And the cliff house climb begins (again)! You have been having fun giving us necessary background so the whammy of Farrell's escape hits hard. Love the interpretation of Olorin as one who shows up in "interesting" times. Also loved him standing well away from Alex. Using Gwyn for safety for Amroth, etc is fantastic. Hope the Iron Fist is not needed, but glad to know they are there. Now we chew our fingernails and wait.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Yeah, well, you knew it would happen eventually. *grin* We'll see how things go with Farrell back in the mix and what Alex and the Elves decide to do about it over the next several chapters. And we'll be seeing more of Gwyn and Gareth as well. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's very much appreciated.
rikki
· 13 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
Well, we have left the interstate onto secondary roads, soon to be dirt roads. Strange comparison I know, but I feel like we have been on a wild ride during this whole story and now you are introducing a new twist to the tale. Where it will end is the engaging part.
This was a well written chapter, you have built the suspense up slowly in the last chapter until when the phone rings and Dave is on the phone. Farrell! So that is Alex's bad feeling reason. The pressure is not relieved even when Olorin shows up and lets Alex know that the people he cares about the most will be protected from the coming fight. The warriors gathering for a council is very telling, you show how tensions are building as well as set up the players for the next scene. I love the way you have involved the mortals here with the elves, hopefully they will realize after all this is over that this is how the Valar perceive them interacting together for the war. As much as Valandur and Glorfindel would like to do this the elf way, they need to learn that the mortals are going to be a big part of this fight.
Gwyn and Garath will do a good job with their Gwaith-en-Angbor to protect Amroth and Nimrodel. I feel better about Amroth being with his wife and the twins as I wouldn't put it past Farrell to use Nimrodel as a hostage to get to Amroth. Needless to say, you are not going to let any of your anxious readers down by making this simple are you? I have a feeling we are in for many cliffs over the next several weeks. I am looking forward to each one of them.
Have a great weekend! See you Monday.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. I'm glad you found the chapter well written with the slow build-up of the suspense from the last chapter and Olórin showing up and all. I didn't want to give anything away until Alex got the phone call from Dave Michaelson. And yes, we're in for a wild ride over the next several weeks, I'm afraid, as the action heats up between Alex and Farrell, but I hope you enjoy it anyway. Just make sure your safety belt is securely fastened. *grin*
Thanks for leaving a review. I very much appreciate it.
Sarah
· 13 June 2014
· Chapter 48: Bad News
Well...crap. That is extremely very not good, though to be honest I am not sure why I am surprised. I can think of no example in all of Tolkien-verse where the whole "let's just lock him up" thing ever works out the way it's supposed to, whether they be good guys or some of a more morally...questionable nature. Poor Amroth & Della, forced to run and hide again. I'm awfully worried for our budding little family (then again I'm also worried that folks in lab gear are going to round them all up for scientific study, now that there's a sample population to work with--albeit a small one).
Now to wait for Monday to see how it all plays out, yes?
Author's reply
That just about sums it up, doesn't it, Sarah? LOL! And you're right that in Tolkien's universe 'let's lock him up' doesn't really seem to work. Anyway, Amroth and Della may not like the idea of having to run and hide, but it's the smartest thing for them to do and at least this time they'll have the protection of other Elves if necessary.
This scenario will take several chapters to play out, so sit back and relax. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Em
· 12 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
"The Valar are very big on long-term (very long-term) planning."
All week I have had my brain popping up with little asides like...
"See, I told you - after that second ice age we have the perfect ski slope"
Author's reply
LOL! And that's probably very true. Even for the Valar, all work and no play make them very dull Ainur indeed.
galathil
· 11 June 2014
· Chapter 10: Concerning Alex and other Matters
Hi Fiondil. Am enjoying a glass of New Zealand wine as I am typing this. I know I have not reviewed for a while. Just letting you know that I am reading your story and as usual loving it. Though I am wondering when Elrond and co are going to make an appearance. I would love to see Kyle Elrond and (hint hint maybe Aragorn he he) go toe to toe. It is being interesting trying to figure which way your story is going.In Australia we are about 18 hours ahead of you, usually I get the story on the Saturday and Monday. It brightens the weekend and the beginning of the week. Since its Summer over there try and stay cool. Can't wait for the next chapter. LOL Galathil
Author's reply
Hi galathil. I'm glad to know you are still reading and enjoying this tale. Review whenever you can or feel like it. Aragorn, of course, being mortal, resides beyond the circles of Arda, so he could never make an appearance in this or any other Elf Academy story, but Elrond could certainly show up. We'll have to see. And if I am keeping you guessing as to which way the story is going, then I'm doing my job, because there's nothing worse than predictability in a story. Thanks for letting me know how much you are enjoying the story. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 10 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
good job Alex :) and better job in not killing her for being a bit of a nasty bug. his mom will be so proud of him. Can't wait to see the council meeting. I am sure it will be fantastic ;)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yes, I imagine Alex's mom would be proud of him surviving his first day of teaching without killing anyone. LOL! We'll see the council meeting and what comes of it soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it a lot.
FV_Whisper
· 10 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
Eruherdiriel, I went through that kind of phrases when starting out with French as well, but I recall how even we almost teenagers when I had those lessons, had to learn être by heart very soon after that. Well, it's one of the most important verbs there is after all *shrugs*
But I wasn't here for this, just to share this lovely drawing of some of the Valar I found with all of you :)
http://www.deviantart.com/art/The-Silmarillion-The-Aratar-459872690
Author's reply
I still recall the first lesson in my Spanish 1 class in high school and we ended up covering at least 3 of the forms for "to be" in that first lesson. It is indeed one of the most important, if not the most important, verbs one has to learn.
Thanks for the link, FV_Whisper. Very interesting. But it seems as if most of them have no eyes and all the male Valar are frowning. I like Námo though (and what's not to like?) *grin*
Tari
· 10 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
"My thanks to Ellie for providing me with suggestions as to how Alex might respond to the student’s accusation of being a spy." And a great suggestion it was. He really put her in her place. I wonder what she told whoever sent her.
Author's reply
Both of Alex's responses in the French and Italian classes are courtesy of Ellie, who has a great and wicked imagination and sense of humor. I suspect she went to the dean with a report, but as we will probably never hear from her again, I really don't know for sure. Thanks for commenting, Tari. I appreciate it.
Eruherdiriel
· 10 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
Alex is funny! I think I would enjoy taking a language from him. He dealt well with the accusations from his past.
The one thing is that in every language class I ever attended, the first class or so is spent learning to introduce oneself and say things like, "I don't speak this language" and somesuch. Why did he start with the most annoying irregular verb there is?
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. He is a great teacher. As for starting with the verb "to be", that is a central verb in many languages and one that is used especially when introducing yourself, so it stands to reason he would introduce that verb as soon as possible. ("to have" and "to do" are the other two major verbs that are vital to learn sooner rather than later).
Anyway, the chapter wouldn't have been as funny without him teaching the the verb "to be".
Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
SashaHoneypalm
· 10 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
...just how many languages do you know? Are you really an Elf or something?
(I admit, I'm jealous. Nearly two decades of yeshiva education, and I still can't get past the "hello my name is" stage of Hebrew. I approach phrases like "archaic nasalized stop mutations" with the same level of understanding my cat displays for trigonometry).
Author's reply
Hi Sasha. Well, I wish I were an Elf, but I'm not. I can read French and Spanish and with a good dictionary and grammar book, I can wade my way through German, Italian and Latin. I've actually studied Biblical Hebrew and could read it a bit but that was some time ago and I would have to start all over again.
Anyway, I'm more interested in the linguistics side of things and something like "archaic nasalized stop mutations" make my heart soar and my spirit sing. LOL!
Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Sunny
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
Well, if nothing else, with all those years as a spu, Alex would have learned to think on his feet! Ms Saboteur did not stand a chance! Also loved Alex' defiition of an American! :D
So the Mortals will have a ringside seat when the Elves who stayed at home get told about Gwyn and Gareth! I hope they bring a lot of popcorn!
Author's reply
You're certainly right about that,Sunny. Alex has had to think fast on his feet too many times to keep himself alive, and we all know what a jungle the classrooms can be. *grin* We'll see what happens when everyone learns about Gwyn and Gareth soon enough. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
Em
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
I loved the people interactions in this chapter. Obviously the teaching and students, but also that Alex can ask his mom for advice, Derek encouraging his gwedyr, Alex and Felicity.
I had a giggle at Finrod "No one died and no one is missing limbs or teeth." Real possibilities, those, if tings went badly.
It seems as if Alex is finding out who "Alex" is, after a long time of being shells of other people. He's turning out to be a good young man, the kind I'd love to have for my daughters. The fighting skills do not hurt either - a girl would be really safe with him ;)
The Valar are nudging more than just the elf academy people into place. Felicity and Nicholas come to mind, people who build good relationships with the elves and their mortals, the start of a web of friendship and trust in the town.
Oh, is there an equivalent to gwedyr for the ladies?
Author's reply
Hi Em. The feminine equivalent of gwador (pl. gwedyr), is gwathel (pl. gwethil).
I'm glad you enjoyed the people interactions in this chapter. Finrod's response to Alex's question about Edhellond is pretty funny given who is speaking and the circumstances, but you're right that they could be very real possibilities with these people.
Alex is indeed beginning to find out who he is, or rather who he was meant to be before the Agency screwed him up. He's still in the process and it won't happen overnight, but with Ron helping him and the other Elves supporting him, I'm sure he'll be just fine.
The Valar are very big on long-term (very long-term) planning. *grin*
Thanks for leaving a review. I very much appreciate it.
Larner
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
Ah, the perfect, perfect responses! I've taken Spanish, and it even did me well when I went to Costa Rica, although I'm nowhere near being fluent. But I SO love the response in the Italian class. That is PERFECT! And there's a woman in his imagination at last! Good.
Author's reply
I'm glad you thought the responses were perfect, Larner, especially in the Italian class. And it is good to see Alex being a "normal" guy wondering if the girl likes him. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
The chapter was not quite what I expected with that title. What also confused me was that Alex is now teaching in Wiseman. I thought he was heading somewhere else for his studies. I probably just missed the explanation somewhere.
Alex will make a great teacher. He handled the obnoxious student very well. I loved his declinations. The lady he shares the office with seems to be nice and has no prejudice against Alex. Although she is several years younger than Alex she has already experience of running afoul of politics. That is sad.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. I think your confusion lies in the fact that Alex went to Fairbanks to see his adviser at the university not too many chapters ago. He is teaching at the college in Wiseman (this was established earlier in this story) and getting his masters in Linguistics from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, taking online courses (and we will see him doing that in the next chapter). I hope that clears it up for you.
Alex will make a great teacher, especially since he won't let anyone run roughshod over him. We'll see how he and Felicity get along as the rest of the story progresses.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
FV_Whisper
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 46: Resolutions
A lot that needed to be talked out is done in this chapter.
Glorfindel has been doing a lot of apologizing and forgiving lately, maybe a bit too much, but for everyone's sake it needed to be done.
Eärnur’s being cute. Don't know what got into him earlier on, but he seems more like the character he was in the earlier series now.
Looks like the Valinor gang made quite a mess of things when Amroth was in charge.
Fionwën added a duster to his attire? Must have taken that from Námo...I wonder what exactly he did to sent the lost sheep home again.
Valandur is a kind of his own. Still he has some point, swear words are an important aspect of any culture and not one you learn in a class most of the time.
- “Oh, it had something to do with reproduction,” -
*snickers* But really, my mom would have loved this if she had the English to understand. She loves this kind of creative descriptions of swear words in a way they won't say anything offering at all
Well, that's quite a lecture the Elves have been getting, Glorfindel and Finrod take no prisoners here.
Ah, who needs painkillers or even Elven healers when you have your own Maia attendant?
From your lips to the Valar’s ears really gets a new meaning if it's said to Fionwë who's going off to report to Manwë.
Nice and quiet ending, so why am I hoping for more storms to come *snickers*
(literrally, it seems some bad wether is coming my way here)
Author's reply
Hi FV_Whisper. It is better to forgive and Glorfindel knows it. Eärnur has had a hard lesson driven home and is trying to mend his ways and not be quite as arrogant, especially toward Mortals and their ways. Fionwë is wearing the duster for appearances sake, of course. And Valandur is one of a kind, that's for sure. *grin*
You should know me by now: there's always a storm in the offing. LOL! Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
FV_Whisper
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
Love the tittle!
- “So, do you think that when your students discover that you are a human being and not the Mighty Thor or the son of Harry Potter, they’ll turn on you?” Derek asked in all seriousness. -
*snickers*
But this distress Alex is feeling over his new job is actually disturbing.
Ahh, the reasons why you're taking on a certain class, been there, done that. The students who had to take language class sounded all too familiar.
Poor Alex, he isn't done with his past himself, and now he got it thrown at him in front of his students. But he handles thing well and the “Je suis espion" part is pretty funny
So Glorfindel pulled some strings to get Alex the job it seems? Not everyone will be happy about that for sure. At least Felicity doesn't mind and it looks like she and Alex will be spending more time together *snickers*
Author's reply
I thought the title was apropos. *grin* And Derek is funny with the way he gets Alex to relax.
I think most people who take a language class do it, at least initially, because they have to, but I love languages and took them because I wanted to even when not required. Anyway, I think Alex acquitted himself quite well his first day of teaching. And while Glorfindel may have called in a favor or two, Alex got the job because he's the best qualified whatever anyone else thinks.
Thanks for leaving a comment, FV_Whisper. I appreciate it very much.
rikki
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
Je suis espoinne. Je suis American. LOL! That brings back a lot of memories of French classes that I sat in soooooo long ago. I'm glad that Alex put on his teacher personna and got past the plant who was trying to break his new cover. Except for the harassement value, what difference would it make if Alex had been a spy? I guess some would consider it a big deal, but I think Alex has all the qualifications that he needs to adequately teach intro language classes. Dealing with politics in any job situation is a pain.
And geez, gossip travels fast in a school environment. By the time he went home the story had probably became one where he had physically attacked the student who accused him of being a spy. Thankfully Alex was able to use his sense of humor to relax the other students about his past and the scene in the first class.
You have now given us another mystery, the fair Ms. Felicity and what happened that made her end up in Wiseman. Alex looks like he has been poleaxed by the German teacher, hopefully this will lead to a friendly relationship and beyond.
Next up has to be the council on Saturday and then we will get to hear everyone's reactions to the revelations about Gwyn and Garath. That should prove to be very interesting.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. I had a lot of fun with that and so did Alex. I think once things settle down he'll do okay.
I don't know too much about Felicity's story yet, but perhaps someday I will. Sometimes my characters are rather chary about revealing things about themselves even to me and I'm their Creator. *grin*
Anyway, we'll see about the council meeting soon enough.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kevana
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
Whoops - Derek, not Derrick! Yeah, it's Monday, LOL.
And Ellie - great contributions! I like your sense of humor. ;)
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hey, same name, different spelling. No biggie. I like Ellie's sense of humor. It's way off the wall and full of fun.
Kevana
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
It must be freaky for Alex to be embarking on a new career as *himself* and not as just another persona. I'm with Derrick though, even if there were strings pulled, the guy has more than enough cred to teach language classes.
I can't decide which was funnier, the "I am a spy" or the "you're an American"! I guess his past is sort of an open secret, given the very public court that Finrod held discussing some pretty sensitive matters. Still, wonder who convinced the girl to play such a role? This dean fellow? Hmm. Academia is perhaps going to prove more exciting than Alex Grant, Licensed To Teach might have anticipated.
Well look at this, Alex has a cruuuuush. *grin* And it seems we have yet another person who ended up exiled to Wiseman. It's kind of amazing the whole town's not just full of cranky folks who don't want to be where they are, unless maybe it actually is and that's part of the problem. Heh. Where's Tom Peterson from, again? (Kidding, kidding!)
+1 for the pun title.
Well, I have either made a friend or Saruman is spying on me. There's a crow (I think it's a crow) that has been hanging around for the last month and he follows me around the yard, watching and cawing at me. He will fly right over my head. I thought maybe I was being silly, but my mother noticed and it freaked her out! LOL! As crows are very smart, I have been polite to him in hopes that either he is a friend, or can be bribed into becoming one. If I disappear then know that I have failed and am being dragged to Isengard by orcs. :P
In the meantime, in keeping with the bird theme, have a video of grackles. Someone sent it to me with the caption "E X P A N D B I R D" and now I catch myself thinking "EXPAND BIRD" at random moments and laughing. Eh, anyway, have a great Monday and rest of the week.
Take care!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. I'm glad you liked the title pun. And yeah, after being not himself for all his adult life, it has to be weird for Alex to be just himself even with the name change. I'm sure he'll get used to it eventually. And if he has a crush it's probably because he's allowing himself to have one. We'll see how it goes from here.
Crows are very intelligent and they recognize faces according to a PBS show I once saw years ago. Good luck with yours.
Thanks for the video and thanks for the review. I appreciate it very much.
Ellie
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
Still love the classrooms scenes and the I am spy verb conjugation. That was all so much fun. Alex is blessed to have the resources that he has to help keep him sane as he tackles the new job.
Author's reply
It is a fun chapter and it's even funnier thanks to your contributions, Ellie. Alex is indeed blessed to have the resource he has to help him tackle his new job. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Kevana
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 46: Resolutions
And a lot of things that needed to be said are finally said! Perfect chapter title too.
Elf Academy is taking off, that is a *lot* of applications if I remember the numbers correctly from EA II. You have to wonder about the implications there given the academy's true purpose.
D'aww, Melyanna and Daeron.
True highlight of this chapter, though? Valandur's language class. That's gotta be the best icebreaker I've ever heard. I had kind of hoped Val would love teaching again and it's cool to see he did enjoy it enough to want to take it over for Glorfindel.
Expletive inflexation is the best thing (I had no idea there was a term for it!) You can't ever remember anybody teaching you how to do it, you just sort of know where in the word it's supposed to fit.
I'm so glad Finrod and Glorfindel got the point across that the others have to be ready to step up when someone is out of commission, temporarily or permanently. That's a huuuuuge weakness to be carrying.
This almost feels like you could stick an "End of Book I" here. With so much wrapped up now, there's only one way for things to go from here. Mwahaha.
Great chapter!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Well, you're right that this chapter does have an "End of Book I" feeling to it and we do shift our focus away from the Elves to Alex starting in the next chapter.
And there's a term for everything if you just know where to look. *grin* It's true that no one actually teaches you how to do expletive infixation, but we learn by example and someone somewhere decided to be creative in his or her language and it was picked up by others and passed along.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
bookworm
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
hahaha, oh you GO Alex, excellently handled! Also nice to see the Edhellond is, indeed, still standing!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this chapter, bookworm. Yes, Edhellond is indeed standing. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Soledad
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
Oh, this was hilarious! Poor Alex, facing his new classes for the first time! That brings back memories, it does, yessss, Precioussss! And I didn't even have such a good friend as Derek in my long-forgotten youth...
For the record, I am still reading and enjoying. Once this term dies a sow and hopefully painless death, I will be back to proper commenting, to. Or so I hope.
Author's reply
I'm sure all the teachers reading this will sympathize with Alex.
I'm glad you're still reading and enjoying the story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it. Good luck with the rest of the term.
Dreamflower
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
*sing-song voice* Alex got a girrrl-friend! LOL!
Honestly, Felicity sounds like just the sort of woman who would appeal to him. I like her sense of humor. It's probably a little too soon to say "girlfriend", but it looks like the potential is there, which is a good thing.
It worries me that Alex's past has somehow become something of an open secret; I did not realize how many people besides the Elves knew about it. And I suspect that Ms. Yuoung's being planted in his class might not solely be due to workplace politics, which is also worrisome.
Author's reply
Well, it's too early for that, Dreamflower, but you never know. Alex does need someone in his new life now. We'll see how the relationship goes from here.
And of course after Finrod's court back in EA2, everyone in Wiseman is aware of Alex's past association with Homeland Security and the Agency. And workplace politics can be as vicious as anything in the spy business.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Lindelea
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 47: Alex in Wonderland
Derek sounds like a good batman. (I don't know quite why, but I found myself thinking of Lord Peter and Bunter while reading the beginning and end of the chapter.)
I am such a suspicious reader. I kept thinking Alex ought to pay attention to feelings of dread and the urge to call his mother. Then I thought of the M*A*S*H episode where Hawkeye kept dreaming of disaster and calling home... and it was all due to stress. Somehow I don't think Alex's feelings are all in his imagination.
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea. I entirely agree with you about Derek and I like the Lord Peter/Bunter image you give to their relationship, though it goes beyond master/servant. They are gwedyr, after all, heart-brothers and more than that. Alex would do the same for Derek if their situations were reversed.
As for Alex's sense of dread, we'll see in the next chapter what that is all about.
Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it.