tari · 20 March 2012 · Chapter 18: Conversation with a Loremaster
Now that was heavy. Darren has given Alax much wisdom to ponder over.
Author's reply
Yes, he has. Thanks for commenting, Tari. It's much appreciated.
Elf Academy Part Deux by Fiondil
Reviews (1,246)
Sunny · 20 March 2012 · Chapter 19: The Unmaking of Artemus Gordon Meriwether
So the balrog has arrived - hopefully Shane and her friends will be able to deal with her - and Glorfindel, at least, has experience in handling balrogs... ;-) I think Alex is very much in a delicate condition right now. He did die, after all, and the Evil!Artemus persona may have died - or perhaps is in the process of dying. The Elves are clearly going to do their best to help him, but it wouldn't surprise me if Interesting Times are going to be had by all. Alex' reaction to Amroth triggering the posthypnotic command in his mind would certainly indicate that1 And who knows what other things still lurk in the depths of Alex'- or Artemus' - mind. And speaking of Alex/Artemus - I am reminded of Cassalcarin from _Behind the Galvorn Door_. I don't think we are going to see Alex/Artemus wiped out the way Cassalcarin was, but Evil!Artemus' death would no doubt have a definite and deep effect. Ron did confuse me a bit - I definitely mixed him up with one one of the twins, since it was implied in the last chapter that he was a shrink - and it would have been logical, to my mind, if the twins had followed in their father's footsteps and become healers - or one of them, at least, might have.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. We'll see how everyone handles Shane's mom in later chapters. She plays a minor role here so we won't see much of her. Alex is indeed in a fragile state right now. That will prove important soon, as we will see that his 'death' experience is far-reaching. And no, we won't see anything like Cassalcarin's situation here. Artemus isn't necessarily evil, though he's had to do things that most people would consider evil. A darkness does lie within him, a darkness which attracted the lurker in the tarn and it's that darkness which the Elves are trying to address. And having either or both Twins have a modern medical background, I felt, was too obvious. They both certainly were trained in the healing arts by their father, but it doesn't necessarily follow that they would always be healers of one stripe of another. In this point of time, they do not practice medicine, but Vorondur does and has both a medical degree and a degree in psychiatry. And we will see, that will come in handy in the days and weeks to come as Alex tries to sort himself out. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it very much.
Soledad · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 19: The Unmaking of Artemus Gordon Meriwether
Oh, wow, now this was quite a ride from the poetic descriptions in the opening paragraph to the increasingly creepy happenings later! So, Amroth has already protected Alex from the darkness during training? Interesting. I can't wait for the monumental shock when Alex realizes that his former mentor is several millennia old, and that he was once a king. *g* I'm really curious where you are going with this - and I hope you will figure out the secret of the tarn once and share it with us.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. I don't know if we'll ever learn what lies in the tarn, but maybe someday we will. At the moment, even I don't know for sure though I have a guess or two. We'll have to see how things develop. It won't be long before the Elves reveal themselves to Alex. A few other events have to take place before that happens and circumstances will almost force their hand. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it.
Larner · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 19: The Unmaking of Artemus Gordon Meriwether
Now, THAT was indeed interesting. Now, to see him facing that moment when he died, and a Maia or Vala brought him back to himself.
Author's reply
We will see him facing that moment in a later chapter. It will have a profound impact on him and the Elves. I'm glad you found the chapter interesting, Larner. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 18: Conversation with a Loremaster
Alex still has much to learn. Interesting he reacted only to his given name.
Author's reply
He's obviously very conflicted and suffering from an identity crisis of some kind. We'll see how he resolves this problem as the story progresses. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it very much.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 19: The Unmaking of Artemus Gordon Meriwether
Atto, *dryly* My Daernana was from Brooklyn. You just explained a heck of a lot about my Ada right there with Shane's mother. *snort* I'd been wondering. I didn't meet her until she was living in Florida. Anyway, besides the fact that Shane's mother explained a lot to me personally (lol, and poor Shane *hugs* besides mother issues, dental issues are ick), I have to feel sorry for Alex, still going through the Alex/Artemus struggle. I like him better as Alex...I think by now Alex is his "real" self and Artemus is his "twisted" self, as much as he'd like to deny it. Oh? A failsafe word? Tauron, hmm...I wonder what Orome thinks of that, lololol. Did he tell you? Did Namo tell him? Hmm. Still wondering just which Maiar out of my favorites they were. Tye-melin, Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. You may be right that 'Alex' is his real self and 'Artemus' somewhat 'twisted'. We'll have to see how it all develops. Even I'm not sure at this point what will ultimately happen with him. A lot of things can go wrong (or right) in the meantime. As for the Maiar, since Námo told Alex they were his people, you can assume one was probably Maranwë, maybe another Calimo, perhaps the others are just Maiar we've never actually met whom Námo sent. Anyway, thanks for commenting. Tye-melin.
6336 · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 19: The Unmaking of Artemus Gordon Meriwether
Well they are not exactly telling Alex but they are dropping enough hints to make Varda mad at the mess on the floor! A post hypnotic fail safe for an Intelligance Officer, sounds like a good idea, could come in handy if one goes rogue, did Ambrose have one or was he able to block it? They really do need to find out what is causing Alex' nightmares! Now to get my own shower and get ready for work on this rainy Monday! Ingwion is talking with the 'One' at the moment. Slightly soggy Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Right now all Alex can handle are hints. I think Ambrose was able to avoid having a fail safe planted in him, since he was the one administering the fail safes. As to Alex's nightmares, hopefully they will be addressed though other events may interfere with that; we'll have to see. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated. Nice dry hugs back. *grin*
harrowcat · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 19: The Unmaking of Artemus Gordon Meriwether
Wow! I feel like I have just wobbled off a roller-coster ride. A great deal to think on in this chapter. When I saw the title i very nearly decided to put it aside until Friday but I couldn't wait that long.
Author's reply
Hi harrowat. Yes, a very exciting chapter with a lot going on. I hope you're not sorry you waited until Friday to read it. *grin* Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Erulisse (one L) · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
Sorry for being so silent over the past few weeks, B2ME has me fully in its grasp. But I have been reading in stolen monents and will try to catch up on reviews. I loved the references that went back to EI in this, and the reminder that it gave me on how much I had enjoyed reading those. And I loved Fionwe showing up again. Maia rock! I'm going to let myself have a treat and read your newest chapter right now, but I'll catch up within the next week or so, I promise. Any chapter by you is always a treat for me. ... - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. I'm seriously considering in the future not to post anything during March or November because people get too caught up with B2ME or that national writing month thingy to bother with reading and reviewing stories. *grin* Anyway, I'm glad you liked the references to EI and I look forward to any reviews you get around to writing.
Kitty · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 19: The Unmaking of Artemus Gordon Meriwether
So Alex is already considering if he believes that Elves can exist. First step to accept reality, I guess. (And just for the record, I like to think they could exist, too!) Ugh. Shane's mum sounds rather difficult and tiring. These types who complain about everything and everyone and see a conspiracy against themselves in every little thing are a pain in the butt. Alex is really reacting very strongly to the simple mention of the tarn and the memories it is dragging up. What would he do without the Elves there? Getting further through the chapter – now that was unexpected. Never thought about the possibility for such a trigger word. Is that something you came up with, or is it common with espionage thrillers? In any case, it was an interesting explanation for his reactions. Which must have gotten even more violent, if the state of the room and the people in it is anythign to go by ... Anyway, I hope at least that problem is now solved, we can't have him break down every time someone in the Academy mentions the tarn, after all. The Elves could avoid it, but the others?
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Well, he's certainly not dismissing the idea tha Elves could exist, which is a good start towards accepting their existence. And Shane's mom is one of those people who love to complain and don't realize how tiresome they are. I have no idea if the idea of a trigger word is part of the arsenal of espionage thrillers but I thought it was plausible. And apparently now that they understand what the problem is and Amroth has corrected it, Alex shouldn't have any more problem with people mentioning the tarn in his presence. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Arwen75 · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 19: The Unmaking of Artemus Gordon Meriwether
Well I can see why Shane was afraid of her mother coming..... As to Alex/Artemus - wander if he picks up on what Amroth says about you Noldor - he is certainly starting to think about things. Now I have to wait till Friday to see what happens next.....
Author's reply
Hi Arwen. Yes, Shane's mother is one of those types people dread to be around because of their constant complaining. I'm not sure if Alex really is paying attention to what the others are saying, at least not on a conscious level. He's a bit too frazzled at this point to bother. And Friday isn't that far away... *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Kitty · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 18: Conversation with a Loremaster
That warding and spells business has really to sound strange to Alex – even I feel more taken to the world of Harry Potter than LotR when I see these terms, because it's more common there. No wonder poor Alex is confused. So Alex is finally beginning to put the pieces together. To notice the way the Elves are different from normal humans and reconsidering his opinion that Sindarin is an invented language is certainly the first step to accept reality. When he finds out – or is told – the truth, it will make more sense, I guess. And from what Gil said, it will be very soon. Ah, Freud and Jung ... we learned about them at school, though I have to admit that my memories of them are somewhat vague after 30 years. Alex must have thought he heard wrong, Ron studying under them ... Alex's remark about the old geezer seemed so funny, because I think about an old, grey man, more like Gandalf, when I hear that word, and you have to admit, the Elves are very far from that! Alex said what I have said before – the people in earlier times weren't as stupid as many nowadays like to think. I mean, they may be able to build skyscrappers with their cranes and all, but they are still arguing how the pyramids were built. And back then there were no cranes to lift the heavy stones up to the top ... so there's no need to look down their noses on the old cultures. That discussion between Darren and Alex was interesting. Darren is right, Dante's view of the world was more humane than ours nowadays. And it fits more with the belief of Middle-earth. Why do I get the feeling Darren knew Dante personally, btw?
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. It's taking a little time, but Alex is slowly putting the pieces together. We'll see soon enough what brings him to the point where the Elves feel they can reveal themselves to him. And I wouldn't be at all surprised if Daeron knew Dante personally. I know he and Glorfindel and the Twins were living in Italy around that time, as were Nimrodel and Mithrellas, so it's not beyond the realm of reality that they knew Dante and other famous people. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj · 18 March 2012 · Chapter 18: Conversation with a Loremaster
The title of this chapter is aptly chosen. Darren is a loremaster and he can't hide it *g*. Alex's head must be swirling to make sense of it all. I like it that the elves don't try to tell Alex what they are, but they rather show it to him. He is still mostly in denial, but his denial gets cracks.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. This is one of my favorite chapters in this story because we get to see Daeron at his best. And it's always better to show than tell, anyway. Daeron's conversation with Alex is forcing Alex to think outside the parameters he considers 'normal' and this in turn will prepare him for when the Elves reveal their existence to him. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
someone · 17 March 2012 · Chapter 18: Conversation with a Loremaster
Sorry, it's been a while since the last review. *looks sheepish* So, here's for the last few chapters... "Tall, dark and handsome"...! I bet he is. Great description. And now Alex actually lives with the Elves and starts seeing better how they differ from the averange human (and that Sindarin is a real language). One thing I'm glad is that the twins act like adults in this story and are not just the comic relief, like you can see sometimes. Interesting discussion between Alex and Daeron, which shows clearly that Daeron is a wise, old elf. I've never read those books, but it looks like their view of the outer space is more positive/hopeful than the modern one, where there's just matter and empty space.
Author's reply
Hi Someone. Glad you're catching up. Dante is not easy reading, but it is essential reading and I highly recommend it. You can find English translations online. Dante and his contemporaries saw a more humane universe populated by spiritual beings with God permeating all. Us moderns, unfortunately, have moved away from that worldview, though some aspects of it are returning as part of the New Cosmology. Anyway, I'm glad you like my portrayal of the Twins. They are many, many millennia old, so why shouldnt' they act as adults? Though sometimes they tend to act otherwise just to annoy Glorfindel. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 18: Conversation with a Loremaster
I think I have spotted a couple of typos: "Interesting that he responded to Artemus and not to Alex," he heard Ron say. That would be Roy, I think. Later, you have "And what’s all this business about Ron studying under Freud and Jung? That should be either "You" or "Dan" (since he is walking back to the house with Elrohir (Roy). Keeping track of what name goes where must be tricky. And I also think that you put in Amroth's proper name in the last line of the previous chapter by mistake, since Alex is the viewpoint character there, and he thinks of Amroth as Ambrose. I just noticed it yesterday - I was just so blinded by the awesomeness of Alex' description of Námo as "tall, dark and handsome" - which isn't incorrect, btw - just like everybody else. ;-) At a guess, it must have been Gil and his companions who must have done the restoration work, while Glorfy was kept well out of the way. Unless Glorfindel has learned some things over the millennia. Though I suppose he could have been helpful enough with logistics - doing the shopping and such. I don't think Alex' inner sceptic is happy with all the talk of magic stuff. But I think some part of him is getting the idea that there is something rather unusual about the people who live in Edhellond...
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. No. I mean Ron, who is Vorondur. We will be seeing more of this particular Noldo in subsequent chapters. He is the husband of Ercassë (Holly) and the father of Serindë (Sarah). But you are correct about Amroth'a name in the last chapter and I've made the correction. Thanks for pointing it out. Actually the renovations to Edhellond was done curtesy of the people of Wiseman, since Gil and the other Elves did not arrive until after Glorfindel and the others moved in. Alex is getting an to the point where he will be able to accept the idea of Elves in the world, though he's not quite there yet. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Tari · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves
Just wanted you to know I'm still reading, greadily waiting for the next chapter. This is a totally fascinating story.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. I'm glad you're still reading and enjoying this story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 18: Conversation with a Loremaster
You know, Atto, I was probably actually one of the first ones to read this chapter - I barely slept, (I didn't fall asleep until after 4 AM, and only for a couple hours) and I got the notification in my inbox around 3 AM - but because I didn't trust myself to be coherent, I waited, and look what happened, you got at least two more reviews before mine. =P Well, anyway, be that as it may...upon more coherent re-read, this chapter touched me even more deeply than it did the first time, but the main line that stuck out to me was still the same one, and of course it was from Dante. "...the Love that moves the Sun and the other stars." Hmm, where have I heard that before, once or twice? =) Profound indeed, and I think the other main thing that got me when I first read it was that Alex can read Dante in the original Italian. I know I sure couldn't! Hehe. So, what do you have planned for our ethir neth next, hmm, Atto? Or rather, what do They have planned? =) Tye-melin, Kaylee (P.S. On first read I blinked at 'Ron', which is my Ada's name. Then I remembered (wrongly) that 'Ron' had something to do with the Twins' aliases, and then I thought maybe you meant 'Roy', and then I guessed Daeron except he's Darren. Of course, I wasn't making much sense even to myself then. I forgot about the new Elves! Silly me...which reminds me, how is Serinde doing?)
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I'm glad this chapter touched you so deeply, especially the quote from Dante, one of my favorites. As for what is in store for Alex, that remains to be seen. And I'm glad you remembered that Roy is not Ron and Ron is not Roy. Sorry for the closeness of the names, but, there you go. And Serindë is doing just fine. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
6336 · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 18: Conversation with a Loremaster
Who is to say that it wasn't Love that set off the Big Bang? Things are starting to get a little intense for Alex, his lecture from Darren has given him much to think about. Your Elves have a nasty habbit of bringing you to an answer and then stopping just short of it. I might just have to go out and pick up a copy of Dante's work, just so I can keep up with you! Made it to E.I.II, Glorfy and Finda are camping in the 10th Dimension! You and Shirebound have got to stop posting on the same day, I am getting a headache trying to decide which of you to read first! Still love ya, Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Who's to say, indeed. I certainly believe it to be so. And you're right about the Elves having a nasty habit of bringing a person to an answer and then stopping short. *grin* It's a habit of which I've been unsuccessful in getting them to break. Glad to see you've made it to EI2. As for Shirebound posting on the same day as I... that's not my fault. LOL! Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Soledad · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 18: Conversation with a Loremaster
Yay, first to review! Apparently, national holidays do have their advantages - especially if they manifest in extra long weekends. *g* Anyway, loved Alex' conversation with Daeron. Quite a different view on the Universe, isn't it? Altogether, Alex seems to get really settled among the Elves - at least he doesn't have to keep in mind which modern name means which one as we readers do. *g* I imagine studying by both Freud and Jung could have caused a somewhat schisophrenic feeling for a while, even for an Elf.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. I'm glad you liked the conversation between Alex and Daeron. It is indeed a different view of the universe. C.S. Lewis, in his book, "Discarded Image", makes the same point, that for the medievals, the universe was full of life and not dead matter. And I like throwing in theological/philosophical discussions in my stories every now and then, since Tolkien was apt to do the same, at least in writing things like "Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth" and inseting philosphical comments into his linguistic essays. And I'm sure that there were many students of Freud who eventually gravitated to Jung, so Vorondur would have been in good company. *grin* Enjoy your holiday and thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Siiw · 14 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves
Oops. Didn't mean to submit an empty review. *blushes* "Tall, dark and handsome", that made me laugh. What is so wrong about that? It is true, at least according to my mental image. To a human, who is usually less handsome than an Elf, the impression must have been even stronger! I don't know what led Amroth into becoming a spy in the first place, but I am getting the feeling that the way he trained Alex/Artemus, he has tried to protect his "human" side. Alex is maybe the person he would be if he never joined the Agency. Dan sounds so much like his father sometimes. Alex' sleepiness and nightmares reminds me of the sleepiness that the newly Reborn experience. The near death experience must be as close as a human can come to that. Maybe, through the drowning of his dark side, he has regained some innocence in the same way as a Reborn does? *end of sleep deprived rambling*
Author's reply
Hi Siiw. It happens. I couldn't resist the "tall, dark and handsome" remark; it was too good not to use. *grin* We'll learn more of how Amroth became involved in espionage soon enough. And you're right that Amroth did try to protect Artemus' humanity as much as possible. That's an interesting observation about Alex's sleepiness and nightmares. I hadn't thought about it in that respect, but it certainly is plausible given the circumstances. Thanks for sharing your views on this and thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 14 March 2012 · Chapter 16: An Awkward Reunion
You know, Atto, I get the feeling this visit with the elves could be the best thing possible for our 'ethir neth', even if he doesn't see it right now. I wonder what's going to happen to him - well, I know what happens in the next chapter already, of course, but I mean after that. Eagerly awaiting Friday! (And I'm STILL wondering how the heck Amroth got in the spy game! *cough* Excuse me, _intelligence_officer_. Hehe.) Tye-melin, Atto! Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. We'll see how beneficial staying with the Elves will be for Alex as the weekend progresses and we will actually learn how Amroth got into the spy business in the first place very shortly, I promise. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 14 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves
Atto, Poor Alex...or Artemus, but for some reason I like him better as Alex, lol. I think he couldn't do better than to join forces with the Elves, of course. If it gets that annoying idiot off their backs, so much the better. Maybe they should just throw him in the tarn. Did Maddy send him to keep an eye on the ethir neth or did he come of his own volition? Anyway, hopefully Alex and the elves get rid of the pest soon and ferret out the other spy so that they can get on with fixing Alex's problems. Friday can't come soon enough. =) Tye-melin! Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Farrell was sent on Maddy's orders, but he may be working outside accepted parameters at this point. We'll have to see how it goes. Farrell will be causing Alex and the Elves grief for a while longer. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's always appreciated. Tye-melin.
obsidianj · 13 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves
The plot gets moving faster and faster. The elves should leave Alex some room to breathe. It is nice that they want to help and have compassion, but I think Alex might feel crowded. He still has a way to go before he is ready to accept the truth. I loved the idea of joining with the elves to get rid of Farrell. But that still leaves the question who else is a spy at EA.
Author's reply
The Elves are very concerned for Alex, but you're probably right that Alex may be feeling a bit crowded, and outnumbered as well. And who else may be a spy is something that will need to be addressed eventually, but right now, the Elves are concentrating on Alex who really needs their help whether he knows it or not. Thanks for commenting, obsidianj. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj · 13 March 2012 · Chapter 16: An Awkward Reunion
Alex had quite a harrowing experience and now he is confronted with Ambrose. Although he didn't get the answers he thought. The clues that something strange is going on are more obvious than ever, but Alex is still in denial. At the moment, I can't blame him. He first needs to get back to himself (whichever self that is). Does he even know which persona he wants to be? And a weekend with the elves. He doesn't even know what treat that is!
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. A very harrowing experience indeed and Alex is just not ready to hear the truth yet, though he will be soon. You're right that he needs to get back to himself, whichever self that is, but it's not going to happen overnight. Hopefully spending some time with the Elves will help. Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
Agape4Gondor · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves
Excellent again. Great idea to bring Alex to Edhellond! Was it yours? *giggles*
Author's reply
Actually, Glorfindel insisted that Alex be brought to Edhellond. I only went along for the ride. *grin* Glad you enjoyed this chapter, Agape. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.