Reviews (1,246)

someone · 13 February 2012 · Chapter 9: Tuesday Night at the Blue Petrel

The singing scene was simply magnificent! It seems that singing is the best way to get elvish history into Alex' head. Must have been a shock to see Ambrose and Della in Lothlórien. It's interesting that some students want to have Alex sent away, it sounds like those are townspeople who know what this academy is all about and they don't want anyone to start investigating the college just because one student is suspicious. And Elrohir still can't do ribbon embroidery! Elrohir likes Sarah? A lot? That's very interesting. Is there anyone for Elladan, too, or is Sarah the only reasonably young elleth on earth?

obsidianj · 11 February 2012 · Chapter 8: Making Amends

Alex is an interesting character. The trees "allowed" him to approach. That is good to know. But if Alex has time to think of his experience with this grove and his conversation with Gil, he will probably be more confused than ever. "Elves" being real is so out of his understanding of his reality that he will be a hard nut to crack. Having been comforted by his teacher also must grate on him. I don't think it fits with the image he has of himself. I just hope he can overcome his pride in the end. I hope Zach can help sort him out.

Lizbeth · 10 February 2012 · Chapter 7: History Lessons

I was going to type, "Of course Amroth is Ambrose," but what I wrote was "Ambroth," and that was way funnier that it should have been. I really should have slept more last night. *grin* Alex has a lot of scars for someone so young. I hope that in time he can find healing. The humming while working on translating cracked me up. I've definitely been in a similar situation.

Lizbeth · 10 February 2012 · Chapter 8: Making Amends

Yay! Zach's back! I'm looking forward to seeing what happens as he gets to know Derek and Alex and vice versa. The entire exchange between Gil and Alex was really well done. I could almost "see" Alex calming down and relaxing. It was neat to see Gil's softer side, too. After he put Alex in his place a few chapters ago I was imagining him as a sort of hard, no-nonsense character. I'm glad to see that he isn't really that way.

Soledad · 10 February 2012 · Chapter 8: Making Amends

You know, I caught myself looking forward to these updates like a child to a promised treat - that is how much I've come to enjoy this story. *g* I like Gil very much - he is a fantastic character! Alex' connection to the trees in most interesting, too, and I am glad to see Zack again.

Larner · 10 February 2012 · Chapter 8: Making Amends

That the trees accept him is indeed a good sign. Now--for him to begin learning the truth of his situation. After all, the Valar (or SomeOne else) obviously want him here.

6336 · 10 February 2012 · Chapter 8: Making Amends

This is getting to be very interesting! I loved the way Gil answered Alex questions with, if not a question, at least a request to look at things differantly. I wonder if Alex will be going back to the woods when he is troubled, it sounds like a good place to be! Good to see Zach again and also that he is Loren's Aide, do his parents know he is working for Elves? I like the flavour of this story, it has your style to it but a more mature taste. Hope that makes sense. Huggs, Lynda

Erulisse (one L) · 10 February 2012 · Chapter 8: Making Amends

Oh lovely - the trees allowed him to approach. We could all be that lucky. I think getting together with Zach will be good for both Derek and Alex. Like I said a few reviews ago, I can foresee a future where Alex might be a member of the faculty, although maybe not on campus. Great chapter, I can hardly wait for the next one. - Erulisse (one L)

Ces · 10 February 2012 · Chapter 8: Making Amends

That should be one interesting archery lesson for Alex. Poor guy - he needed some time away just to try and think things through. And of course he's so sure elves aren't real - no one has actually seen one, right?! So Zach is Glorfindel's assistant? He seems much more confident, even from his brief appearance. Can't wait to see more of him.

someone · 10 February 2012 · Chapter 8: Making Amends

This was just what was needed now, a quiet chapter with no action. Alex deserved the break. I'm really beginning to like Gil. He's such a calm, patient person who isn't too scary for humans like Alex. Is he a Sindarin/Silvan elf?

Truffles · 10 February 2012 · Chapter 8: Making Amends

As far as ways to start my weekend, Elf Academy being updated is pretty high up there on the list. It's intriguing to see how much comfort Alex got from the trees, and certainly that they accepted him as well. It seems that he really is quite sensitive, what with the tarn and now this. "Not a lost case" indeed. I found it interesting to see how Gil adressed the elves being real or not scenerio, and look forward to the coming archery lesson and hopefully more Zach-Derek-Alex interaction! Thanks for sharing your work! :) Truffles

Sunny · 10 February 2012 · Chapter 8: Making Amends

I found it very amusing that Alex insisted so strongly that Elves don't exist - in a conversation with an Elf. :-D (Of course he doesn't _know_ that Gil is an elf - yet - but very fun nonetheless!)

obsidianj · 9 February 2012 · Chapter 7: History Lessons

I can so identify with Alex. He asks all the questions and has all the reservations I would have had, would I be in his position. On top of that he comes with a hidden agenda and is just not capable of taking the academy at face value. There are too many strange things not adding up. I hope he ends up joining the little conspiracy. And Ambrose is Amroth. I had an inkling. All the other elves aside from the cast of the first part are so far faceless and nameless. Amroth is the only notable newcomer. But with you I never know *grin*

bookworm · 9 February 2012 · Chapter 7: History Lessons

HAH I knew that Ambrose was Amroth. Ah, poor Alex/Artemus. Hopefully things get sorted without too much pain on anyone's part (lol not likely). I'd have to agree with Glorfindel though, of all the ways to lay low, you go and be a spy XD...

Lady Edlyn · 7 February 2012 · Chapter 7: History Lessons

Well, Alex is in really bad shape, isn't he? I'm certain that he is far more competent an agent than his actions and behaviour in Wiseman have indicated so far. I'm beginning to think that something (or maybe Somebody) has been messing with his head in some way. And I'm probably wrong but I can't help but feel that the car problem that made him late to campus might not have been accidental. A good way of checking out someone's intentions and personality is to throw him off balance. Between not being able to integrate with the rest of the class as he would have done had he arrived on time and his desire not to have to kill his friend and mentor fighting with his sworn duty to the Agency no wonder he's falling to pieces. Hopefully, he'll be able to recover from it. There's so much conflict going on in his mind right now that its a wonder he's not catatonic. The tone and pacing of this chapter left me breathless. I felt as though I was Alex and my heart was racing with fear and confusion right along with his as he fled the school. I hope that he will be able to come to terms with things soon. When I read the first chapter I wasn't sure about how sympathetic I would feel towards ALex. But over the last few chapters I couldn't help but sympathise with him. I've been in situations before where what I want want to have happen is in diametric opposition to what I'm required to do and my personal and professional ethics insist that I have fulfil both sets of actions. That was not fun at all. Except that I'm sure it would be way too much for Alex to handle, I'd almost wish that Lord Irmo would have a healing word with him. I look forward to reading the next chapter when you have it posted, meldonya. Again, I love what you are doing with the story and hope that life is treating you kindly. Be well and stay warm!

Lady Edlyn · 7 February 2012 · Chapter 6: Field Trips and Nature Walks

Well, that was interesting. So Alex can tell that there's something in the tarn... I liked the homage to the scene from FOTR with the Watcher at the gates of Moria, too. I truly hope that Alex doesn't end up having a nervous breakdown over what he's experiencing. I think his inability to settle into his persona is bothering him quite a bit, especially given his past experiences. I also think he's in definite need of some stress relief. I wonder what would have happened if he and Derek had chosen one of the other trails. Would Glorfindel have let them take it or would he have just waited till the next nature walk to arrange for Alex to go to the tarn? Things are just getting more and more interesting, meldonya, and I can't wait to see what's going to happen further down the line. Cheers!

Lady Edlyn · 7 February 2012 · Chapter 5: Alex’s First Day

Alex certainly has a lot to think about, doesn't he? This was a very well-written chapter, meldonya. The pacing, the plot, everything was exactly right. I liked the description of the cooking class (Would you happen to have an actual recipe for egg nog bread, by the way? It sounds delicious)but now my sweet tooth is nagging at me. The martial arts class was very interesting to read and I really liked how you had us in Alex's head throughout the chapter. I could quite readily feel his growing confusion and other emotions. You've done your usual fantastic job. Bravissimi!

Lady Edlyn · 7 February 2012 · Chapter 4: Settling In

I really like how you've integrated the realities of the 21st century into the story (the economic situation, recently discharged veterans and so forth). It makes what's happening in the story more real. It also says something about how talented a writer you are because these touches of the real world are being handled in such a way that I don't have to remind myself to suspend my disbelief (which, unfortunately, is a frequent occurrance when I've read other authors' "Elves in the Modern/Real world" fics). I loved the description of Daeron's office, particularly the presence of the harp and tapestry. Hmmm, that reminds me of something I wanted to ask. Does Wiseman have a pub or other place where folk musicians meet up and do sessions? Wonderful chapter, meldonya!

Lady Edlyn · 7 February 2012 · Chapter 3: Trouble Looming

Oh, dear. Accreditation review are such a pain (my department having been through one when we changed the Bachelor of Mathematics: Statistics COncentration degree to the Beachelor of Statistics degree). Glorfindel and company have all my sympathy. Another well-written chapter, dear friend. I like the flow that you have going, it's relaxed but moves forward at a comfortable pace, and you provide a wealth of information and characterization without overwhelming us with stuff we don't really need to know. Great job!

Lady Edlyn · 7 February 2012 · Chapter 2: Assessment

Reading and reviewing late due to homework and studying for my classes, but here goes. This chapter was a lovely reintroduction to the elves and humans of Wiseman and the Elf Academy. I particularly enjoyed the bit where Tulkas and Námo arrived and laughed like anything at the mental image of Glorfindel being Belain-hugged. And as always I liked the description of what Námo was wearing. I still want to attend the Elf Academy, even though I'm far from physically capable of fencing anymore much less sword-fighting. I'd like to go if only for the language classes. I wonder if they would need anyone ot do book and manuscript restoration in the college library? Oh, well. I can vicariously attend through this wonderful story. As always, your words are a delight to read.

Lyana · 7 February 2012 · Chapter 7: History Lessons

Yet another long-term Fiondil-verse lurker lured out of lurkerdom by this wonderful tale. :-) You've got my mind whirring overtime as to the identity/heritage of one Alex Grant... Might the "Ar" at the beginning of his given name be a clue??? Not that you'd actually say one way or another until you're ready! :-) Thank you for many very pleasant hours whiled away in Valinor and Middle Earth.

Truffles · 7 February 2012 · Chapter 7: History Lessons

Reading this chapter pretty much made my day, I'd have to admit. I loved the interaction between "Alex" and the skateboarding teenager especially, and found it interesting to see how quickly his disguise slipped when confronted with the elves, given the amount of experience in the field he had. It seems like at a certain level he's realising the truth, or at least starting to question his own sanity, but logic and common sense are working against what's the truth, leaving him with no idea what to think. He does seem to be extra sensitive though, with the elves, and also considering his reaction at the Tairn, and the immediate peace he gained from being in the forest. I'd certainly not like to be in his position, I can't imagine how confusing it would be (though if it meant elves being real, I probably would...). I also found Amroth's explanation for why he became involved in espionage intriguing. "It wasn't exactly a choice on my part." Not particularly clear, but it sounds like there's more to the story than him finding it an interesting way to pass the time. I'm also curious about Derek, who seems to be quite the promising recruit, and potentially more than he seems. His response about "doing a number on himself when..." interested me particularly. For the most part, it seems like he raises more questions than answers. Obviously he's quite proficient in everything they've thrown at him, but it sounds like there's also more of a story there. Again, apologies for spelling. (Though German ones are much worse, based on my experiences) Truffles

galathil · 7 February 2012 · Chapter 7: History Lessons

Ok Fiondil you have done it again!I am going crazy trying to work out who "Alex" is. Correct me if I am wrong but does he have some elf blood in his family line? Why do I also get the feeling that the Valar know of Alex's history have a hand in him comming to Elf Acdemy. This all vey mysterious.As for Derek there is more to him than meets the eye. Can't wait for the next chapter.LOL Galthil ps Glad to see all our fav "Elves" back.

Soledad · 6 February 2012 · Chapter 7: History Lessons

Hmmm... interesting. Following Alex' adventures, I all but forgot that there are other agents in Wiseman. Most worrysome indeed. I suspected that Ambrose was Amroth - the names were just too similar - but as you are a sneaky one, I couldn't be sure, of course. And now you had me think about Derek. What do these Elves plan for him?

Tari · 6 February 2012 · Chapter 7: History Lessons

Poor Alex. I can't begin to imagine what he will do when he finds out what is going on. Hopefully he will join the elves in their attempt to save mankind. At least I think that is what they are doing. This is a very good mystery.