obsidianj
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
Nice title. It is not only Glorfindel who got rescued here. I liked it that everyone who entered the waiting rooms especially the mortals picked up on the tension between the occupants. It must have been a shock to Dave to literally "see" the shield going up over the OR. It probably gave him some new perspective of the powers of the elves.
I liked the prayer scene. It was a strange ritual for the elves, but it seems to have the desired effect.
Now they need to figure out who did this. There were some ominous hints in this chapter, and the missing ring makes me wonder...
Author's reply
Glad you liked the title, obsidianj, and you're right that refers to more than one kind of rescue. And it was probably the first time Dave actually witnessed the powers of the Elves, which probably had been discussed but never fully demonstrated. Walking on snow and not being as affected by cold is one thing, raising shields with the flick of a thought is something else entirely, and don't even think about Songs of Power! *grin*
Anyway, the prayer fest, as Alex called it, was indeed a strange ritual for the Elves, but it did the trick.
And perhaps we'll learn who was responsible eventually.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
Poor Glorfindel! He always seems to end up the worse for wear, somehow! At least he is out of immediate danger now, and certainly all the Elven healers are doing their very best to keep him on the right side of the Gates of Mandos. And it wouldn't surprise me if Námo's Maiar are lining up to keep him out the Halls - _one_ round with him there would have been enough for them, and then some!
I wonder where Glorfindel's ring ended up, and if he will get it back again. And why it was stolen in the first place. If it was just a theft after a gang of hoodlums beat him up (and it would have them at least a score of them to get Glorfindel into this state, and they would not have ended up undamaged, I'm sure) or someone - or something - else is sniffing around the place. In which case this theft might have nastier implications.
I see that Valandur seems to be taking an interest in Alex. And Val is a smar cookie. I'm sure he will make a point of developing a good working relationship with him and Amroth. Which will surely come in very useful at a later date.
Heh. Grand Central Station. The only thing lacking then would be cats manipulating hyperstrings. (In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm referring to Diane Duane Feline Wizards series.)
I think it's fairly obvious that it probably was Fionwë who called Charles and Josiah in. And they - and rabbi Cohen - did their work well, in managing to defuse the tensions and bad feeling in the waiting room. I'm sure the Valinorean Elves found it a rather weird and alien experience (especially the bit about the reference to walking through the valley of the shadow of death, immortals that they are)
Well, with Glorfindel out for the count for now, and probably for quite a while while he heals, too, Finrod will clearly have to step up and take more of a hand as a leader. Which he really isn't ready for - the current Mortal world, and Wiseman, is really an alien environment for him and the other newcomers, even if a lot of them won't admit it. I hope Finrod and the others are willing to take advice, and also to ask for it, in order to not stomp too hard on various tender toes among the Mortals of Wiseman. I'm sure they will blunder around some, but hopefully the damage won't be too bad.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yeah, poor Glorfindel, but while he's not exactly out of the woods yet, he's in good hands with all the Elven healers on hand as well as the mortal doctors and nurses. As for his ring, that will be addressed eventually.
Valandur is very interested in Alex, especially in his spying abilities. He knows that Alex is a great asset to the Elves and we will actually see the two together later on in the story and see how they interact with one another.
Haven't gotten around to reading the Feline Wizards series yet, but it's on my bucket list of reads for when I have... ahem... time.
Certainly one of the Maiar put in the call after consulting with the Valar, no doubt, and a good thing too.
And we'll see how Finrod deals with taking charge while Glorfindel is out of commission.
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Ellie
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
Cyberspace consumed my first attempt at a review. Go figure.
Loved the prayer warriors here. The elves have been told repeatedly that this war is being fought on many fronts and they really don't seem to have seen it. Maybe they will gain a better understanding of that now. It was awesome watching the prayer warriors in action and the effect they had on the elves and on the mortals, too.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Cyberspace has that habit sometimes. It can be pretty frustrating.
Anyway, prayer warriors is a good term for the three ministers. And I think you're right that this is the first time the Elves have a real sense that the war they are fighting or will be fighting is more than just a physical war but a spiritual one as well.
Thanks for leaving a review. It's greatly appreciated.
demeter d
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
Oh, I also noticed that Dr. Stoner and Vardamir seemed to be back in harmony again by the time they were through. I hope that means that the experience showed them they can work together. The whole "Alien Overlord thing" has got to be overcome by both parties!
Author's reply
Kyle might have been miffed by Vardamir's attitude, but he's a professional and the patient always comes first, and probably as the surgery progressed, his respect for the Elven healer deepened. But you're right that the whole "alien overlord" mentally does have to be overcome by both parties. Hopefully this incident will help.
demeter d
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
"We were called in". INDEED, and I am sure all of us have our own ideas of how and by whom! Well, I hope that now the Elves have been granted a bit of insight as to why the Mortals have the audacity to speak to the Creator directly, without benefit of Maiar or other types of Angels. And just perhaps, some of them might have been open to the fact that we have been granted our own kinds of Power; different from theirs, perhaps, but no less a gift from the same Creator. I think that Josiah has just been granted the opportunity to give basically the same sermon to a roomful of battling Elves that he gave to his own congregation on Sunday. Now, to see if it had any effect! (Thank you, by the way. I just realized that had you timed Friday's cliff-hanger for a Monday, we all would have had an extra day to wait for a resolution! Nicely done!)
Author's reply
Hi Demeter d. Hopefully, the Elves will indeed recognize that we Mortals have our own kinds of Power. And yes, Josiah pretty much repeated his previous sermon but to the other side, so to speak. Hopefully, that message will sink in as well.
And trust me, I did not plan it so that the cliffhanger was timed for Friday, it just happened that way. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Kevana
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
..unless of course it wasn't actually mortals who did it, and instead something "other" grabbed him from the woods..(Dreamflower, you have a great point). I know we're not going to see the end of this any time soon though! I guess I'm just naively wishing that even their enemies in Wiseman wouldn't have done something this awful, although that sort of hate crime mess goes on all the time everywhere. It makes me sadface at people. Ah well, still on tenterhooks looking forward to Monday!
-Kevana
Author's reply
As to that, only time will tell. And yes, this sort of thing happens to people around the world all too frequently. We should all be sadfaced by it.
Author Reply: As to that, only time will tell. And yes, this sort of thing happens to people around the world all too frequently. We should all be sadfaced by it.
Kevana
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
Looks like there were two battles going on in that hospital - the OR and the waiting room – and the good guys won them both. It was fantastic seeing the local faith leaders throw down the metaphysical gauntlet and stand with the Elves and mortals both.
I had wondered what the newcomer Elves would think of that particular Bible verse. I can imagine it was an electric little twist in the heart for them. It's powerful enough when you've heard it all your life. I really love seeing how you write the Elves encountering little bits of mortal life for the first time.
And now if things in Wiseman work anything like they do in my town, the Elves will return home to find their fridge and freezer stuffed with casseroles and enough cakes and pies on the counters to feed an army. :P Man the battle stations, little old church ladies! Brings up fond memories.
Poor Dave, seeing the Elves' abilities made manifest must have been a shock. I believe I'd have been swearing a bit myself. That entire scene was great. And Vardamir is a superhero. Going from blood typing to surgery - how in the world did he manage that? At least he had plenty of backup.
Well, if Helena thought Glorfindel was tainted by mortals before, he is literally tainted by mortals now - has their blood in him and everything. *grin* He deserves some merciless teasing about that when he's better.
Ugh, they stole his ring too?! Not again! Well, at least it could help identify the culprits. And I think perhaps he did not get jumped in the woods at least, because even if he didn't leave footprints there, any mortals would have made a noticeable mess. So he must have been somewhere else I would guess. I look forward to seeing CSI Wiseman when the Legolases (Legolii?) and Beleg have their say!
PS - While I was totally joking about you guilt-tripping me into donating blood with that last chapter, I actually made an appointment to go do it next week. Whenever I see characters I love in dire straights and in some kind of need, I always wish I could help them; then five minutes later I realize, dude, there's actual people who can benefit from that kind of help. So thanks, for real. You are a good inspiration even though I know it wasn't intentional, LOL.
Thanks for the great and very moving chapter. Quite powerful. Have a lovely weekend!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. There were indeed two battles going on and the one in the OR was not necessarily the more important one.
This was probably the first time that Dave has actually seen the Elves' power being manifested. It's one thing to know it intellectually, it's something else to see it for real. Most of the people of Wiseman have no real clue.
Vardamir is pretty cool here. I'm sure Kyle gave him lots of pointers, but it had to be nerve-wracking for them both. No one likes a baptism under fire, so to speak and I'm sure if Vardamir had faltered or been unsure, Kyle would've taken over immediately.
Anyway, we'll see how things go from here and what is found out or not found out about the attack over the next few chapters.
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's always appreciated. Have a lovely weekend yourself.
6336
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
Isn't it marvelous what prayer can do, I am sure a certain Maia made a few calls.
Now we wait, the hardest thing to do after surgery. I trust Este and Irmo are on hand to help out if needed, I am sure they were in surgery with everybody else!
Let's hope that now they are calmed down a little they will all be able to talk.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. It is indeed marvelous what prayer can do. And waiting is indeed the hardest part of all. We'll see how things progress with everyone in the next several chapters. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much. Hugs back.
Dreamflower
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
Oh Wow! *whoosh* *breathes*
Terrific chapter; you really ratcheted up the tension overall. I did love the presence of the three chaplains and their prayers, which did have the desired effect. It's clear they were "sent" for that purpose in particular and all three followed through brilliantly. The prayers and the chosen texts were familiar to all the non-Valinoreans, while they'd be hearing them for the first time so the words would have more impact.
I find the remark that Glorfindel's cardio event was from the "outside" very disturbing, and the removal of his ring even more so. This has to be an enemy who is more than mortal, since how would a mortal know the significance of it?
The next couple of days should be interesting to say the least.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. It's very clear that the ministers were "sent" to help the Elves during this crisis.
As for the ring, it's possible that it was simply stolen from one of the attackers, either as a memento or to sell for a few bucks, so it's not necessarily true that someone who was more than mortal was behind the attack, though the possibility certainly exists. Perhaps someday we'll find out.
Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sarah
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
Oh boy did I need this chapter today Even as a not terribly religious person coming from a ah "lapsed non practicing Catholic" family, I found the prayer fest scene both mildly amusing ( my poor confused Elves) and quite comforting. Just the thing I needed at the end of a stressful week. So relieved to see our friends in safe hands, and I think this incident might serve as a uniting force for a good portion of the community that may still be on the fence to pick a side.
Author's reply
Hi Sarah. I'm glad the chapter gave you needed comfort. Hopefully, this incident will indeed serve as a uniting for, not only between Elves and Mortals but between the various factions of Elves as well. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
Beautifully written. The scenes with the various ministers and their slightly different approaches to prayers were outstanding. I hope the Elves were listening to the words as well as receiving the peace. Perhaps such an emotional upheaval will open up some attitudes and communications, but it would not bet on it. I would like to overhear the conversations of some of the groups of Valinor Elves concerning the ministers and the prayers. I suspect it would be interesting.
Thanks for a great chapter.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you found the chapter outstanding, especially the scene with the three ministers. I'm sure the Elves listening achieved some measure of peace, certainly Valandur did, so I'm sure it was true for the other. We'll hear something of the Elves' reactions to the ministers and prayers in the next chapter. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's much appreciated.
someone
· 28 March 2014
· Chapter 26: Rescuing Elves
Poor Glorfindel! It seems that he is the one who is always in the middle of whatever trouble there is.
That prayer scene was probably the nicest possible way to calm the situation and prevent the Elves from strangling each other. But who is now in charge, as Glorfindel is unconscious? Finrod?
Author's reply
That's Glorfindel for you, a magnet for trouble. Praying is probably not something that Elves are used to doing, but it seemed to work in diffusing all the tension surrounding them. With Glorfindel out of commission for a while, Finrod is automatically their leader.
Thanks for reviewing, someone. It's much appreciated.
Tari
· 26 March 2014
· Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall
What a scary situation. I'm sure the healing power of the elves will save Glorfindel. What I'm waiting to find out is who had the nerve to do this to him.
Author's reply
A very scary situation, indeed, Tari. We will see how the healing power of the Elves help Glorfindel to recover and perhaps someday we will learn who was responsible. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 26 March 2014
· Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall
OMG--someone tried to kill Glorfindel. I wonder if that group of persons (I suspect it would take more than one) is still functioning! Aargh! And this is not making things between the Valinorean and local Elves any better! Don't blame Dave for being pissed!
Author's reply
Well, at least some of the attackers had to be functional if they were able to throw Glorfindel into a dumpster afterwards. Dave has every right to be pissed. We'll have to see how things go with the Elves after this. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.
Lyana
· 25 March 2014
· Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall
Ai - poor Glorfindel! That's not good, not good at all, precious. Looks like somebody(ies?) went Elf hunting... I think Valandur and the rest might be a little more careful about not going off individually after the mighty balrog slayer turns up nearly dead. And I submit that the only reason he isn't dead is that Námo flatly refused to have him wrecking havoc in Mandos *again*.
You know, it's really time for Finda to start putting his diplomatic skills to work - somebody's got to start negotiating between Carl and the Elven investigators and the Mortal doctors and Elven healers so that they begin to understand that each have unique skill sets, and together, they'll be so much more effective! Is it mean of me to want the Elves to hit a wall that that only the skills/technology of the Mortals are able to surmount??
I really ought to talk to a guru to find out how they manage - I never quite get used to those pins and needles you keep us on. :-)
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. No, not good at all. And you're probably right about why Glorfindel isn't dead. *grin*
I don't think you're being mean at all. I think the Elves are due for a wall-hitting real soon. We'll have to see.
Thanks for taking the time to review. It's much appreciated.
Twoflower2
· 25 March 2014
· Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall
I see I wasn't clear enough in my previous review: I wonder if the attack meant to be an outright, planned, assassination rather than severe beating up not caring if the victim dies or not. Only it is not that easy to assassinate an Elf. Does it make any sense? Well, all will be explained sooner or later. This story takes on a new genre - it is a murder mystery now
Author's reply
We may never know the answer to that one, TwoFlower2, but perhaps we will find out the truth of the matter eventually. And it's not exactly a murder mystery, since no one died (yet), but it certainy is a mystery. Thanks for the clarification.
Twoflower2
· 25 March 2014
· Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall
I've read these last few chapters in one go, and the atmosphere of impending disaster seemed to be mounting all along. And here it is. I wonder if the attackers really meant to kill Glorfindel, but didn't allow for Elvish resilience. I suspect Farrell! Hopefully, some good will come out of all this - meaning the Valinor-Wiseman feud might peter out now. Waiting for the nest chapter with impatience.
Author's reply
Hi TwoFlower2. Yes, when you read the chapters altogether you get a better sense of the impending doom that is about to befall the Elves. And hopefully, some good will come out of it. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Sunny
· 24 March 2014
· Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall
You make an excellent point, Soledad! Will the Elves _really_ expect the ellith to sit at home doing embroidery while everyone else are fighting for their lives against the Forces of Evil? (I get the impression that the Elves in the Fiondilverse are likely to answer this question with a yes.)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. You'll have to see my response to Soledad, but let's face it, the Elves are highly chauvinistic in Tolkien's world, yet, we see a number of ellith who show gumption and are able to take the war to the Enemy, so to speak. Lúthien, Elwing, Morwen, and yes, Galadriel. I suspect that when the time comes, the ellith in Wiseman will be right there next to the ellyn making the necessary preparations. We see that already with Daisy teaching a class to the Mortals on making bows and arrows and Sarah helping out in the unarmed defense classes at the Academy (see Elf Academy 2). And while the Elves of Valinor might not be sanguine about letting ellith fight, I don't think we wlll have that problem with the Wiseman Elves, and in the end, there may not be any question because circumstance will require both ellith and ellyn fighting.
obsidianj
· 24 March 2014
· Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall
Ouch! Poor Glorfindel... again. Who was able to get the drop on him? Was he that deep in his misery that he neglected his surroundings that completely? A question that will have to wait until Glorfindel is able to answer it.
I can understand that Finrod is upset, but he can't go on ordering everyone around as soon as a crisis erupts. He needs to learn, he is not king anymore. He should have concentrated on Glorfindel and let the police do their work. If he annoys the mortals too much, they will loose their support and their cause might be lost. People in power don't like some upstart to order them around. Nobody really knows the Valinorean elves and even the Wiseman elves are still strangers in Wiseman.
Now to wait until Friday...
Author's reply
Yes, poor Glorfindel again. And I'm afraid Finrod and Varadmir are acting on instinct here and not really thinking things through. Both are used to issuing orders in the middle of a crisis and that kind of habit is hard to break. Hopefully people like Kyle and Dave will understand once they get over their own anger and forgive them. But you're right that the Elves have to tread carefully and not be stepping on any toes if at all possible.
And Friday will come soon enough, believe me. *grin* Thanks for reviewing, obsidianj. I appreciate it very much.
Laer
· 24 March 2014
· Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall
Oh my gosh.... Poor Loren :( Helena has learned what her snobbish mean comments can do to people she cares about. Hopefully she (and the others) learned that they need to be together as a united front especially if they are going to help win this fight. :(
They are all kind of stepping on the mortals toes in all of this. Hope that don't back fire on them all.
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yes, there are a lot of toes being stepped on here, but hopefully that won't backfire on the Elves too much. We'll see how it turns out soon enough. Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
Soledad
· 24 March 2014
· Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall
Mr Spock asked in a similar situation: "What does anyone's gender have to do with their ability to find missing persons? I'm really disappointed that it's Vorondur, of all people, who'd buy this gender-based role diversion. Or is it the Elvish belief that females are generally unable to do anything useful, unless they are Galadriel? If yes, then it's a crying shame. :(
I foresee further conflicts between the Valinórean gang and the mortals. Dave Michaelson is right; he *is* the law in Wiseman, and the sooner Finrod & Co. learn that, the better for everyone. Loved the 'alien overlords' and the Oz references, although I'm afraid the addressates didn't get the hint.
The abyss between Wiseman Elves and the gang of Valinor seems to widen. It's not a good thing, especially now that the Elf-haters seem to be on the move.
And, of course, it's evil cliffie time again. One day you'll have to make serious amends for torturing us so. *g*
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Now, don't go dissing poor Ron. I don't think he's being chauvinistic here. If Della had said, "Holly and I will come with you," he would've said, "Good. Grab your coats", but the way she spoke got his Irish up, so to speak. After all, Sarah went with Roy and no one said, "No, you stay here". And Ron, however cool and awesome he may be, is still an imperfect being like the rest of us and can fall short of ideals we may have about him. He's worried about Glorfindel missing and he doesn't have time for anyone being catty for no reason.
As for conflicts between the Elves and Mortals, even between the Elves and their Mortal allies, we will see how that all falls out eventually. And you're right that the gap between the Wiseman and Valinórean Elves has widened a bit but hopefully the gap can be bridged soon.
And I'm already making amends with already beginning to work on Elf Adcademy 4, so there. LOL!
Thanks for your comments, Soledad. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 24 March 2014
· Chapter 24: Domino Effect
Ouch! I could cheerfully strange Helena. What a brat. With this attitude she is a liability to the elves and not an asset. I hope Glorfindel is alright and just lost track of time in the woods... (yeah, right, can't believe it myself).
It is time for a real conversation among the elves. They need to come to grips with the realities of modern Middle-earth. I think Helena would have gotten into trouble with her attitude of title before character in Valinor also. It just might have taken another yeni or so...
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Helena is being bratty and you're right that it's time for a real conversation among the Elves. Whether that will ever happen remains to be seen. Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
obsidianj
· 24 March 2014
· Chapter 23: Further Conversations
It is nice to have a chapter where you learn more about the background of the elves. Learning their reasons for not sailing makes them more accessible and more rounded characters. I liked the tie in to your other stories. At least now I know what happened to the elves left behind when Denethor went on his search.
Author's reply
I like connecting my various stories to one another in some manner. I think it adds depth of history to all of them as well as present more rounded characters because there is a history behind them that helped to form them into the people the are. Thanks for reviewing, obsidianj. I appreciate it very much.
Lindelea
· 24 March 2014
· Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall
Once in a while I get to read and review from a computer rather than a phone. It allows me to be wordy. What fun!
“With Loren, you never know”
I once had a brother like that...
Elladan? Oh, wait, anything I try to quote about him at the top of his section of this chapter just sounds wrong. But I was surprised. I did like the hungry look (I miss my own father), and the discussion of Elrond's apprenticeship.
And then with the new arrival, I had a sudden suspicion... and I was right. Again, my eyebrows go up. (This chapter is full of surprises.) How in the world did that happen?
Awright! Vardamir wades into battle. This oughta be good.
Dave knew that some of the ministers in the town took turns acting as chaplains.
O drat. The guy on duty is not one of the ones Finrod went to hear preach. For some reason I wish one of them were there; seems like they're more directly connected to the Power source. But I could be wrong.
Vorondur keeps his head. Not that I'm surprised.
leaving everyone else to wait and worry.
Including the readers, evil Author. (shakes head with a chuckle) Kudos from one who used to end nearly every chapter with a cliffhanger, because of my short attention span -- it helped to keep me interested in the story, but it might have been hard on the readers... Still, you have a wonderful way with relationships, emotions, and physical descriptions. Well done.
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea. I imagine lots of readers can sympathize with Elladan wanting to hear about his father.
Vardamir, having been a battle surgeon, is able to put aside his shock and do what's necessary to succor Glorfindel.
Vorondur is always cool and being a psychiatrist, he's used to staying calm while everyone else is going off the deep end.
And yes, I am evil. I admit it. *grin* I'm glad that you think I have a wonderful way with relationships, emotions and physical descriptions. I've worked very hard to hone my writing craft. Thanks for your words of praise and thanks for reviewing. Both are deeply appreciated.
Monalex
· 24 March 2014
· Chapter 25: The Dominoes Fall
You know Lynda has a point...could it be Farrells vengance?? I think they should call Alex and Maddy, just to clear this possiblity.
Author's reply
Well, whether Farrell is behind this or not we will have to wait and see. Right now he's behind bars, though that has never stopped anyone from issuing orders; just look at the crime bosses who continue doing business while serving time. We'll see Alex in the next chapter.