Reviews (1,246)

Sunny · 9 April 2012 · Chapter 25: Delving into the Past

I wonder if Vairë is freaking out right now and having a fit about who has bugged her tapestries? Or perhaps she is also into the "let's freak Alex out" game that is going on. *sniggers* This chapter is certainly interesting, in that Alex is "channeling" someone other than Beren, indeed someone he has no blood tie to! And he certainly has acquired information - somehow, from somewhere - that he ordinarily would not have had. Like knowing about Laurendil and the Death Sworn. It is certainly shaking him up quite thoroughly, but perhaps that is the point, or at least part of it? The Valar seem to be intent on saving him, and shaking him out of his old certainties could well be part of their tactics. If this is rough on Alex, well, I suppose that is what is needed. The alternative would probably have been that Alex drowned in that tarn. Smart of Glorfindel to have asked for a Maia to help keep an eye on Alex, given the way he he reacted to "remembering" Sauron's dungeon and the deaths of the others there. I am sure that the Maiar are doing heavy betting on which way Alex is going to jump, and perhaps even the Valar are laying a wager or two here and there. And if they _are_ betting - I get the feeling that right now Alex is nearly as unpredictable as Glorfindel at his craziest as a newly Reborn. ;-) I suspect that Glorfindel was rather charmed at the original idea for Alex' essay, but then he is able to charm just about anyone (at least anyone mortal) without even half trying. I get the feeling that it was a good thing Alex stopped writing when he did. Otherwise he would probably had his fit in the classroom, which probably would have led to him being carted off to a padded room somewhere. It won't surprise me if Alex meets Fionwë, and sooner than Glorfindel may believe. at the rate things are going pear-shaped, Alex will probably have a fit some time soon when no Elves are around, and Fionwë will need to step in. Hopefully he will remember to outfit himself with boring contemporary clothing, rather than his usual Medieval splendor, complete with flaming sword. ;-)

6336 · 9 April 2012 · Chapter 25: Delving into the Past

Vorondor's nephew? Hm, interesting, very interesting! Poor Alex, he really is having a time of it, if he wasn't with the Elves I have a feeling he would be haeding for the Funny Farm! Or at least thinking he needed to go! Oh, good there was a Maia around when they neded one, the Valar are keeping a close eye on the developements, it would be interesting to know what they think. Now to get started on finding the carpet in the Den, not sure how happy Miss Kitty will be when her bed goes bye-bye! Meeting Morwen among the Elms. Huggs, Lynda

harrowcat · 9 April 2012 · Chapter 25: Delving into the Past

So, did Fionwe help out the first time Alex freaked out? Both bios are fascinating and a nice gift for Vorondur. Am I the only one who thinks that there is much more to Derek than meets the eye? He is being either very polite or very restrained when it comes to Alex. I just pray that my deepest fear is just my mistrusting nature at play. I am sure that it is. The Elves would know and I don't think that you are quite that devious. As usual, can't wait for Friday even though it will be the end of my break.

UTfrog · 9 April 2012 · Chapter 25: Delving into the Past

Last two chapters are great. Alex is much braver than he ever thought with so much going on in his life. The elves sure have their hands full. Wonderful chapters. Thank you.

Soledad · 9 April 2012 · Chapter 25: Delving into the Past

Huh! Speak about revelations! Of course, as it always is with Elves and Valar, the explanation raised more questions than it answered. But that's how long tales are spun, so I'm not complaining. And Fionwë was lurking around, wasn't he? Why am I not surprised? *g*

Erulisse (one L) · 9 April 2012 · Chapter 25: Delving into the Past

Oh, not an easy thing to remember for anyone, least of all one who never realized he was wrapped up in First Age history. Not many good things happened to the major players in that Age. This will certainly give the Elves and Alex a lot to think about, but they are dragging their feet on this a bit and that could end up causing more harm than good. Can't wait for the next chapter :-) - Erulisse (one L)

Kitty · 9 April 2012 · Chapter 25: Delving into the Past

Phew! Now I really feel sorry for Alex, in his place I'd probably freak out quite a bit. The way he is weaving the memories of Elves and Men together is even more strange than only one of them. But it was very interesting to see the story he had made for himself - though that Quest didn't end exactly well. So that elf was Vorondur's nephew? Even more intriguing! And by tapping into the memories of Bregdal and Beren both Alex has connections to even more of the elves - Vorondur, his wife and daughter, Glorfindel, the twins ... and that's not even counting Amroth as his father figure. Now I really hope he can cope and there will not be more incidents - besides that being bad for his sanity, it would get out if he keeps having these 'incidents' in class, and these other spies will probably tell that to Farrell or Maddy ... not very comforting to think about. I'm really getting worried!

obsidianj · 7 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Oh boy, Alex is in trouble. They better sort him out before Farrell makes a reappearance. Or he might really be a danger to himself and people around him. I don't like Alex fearing for Derek if he would leave him alone. I loved the happy Alex creating his 'good' persona until the world came crashing down around him.

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 7 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Well, Atto, you had me laughing from his using Gil's real name at the beginning. Although this whole knowing Sindarin without knowing it, and the writing out "his" history in tengwar...wow. I wonder what's going on with this racial memory thing. Who was he really writing about? Looking forward to Monday! May your Easter be blessed, Atto. Tye-melin! Kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 7 April 2012 · Chapter 23: Reassessing the Situation

Atto, Sorry about the lack of reviews over this past week. Emma arrived on Tuesday, not Monday, but Monday was spent in a hectic rush getting last-minute preparations done. *grin* I read the chapter on time - just haven't had much time this week to sit down and think out coherent reviews! Anyway, so Alex has got a lot to reassess, hasn't he? His entire worldview is changing. Elves, indeed. I wonder just when he'll find out Dan and Roy are his 'uncles', exactly? LOL! Tye-melin, Kaylee

6336 · 7 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Just wanted to add my two cents to the mix. Could Alex' near death experiance have awakened the gene that alows him to hear the Music of Arda and that is triggering his dream and fuge states? He could also be picking up vibes from the Elves! Yes, Tavrobel is a beautiful, little seaside town, wish I could spend some time there among the Elves! Happy Easter, one more time, Huggs Lynda

Lyana · 7 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Unconsciously writing in tengwar?!? I'd say that would be a shock to the system! Good thing Alex is as seasoned as he is or he'd have been sobbing curled up in a corner long ago - warrior indeed... Glad to see that he appears to have resolved his feelings about Amroth and be once again viewing him as a father figure - he's going to need someone he really loves and trusts. And Derek! I'd be inclined to think he can take care of himself, but he seems a bit oblivious to all that's going on and nobody should underestimate Farrell's malice. I'm sure you won't tell, but I hope he's brought into things soon, because I think he'd do everything he could to protect Alex!

Larner · 7 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Now, this is an interesting twist! To be descended from the Telcontar lineage would certainly put an interesting spin on his possible racial memories, to be certain. And glad he's thinking about Derek and Farrel's possible attempts to retaliate by an attack on him. Fascinating tale!

Sunny · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

I read through the chapter again, and noticed the name Alex put down for his father - it certainly makes it clear how he felt - and still feels - about Amroth/Ambrose! :-)

Lizbeth · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Such a nice, relaxed opening to the chapter, almost as if things were finally getting resolved, and then all insanity breaks loose once again. How on earth did Glorendil get involved, and now Alex is writing someone else's memoirs in a language he still doesn't really know? *going to go insane from suspense* I'm really liking the subtle changes in Alex's responses to the elves. He's opening up and showing much more trust, and they are responding in kind. I am surprised that Derek hasn't picked up on how focused the elves are on Alex, though, unless he's still attributing it to the near-drowing incident. As a side note, I'm with Sunny when it comes to the racial memories encoded in DNA. Whenever it comes in the story I get a little distracted because of the limitations to that explanation. I only know about Akashic records from what I just read on Wikipedia, *grin* but it seems like something similar to that would be credible, especially considering what you've written about the functioning of reborn elves.

Tari · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Wow! Wouldn't it be awesome if we all had a little bit of the Elves in us? It will be interesting to see what happens to Alex next. He certainly has a lot to digest. Wish there really were classes in Sindarin. I'd be standing in line, ready to sign up.

Fantasia · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Poor Alex, at this point he will be expecting an exorcism. Now he has new family. Elrohir and Elladan and a protector, Glorfindel.

Sunny · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Interesting chapter. No wonder Alex is freaking out. Writing in Tengwar - and in fluently, and presumably archaic Sindarin without even being aware of it - must make Alex feel as he is losing his mind, no matter that the elves reassure him that, yes, he still has all his marbles. So Glorfindel is going to arrange for protection for Alex. I guess that some Maiar are likely to be hanging around invisibly. And Alex is definitely not ready for the information that the protection that is mentioned, is likely to be done by some Angels that Glorfindel just happens to be acquainted with. ;-) I can't say I personally care for the idea of the "racial memory" thing you have going on with Alex. DNA encodes proteins, period. I think I would prefer to think of the weirdness happening to Alex is that he is somehow accessing the Akashic records, and that his bloodline - his DNA - is resonating strongly with one particular part of the records, making the information stored there accessible to him. The Akashic records are a more flexible sort of MacGuffin, too. You know, the Akashic records would be Vairë's "turf" so to speak - her job is, after all, to weave the entire History of Arda, so if you want to bring her into the story, this would make for a good excuse. ;-)

6336 · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Oh dear, Alex does seem to be having a hard time of it, let's hope that Ron and Ambrose can help him get it sorted out,they do need to get to the bottom of what is causing these dreams, is he dreaming true? Can you please arrange for something nasty to happen to Farrell, I do not like the man! Is Farrell persuing his own agenda, as what he is doing goes counter to all Alex has been taught? Sitting on the steps in Tavrobel answering questions. Ah well, off to the Salt Mines a.k.a. The Mall of Doom, one more day and I am off for two weeks, let's see that four chapters of A.E. II, Yay! Happy Easter, Huggs, Lynda

Erulisse (one L) · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Oh, how I wish I found it that easy to write in tengwar, it is such a beautiful language. And I'm totally with Derek - too much memorization. But just being able to learn Sindarin would be heaven and the nightmares and channeling would be SO worth it. Have a joyous Good Friday and Easter holiday. - Erulisse (one L)

Soledad · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Now, wait a minute! Glorendil is one of the important guys from Elf, Interrupted, isn't he? Now, how on Arda can Alex know about him? And I have the sneaking suspicion that the Elf of Nargothrond was a real person - probably Glorendil himself? And why is everyone always so worried about Derek?

Kitty · 6 April 2012 · Chapter 24: Out of Memory and Time

Alex's dreams are getting more and more strange, really. And what has Glorendil to do with anything? IIRC, that was Laurendil's Sindarin name? Can't say I blame Derek – to be honest, I barely understood any word Gil said about Sindarin! Archaic nasalized stop mutations?? At first I was happy how easily Alex could imagine himself in the Elven world – until he realised what and how he had written! That's too creepy. No wonder the poor guy was close to total panic! Hm ... true, this near-death experience and his encounter with Námo might actually be the only explanation; at least I can't think of any other one. Just being around the Elves can't be it, as he didn't show these strange reactions before. But I certainly like the idea of him being a descendant of either Mithrellas, Arwen and Aragorn or Beren and Luthien, if not all of them. And if he is, then he was really meant to be there, and I suspect the Valar even more of interfering. Now you have me worried – if Alex's instincts are to be trusted, then I am worried for Derek. I actually like that guy and don't want him to get harmed by Farrell. If that one wants to target someone, why not Glorfindel or the twins? They would be better suited to deal with him. Not sure if to look forward to what these discussions are going to bring up or not. It depends too much on if it's going to be something positive or negative ...

Kitty · 5 April 2012 · Chapter 23: Reassessing the Situation

LOL – now that's an idea, the Elves singing all the kids in Wiseman to sleep! The belaguered mothers would love that, no doubt :D Why Alex reacted so strongly to the story of Beren and Luthien in comparison to the other songs he heard is something I would like to know, too. Could the Valar have something to do with the whole thing as well? Glad he was wondering how to deal with Farrell and protect the Elves in the process. He seems ready to work with them, which looks hopeful. I hope they grow on him enough to switch sides completely ;) And together, they may find a way to deal with the situation. The Elves have probably lived more millennia than Alex has years, they should have a few tricks in their pockets, and with his and Amroth's insider knowledge, they might just be able to get the Agency off their backs. Nice to learn a bit more about what the Elves did in the first ages of the world, the one we know from the work of the Professor. Now you have me again wondering if the Valar sent the pictures, or caused someone to send them. But I have to agree, Alex could be useful if they could get Farrell and the others off their back and Alex staying with them – provided the Agency doesn't decide to terminate all of them. But then, where would the story be in that? So I hope you don't plan to send any of them to Námo any time soon.

Kitty · 5 April 2012 · Chapter 22: Revelation

Really, Amroth could have at least reassured poor Alex that he didn't hurt anyone, instead of letting him freak out. Have the Elves *still* not learnt to give a straight answer? But you know, the fact that Alex was so worried that he could have hurt someone again says a lot about him. He may be a trained killer, but he's still got a good heart. Hm, that answers my question if everyone sees the images when Daeron is singing, or if it was only Alex. So most people do. Still, Alex's reaction to the Lay of Leithian seems to have been even more intense. It's hard to understand how he could talk in a language he doesn't even really understand yet, or at least in a dialect not existing any longer. Racial memory? Makes sense, I suppose, though it's still strange. Ron seems to think along the same line as me, wondering if he could be a descendant of the Dúnedain, or even the Elves by way of Arwen. Btw, I was glad to know that the Elves could save at least some of the people there by taking the people of Arnor and Dol Amroth with them. What happened to the Gondorians and Rohirrim, I wonder? So the cat is finally out of the bag ... While I didn't like the thought that he wanted to deal with them this way, considering his background I guess it's only normal that he did. He's trained to deal with dangerous terrorist groups, after all. Luckily, he gave them the chance to at least explain. When you put it like that, I mean what Alex is thinking of his interactions with Amroth, saying Amroth was once a king sounds even more weird *grin* Oh. When Alex brought up that Daeron had betrayed Luthien, I had to go and look it up. While I have read that part of the Silmarillion, I had completely forgotten who it was. Glad the twins don't hold it against him, we all know what these grudges lead to, after all. When you said Serindë was born at the beginning of this age, I always thought she was around 2000 years old. Seems I was mistaken and have to add a few millennia. Not that it makes much of a difference ...

AleiTheLeaf · 3 April 2012 · Chapter 22: Revelation

I've been horribly remiss with not leaving reviews, and it's high time that I did. This chapter was fantastic! I like the intricacies of how you wove Gordon's different aspects of his personality into his reactions- it was very believable. Additionally, I loved the "And you didn't kill him?" line paired with Daeron's reaction. It was a great way to change the tone of the conversation and was funny due to its delivery. Continually lurking, ~AleiTheLeaf