Laikwalâsse
· 25 January 2013
· Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn
if Alex is not coming around now then I do not understand him. How many hints does he need? Fantasy book with pointed-ears people looking like the academy staff, Lord Namo rescuing him? I would rethink my way certainly. `Do you want to survive?`- a really interesting question. Thank you for a creepy, interesting, stunning chapter. Lai
Author's reply
Alex is getting a wake-up call here, that's for sure, with all the hints. We'll see how he deals with the information he has received as well as what he learns now. And Námo is very good at asking interesting questions. *grin* I'm glad you foudn the chapter creepy as well as stunning. Thanks for letting me, Lai. I appreciate it.
Laikwalâsse
· 21 January 2013
· Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
it´s good that Alex is wondering if he could talk to his former mentor. Slowly he is hopefully getting in the right direction but Amroth is also right that deep within he is still an agent. Liked your ever present Maia, yet if he was of not much help, at least on first glance. Liked how he counted Glorfindel´s sins. Poor guy he has really enough trouble behind his back...Lai
Author's reply
Yes, Alex is slowly heading in the right direction. We'll see how far he goes soon enough and what comes of it. And Glorfindel was asking for it with his "I've never done anything stupid in my life" comment. He literally walked into it and Fionwë was happy to oblige. That should teach him. *grin* Anyway, thanks for the comments, Lai. I appreciate them.
CS
· 20 January 2013
· Chapter 86: Epilogue
I just had to come back and review this one!
I'm so glad to see where things ended up for all the agents, friendly and not so friendly. I hope Maddy is able to clean house and refresh herself to get back to being the person she is capable of being. I was so glad Nate had a chat with her. I really sympathize with her, and with Alex. I know firsthand from working in a, shall we say, somewhat ethically precarious field how dangerously easy it can be when faced with difficult choices to lose sight not only of your goals but yourself, too. I hope the little team of agents comes to trust one another and the Elves so they don’t have to feel alone.
What a long way they have all come. Perhaps especially the Elves of Wiseman. It's clear they have a type of wisdom (heh, Wise-ellon) that's a bit different from that even of the new arrivals, even Finrod. The way they stepped up and so selflessly cared for the students in the blizzard really touched me. They have learned such compassion for others. They really are the best ones to help lead the way and I am sure that is not an accident.
I am worried about that thing in the tarn. Is it really better to let it sleep unmolested when left to its own devices it could wake up at the worst possible moment? Whatever you have planned, Fiondil, I couldn't help but wonder if it's a dragon that got stuck in a glacier and kept asleep by the cold... Heh, whatever it turns out to be I hope they're ready for it.
I keep thinking of all the created beings including the Ainur as one big family that doesn't quite get along, and Melkor is the scary uncle you don't want to sit next to at Thanksgiving dinner. And poor Manwe is everyone's older brother who has to deal with all of them. I'm sure Namo's not the only one who could use a vacation, hehe.
It occurred to me that this is probably the first time the Valar have openly interacted with Mortals since... the Second Age or so? And certainly they have never been this open with large groups since Numenor it seems. They also seem to be enjoying popping in to, as that unnamed Maia put it, play with the cute Mortals. ;) It really puts things into perspective that they are doing so, however. They were adamant that the Secondborn were strictly hands off after what happened with the Firstborn; it's telling how serious things are getting that they're taking such a step.
The Elves seem a bit like pedigreed thoroughbreds, curried and trained within an inch of their lives in Aman, while the Mortals are the wild mustangs - shaggy, ornery and not at all interested in wearing anybody's bridle for all that their ancestors may have been domestic in the beginning. The Elves can clear the high fences and run the best races while the Mortals have their own talents bred into them from generations of living without, shall we say, micromanaging. I get that sense every time you show the Elves bowing and the humans just raising their eyebrows as if to say, you want my respect, show me you deserve it. I think it will take both unique skill sets of "thoroughbreds" and "mustangs" to see them through. They have the Wiseman Elves to bring them into the corral but I can't imagine all the humans are gonna take to being trained to harness without a fight, if only for the sake of being ornery. Which might be just the thing to spice up the Elves' own tempers. And of course make things more interesting for everyone. Somehow I get the feeling there's going to be a few more people on the receiving end of a "chat" before things really get rolling.
Speaking of, it didn't escape my notice that they're tucked away behind several mountain ranges and lots of little - inhabited space on one side and a dangerous and sometimes nearly impassible ocean on the other. Yet they could escape to Europe via Russia if they really had to - and history speaks for itself as to what happens when you wage a ground war in Russian winter. Overall very good strategic planning... If someone or Someone went after the US or Canada with bio weapons or nuclear weapons, they're in a good place to have a shot at survival. Although as was said it might end up being very different from modern warfare. You are one heck of a strategist yourself to be able to juggle all these details so skillfully!
Whenever you get around to EA3, I'll be here eagerly waiting! Again, bravo for your creativity, ingenuity and sheer stubbornness in pursuing this storyline.
PS- *grin* As a journalist I can’t help but think what fun it would be to have stumbled into that courtroom to see the trial. ;) Mwahaha! Story of a lifetime, if you could explain it to an editor without ending up wearing a straight jacket and being taken away by the nice folks in white coats. Or maybe even more likely, spending some time as the guest of an Inuit village that you just can't seem to leave.
Author's reply
Hello CS. I'm not sure but I think this review is almost as long as the chapter itself. LOL! I won't touch on each and every point you've made as it would take me too long. I will say that you are correct that the Wiseman Elves are very caring and compassionate, especially toward Mortals, but having actually lived among them for so long, they know both their strengths and weaknesses and can act accordingly. And, of course, your analysis of the Valar is pretty much spot-on: they are both endearing and frustrating, even for me. But it is true that they are taking a more hands-on approach with Men than they ever have, but obviously with Eru's blessing (I think this time they actually consulted Eru about it). And I like your observation about their location. Even I didn't really see that and it's nice to have such things pointed out by attentive readers. The original reason for the location of the story was 'someplace near the North Pole that was inhabited and where people might come to see Santa' and when, in looking at a map of Alaska, I saw 'Wiseman', I knew that was the place. In fact, at the time I first started writing Elf Academy, I didn't even know about it's ultimate purpose of being the training ground for the Last Battle. But obviously, my subconscious, or my Muse, knew all this and arranged things accordingly.
Anyway, thank you for a lovely review (and I do love long reviews). I appreciate you taking the time to leave one.
Laikwalâsse
· 17 January 2013
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
"You sound like Fox Mulder" - indeed! Liked how Elrohir reminded that he is still a warrior, even if you do not see it all the time and I think the ellith is doing good in not knowing what dark times the twins have behind them. I understand Glorfindel that he cannot believe that Amroth helped to train people to kill, it´s somehow not fitting, being a healer or being a member of search and rescue - yes that´s right for elves but a trainer for spies and killers? Curious who are the other agents around. Yet, I still like Alex....Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. One never stops being a warrior no matter how long it's been since one has actually seen battle and Serindë needed that reminder. We will learn Amroth's story eventually. It's not pretty but so it goes. And we'll learn something of the other agents eventually. I'm glad you still like Alex. There is much to like. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Laikwalâsse
· 14 January 2013
· Chapter 12: The ACCU Invades
I have already guessed that Farell must be another agent. Slowly some doubts are creaping into Alex´ mind, beginnig that the weird language is not made up...hope he continues on that path but the appearance of the agent will again destroy the fine threads of believing, right? What in all of the world are snickerdoodles? I cannot find it in any dictionary...*g*. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. Snickerdoodles are sugar cookies made with cream of tartar and rolled in cinnamom sugar. They are fairly popular here in the States during the Christmas season.
We will see how Farrell's presence affects Alex and what he makes of the weird language.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Laikwalâsse
· 13 January 2013
· Chapter 11: Decision
seeing people on very old photos can be disturbing for some one not knowing and destroys the little trust Alex has maybe gathered. He is doing what he can best: use his job to gather reliable information - or so he thinks. To gather his loyalty it will be necessary to induct him into their secret - or so I hope. Lai
Author's reply
Very true, Lai. We will see what happens when the Elves let him in on their secret. That knowledge will change everything for Alex for good or for ill. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Laikwalâsse
· 6 January 2013
· Chapter 10: Discussions
Elrohir in love - it´s about time, but this girl needs a sister..*g*. I´m with Daeron: why ist Glorfindel so reluctant to confront Alex? Yet I like Glorfindel´s attitude in respecting Amroth. He´s a king after all and that this is long past does not count, at least not for the elves and I fear Alex is not yet ready for learning the whole truth but Daeron is also right that he poses a threat maybe. Caleb was good for Glorfindel and that he reminded him of Estel. Liked your little history lesson. I´m not well versed with gods and fallen angles but this was very interesting. THank you Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. Unfortunately Serindë is an only child so Elladan is out of luck there, but don't worry. I'm sure he'll find someone eventually. The situation with Alex is certainly fraught with danger however they go and while Daeron has a good point, Glorfindel knows that it really isn't his call. However, circumstances will occur that will force everyone's hands as you will shortly see. And as a student of history, I like to insert some tidbits now and then to deepen the characters of the Elves who lived through it. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it very much.
Laikwalâsse
· 4 January 2013
· Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel
the longer I read your story the more I regret that I live in a world without elves! What would I have given to hear Daerons song. How much more can Alex take in? I hope he will soon really see and not have a breakdown. As Elrohir said: this place is changing everyone coming here - how true. A talk with Ambrose is much overdue. I have to revise my former statement. I have no longer a favorite chapter; its simply my favourite story. Thak you Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. I think we all wish there truly were Elves in our world. We'll see how things go with Alex. We're not through with him and neither are the Elves. And his talk with Ambrose will come soon enough, never fear, and then everything will begin to change for him I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for taking the time to review and let me know. I appreciate it.
Laikwalâsse
· 4 January 2013
· Chapter 8: Making Amends
I wonder how the trees react when they do someone NOT allow to approach? Anyway I loved Gil Winters arguments about the existing of elves. Poor Alex: every conviction he has is shattered. Hope he has regained some confidence. The elves can really unsettle your world view, can´t they? One of my favourite chapters so far. Thanks. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. I'm sure the anyone the trees don't like gets a feeling of gloom and unease (there have been forests like that) and they don't hang around long. And "Poor Alex" is the most common comment in this story. His worldview has to be turned around before he can deal with what is happening in Wiseman as you will see in subsequent chapters and the Elves are very good at unsettling mortals when needed. I'm glad this is one of your favorite chapters so far. I rather like it myself *grin*. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very mcuh.
Laikwalâsse
· 3 January 2013
· Chapter 7: History Lessons
so, Ambrose is Amroth - my guess was wrong then, but it´s ok. At the latest after kissing Nimrodel all was clear..*g*
Why was Alax comforted by the trees? Maybe he is much more involded in this as he thinks? And this Derek is very suspect to me too. He knows far too much about this elf-thing and speaks this non-existing language much too good. I hope Glorfindel has considered all the troubles that will come his way. The agency is only the beginning, I fear. Lai
In fact I do not like this cross-over stories but what have you done with me? I can hardly wait to read the next chapter and see what happens. Unfortunately there is work to do and my houshold and the kiddies and so on...and so much chapters to go...*g*
Author's reply
Hi Lai. We'll see why Alex was comforted by the trees in a subsequent chapter and Derek isn't what he appears to be, but not in a bad way, as you will eventually see. A lot of people don't care for "Elves in modern day" type stories, but more than one person has said they really enjoyed my take on it and I'm glad you are enjoying the story regardless. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate you taking the time to do so very much.
Laikwalâsse
· 1 January 2013
· Chapter 6: Field Trips and Nature Walks
poor Alex -he´s going from one surprise to the other and never is he getting a satisfying answer but what can we expect from elves? Liked how Alex observed how Glorfindel glowed in the woods and how easily he walked. It´s really frustrating to be a moratal in their presence. His mentor taught him well - indeed! Gil´s answer was good - an language made up..hah! The scene around the lake was indeed creepy but again what do we expect with elves involved? Yet Alex seemed to have a special sense. You always weave the simple things of moral lifes with the mysteriousness of the elves being..very, very entertaining. Thank you so much. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. Right now Alex has no clue what's real and what's not. He has no knowledge of Elves at this point and Gil is correct about how all languages (and history) are made up. And the tarn is creepy not because of the Elves but because of what sleeps in it. Anyway, we'll see how it affects Alex later on and why. I'm glad you find the way I write entertaining. Thanks for telling me. I appreciate it.
Laikwalâsse
· 31 December 2012
· Chapter 5: Alex’s First Day
fighting against a millenia-old and well trained elven warrior can be no fun but Alex hold his ground and Elrohir (Roy is Elrohir - yes? somehow I always lose treck)was impressed. I´m still curious about Elwood. I wonder what the elves will think about such weak and untrained mortals. There is much work to do indeed. Thank you for another interesting chapter. Lai
Author's reply
HI Lai. I doubt the Elves look down on the students in that way, knowing that they can't compete against them physically. They accept them as they are and encourage them to do their best and work to improve their physical skills. And yes, Roy is Elrohir. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Laikwalâsse
· 26 December 2012
· Chapter 4: Settling In
I think Alex has done his best in setting in even if nearly speaking his real name. I would have forgotten my name completetly while dealing with an Elf-lord like Daeron. The Elf´s are enjoying to confuse people, I´m sure.....Lai
Author's reply
We'll see just how well Alex settles in, Lai. If I'd encountered someone like Daeron I think I would be stumbling all over the place too. And they love to confuse us poor mortals. LOL! Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Laikwalâsse
· 24 December 2012
· Chapter 3: Trouble Looming
accreditation? as if the elves have no other problems and believe me as a lab leader I know what accreditation means, if it is the same you are talking about. Poor elves, but they will make it and win over the auditors, I hope? Dear Findil I wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year and hopefully much more lovely stories from you in the future. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. Yes, accreditation. We'll see how that works out for our Elves eventually. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you as well, and thanks for your reviews of my stories. I appreciate them very much and, Eru willing, I have plenty of more stories to tell in the coming year and beyond.
Laikwalâsse
· 22 December 2012
· Chapter 2: Assessment
it´s good to see that even mighty Glorfindel can still be impressed from time to time. He appeared a bit presumptuous, yet I want not to change place with him and the task he had been given from the Valar. I´m really intriguied how the "outer world" will react to these high-flying plans. Hope they are many more Elves left in these times to help our stand-alone fighters. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. I wouldn't want to be in Glorfindel's shoes, either. As for other Elves, we'll find out as the story progresses. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Laikwalasse
· 21 December 2012
· Chapter 1: Infiltration
ah, the government is reacting, as I expected. Why does the name Elwood ring some bell in me? The description perfectly fits for a certain Elf-Lord with a alike name? I´m wrong? Liked the beginning of the second part very much. Thank you. Lai
Author's reply
We'll learn who Elwood is eventually, never fear, Lai. Glad you liked how this story begins. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 6 December 2012
· Chapter 72: Kidnapped!
I found your first story of the Elf Academy, and use to go back to it when ever I would miss Middle Earth and /or needed my heart to smile. I needed one Monday and found part Deux. I have been reading it ever since and am now going through the second time while I wait on your new story. ;)
I bow to your greatness! May you never bore of writing, and may you never be to busy to add another of the Elf Academy stories.
Author's reply
Hello Laer. I am so glad to know you've been enjoying the Elf Academy series. To tell you the truth, it's popularity with my readers rather surprised me but I have to admit that I enjoy writing it and there will eventually be an Elf Academy 3 sometime next year, if all goes well. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I really appreciate it.
Little Mouse
· 29 November 2012
· Chapter 86: Epilogue
Sorry it took me so long to respond to the end of this story. I loved every moment of it, and always eagerly awaited the updates. Often one of my first thoughts on Mondays and Fridays was "It's Elf Academy day!" :D And I'm very glad to see both my beloved Glorfindel and Daeron finally find some love interests. (btw, it's all your fault I love them as much as I do. Whenever I think of them, it's your portrayal in my head.) And I was excited to see Elladan might find his way to love eventually. Hopeless romantic aside, the entire series is very well done. I look forward to more from our Elves, as well as Alex and Derek (both of whom made me laugh quite a lot). Thanks again for another great story (and further inspiration)!
Author's reply
Hi Little Mouse. I'm so glad you enjoyed this story and especially enjoyed my depiction of Glorfindel and Daeron. Daeron is proving to be a very interesting character and I hope to do more with him in the next installment than I did here. It seemed that Vorondur was highlighted here more than the other Elves with him working with Alex. At any rate, a sequel is forthcoming. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 17 November 2012
· Chapter 86: Epilogue
From The Valinor Voice...
There was much weeping and wailing on the streets of Tirion today, Lord Fiondils, Elf Academy Part Deux, his entertaing tale of Edhel in Ennorath, has finally come to an end or is it the beginning, as he has left enough tales hanging to ensure that people will be back for more!?
Morofindel, our favorite Inn Keeper, is concerned that his buisness will be going down on Mondays and Fridays, the days that Lord Fiondils Tale was appearing in the newspaper, 'Perhaps, now that people have found there way here they will be coming back, Lord Fiondil has promised us some more stories, but not until the New Year. We will have to see how it goes.'
Mistress Serinde, our visitor from Eldmas was disapointed that he did not get to the wedding, 'I was so looking forward to his description of the dress and everything, oh, well perhaps we will be seeing it next year. I know we Edhel live for all the ages of Arda, but sometimes it gets a bit boring waiting for things to happen!'
Back copies of the Valinor Voice are still available and there are plans to have copies of Lord Fiondils other stories available.
Nelliel, of Tirion.
It's amazing what I find when out walking the cat!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
LOL! Too funny, Lynda. Thanks.
bookworm
· 14 November 2012
· Chapter 86: Epilogue
Ah, and so it ends D= Realistically I knew this was coming but still... I'm glad to see that Alex/Ambrose is reconciling his issues, and look forwards to whatever comes next! (Also, I'm sorry Alex, but I agree with Derek that it'd be HILARIOUS if your parents hit it off. *hums Brady Bunch theme*) Seems that Powers are moving on both sides of the fence... will we get to see more of this universe Fiondil? I'd dearly love more, if the muse obliges. Thank you for a wonderful ride, in any case!
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. There will be more Elf Academy, I promise. I'm glad you enjoyed reading this story and I appreciate you taking the time to leave comments along the way. Thank you.
katharein
· 13 November 2012
· Chapter 86: Epilogue
Brilliant, parts un et deux. Looking forward to part trois. Very few fics tackle the problems of surviving Elves - maybe into the 4th Age. The "human dumped into ME" is mostly Mary-Sue (exception: Boz4pm's Penny "Panic" tales.) I've enjoyed your other tales too. Keep them coming!
Author's reply
Thank you, Katharein. I'm so glad you've enjoyed the Elf Academy series as well as my other tales and are looking forward to more. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know.
obsidianj
· 11 November 2012
· Chapter 86: Epilogue
I'm sad to see this story end. I'm sorry to miss out on Alex's test tour, but it is just as well. We have seen the way these tours are conducted. Had to laugh at the idea of Derek's dad and Alex's mom hitting it off together. I think Alex's mom has to get to know her son again when she comes.
Thanks for writing such entertaining stories. Can't wait to see what you come up with next and hope for a new installment of Elf Academy.
Author's reply
And I'm sad that it is over with as well, obsidanj, but there is more of the story to be told and that's something to look forward to. You're right that Alex's mom wlll need to get to know her son again and I think that will be a major part of the next storyline (or one of them, at least). Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate you taking the time to do both.
jgmsccc
· 11 November 2012
· Chapter 86: Epilogue
Thank you for a wonderful story and for the promise of more. I have just had my internet returned (Thank you Storm Sandy) and was sad to see I would be reading the epilogue. I so enjoy and have become so totally involved in the characters you have created that I re-read your stories all the time. Enjoy the holidays!
Author's reply
I'm glad you were finally able to get back internet, jgmsccc. I know what it feels like not to have immediate access. Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed this story and all my other stories. I appreciate it very much. And happy holidays to you as well.
obsidianj
· 11 November 2012
· Chapter 85: Final Resolution
A satisfying ending. And not only Maddy, but Sanders also signed up. Great. I wasn't so worried about Alex's decision. he has grown so much. I like it how he meshes his two names. It seems there is another sequel, because there are so many unanswered question.
Author's reply
Thanks, obsidianj. And yes, there will eventually be a sequel, though not immediately.
rick
· 9 November 2012
· Chapter 86: Epilogue
Yay! a good story well-turned out with a happy ending, and just enough loose ends left for an equally good sequel.
Your fans won't let you rest long (if at all) on your laurels, Fiondil. Please do keep writing (after a _short_ recuperative break ), and thanks for all you've done to date.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this, Rick. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.