Elf Academy Part Deux by Fiondil
UTfrog · 22 October 2012 · Chapter 81: Thanksgiving Day
Nice chapter helps me remember all that I have to be thankful for. Love Alex calling his mom.
Author's reply
Yes, it is good to remember all that one has to be thankful for, UTfrog, and Alex calling his mom... just shows he's got a soft and vulnerable side like all of us. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj · 20 October 2012 · Chapter 80: Preparations for a Trial
I loved the courtroom scene. Luckily, the lawyer forgot the tiny detail of being certified in Alaska before he can work there. He probably thought the people in Wiseman are so far off, they don't know or care about such details. Now to see what Finrod's court will do? You raised the expectation for that event. I have the feeling there might be an appearance of Nate... or at least one of the Maia. I hope Alex will do the tour on Monday. Although I would like to see Finda also doing a tour. Can't decide which I want to see more.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the courtroom scene, obsidianj. You're the first to even mention it and it was an important scene. Yeah, Sanderson was being a bit cocky and arrogant here. Hopefully, he'll take Ken's words to heart and tread a ltitle more carefully around ol' Judge Harrison. *grin* As for Finrod's trial and who shows up... that will be revealed soon enough. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
obsidianj · 20 October 2012 · Chapter 79: Madison and Nate
Yay! I liked the chapter after just reading the title *grin*. So, Maddy is up to her eyeballs in this mess. Poor Shanna. I hate it when your superior lets you down because of expediency. And then they wonder why nobody trusts and talks to them... People notice. I just hope her chat with Nate has the right results and she gets to the right conclusions.
Author's reply
I think a lot of readers liked the chapter just from the title, obsidianj. *grin* Yes, Maddy is deep in it and we will see how her little talk with Nate affects her. She hasn't quite processed just who was sitting across from her reading her the riot act. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Sunny · 19 October 2012 · Chapter 80: Preparations for a Trial
It sounds as if the Twins have had some narrow escapes when their success at actually managing to heal people when the local doctors, priests, shamans and whatnot have failed. Smart of the judge to deny Farrell & co bail. If ha had been silly enough to grant it, they would have been out of there like a shot, and never been seen again. And it looks like everybody - except for the prisoners, Maddy, and Mr Sanderson are looking forward to Finrod's trial - I expect they will squeeze in as many people in the Grange Hall as possible. It will be interesting to see if any Maiar or Valar are going to show up, too. Actually, I think there will be a number of them there, but the question is really going to be if they are going to show themselves - or perhaps which ones of the Valar will show up. I'm betting on Námo, myself - he seems to enjoy popping in and confounding everyone. And he always makes an impression. ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, I think the Twins did have some narrow escapes in the past, thus their reluctance until now to take up being healers. With the healers from Valinor there, though, they may decide it's 'safe' to practice again. We'll see just how the trial is set up and who shows up. I know a number of reviewers are looking forward to seeing at least one of the Valar or a Maiar showing up. We'll have to see. Thanks for the review. It's very much appreciated.
6336 · 19 October 2012 · Chapter 80: Preparations for a Trial
Well, I would have been surprised if Ratty and Co., had been granted bail and I don't think Judge Harrison is quite the 'Country Hick Judge' Sanderson seems to think he is. In fact I think the Valar have been encouraging people to move to and from Wiseman for some time now, to make things a little easier for everyone! I am sitting here going over the logistics of feeding close to forty people Thanksgiving dinner,let's see, 4 turkeys, four big pans of stuffing, a half ton of mashed potatoes, half a ton of sweet potatoes, brocoli, carrots, corn on the cob by the bushel, sweet corn casseroles, rolls, butter, gravy let alone a bakeries worth of pies and cakes, I hope they have a very large refrigerator and a resturant size stove!Just thinking! Looking forward to Finrods court, it will be very interesting and some thing to look foreward to, we are having a big sale at the Store of the Evil Empire of the Mid West at the Mall of Doom this weekend and I am working all three days! Arrgh!!!! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. You may be right about the Valar inspiring certain people to come to Wiseman and I suspect Judge Harrison is one such. And the logistics of feeding forty people Thanksgiving dinner is quite amazing, isn't it, but at least the Wiseman Elves know how to do it. And Finrod's court should prove very interesting for everyone. Thanks for reading and reviewing. As always, I quite appreciate it.
bookworm · 19 October 2012 · Chapter 80: Preparations for a Trial
Ah brothers - can't live without them, can't strangle them either =p With just a few lines that last scene perfectly captures how Finrod & Glorfindel feel about each other XD Hm, a trial huh? I tend to agree with the Wiseman crew - I don't really like the idea. BUT, I suppose we'll wait & see~
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. You're right about brothers and I have 4 of them myself. LOL! As for the trial... we'll see how it goes. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 19 October 2012 · Chapter 80: Preparations for a Trial
I am looking forward to this trial and seeing how it pans out. I have a good idea seeing Finrod in all of his authority sitting upon the bench will be most--entertaining as well as instructive for those who are accustomed to our legal system.
Author's reply
I suspect that you are correct about the entertainment and instructive factor of Finrod holding the trail, Larner. We'll have to see how it goes. Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Arwen75 · 19 October 2012 · Chapter 80: Preparations for a Trial
Like the others I can't wait for the trial - should be interesting to see the mortal reactions..... Thanksgiving means less to me personally (but I am British so not a holiday I celebrate :)), but looking forward to seeing how the Valinor elves see it. This story is still livening up my Monday & Fridays - normally manage to read it at lunch time - which on a Friday at the moment means escaping reading the 2 PhD theses I have to examine in the next month or so. Will admit I always look forward to lunch times on both days to see what the elves and Artemus/Alex are up to now.
Author's reply
Hi Arwen. Well, the trial will be very soon and cover several chapters, so that should make you happy. *grin* And I'm glad this story brightens up your week. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
galathil · 19 October 2012 · Chapter 80: Preparations for a Trial
I agree with everything that Utfrog said.I also can't wait for the "trial". It might be Winter weather wise,but every other way its the height of Summer.I am camping with Cub Scouts this weekend all 66 of them wish me luck. Galathil
Author's reply
Good luck indeed, galathil. LOL! And as I told UTFrog, the trial will begin on Friday (it will actually cover several chapters), and Monday's chapter will deal with Thanksgiving, which I know people are also anxious to see. Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it very much.
UTfrog · 19 October 2012 · Chapter 80: Preparations for a Trial
Sure hope Finrod's trial is in the Monday chapter! I want all the elves in full formal robes. I also hope we get an appearance by one or more Valar. Finrod alone can be terrifying, but add in the rest of the elves and Maddy and the lawyers, not to mention the prisoners, all will certainly get the idea that they are in big trouble!
Author's reply
Hi UTFrog. Monday will be "Thanksgiving" for the people of Wiseman, so the Finrod's trial won't be until Friday. And you may get your wish on all scores. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
harrowcat · 16 October 2012 · Chapter 62: Explanations and Apologies
No Elf Academy is anything but boring. I am gleefully up to date with reading but shamefully behind with reviewing. I am sorry and I will now try to catch up before we get to the end but that might be a race I lose! I am glad that the 3 Elves and 2 Mortals can finally move forward together. Now we cry Poor Artemus. His little outburst is frightening for all concerned but especially, I think, for him.
Author's reply
Hi Harrowcat. I'm glad you're catching up with reviews. And don't worry. Review as you can. Elf Academy isn't going anywhere. *grin* Anyway, now that both sides have tested each other, they might be able to concentrate on just being friends. And yes, "poor Artemus". He definitely must have thought he was losing it at that moment and that's a dangerous thing for him to do, considering who and what he is. Ron will be very busy with him for the foreseeable future. Thanks for the review. It's appreciated.
bookworm · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 79: Madison and Nate
Haha, and just in time for All Hallows Eve, Death drops by to have a friendly chat. Poor Maddy! But it looks like she needed it. Suppose she'll have to find a way to regain Artemus' confidence - and he doesn't look like he feels terribly forgiving right now (not that I blame him) And Oh, yes, Healers always make the worst patients - we always either under or over estimate our illness =p They're going to have a horrible time keeping Finrod still enough to heal I'll bet XD Vardamir, on the other hand, looks like he's enjoying himself. Poor Zach! Casts itch, but perhaps with all the elves around he might get a bit of help with speed-healing. And I see some lucky family will get Findalaure to take them around. Wonder if the other two stooges will want in on that gig. Thanks for the update!
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. Just about. We'll see how she and Artemus interact after this. She's not going to regain his confidence immediately, that's for sure. And the jury is still out as to whether Artemus will do his test tour or let Findalaurë do it for him or perhaps they'll do it together since Finda was supposed to follow Alex around on his test tour before they all go kidnapped. At any rate, only time will tell. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Tari · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 79: Madison and Nate
This would make a good Holloween chapter. It would be down right spooky to sit down to breakfast and have Death join you. However, it seems to have helped Maddy greatly. Perhaps she'll be a better person now.
Author's reply
And it's certainly the right month for it. *grin* Hopefully Maddy's little chat with the Lord of Mandos will help and she'll 'get with the program', as they say. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Tari. It's greatly appreciated.
Lyana · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 79: Madison and Nate
Well, that's an eye-opener and no mistake, as one of my favorite hobbits might say! Lovely to see Esther and Nate again. So Maddy's been right in the thick of it, eh? I hope her talk with Nate bears fruit. She seems like a good egg despite being caught by the lure of pragmatism.
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. We'll see whether or not her talk with Nate bears fruit. Maddy isn't necessarily bad, but like all of us, she's prone to allow expediency rule over what is the right thing to do and so she needs a little reminder of this to get her back on track. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.
Larner · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 79: Madison and Nate
Oh, but we love this kind of interference, particularly when it is so needed. Now--will she straighten up and clean up her agency? Sounds as if it's very desirable!
Author's reply
As to whether Maddy straightens up can cleans house, that remains to be seen, Larner. Certainly the Valar would like to see her doing so. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Sunny · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 79: Madison and Nate
Wonder what Maddy would say if she knew one of the kidnap victims, as well as one of the injured person in this little clusterf..., ahem mess, are_actual_ royalty? Not that she would ever have heard about Nargothrond, the Noldor, or Aman. :-P Her little chat with Nate certainly impressed her. But then Nate tends to leave an impression, even when he is in disguise, as it were. But his incognito was rather strained, since he did tell him who he was. Not that she is likely to believe it. Who would imagine that the Angel of Death will sit down on the other side of the breakfast table and just have a chat?
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. We'll never know for sure what she would have done had she known the truth. Perhaps it's just as well she didn't; she's feeling pretty bad already. And I suspect that Nate deliberately let his disguise drop a tad to make his point, but you're right that few if any would believe that the Angel of death chatting them up across from the breakfast table. *grin* Thanks for leaving a comment. I greatly appreciate it.
6336 · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 79: Madison and Nate
Oh thankyou, thankyou, thankyou for letting me be a fly on the wall for that conversation! Nate was fantastic! I just hope when this is all over and done weith and Maddie gets back to Washington she 'cleans house'! Huggs, Lynda (aka 'The Fly')
Author's reply
You're very welcome, Lynda, and I suspect you had lots of company on that particular wall. LOL! We'll see what Maddy ends up doing soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
someone · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 79: Madison and Nate
This chapter's name had me grinning, it just had to be good if it had Nate talking with Maddy! Interesting chapter. Maddy certainly got something to think about, and we got to know what happened in Washington. So, Maddy knew almost everything but refused to help? My opinion of her just sank lower than ever, I thought that she would have some very good reasons for this. Poor Shanna, she died for nothing. "“Death is my business,-- For I am Death and you are very close to dying yourself."" That was rather frightening thing to say, it creeped me out (wouldn't want to hear anyone say that to me!), but at the same time it's very memorable and impressive. And now, just out of curiosity, do the Valar have their own table in the café where they carry out these ambushes, somewhere in the corner where no one sees what is happening? And considering that Maddy hates it when she's called "honey" or "dear", Esther used those names by purpose, didn't she?
Author's reply
Hi someone. I'm afraid Maddy has much to answer for, but she's not entirely lost, or Námo wouldn't have bothered with her. We'll have to see how she does. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Valar did indeed have their own table in the café. And I suspect Esther deliberately used "honey" and "dear" on Maddy. Nothing gets by that particular Valië. *grin* Thanks for commenting. I very much appreciate it.
UTfrog · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 79: Madison and Nate
I was excited by the chapter title before I even opened it. Looks like Maddie has some serious thinking to do. Poor Shanna; Alex will be justifiably upset. Great chapter.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Hopefully others will be equally excited by the chatper title. *grin* Yes, Maddy does have much to think about as Nate doesn't pull any punches, does he? *grin* Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Calenlassiel · 14 October 2012 · Chapter 78: The Next Day
Hey Fiondil, Great Chapter... Now, I have a question. What are we going to do with Alex's personalities?? Are the Valar going to integrate Artemis/Alex personalities and help make Al whole or what is the plan?? Inquiring minds would like to know??? Are we going to see the last battle the Dag Baurl...damn I forgot the name of the battle.. the Armageddon??? As always I am waiting for a Valar or Maia or two to pop into the story.. Maybe since it is Breast Cancer month we could have Este show up?? I have always liked Nessa because she married the strongest guy. Anyway just an Idea... As for Thanksgiving Dinner, I can't wait to see how the elves of the Valinor enjoy some nice turkey and cornbread dressing with a side sweet potato casserole. Oh, and Farrell needs his ass whooped. I hope he doesn't get paroled or any such nonsense..
Author's reply
Hi Calenlassiel. Your question about Alex will be answered by the end of the story. To give you an answer now would spoil things. You mean the Dagor Dagorath? *grin* I have no idea. Certainly not in this particular story. Perhaps in a later sequel if the Muse ever allows it. I think the story of the preparations for Armageddon are far more interesting with the interactions of the Elves, Mortals, Maiar and Valar than the actual battle. But you never know. We'll be seeing a couple of the Valar in the next chapter and we will see something of the Elves celebrating Thanksgiving in a subsequent chapter though the focus will be more on Alex than on the Elves, as you will see. As for Farrell... only time will tell. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor · 14 October 2012 · Chapter 78: The Next Day
I too have spent sleepless nights and commiserate with the lot of them. :-) As for Maddy, I cannot help but think she has been chosen by Eru to join those preparing for the Dagor Dagorath. Dear Glorfindel... pride can be a tricky thing. Eru did not put him there to judge his fellow Elves, Finrod's recovery will not be complete until he deals with Farrell. And Artemus will see, I hope, that all the parts of who he is, will be needed as he trains and works with Mortals and Elves. But I hope he learns soon, for Derek's sake. Another great chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Agape. I think we can all relate to those suffering sleepless nights here. We'll see what role, if any, Maddy will be playing from here on out and you're right that Finrod's recovery won't be complete until he's dealt with Farrell. As for Glorfindel, at least he recognizes that he was being prideful and knows that it's wrong, and that's his saving grace And Artemus... we'll have to see. The jury's still out on that one. Right now he's thinking as an agent who has completed his assignment and can just move on to the next one, except, that's not entirely the case here and he needs to come to grips with that before he can put aside the darker aspects of his personality and that "Alex" is an important part of his identity now. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj · 13 October 2012 · Chapter 78: The Next Day
Poor Finrod. Hospitals are no fun... at least for the patient. I can't say I like Artemus. I prefer Alex. I know Alex is a fake persona, but he seemed to have a lot going for him. I hope Artemus can tone his dark persona down and let more Alex in. That would make him a lot more palatable for me. Having Lawrence do the tour instead of Artemus/Alex I want to see.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yes, Artemus is fairly dark here and arrogant, as if the last three and a half months never happened. But I imagine that's how it is with him: as soon as an assignment is over he drops whatever persona he's using and becomes himself, the cynical, hardbitten, world-weary agent. Hopefully the Elves will show him that "Alex" would be a better fit for him if he plans to leave the spy business behind as he has been intimating he wants to do. We'll have to see how it goes. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it greatly.
obsidianj · 13 October 2012 · Chapter 77: Reactions
Everyone is back to civilization and cared for. Finrod is on the mend and they can start sorting this mess out. So, Maddy was drawn to Wiseman? Then there is hope for Alex and Maddy. Now, I'm just curious about Farrell's explanation.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yes, the excitement is over with for the moment and everyone's taking a deep breath. We'll be seeing just what is in store for Maddy, Alex and Farrell over the rest of this story as we begin windng up loose ends, or at least most of them as I'm leaving it open for a *possible* sequel, though that won't see the light of day too soon. Anyway, thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
Fantasia · 12 October 2012 · Chapter 78: The Next Day
Nice chapter. I wish to see what the Valinor elves will think about Thanksgiving. It is my favorite holiday, mainly because it haven't being corrupted with commercial sales, not yet. Families really keep the spirit of the holiday. And I think that our Glorfindel is becoming mortal: “As for the rest, it is past and no one died,” “You can not change what has happened, so concentrate on the present" this is something that I don't think elves follow too much, they are always holding the past, at least it is my interpretation, being immortal make them moving on slower pace than mortal. Well, thank you and read you Monday. Have a nice weekend!
Author's reply
Hi Fantasi. We'll see the Elves celebrating Thanksgiving. They have a similar holiday in Aman according to Tolkien so the concept isn't entirely foreign to them. And as a Canadian friend pointed out to me, it seems that Thanksgiving is for Americans the paramount holiday for families, more so than Christmas and you're right that it has (luckily) not been corrupted by commercialism, for which we can all be thankful (no pun intended). As a Reborn, Glorfindel has a different take on life than any of the Once-born, so his focus is more "present" than is typcial of most Elves, so it makes him seem more like a Mortal in his outlook. Not necessarily a bad thing. Anyway, have a nice weekend yourself and thanks for leaving a review. I really appreciate it.
Larner · 12 October 2012 · Chapter 78: The Next Day
I am strongly hoping it is a LONG time before any of these is seriously injured again. The body starts copping out after too many injuries in too short a time, after all. But at least they have Farrell and company under control, or at least for the moment. Now, to hear the statements, and learn what can be learned from Farrell and his people.
Author's reply
Yes, too many blows to the head does have a deletrous effect on one's well-being. *grin* I don't think we have to worry about anyone getting seriously injured again anytime soon, Larner. And we'll see how things go with everyone soon enough. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.