Reviews (2,009)

6336 · 23 May 2014 · Chapter 42: In Fairbanks

Well that was a bit of an anti climax, but I expect Glorfi is not feeling up to par after the long trip. I certainly expected more fire works. I have a nasty feeling about the great reveal, some thing tells me not all will go as to plan, but then I know your ways oh, Evil Cliffee king! Checks Cliff House for readiness for next bump, dusts around a bit and checks supplies. Lays in snacks, brownies and Oatmeal raisin cookies with cherries and golden raisins this time. Having a blast in the Cliff House, rikki! Huggs, Lynda

Ellie · 23 May 2014 · Chapter 42: In Fairbanks

That was a nice reunion. Loved the twins choking back their emotion. Glorfindel really is as a father to them and the feeling obviously is mutual. These guys are going to go nuts trying to figure out what the surprise is. I bet the twins and Sarah are having a blast with that. It must be a lot of fun watching new elves in the big city. LOL Ellie

Dreamflower · 23 May 2014 · Chapter 42: In Fairbanks

The reunion went very well, and there were only a few small fireworks! It helped lot, of course, that the runaways were prepared. (Maiar are very useful sometimes, so it seems, LOL!) Actually, it sounds like a nice relaxing weekend getaway, touring the city, good meals--and a fun SCA event to come! *grin* I am REALLY looking forward to the reactions to the surprise!

Celeth · 23 May 2014 · Chapter 42: In Fairbanks

I'm so glad Glorfindel is finally on his feet. I just love that ellon! And I can't wait to see what their reaction will be to the surprise. And what a treat.for gareth too. I'm looking forward to Monday.

rikki · 23 May 2014 · Chapter 42: In Fairbanks

Hi 6336! Hope you are enjoying the Cliff house. I got to wondering who would open the door when Glorfindel and the rest of the posse got to the hotel where the twins and Sarah were staying. Since we know that Glorfindel could feel the twins, I didn't know if it was reciprical in that they could feel Glorfindel. But as it was, the maiar had already told the twins so they were expecting Glorfindel. And it was an emotional reunion for a couple elves though they don't carry on the way a lot of people I know would do. I think once Glorfindel understands how close he came to dying in the hospital he will understand why the twins and Sarah left Wiseman for Fairbanks. Talk about cultural shock if Finrod ever leaves Alaska and visits bigger cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London or Tokyo. And he will have to see the Mall of America and, and, and. This is one time being an immortal could be a plus since one would have time to visit all the places in the world one wanted rather than trying to cram in six countries in five days as a lot of us do. The twins are doing well to keep the secret of Garath and Gwyn from the rest of the elves. I wonder if they have told the SCA group that the other elves, including Finrod are here in Fairbanks or if that is a secret also. And will the Wiseman elves get to see the SCA elves practicing with their mortals so everyone will get an idea of how the SCA could work for training everyone for the final battle? So much to do before heading back to Wiseman. Have a great holiday weekend!

Lindelea · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 41: The Road to Fairbanks

He’ll be dead tired long before you arrive. I had a double take when I read this. You see, my brain left off the word "tired"... ...only to have the feeling reinforced when I read, He is too weak yet and the journey will probably kill him anyway. and the answering Probably. LOL! Is this what they call foreshadowing? OTOH, a bored Reborn is a dangerous Reborn, as people are so fond of saying. I missed a few of the undercurrents (like the choice of which healer went), but then I've been tired lately, so that suits as well as anything for an explanation. For one so wise, Finrod does need to get a clue about how to deal with Authority effectively. He seems to do well with the Common Man, after all. Have I mentioned how much I like Nick? Guy's got a good head on his shoulders. Glad the road trip went (relatively) well. Reminds me of a difficult winter drive we had recently. We managed to hit a six-hour window (4pm to 10pm) when the pass was open -- they were doing "avalanche maintenance" in the afternoon, which we waited out in a restaurant at the last exit before we began to climb the pass, and a tree fell across the Interstate about two hours after we managed to get through, in heavily falling snow (I believe it snowed two feet that night) and closed the pass until well into the next morning. The five-and-a-half hour trip that we drove in good weather a couple weeks ago, took about 13 hours in the winter weather six weeks ago. Quite the difference. I can really identify with your travellers.

6336 · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 41: The Road to Fairbanks

Well that was the easy part. Checks seatbelt on comfy chair at cliff house, gets ready to buckle up 'caus I think we are in for a bumpy ride. Waves to Rikki! Huggs, Lynda

Larner · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 41: The Road to Fairbanks

I rejoice that the trip went as well as it did, as it could have been far worse. Now, to find out why Alex and Derek needed to be along. Do they know some of the SCA members, or will Alex recognize someone unsavory?

Kevana · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 41: The Road to Fairbanks

I want to go on a road trip now. Trust this bunch to get stuck in the middle of a caribou migration! I would love to see what goes down with Valandur's first language class. Maybe he could even step up and take over teaching that, freeing up some of Glorfindel's time, if it goes well. Great to have Alex and Derek back in action! I know they're busy with their own lives by this point in the story, but it's still good to see them from time to time. Happy that Laurendil is back, too, he's one of my favorites of your OCs. “Loren would lie to God if he thought he could get away with it,” Dave shot back. *undignified snort* Are the tusked monsters wooly mammoths? Elves hunting mammoths, wow. And dun-dun-duuuuuuun, moment of truth. Friday is going to be brilliant, I can't wait. Love the update, so much going on in this chapter! Thanks for posting it and I'm glad things seem to be calming down with the site, now. Have a beautiful week full of good things! -Kevana

Kevana · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 40: Meanwhile, Back in Wiseman…

Finrod discovers Shark Week. Ha! Dude, sharks are cute and cuddly compared to some of the stuff in the ocean. I guess Middle-Earth and Valinor did not see many great whites? Somebody ought to sit the Valinor Elves down for a "things in the modern world that will kill you" talk. I'm glad Finrod came to a realization about his own limitations. No, no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. He also gets a great insight into why things aren't working as well as he anticipated in regards to being in charge, courtesy of Glorfindel and Father Charles. It seems like there are a lot of things the Wiseman Elves and the Mortals take for granted about human nature that the newcomers are still struggling with. I think that is something any kind of cross-cultural exchange is going to come down to sooner or later. It's easy enough to explain things like that, but first you have to realize you *need* to explain it/have it explained! Beautiful hymn. I've been wondering what the newcomer Elves would think of the really lovely pieces of music composed over the years. (And by the way, I'm totally not imagining Námo in a mask playing the Phantom of the Opera overture on an organ. *innocently polishes halo*) I love Father Charles and enjoy seeing more of his story here, bittersweet as it is. I really sympathize with him. I don't often see characters like him represented in such a way in fiction, and it's refreshing that you've written him as you have. The fear and hate in some churches is so disheartening sometimes that just hanging on to your faith despite it all is a test of said faith in its own right. When you have pastors in the pulpit literally telling people "God hates you," just...ugh. But I think I am possibly, er, preaching to the choir here. Anyway. Love Father Charles. That poor kid, I remember he was mentioned in a previous chapter after the accident that killed his parents. Glad to know he made it at least. Oof, Kyle, you're probably lucky Glorfindel didn't take a swing at you about the restraints! Poor Amigos and Nell, still going directly to jail and not collecting $200. :( Nooo, don't drop out of school. I'm with the other reviewers about "Murder on Ward Three," that sounds like a book I'd read! Fantastic chapter, now on to today's! -Kevana

Sunny · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 41: The Road to Fairbanks

Nick certainly is an insightful person - and he is certainly right that Glorfindel looks upon the Twins as his own sons - and no doubt they return the sentiment! So Alex and Derek are also wanted on this trip? Just what sort of plans are the Valar hatching just now? I see ron is using his Dad-fu on Loren - and it's working, too! It's party time again in the cliff house, I see. I'm definitely looking forward to Friday. In the meantime, here's a little vid while we wait: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtwdCVBWo0o

Dreamflower · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 41: The Road to Fairbanks

That chapter was exhausting to read, and reminded me of every road trip I've ever been on: "miles and miles of miles and miles". I love the way they had all of Glorfindel's objections and anticipated objections all lined up like ducks in a row. They know him well, don't they? Looking forward to Friday!

FV_Whisper · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 41: The Road to Fairbanks

And off to Fairbanks they go... I hope Glorfindel's falling asleep over the book didn't mean it turned out to be a boring one after all. Valandur offering to teach classes is an interesting move. He seems the right person fro it and it will be a good thing to have something at hands. He needs to come down a bit more though, his intentions are good, but his comment about teaching classes didn't fall to well with Daeron of course! Same goes for Finrod and Dave. Finrod' intentions again are good, but when placed under a bit of strain by Dave, he's falling back into gis old habits, and the later doesn't appreciate this! “Such a polite non-dismissal from the great Finrod Felagund,” Dave may be a friend, but he's a nice critical voice what doesn't take everything from the elves for granted. Would be really interesting if Glorfindel could remember anything about the attack after all, like Dave is suspecting. “Any arguments about it, and I will turn this van around no matter where we are. You got that?” Ron doesn't take any prisoners, now does he? Interesting observation by Finrod how Ron knows Glorfindel maybe even beter then he does. Of all the people traveling along the road to Fairbanks, the gang of course has to run into a herd of caribou *snickers* Finrod's reaction on Fairbanks is funny and shows how how he yet has to learn about this world. Glorfindel seems to be more alive from the journey than was to be expected, to perhaps finding out about the Twins whereabouts seems to ehhm, lifted his spirits. *snickers* We'll see what comes of that!

Ellie · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 41: The Road to Fairbanks

Valandur smiled. “I do know how to conduct a language class, Daeron. I was teaching first-year students at the Academy in Vanyamar when you were still trying to figure out how to write your runes.” Damn, they're old. LOL and it was uphill both ways, in the snow. and our classroom was a shoe box made of clay. Oh yours was clay? Ours was made of ice we had to chisel it ourselves, before class, every day. “Loren would lie to God if he thought he could get away with it,” Dave shot back. “That guy has a knack of not saying anything by saying something totally inane but you think he’s actually saying something until you stop long enough to really listen to what he’s not saying.” LOL Nick wiggled the fingers of one hand. “Just a bit. You need to work on being humble and contrite when Authority walks through the door.” ahem. this is a lessons all of the elves from Valinor still need to learn when among mortals. “Any arguments about it, and I will turn this van around no matter where we are. You got that?” You can tell Ron is a dad. Loved Glorfy entering the lobby and found it very amusing the problems they encountered on the trip.

harrowcat · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 41: The Road to Fairbanks

I have just noticed the last bit - which rooms! Is Ron going to overreact about the room arrangement?

harrowcat · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 41: The Road to Fairbanks

So the two 'fathers' are in place for the big reunion. I hope they handle it better than mine did when I ran away from home at age 21! I got 2 miles down the road when I got fetched back and I never got an apology! I am learning American English as well as Elven languages from your stories! I will leave you to guess which word!

rikki · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 41: The Road to Fairbanks

Ah, the posse is finally on the road. Making the trip to Fairbanks sounds like some of the road trips we used to make between Baltimore and Chicago. Amazing how much stuff one needs when traveling, food, drinks, blankets and pillows. Plus finding the occasional Stuckeys so we could load up on candy. I love the group you have put together to make the trip. I am happy to see Alex and Derick again with their mortal input into this trip. Of course, Ron is there to retrieve his daughter and Loren is anticipating catching up with the twins. Randall and Daeron are hopefully the more rational elves to be there to make sure that Ron and Loren don't kill the twins and Sarah. It has all the makings of a very memorable reunion. *Going to go sit on the cliff now and enjoy the week.*

Soledad · 19 May 2014 · Chapter 41: The Road to Fairbanks

Whoo-hoo! Alex is back! And they collectively descend on Fairbanks - that poor town doesn't stand a chance! Loved Nick's comment about Finrod needing to be humble and contrite towards Authority. *g* And Vorondur putting Glorfindel in his place. And Daeron's wry comment to Valandur's high-handed treatment of him. Now for the action! After such a draining journey, I'm sure everyone will be duly annoyed with the runaways. I know I would. *g*

Sunny · 17 May 2014 · Chapter 40: Meanwhile, Back in Wiseman…

So Finrod doesn't like sharks? I suppose they can look unnerving, but they are (mostly) apex predators that have been around for a long time - since before the dinosaurs arose - so they have had a long time do evolve into what they are. I suppose Stoner and the rest of the hospital staff will be overjoyed to see the last of Glorfindel. He has been giving them far too much excitement for anything else. And I also guess that when Glorfindel does leave, everybody will be wishing him the best of health in the future. That way he won't be back again as a patient. So it was politics and disagreements over Church doctrine that got Charles exiled to the back of beyond? *raises eyebrow at author* I wondered if it had been something _really_ bad that had gotten him on the outs with the hierarchy - like wanting abusive priests arrested and jailed, instead of shuffled off to new hunting grounds. Glorfindel is giving Finrod some excellend advice. Options instead of orders! Havong one's orders obeyed would be critical in an emergency situation, but when you're not in a crisis, getting input from others would lead to better solutions. I wonder just who Glorfindel is imagining in the hapless Dr Thackery's place? Perhaps Dr Stoner, with his suggestion of restraining Glorfindel (he would not have known that Glorfindel would have such a very bad reaction to such a suggestion), or perhaps Nurse Callahan, for the way she managed to stop Glorfindel short when he was pulling out his IVs when he woke. Today was Constitution Day in Norway, which is always fun. For a couple of glimpses of what the celebration is like, have a look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WqNAsTu9ok (This is from the Children's Parade two years ago, but the celebrations are much the same every year. The Children's Parade lasts for about 3 hours) Also this: This is one of the most popular parts of the parade - this is the Royal Guard's Drill Troop's show in 2008, but it's a very popular part of the Parade every year. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHbk1yuTnLc

obsidianj · 17 May 2014 · Chapter 40: Meanwhile, Back in Wiseman…

These discussions should give Finrod a lot to think about. But I'm not quite sure why Finrod suddenly thinks he has to give orders without consulting with anyone. I got the impression that his adar, Ingwe, and Olwe in Valinor all have advisers that will give them advice before decisions are made. An immediate crisis is something else, you can't discuss in a life or death situation, but for the most part there is time enough to get more than one opinion before making a decision. This chapter shows how Finrod and Glorfindel complement each other. Finrod needs Glorfindel and he has to accept that he can't handle everything alone, especially since his knowledge of the modern times is so limited. Poor Charles, having been sent into the middle of no-where because he ran afoul of church hierarchy must have hurt. After 30 years, he finally may see the reason why he is in Alaska. Although the time frame stinks for a mere mortal *g*.

obsidianj · 17 May 2014 · Chapter 39: Joining the SCA

Oh, oh, waiting for the arrival of Vorondur can't be fun. He doesn't sound to have calmed down from his email. I just hope whoever comes with him can keep things from exploding. Thanks for giving the background on the SCA. I'm not familiar with that organization, and it seems as if there is a lot of room for people who like to set up a bureaucracy with tons of rules and regulations. But it also seems to be a lot of fun. Poor Gareth, he finally sees an ellith and she is already taken. Let's hope he doesn't have to wait another thousand years to find someone to marry *g*.

Larner · 17 May 2014 · Chapter 40: Meanwhile, Back in Wiseman…

At least Finrod is willing to listen to advice and to follow it when he finds it wise. Glad they are making reasonable plans now. Now--why is the site messing up so many chapters written by others recently?

Ellie · 16 May 2014 · Chapter 40: Meanwhile, Back in Wiseman…

Finrod sure has had it though with the realization that he isn't in Valinor anymore and it is hard to be a prince in this land where the elves are more democratic. I pity him for the dissent thing that have him depressed. Fr Charles is very wise indeed. I am glad that Finrod is starting too realise that he has allies among the mortals. It will be very interesting once everyone gets to Fairbanks.

FV_Whisper · 16 May 2014 · Chapter 40: Meanwhile, Back in Wiseman…

Fortunately, we are all able to read this chapter. I was already happy you didn't leave us at some cliff last time, or that the tittle was too tempting, that would be even worse. Panis angelicus is such a beautiful hymn, and it's nice to see it mentioned here. I can just see how hymn likes this would be music that would be appreciated by the Elves as well. A I right is assuming you are a Catholic yourself too? I've noticed for several times how Charles Waverly and the St. Mary’s played an important part in the series and both his tale as well as mentioning a lesser known hymn as Panis angelicas gave me that idea. Feel free not to answer if you don't want to. Charles tale is a sad one and even more sadly in knowing how this is all too familiar, having had similar experiences in my own parish where good people got into conflict with the hierarchy, led by a figure very similar to the mentioned Gerald O’Hara, as well. For the elves, I'm glad they have a more open person like Charles at their cause. Charles' tale shows again how long the Valar (and Eru! Charles is a priest after all ;) ) have been planning things in advance. It's a good thing Charles is seeing this a well, poor guy must have been lonely over the last 30 years. On to Glorfindel...Alex' Derek's and Zach's talk about smuggling him out of the hospital is amusing, and just something I can see them conspiring in doing. Alex is coming to Fiarbanks too? That could be interesting. Glorfindel isn't really too happy at the moment, but he's coming to terms with it and at least somehow has found enough sense to wait before heading off to Fairbanks. At least he has a novel to keep his mind occupied. Murder on Ward Three sounds interestinning. as well as the idea's how to do in some sadistic nurses (or doctors, my family dealt with a fair share of those when my grandmother died in hospital last year) *snickers evilly* Finrod, on the other hand, has much to think about, the way he's been trying to hold the group together isn't working, oh it seems to work well enough for the Valinor gang, but the others will not be taking orders from them. For all it will be a good thing to have Glorfindel back again, so at least he can tell Finrod what he should not do if the latter is trying to go all kingly again. It will not work for the Wiseman Elves, they won't let themselves be ordered around. The youngsters are still playing Monopoly?!! O dear...

Tari · 16 May 2014 · Chapter 40: Meanwhile, Back in Wiseman…

Panis Angelicus is one of my favorite hymns. I find its beauty totally uplifting. Now I know what it means. I hope the twins are ready for what is heading their way.