Reviews (1,246)

Lyana · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves

Poor Alex seems very subdued; he's certainly found himself well out of his reckoning! He has to find the dreams and "treatment" frightening and confusing. I hope he'll find understanding and acceptance of his new reality soon. But I am wondering if the Agency has some "paranormal" branch that is also keeping an eye on the tarn - that might explain all the other agents in a sleepy little place like Wiseman. Can't wait for the next chapter!

Sunny · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves

I can certainly understand it if Alex would prefer to stay away from the wilderness for a while. If I were in his shoes, I would have hightailed it away from forests and lakes as fast as I would - and I grew up in the countryside, on the shore of a lake!!! :-) Did Glorfindel have anythng to do with the renovations on the mansion? In EI he was completely fumble-fingered when it came to building, though perhaps he has learned a few things over the millennia since then. At a guess, the weekend is going to be full of revelations for alex. It will be interesting to see how it goes. I wondered about the human version of Cennanion's name - I am rather relieved it was not Ken - for then you would almost have needed a Barbie, and no self-respecting elleth would want to be called that! ;-)

Fantasia · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves

Now I'm worried, I'm afraid for Alex. Luckily, he is in the right company

Larner · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves

"Who are you, alone and nameless?" asked Tom Bombadil of Frodo, or words to that effect. Seems Alex needs to answer that question for himself. And perhaps he needs to learn of a small Hobbit scholar who long ago found himself taken by something that sought to put that evil smile not only on his lips but all through his soul. And now Ryan is Amroth again.... Fascinating, as Spock would say. But then, the Elves and Spock would probably get along well, although he would find their ability to be merry inexplicable. I don't think Vulcans are merry very often. Heh!

Larner · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 16: An Awkward Reunion

Well, after all, Ambrose taught him his craft, so it's only right that Amroth give him back his bug! Heh! I'm still curious as to what kind of being dwells in that tarn, and why Alex/Artemus and it are so sensitive to one another. It obviously isn't fond of those who are capable of becoming warriors for the Light.

Kitty · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves

I'd like to visit that library myself. It sounds beautiful, even without books. Of course, the books would be another reason to want to have a look. An electric grill may be more practical when you don't have a garden or so, but I have to admit, a fire is much more atmospheric. We did it long ago when at my uncle's, roasting potatoes in aluminium foil, and now he has a fireplace on his terrace. When we are visiting, we often sit outside until it's dark and talk sitting around the fire, that's nice. Kill with a salt shaker? Now that's a strange expression! Sounds a bit too funny for what it is really saying. So Glorfindel offered Alex to join them to send Farrell packing? Considering how he felt about wanting to leave his job, that might be tempting to him, even if he's not ready for that yet. I'm really wondering how this all is going to play out ... particularly as we know there seems to be at least another spy at the EA. I hope they don't cause any problems for Alex for staying the weekend at Edhellond. That Amroth taught Alex to listen to his dreams seems a bit unusual for this profession, but seeing who the teacher truly is, it's probably not so surprising. At least the Elves now have made it clear that the dream is no coincidence, but a hint. Let's see what Alex makes of it.

Soledad · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves

Oh, for the love of everything that's holy - assuming there are still such things in our secularized times - did you really have to to *that*? Having Alex describe Námo as "tall, dark and handsome"? I gave the new chapter a first, eager glance during lunch break (where I can't review, alas), and my colleagues were all looking at me really strangely, asking themselves why was I making those highly undignified sounds. Now my reputation, such as it was, is ruined forever, and it's your fault. *g* But seriously, it was a very interesting chapter - I can't wait for the moment when Alex will have to say Denial Land good-bye and face the very unlikely reality.

Kitty · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 16: An Awkward Reunion

Poor Alex, he's got to be so confused! But it's interesting to watch how he notices these small things, like the glow or the ancient feeling around Glorfindel. I wonder how long it will take until he finally guesses the truth, or enough that they can tell him the rest. Uh. That sounds like whatever hides in the tarn reacted quite strongly to Alex and tried to get a hold of him. That's creepy! And his nightmare is even more creepy. Somehow I have the feeling Lord Irmo has something to do with it and sent it as a warning? So finally these two met again! All in all, it went better than I had feared, but then, Alex isn't in any state to confront Amroth. Wow, that was how Amroth guessed who is coming beforehand? Wouldn't have thought of the handwriting, either. They *can* be close, after all! Why do I suspect that Zach knows it were Maiar who came to the rescue? Of course, he can't say that, not to Derek and Alex, at least not right now. Oh, Alex gets to spend the weekend at Edhellond? Why am I a tiny bit envious? Though the end was amusing – love the way Amroth just handed him his bug back! :D

Kitty · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn

That's a wonderful book Daeron made for Caleb. It's really lovely to which lengths the Elves go to help Nicole and her children. Though it may not be the best one to read around Alex, but then, maybe it gives him a hint. And it made me giggle to imagine how irritated Caleb was about that stupid question why they have pointed ears :D Uh. The Winterdark Tarn Trail? Why do I get the feeling that wasn't Zach's best idea? Alex does react strongly to it, and they have the kids with them ... Oh no! You can't have poor little Caleb fall into the tarn! Though it was good to see that Alex immediately jumped after him. Trained killer or not, he's a good guy, I think. So Alex more or less died and met Lord Námo? It seems even the Valar want to turn him to the right path and get him away from the Agency. Or at least that is how I understand it. Again, I am glad the Maiar are around, making sure no one is harmed. Without them, this little trip would have ended in such a tragedy!

Kitty · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming

Humphrey Bogart? Either that's a false name, then it's way too conspicious, or it's his true name, then I can only ask what the parents were thinking? Poor kid! If agents are not allowed to retire, but on principle expected to either die in action or be killed, then that's certainly not my idea of an enticing job! When the time comes, I want to enjoy my retirement as long as possible. So it was interesting to see that Alex started to wonder if Amroth could help him to get out of that, too. How nice that he thought of his mother and didn't want her to suffer needlessly! I guess the Elves would have to help him to somehow keep in touch with her or get her to Alaska as well if he stays at the EA. Ah, good to know there are Maiar standing guard, as I have gotten used to in EI. This is getting too dangerous, we don't want anyone to get hurt if the situation escalates, after all. Good to see Fionwë again. Any hope Manveru and Erunaro will show up, too? Always liked them. And of course, he had to tell embarrassing tales about Glorfindel! Poor Glorfindel, these Maiar have such a wicked sense of humour! Oh, the end of the chapter was certainly unexpected. What is the problem with Shane's mother? Why rescuing? Does she think her daughter has joined a sect or something? Or is she just such a dragon? Well, when she comes and proves too unreasonable, send Glorfindel to the rescue. He has survived tea with a balrog, after all, and even gotten one over her, so a mortal dragon shouldn't be beyond his skills ;)

Kitty · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 13: Spies Among Us

You would probably not be too surprised to hear that I don't like Farrell. He could be a danger to the Academy and the Elves – probably more so than Alex, who at least wants to wait until he knows what is going on. And while I'm not an espionage expert, I still find it strange how they can't wait two weeks before interfering. To infiltrate an institution like the EA, it would take a bit longer. Someone seems to get cold feet here. In any case, I breated a big sigh of relief when I realised that Serindë had overheard them. At least now the Elves, and most importantly Amroth, are warned that there are more people interfering – and potentially more dangerous ones than Alex. Of course Amroth is right that Alex isn't the nice boy, but a trained killer, but still, I like him and hope he doesn't even try to harm anyone and can either join the Elves or at least leave without incident. Farrell, however ... is it very mean that I wouldn't mind too terribly if he had an accident? That one makes me worried :( How on earth are they supposed to get that Agency off their backs? Hm, I guess to check these workers no one really notices is a possibility, there a change in staff or an unpaid extra wouldn't be so obvious. At least it's a place to start.

6336 · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves

Conan! You have an Elf named Conan!? Well just as long as he is not running around in a leather loin cloth slashing everybody up with a sword I suppose it's O.K.! Poor Alex, to have to relive that experiance over and over again, yes his subconscious(SP?) is trying to tell him something, get out of the Spy.. oops, Intelligance Officer game, while you still can! So they don't have Athelas, hm, but then I suppose when you are running for your lives grabbing a start of Athelas is the last thing on your mind plus I think they have survived at least one Ice Age and that must have distroyed a lot of beneficial plants! Wonder what the Elves thought of Star Wars, they must have watched it, or at least heard of it, going by their reaction to Misty's comment! Just finished Finrod and Haldir's match after Haldir's Blood Trance. Waves to Harrowcat. Huggs, Lynda

UTfrog · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves

Yea! Things are moving fast now. Poor Alex, he has so much to learn. I hope he begins to trust a bit more. Thanks for another great chapter.

harrowcat · 12 March 2012 · Chapter 17: Alex Among the Elves

I am glad that Alex is beginning to open up. I am intrigued by what they might be using instead of athelas. And I want to live in that house!

Lizbeth · 11 March 2012 · Chapter 16: An Awkward Reunion

"'Why aren't you dead?' Alex demanded." There now, that's the kind of talking I like. Blunt and straight to the point. *grin* Lots of interesting conversations in this chapter, and it is always heartwarming to see how much the elves care about Alex despite the danger he brings along with him. I especially liked the twins chanting over him, presumably healing in some way. I'm looking forward to seeing how his stay at Edhellond goes. The hospital scenes made my think of a (probably stupid)question, though. What happens if one of the elves is injured in some way? Do they just rest in private and rely on each other for healing? I wouldn't think that they could go to a hospital, but then again I suppose that they wouldn't really have much of a chance to get injured these days. Still, with Glorfindel doing Search and Rescue I feel like it must have happened at some point. Thousands of years without battlewounds, traveling accidents, etc. is a long time. I know Zach doesn't really have an excuse for forgetting about the Tarn, but I still feel bad for him. Getting a scolding from an authority you honestly respect and admire is hard enough without that person being thousands of years older than you.

harrowcat · 10 March 2012 · Chapter 16: An Awkward Reunion

Hi Fiondil, Thanks for your response. I don't often come back to follow up a review but I feel the need to clarify myself just a little. I hope that you don't mind! I understood from the first about Ambrose 'dying'. I think that what I was trying to say was Amroth was able to leave behind his Ambrose persona, albeit not totally, and move on. Artemus/Alex is beginning to need to do the same but in his case it is a bit like an emerging moth leaving behind it's old self and becoming a new creation. This is probably as clear as mud! :)

Lyana · 10 March 2012 · Chapter 16: An Awkward Reunion

Oooooo - a weekend with the elves - what I wouldn't give for that! Though I'm not sure I'd want a brush with the Dark One in the tarn... FOUR days to banish its hold even with Glorfindel helping?!? Yikes! I do hope Alex gets the answers to many of his questions, and even some that he doesn't know he has. And Amroth is having entirely too much fun showing up his protege. *grin*

harrowcat · 9 March 2012 · Chapter 16: An Awkward Reunion

'happy sigh' lots of eleven healing and, I agree, I would not have wanted to be Zach facing his boss but I wonder who inspired him to think that that particular hike was a good idea. So 'Ambrose' died 15 years ago and it sounds like the spy/hard part of Artemus has been left behind in the tarn. All that remains is to bury him but it is not going to be easy. BTW...I am still wondering about Derek! I have some idea of how Alex feels. I have been on retreat to places wher I have felt both welcomed and very strange at the same time. (I have never been handed a bug though!) I am glad that you are enjoying your e.book reader. I wouldn't be without mine but I prefer real books. However, how can I carry Tolkien and related fanfic with me without it? And I think that I am keeping pace with Lynda on Elf Interupted!

6336 · 9 March 2012 · Chapter 16: An Awkward Reunion

Something tells me that Artemus and the Spy Game will be parting company some time soon, probably with Amroth's help! I do hope Mr Farrell's accident isn't too serious. So Artemus and Amroth have finally met and talked a little, maybe they can spend some more time together over the weekend, away from the Acadamy things will be a little more relaxed. I don't think I would have wanted to be in Zach's shoes for his little chat with Glorfi, some thing along the lines of one of Namo's little chats, maybe not quite as scary. Hope Caleb is doing O.K. and not having nightmares either,falling in the water must have been quite frightening for him, even with the rapid rescue. Oh well, have to hit the sewing machine and get my pants finished for tomorrow, we get to wear jeans to work, for a donation to Bag Hunger, so I am making myself a new pair, with a purple dragon on them no less! Up to the Midsummer Ball and the announcement, I have my ear plugs handy for Almariels 'comments'! Huggs, Lynda

Soledad · 9 March 2012 · Chapter 16: An Awkward Reunion

Ugh! That was one creepy nightmare - so, the thing living in the tarm got a hold on Alex, and the Elves had to exorcise it? At least no green pea soup was involved. Amroth is almost as bad as the Valar when asked a direct question. For someone who never Sailed, that's quite the achievement, all on his own. Poor Alex, he'll be surrounded by Elves all the weekend, who never answer a question straight out, and he even got back his bug! Speak about embarrassing turns. So, when will Shane's mum arrive? I bet she'll give even Glorfi a hard time. If he thinks Amarië's mother was bad, he ain't met enraged mortal mums yet. *g*

UTfrog · 9 March 2012 · Chapter 16: An Awkward Reunion

Great chapter. Don't even know what part was my favorite. Glad Alex is staying with our heroes. Maybe he will get some answers even if he only gets more confused.

Sunny · 9 March 2012 · Chapter 16: An Awkward Reunion

so at least a couple of the kitties have escaped from the bag: the fact that Ambrose Elwood and Ryan McKinley are the same person, and Alex' bugging Edhellond. That was an interesting dream Alex had - obviously Irmo is not slacking off. :-) Obviously Zach is fairly sure that the ones who saved Alex were not human. But then he has met at least four of the Valar and a couple of the Maiar. It would be interesting to see what effect meeting Valar and Maiar have had on Caleb. He is a cute little boy, but it is not everybody who have had an encounter with that kind of people. So Alex has been invited to stay at Edhellond for the weekend. It will be interesting to see how that goes. And I hope Alex' little mail-program hasn't slipped his mind. He might well have nothing to report with regards to the Elves, but landing in the hospital should at least be mentioned, since that would be a matter of public record. And now he is going to stay for the weekend in the same house as Amroth...

Noruinivel · 8 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn

Yes!!! I LOVE the Winterdark Tarn Trail... it is my favorite part of the academy stories--although, I have a sneaking suspicion it is not Artemus' favorite place. Thank you for writing such quality stories and updating them consistently. (Even though I always feel like I'm eagerly liking the crumbs of each new plot tidbit.) My apologies for not reviewing earlier. I am rather cautious when it comes to becoming more active in online communities, but I love all of your stories and I just couldn't keep quiet forever. Thank you for writing, Noruinivel

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 8 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn

Atto! Alex almost drowned! And Lord Namo, and Maranwe and...hmmm, Erunaro and Manveru and Tiutalion were all there! Unless it was Nyereser...*guessing favorite Maiar besides Marillien, Eonwe, Ilmare, Arien, Tilion, Salmar, Uinen, Osse, Fionwe, Melyanna, Ingil, Aiwendil and Olorin...oh and the Ithryn Luin...I think they're all probably lots busy* ;-) What happens now? Is Caleb ok? What will Nicole say? Oh, by the way, her boyfriend isn't a Maia, is he? Tye-melin! Kaylee

Tari · 7 March 2012 · Chapter 15: Return to Winterdark Tarn

Poor Alex. It's one shock after another. Will he ever be able to return to spying? Lord Nemo really threw him for a loop. And then there's the tarn. Could it contain a watcher in the water? (Where do you come up with all the names for the elves, other than the ones from Tolkien's works?)