Ellie
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
WOW! Everyone is taking things the wrong way. But I think the Valinor elves are just as much at fault for not taking the offended ones more seriously and I believe the Valinor elves really have been treating the Wiseman elves less than fairly. Finrod and the healers should have perceived this before now as Valandur should have as well. Ron isn't living at Edhellond any more so I would not expect him to be up on this like the others should have been, especially Finrod who is specially trained to being spiritual healing to Arda. In spite of their sleep, the twins are still very stressed and that is never a good thing.
Author's reply
Yeah, that's for sure, Ellie, and it's so easy to do when everyone's under stress and none of them are thinking all that clearly. Not sure if even if Ron were still living in Edhellond things would be any better. Anyway, even the best of us have off-days (or years) and Finrod is probably still dealing with the shock of it all and not at his best to handle the fallout. Thanks for leaving a review. I very much appreciate it as always.
Soledad
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
I am deeply insulted on Elrond's behalf. He certainly paid a high price for the chance to see his beloved Celebrían again. No wonder the Valinórean Elves are such a sorry bunch of codescending snobs - they learned it directly at the feet of the Valar.
I'm definitely with Elladan & Elrohir here.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Of course, we haven't heard Elrond's side of the story and perhap things are not as bad as they appear, but certainly his sons feel that their dad's been slighted and by extended so have they and that's not a good thing for them to be feeling. It's bound to lead to all sorts of trouble down the road. Anyway, we'll have to see how it goes. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
Lindelea
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
Yikes. Just from the chapter title, I was almost afraid to open the page.
Finrod shows his wisdom, but also a worrying lack of knowledge, though I'm sure he's been doing all he can to catch up, since arriving.
Someone deliberately misinterpreting what one says is disheartening. Earnur took it well, though, at least outwardly. Kudos to him.
I do hope all the "shouting" did not disturb Glorfindel's healing.
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea. Finrod does show is wisdom but he's working with full knowledge of the situation so he's somewhat hampered. Eärnur, as far as the Twins are concerned, can't say anything right at this point, which is unfortunate because he really is sympathetic to their distress. As for Glorfindel... well, we'll see about that. *grin* Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
6336
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
I had to take a break from this chapter, part way through as it was getting a little too intense for me. I can understand how the Twins feel, partly from finding out that their father was relegated to Apprentice status and partly from the way they are being treated by some of the Valinorean Elves. It's a bit like having planned something out and having somebody come along and say "Yes, very nice but I think we will do this and this instead." and taking over. Very frustrating.
Elrond taught the Twins to the best of his abilities but any healer who does not continue their education looses their edge over time.
Interesting chapter, I think some lines are being drawn in the sand here.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
It is a very intense chapter, Lynda, there's no doubt about that. Emotions are high and everyone is stressed out to the max and no one is really thinking clearly. It's a right mess and it's only going to get messier before it gets better. Lines are indeed being drawn in the sand. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated. Hugs back.
Kevana
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
This chapter shows just how good a grasp you have on your characters, even managing such a huge cast. Pulling the scene back to the hospital with the twins was great.
Glorfindel has been a surrogate father to them all those years. It must have been as terrifying and disheartening for them as it would have been if Elrond was the one lying there on the operating table. That said, I am going to be sincerely disappointed in a few folks if the twins really are getting short shrift from the Valinor Elves because they are Peredhel. Really?! Earnur gets a mighty brofist for how he handled that, though.
Awful thing to think, but all this goes to show just how heavily they rely on Glorfindel and how badly some of them need to step up to the plate, as well as getting Glorfindel to slow down and delegate! This was a horrible way of forcing the issue but maybe it could also be good in the long run.
Finrod mentioning Serindë's brothers to her was so sad and sweet.
Poor lady with the health problem, but thank goodness Elladan was there. That was a fascinating scene! I always love it whenever you write Elves messing about with their abilities.
*snort* So the twins don't like being treated like "clueless Mortals" but see no problem with calling Mortals clueless, huh? Bit of irony there. :P A lot of the Elves seem to do that.
Maybe if the Three Amigos continue their good behavior, they can graduate to being the Three Musketeers. Nell can be d'Artagnon. *grin*
I'm literally off to the races tomorrow, a steeplechase of all things! Never a dull moment, working in media. At least I'll get to spend the day outside in the sun. Hope you guys up north have a warm weekend too. Thanks for the update, take care and be well!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. I'm glad you think I have a good grasp of my characters. Sometimes, the way they act (or don't act), I'm not always sure. *grin*
Glorfindel is probably more a "dad" for the Twins than Elrond at this point, if only because he's there and has been for far longer than Elrond was and the thought of losing him has to be terrifying for them both.
And it is ironic that Elladan refers to "clueless Mortals" when he perceives that Eärnur and other Valinórean Elves are treating him and Elrohir as "clueless Peredhel", but that's how it goes. "First take the log out of your own eye..."
LOL! on the Three Amigos being promoted to the Three Musketeers with Nell as d'Artagnon. I might just have someone like Derek do that.
Hope you had a good time at the steeplechase. Our weekend is mostly going to be blah and rainy, but it beats being blah and snowy.
Thanks for the review. I very much appreciate it.
Monalex
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
Hello Fiondil!
I am with the Twins on this one; it sure does feel as if everyone is underestimating them just because they were born in Middle Earth or because they didn't leave. I'm sure they would be more than willing to learn, if they could find an elf they trusted and who would not make them feel wanting or inferior, so tough choice there. I feel for the twins, they must be feeling horrible to let their emotions out like that. To have the possibility of losing Glorfindel, who I’m sure is like a father to them and their only connection to their childhood, it must be horrible. Though Glorfindel do needs to get better, so that he can deal with his elflings and make them understand that there are skills they don’t know, but are easily taught. Maybe you could bring Elrond and Celebrian for the wedding and have their father teach these new skills to them?? Pretty pleaseeee?? Because I'm sure that they associate elven healing techniques with their father and who better to teach them, than someone who loves them??
I do get that Elrond needed to learn certain skills that he did not have an opportunity to learn before, but to make him a Journeyman must have been humiliating. In the end, I suspect he capitulated because he was living there and needed to adapt to their expectations. But now it's not the same thing, the Valinorean Elves have to adapt to the expectations of the mortals and the Wiseman Elves not the other way around.
It is good that Finrod is learning how this elves feel, so that he can better gauge and asses what exactly they are doing that makes the Wiseman Elves feel like they are being underestimated. It would be interesting if he questioned the other Wiseman Elves too, so he could get a broader picture of the problem.
I really don't see how Finrod has the idea that does from Valinor - most of whom are very prejudice and arrogant - can be of any help in expending operations further into Wiseman. They don't get the mortals, they don't understand the mortals, nor are they willing to learn or admit that the mortals have useful skills that they do not. But I guess that with the passage of time that may change, but it will be a very bumpy road.
Also I think Finrod will get a better idea of the problem he doesn’t see, by questioning the worst elleth in the bunch from Valinor: Helena. That will illuminate and clarify several points he doesn’t see and will help him decide on his course of action.
Excellent chapter as always! I now need to get away from the flames! :)
Monalex
Author's reply
Hi Monalex. The Twins may or may not have a point, but certainly the stress and exhaustion they feel are not helping them to see things as clearly as they could and everything is beginning to spiral out of control now that the center of their lives is lying in ICU and is still in danger of dying.
As for Elrond... unfortunately he's not around to give his own take on the situation of his becoming an apprentice, so the Twins don't have the full story, only what Eärnur and Finrod tell them and that's from their perspective, which is somewhat condescending, or so it probably sounds to the Twins.
And you're right that most of those from Valinor don't really understand or get the Mortals of this time. They probably didn't get them in their own time, either. It's still early on for them and they are still trying to adapt, so the road to understanding will be a bumpy one indeed.
We will eventually see Finrod confront Helena and find out how he ends up dealing with that situation if at all.
Thanks for your review. It's very much appreciated.
Dreamflower
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
First off, I'd like to say I especially appreciated the description of Elladan using the patient's energy field to diagnose her problem. My husband is a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner as well as an RN, and what you described seemed remarkably like what he describes when doing energy work (though more precise, perhaps, than in RL). I've always felt that the descriptions of Elven healing (or Kingly healing) seem to indicate some similar ability.
I hope that the perceptions of inferiority the twins are having are simply a combination of the stress and exhaustion of the situation, as well as worry over Glorfindel (who by this point in time they have been with longer than they were with their own father) and the stirring up caused by Helena's rash words. I do hope that when they *think* things through they will understand they are overreacting. Though I do understand the resentment over having their own achievements underestimated.
A very good chapter, that shows there is still a very long row to hoe before things are anything like OK again.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I've heard of CHTPs but have never met one. It just seemed logical that without modern medical equipment and all, the Elves would develop touch healing and scanning as I've described here and elsewhere.
I'm sure that some of the perceptions of inferiority on the part of the twins is due to stress and exhaustion, but those perceptions had to come from somewhere and perhaps one or two of the Valinórean Elves said or did something inadvertently that made the Twins think they were being slighted for being Peredhel or for having not Sailed. And now, on top of what's happened to Glorfindel, they are indeed overreacting. We'll see how it goes.
And you're right that they all have a very long row to hoe before things get anywhere near OK.
Thanks for your comments. They're very much appreciated.
rikki
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
Fanning flames indeed. More like pouring gasoline on a smoking log and watching it blow up. Finrod so needs Glorfindel awake and aware enough to pull the twins back into line. Glorfindel is the one who needs to shake them up and make them listen to what is being said as the twins don't recognize Finrod having control over them.
I always find online conversations a minefield of communication traps since one can't hear the nuances of speech or how the person is actually coming across. But here it is like no one is listening to what anyone is saying. Or maybe this is just the touch stone for all the perceived grievances that have been amassing throughout the story. The elves from Valinor sound rather snobbish in their explanations, especially Finrod when he talks about expanding operations in Wiseman while the elves under Glorfindel continue to operate the Elf Academy. This sounds more like the confrontations in Elf Interrupted between the Valinorian elves and the returnees and reborns. Yes, they know a lot of things about elven training, but they are so unknowing about mortals that it will get them in the end.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. Finrod's not the only one who needs Glorfindel; they all do. But you're right that the Twins especially won't necessarily recognize Finrod's authority over them. They probably won't even recognize Daeron or Amroth's authority over them either.
And whether the Valinórean Elves are indeed snobbish or simply telling it like it is, perception is often more "real" than the actual reality of the situation and if you don't want to listen, then you won't. We've all been such situations ourselves and know how vicious the cycle of disbelief can be.
It does sound a bit like the confrontations in "Elf, Interrupted" but for different reasons.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate you doing so very much.
Sunny
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
Clearly, the Twins are not at their best here. Which is understandable. Their beloved "uncle" (who since Elrond sailed undoubtedly has become like a father to them) lies mortally wounded in the ICU. And they could not save him - but a team of the newcomers could! And then they heard the story of how Elrond became Irmo's apprentice. Elrond was, of course, considered to be the greatest healer in Middle-Earth (and the Twins learned their healcraft from him) but to the Amanians he did not have the certifications to be considered more than an apprentice.
And here we see Elladan do a bit of "Elven-magic" to point Dr Chandler at the real diagnosis of one of her patients.
So to the Mortals (to whom he is used to compare himself) he is a magically skilled healer and diagnostician, but to the Valinorean Elves, he is a rank beginner. Or at least, that's what he assumes.
I suspect that the Valinoran healers do respect the Twins' abilities, but in the Twins' current mood, even the most innocent remark is likely to be seen as disparaging, but may be partly because of the strain they are under. But it also doesn't help that a number of the newcomers clearly see them as being lesser.
And they have the benefit of having a famous father. I'm sure that what Serindë had to tell Finrod about how the Valinorean Elves don't even talk to her was quite informative. It is obvious that Finrod has his work cut out for him when it comes to integrating the newcomers with the Wiseman Elves and the Mortals.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. No, they're not at their best here. They are super stressed out and then hearing about their dad becoming an apprentice when he was considered a master healer by one and all in Middle-earth was pouring oil on the flames. And you're right that in their current mood, even the most innocent remark is being taken the wrong way. And nothing anyone does or says at this point makes it better.
Finrod does indeed have his work cut out for him and it's been made even harder with Glorfindel out of commission. We'll see how successful he is in this.
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
Ellie
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
It is fascinating watching everyone try to piece things together and how they judge and misjudge so many things. One the shock wears off perspectives start to change. I don't think anyone will be prepared for the fallout.
Author's reply
It is quite fascinating to watch everyone try to piece things together and not necessarily drawing the correct conclusion. And you're right, none of them are prepared for the eventual fallout. Thanks for reviewing, Ellie. It's quite appreciated.
UTfrog
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
Fanning the flames indeed! Nearly every person took offense at all words spoken, even the few that were not intended to be disparaging. Unless this group can overcome the prejudices, the Valar may have made a significant mistake in sending so highly unprepared elves to Alaska. it may be time for the Valinor elves to get a better sense of mortal abilities as well. I do not think everyone's words were intended to sound demeaning or hostile, but that interpretation was there to be found. Bad communication all the way round. Great chapter with well thought out sentences. Thank you.
Author's reply
There is certainly a lack of real communication, UTfrog, and even if not intended, disparagement is being assumed, at least on the part of the Twins. They are definitely taking everything the others are telling them the wrong way, though perhaps there is some truth in it. It's all muddy waters here and there no one's completely right or completely wrong in how they are seeing the situation. We'll see, though, how things go from here in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
someone
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 28: Fanning the Flames
"--I would not allow it, nor any of the relatives of those who were still here." There went the hope to have Elrohir's parents at the wedding. Well, Glorfindel will have to play the father then. I wouldn't be surprised if he had become more like a father to the twins over the years than Elrond.
It is hard to say if the twins are just imagining that the Valinorean elves look down their nose at them or if it really happens. It may be just Elrohir and Elladan expecting such attitudes and interpreting everything wrong because of it (especially when still a little tired). Can you say which one it is or will it have something to do with the plot later?
Author's reply
Hi someone. Well, Finrod might not have allowed relatives to come with him, but that does not preclude the Valar from sending people over at a later date. We'll have to see. And yes, I think Glorfindel looks upon the Twins as a father would and they see him as a father-substitute, otherwise, I doubt they would bother to obey him as they do and look to him to lead them.
It is hard to say if the Twins are right in their appraisal of how the others treat them or if they are really only imagining it. Unfortunately, as with all things, perception sometimes rules reality and we do not see the truth of how things are. This will become an issue very soon, so you will have to make up your own mind about it as you continue reading the story.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 31 March 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
Hmm. The realization that Josiah Makepeace is more than he seems is one that tends to stop people in their tracks. Most interesting revelation there! And I'm sure that more than one Maia was in that hospital to keep an eye on things and to relay information. Now--to learn who it was at the Rusty Nail that followed Glorfindel out, and I still don't want to be the one who is found in possession of his ring! Heh!
Author's reply
That's for sure, Larner. There's more to Josiah than meets the eye and we may learn more about him though probably not until we get to Elf Academy 4. At any rate, I have no doubt that there's at least one Maia watching over Glorfindel at this point. And I wouldn't want to be the one found in possession of Glorfindel ring either. Poor smuck has no idea the world of hurt he's in danger of experiencing if the Elves ever catch up with him. Thanks for the review. It's much appreciated.
Kevana
· 31 March 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
Hm, so many questions indeed! The little posse of troublemakers who jumped Glorfindel couldn't possibly have known he'd show up there. I can't decide whether it's more or less terrible that it wasn't premeditated, apparently.
At some point I think they are just going to give up being surprised at mysterious phone calls and who made them, LOL!
Random Bartender Person with the big vocabulary sounds interesting.
It might be a minor thing, but it was really cute how the Elves were surprised at being called brothers and sisters of the Mortals. I doubt that was accidental on Josiah's part. Of course it's a common phrase among congregations but including the Elves in the mix certainly gave them something to think about. And might be a paradigm shift that could be useful.
Also really funny how the Elves thought they were being invisible and nooope, y'all got caught. Interesting how the cops didn't call them out for it at the scene. I think I really like this Brad Conrad.
So Josiah's got an in with the more recalcitrant pastors in the city. Good! Church politics are not fun, but if he can make it work in their favor, all the better. I think Amroth's a little grumpy over the Valar slipping one under his radar in sending Josiah to Wiseman.
God Squad! *snort* Star Trek reference! More bonus points for you, Fiondil. *grin*
If the Elves go vigilante against the perpetrators, that IS going to raise some hell. The last thing they need is to give the "Neo-nazi Elf-haters" more fuel for the fire. Dangerous situation all around. And somebody really needs to have a talk with Helyanwë.
Great chapter, like other reviewers said, a restful moment after the chaos and nice to see it from all perspectives.
Take care and have a great week!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. I think it was a spur-of-the-moment thing on the part of the attackers. The one felt humiliated by Glorfindel was, as the bartender said, there was murder in his eyes after that.
It is funny that the Elves thought the Mortals were unaware that they were watching from the rooftops and the cops were well aware that they were there but elected not to show that they were aware. Just shows that 2 can play this game. *grin*
And you're right about Amroth feeling a little miffed over the Valar slipping one past him. Can't say I blame him. I would be too.
I couldn't resist the Star Trek reference and "God Squad" is so apropos.
Don't worry. Finrod will soon have a little chat with Helena and find out once and for all what the hell is going on.
Take care yourself and have a great week. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 31 March 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
Hm, looks like the Valar have been pulling strings again, lets hope they do not get too tangled.
Well we know where Glorfi was and we have an idea who might have ambushed him, but will we be able to prove it, I'm not sure.
I found Amroth's comments to be very interesting, there is more to Josiah than it appears. He truly is a Holy Warrior as are Charles and Daniel.
Now we wait, some more!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Yeah, the Valar are pulling strings, but I'm sure Vairë is making sure they don't get tangled. *grin*
And you're right about Josiah, as well as Charles and Daniel. They are all three Holy Warriors, primarily because they allow themselves to be open to the Spirit and be led by Her.
Thanks for reviewing, Lynda. It's greatly appreciated. Hugs.
Dreamflower
· 31 March 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
A very intriguing chapter--leaving, as I am sure you intended, the readers with more questions than answers.
I'm glad you are showing the workings of the investigation--and I wonder will the police get to the truth first, or the Elves? I'd love to hear a little more from the two Legolases (as the plural of Baggins is Bagginses) and Beleg.
"Importuned"? *grin* I believe I've used that in a fic myself, actually. It's a great word with a lot of connotation behind it. Admittedly not one you'd imagine the bartender in a place like The Rusty Nail to use!
And now I am curious about the backstory of *another* minister in Wiseman.
Also, I do hope we are privy to the conversation when Finrod has a heart-to-heart with Helena. I have a feeling she's not going to enjoy that much.
What effect will Glorfindel's injuries have on that upcoming trial? Isn't he a witness? Will he be up to testifying?
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I promise that when Finrod finally gets around to speaking to Helena that we will all have a ringside seat. *grin*
I don't know too much about Josiah's backstory yet. Perhaps someday I'll learn how he happened to end up in Wiseman. I'm sure it will prove very interesting indeed.
Elves heal faster than Mortals, so he might be able to attend the trial. We'll have to see what happens.
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
rikki
· 31 March 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
Ah, the eye of the storm. A little peace and quiet to gather one's breath and prepare for the next fight. Analysis - the mortals gathering evidence into the crime and watching the elves while the elves are looking more closely at themselves and watching the mortals. Daeron and Valandur were observant of what happened in the waiting room and I think they will be watching things a lot more closely. Finrod is getting a taste of what mortals of today are capable of doing. Alex and Derek are right, as well as Dave and Conrad, the mortals are under the gun to solve this crime and arrest the perps before any of the elves get the idea of revenge.
God squad! Wonderful description of the three warriors. And the friendships that Amroth was unaware of, this could push the other pastors into a more supportive action with the elves especially if they are influenced by Josiah.
You have added all the ingredients to start tying the various elven and mortal groups together into a strong fighting force. And now is the time for the investigative team of Alex, Derek and Amroth to do some digging on their own to see if the attack is actually just locals or something more. Great chapter.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. Yes, indeed, this is the eye of the storm and the other half will be on its way soon enough as we will see. There are a lot of analyses going on in this chapter among the Elves and Mortals and there is much reevaluating on all fronts.
Glad you liked the description of the three prayer warriors.
As to whether the Elves and Mortal groups start cooperating more and start forming themselves into a strong fighting force, remains to be seen. There is much work on both sides that needs to be done.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 31 March 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
Nice, quiet chapter - sorely needed after all the tension in the previous ones!
Amroth's comments were quite interesting. So the three members of the God Squad (nice expression, BTW) were old friends, and two of them were not well regarded by the more conservative locals, while the third is feared. Add to that Josiah's comment in a previous chapter, and it really makes my wonder what the three of them were up to together in the wild and woolly days of their youth. (And by now I almost take for granted that the Valar had a hand in the three of them taking up the call - voluntarily or not - to be stationed in a certain small town in the icy wilderness of Alaska.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yeah, a nice quiet chapter.
I wouldn't say that the three members of the God Squad were *old* friends, but they certainly were friends, nor were they ever together prior to their making their way to Wiseman. But certainly they are forming a triumvirate of spiritual power, you might say, that is definitely on the side of the Elves. Amroth's concern was that pubically, they appeared not to be friends, but were only fellow ministers and were exhibiting professional politelness toward one another. Until this crisis with Glorfindel he was unaware of their deeper relationship and that disturbed him, for he felt that he *should* have known and didn't.
Anyway, we may see the God Squad in action again some time, if not in this story than perhaps in the next.
Thanks for commenting. It's very much apprecited.
Soledad
· 31 March 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
Forgot to add: the line from "Uhura's Song" was the absolute winner!
Author's reply
Is that where it came from? I read that book ages ago, but had quite forgotten the source of the line. Glad you liked it.
Soledad
· 31 March 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
You can take the Elf out of the Game but you can't take the Game out of the Elf, right? *g* I like it how Amroth keeps a wary eye on the comings and goings in Wiseman.Now, the question is, of course, whose agent is Makepeace and how does he know Father Charlie and Rabbi Cohen. Most mysterious indeed.
Author's reply
Just about, Soledad. And Makepeace was probably "called" to ministry in Wiseman by the Valar, though I doubt he or his congregation realize it, and he would know Father Charlie and the rabbi simply through the various ministers' organizations that are common, at least here in the States. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 31 March 2014
· Chapter 27: Analysis
Nicely done summary of activities following the drama at the hospital. I enjoyed the summaries of what major characters thought of the ministers. Absolutely loved the Star Trek reference and the fact that the police saw the Elves in the trees. Please make sure Legolas finds out they were spotted. Thanks for a great chapter.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the summary of activities, UTfrog. And it was interesting to see how everyone, Elves and Mortals, saw things. And I'll make sure Legolas finds out that they were spotted. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 29 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
Wow such a moving chapter. Loved the three religious leaders helping the elves and the mortals through this. :) Now as for the ring that is missing. I am betting someone is going to see the ring and that will help them find at least one of the butt picks that did this.
Loren will be in for a long recovery, I hope no brain damage has been had and if so hope it don't take him back to the days of the Golden Flower...or the War of The Ring. Then Fin would have to be the one to take Loren by the hand and help him to maneuver around in with these mortals. yikes! As for Glorfindel and Finrod the real personalities...that might be a whole 'nother bucket of worms. (and yes I know they are the same beings, but they are different personalities.)
And another yikes on the elves trying to wade through all the papers and politics that go with Loren's job. Cringe worthy stuff there.
Then we have Helena...or rather Helyanwë; as she thinks of herself as only an elf related to a prince. I know she feels horrible for what has happened, but does she truly understand what she did? How she hurt someone that she thought she loved. Oi Vey.
I did like the interaction between Kyle and Vardamir. They should both stay their own person, and learn from each other. I am sure they will need that ability in the times to come :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I'm glad you found the chapter moving. It's pretty fraught with a lot of emotions, not all of the positive. I think I even breathed a sigh of relief when I finished writing it.
Glorfindel's too hard-headed to suffer much brain damage. *grin*
Helena/Helyanwë will need to do a lot of soul-searching here. Let's hope she's learned something (or will learn something) from all this.
I'm sure Kyle's and Vardamir's respect for one another has only been deepened by this crisis and Kyle will begin to rely on the Elven healers more, recognizing that they have different powers that can only help in saving people's lives.
Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I very much appreciate it.
Lyana
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
So many things I loved about this chapter! I think Kyle and Vardamir have a whole new respect for and appreciation of each other's abilities, and that's only a good thing. And Dave too... Now to get human forensic techniques working alongside elven skills and senses, and I'm looking forward to this investigation!
And the rabbi, priest and pastor all showing up and being proactive - very good... An unseen battle indeed! As the Elves begin to understand more of the Mortal story, I wonder if they will begin to be a little jealous of humanity's relationship with the One.
Love overcoming fear and vengeance... Love *always* wins. I hope they all remember that.
Author's reply
Love always wins for sure, Lyana, and I'm sure they will remember that.
I'm sure Kyle and Vardamir's professional relationship has gone to a whole new level and they will work even more closely with one another and I think Dave will be rethinking certain assumptions he's had about the Elves as well.
You may be on to something about the Elves perhaps begin to feel a little jealous of humanity's relationship with the One, but I don't see a massive turnout at the next revival and everyone "answering the Call". *grin*
Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
rikki
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
Ah, the power of prayer. No matter what your religious belief, it can move and change the whole atmosphere. I loved it when the some of the listeners were answering "Amen!" after Josiah's prayer. Three diverse sects, but very powerful in their own way. I would not be surprised to see some of the church members show up with casseroles and cakes for the elves. Love your brother and make sure he is fed!
It was disturbing to hear that Glorfindel suffered a cardiac arrest. He is going to be one sick elf for a while, even if elves do heal quickly. I think Finrod and all the elves are going to be surprised when they try to help out where Glorfindel has been working and finding out how much he truly has been facing. Sometimes an on-hand demo can show a lot more than just telling someone this is how it is. The mortals showing up to give their support to the elves is hopefully building a stronger relationship between the two groups.
Still more problems to face now in finding the attackers, healing the divisions between the elves and between the elves and the mortals. Until Glorfindel wakes up and can tell the police what happened, it's going to be a slow and tortuous investigation into what led up to the attack. Hopefully, the two Legolas' will not rub the mortals the wrong way when they are looking for clues. It should also be fun watching the two elves learn about modern day procedures for securing the evidence that is found. This is where I would expect that Alex and Derek could do a good job tracking down the perps and solving the crime.
Author's reply
Hi rikki. Prayer can move mountains.
Glorfindel will be one sick Elf for a while, that's for sure. He's been severely traumatized and having surgery doesn't help. We'll see how things progress from here with Glorfindel temporarily out of commission and we'll see what affect the mortal police investigation has on at least one of the Elves later.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
They did defuse the situation nicely, I must say. When three of such different traditions cooperate many miracles can happen as a result! And it's good to know that Glorfindel's spirit didn't try a runner again. I'm certain that there are a few Maiar lurking about unseen, and now the Hunters will be searching for a particular ring. I don't envy whoever is found holding it!
Author's reply
Many miracles can indeed happen, Larner. I'm sure there were an entire legion of Maiar making sure Glorfindel's fëa didn't do a runner even if the Elves didn't sense them. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.