Heh, seeing people's reactions to the Elves never gets old. No two quite the same. Seems the Elves have brought another lost sheep into the fold. Finlay's in it up to his neck now!
"Someone didn’t like the pot roast” *undignified snort*
Well, looks like the Gold Nugget Café has a bullet hole or two in the wall for posterity. Can't help but wonder if that will make people more or less likely to sit in that particular booth.
I have approximately ten million questions about the shooting, but I guess we will have to wait and see! Have to wonder, though, if those other agents ever actually made it back to D.C.
I will never, ever get over the joy of Elves making geeky pop culture references. Never.
Great chapter!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Everyone has questions about the shooting. Whether we will ever learn the truth about it remains to be seen.
Alex's comebacks are pretty funny even as they are less than informative.
It is fun to have the Elves make geeky pop culture references. If nothing else, it shows that they are in fact a part of the world and not off in a desert somewhere where no one can find them.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Diana
· 30 June 2014
· Chapter 53: Conference Call
Hi Fiondil.
I'm really glad you and the Guild are writing these stories, my husband and daughter are vacationing in Hawaii and I have to stay here and take care of the foster home. All these stories and the review community help me feel a little less lonely, thanx!
On to the review: I liked how you wrote the phone call between Alex and Derek. Easy to imagine the other end but not too overdone.
Really interested in how Ferrell got that shot. I hope you follow up on that. I wonder if it wasn't done with some special assistance from the Dark Side😈.
I wonder if this might be why you brought Finley in?(yes that's who I meant last time😏 ha I just discovered the imogii app🙌) And as far as the "family" I really meant Sakari's Inuit family. Good chapter Fiondil. Can't wait to see what happens Friday!
The Dude abides,
Diana
Author's reply
Hi Diana. Sorry you're missing out on Hawaii, but I'm glad my stories and the review community are helping to ease your aloneness.
Everyone is interested in how Farrell got in the shot. We may never know the answer to that one, depending on how things progress. As for Finlay, well, let's just say the Valar have plans and leave it at that, shall we? *grin*
Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it.
SashaHoneypalm
· 30 June 2014
· Chapter 53: Conference Call
All this going behind each other's backs and trying to keep their own allies out of the loop so they can deal with things their own way is going to come back to bite them.
Author's reply
Hi Sasha. We'll see how successful any of them are in implementing their plans with or without the knowledge of others soon enough. You're right that for some, their plans will backfire or at least not go quite as planned. Thanks for commenting. It's appreciated.
Eruherdiriel
· 30 June 2014
· Chapter 53: Conference Call
Hmmmmmm. So, Farrell is trouble, and the Elves are planning for it. It will be interesting to see if Alex figures out that they are watching him.
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Farrell is always trouble and needs to be dealt with. We'll see how things go with Alex in this instance. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
Dreamflower
· 30 June 2014
· Chapter 53: Conference Call
The part about the shot from the roof to the café being impossible is what fascinates me: clearly there is something very...odd...about that shooting.
I do hope that Alex does not run off to play "lone wolf", but I'm curious to see who'll be shadowing him, and it will be fun to see what sorts of plans Valandur and Finrod come up with.
And I wonder what movie everyone but Amroth went to see...hmmm...what's currently playing that would appeal to Elves and SCAdians?
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. We may never know the truth about the shooting. As for Alex, that remains to be seen. He truly does not know how to be a team player yet and that will necessarily color his decisions whatever happens. As for the movie, well this is February 2012. I have no idea what was playing in Fairbanks then, but I'm sure you could look it up if you're really interested. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
rikki
· 30 June 2014
· Chapter 53: Conference Call
Good chapter name, alternate could be "Who's watching who?" The elves will just have to be careful not to fall over themselves as they go about getting rid of Farrell. It is going to be a close call to claim self defense instead of murder if they do decide to get rid of Farrell permanently. Alex would be the closest to achieve this, but Amroth is right, he doesn't have a license to kill anymore.
You are bringing several of your characters to the fore here, Valandur especially will have a lot to add to the mix with his spymaster experience. Amroth may be in Fairbanks but it seems he will have a lot of input also. Amroth is probably the best person to keep Alex from playing lone wolf until it is necessary. I was laughing at the end when you had Finrod and Valandur trying to figure out how to keep Glorfindel out of the game. They are right, he is not ready physically to go running after a rogue agent.
You are giving a lot of clues to us as this story progresses, now to figure out which ones are valid and which ones are false trails. Have a good week as the Cliff House gang waits on Friday. Maybe in the meantime we should go procure some sparklers for the U.S. holiday.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. I'm glad you liked the chapter title and yeah, the subtitle could be just that. We'll be seeing more of Valandur over the next several chapters as he interacts with Alex. Amroth probably could rein Alex in, but not being in Wiseman, that will be difficult to do. As for Glorfindel... well, we'll just have to see. And as far as clues are concerned, that's half the fun of mysteries, trying to figure out which are the real clues and which are red herrings. Good luck! Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
And I will definitely post on Friday, so everyone bring your sparklers. *grin*
Legolin
· 30 June 2014
· Chapter 6: Finrod on His Own
Interesting chapter, between Finrod displaying his knack for diffusing bad behavior with a more logical lecture, and a visit from Manwë, it left me wondering what is to come. The talk with the teenagers is symbolic in itself in a way. Or so I read it as such. The Valinórean Elves see Finrod as their leader, and as they continue on in the more modern world, he will need these skills to lead even the oldest among them.
I really enjoyed Manwë’s vague warning as well. It is important for everyone to realize that we do carry a dark aspect within us. In my opinion you cannot have light without the dark, and you can’t have dark without the light. They are intertwined much too closely.
Looking forward to the next chapters!
~Lin
Author's reply
Hi Lin. I hadn't thought of Finrod's talk with the teenagers symbolic of his role as a leader among the Elves and Mortals but I think you're right. And Manwë, like all the Valar, are chary of coming right out and saying something knowing that the future is always in flux, but his talk about the darkness is apt, given what happens in the rest of the story. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 28 June 2014
· Chapter 52: At Edhellond
Even though he was suspicious of Nate and the weirdness happening at the Gold Nugget Cafe, Finlay was not prepared for elves. Poor guy, I hope he doesn't feel too embarrassed by it all. Guys like him might stay in denial just to prove everyone wrong. His wife seems to be more accepting. I think Alex can help Finlay come to grips with all of this. They have a similar background and if Alex can believe this, than maybe so can Finlay.
Author's reply
We'll have to see how Ed reacts once he's recovered from his shock. I'm sure both Alex and Sakari will help him there. Thanks for reviewing, obsidianj. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 28 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
That was rather more exciting that expected. Here I was ready to see how Finlay dealt with the revelations that were sure to come and then the bullets started flying. Loved Nate sipping his coffee and giving directions.
Poor Dave, how can you keep your authority with everyone telling you how to do your job? It must have been so much easier before all these elves, Maiar and Valar showing up.
I liked Finlay's wife. She seems to have a better grasp on the concept of the spiritual world.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yeah, Dave has a tough job now, trying to keep the weirdness down to a minimum. I think he realizes that it's a lost cause but he keeps trying because that's what he does.
Sarkari is sweet, just like her name, and being closer to the natural world than Finlay, she's probably more attuned to the spiritual world as well so it's easier for her to accept what she sees around her.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Laer
· 28 June 2014
· Chapter 52: At Edhellond
Alex is having some good times here. Good thing the elves like him ;) Edward and Sakari are rather interesting couple. I think she is more in control than he thinks she is. Must be her baby face that takes him unaware. LOL Edward will have a nice "nap" while the nice elves help him to understand what he is doing will be for the greater good.
Author's reply
Yeah, Alex is on a roll. *grin* Sakari has Edward wrapped around her little finger and I don't think Edward minds all that much. LOL! We'll see how thing go for the both of them once Ed wakes up from his nice "nap". Thanks for reviewing, Laer. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 28 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
I think we all could use a Golden Nugget Cafe to hang out in. Esther is another good one to have around. She can keep people calm during a shoot out she could help out when people are having emotional issues too. As for her brother Nate...part scary part wonderful With out his help they would have been toast.
Good idea having Finley return to his new home and teach the children. :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yeah, I wouldn't mind hanging out in that café myself, especially if Esther is there serving up homemade pie and along with her motherly advice. But I think I would prefer NOT to have Nate hanging about. Way to scary. LOL!
I have a feeling that Sakari's village will be an outlier of Wiseman and another training ground for the Dagor Dagorath once Finlay is back and teaching the youngsters.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 27 June 2014
· Chapter 52: At Edhellond
Poor Finlay has to work on his own new point of view as he begins taking in the reality of Elves and the Valar.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner, but at least he'll have Alex there to help him and, of course, his wife, who appears to be more accepting of the idea of Elves and Valar. We'll see how he fares once he's recovered. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
rikki
· 27 June 2014
· Chapter 52: At Edhellond
An exciting chapter and a funny one also. The elves acceptance of Alex as the main hunter for Farrell and their offer of help rather than their usual decision of taking care of the problem themselves is a great stride in combining the two forces into one fighting unit. I was laughing at Sakari's insistence that she buy books and Ed's aside about his credit cards.
I enjoyed the different points of view as the chapter developed. Alex's insight as to the roof scene and his feelings as the elves reveal themselves to Sakari and Ed are interesting in that Alex just went through the same reveal a few months ago. Alex's insight to the shooting from the roof ended up raising several questions in my mind and now I am curious to see how you write this story. If the roof angle was so difficult according to Ed but the shot was so good, then I wonder if Farrell has help in attacking Alex and Ed. Snipers are not a dime a dozen and the apparent ability to lay on that roof for hours waiting on someone to walk within range does not meet what I perceive to be Farrell's personality. Does the agency have someone involved in this and where in the world would they find a sniper rifle like that anyway? Oh the waiting is beginning to tell.
Sakari is so much more accepting of her anges than Ed. But she seems to be able to talk him into anything which makes me wonder who did the courtship. She definitely is a strong person like her father the shaman and very perceptive. Hopefully Ed will recover quickly and he and Sakari can return to the village and be out of danger in the meantime.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. Exciting and funny. Yes, that it is. The Elves are wise enough to know that when a Vala, any Vala, says a thing then they should listen and obey, so hearing from Esther that Alex was to handle Farrell with the help of the Elves, they have no choice but to join forces. The Elves, at least, are willing to do so; I'm not so sure about Alex. He's likely to play Lone Wolf McQuade in this. We'll just have to see.
Sakari is cute, isn't she? And Ed is funny with the way she has him wrapped around her finger.
I'm glad you liked the different POVs in this chapter. As for the sniper rifle, you're talking about agents who deal with such weapons as a matter of course. They, whoever they are, could have gotten such a rifle easily enough. But we may never know what that was all about. As Alex points out, shooting from a distance isn't Farrell's style, but it could well have been scare tactics to get Alex to run.
Anyway, we'll see how it all goes down soon enough. I do promise a confrontation between Alex and Farrell in the end, but it won't happen immediately, so you'll just have to be patient. *grin*
Thanks for leaving a comment. I very much appreciate it.
katharein
· 27 June 2014
· Chapter 52: At Edhellond
Fiondil,
Greatly enjoying this expansion of the legendarium, yours (Elf Interrupted etc.) and JRRTs.
Posting privately for possible spoilers. Alex insisted that Farrell would take him out face to face.
Was it Farrell on the rooftop? Somehow I doubt it. Watch this space!
Sakari and her shaman grandfather will be powerful allies, more about them please!
Until Monday, sala kahsle (stay well in Zulu)
katherein
Author's reply
Hi Katharein. I'm glad you are enjoying my story. We may never know the truth about whether Farrell was on the rooftop or not. Some mysteries remain just that: mysteries. And that is true in real life as well. At any rate, we may see more of Sakari and her father in the future. At any rate, thanks for taking the time to leave a review and letting me know how much you've enjoyed my expansion of the legendarium. It's been fun playing in Tolkien's sandbox, as another fan writer puts it, and I hope to be able to continue playing for a good long while. Sala kahsle, yourself.
Eruherdiriel
· 27 June 2014
· Chapter 52: At Edhellond
You're right, Sakari is taking it better than her husband. I hope he'll be alright.
It will be interesting to see Finrod's reaction to Star Wars. That would make an amusing aside or one-shot.
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
I'm sure Ed will be just fine, Eruherdiriel. Being an agent, he's been trained to deal with the unexpected, but I think it'll just take him a bit to get used to the idea of there being Elves in the world. And I'm sure Finrod would find Star Wars fascinating, especially the Jedi. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
SashaHoneypalm
· 27 June 2014
· Chapter 52: At Edhellond
***
“Sakari seemed to know,” Alex said. “She called Nate a spirit guide and she thought you were an angel… er… Maia, I guess you would say.”
“She is very perceptive,” Finrod said
***
Bet that was deja vu for Finrod, getting mistaken for a Power.
Author's reply
I'm sure it was, Sasha, but he should be used to it by now. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Dreamflower
· 27 June 2014
· Chapter 52: At Edhellond
Poor Finlay! But the Elves are right about one thing--he will probably need Alex's support in coming to acceptance. And at least he has a sensible wife who will help.
I'm glad the Elves put the kibosh on Alex's plan to go off alone in hopes of luring Farrell--not only will he be needing their help, but it's going to be a lot more fun with Elves! ;)
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. Well, some people react badly to surprises, and learning there really are Elves in the world has to be a shock. I'm sure Finlay will recover eventually, but having Alex there to support him should help and Sakari's easy acceptance of everything will definitely help.
The Elves are wise to squash Alex's plans to split in the hopes of luring Farrell. We'll see how it all goes. Right now, Farrell holds all the cards, but that can change.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it.
6336
· 27 June 2014
· Chapter 52: At Edhellond
Well, it looks like people either faint, go into denial or have a panic attack on being faced with Elves for the first time!
I think they need to set up a regular movie night for the Valinor Bunch to get them up to speed on some common references.
Well Sakari seems to be happy that there really are Elves but Edward is not having a very easy time of it, hope he feels better soon and is able to get back to the village and help teach the youngsters what they need to know.
Yea, Alex has been there, done that when it comes to revelations.
I am starting a mini vacation tomorrow, the scheduling computer got its wires crossed some how and I have been able to finagle a whole 5 days off! Whee!
Let's hope that Dave can figure out just what Ratty was doing up on Rick's roof, some thing about that attack just does not add up!
This early review courtesy of Miss Kitty!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Well some people take the news better than others, I suppose. If I were confronted with an Elf for real, I don't know if I'd manage it any better than Finlay. As for Farrell, we'll see what happens with him soon enough.
Glad to hear you've got a whole 5 days off. That's great! Enjoy your time off! Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Hugs back.
Kitty
· 24 June 2014
· Chapter 51: At the Gold Nugget Café
Well, that's certainly not how Finlay has envisioned that little meeting, has he? But I somehow feel better knowing the Valar are there to make sure no one gets hurt. Learning that the guy bought weapons doesn't make him any more trustworthy, after all.
Hm, so Finlay is as suspicious of that failed mission they were sent on as Alex was? Now I wonder if they even might end up working together, though I am not sure what he could do so far away from everything. But the good lad has to be so confused about 'Nate', who he is and where he got his knowledge from.
Argh, another attack – and at such a public place? Farrell – and I assume he's behind it – is such a bastard, risking to hurt so many innocent bystanders. Luckily Námo was there to keep everyone safe. I have to reinforce what I said earlier, the earlier Farrell gets put out of it for good, the better. At least Finlay and Alex worked together here instead of against each other. It really sounds as if he has switched sides, too, so to speak.
Glad you sent Finrod over so fast, as I didn't like the sound of the shots coming from the bookshop. We don't want anything else to happen to him or Nick, after all. It's interesting how Sakari can tell what both Nate and Finrod are, by the way. Shaman's daughter, indeed.
Poor Dave, it's not easy being police chief when agents, Elves, Maiar and Valar are around to tell you what to do and not to do. Though the 'Elves with Jedi mind tricks' left me snickering. Nice way to put it! And Esther coming and giving him that massage was rather amusing. But then, Dave deserves some relaxing treat, right? He's got more stress in the last few months than he must have had in years before, from the looks of it.
So, and now I am all caught up, yay!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Well, Finlay is a trained agent, whatever else he is, and I think he feels safer with a weapon at hand, whatever the situation. I know others were concerned about Finrod's safety as well, so I'm sure everyone's relieved to know he's safe. And no, Dave doesn't have an easy time of it with spies and Elves and Maiar and Valar all over the place getting in his way. *grin* And yay on being all caught up! Thanks for taking the time to review. It's much appreciated.
Kitty
· 24 June 2014
· Chapter 50: Unexpected Meetings
Nice to see Alex flirting with Felicity a bit and wanting to have a social life in spite of everything. And somehow I am not so surprised that his class has grown.
For someone who is always bragging about his abilities, it was rather pathetic how Finlay overwhelmed Alex. Our favourite ex-intelligence officer needs to be more careful, really.
But it's quite the surprise to see Finlay here, too, and with his new wife to boot. It looks like he's changed career to something more useful, too. I just wonder how much coincidence there is in Finlay turning up, seeing that Farrell is on the loose. And it sounds as if he might know something.
Hm, now with two Valar around, I am beginning to wonder even more what they are planning now.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Alex now has the chance to live a normal life where people go on dates and have a social life of some kind.
As for Finlay showing up, I am sure it's more than just a coincidence, and Glorfindel would say there's no such animal.
Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Kitty
· 24 June 2014
· Chapter 49: Council of War
*lol* Derek has really a way to break up arguments, seeing how he dealt with Zach and Glorfindel. Have I mentioned lately that I like him a lot?
While I can understand that Derek and Zach don't like the idea of being sent away, I believe it is a wise decision, particularly for Zach, who isn't trained as an agent in any way. And I am glad someone thought of the Steiners after what happened last time. They are such a nice couple.
Hm, the Agency taking Farrell out would be a good solution, because then neither Alex nor any of the Elves would have him on their conscience, and frankly, a guy like Farrell on the loose and ignoring orders, out to kill and not caring about who he drags into this should set alarm bells ringing even with the idiots who sprung him from prison.
*snicker* Poor Gareth, it's obvious no one told them who exactly they would be hiding.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Derek is pretty cool and there are depths to him that aren't immediately noticeable.
Farrell is definitely a loose cannon for the Agency and they are just as inclined to take him down as Alex and the Elves. We'll see how it all goes soon enough.
I think Daeron was being deliberately vague about who was coming down to Fairbanks. It's probably just as well. Email messages can be intercepted, so he was just being cautious not mentioning names.
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 24 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
Derek has a point here. If these feelings have saved Alex in the past, he should still listen to them, even if he's not in the Agency any longer, but just a teacher. That doesn't mean that his enemies aren't still out there, after all.
Argh, Farrell's escaped? Just what we need, another problem! No doubt he's going to come after Alex and Amroth; I agree he'd not just leave the country, not considering how much he's out for revenge. Any other of that group would leave, but not Farrell. And how typical of Alex, wanting protection for the others, but not himself!
Now that's an idea, hiding Amroth and his family with Gwyn and Gareth. It's a link Farrell should not know about yet, after all. I just hope the brothers aren't going to be endangered by it. It's bad enough when Alex is setting himself up as the bait.
You know, I wouldn't mind at all if someone took Farrell down for good. The man is just too dangerous to be left alive, and if the Agency keeps breaking him out, then even more so.
Author's reply
We'll see how the situation between Alex and Farrell eventually gets resolved, though it won't happen immediately. Other things will happen in the meantime. Sending Amroth and Della to Gwyn and Gareth was a stroke of genius on Alex's part, though. I doubt even Glorfindel or Finrod would have figured that out immediately.
Thanks for your comments, Kitty. They are much appreciated.
Kitty
· 24 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
Well, I certainly hope Alex is just nervous about the new job and there's not something else brewing. But considering who is telling this story, I am not too sure ;) In any case, living with Derek is good for him.
Ha, I had only at the end of the last chapter been wondering if there is anything new from Anne and Andy, and there you go and mention it. I am really curious to hear what these two are going to decide. It seems ages ago that they left Wiseman, but when I think about it, it was probably only a few days. With everything that happened, it just seems so long.
That Ms. Yuong sounds like trouble, so I hope she stays away from the class. But it was great how Alex just picked her attempt to attack him up and used it as an example for the language lesson. Felicity might be right about what the purpose of that stunt was, and if she is, then Alex did a great job in diffusing the situation.
And the Italian lesson was even better. Well done, Alex! I was laughing my head off, too. At that rate, people will clamour to join his classes. And it seems Alex has a little crush on Felicity.
Author's reply
Alex did a good job of dealing with the troublemaker in one class and the curious in the other. I think he'll be a hit with the students and I think he and Felicity will become more than just colleagues someday. Poor guy deserves some happiness, don't you think? *grin* Thanks for reviewing, Kitty. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 24 June 2014
· Chapter 46: Resolutions
Now Valandur has a strange way of teaching Quenya, lol. No wonder he's enjoying himself so much!
Glorfindel certainly made crystal clear why the way things were going lately is unacceptable. Let's see if that is going to help or if they need more lessons.
I'm glad Elladan, Elrohir, Vardamir and Eärnur made up; let's hope things go better between them, too.
Author's reply
Valandur is pretty cool. I wish I'd had him as a teacher.
Hopefully, now that the air has been cleared on many issues and levels, things will ease a bit between the various elven groups. We'll have to wait and see.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Kitty. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 24 June 2014
· Chapter 45: Return to Wiseman
*rolls eyes* Honestly, the twins and Serindë are way too old to be treated like that. And no one forced Glorfindel to go to Fairbanks, the others could have gone without him, so I am not so happy that Vorondur is blaming them for that, too.
Hm, doesn't sound as if things have really calmed down; it might be just the quiet before the next storm. Poor Finrod and the other leaders won't be too happy to have still to deal with it, I suspect. At that rate, any trouble the twins might cause is going to seem harmless.
At least they seem to have a lead on where Glorfindel's ring is; it would be good if he got it back soon.
*ROFL* Now that's the Glorfindel we know and love, bossing even a Maia around and sending him out to send the other Elves home!
Oh well, at least he made his peace with Helyanwë. I was glad he didn't blame only himself but made clear that she really meant what she said and why she was so wrong. Sure, he reacted wrong, but I thought what she said was pretty tactless. (Can you tell that I don't feel all charitable right now?)
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Well, Ron's in parental mode and he does have a point: as angry as the Twins might have been they should have been more considerate of others and not have made them worried as they did. Glorfindel shouldn't have left the hospital as he did and he shouldn't have had to make such an arduous trip in his weakened condition. Had he been mortal, he probably wouldn't have survived the trip at all.
As for the rest, well, things are coming to a head and many issues are being resolved now that Glorfindel is back to give them all grief. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.