Sunny
· 2 March 2012
· Chapter 14: More Trouble Looming
So Our Heroes think they have found the rat in the granary - or think they have. Only time will tell if they are right - since you certainly won't!! :-D It will also be interesting to see if he is the only one. In any case, the elves are taking steps to prevent that there be anything for the Agency to find that they _don't_ want found.
But - Humphrey Bogart! What kind of name for an agent is that?? Aren't they supposed to be inconspicuous and not draw attention to themselves? The name itself is a real attention-getter here! (Of course, if the Valar are ... influencing things, ensuring that the Secret Agent gets an attention-getting cover name would be easy enough. Or Mr. bogart could be a red herring...) :-P
So Shane's mother is coming to "rescue" her? If she is over 18 she can't just drag her daughter out of there. It should be interesting to see _why_ she wants to rescue her daughter, too. Is she a religious nut out to rescue her daughter from the perils of secularity and independence? Is she a corporate drone out to get her daughter back onto the path of economic success? Or is she merely a worried mother who wants to make up with her daughter? I hope it is the last, and that Glorfindel and Mithrellas (and Shane herself) is able to convince her that Shane is perfectly safe and happy where she is, and that she is _not_ involved in some sort of cult.
That litte interlude with Fionwë was fun - the others know Glorfindel only by his towering reputation as The Balrog Slayer and the tough-as-nails commander of the Imladris warriors, or as the leader of their merry little band, so it is quite fun for them to hear about some, ahem, less-than-sterling moments in Glorfindel's past. ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. You're that only time will tell and you know I love to put in red herrings to keep my readers amused. *LOL!* And sometimes red herrings of red herrings.
As for Shane's mother... she's a Jewish mom worried for her daughter living away from homw, far away, and she can't handle it. And the fact that Shane is working for Elf Academy of all things makes it even worse.
I'm glad you enjoyed the interlude with Fionwë putting Glorfindel in his place. I'm sure the other Elves pestered him unmercifully later for the entire story about his challenging Ingwë to a duel and why.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Tari
· 29 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
I just have two points.
1. Alex seriously underestimates God.
2. Please, no more elves dying (I hope).
Author's reply
Hi Tari. You're right about the first point and, as far as I know, you don't have to worry about the second. *grin* Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
Ces
· 28 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
I'm not liking Mr. Farrell too much - however, I'm of the belief that once you know who your enemies are they become somewhat less dangerous and you become more dangerous. Let's hope the elves feel the same way.
Love all the intrigue - now I'm trying to figure out who the other spy(ies) are!
Author's reply
Hi Ces. That seems to be the general opinion of all the reviewers concerning Mr. Farrell. But you are correct: knowing who are enemies makes you more dangerous, especially when they don't know you know. We'll see how things go with the Elves and maybe we'll also learn who the other spy(ies)are (assuming the Muse ever tells me who they are *grin*). Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 28 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
There is good reason for all to view this Farrel with concern, it appears. Now, to find out who else might be a spy amongst them! Good thought to look into the service people who work in the college as well. And are there other bugs hidden here and there throughout the place intended to be used in the gathering of information?
Author's reply
Hi Larner. Hopefully there aren't any more bugs. I'm sure Amroth is keeping tabs on that. Whether the Elves' investigation into the service people proves fruitful remains to be seen. We'll just have to wait and see what develops. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 27 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
The plot thickens. Aside from Farrell (what a nasty character), who else is a spy? Who took the pictures? I originally thought the elves planted the pictures, but they don't seem to know where they came from. Is there maybe more than one Agency and they try to outsmart each other? Seems like every spy forgot some of the basic things. Alex's boss forgot that he is in charge when deep undercover. Farrell and Alex forgot to check where they were talking... Amroth forgot to keep tabs on his surroundings. Please, don't make Derek into another spy.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Derek as a spy. LOL! Now that's an idea. Of course, how to explain what Naval Intelligence is doing in Wiseman? *sly grin*
Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Erulisse (one L)
· 27 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
OMG, they are getting in deeper and deeper. I liked Elrohir's reminder that they were all warriors. Things have changed a lot since he and his brother were hunting orcs and killing - no, slaughtering them in the 1000's after Celebrian's captivity, but at their bottom, they are still quite capable of lifting swords and bows in defense of the innocent if necessary. It is time for the staff to become more proactive and start initiation rather than reacting. Thanks for another great chapter.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. They are indeed getting deeper and deeper. And while it's been a while since any of the Elves have taken up arms, once a warrior, always a warrior, as Elrohir reminds Serindë. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. I appreciate you letting me know.
Soledad
· 27 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
Ugh! Things are turning darker and darker. I must admit, I feel uncomfortable to see our valiant Elves endangered by the Agency. They would have no problems with taking out the whole Elven bunch - yes, I know they are not so easy to kill, but I thing they might be just a mite over-confident, and we all know that over-confidence comes right before the fall. *is nervous*
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Well, we'll have to see how the Elves handle things now that they are aware (or more aware) of what's going on. Whether you should be nervous or not remains to be seen. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it.
Lyana
· 27 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
Oh my - if this plot gets any more thick or sticky, it will be treacle!
I really do not like Mr. Mark Farrell, and am beginning to think that somebody at The Agency has it in for Alex too. Hopefully, between Alex and Amroth now both being on their guard, they'll be able to foil the nasties!
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. It's getting pretty thick, that's for sure. *grin*
No one likes Farrell (which is the whole point). We'll see how the Elves and Alex handle him and others from the Agency as the story progresses.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Fantasia
· 27 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
Long time without writing a review, but RL has been busy, busy ( I have two brand new nieces!!!!)
This is turning in a very dangerous game. It seems a cold war plot (I just watched Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy and the comparison was inevitable) Great, I love spy movies, novels, series...hey, I'm picturing Alex as Peter (better as Cumberbatch).
Really, great story, now to flush out those spies.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Haven't seen Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy myself, but I've read a few spy novels along the way and am drawing on those for ideas. I'm glad you are enjoying this story. Thanks for letting me know, and congratulations on your new nieces.
6336
· 27 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
Looks like all the Agents, past and present, need to go back to Spying Basics 101! Farrell and Alec for not checking the room before talking and Amroth for not keeping a closer eye on his suroundings and the people in it!
Now to figure out what to do with Mr. Farrell!?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. You may be right about that. *grin* Alex was probably too furious at Farrell and may have assumed the man checked the room out, so he can be excused. Amroth, of course, has no excuse except complacency. We'll see what everyone decides about Farrell in later chapters. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. It's very much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 27 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
The plot continues to thicken! Good job setting up what I am sure will be interesting developments. Love the visual of Alex pretending to be skewering Farrell during fencing class. Hope it improved his technique.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you're still enjoying this and that the visual of Alex pretending to be skewering Farrell amused you. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
someone
· 27 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
I really like how you can show character personalities by their books (Serindë reading Republic in Greek, Glorfinder a new mystery novel and Daeron that horrible-sounding book that might be actually interesting in an odd way!).
Farrel doesn't sound nice. It starts to look like he's their main problem, not Alex. I'm glad that Amroth is finally doing something, but I'm starting to worry that one of the elves' close friends is actually their enemy...
Author's reply
Hi someone. Well, being a bibilophile myself, it seems natural to show characters' personalities through the books they read. *grin*
Farrell is a spy. What do you expect? Even Alex isn't 'nice', as Amroth points out. As for who else might be an enemy... only time will tell.
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 27 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
I don't like that Farrell. No surprise about that, I guess.
So Farrell took contact with Alex just to increase the pressure - but I wonder just what Farrell's orders are - or what information unknown to Alex has been unearthed about Our Heroes.
and I was a bit concerned about what Farrell might have ordered Alex to do. Sneak into Edhellond to look for a secret mosque in the basement, perhaps? Instead it was "only" to send reports both to Farrell and his boss.
At least the little confrontation between Farrell and Alex has prompted the Elves to take a good, hard look at the people around them - the employees at the Academy at the very least. And if they figure out who the other spy - or spies - are, they may be able to control the information they - the spies, I mean - acquire.
Amroth's comment on why he became a spy - "I was given no choice and I did what I had to to survive" - really makes me curious. Will we learn more, or has the Muse kept his mouth shut about that?
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I don't think anyone likes Farrell. We'll be seeing more of him and his interaction with Alex as the story progresses.
And we will actually learn something of what Amroth's comment on why he became a spy later on, once he and Alex actually start talking to one another. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
harrowcat
· 27 February 2012
· Chapter 13: Spies Among Us
Ah, I was hoping that things would begin to get clearer in this chapter but all we get are muddier waters! :) Poor Alex - he thinks that he is in control but he is so out of his depth. I still have every confidence that he will doggy-paddle in the right direction - eventually! Now to endure another 4 days sans update! Oh well, twice a week is a lot better than once a week! Thank you for a riveting read!
Author's reply
Hi Harrowcat. I'm afraid clarity isn't in the cards yet; there's still a lot of this story to tell. We'll see how Alex handles things. And twice a week is indeed better than once a week, or once a month, or once a year.... *grin* Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
bookworm
· 26 February 2012
· Chapter 12: The ACCU Invades
And the plot thickens! So we have Artemus' contact now, or one of them, at any rate. I do wonder who ratted them out, but I suppose time will tell! I have nothing constructive to add but I do love this story!
Author's reply
Time will tell, indeed, bookworm. I'm glad you love this story. That's music to my ears and makes my Muse very happy. *grin* Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 25 February 2012
· Chapter 12: The ACCU Invades
Atto,
I second Edlyn. Oh, crap! indeed, lol. I wonder just what their ethir neth has gotten into now? And I still want that eggnog bread recipe, please, Atya. Also, you have me confused again on neth vs. nith...
You shocked me with the ACCU being a cover for the Agency. I wonder what the guy with the ridiculous passwords wants from him. And is someone else a spy too? Amroth, do something about Alex please!
Tye-melin, Atto!
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I apparently shocked a number of readers with Farrell, which was my intent. We'll see shortly what he's up to and what he wants with Alex.
Neth is an adjective and means "young" and nith is an abstract noun meaning "youth". Nith is also the plural of neth either as an adjective, since adjectives are plural or singluar depending on the noun they modify, or as a noun "i-nith" which would be translated as 'those who are young, the young ones'. I hope that clears it up.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. Tye-melin.
UTfrog
· 25 February 2012
· Chapter 12: The ACCU Invades
Knew it! Those reviewers are up to no good. Good job keeping things very realistic. I hate cold weather, but I also want to attend the academy.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Well, at least Farrell is up to no good. Whether the other reviewers are is anyone's guess. I'm glad you think I'm keeping things realistic. I am trying to make it as real as it possibly can be without sacrficing the 'magic' of Elves and all. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 24 February 2012
· Chapter 12: The ACCU Invades
They are still not doing anything about Alex *shakes head*. That is asking for trouble. Love the idea of the elves speaking Sindarin all the time when at home. Nice incentive for Alex to really get on with the language studies...
So, Mark Farrell is with the Agency. Why do spies always use these ridiculous phrases? If anyone heard them they would know this is a spy meeting...too many TV shows using this device. But there has to another spy around, since Mark was not there to plant the envelope.
Can't wait to read about the little chat Alex and Mark will have.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Well, code words are the only way to ensure that the person with whom you're dealing really is who they say they are. In the world of espionage, you don't take chances. *grin* We'll see what Farrell has to say to Alex in the next chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 24 February 2012
· Chapter 11: Decision
So, the shady world of espionage invaded again. Alex was on such a nice trajectory and now he slides back. I think he will get a nasty surprise. He doesn't know what he is dealing with. Who put that envelope at his door? There has to be someone close by. What if Derek had shown up first?
Bugging the mansion of the elves might not be such a bright idea. He obviously was watched, so I hope the elves know about this and can deal with it.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Unfortunately, Alex is first and foremost a spy and so he's acting accordingly. And if Derek had shown up first, he would've just put the package on Alex's desk and not think anymore about it. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 24 February 2012
· Chapter 12: The ACCU Invades
So Elrohir was the one who watched alex plant the little bug. Not that it matters who it was.
And the elves' response to the bug is a very sensible one - go on as if they had not spotted it - except that from now on no-one will be speaking any other languages than Sindarin and Quenya in the house. Let Alex think that he was unobserved - this will give him no reason to try to plant more bugs, and he won't be getting anything useful out of the one he did plant.
BTW, when Amroth finally has his little talk with his former student, Alex is guaranteed to not enjoy it, since I expect his beloved ex-mentor will have a lot to say about his sloppiness and lack of professionalism he has displayed on this assignment. And if any of the other ellyn are also there at the time, they might well add a comment or two of their own.
So the Agency has infiltrated the accreditation committee - and it is the leader of the committee that is the spy - or one of them, at least. glorfindel seems to be doing an excellent job of dealing with the intrusion. I really wonder what he wants with Alex - is he going to get a new set of orders, and if so, what are those orders going to be? I must admit I'm worried. Alex is really a nice young man, but the vibe I get off Farrell is that of a nasty, vengeful b*st*rd, and I don't think he liked the way that model-gorgeous young blonde man dealt with him.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. We'll see very shortly in what manner and under what circumstances Amroth and Alex finally have their little chat. And we'll see in the next chapter what Farrel wants with Alex. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Soledad
· 24 February 2012
· Chapter 12: The ACCU Invades
Oh, wow! Now, the different paths begin to run together, don't they? So, the Agency used the ACCU invasion as cower... I should have expected this. I'm curious how our heroes get out of this situation unharmed.
As for the Valar's arm being very long - that's not something that would lessen my concerns, honestly!
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. We'll see what Glorfindel and the others do about the ACCU in the next chpater. And I think you're right that the Valar's arms being very long isn't necessarily a comforting thought. Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
Larner
· 24 February 2012
· Chapter 12: The ACCU Invades
So--this accreditation committee has a double purpose! Most interesting! And is anyone else on the committee also an agent as are Alex and this Mr. Farrell? Love the frustration as he realizes that they are using a language he isn't yet fluent in to forestall his listening, and first begins to appreciate that just perhaps it isn't precisely a man-made construct as is Esperanto.
Author's reply
Indeed it does, Larner. Or at least, the Agency is using it as a screen for its own purposes. And Alex is beginning to grudgingly accept the possibility that Sindarin isn't precisely made-up, but he still has a way to go before he's entirely convinced. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Kitty
· 24 February 2012
· Chapter 12: The ACCU Invades
Ah yes, just speaking Sindarin around Edhellond would throw a serious obstacle into the unwanted listener's path. He's not far enough in that language to understand more than a few words. Luckily Amroth would know what to look for in their offices, as he has the knowledge for it.
Amroth is right, Alex is acting unprofessional. Oh well ... if the Valar/Maiar are behind it, as Glorfindel suspects, that might explain everything. Though I am with the other Elves, I am not so sure if waiting too long will not backfire.
Gil's explanation why they are learning Sindarin makes totally sense. If the safari companies just wanted tour guides, then there would indeed be easier ways to get them. That whole Elf business should at least come naturally enough to be believable, and it's a 'special touch' that I can see as a real advantage for them to draw tourists to Wiseman and the surrounding area. What other tourism area can offer that, after all? It's not only a good excuse, it should be the reason why the Academy was founded in the first place - and that was before the Elves took over.
The explanation for fencing and archery was another good one, I think - as Elves are supposed to be from older times, it could actually help to develop the right mindset. And the martial arts as a self-defense makes a lot of sense, too. They will have to expect the odd tourist being drunk and getting stupid ideas about the female guides, just as an example. Well thought out, and totally believable and realistic.
So Farrell wants to find something against these new teachers ... if that's not suspicious ... though I admit, it's unexpected that they all end up as teachers. Well, I take it that the papers can be verified by the committee, so they have some proof how much they are qualified.
LOL - it's so amusing to imagine Alex's face when he listened to what his bugging device recorded of the Elves' conversations. That's not what he had expected, no doubt! And he even thought it might not be invented! Now, if he could accept that and follow this train of thought further ...
Farrell's from the Agency? *raises eyebrow* Now that's unexpected, and I am beginning to really wonder who is behind all this ... did someone in the town tell on them, or is it something entirely different? *eyes the Valar suspiciously*
Um ... can you pretend it's Monday already and post the next chapter right now? This is getting more and more intriguing! (And yes, I know you won't do it, but I had to try, right?)
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. That was certainly the idea behind Elf Academy in the first place, else, as you say, they could've just gotten anyone to act as tour guides. The Elves have simply taken the concept one step further towards realism.
While all the Elves are teachers, they aren't necessarily teaching at the Academy. Some hold classes for the good people of Wiseman and others teach elsewhere in the college. They may be Elves but food doesn't buy itself and bills don't pay themslves and so they all have to find gainful employment to help out. And as Lord Manwë told Glorfindel back in the first story, the Elves have a mandate to teach the Mortals the truth about things and that is what they are doing.
At least you don't have to wait too long for the next chapter. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Lady Edlyn
· 24 February 2012
· Chapter 12: The ACCU Invades
To quote a dear Hobbit friend of mine--"Oh, crap!" As soon as I read that Farrell was always looking over the classes Alex was taking, I suspected that he had something to do with the Agency... and I turned out to be right. I hate it when I do that.
I'm sorry I haven't been able to review the most recent chapter, meldonya, but the term is getting hectic with finals being in about three weeks. However, they have all been as well-written and interesting as the previous ones. I really like the tempo of this story and the way you are keeping the tension up as the story moves along. I really like seeing more of the other elves and I really, really LIKE Alex. As Glorfindel said, he's not evil but a good young man with a darkness haging over him. Hopefully, by the time the Valar's plans are worked through, that darkness will be gone and Alex can be the person that Eru Iluvatar always intended he be (a hppy, loving and well-beloved Child).
Keep well, and I look forward to the next chapter!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. Sounds like a good quote to me. LOL!
No problem on the reviews. Just review when you can. I appreciate that you make the effort. I'm glad you are enjoying the story and that you really like Alex in spite of his faults.
Good luck with your finals and thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it very much.
someone
· 24 February 2012
· Chapter 12: The ACCU Invades
There's a saying in Finnish that when something completely unexpected happens, it comes "like a lightning from the clear sky". It describes my feelings at the moment, for I'm stunned. Farrel is from the Agency?! That was beyond unexpected, and I simply can't think at the moment what this development means for the elves.
Alex has now a very good reason to be attentive at Sindarin class, for he has to be fluent in that language to understand the data from the bug. It was funny to see his reaction when he listened to it!
Author's reply
Hi someone. I think I've heard that saying somewhere. *grin*
We'll see what Farrell being from the Agency means to the Elves in the next chapter.
I'm glad you found Alex's reaction to hearing nothing but Sindarin amusing. He thought he was being so clever, didn't he. *grin*
Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.