FV_Whisper
· 7 January 2015
· Chapter 106: The Tour Continues
Ahh, Maiar selling tickets and popcorn. They could have made a fortune with that!
Perhaps this little adventure will prove a lesson for Finrod as well and he will think of it whenever faced with something unfamiliar to himself.
Ingwë interacting with the Mortals about the weather was quite funny.
Elrond seems to have learned a thing or to about Mortal men and their perception on life the heard way it seems.
Turgon with a skateboard! Now that's a most interesting mental image. I guess once a Reborn, always a Reborn? And he's definitely having a thing with Alex now, maybe it would work for the two to have some talk? Or possibly not.
As for photo's of children to share with Aman, I'm sure some of the mortal friends of the Elves would be happy to help out on that part.
Ahh, a bakery raid! I'm pretty sure that made a good day for the owner, after he had recovered from having his store flooded with elves. Good thing the guards were not forgotten.
“We saw a dragon,” lol!
I still think after this it might be wiser to have Turgon locked up for his own safety.
Author's reply
As the Maiar point out, Finrod forgets what his reaction to sirens and the like was when he first arrived. Maybe next time, if there is a next time, he'll keep it in mind.
Turgon with a skateboard gives the phrase "a dangerous Reborn" a whole new level of meaning. LOL!
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reviewing, FV_Whisper. I appreciate it.
FV_Whisper
· 7 January 2015
· Chapter 105: Finrod Gives a Tour
Hmm, Elves in business suits. Now that's a nice mental image!
Ah, Finrod the Elf guide!
It's a good thing they did away with all jewels and swords, some people of Wiseman who are not that happy with the Elves might get the idea when they will find out there's royalty in town.
It's fun seeing the ap Hywels here, they seemed out of place with the royals earlier on, now they are actually the ones who are most at easy in this world.
Gareth is thinking a bit to easy about grown up daughters here. Just wait until he and Nell get on elf their own!
I get the idea Iseult, being a teacher herself, is enjoying the tour of the campus.
The firetruck incident was hilarious: the guards in a state, Galadriel and Celebrían being send to 'protection', much against their wills, Turgon half in a flashback...
And if you've had everything, there's a 4 year old calling them silly Elves lol! Well, as they say here, little children and drunk men speak the truth...
Turgon is definitely having a thing with Glorfindel here and seeing how his thoughts are with Eärendil all the time and his reaction on the little boy, I think he must have been a dotting grandfather.
Author's reply
The ap Hywels, even Tristan and Iseult, are more familiar with Western culture than they are with elvish ones, and of course they are very integrated into our world. I think Iseult enjoyed visiting the campus.
I'm glad you found the firetruck incident amusing. I though it quite funny with some people panicking and others not and poor Finrod trying to calm everyone down.
I think Turgon was a very doting grandfather and somewhere I have Glorfindel remember the warm relationship between Turgon and Eärendil when the latter was a boy.
Thanks for commenting, FV_Whisper. I appreciate it very much.
FV_Whisper
· 7 January 2015
· Chapter 104: Descent into Darkness
That was some mic stalking between Elrond, Celebrían and Elladan. It seems the first two are all ready for staying now, although they'll have some adjusting to do.
I wondered if Glorfindel's name was a version of Gilgamesh and indeed it was. I used to have a teacher who thought Gilgamesh was the perfect name for a cat lol!
It's fun to see how Ingwë has a healthy interest in modern day politics
Quite some dark themes are going on with Alex. He's a mess and he knows it. But he doesn't realize the heroics of his actions yet, nor what little Sergei calling him Uncle Gordy should tell him about it.
Author's reply
Hi FV_Whisper. Gilgamesh is a cool name. I can see naming a cat that.
As High King, Ingwë needs to be politically aware and astute, so it's only natural for him to be curious about our political system.
And yes, some very dark themes going on with Alex. Hopefully, with Ron's help, he'll begin to see just how heroic his actions were where little Sergei is concerned.
Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Monalex
· 7 January 2015
· Chapter 106: The Tour Continues
Hello Fiondil!
After a long hiatus in my reviewing, while I was re-reading this chapter I had an odd thought, it must be baffling and mind-blowing to Alex to think and know - at least intellectually - that he is related to all of the royals and important historical elvish figures like: Ingwe, Olwe, Finwe, Arafinwe, Nolofinwe, Turucano, Earendil, Elwing, Elrond, Celebrian, Galadriel, Celeborn, Elladan, Elrohir, Findarato, even Findalaure is a cousin of sorts.
Also I find it endearing that all the elves are so awed and so clearly long to see children and maybe interact with them. It would be great if the next visit, could be the newborns ward in the Hospital... I'm sure that would be a treat to them all!
Finally a visit to the Church of Father Charles is in order I think, since a good way to understand mortals of this time is by understanding their beliefs and should we say "mythology". Their take on the higher beings that the elves serve and how it all connects with Eru's plan.
Great chapter as always! I may not review in everyone of them but know that I am reading! :)
Author's reply
Hi Monalex. Glad to hear you're still reading and enjoying the story.
You're probably right about Alex. It has to be very weird for him when he stops to think about it, assuming he actually has stopped to think about it. Most likely he refuses to think about it at all.
They may not have time to visit the church or any places of worship except in a cursory manner. Their time is fairly short and other things are going on, in particular the upcoming wedding, which is the main focus of their visit. But maybe in some future visit when there's more time for such things.
Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciate.
rikki
· 6 January 2015
· Chapter 107: Dinner Party
That was a nice icebreaker of a dinner considering that the participants for the most part have only known each other for a couple days. Imagining Celeborn in a polo shirt and khakis and Galandriel in a tie-dyed dress sort of confounds the brain. I liked the interaction of the males as to how to treat a woman, chuckling over Alex's the spy training reference 101. It was a funny touch of humor. The other little motes of conversation about relatives and how the Elves in Valinor have lost hope in their lives was very telling. Overall, there is a lot of information here in this chapter.
As to the dowry, I think Glorfindel and Finrod need to have this conversation again with Garath. Finrod brought a lot of gold and jewels with him when he came back to Middle-Earth and it has helped in establishing what the Elves have needed to take care of themselves until they found jobs. Though it is nicely modern to think that he and Nell can combine their monies and make a living, having a nice nest egg for the future would not hurt. Whether it is a down payment on a house or money for expenses in case of a disaster or accident, Garath needs to understand that it won't be a point against him to have some money set aside. Even sharing expenses with Gwyn for the time being, Nell and Garath are going to be living pretty much paycheck to paycheck in terms of keeping house and trying to save money at the same time.
On another note, I liked how you included various tidbits about how Tristan and Iseult have lived over the centuries among mortals. As Alex mentions, they have been very lucky in their interactions with mortals that they were not enslaved or captured. That certainly happened to others in your story.
Now on to the wedding as I think you have mentioned. I am looking forward to see what you have included in the ceremony and how everyone will be looking at hopefully the first of several weddings in the future. Have a good week and I will be here Friday.
Author's reply
Hi Rikki. I'm glad you enjoyed the dinner and the various interactions and tidbits of information. And, of course, you're right about the dowry and I think Gareth will eventually see it as a godsend, especially if and when they have children who will need to be educated.
And now on to the wedding....
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's very much appreciated.
KathyG
· 6 January 2015
· Chapter 107: Dinner Party
Let me guess. The additional room disappeared as suddenly as it appeared when Este (Esther) left. LOL! Sounds like "Touched by an Angel" to me. =)
Author's reply
Well, Estë/Esther is the equivalent of an archangel. *grin* But who knows? Maybe she 'anchored' the additional room in this reality and made it permanent. I'm sure the café could use the extra space at times. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing, KathyG. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 5 January 2015
· Chapter 107: Dinner Party
A most interesting evening. Having a Valie on staff, even if it is on an intermittent basis, can be helpful, as they can add a room to a place where there is no room for the room.
Loved the conversations.
Author's reply
It is handy having one of the Valar on staff when you need an additional room added. LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed the conversations, Larner. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
6336
· 5 January 2015
· Chapter 107: Dinner Party
O.K. now where did I get to, oh, yes.
I found it very telling that on hearing the fire truck sirens and on seeing the small boy Turgon's first thought was Errendil, also mistaking Finrod for Ecthelion and asking for Glorfindel. On thinking about it both he and Errendil have a lot in common, since neither got to see their sons/grandson grow, but were left to wonder if they even survived. Both Errendil and Elwing had a tough decision to make when they reunited at sea, do they go on to Valanor and trust that their sons will be kept safe or do they turn around and go back for their sons. I wonder if Errendils ambivalence about being one of the First Born had to do with not being able to be with his sons. How soon after Sirion did Vingalot arise and he was able to check up on them. (Sorry this is what happens when I am in musing session!)
I think Turgon could do with a few sessions with Ron, both with and without Glorfindel. Ron would be in Hog Heaven with him.
I did like how you dressed Celeborn and Galdriel I am seeing them in my minds eye and they make a very handsome couple, (Odd thought, what did they think of zippers? Yes, I know my mind goes off at odd tangents.)
Was Chris one of the regular waitresses or was she a Maia conscripted by Este? I am not sure how the regular servers at the café would handle the Valar rearranging reality to add a 'back room'.
I loved Alex comments on how to handle women, always agree, even when she is wrong, saves a lot of arguments and she always looks gorgeous, even when she doesn't!
Gareth, honey, if someone is offering you a monetary contribution, grab it with both hands and run! Putting kids through collage is not cheap and every little bit helps.
I can see where the ap Hywels would have to move fairly frequently when their elflings were young, maturation rates are so different between Mortals and Elves that people would begin to wonder about them.
Well, now on to the wedding, some thing to look forward to after Inventory!
Checks Cliff House, dusts around a bit, lays in supplies of cookies and liquid refreshments, checks heater is in good order.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. That's an interesting observation about Turgon and Eärendil. You're right about that. It was actually some years before Vingilot rose if I remember correctly and I'm sure much of Eärendil's ambivalence had to do with his children.
I'm sure Ron would love to get Turgon on his couch but there won't be enough time, unfortunately.
Chris is a Mortal (there are a few who work at the café) and I think only Esther is from Valinor. I don't think any of the Maiar work there.
Alex is nobody's fool even where women are concerned.
And yes, the wedding is next up, which I hope everyone enjoys.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Hugs back.
Lindelea
· 5 January 2015
· Chapter 107: Dinner Party
(and you're right about nest eggs and college funds... sure wish we had one sitting around somewhere... we don't, so we are currently playing the scholarship game and hoping we don't miss the boat)
Forgot to mention, I love Nell's little speech. Very stirring. Good food for thought for Galadriel and Celeborn, especially.
And who knows? There might be a future wife still undiscovered in some other part of the globe, for our dashing young Twin. After all, look how long it took Gwyn and Gareth's family to re-connect with the Wiseman group.
Author's reply
You're right about college funds and such and I'm sure Gareth and Nell will appreciate it once they have it. I'm glad you liked Nell's speech. I'm sure her parents will have much to think about. And yes, of course, who knows? There may well be someone for Elladan someday. Only time will tell. Thanks for your comments, Lindelea. They're appreciated.
Lindelea
· 5 January 2015
· Chapter 107: Dinner Party
Good on Finrod, taking every opportunity to practise his driving!
What would fruit-of-the-forest pie be? I haven't heard of that one.
I had the same thought -- Esther knew what they'd prefer to drink (pity about the wine but good of them to observe local restrictions), but she left the choice of food and dessert up to them. For myself, it would be a choice between chocolate selections, probably, although creme brulee sounds as if it would have less sugar and would be the most prudent thing for me, I deem. I have eaten way too much sugar over the holidays and my body is punishing me for it, so have banished sweets from my vocabulary once more for the time being. Ah, well. Christmas is less than a year away.
I love the grandmotherly image of Esther. You could probably tell her anything, while sitting at her kitchen table consuming molasses cookies and swigging milk.
Alex's advice about dealing with female foreign agents... hah.
Hmmm. Wonder if Alex will take to calling Galadriel Grandmama (or if she might even invite him to do so, exhibiting a quirky sense of humour -- somehow I could believe that she might have a quirky sense of humour). Got a kind of ring to it.
Alas, poor Alex. But Derek is true.
Soft leather boots sound as if they'd be quite trendy. I know I drool over the boots display every autumn, but they're just not in the budget, so I haul out my comfortable, well-broken-in ancient pair, even though I don't care for the colour any more. (Reddish. Ought to have bought black, or even brown, but I was young and trendy at the time.)
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea. Fruits of the forest pie usually consist of a variety of different berries: raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, blueberry.
Actually, crème brulée has carmelized sugar as a topping, so you should stick with the jello. *grin*
As for Galadriel, I suspect Alex would feel a bit intimidated calling her 'grandma' or Celeborn 'grandpa', but Galadriel is willing to call Glorfindel 'brother', so who knows?
And yes, Derek is true, which is what Alex needs more than anything.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Dreamflower
· 5 January 2015
· Chapter 107: Dinner Party
It was fun to see and hear this dinner party at last. I especially liked the outfit that you chose for Galadriel!
The discussion of dowries and modern living standards was very necessary; the two cultures are so very different that it's going to take a while for the two sides to begin to understand one another, but I think it's probably help that the ap Hywels are able to bridge having lived through the transition between when mortal culture was more like that of Elves. It will be easier for them to understand the Valinoreans than the other way around.
I liked seeing Nell stand up for herself, and her little speech cut very close to the heart of why the Elves have been brought to Wiseman. Esther's contributions to the conversation were spot on, leading them to discuss what needed to be said.
BTW, I've been curious about something for a while and keep forgetting to ask: What gave you the idea of the cafe and Este being a waitress? Was it only the exigencies of plot (perfectly understandable), or was it something about her character that made you think she'd fit that role? Or was it the choice of her name "Esther" (perfect for the role and the other way around)? Or something else altogether? I'm terribly curious about other writers and their process, so forgive me for being nosy!
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I'm glad you enjoyed the dinner party and the discussion that was had between them. You're right that it will be easier for the ap Hywels to understand where the Valinóreans are coming than the other way around.
As for café and Estë being a waitress, well, to tell you the truth, way back in EA1, when Glorfindel stepped into the café and met 'Esther', I had no idea who she really was or that 'Nate' was Námo until after Glorfindel left the café. And I figured Estë, as the Valië of Rest, would be the perfect person to step in. There are many ways to achieve 'rest', whether physical, emotional or spiritual, and sometimes a cup of tea and homemade pie and a sympathetic ear is all you need. *grin* Many times while writing Elf Academy I sometimes feel that I'm not the one doing the actual writing and things just happen, like the café, that I didn't initially plan for or foresee.
Anyway, I hope that answers your question. Thanks for taking the time to comment. It's much appreciated.
Kevana
· 5 January 2015
· Chapter 107: Dinner Party
I can't help but wonder why Celeborn thinks Elladan couldn't find a spouse in Middle-earth? Roy and now Nell are spoken for – two out of three, not too bad!
It's really cute that Alex calls Misty "grandmama," especially since she probably looks his age or younger. Glad to see he and Felicity are getting on so well. Maybe Gwyn should take him up on that offer of advice.
It's always fun seeing the Valar mess with Reality like it's play-doh.
Bar in Thailand, huh? Clearly there are many things we haven't learned yet about Derek and his time in the Navy. ;)
Maybe Nell is trying to break away from Valinor entirely, and I couldn't blame her, but I'm with Esther on the money situation. If you have what amounts to a trust fund, use it, girl! Especially if they have kids.
Enjoyed seeing the different little family and friend groups interacting here. And now, on to the wedding? I wonder if Elves get cold feet and, if so, how cold Elrohir and Serindë's are right now.
Wishing you good health and happiness for 2015!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Well, as far as Celeborn is concerned, if Elladan hasn't hooked up with any of the available ellith in Wiseman so far, he's not likely too and there is no indication that he would find an elleth to love unless he returns to Valinor. At any rate, Elladan seems content to remain a bachelor for now.
Alex seems to be accepting the situation about his heritage and taking advantage of it by tweaking Misty.
And we certainly haven't learned everything there is to know about Derek and his time in the navy, and I doubt we ever will.
I'm sure that once the dowry is transferred to Wiseman Nell and Gareth will realize that the money will come in handy, especially if they have kids. Gareth, at least, knows how much it will cost to educate their children even if Nell has no clue as yet.
And yes, the next chapter is the wedding. I don't think Elves get cold feet, but we'll see. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Ora
· 5 January 2015
· Chapter 107: Dinner Party
I don't know what to say other than great chapter as usual. The winter holidays are just finished and your story is a welcome break from the gloom of going back to school.
Ora.
Author's reply
Hi Ora. That you enjoyed the chapter is enough. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it. Good luck with school.
Sunny
· 5 January 2015
· Chapter 107: Dinner Party
I gues this is the first time the non-Valinoreans have been exposed to how architecture can be ... malleable when the Valar are around. Yes, I guess the café _can_ have a back room when Esther's around.
Nice dinner party, and a pleasantly quiet chapter. Is it the quiet before the storm, I wonder? Certainly just having a wedding celebration (and one with a heap of unexpected guests at that) will provide its own excitement, but no doubt Murphy will be working overtime for a while.
I definitely liked the way Nielluin contrasted life in Valinor to life in Wiseman. But Celeborn needs to lighten up a little. Even if life is not all about having fun, certainly fun shoule be included!
Heh. Ester butts in advising Gareth to accept Nielluin's dowry as a gift from the bride's family, and saving it for the children's college education. Does she know something the rest of us don't?
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, this would be the first time Gwyn, Gareth, Misty and the Mortals have had this experience of the Valar shifting reality to suit themselves or others.
Actually the next few chapters will be mildly quiet, though I hope still interesting in their own way. You'll have to wait and see for yourself.
Celeborn has probably never had 'fun', poor ellon.
And Esther's suggestion just makes sense, don't you think? I'm sure eventually Gareth and Nell will want to add children to their house and as Esther points out college educations don't come cheap even for Elves.
Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
rikki
· 3 January 2015
· Chapter 106: The Tour Continues
The thought that Olorin walked down the street unseen and leaving a fresh scent that lifted the spirits of those he passed is one that I have enjoyed in all of your stories. The different fragrances that you describe for each maia makes my mouth water sometimes. You take us on multi-level journey that includes smell as well as sight. I always want to go find the different scents that you describe and set them up in the house as they sound so good. The entire effect is one of a stirring of the senses.
Oh and spending some time in a bakery! There is nothing like the smell of fresh baked cookies and cakes. It is a world that many people don't get to enjoy any more as they pick prepackaged goods off a grocery store shelf. Even baking your own is not the same as I certainly don't have the expertise to do all the fabulous icings and glazes that come with these goodies.
Turgon and Alex interacting at the grocery store has me wondering if they will get time to sit down and talk. Turgon needs to talk to Glorfindel but there are things that he should learn also while he is in Middle-Earth. And no, I cannot see him taking a skateboard home to Valar. The only really smooth places to ride would be in the palaces and one can just see the disasters that would occur in that instance.
I am looking forward to Monday which should bring the dinner at the cafe. I would love to be a fly on the wall for that but your description will have to do as I feel that Ester would be carrying a fly swatter to prevent interlopers.
Have a great weekend.
Author's reply
Hi Rikki. You can thank Tolkien for the idea of the Maiar exuding different scents. I merely took him at his word and came up with what scent or scents each of the Maiar in my stories would have. I'm glad you enjoy that aspect of my stories.
And I agree with you about bakeries. Unfortunately, they are few and far between these days, but they are a treat to the senses.
I don't know if Turgon and Alex will have time to talk while Turgon is in Wiseman with everything else going on. We'll have to see. Turgon will certainly see Alex around and see him interacting with the Wiseman Elves and see how they act with him and that may have to be enough for now. And skatingboarding through the palace sounds like a lot of fun. LOL!
Next up is the dinner and we'll all be flies on the wall for that. LOL!
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
bookworm
· 3 January 2015
· Chapter 106: The Tour Continues
I will never ever stop finding it amusing that her family use Galadriel as a deterrent. And all she has to do is stand there and smile at them.
Author's reply
Which just goes to show that anyone can be useful. LOL! I'm sure she enjoys her reputation. Thanks for reading and reviewing, bookworm. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 2 January 2015
· Chapter 106: The Tour Continues
I love that Gandalf just being there unclad was still able to raise spirits. How appropriate! And poor Turgon seems so very young now. It's obvious that he's not been reborn all that long. At least realizing how much satisfaction he knew in building Gondolin reflects Finrod's pleasure at earning his learner's permit managed to make an impression. And bless Gwyn and Gareth for thinking of the guards as well. Decent fellows!
Author's reply
Olórin is special. I think he would be called the Angel of Hope in our cosmology. Turgon has been out for some time now but being a Reborn he can have flashbacks at any time and obviously he was caught in a memory of Gondolin falling. At least he does begin to understand the pride that his cousin feels in earning his learner's permit. And Gwyn and Gareth are indeed decent fellows. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.
Dreamflower
· 2 January 2015
· Chapter 106: The Tour Continues
Olórin laughed again as Fionwë thought himself away, then idly made his way down the street, leaving behind a fresh scent that lifted the spirits of the Mortals whom he passed.
I just love that. I'm quite sure he was able to lift spirits just by passing through.
It was fun watching the sightseeing tour, and I am really looking forward to the upcoming dinner!
Author's reply
Olórin was made for the lifting of spirits and the giving of fair visions. And you will get your wish about the dinner very soon, Dreamflower, as it will be the subject of the next chapter and after that is the wedding.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 2 January 2015
· Chapter 106: The Tour Continues
I'd buy one of those tickets and make the popcorn, too.
This entire chapter, and the preceding one, are so very entertaining. Fish out of water portrayals of folks experiencing the modern age for the first time are a guilty pleasure of mine.
Good for Ingwë getting into the spirit of things!
That moment between Turgon and Alex was actually rather poignant to me. Neither one of them is particularly stable and I bet they could learn a lot from each other, if Turgon is able and willing to let go of enough of his arrogance to try and befriend Alex; and if Alex is open to the weirdness of being related to Turgon! But since he's not staying long, I guess it's not a real possibility, unless they set up an inter-dimensional pen pal exchange or something.
The thing with the automatic doors was cute. Speaking of electricity, if you're going on the idea that the sun in the EA-verse was actually created from a fruit of Laurelin, does that mean solar power is energy that was originally part of the Two Trees? Because the idea of Mortals learning to power civilization with the last remnant of that light is really fun.
It was a nice touch for them to remember the guards when they were buying their goodies at the bakery. Maybe that will settle them down.
Skateboarding Elves. Now there's a mental image.
Love the chapter, eagerly anticipating Monday! A very happy New Year to you!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Ingwë isn't high king for nothing! LOL!
Turgon and Alex are both feeling their way here and it is indeed a poignant moment. Perhaps in the future if there is more communication between Wiseman and Aman, the two will be able to befriend one another.
Yes, I hold to the idea that the sun was created from the last fruit of Laurelin as described in "In Darkness Bound".
Skateboarding Elves is indeed a mental image that you don't often find in fan fiction. LOL!
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reviewing. Happy New Year!
obsidianj
· 2 January 2015
· Chapter 106: The Tour Continues
Whew, the tour finished without another crisis. I can imagine the elves standing in the chaos of the grocery store all confused. The bookstore I imagine was much more to their liking. For people that never had a printing press and copied all books by hand it must be something to visit a store with more than one copy of most books.
Turgon is a ticking time bomb. They have to watch him carefully. I can see him taking a skateboard with him and starting a new danger on the streets of Aman.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. As is pointed out, while the Elves discovered movable type and the printing press, they use it only for utilitarian purposes. Anything of real importance they still do by hand and if you are immortal, why not?
Yes, Turgon is a ticking time bomb but hopefully the excitement of the wedding and all will divert his attention and he won't be going off. We'll just have to see.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 2 January 2015
· Chapter 105: Finrod Gives a Tour
It was to be just a simple sight seeing tour, but I sensed trouble the moment the kings showed up in all their jewels and with guards with swords. Oh, my talk about culture shock. Luckily they left the swords at home or there would have been a major incident with panicking elves. Finrod should have taken a few more Wiseman elves with him on this tour. The little boy summed it up quite nicely: "Silly elfs". I just noticed while I was quoting the little boy that you used the form "elfs" Is there a reason you used the form "elfs" and not "elves"? The boy obviously knew elves when he saw them.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yes, Finrod should have taken a few Wiseman Elves with him and it is a good thing the guards did not have their swords with them or there would've been real trouble. The boy says "elfs" because he is at the stage of his language acquisition where he knows that the plural is 's' but he has not yet learned the exceptions or the permutations. He'll need to be a little older (school-age) before he learns that the correct plural of 'elf' is 'elves' and not 'elfs'. I hope that clears it up for you. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 2 January 2015
· Chapter 104: Descent into Darkness
Shudder! Poor Alex, what memories to live with. No wonder he snaps every once in a while. But Vorondur is right. The fact that the boy looks to him as a trusted uncle must show Alex that he did something right in all this mess. I don't think there would have been a peaceful non-violent way out of this situation.
I admire Derek. Having such a volatile roommate can be hazardous to your health. Alex can't have a better friend.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. You're right that there wouldn't have been a peaceful, nonviolent way out of the situation and Vorondur rightly points out that Sergei sees Alex as family, so he obviously did something right.
There are depths to Derek that we have yet to see, I think, and he is the perfect friend for Alex.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Celeth
· 2 January 2015
· Chapter 106: The Tour Continues
And I wonder just what Fionwe would have done with the proceeds from the same of his tickets/popcorn; buy some pastries? :D
I'm glad the tour concluded without any more incidents, and that they enjoyed it.
I keep wondering about Turgon. Fionwe is right; its remarkable that when he panicked, he wanted Glorfindel, even when he thought "Ecthelion" was right there. And he seems to have a fixation on "Fionwe's Bane." The next chapters are just going to be so much fun.
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. I have no idea what Fionwë would've done with the proceeds. Probably taken a vacation somewhere.
Turgon is a mystery, that's for sure and obviously he would be fixated on Alex considering that the Mortal is one of his descendants.
Hopefully you'll find the next chapter to your liking. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Eruherdiriel
· 2 January 2015
· Chapter 106: The Tour Continues
Ha! The Maiar should have sold tickets. They would have made a killing.
Very enjoyable. I have an idea that Alex is going to change Turgon's mind about a lot of things...
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Hopefully Alex will help Turgon about a lot of things. We'll have to see.
Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Sunny
· 2 January 2015
· Chapter 106: The Tour Continues
Herding cats! I think that when you think about the Youtube video, this is the one you mean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8
This one is at least as much fun - and more real! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSPJqcvgQYg
Huh. I think I agree with Fionwë about Turgon needing watching. He's behaving like a recently released Reborn, ready to get one of the patented Reborn reactions at the drop of a circlet (since he probably wouldn't want to use anything as _common_ as a hat.)
I wonder if a few of the Valinorean visitors were feeling juuust a bit covetous in Nick's shop? I guess that if they decide to go shopping for souvenirs, a few piles of books for the various Royal libraries wouldn't go amiss. Although it looks as if Turgon would prefer a skateboard. If he gets one, I'm certain Turgon is going to make the streets and plazas of Tirion dangerous with his new toy - and just how long are the other Reborn going to wait before they start building their own skateboards and emulate him? ;-)
Speaking of Turgon, I wonder what is going on in his mind about Alex? I can almost hear the wheels whirring around in his skull as he watches Alex drive away. Sounds as if he is heading for a ... dicussion with Alex as well as one with Glorfindel.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I remember that commercial about the cowboys herding cats. Very amusing.
I have no doubt that the Valinórean Elves are indeed feeling covetous for Nick's shop and I suspect that some are even envious of Finrod being able to work there though they would never admit to it outloud.
I think Turgon is trying to figure Alex out and that's not something even those Elves who know him well can do with any real certainty, not even Ron. We'll have to see what happens after this.
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.