Lindelea
· 18 July 2014
· Chapter 58: Dinner Conversations
Aha. I knew there was something fishy about the angle of the shots...
(no, actually, other people said it first. many times. and you said to another reviewer that this mystery might never be cleared up? say it ain't so!)
Setting up guards, and Farrell not acting like himself in that he likes to see his victim's eyes... perhaps Farrell was not the sniper? Could there be more people after Alex than just Farrell?
So the remote village isn't quite as remote as it seemed. Especially when mysterious storms blow up out of nowhere to compound the isolation.
Oops, am out of time for now! Looking forward to Monday.
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea. If you think about real life, mysteries abound that, for one reason or another, are never fully or satisfactorily solved, usually because anyone who could shed light on the mystery is not available (dead or missing or whatever). And while it's certainly frustrating, it's the way the universe is. And you ask a pertinent question: what if the sniper isn't Farrell but someone else and what if they were shooting from somewhere else and not where everyone things the shots came from. Alex and the Elves and all are totally fixated on Farrell, but there may be other players of whom they are unaware at this time.
At any rate we'll just have to wait and see how things develop.
The Inuit village is remote enough as there are no roads leading to it, so one has to either go by boat to reach it or trek overland. But certainly for Farrell and the other agents it must have felt like they had been exiled to the moon or somewhere equally inaccessible to civilization.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 18 July 2014
· Chapter 58: Dinner Conversations
So, Sakari's father's name would be basically another translation of Frodo's name, eh? Interesting!
Glad to see Findlay's coming round, and that plans are apparently workable. Now, to find where those shots WERE shot from!
Author's reply
I guess so, Larner. I hadn't thought of it in those terms. As for the shots, well, that may be one mystery that is never solved. We'll have to see. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 18 July 2014
· Chapter 58: Dinner Conversations
I get to review on Friday for a change!
Ah, it was Fionwë. Figures he'd step in for a little moral support.
The weird angle of the shot is mentioned again. What, was the shooter dangling from a hot-air balloon when he did it? :P I love that you're keeping everybody in long-term suspense for some things, like in any good spy story.
I'm glad Glorfindel brought up that Finrod was in the bookstore at the time. That part of that chapter had me worried too. I guess we will see how well this patrol idea is going to work.
Thank goodness somebody stepped up to take on the mayoral race! They have enough problems without having an avowed anti-Elf guy running the show.
We wrap up some matters and progress in others, good chapter.
Hope you and all my fellow reviewers have a fabulous weekend! Unfortunately my river kayaking tour plans are on hold, but maybe next Saturday. It would be so cool to go whale watching by sea kayak off the Alaskan and/or Hawaiian coasts...a girl can dream. For now I'm just hoping to spot some turtles and maybe a gator when I do eventually get to get out on the water, heh.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Sorry your river kayaking tour is on hold, Kevana, but I hope you get to go next weekend. Whale-watching by sea kayak off the Alaskan coast sounds like something I would like to do someday, along with visiting the Brooks Mountains and the real Wiseman and surround area.
At any rate, we do wrap up some matters and progress in others and we will see how things go from here, including the mayoral race and Farrell.
Thanks for reviewing. Have a fabulous weekend yourself.
Sunny
· 18 July 2014
· Chapter 58: Dinner Conversations
So Finn dropped in for a bit of a chat - but he let Finlay assume he was an Elf. Sensible of him. Finlay isn't ready to come face-toface with Maiar. At least not yet. If Alex were to start babbling about angels, Finlay would definitely be looking around for a jacket with extra-long sleeves.
So nobody is supposed to go anywhere alone. Hope that helps (though I guess it won't be enough.) I don't think Alex will like having watchers around for his it's-not-REALLY-a-date (ha!) with Felicity. But I guess whatever watchers is picked out for that will be disreet.
Author's reply
Finn's no dummy. He knows Finlay isn't ready for angels even though Sakari probably is. We'll be seeing how they handle Alex's non-date with respect to watchers next week.
Thanks for leaving a comment, Sunny. I appreciate it.
6336
· 18 July 2014
· Chapter 58: Dinner Conversations
Well that answers a few questions, at least we now know who put Finley in healing sleep and answered some of his questions. I do like Finn, apart from his questionable sense of humor, he is an O.K. Dude as Maia go.
Hm, now how do you support a candidate with out appearing to do so, think good thoughts perhaps, anonymous donations to the cause, buy lots of sticky buns?
I think Finley needs to get back to the Village as soon as possible, not only to fulfill his promise to the Shaman but for his and Sakari's safety, if Ratty knows they are friends of Alex he is likely to go after them, slime ball that he is.
I see the Cliff House is slowly filling up, will bring Banana Bread this time I think.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Finwë is okay in my books. *grin*
As for Finlay, we'll see what he decides to do. He's not going to go back to the village immediately (he just got there, after all). SO, we'll be seeing him and Sakari for a while.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Hugs back.
Eruherdiriel
· 18 July 2014
· Chapter 58: Dinner Conversations
Hmmm. Everything seems to be up in the air. I smell a plot twist up ahead...
I appreciate how you reference the mortal names of the various elves. If they aren't a main character, I usually don't remember them.
~Tortoise
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. I'm sure you're right about the plot twist. *grin* And even I have to keep referring to my notes as to which mortal name belongs to which Elf when they don't show up all the time, so I figure no one else is going to remember either.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Dreamflower
· 18 July 2014
· Chapter 58: Dinner Conversations
Logistics. But they are an essential part of the story--who will do what, and how and when. I am pleased to see that some of those who have so far just been on the periphery of things are beginning to take a more active role. I'm curious to see how those patrols are going to work--lurking around the streets of a town is a somewhat different task than lurking around in trees in a forest.
Fionwe, huh? And now Finlay knows him as "Finn". I get the feeling that the village is going to be a lot more important in the future than has seemed in the past. Though I hope we get to know Ed and Sakari a little more before they leave.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. Yes, what would we do without logistics? I am trying to get some of the peripheral characters to be more active or at least be able to shine once in a while. I hope to do it more so in Elf Academy 4.
I think you're right about the Inuit village being important. Finlay and Sakari will be sticking around for a bit, so we'll see more of them before they go back.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 18 July 2014
· Chapter 58: Dinner Conversations
So Finn administered the sleep. Interesting. I like that Ed is willing to return as he promised, even though he wants to stay informed. Looks like he will be an ally. Thanks for the chapter.
Author's reply
Ed is a cool guy and he will definitely be an ally, as we will see. Thanks for reviewing, UTfrog. It's appreciated.
Lindelea
· 15 July 2014
· Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous
Yes, "famous last words" certainly comes to mind.
Shades of "Dead Poets Society"... or whatever that title was.
And Junior... I return to the thought that if someone could assign Alex to terminate Junior, then it must have been in the back of Alex's mind that his number could come up in the same way at some future date.
Oh, yes, if Farrell were to lure Alex to the tarn, and Alex out of cell phone range or something... Yeah. That could be bad. The evil in the tarn, calling to the evil in Farrell. I can see that. Don't know if that's where you're going, but. um. yeah.
Let me just grab a few refreshments from the buffet and return to my comfy chair in the Cliff House. There. All set to see what unfolds from here.
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea. Those words are right up there with "What can possibly go wrong?" You just know when someone says that, the universe will do its level best to make sure it does go wrong. Same here. Alex needs to learn to keep his mouth shut.
And yes, I imagine he was very well aware of his possible fate if his controllers decided he was expendable. Not a happy thought to carry around.
We'll see about Farrell and what he's up to soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 15 July 2014
· Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous
*snorts @ chapter title* Done Been Dead Dudes: the club where the membership is for life and nobody wants to join. I am guessing Glorfindel is president. Yes, this and the zombie chapter are the best two chapter titles!
Dreamflower - the Winchester brothers and Námo, oh man. He wouldn't even let them in the gate at this point, just have a revolving door to toss them straight back out. It's pretty much what happens in the show anyway, LOL. And let's not even go there with Optimus Prime and Buffy Summers.
Aw, Alex. I sympathize and agree, that really does sound like depression.
I suppose it's just as well the Reborn hang out in the forest most of the time. At least they can't get into too much trouble out there!
It's really interesting that he recalled it as saved instead of rescued - I had to go back and read that scene from EAII to get it clear in my head. You can pretty much use them interchangeably in conversation but I do see the differences that are brought up here.
Whoever assigned Alex to take down his friend deserves a very long chat with Námo.
Y'know, it occurs to me that Alex is really bad at dying. He keeps trying and it never sticks. He gets worse at dying all the time. I think he is just going to have to put up with being alive for a while longer. *grin*
That kill-it-with-C4 option is looking mighty good right now. I don't care what that thing in the tarn is, if you shove enough explosives down its throat then it's gonna die. Concussive waves from underwater explosions will tear up living creatures' insides so they bleed to death internally... Sorry to get all violent, it's such a nasty and creepy piece of work! Not just affecting Alex but ZACH too? And its influence reaching all the way to the highway? For the record my money's on it being a Cold-drake, though we might not ever find out.
Edrahil just went way, way up in my estimation. Go, Edrahil.
Glorfindel the ongoing project! Bwahaha.
*waves a Giants banner* Sorry Alex, it wasn't your year. *grin*
Lots of really emotional stuff in this one, it needs a re-read I think. Now I guess Alex has to pick up from all of this and deal with what's at hand. Thankfully he has support now.
Great chapter! Have a wonderful week, Fiondil!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Yeah, those two chapter titles are my favorite, although I have to give Ellie the credit for this latest one, but it is certainly something Derek would've said had he been there.
There is a lot of emotional stuff going on here for all that it's mostly just talking. I'm sure you'll find more to think about after a re-read. Have a wonderful week as well, Kevana, and thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
Kevana
· 15 July 2014
· Chapter 56: Words of Comfort from a Reborn
I feel silly I didn't see the connection between the three poems sooner! Thanks for having Val point that out, haha. Leave it to him to pick up on it faster than anybody else. Sheesh, sometimes the Alien Overlords' idea of help is to teach you to fly by throwing you off a cliff. At least it's effective? And maybe not so grim as all that, if I'm recalling the Frost poem correctly. It's so different in tone to the other two. Hopeful, or at least adventurous, or so I always thought. Up for interpretation I guess!
Aw, Alex. :( This makes me want to strap on some scuba gear and go have a Talk with Grendel-of-Winterdark. Grr! I have a feeling that tarn is one of those weird, desolate locations where a lot of bad things have quietly happened over the years. That's the kind of place that gets locals telling ghost stories. I don't think that rock fall was accidental, the one keeping people from being able to get to it easily.
I do love that you're showing some of the characters who haven't gotten much of a chance to shine before.
Death on the menu! *giggle* Okay, Esther, time to put Death by Chocolate on the menu. Name it the Nate Special.
Love this chapter, awful to see Alex so upset but how can you *not* be upset by something like that? Looking forward to seeing what the other Reborn do with him.
Thanks for the update!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Unless you've actually read the poems together, it's hard to make any real connection between them. I was familiar with the Frost poem as well as with Beowulf, but I had to wade through a lot of Shakespeare's sonnets before I found this particular one, which just about fit the bill and even shows some foreshadowing where Alex is concerned which we will see eventually.
I do try to highlight the lesser characters every once in a while because they do deserve consideration and I was happy enough to do so with Brethorn here and in the next chapter with the other Reborn besides Glorfindel and Finrod.
The Nate Special... *snort*
Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Eruherdiriel
· 15 July 2014
· Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous
Bet you a mithril shirt Alex ends up at the tarn by the end of the book.
I love the title of this chapter. And the interplay between the Reborn was fun.
Author's reply
I will not take that bet, Eruherdiriel, and it may be he'll end up there long before the end of the book. We'll have to see. Glad you liked the chapter title and the interplay between the Reborn. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 14 July 2014
· Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous
Suddenly I find the phrase "Famous Last Words" running through my mind again. Why do I feel it likely that Alex will indeed find himself facing the tarn on his own, with Derek and the Elves and a few Maiar racing to stand beside and behind him?
Author's reply
You and several other readers, Larner, and Alex's words are right up there with "What can possibly go wrong?" *grin* We'll see how this all works out soon enough. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's appreciated.
obsidianj
· 14 July 2014
· Chapter 56: Words of Comfort from a Reborn
Alex going into shock is no good. Luckily there are Reborn around that understand what it means to die. So, Alex can get the support he needs. Loved the questionable humor of the Lord of Mandos.
Author's reply
No good at all, obsidianj, but he's in good hands and the Reborn will help. I think Brethorn's easy attitude toward Námo helped steady Alex a bit, but then, the Reborn have a different sense of what the Lord of Mandos is all about than the Once-Born. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 14 July 2014
· Chapter 55: Haunted Memory
I love the discussion about the poems although poems just don't give me anything. Poor Alex. That was a bad flashback. Felicity is a trooper. She doesn't ask too many questions and goes with the flow. When I think about it she is remarkably calm about the whole situation.
One nit pick: in the German phrase "Guten Tag..." Tag should be capitalized. It is a noun.
Author's reply
Thanks for pointing out the error, obsidianj. I knew that but wasn't paying attention when I was writing. Anyway, I'm glad you liked the discussion about the poems even if poetry's not your thing. It isn't everyone's. And yes, that's a nasty flashback. Felicity is a good friend for Alex to have right now, especially when Derek's not around. And she had her own history that might explain why she's so calm in this sort of situation. We may learn of it someday.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Dreamflower
· 14 July 2014
· Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous
"Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous" LOLOL! I love your chapter title here; also it made me think of the crossover possibilities, and characters from other fandoms who might fit in. Let's see--Spock, from ST:TOS (and didn't Kirk die too, at some point?), Daniel, from SG-1, and both the Winchester brothers, Doctors One through Eleven...
Seriously, there is clearly more to the "rescue" of Alex from the Tarn than seems obvious at first sight, and I like the implications of the different nuances between "save" and "rescue".
More and more I am wondering just what kind of "older and fouler thing" lurks in that particular "deep place of the world". The Watcher in the Water before Moria has come to my mind more than once in regards to the tarn. Not that particular one, but a cousin of some sort?
Dreamflower
· 14 July 2014
· Chapter 56: Words of Comfort from a Reborn
Oh my! Poor Alex again! He's definitely coming in for the lion's share of h/c in this story so far. (Though I do love how you spread the hurt around; Finrod, Glorfindel and others have also had their share of hurt!)
Since Finrod's unavailable, I'm very glad that there are other Reborn around to give Alex comfort. He needs them very badly.
Author's reply
Yeah, Alex needs lots of comfort here, but luckily he has a whole crew of Reborn who've been where he is to offer him that comfort. And I like spreading the hurt (and the comfort) around. After all, why should just one of my characters have all the fun. *grin* Thanks for commenting, Dreamflower. It's appreciated.
Dreamflower
· 14 July 2014
· Chapter 55: Haunted Memory
Oh dear! I sure wasn't expecting THIS. I'd nearly forgotten the tarn!
Poor Alex!
Now, I want to say how much I am liking Felicity. First of all, she doesn't freak out completely when she hears the notion that there might be a sniper on the adjacent roof, she doesn't bolt, she doesn't blame. While she shows reasonable concern, she's not quivering in fear, and also she's right there when Alex has his own breakdown.
That description from Beowulf really is very creepy, even without the memories it invokes in Alex! Add those in, and it's no surprise the way it affects Alex! *brrrr*shudder*
Author's reply
I think a lot of people have forgotten about the tarn and what happened to Alex as that all happened in EA2 and that was a while ago for most readers. Felicity is a cool gal and we'll see just how cool later. And that passage from Beowulf is creepy and just perfect for reminding Alex of a certain tarn and what lies within.
Thanks for leaving a review, Dreamflower. I appreciate it very much.
Dreamflower
· 14 July 2014
· Chapter 54: The Next Morning
At last, a chance to catch up!
I'm wondering if perhaps there's some special reason that TPTB don't want Finlay making his statement yet? That's the main reason that occurs to me when I look at the sequence of events, and the first consequence of him not being available.
I like Dave a lot; he seems so realistic in his reactions to things, and I hope we can get to see more of his investigation.
I also got a kick out of Alex's description of "going Dutch", LOL! I do hope very much that he and Felicity eventually become an item, though the timing seems a little bad for them, it's great for us readers, since it means that there's more chance for things To Happen. ;)
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I have no idea if there was a specific reason for putting Finlay into healing sleep so he couldn't go with Alex to the police station, but there might've been. Dave is cool and he gets cooler all the time. We'll be seeing more of him as the story goes on. As for Alex and Felicity, it remains to be seen if that relation goes anywhere. It's early days yet, so it's hard to say either way.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
SashaHoneypalm
· 14 July 2014
· Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous
Okay, that was the second-funniest chapter title in the whole fic! (First place, of course, belongs to "Zombie Hunter Boot Camp and Other Money Makers While Waiting for the Apocalypse". I think that may be my favorite title in any fic, period).
Author's reply
I love coming up with fun chapter titles, though in truth, Ellie is the one to come up with this one. And "Zombie Hunter" is probably the most original chapter title I've ever seen, myself. Thanks for commenting. Sasha. I appreciate it.
rikki
· 14 July 2014
· Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous
Oh! And loved the Chapter title!
Author's reply
Glad to hear it, rikki. Thanks!
rikki
· 14 July 2014
· Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous
Been there, done that, designed the t-shirt, refuse to wear it again. Alex is really facing some heavy issues here and I like the way you have all the reborns coming to his rescue so to speak. They are able to speak about their interactions with Namo and death, giving Alex the knowledge that he is not the only one to face Namo and that he is now living and needs to move on. The location of the sunroom is a good one as it is more cheery and filled with light, better for talking about death than the darker, more enclosed library.
Alex's description of making life and death decisions and now he can't make up his mind about what shirt to wear points to some deep depression. Hopefully the elves and his mortal friends can help him face that tired feeling and realize that it is just his way with dealing with some bad situations that have come his way and that he can make it back. It's too bad Derek is not there right now, but Alex is showing that he is strong enough to face the bad and overcome it.
I hope the next time Alex meets with Namo at the Cafe, that he can deal with the dude on a more normal basis. Have a good week and I will be looking for the next chapter on Friday!
Author's reply
Hi rikki. I don't blame you. Alex is indeed facing some heavy issues at a time when he really needs to stay focused on what is important, but that's the way life is sometimes. Hopefully, though, talking it over with the Reborn will help put things in perspective for him so he can move on, but it won't be easy.
You're right that he may be suffering from depression. Ron and Amroth both warned everyone that Alex is like an adrenaline junkie trying to get clean and the recent events are not helping.
Thanks for your review. Have a great week yourself.
6336
· 14 July 2014
· Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous
Well first I want to hang the S.O.B. who assigned Alex to bring in/terminate Junior up by his thumbs over a tank of alligators with very frayed ropes. I understand the logic of doing so but surely they could have found someone else?
Second why do I have the feeling that Ratty is hanging around the Mt. Horace Resort and Winter Dark Tarn.
Well talking to the Re-born has helped some but Alex still has a long way to go to accept and understand what happened to him, he needs a long stress free period and he is not going to get it, suppressing the memories is not helping, he needs to drag them pout, dust them off and really look at them.
Goes to Cliff House and opens windows and dusts around a bit, checks on supplies, I have a feeling it is going to have quite a few occupants in a couple of chapters!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yeah, Alex has had it rough, but for the first time in his life he's surrounded by people who genuinely want nothing but the best for him. As for Farrell hanging around Winterdark Tarn, that remains to be seen, but you may be right about that.
Alex does have a ways to go before he reaches full acceptance of what has happened to him, but he's got Derek and the Elves and, ooh, Felicity to help him along.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much. Hugs back.
UTfrog
· 14 July 2014
· Chapter 57: A Meeting of Done Been Dead Dudes Anonymous
So why do I feel Alex will be back at that dreadful tarn in no time? Good chapter with plenty of enlightening conversations. Thanks. Wonderful chapter title, too.
Author's reply
Do you? Well, we'll see. *grin* I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and the title, UTfrog. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
MikoNoNyte
· 12 July 2014
· Chapter 56: Words of Comfort from a Reborn
I often wonder, in reading Alex's reaction to his death or near death, how much of that is him and how much of it is responding or reacting to whatever got its hooks into him when he went under.
I've had the misfortune or fortune, take your pick, to croak off three times. I DO remember it and never had such a response; then again, perhaps no longer fearing death or the so-called "after life" might be the reaction. *laughs*
I was so happy to see Brethorn again! A happy, care-free and manic Reborn if ever there was one (yes, I laughed loud and long over his antics in Valmar! and can just imagine letting him loose in Wiseman. Heavens!
In the previous chapter you quoted from Beowulf. Oddly enough I had been thinking of getting that edition; I've been inordinately fond of Gummere's but this one! *meeps!* This one has SOUL! Thanks for the recce! And of course I had to dig out my moth eaten copy of Frost. My how time flies! It's been since high school back in the *mumbles* 60's that I read that. Was never my favorite poet, preferred Wordsworth and Poe for some odd reason, but now I've got him sitting at my tea table grinning at me. :) Gee, thanks.
Anyway, regarding the situation in EA3, methinks someone is manipulating things; if not his teacher then someone else. Wouldn't put it past an interfering Maia to "help things along" but will reserve judgment until you put up the reveal.
Once again I'm loving your Alex. Meeting him in EA2 right now and wishing I could smack him a few times for stupidity. LOL And the Lord of Mandos, a proud and dark Death God if there ever was one, haunting a diner just cracked me up.
Botton line, Fiondil, you RAWK! haha
Have a great week. See you Monday. *leaves cookies and tea on the table for sharsies*
Author's reply
Hi MikoNoNyte. That's a good question, one that probably can never be easily answered by anyone, not Alex or any of the Elves or even Námo. It may be a combination of both.
I like Brethorn a lot and he was fun to write, especially when he was in Valmar for the first All-Aman Council. And I felt it was time to highlight some of the other characters and let them shine a bit. We'll see him and the other Reborn in the next chapter as well.
I like Heaney's translation and I'm interested in comparing his with Tolkien's when I can get around to doing so. My mom was into Frost, so I became pretty familiar with his poetry, and "Stopping by Woods" is one of my favorites, I think because of the melancholy tone of it. And you're probably right about someone manipulating things to help things along. Whether anyone will actually own up to that manipulation remains to be seen.
I'm glad you like Alex. In EA2 he shows up pretty clueless and all, but he sort of grows on you. *grin* And Námo cracks me up no matter where he is.
Thanks for the review (and the tea and cookies). I appreciate it very much.