I am finding it curiouser and curioser. Maddy has come, and is obviously wanting answers, but also is finding herself relatively powerless in the face of Elves and her former agents. And Finrod wants first crack at Farrell and his thugs, does he? Good for him!
Author's reply
It's quite a mess, to be sure, Larner. It'll take a little time to sort everything out, though not to everyone's satisfaction. Thanks for leaving a comment. I greatly appreciate it.
Rhyselle
· 5 October 2012
· Chapter 76: Endgame
Well, I rather figured that someone on the elves' side would get wounded in some way or another, but I never figured it to be Finrod. A lot more questions raised than answered in this chapter but it was a satisfying read, nonetheless. :-)
The fight sequence was very clear and vivid; I could see it in my mind's eye. Mithlas' "Missed me" was a welcome bit of humor in what could have turned into a nasty bit of business.
Poor Zach! Some elvish medical assistance to help the bone mend faster once it's been set would definitely be appreciated.
I feel bad for the local police, having to deal with all this "interference" from the Agency and now Finrod insisting on trying Farrell and the others in his own court, but I really have significant qualms about letting Maddy take anyone anywhere. I'll look forward to seeing how the aftermath sorts out.
Thanks for a great read over my lunch break! Well done!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. I'm glad the flight sequence was clear and vivid.
We'll be seeing what the fallout of all this is over the next few chapters as everyone starts jostling for a piece of the jurisdictional and judicial pie.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's much appreciated.
Fantasia
· 5 October 2012
· Chapter 76: Endgame
Good, very good. So Maddy owned something to "Ambrose", that good, she maybe will let him go, following Alex's plan of probing that he was not the missing agent. I really likes all the fighting and the police arriving, but I really enjoyed Michaelson, he stood his ground in front of all the Kings, Lords, Agents, and he was so right. I almost laugh when Finrod wanted to hold court, sorry mate....It is Alaska, no Valinor.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Amroth is not about to let Maddy dictate to him, since he is no longer part of the Agency. And Michaelson is exerting his rights as the law here and he is in the right and the Elves are in the wrong. We'll see how successful Finrod is in holding court and what comes of it. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 5 October 2012
· Chapter 76: Endgame
WOW!!!
OUCH!!
Way to go Warrior Elves!
Maddie you do have a LOT of explaining to do!
Good one Fiondil!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Just the kind of reaction I was hoping for, Lynda. *grin* Yes, Maddy has much to explain and that explanation will be forthcoming soon enough. Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and I appreciate you letting me know.
UTfrog
· 5 October 2012
· Chapter 76: Endgame
Can't wait to find out how Maddy got there. I also prefer that Namo scare them in his court or at least he can make an appearance in Finrod's court. Poor Dave. I so love his "Queen of England" line. So we can relax for the weekend knowing everyone is safe from immediate harm. Now all they have to deal with is the dreaded bureaucracy.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. We'll learn more about Maddy eventually. And I have no doubt Námo will make an entrance at some point. Dave is feeling rather frustrated at all the high-handedness from others, from Glorfindel to Maddy while trying to do his job. And yes, everyone can relax this weekend. The show's over, at least for now. *grin* Thanks for reviewing and have a great weekend yourself.
Serindë
· 2 October 2012
· Chapter 64: After the Game
I love Nate and the difference in attitude of the Mortals and the Elves. The amused Derek, the slightly irritated Alex and the cringing Elves.
Author's reply
Hi Serindë. I'm glad you like Nate here and the different ways in which the Elves and Mortals respond to his presence. "Nate" is always fun to write, whatever his disguise. Thanks for taking the time to comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Serindë
· 2 October 2012
· Chapter 62: Explanations and Apologies
I had the feeling that the all the "Tour" was invented by a bunch very bored Elves, who underestimated the Mortal ability to accept a challenge.
I was slightly worried that Finrod could be a bit too overprotective. Good, that he was reminded that "the children" are older than the Egyptian pyramids.
I like Laurendil's reaction. The night with Bregolas was probably really memorable.
Author's reply
Hi Serindë. Yes, very bored Elves. *grin* And Finrod is just being a concerned papa where his youngest is concerned, but Alex has the right of it. I suspect the night with Bregolas was more than memorable. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Lyana
· 2 October 2012
· Chapter 75: Elves to the Rescue
Oh, love the hidden tunnel and disappearing act!
I'm very glad the Elves have arrived, but Farrell is such a loose cannon (and those three with him are nasties in their own right), add in firearms in close quarters and I'm not at all sanguine about the outcome! I'm not worried about any of the Reborn because I think a certain Lord of Mandos would not be best pleased to find them cluttering up his doorstep yet again, but battles tend not to end without casualties on both sides.
If what I'm guessing is true, Amroth has something else to add to the burden of those dark years...
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. I'm glad you liked the hidden tunnel and disappearing act. I thought it was a nice touch. *grin* And you're right that in battles there tend to be casualties on both sides and we'll see just who ends up being one in the next chapter.
As for what you may be guessing, only time will tell if you're correct.
Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Malice2
· 1 October 2012
· Chapter 75: Elves to the Rescue
I thought this kind of thing might have been Farnell's reason: his attitude stank of revenge. I just didn't list it as a valuable reason. Too many casualties to jutify revenge, for one thing. And besides, I don't believe in revenge, even though I sympathize with the grief...
This is a cliff I can bear... a hopeful and positive one!
Author's reply
Hi Malice. Farrell is obviously too obsessed to care about the casualties in his wake, which is a pity. I think he wasn't a bad agent, but he allowed his feelings to get the better of him. We'll see why this is so eventually. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Sunny
· 1 October 2012
· Chapter 75: Elves to the Rescue
Hopefully Alex and Artemus will get along in the future, now that Artemus has proved that he really can be a useful sort of guy to have around... :-) And I see that the Three Amigos have noticed that Artemus and not Alex was the one who managed the escape from the kidnappers.
The young ellyn seem to be growing some sense - they did not heroically rush in to rescue their friends, even though it was clear that they were being abused, but instead waited for the older and more experienced Elves to come to their aid. And this way the youngsters could give what information they had, to help with the rescue in that way.
It makes sense that there is a back way into the grotto to prevent delivery vans and such from spoiling the Santa magic - and those agents have clearly not done their homework. If Farrell thought that he might need to use Santa's Grotto for something in connection with the kidnapping, he really should have studied the plans for it, given that it is a man-made structure. Not that I'll complain too much - his sloppiness is in our heros' favor after all! ;-)
Artemus is certainly a smart cookie. It is fun to see how he confounds the agents simply by telling them the truth about Elf Academy. It is legit after all, and it is a school for training tour guides. That is not quite all it is, but let's not quibble. And anyway, I don't think that Farrell and his sidekicks are prepared to hear that the Elf Academy is really there to prepare humans for Ragnarok. So Farrell did learn something about Amroth from Bradford. I do wonder about how much and what he learned - and how he learned it.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I think Alex will see the value of Artemus now and he will befriend that part of him and become whole.
The Three Amigos are getting quite an education and learning wisdom which can only come from experience, and that's a good thing.
And I don't think Farrell intended to use the Grotto for any reason but simply beat Artemus to it, knowing that that was the only place they could have gone cnosidering the storm and all.
And sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. People expect to hear bad things about something and when they don't they think they're being lied to when they're not.
As for what Farrell learned from Bradford, we'll learn about that soon enough.
I appreciate you taking the time to read and review. Thanks.
Fantasia
· 1 October 2012
· Chapter 75: Elves to the Rescue
Bravo! I was glad the Zach and Derek were out of danger, it is easy to perform a rescue or save yourself without risking your friends, I supposed, never being in that situation....Well, Artemus is quite resourceful, I could have never guess that yoga can help in loosening ropes. And the elves are in action! good, very good. And finally, some hint on who Farrell is. And if they keep hitting Alex in his head, he will have a permanent damage, he is still recuperating from the accident. Liked that the three amigos way of thinking, you can see that they are green in his dealing with evil and I liked that they have the opportunity to see Artemus at work....Friday, then? no more surprises for Wednesday? Please!
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Artemus is a very resourceful guy and he's had excellent training, something that Farrell seems to have forgotten. Poor Artemus. He's taken quite a few knocks, but he's tougher than he seems and he's a survivor, so I think he'll do okay. And the Three Amigos are certainly getting a lesson on human evil as well as human bravery, that's for sure.
Sorry, the Wednesday posting was a one-shot. It's back to Mondays and Fridays from now on, but you're used to that, so it shouldn't be that much of a hardship, right? *grin* Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I greatly appreciate it.
Kitty
· 1 October 2012
· Chapter 75: Elves to the Rescue
Ah good, the Amigos found the rescue party! Now the fun can begin!
Oh yes, the back entrance! Farrell and his cohorts very likely don't know about it and won't expect anyone from there. Perfect!
*snicker* Of course Elf Academy is mainly there to train tourist guides, but Farrell obviously expected something sinister and illegal he could use against them. His bad.
You know, Farrell is quite the coward, trying to force Alex to do his dirty work for him, just because he himself is too incompetent. Nice excuse of wanting Amroth to experience the betrayal, but I don't really buy that.
Ha, I knew it, Farrell had to have something to do with that Bradford guy! It was the only explanation that made any sense to me, considering his strange obsession with killing Amroth. And btw, Farrell behaves like a child that doesn't get his desired toy or candy just because Alex doesn't take his faked termination order for real. That guy needs a life and a better hobby than killing someone!
The tunnel to the grotto proved to be very useful, even if they certainly hadn't the purpose of sneaking away hostages in mind when it was built. I am really glad that Derek and Zach are now safely out of harms way! Alex may still be a prisoner, but he can deal with much more than these two. Besides, the Elves won't allow Farrell to do any more. I just hope Zach and Derek aren't too badly injured.
And that's why I am not that terribly worried about the new cliffie. Knowing that the Elves are just a few steps away does a lot to reassure me that things will go more or less smoothly now. Guns or no, I still don't believe these guys will be much of a match for the Elves – they are too fast and have the surprise element on their side. Of course, if someone decides to use Farrell for archery target practice, I'd not complain. Though the cave might be a bit too small for that sort of weapon.
Can't wait for Friday, as usual!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Yes, Farrell is somewhat cowardly, but most bullies are. We'll find out just what Farrell's relationship to Bradford was eventually. It will all come out before the end, I promise.
Derek and Zach aren't too badly injured but they didn't get away scot-free, especially Zach. But, unfortunately, it is often the innocents who suffer in such situations.
And we'll see how the Elves handle the situation at the Grotto in the next chapter. There are still a few surprises left and they're not all good.
Thanks for commenting. I greatly appreciate it.
6336
· 1 October 2012
· Chapter 75: Elves to the Rescue
If Bradford was so 'good' how come Amroth killed him, just knowing who he is would not be enough for that, surely, there has to be more to it than that?
Yay! Glaur/rod to the rescue, ouch, hope all are not too badly banged up and that Ratty gets his just rewards, a visit to the Lake Monster would be good!
Just who are Ratty's associates, looks like there are a few rotten apples in the agency's barrel!?
Waiting for Friday, still have the pinky toe nail on the left foot to go!
Huggs,
Lynda
p.s. B.H. is doing well, still has a ways to go but he is getting there!
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I'm glad to hear that B.H. is doing well. That's great!
Bradford... well we'll learn a bit more about him soon enough.
And we'll see how everyone fares now that the battle is on.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Agape4Gondor
· 1 October 2012
· Chapter 75: Elves to the Rescue
Hey, where did they go?
I was giggling. Reminded me of Bugs Bunny's 'which way did they go.' Poor Mortals. Frustrated. About time! It must have been fea-satisfying to the Elves to hear the exclamations of wonder and distress. To be a fly on the wall at that moment!
And 'all hell broke loose.' I must say, being the impatient one, that it is about time!
I did strongly feel for the Three Amigos. I do so hope they have their own moment to 'play' with Farrell and his thugs.
GREAT chapter. *deep satisfied sigh* I know Alex/Artemus is not out of the woods yet, but I know there's hope.
Author's reply
Hi Agape. It is funny and the expressions on the agents'faces must've been priceless when they saw that their prisoners had vanished into thin air.
We'll see how the Three Amigos fare, as well as everyone else in the next chapter. And yes, there's hope, now that Glorfindel and Finrod and all the others are on the scene.
Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it greatly.
Larner
· 1 October 2012
· Chapter 75: Elves to the Rescue
Oh--revenge, is it? Hmm! Seems that Farrell is a few years too late, and even more dollars short. Now, to learn what he was to Amroth's former nemesis....
Love the comment by Alex/Artemus that Farrell is losing his prisoners with regularity, and hope that we get Farrell as a prisoner this time! And why are Pegg and this other guy agreeing to back Farrell up?
Author's reply
Revenge is a nasty word and a tricky proposition, and as they say, revenge is a dish best served cold and Farrell didn't have any evidence of Amroth's continual existence until recently, so the whole revenge motif is a new thing or rather an old thing that's been resurrected. As for the other agents, who can really say what their motivations may be but I suspect that Farrell hasn't been exactly straight with them either.
Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it very much.
Arwen75
· 1 October 2012
· Chapter 75: Elves to the Rescue
Another great chapter and yet another cliffhanger - yes I know you warned us but I am still waiting for Friday to come with great anxiety. I am really enjoying this story - it certainly brightens up my Monday & Friday lunch hours.
Now to see what Farrell does- or to be more accurate what the elves do - or both....
Author's reply
Hi Arwen. I'm glad you are enjoying the story, even with the cliffhangers. There shouldn't be too many other cliffhangers left, at least not any that are as tense as the ones we've had recently, so you can relax a little bit after Friday. *grin* Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's much appreciated.
someone
· 1 October 2012
· Chapter 75: Elves to the Rescue
Alex/Artemus made one big mistake. He should not have known that it was Bradford Farrell was talking about, because (if I remember right) it was not known what happened to Bradford or that Elwood was responsible for it. Of course, it won't matter if Farrel hit his head too hard, but I doubt it is that easy to get rid of him.
The way the Elves decided those who attack the agents was... interesting. And now that the other hostages are safe, readers can just sit back and enjoy the show of Elves vs. Agents, part two. I wonder if there's still room for a few agents in that Inuit village *grin*.
Oh, and I still can't understand why humans leave footprints in the snow but Elves carrying humans don't.
Author's reply
Hi someone. Well, Alex/Artemus would have know about Bradford and the fact that he disappeared. At this point, he's trying to figure Farrell out and why he's so obsessed with Amroth/Ambrose.
We'll see how the Elves deal with Farrell and the other agents in the next chapter as they attempt to rescue Alex and take down the agents.
I think that the Elves who carried the humans may have left some trace but the snowstorm conveniently covered their tracks.
Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
UTfrog
· 1 October 2012
· Chapter 75: Elves to the Rescue
I cannot believe it. Another cliffhanger. I would say something about how mean you are, but no one who writes as well as you do could be mean. Devious, certainly, but not mean. Great chapter. Thanks
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I did warn everyone that there would be lots of cliffhangers in this arc of the story, but now that the Elves have arrived, you know that the end is very near. And I prefer to think of myself as devious and not mean or evil. *grin* I'm glad you are enjoying the story regardless. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor
· 1 October 2012
· Chapter 74: To Santa’s Grotto
You realize, Fiondil, that I was baiting you - hoping you'd become confused and post on Wednesday by mistake. Bwwaaahhhaaaahhhaaaa.... But you didn't take the bait. You fiend.
I read this immediately on Friday but had no computer to 'type' a response. Spent the week-end recovering from a blasted hip problem. But - I thought about it all week-end. Thankfully, I'm getting better and ready to indulge you with words or praise.
Great chapter. I keep saying that but it is true for each one. You outdo yourself every Monday and Friday. *giggles*
Glad that the storm kept the Steiners and the folks who were going to be touring from trouble. Sad to see Farrell at the Grotto, but what else can I expect from the master of mayhem? Glad that you kept the torture 'off-site.' Derek can handle it, but poor Zach.
Now - where on earth are the Three Amigos and what are they doing/planning? I do so hope they don't do anything foolish. They are not yet acclimatized to modern Middle-earth.
Finrod and Glorfindel are not two people, let alone Elves, that I would 'play' with. Farrell will be in a heap of trouble in a very short time. I do not pity him.
Thanks for another great chapter. This was fun - except for the torture, the missing Elves, Farrell, his compatriots, the horror... well, you rock!
Author's reply
Hi Agape. I rock, do I? LOL! Thanks for letting me know. We'll be seeing what the Three Amigos are up to and what Glorfindel and Finrod are planning and just how they hope to rescue Alex, Derek and Zach in the next chapter.
I'm glad you're feeling better and I hope you continue to improve in health. Thanks for taking the time to review. It's very much appreciated.
demeter d
· 29 September 2012
· Chapter 74: To Santa’s Grotto
I am going to go on record as the second reviewer who "LIKES" your cliffhangers! It is an exciting story, and MUCH more fun when you stop at the point before the next excitement! And do not hurry. Tell everyone's points of view, let us see the story from inside the heads of as many characters as we can! I have my own theory about the storm. At first, I thought it may have been sent to help cover Artemis & Co.'s escape. But it obviously did not do that. All the bad guys did was fire up the pickup with the blade on front and head out. No, what it did was get the tours suspended. There will be no innocent bystanders caught up in what will happen next! And, I do believe that whether we have been seeing through his eyes or watching him, he has been "Artemis" this whole chapter. I hope that means that he is now accepting all of the strengths, of all of his characters over the years, and joining them together in a whole, confident person. One last thought. I think our Mr. Farrell needs to have a "there and back again" quick visit to Master Namo's halls, rather like after Artemis's little dip in the tarn. Just for long enough for him to see there are things in creation he has no idea about!
Author's reply
Hi Demeter D. I'm glad you like my cliffhangers. Thanks for letting me know. There are still a few more cliffies in the story, so that should keep you happy. I think you're right about the reason for the storm and in fact I hadn't even thought of it, but it does make sense. Of course, it did allow Alex and the others to get away from the farm so whatever happens now will occur without innocents involved, such as the Steiners, so I suppose the storm did serve a double purpose. Alex is definitely and for the time being Artemus and hopefully he is beginning to see how valuable Artemus is to him. As for Farrell... we'll have to wait and see what happens to him and his men. This story is winding down, but it's not over yet. We still have several more weeks fo chapters left.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read and leave a comment. It's very much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 29 September 2012
· Chapter 74: To Santa’s Grotto
Arrgh. I was not expecting Farrel to already be in the grotto. With the weather the way it is... A nasty surprise. I hope the Three Amigos can do something until the rescue party arrives. Although they should not be far away. Artemus' suspicion of the grotto was well-founded, but it didn't help. It is so cowardly of Farrell to beat Zach and Derek, but he is the villain of the piece and villains are not known for fairness. I just hope Finrod can come up with a suitable punishment for this guy.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. A very nasty surprise, but the storm had only just reached the farm when they were escaping and driving to the grotto even in the storm would've been faster than going across the fields. The rescue party is not that far behind, though, as we will see in the next chapter. Farrell is merely employing the tactics of all good questioners/torturers in getting their victim to talk. He knows Ale/Artemus is unlikely to break himself but he's not going to let innocents get hurt because of him. We'll see what happens to them all eventually.
Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Sunny
· 28 September 2012
· Chapter 74: To Santa’s Grotto
Good to see that the Steiners are OK. Elrohir would surely have been very upset if any serious harm had befallen them.
I see that Alex/Artemus isn't quite as smart as he thinks. Or perhaps Farrell, that rat just is smarter and sneakier than he thought? I'm sure that right now the Three Amigos are trying really hard to come up with a plan to rescue their Mortal friends (or at the very least get revenge for the indignity they suffered at the agents' hands.
Real soon now I expect there will be a sudden interruption of Farrell's little "chat" with Alex/Artemus - one that I'm sure he won't enjoy at all. And the "party-crashers" sill be something Farrell has no experience with - some very angry Elves.
I won't have any fingernails at all left on Monday!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I don't think it's a matter of Alex/Artemus not being as smart as he thinks he is or Farrell actually being smarter than he looks, as it is that Alex is working under certain assumptions that did not prove true, namely, that there would already be others at the grotto who could lend a hand, and of course, no one was anticipating the sudden snowstorm.
Adn we'll see how Glorfindel et al disrupt Farrell's little "chat"with Alex/Artemus. Glorfi knows something about the grotto that Farrell doesn't know and that will prove advantageous. *grin*
Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
Malice2
· 28 September 2012
· Chapter 74: To Santa’s Grotto
I'm feeling increasingly sorry for Farnell. Not only has he clearly not been explained what kinf of mess he's dealing with, but he's got two irate elf lords coming down on him.
Though somehow I'm not sorry for him at all. Unless he's acting this way because someone holds his kids/wife/siblings/parents/friends hostage...
Author's reply
Hi Malice2. Farrell is fast losing control of the situation though he doesn't realize this or understands why so there's reason to feel sorry for the guy even though there's nothing about him to feel sorry for. We'll learn the source of his actions with Alex and Amroth eventually, I promise. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
Clouded Leopard
· 28 September 2012
· Chapter 74: To Santa’s Grotto
There's something not right going on. Farrell knows more than everyone thinks he does. From the way things are going, it would seem Farrell is more than he says he is or who he isn't.
Alex/Artemus has become a very compassionate person with his new friends/family. He has evolved from who he was with the agency he works with now. Going into Santa's Grotto was taking a chance to get away from Farrell and company. With the elves behind him they could hear what was going on and disappear and hopefully warn the others who are coming to rescue them. Good thinking on their part.
With the rescue party now chosen and on their way things will be heating up shortly. Now if you would only reveal the final 4 elves out of the 24 that came from Aman (grin) it would satisfy my curiosity (LOL). Thanks for the cliffhanger. Keep them coming. Have a nice weekend.
Author's reply
Hi Clouded Leopard. You're right that Farrell knows more than everyone else thinks, though we won't know the full extent of his knowledge until close to the end of the story.
Alex/Artemus has indeed evolved for the better (at least I hope he has).
Hmmm.... I not sure whic of the Valinórean Elves I haven't mentioned. I thought I had mentioned all of them by now. I don't think we'll learn who the others are in this story, though, since they apparently don't do anything important and that list has evolved and changed in the course of teling this story so perhaps the other four Elves won't show up until and if a sequel to this sequel is written. Sorry.
And you're the first person EVER to thank me for my cliffhangers! Thank you and thank you for reviewing. Have a good weekend yourself.
Lyana
· 28 September 2012
· Chapter 74: To Santa’s Grotto
Ai! Oh, it was so hard to read about Derek and Zach being hurt, Zach especially. I'm sure Artemus will do beautifully in answering without answering and misdirecting, but I sure hope he doesn't have to do it for too long. And I hope that the Three Amigos, if they choose to take action, do so wisely - hurry up Glorfi and company!
You do realize that the most evil thing you've done is make weekends something to be endured until Monday? :-)
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. I would prefer to think that I am providing a service to my readers: making people anticipate rather than dread Mondays with my cliffhangers. *grin* Weekends are always weekends whatever else is going on.
It was hard to have to write about Derek and Zach being hurt and I was glad to do it off-stage, so to speak. Glorfi and company aren't too far behind and we'll see what the Three Amigos are up to as well in the next chapter. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.