Diana
· 27 August 2014
· Chapter 69: Rescue Operation
Oooo, I hope Farrel doesn't wake up in the helicopter, that would be reeeealy bad!! Good follow up to the last chapter btw. Very exciting!
Glad that Finlay was cut short before going too far in singing for the Elves because knowing the men I know, I suspect the next song would have been a dirty limerick or a couple of verses of "The Hedgehog Cannot Be Buggered" (nod to other Pratchett fans) because stress could do that to a mortal brain.
Great imagery with the rescue, and the "Hound of Orome". Thanx for a good tale!
The Dude abides.
Author's reply
Hi Diana. I doubt Finlay would have resorted to anything so crude among the Elves, though their own "Elf and the Fruit Vendor" is pretty naughty and I think Finlay would be shocked to hear these proper Elves singing such a song. *grin* Anyway, I'm glad you liked the imagery of the rescue. I tried to make it as "otherworldly" as possible. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Eruherdiriel
· 26 August 2014
· Chapter 69: Rescue Operation
Hi! Yes, I'm still alive. Just working two jobs and doubting my sanity.
Wow. Quite a bit has happened. I'm super glad that I didn't have deal with some of those cliffhangers. I'm glad Alex is starting to deal with his past, and I'm looking forward to Felicity figuring it all out. I like her.
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. Glad you're still alive and kicking. Yes, quite a bit has happened and more will happen. Alex has a way to go toward psychological wholeness but he's getting there. I'm glad you like Felicity. I like her, too. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it.
Lindelea
· 25 August 2014
· Chapter 69: Rescue Operation
Exciting chapter. Great rescue. Sounds as if the ice is a supernatural phenomenon, and neither arrowheads nor gun would have been enough to do the trick.
So the Valar apparently ordered both Farrell and Alex saved? Interesting.
I've heard of rescuing a drowned phone, by submerging it in some sort of super-absorbent material to suck all traces of moisture out. Haven't done it myself, actually.
Bringing more chocolate and lovely homemade soup to the Cliff House.
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea. No, the ice isn't supernatural, just thick. And the Valar didn't order the rescue, Eru did. *grin* I'm glad you found the chapter exciting. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
rikki
· 25 August 2014
· Chapter 69: Rescue Operation
I happened to think while I was reading this that Finrod has certainly managed to integrate into the modern mortal world well. When at the beginning of this story he was taking a job at a bookstore to get used to mixing with people and improve his speech, I would say that it has done wonders. I bet he heard of Captain Wonderpants from the pre-school group that comes to the bookstore. Now the twins should buy a copy and give to Amroth and Della for their twins.
This was a thrilling rescue with the maia coming to the rescue and the timber wolf leading Finrod and Glorfindel to the deer. Without their help it would have been a long night. I think Ed needs Sakari to explain the magic to him when he gets down off the mountain. With all the new information he has learned about elves on this trip, it is no wonder he is freaking out.
I was almost expecting Dave to be at the resort when the elves came down since they had scared the ticket taker so bad. But I am sure he will be back soon when Glorfindel finds him to give him Farnell's cell phone. Hopefully that will lead them to Felicity so she can be at the hospital when Alex wakes up. I have a feeling that if she is not there he will be trying to get up to go find her.
Though reading this story is slow I have to say thank you for posting so regularly. Knowing that this will continue until the new year lets me know that there is going to be lots of plot development here and when it does get done I plan on a Elf Academy marathon of reading starting from the beginning again to read it in once continuous go. And Elf Academy IV has whetted my appetite for more Glorfindel and the elves in Wiseman. Have a good week. Someone brought chocolate to the Cliff House I see and I will indulge on this occasion.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. Finrod's done a pretty good job of integrating himself into Wiseman's society.
I'm sure Ed will be telling Sakari all about the strange happenings around the Elves.
We'll see Dave in the next chapter and we'll find out about Felicity as well.
And yes, there are lots of plot developments and, hopefully, surprises, along the way. This story is far from over, I promise and hopefully Elf Academy 4 will be equally enjoyable for you.
Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Kevana
· 25 August 2014
· Chapter 69: Rescue Operation
Trying to chip a hole in the ice with arrowheads to rescue your friend - what a nightmare. I don't know that a gun would've made a difference, either. Thank goodness for Eonwë and his Divine Lightsaber, and the sweet Maia who performed what was probably the best CPR that has ever been done. Loved the image of Finlay and the Elves running like hell to get off the lake, too. Yikes!
Love the cute and friendly wolf, who was in fact not a wolf. Take-out dinner, mountain style.
Elrohir and Elladan, however, were both smiling rather evilly as they glanced at Vorondur.
*snort* Bad Elves. Shame on you.
Hearing all the Elves singing might - *might* - almost be worth getting stuck out in the woods in sub-zero temperatures during an Alaskan night.
Farrell, buddy, as they say: look at your life, look at your choices. :P I don't think the next days are going to be particularly enjoyable for him. Wondering if he got a talking-to by Somebody or other just as Alex did. I think I am cheerleading for him to turn on his Dark Side boss(es) and join the Wiseman crew, unlikely as it might be. If a near-death experience isn't gonna do it, I don't know what would, though. But the Maiar saved him too, so...you better make the most of that second chance, dude.
Really hoping Farrell's promise that if he didn't check in periodically, the kidnappers would kill Felicity, was just a ruse. Atar did say she was safe, but no telling if she'll stay that way. Smart move, grabbing the guy's phone.
Much drama! Looking forward to Friday with great anticipation. :)
Everyone enjoy your Monday, if possible. At least there's only one a week, right?
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Well, you do what you can with what you have however hopeless the situation. Luckily, Atar was on the ball with the Maiar, so it worked out. *grin* We'll see what fate is in store for Farrell, how long it takes Alex to recover and what happened to Felicity very shortly. And one Monday a week is still one Monday too many, IMO. LOL! Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 25 August 2014
· Chapter 69: Rescue Operation
I've enjoyed a few Captain Underpants stories myself. Being a teacher does that to you, I've found! Am looking to find a print copy of Pratchett's "Book of Poo" next, I think.
Atar has sent them back, and hopefully has broken the connection between Farrell and his dark masters, whoever they might be. It will be interesting to see what can be learned from him once he awakens, if, of course, he does.
And nothing like having one of Este's servants breathe life into one to make certain that one survives!
Author's reply
Ellie told me about Captain Underpants, but I've never read them myself. As for Farrell, we'll see what happens to him as well as with Alex. Neither is out of the woods yet.
Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.
6336
· 25 August 2014
· Chapter 69: Rescue Operation
Maia to the rescue, again. Yeah, I think I would run if Eonwe pulled his Sword of Light out. I wonder which Maia Este sent?
I think Finlay is going to have a lot of questions, to which he may get answers, but not to all.
Alex is going to be alright, but Ratty I am not so sure, brain damage is an option but not one I would wish on any one, even Ratty. Let's hope they can keep a better hold on him this time!
Captain Underpants and Bookstore Boy, I love the names, will have to check out the Captain Underpants books, maybe the Orclings would like them!
Brings Brownies and hot chocolate makings to the Cliff House for breakfast, hey it's virtual so the calories don't count!
Have a good week,
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I don't know which Maia Estë sent, but she sent one. We'll see how both Alex and Farrell fare. I haven't read the Captain Underpants stories but the premise does sound amusing especially from a kid's POV. And Bookstore Boy... the perfect name for Finrod. *heh* Thanks, for reviewing. I appreciate it. Have a good week yourself. Hugs back.
ellie
· 25 August 2014
· Chapter 69: Rescue Operation
This is one of my favorite chapters. I remember well our discussion about Bookstore Boy referencing Captain Underpants. LOL!
I could do with elves singing me to sleep. So did Finrod song the past of the Lay telling about where he died? That would have been creepy weird if he did.
That ran is definitely something evil if the ice reformed as soon as Eonwe removed his sword from it...
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. It's one of my favorite chapters, too. I doubt Finrod sang about his own defeat and death. I think he probably sang an earlier canto, perhaps where he removes his crown. As for the tarn, at the altitude and with those temperatures, the ice would reform almost immediately whether there's something evil lurking in the waters or not. It's just the natural way of things. Eönwë had to keep the sword in the water to make sure the tarn didn't refreeze immediately while the rescue was going on.
Thanks for reviewing, especially as I know how super-busy you are. I appreciate it.
Celeth
· 25 August 2014
· Chapter 69: Rescue Operation
Wow what a dramatic scene! And no less than Eonwe to the rescue. Too bad he didn't even say hi! Hahaha. Wish I could have been there. That last interlude of Alex with Atar left me utterly speechless. It looks like Alex will be ok. I wonder about Farrell? Could he be having his own interlude with somebody? Now that gives me shivers. And I'm still worried about Ms. Felicity. I do hope she will be fine, I hope there's a Maia looking out for her.
Friday seems a long way off :-P
Author's reply
Hi Celeth. I'm glad you found the chapter dramatic and the previous chapter leaving you speechless. We'l see how both Alex and Farrell fare as well as what happened to Felicity in the next chapter. And Friday isn't as far off as you think. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 25 August 2014
· Chapter 69: Rescue Operation
Another fantastic chapter. So glad all are safely away from that dreadful tarn. Please, please carry on gently with the Captain Underpants joke. Someone just has to buy a presentation copy.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you liked the chapter. And I promise that that's the last of the Captain Underpants references. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 25 August 2014
· Chapter 69: Rescue Operation
Huh. I wonder why Finlay wasn't all over the Elves asking who those special effects ... people ... were. Or perhaps he really didn't want to know. Perehaps that he was startig to freak out during the night. But Elvish singing was clearly an excellent distraction! ;-)
I suppose getting hauled out of that tarn by Maiae must be getting really old to Alex by now. Hope he will be sesible and stay away from the place from now on.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I think shock would explain Finlay's reluctance to ask questions, that plus being too busy helping with Alex and Farrell and everything, but certainly the "he's ready to freak out" comment by Ron is an indication that the poor guy has had too many shocks all at once. And we can only hope that Alex will stay away from the tarn from now on. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 25 August 2014
· Chapter 68: Interlude with Atar
I love this Interlude. Alex is moving up, although it can't get any higher. I loved his talk with Atar. I laughed at the "introductions". They were funny especially in this context. Alex really has to forgive himself and with the knowledge that his victims have forgiven him, he might be able to start on the road to healing. Now on to see how he/they get rescued and to survive the confrontation with an angry Glorfindel. Glorfindel has a right to be angry, but he is also not without precedence of going it alone.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Alex is definitely moving up. LOL! And certainly "Atar" has a sense of humor and can even laugh at Himself. We'll see just how angry Glorfindel is when he and Alex finally talk. I think, though, that Glorfindel will just feel relieved that Alex is still alive and thankful for that and won't be too angry. We'll have to see. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 25 August 2014
· Chapter 67: Showdown at Winterdark Tarn
Ack! That Tarn gives me the shivers and the whole situation seems unreal. I hope the elves and some Maia arrive on time and somehow can piece the situation together even if the Tarn looks undisturbed. Farrell is insane. I'm not sure if he is even himself and not possessed by something else.
Author's reply
Yes, the Tarn is spooky and there is an air of unreality to the whole thing. We'll see how Alex and Farrell are rescued soon. Thanks for reviewing, obsidianj. I appreciate it.
SashaHoneypalm
· 24 August 2014
· Chapter 68: Interlude with Atar
Lindelea- Hebrew, too. (Well, to be specific, "abba" is "Daddy". Just plain "father" would be more like "av").
Author's reply
I knew that was true in Aramaic, but I wasn't sure myself about Hebrew. Thanks for clarifying this for anyone who might wonder, Sasha.
someone
· 24 August 2014
· Chapter 68: Interlude with Atar
I expected action-filled show off between Alex and Farrel or something like that, not this. Definitely not this.
"Hello, Alex Whoever-you-are-today, I’m Atar." I think my heart melted. That was sweet without giving one a tooth-ache. It seems that things are not going as Farrel thought. (Just what was he thinking, anyway? Killing them both in that tarn?)
Alex and Glorfindel have now something in common, they have both met "Atar" face to face.
Author's reply
Hi someone. I think people needed a nice break from all the angst of the last couple of chapters. A talk with Atar seemed appropriate at this point. *grin* Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 23 August 2014
· Chapter 68: Interlude with Atar
What a twist :) Yikes as for the "third time is a charm" comment. Can not wait to see what is in store for Farrell after seeing what happened to Alex. Yes he needs to talk to people about what happened. They need to know the missing pieces so that they can help him.
Already working on Elf Academy 4 :) And this one will run until early next year. I am in heaven. Whoo hoo!
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Quite a twist, I agree. We'll see what fate is in store for Farrell soon enough and what happens to Alex once he's been rescued. I'm glad you're looking forward to Elf Academy 4. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Lindelea
· 23 August 2014
· Chapter 68: Interlude with Atar
*sigh*
Lovely chapter. This is a depiction of the 'Abba' (which someone once told me meant "Daddy" in Aramaic, or is it Hebrew) that I have lost sight of in recent years.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, Lindelea. Abba does mean Daddy in Aramaic, which was the language spoken by Jesus and his contemporaries. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 22 August 2014
· Chapter 68: Interlude with Atar
Not as interesting, perhaps, as Him appearing as a black woman, but still showing His delightful sense of humor. Heh! Glad he now knows that the other men have forgiven him, and he can forgive himself now. And he really ought to have called Edhellond, after all.
Author's reply
Well, I think Atar appears as He does for our benefit, so each person's encounter will be unique to him or her. Alex at that moment needed "Dad" rather than "Mom". Hopefully, now that he knows he's been forgiven by others he can start to forgive himself and move on. But you're right, that he really should've called Edhellond. Perhaps in the future he will. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. It's appreciated.
SashaHoneypalm
· 22 August 2014
· Chapter 68: Interlude with Atar
Man, Alex is making friends in high places, isn't he?
I know that LoTR is supposed to be the past of the real world, and that JRRT went out of his way to make it potentially mesh with his own religion, but it's still kinda funny to see Eru mention Moses. Especially since I had a dream just last night that mashed-up the Bible and the Silmarillion (scene of Moses beating up Tulkas included) (totally your fault ;), I didn't used to have all these LoTR dreams until I started reading your stuff).
Author's reply
Hi Sasha. We all have friends in high places, if we just knew it. *grin*
Moses beating up Tulkas... now that would be interesting to see. LOL!
I refuse to take credit for your dreams though. You can blame them on Lord Irmo, instead.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Diana
· 22 August 2014
· Chapter 68: Interlude with Atar
Hi Fiondil,
Great chapter. I love the way you depict all your devine beings as patient and loving. And how even the "bad guys" are not necessarily abandoned by them. Like I said before, a diety who's not loving doesn't deserve worship. As to the part about God giving himself amnesia to keep things exciting for himself was a stroke of cosmic genius! I laughed and chuckled for hours after I read that! I believe you've solved the whole "free will vs detailed plan" paradox! ;) I had a sponsor once who pointed out that while religions all talk of God's love and wisdom etc, they never actually say God is *sane*! In fact many say the exact opposite. I always laughed at that, till I'd been sober a couple years. (Grin)
I wonder what God would say to Farrel. Do we get to find out?
Here's a possible bunny: I'd like to see how you would depict Morgoth. In the beginning of Tolkien's creation story Morgoth wanted power but ultimately his own vision of order. Just a thought.
The Dude abides.
Author's reply
Hi Diana. I figure a deity who can't laugh at himself isn't worth worshiping either. And I thought the whole "I give myself amnesia" pretty funny. And your sponsor is right: I've often wondered if God was sane putting up with the rest of us as He does. LOL! Sorry, but I don't need another plot bunny, and according to Tolkien, Morgoth didn't want order (that was Sauron's gig), but complete annihilation. Thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Al
· 22 August 2014
· Chapter 68: Interlude with Atar
Whew! That was quite a ride! So - I notice that it's been a while since you updated. Is this story still in progress? Be a shame to stop now.
I'll be checking out some of the side stories as I hope for more chapters to this one!
Author's reply
Hi Al. I'm not sure where you get the idea that it's been a while since I've updated this story, because I post a new chapter every Monday and Friday. Elf Academy 3 is in fact completely written though you won't see the last chapter until early next year. I'm already working on Elf Academy 4. At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Tari
· 22 August 2014
· Chapter 68: Interlude with Atar
Wow!! this was the best chapter so far. How awesome it is to meet the great I AM and live to tell about it. It is definitely harder for us to forgive ourselves than anyone else.
Author's reply
I'm glad you think so, Tari. And you're right that it's always harder to forgive ourselves than others. We are always our own worse judges. Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed the chapter. I appreciate it.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 22 August 2014
· Chapter 68: Interlude with Atar
You know, Atto, whenever I see "interlude" with you, I don't think "nice, peaceful chapter" because even if it is, something crazy is still pretty much bound to come up. And throwing Atar into the mix practically guarantees it. O_O xD I love Atar's sense of humor, have I mentioned that? I especially like how He's updated his look. Hehe.
But back to the crazy. Atar making the Popeye joke. That was wholly unexpected and I COULD NOT STOP laughing and it is ALL your fault Atto. :P
Of course, then there's the matter of what happened to Felicity (still) and so, Farrell really took Alex down with him? But Alex has been, or will be rescued, and Farrell...? That's the sixty-four dollar question now, isn't it? (I am not at all sure I got that reference right, lol.)
Oh well, here I am until the weekend is over...*settles back in Cliff House with basket of blueberry muffins and jug of strawberry lemonade to share*
(By the way, Atto, apparently blueberries are a matter of concern. A friend shared this with me. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/208643395211869519/ We should be concerned about the blueberries. I don't know why, though. You're ever so much cleverer than me so perhaps you know why. :) *is pretty sure Atto Fiondil knows just about everything there is to know*)
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Actually the phrase is "64 thousand dollar question". It's taken from an old TV game show where the contestant had to answer a final question in order to win $64,000.
As for Farrell and Felicity, we'll find out about them in subsequent chapters.
And I have no idea why anyone would be concerned about blueberries. I don't like them myself. LOL!
Thanks for reviewing. Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 22 August 2014
· Chapter 67: Showdown at Winterdark Tarn
*shakes head at self* I promise regular reviews and then RL hits me in the face, go figure...
Well, at least I can't say I've been grabbed by a murderous madman and pulled into a freezing cold tarn O_O Poor Alex!!! Luckily I know what happens next so I know he'll be all right, but...where's Felicity? :( I hope the Elves catch up soon!!
Tye-melin Atto!
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. We'll learn Felicity's fate shortly. The Elves have to finish rescuing Alex and get him down the mountain first.
Tye-melin.
White Queen
· 22 August 2014
· Chapter 68: Interlude with Atar
Ah, such a lovely chat with Atar... Wonderful conversation. His self-introduction is quite funny. Very endearing.
Author's reply
Hello White Queen. I'm glad you like this, and yes, His self-introduction is funny and endearing. Thanks for letting me know. I very much appreciate it.