's healing hands on him. Alex's confusion was rather endearing now that we know he's on the mend. I'd be betting that without her and the twins' intervention, Alex would have enough brain damage to take him out of the spy business for good after all of the knocks on the head he's taken over the past few months. Another bit I liked was the hat Dr. Harris gave him being a shade of blue that matched Alex's eyes. *grin*
How will they explain why Alex's hair is coming in a different color than he looked before? If he's not allowed to use soap or shampoo on his head until his check up, he certainly won't be allowed to use dye...
I do like Dr. Harris very much, and it was nice to see that Dr. Stoner and Glorfindel have started to come to terms with each other. It was rather self-centered of Glorfindel to assume that his part of the preparation for the Dagor Dagorath was the only iron that the Valar had in the fire. But then he IS rather focused on his own job right now. Do Elrohir and Elladan know about Dr. Harris' mission even if they might not have known about Dr. Stoner's involvement yet? And have they ever actually met Este? My impression was that she gave her assistance to Alex's healing without their knowledge.
Farrell's still out there, darn it, along with some more of his minions, and I'm still incredibly curious about his motives and what or who might be driving him. I'm concerned that Derek and Amroth are still targets.
I know that there's a lot more action to come before this particular Elf Academy class graduates, and that my curiosity will be satisfied in time. I continually look forward to seeing it all develop. :-)
Thanks for giving us this story, Fiondil. As much as I love the initial Elf Academy tale, I really am enjoying the more complex plot in this one. Take care of yourself, and hopefully, you aren't suffering from the bad weather that we in the Midwest are being battered by.
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. I'm glad you survived the storms over the weekend. I'm glad you liked the realism of Alex's confusion and all. As for his hair, sometimes hair color changes after a traumatic event and in the short time in which he is unable to use soap and shampoo, never mind dye, his hair won't have grown back that much. It'll take a while and by then, who knows?
Anyway, you are correct that the Twins were unaware that Estë was helping them out with the healing.
We'll see more of Farrell and learn what is motives are eventually. I'm glad you are enjoying this story so much and I appreciate you taking the time to letting me know.
Whispy
· 2 July 2012
· Chapter 48: Recovery
Well, Glorfindel was at least able to get a mini-vacation. I wouldn't mind being in New Zealand myself right now, sigh. Although, if I WERE in New Zealand, I would probably be very tempted to engage in some espionage of my own on the filming of certain movies...;) Not that I'd be successful at all, haha.
So...nice to see there's a new ally for the Elves...but also a new enemy. That could be dangerous. There are enemies, and then there are enemies, and we can only hope and pray that the enmity between the Elves and Stoner is only surface deep. Well...maybe surface deep is the wrong term, but maybe you know what I mean.
And Alex...Oh, Alex. He is certainly injured in more ways than simply physically. It's especially concerning to see him being so confused about whether he is Alex or Artemus.
Great chapter!
Whispy
Author's reply
Hi Whsipy. Stoner probably isn't an enemy, though Glorfindel came very close to making him one. I'm sure eventually they'll become friends. And that goes for the rest of the Elves as well.
And Alex has had a rough time of it and his brain is a little addled at the moment so it's no wonder he's a bit confused about himself. We'll see how he progresses over the course of the rest of the story.
Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 2 July 2012
· Chapter 48: Recovery
Wow, quite a few shockers in this one. Dr. Stoner, Lord Manwe, etc. I hope poor Glorfindel feels better now. Thanks again.
Author's reply
Quite a few. I'm sure Glorfindel is feeling marginally better after his little excursus to New Zealand. *grin* Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
bookworm
· 2 July 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
LOL, ah doctor patient conflict! Code Black! Code Black! In all fairness, as a doctor, particularly one who has been the poor harrassed resident, the first reaction really would be: The patient's friends are Stupid and should stop Playing Doctor. I'd guess this poor fellow hadn't met the elves before. LOL Glorfindel & Elrohir. Someone's a tad stressed hey? Elrohir will need to hide when Glorfindel wakes up methinks.
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. Oh, I thnk Stoner knows about the Elves, but just hasn't really met them yet and is unaware of the history of some of them. He'll learn more aboout them as time goes on. And Glorfindel is more than a tad stressed. *grin* Elrohir will know to stay out of his way for a day or three until he calms down.
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Agape4Gondor
· 30 June 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
This son of Beren has his hands full and he still is not 100% sure what the battle is about. My heart goes out toAlex.
I was going to warn you, last chapter, about Glorfindel. He needs a major vacation. *g* He hasn't had a moment's peace since the bluzzard struck. He was wound too tight then. Nothing has happened to make matters better, to help him unwind. They gave only grown worse.
I vote for some R&R for our Elf.
BTW - great chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Agape. Glorfindel definitely needs a very long vacation, but I don't know if he'll ever be able to take one give the circumstance. Alex has a lot of recovery to go through as we will see. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. It's greatly appreciated.
Larner
· 29 June 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
Well, Stoner got his well-deserved comeuppance! Heh! Love the way they dealt with Glorfindel's reaction to his frustration and worry.
I do suspect someone of Sauron's own nature is playing with the weather in his attempt to do away with Aragorn's current bloodline, though.
Fascinating!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. We'll learn a bit more about Dr. Stoner soon enough. He will prove important to the future. Glad you liked the way they dealt with Glorfindel. It was fun to write.
You may be right about the weather being played with by inimical forces, but there's no way to prove it at this juncture.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 29 June 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
You know Fiondil, I think you need to sub title this story 'Or 50 Ways to Kill Your Elf Guide!'
Oh, dear I don't think I like the fact that Alex is vomiting, not a good sign.
They are at the hospital now, so he is in the best place for him. I think Glorfindel is having another of his 'Why did I think this was a good idea' regrets, silly Elf, Murphy's Law is in full force here!
Hm, Glorfindel on Vallium, could be interesting, though I think I kinda of like Elrohir's method of adminstering it, he does need to make sure he has a clear escape route for when Glorfindel wakes up though!
I take it Dr.Stoner is new to the hospital and is not aquainted with the Elves?
Two more days and I am on vacation, Yay! I get to spend time with Orclings and their Mom!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
You're probably right about the subtitle, Lynda. LOL! And Glorfindel is feeling responsible for what has happened to Alex, which is also silly, since he had no way of knowing Alex would lose his footing and fall down the hill.
We'll learn more about Dr. Stoner soon enough.
Enjoy your time off. Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Lady Edlyn
· 29 June 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
Good morning, meldonya! What a great chapter! I think that they chose right by taking Alex to the hospital the way they did. If they had CareFlight-ed him out, then Derek wouldn't have been allowed to accompany him and that would probably have proved disastrous. As it was, disaster is still hovering given Glorfindel's behaviour at the hospital.
I'm wondering what Glorfindel was seeing and hearing in the back of his mind as he was driving the van. His behaviour is very reminiscent of the way he was acting in Elf Interrupted: Glorfindel's Quest in those days prior to and during the first part of his visit to Nienna's manse; when he was feeling "fractured". It wouldn't surprise me if the way he has kept himself sane over the long millennia since the end of the Fourth Age was to put a lot of his memories of Endorë and Aman behind barriers (or perhaps he tried to emotionally disconnect from them to be able to manage the loneliness). If so, the stuff that's been happening to Alex and the stresses of essentially being a king for the first time in his life could very easily be breaking down those barriers. He's a puissant Elf Lord, yes, but when it comes down to it he's always been a Lord under a king or other leader (at least from what I've read in your version of Tolkien's universe). I'm thinking that while he has great leadership skills, yeni of observing other kings and leaders, and is good at handling small scale family dynamics, he has not really been in a position where he has to integrate so many factions at the same time. And the clashes of cultures (not just Eldar vs. Edain, but warrior and non-warrior) isn't helping matters. No wonder he's losing control. I'm sure the way he feels about oaths being eternal isn't helping either. It is conceivable that he has connected Alex to his self-oath to protect Eärendil's family that he made immediately prior to his death given that they believe Alex is a far-removed scion of Beren's line... hmmm. O.K., I'm going to stop speculating now before my review becomes longer than the chapter.
That's one of the things I like about the way you write your stories, meldonya; there are so many little things in them regarding personalities, character actions and conversations my mind gets opened up to lots of different possibilities (even if my speculations end up being completely wrong when I find out the rest of the story later on).
I hope you have a lovely weekend and that you are able to find someplace cool to relax in this record-breaking heat. And of course, I'm looking forward to the next chapter and finding out what is going on with Alex and Glorfindel.
Hugs,
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. Glorfindel has been in a leadership role for a long time, so that isn't really the problem here. He has most likely placed Alex in the "family-to-be-protected-at-all-cost" category as you surmise and so he is feeling several degrees of guilt over what has happened to him and Dr. Stoner's sarcasm and dismissal of the Twins didn't help his mood any.
Have a lovely weekend yourself and thanks for taking the time to comment. You know I love long reviews, especially those that are reflective. Sometimes readers see something in a character I did not realize for myself or never thought of, and it's always interesting to see how others react to the story and the characters.
Lyana
· 29 June 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
Glorfi's wound a bit tight, eh? He really doesn't like things being outside of his control... Good thing everyone else has figured out how to manage the resident balrog slayer! But Dr. Stoner - a humiliated resident isn't so good either! Hopefully, Dr. Harris will keep him straightened out.
Ah, Alex - I know he's in good hands, but he's got a couple of weeks of pain every time he moves and getting your brains scrambled isn't a good thing in the best of circumstances! I'm glad Derek is with him.
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. Yeah, Glorfi's wound very tight and he does hate things being out of his control. We'll see more of the good doctor. Both he and Glorfindel need to apologize for their actions.
And Alex is in the best of hands, as we will soon see.
Thanks for commenting. I greatly appreciate it.
ellie
· 29 June 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
The whole thing at the hospital is one of my favorite scenes. lol! That image of Elrohir hauling off and decking Glorfindel is just priceless. I bet the twins look forward to the opportunity to hit Glorfindel to make up for all of the times he has made their lives miserable.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Yeah that hospital scene is a hoot and Elrohir decking Glorfindel is indeed priceless. I had fun letting him do it, too. *grin* Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
Terka
· 29 June 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
I've just found your fic and I want to tell you, man, I'm having fun. Just a thought, through, I'm sure that there is an injectable diazepam somewhere on hand on ER, that might be more useful than pills to sedate an excitable elf-lord. Elrohir's solution is effective, but a bit crude, all things considered. And just imagine Glorfindel with a needle stuck in his behind:)
Well, I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Be seeing you,
Terka
Author's reply
Hey, Terka. I'm glad you found this story and are enjoying it a lot. I'm sure the injectable diazepam would have been more useful, but luckily they didn't have to attempt to get Glorfindel to drop his pants and bend over. LOL! Thanks for taking the time to let me know how much you are enjoying this story. I appreciate it very much.
Whoops
· 29 June 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
Oh, at first I thought that it was Dr. Stoner trying to get Glorfindel the valium. I do think that Vorondur would have an idea of how much it'd take...although I can still imagine it'd take a lot. :P
Author's reply
No, it was Vorondur, and yes, he would have a pretty good idea how much Glorfindel would need to take to get the desired effect. *grin*
UTfrog
· 29 June 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
What a fun chapter. Sorry about poor Alex, but you could sell popcorn to the audience for that last scene with the doctors. It was perfect! Thank you.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. It was a fun chapter, at least the last part, and you're right about selling popcorn. LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much
Whispy
· 29 June 2012
· Chapter 47: Return
Hmmm, I wonder how much valium it'd take to drug an Elf...a LOT, I suspect. ;) I think Elrohir's solution probably worked much better. Heheh.
And on Alex's remark about being cursed. Hmmm. I wouldn't have rejected that so quickly...The amount of accidents he's been having IS suspicious.
Looking forward to Monday's update!
Whispy
Author's reply
Hi Whispy. As Elrohir said, his solution was much quicker and getting Glorfindel to take the valium would've been near impossible without hogtying him first.
As to whether Alex is cursed or not remains to be seen.
Thanks for reviewing. I'm very glad you are still enjoying this story.
Clouded Leopard
· 28 June 2012
· Chapter 42: Conversations with the Elves
I think it's great Alex now has Derek to talk to and bounce ideas off of. Bringing him in really helps out since he was already starting to figure things out. Having dinner with the Elves seemed pretty relaxing for everyone, it seems they were feeling each other out in getting to know everyone.
It must really be frustrating for Dave not getting much in the way of answers, but I can see the why Glorfindel and the others cannot or will not give him the answers he needs. They are protecting their friends. Eventually, it will work out.
Now, I have a question that seems minor. In the original story of Elf Academy, Ch. 17 Final Exam when Glorfindel met his test family the Michaelson's, Dave's wife was introduced as Janna. But in Elf Academy Part Deux Ch. 21 Last Picnic of the Season and Ch. 42 Conversations with the Elves, Dave's wife is mentioned as Jenna. Which is it? Like I said it is minor, either way both names are nice.
Author's reply
Hi Clouded Leopard. Actually it is Janna. Jenna is a misprint and has been corrected. Thanks for pointing it out to me.
Alex sorely needs Derek as we will see as the story progresses. Having dinner is a great way to get to know people in a relaxed and hopefuly non-threatening atmosphere.
Dave is very frustrated, but he respects Glorfindel and the other Elves enough to give them some slack and not push for answers they aren't ready to give.
Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Tari
· 27 June 2012
· Chapter 44: New Orders
This chapter is absolutely fascinating. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. I'm glad you found this chapter fascinating and are still enjoying the story. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Whispy
· 27 June 2012
· Chapter 46: Search and Rescue
Gonna up the "poor Alex" count...POOR ALEX! How many times has he been knocked out at this point? We need to start a count. ;) I suspect it will happen many more times. But even when he was delirious, he really is such a strong and stubborn person. Good for him.
Looking forward to Friday's update!
Whispy
Author's reply
Hi Whispy. Yeah, it's hard to keep track of the number of times, but I think the count at this point is three if you include his near-drowning at the tarn. And he is a very strong and stubborn person, which I suppose is a good thing considering his line of work. *grin* Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 26 June 2012
· Chapter 46: Search and Rescue
Poor Alex--it appears that this course of becoming a Christmas Elf is intent on keeping him ill, injured, or recovering almost constantly.
Author's reply
Poor Alex, indeed, Larner, and he really doesn't want to be a Christmas Elf anyway. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
bookworm
· 26 June 2012
· Chapter 46: Search and Rescue
The best thing about holidays is coming back to find multiple chapters. So many things have happened! The snowstorm, Glorfindel grieving... Aw, Derek & Alex are calling each other gwador now! And Derek knows! And Farrell...tch! May he have sores in uncomfortable places. Poor Alex, seems that the universe is out to get him, lately! Enjoying as always, thank you Fiondil! /stops abusing the exclamation point
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. Yeah, I can imagine it's like being a kid in a candy store. LOL! Glad you enjoyed the chapters. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor
· 25 June 2012
· Chapter 46: Search and Rescue
It is bad enough that you leave cliffhangers strew about SoA.... But now, your resolution of such cliffhangers is almost as bad as a cliffhanger itself. I was eating my fingers (the nails long since gone!)
I'm wondering if the Valar had any idea of the repercussions of bringing 'junior' to Alex's mind....
Great chapter!
Author's reply
Sorry, Agape. We'll see how Alex fares now that he's finished the race in the next chapter, though he's not completely out of the woods as far as his injuries are concerned, as we will see. And you may be correct that the Valar, or rather the Maiar, may not have thought out all the possible repercussions of bringing 'Junior' to Alex's mind, but we will see later on that his remembering 'Junior' will prove important to Alex. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Lyana
· 25 June 2012
· Chapter 46: Search and Rescue
The Army of Light is truly forming; I actually got chills reading about the students cheering him on for that last bit! And Glorfindel's got a new level of respect for Alex, addled or no. Very good!
Amroth was right - Alex is certainly one very special guy. He and Derek make a formidable team.
Author's reply
Yes it is, Lyana. I'm sure Glorfindel is seeing Alex in a new light and he and Derek do indeed make a formidable team. Thanks for commenting. I very much appreciate it.
Clouded Leopard
· 25 June 2012
· Chapter 46: Search and Rescue
This was a fantastic chapter! It was clearly heartbreaking when he was found and not really all there and probably caught up in his hallucination talking to Junior.
It would seem Alex is "an accident going some place to happen" kind of guy. First it was his near drowning, then the Norovirus, now going down a hill with a small avalanche and avoiding trees. What's next? Either that or I'm going to go with Murphy's Law: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong". But either way you gotta admire Alex for wanting to finish the rest of the race.
I have to agree with 6336 with all the games being played with a twist in them. I think I would like to try out for a couple of those races as well just for the fun of it!
Great chapter and can't wait to see what kind of more trouble Alex will get into next.
Author's reply
Hi Clouded Leopard. I'm glad you found this to be a fantastic chapter and heartbreaking as well. And you have to admire him for wanting to finish the race. He's the sort that refuses to give up no matter what. Thanks for taking the time to review. I appreciate it very much.