Reviews (2,009)

6336 · 7 March 2014 · Chapter 20: Chatting with Manwë

Well that has cleared the air some what and also given people something to think about. Tom Peterson is someone to watch, very carefully, I think the upcoming trial could be pivotal in who gets to be Mayor. Where doers all this Godless Elves business come from, if anything I think the Elves are closer to God than anybody, having a very close relationship, at least some, with His Angels and Archangels?!Something to think about. Huggs, Lynda

ellie · 7 March 2014 · Chapter 20: Chatting with Manwë

I love it when Manwe shows up. I believe he shocked everyone with that little comment about the Valar choosing Wiseman and inspiring settlers and whatnot. well, he shocked them wiht a lot fo things he said, didn't he? LOL Isn't this the second time that someone Valaristic has shown up and told everyone to play nice or get along or something? There is so much tension between the different factions, I hope they are get on the right track in this. Love the way Manwe treats children as if they matter. Caleb is an awesome little kid.

UTfrog · 7 March 2014 · Chapter 20: Chatting with Manwë

Somehow I hope this resolution is not as simple as it sounds. Far too many tensions are present for a pep talk to release. I want to hear Derek and Alex's conversation in the car.

Legolin · 7 March 2014 · Chapter 20: Chatting with Manwë

I'm the first!! I liked this chapter. Manwë's intervention was more beneficial than I think any of the Elves and Mortals expected. Are my assumptions correct in that they thought they were going to be yelled at? The analogy about the candles was perfect! My two favorite lines by the way: Even as I am standing here speaking with you, I am simultaneously having a rather amusing and quite irreverent conversation with Ingwë about the latest fashion among the ellith.” He paused and gave them a conspiratorial smile. “Ingwë is rather… old-fashioned about some things.” -- Manwë “And at the same time,” Manwë continued. “I am also about twenty-three billion light years away in another galaxy completely overseeing the burgeoning of intelligent life on a planet similar to this one, though its denizens look nothing like you and it’s doubtful you and they will ever meet.” -- Manwë That will certainly make anyone feel very small. Which is a great eye opener sometimes. I so wish that they had played hide and find! That would be such a hard game to win with Elves as opponents! Makes the game more fun by being more of a challenge! Monday's chapter will be interesting. Have a nice weekend! ~Lin

galathil · 5 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Hi Fiondil how are you coping with the cold and snow? Hope you haven't had the flu or any other nasty winter bugs. This story is coming along quite well. The leader issue has being building up for quite a while,now it has come to ahead. Manwe appearing at a critical time and wants a "chat" could be taken serval ways. It will be most interesting to what he has to say. Every thing that Dave and Derek said, has being quite the eye opener for some of our elves. Why not throw a spanner in the works and have Eomer and co come back that would really confuse the leader issue. He! He! Cant wait for next chapter.LOL Galathil

Laer · 5 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Wow, First off...Alex. Alex does have a lot of issues; at times I don't like him because of his attitude towards others. (must be that elven blood of his). But the elves have a bit of an issue when it comes to that also (attitude to others) and not just with the mortals. But with each other. Maybe someone should show them what wikipedia has to say about the kinslayers? Perhaps that will remind them how "mortalish" they are. They do need to stop calling themselves the Wisemen elves and such. They need to meld together and then they can be help to each other and to the mortals. Like it or not they do need to remember that the "face" of the elves is Loren to the townspeople. Perhaps they should model themselves after a successful fortune 500 company. You have your "face of the company" (Loren) but you had your directors that are in charge of certain areas. Aramoth security and intel, Finrod Operations (website, training camp, and shops), maybe one other for the Finance side of it all, and Glofindel Recruitment. There could be mortals leading with each of them. I may not have the right people in the right areas, but well something like that. Then you have your board of directors. oh my! :)

Larner · 4 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Well, another Vala just popping in, although not incognito this time. Time indeed for all of them to get their priorities straight! But Alex doesn't need to be their group punching bag--let each aid as he can, mortal or Elf.

Malice2 · 4 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

I do like Finrod, and I appreciate his great compassion. I'll give you that he's not highhanded. But I find him arrogant in an internal way, somewhat, loving the humans and respecting them, but thinking them in need of guidance. I for one would be appalled if he were to become mayor (an idea he seems to have discarded for the time being); would firstborns accept a mortal leading them? Shouldn't people lead themselves? But I'm just saying... You're the one who created them, you know better than I do ;-) Anyway, that doesn't mean I don't like many of your waywards firstborn, starting with the gringos. I was happy in this chapter that Glorfindel noticed the slight to Amroth, that Ron and Daeron seemed to have rather overlooked. I also found that part the most shocking of what Daeron overheard.

rikki · 4 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

I will offer chocolate for Daeron's bunny so he will talk to you about his story. It certainly sounds like another story to be told. I was surprised that Gilvegil was stupid enough to take Alex down again in front of everyone, even if he meant it in fun. Alex is not the most stable mortal right now and I feel that the next time someone tries to take him down, Artemus is going to rear up and do some damage. I am hoping that Alex realizes that Vonrondur did not say anything to the elves about taking Alex down in the sunroom, otherwise, it could do damage to the patient counselor relationship Ron is trying to build with Alex. Derek is aware of what is happening to Alex and he is getting pissed off himself on their treatment of the mortals. Elves do have a bad habit of underestimating mortals. Dave and Derek both had some important input on how elves and mortals should be interacting. Even though Glorfindel continues to run Elf Academy, maybe the governing should be done by a council of mortals and elves together. Lots of debates, but it would establish the cooperation that is needed to get the work done. Can't wait for Friday to find out why Manwe was in the neighborhood.

Malice2 · 4 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

I love it when mortals take the elves down a peg or two (or three). Make no mistake, I love Glorfindel, but many of these elves are incredibly arrogant. Worst still, some of them don't even realise that they behave all superior ;-) Though Alex also has some ego problem... Go Derek!! lol I love the story, like everything you write. I'm just not sure I could bear to spend anytime with your elves (but then, I'm very private and detest to be told how to act...) Thanks, keep with the marvelous writing

bookworm · 4 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

oooh things just got real~ I'm glad Gilvegil was smart enough to apologise, but yeah, NOT SMART, especially since Alex is um. Still not 100% sane and that could easily have gone very nasty. Can't wait to listen to Manwe's um. lecture =p

Legolin · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Interesting...very interesting. So much happened in this one chapter! I agree with many of the other reviews in that what Gil did was wrong, but at the same time, sometimes guys just throw each other around for fun. Although he could have handled the whole situation differently and made it seem like more of a joke. I feel really bad for Glorfindel that Helena is one of those who are prejudice. I fear it will hurt him. Finrod too, since it is their qwador's descendent. Although I agree with Glorfindel, Amroth would make as good a leader as any. Although at this time he probably wouldn't accept a leadership role seeing as he is an expecting father. Great tips from the mortals all around! Derek's hit home the hardest I think. Especially when he brought God/Eru into it. Mayhap the Elves will listen to them this time. Manwë showed up! Things are going to become very somber, possible guilt, anger..and more will be prevalent feelings all around(or so I'm thinking). So much for the party. Although Vorondur is correct in that the situation needs to be dealt with now. Maybe after Manwë's "talking-to" the party will be enjoyable. Can't wait for Friday's chapter! This series just keeps getting better and better. ~Lin

Kevana · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Sunny - I will get you some extra carrots for feeding that bunny if you find the bunny hutch! ;) Monalex - Great visual with Tulkas. Had to laugh at the thought of him dangling a few of the more stubborn Elves in the air! They think they're the toughest game on the block because they can take down Mortals, huh? *grin* I would also love to see Tulkas and his Bear Hugs O' Doom return, maybe somewhere he will, lots of story still to go I'm sure! Lynda - You are welcome but it's not my soap box, let's just call it a communal soap box free for use, LOL! :) I think several people may be needing to use it throughout this story! (Hehe, sorry for cluttering up the review page.) -Kevana

Monalex · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Hello, I can understand Dearon's reluctance to tell Glorfindel who exactly are the dissenters after witnessing his fury attack; he could do some serious bodily harm to someone! Also if he were to learn that elleth Helena was one of those racist Orc-lovers, he would keep his distance from her and close himself from any possibility of romantic “love”, not that I think it is a bad idea considereing the elleth in question, I'm sure Glorfindel will find someone worthy soon enough and if he doesn't as they say better to be alone than keep the "wrong company". Although I do think Dearon should tell Finrod who exactly were they, since he is the recognized "authority" over the racist, arrogant and self-loving Valinorean Elves, he may be able to put them in their place and tell them some hard truths. Finally we have Derek telling them how matters stand and the very real and material importance the mortals have in any endeavor the elves would want to make. Really it's about time someone pointed out that the elves have need of the mortals and not the other way around, because if things continue on as they have I'm sure trouble with their mortal "allies" will spring up like weed. For allies as Derek put it, they are definitely not, since they are never consulted when in the decision making process, but expect them to be cannon fodder, while they do the important jobs since they so experienced unlike their mortal counterparts. They have demonstrated a very vocal disrespect of mortals, starting with their disregard and treatment of Alex as their personal punching bag to put him in "his place". Although I'm still not sure where it is, at their feet maybe?? Because what Vorondur and Gilvagor are doing, is frankly ill-mannered and rude toward mortals in general and Alex personally, for they are ever ready to demand respect from him, but don't offer him the same!! Also I don't like how Vorondur made it public to the population of Edhellond that he brought Alex down a notch and they all accepting it so happily, as thought saying finally someone took care of that mortal upstart. I would like to see how the Valionorean Elves manage with the local and actual weapons mortals use and that they have to learn to use, they may be faster than mortals in face to face combat; but with pistols, bombs and computers, I think not, at least not yet. Great chapter!! And a usual you leave me hanging until Friday, with such an interesting entrance and possible problem solving!! (Manwe, not Namo now?? Did they flip for it?? Do they keep a tally about how many appearances each can make?? And what about the other Valar?? Won't we see them?? I would like to see Tulkas hanging the children by their ankles until they decide to play nice, hahahaha) Monalex :D

Sunny · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

You know, Fiondil, I really need directions to the place you keep the bunny hutch relating to Daeron meeting up with Glorfindel and the Twins. I want to feed that bunny up so that it becomes really big and strong!! :-D

Sunny · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Well, speak of the devil ... or something. Wiseman is getting to be as bad as Valinor where the Valar and Maiar are concerned - it seems that people barely have to mention them, and they pop up. In uniform of in civvies. Vorondur's reaction was rather amusing - he KNEW, after all, that he had Glorfindel pegged (and since he is a shrink, that pigeonholing would be quite thorough) and then the ellon goes and does something that sets all his assumptions on its head. This leadership problem is quite vexing. All the Wiseman Elves see Glorfindel as their leader, and while Amroth might possibly dispute it, because of his royal blood, the two of them do not fight about it. And all of them are quite used to life among Mortals. But the Valinorean Elves seem tho take for granted that Finrod would automatically step in as leader because of his lineage, even though he knows nothing about life outside Valinor. And even though the Valar had clear orders to Finrod not to interfere with the running of Elf Academy. Dave has some insightful words in his little speech. The Mortals of Wiseman see Glorfindel as the leader of the Elves because they know him, trust him, and because he (and the Wiseman Elves) has EARNED their trust. And while the Valinorean Elves are bright and shiny, they are also johnny-come-latelies, and nobody really know them. Yet, at least. And I think that even if all the Wiseman Elves talk until they are blue in the face about how great and wise Finrod is, he STILL is a newcomer, and while not necessarily untrusted, still he is an unknown quantity. The Valinorean elves need to integrate in the local community, get to know the locals (and become known to them.) Finrod has already started on this process, with his job at the bookstore. In a couple of years, perhaps he will be the person people turn to when conflict between Elves and Mortals arise.

Dreamflower · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Trust Derek to lay it on the line, unvarnished. And I can't say I was surprised to see Manwe show up. Honestly, as the others noted in the earlier discussion he's one that ALL the Elves will listen to.

Kevana · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Now the party don't start till Manwë walks in (don't stop, make it pop, DJ blow my speakers up!) *cough* Sorry. XD It hurts to see Daeron so upset. Whatever his mistakes of the past, he comes across as a really sweet, intelligent, and caring guy. I dread to think what kind of state he must have been in for Glorfindel to have said something like that to him when they met. Allow me to join the other reviewers who've said there must be a lot of fascinating history there. I was shocked at Gil's actions, especially as he's lived among Mortals for so long and still would do a thing like that to Alex. That none of the other Elves seemed to think his actions were a problem is telling. It's incredibly demeaning and shows how deep their lack of respect runs, which is even deeper than I thought. Glorfindel surprised me too! Once a Reborn, etc. indeed, LOL. Glad he stuck up for Amroth. It's clear there's more than one type of intolerance going on here even just among the Elves. Bringing up the Troubles is apropos. Aw, Derek, man. Ouch. I hate that they're feeling that way about being the Secondborn but really, with the way some of the Elves are acting, can you blame them if they're not feeling the love? I doubt I'd be too happy myself. Manwë's "chats" don't seem too much like Námo's "chats" but I still don't think some of the people in that room are going to particularly enjoy this. Although maybe it will help settle a few hearts, too. The big guy doesn't seem to pop in unless it's serious-serious stuff and I can see why he'd do so now. I doubt the Elves would be able to properly address the things Derek brought up without making it worse, if they even understood why he and the other Mortals were upset in the first place. Sometimes I step back from all the action and look at the big picture of the framework and intricacy of the story you're weaving. I feel like the individual threads are twining in greater patterns. It's really eye-catching. The way you manage your characters (or they manage you? LOL!) and their personalities continues to rock. Allow me to make popcorn and pull up a seat. Is it Friday yet? Great chapter and I'm dying to see what happens next. Also, Zach! Love that he's back in town. And to see the Lord family and Michaelson again too. You have a splendiferous week and may everyone's toast never land butter-side down. -Kevana

6336 · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

While I agree that the situation has to be resolved I am not sure that Manwe dropping in for a chat is such a good idea. Any decision on a leader has to come from within the group itself without outside interference. I am afraid that things are starting to smack a little of Big Brother is Watching You! I think the Valar have to watch out for the enemy within themselves. While I think that Ron taking Alex down was necessary, at the time, I think Gil taking him down just because he could is a prime example of how some of the Elves feel about Mortals. Look at me, anything you can do I can do better, especially the Valinorean Gang. Thanks for the loan of the soap box Kavanna. Hope your weather is improving, we are still drying out. Huggs, Lynda

Lindelea · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Once a Reborn, always a Reborn Kinda catchy, that. Sounds like a slogan for a campaign of some sort... Read earlier chapters on my phone but it's way too painful and involved to review that way, so... We just got back from a trip, and I saw the new chapter when I checked in, and I actually had a computer to read on! ...what joy! a full sized screen and keyboard! If I had the time this morning I would go back and read more chapters of more stories, just for the delight of not straining my eyes and not typing with one finger and having to constantly go back and re-type something because of my phone's so-helpful autocorrect feature. Come to think of it, my phone's attitude seems rather Elvish sometimes. "Oh, no, you didn't really mean that word, dearie. You really wanted this (totally inappropriate) word! There! I fixed it for you! Go ahead and hit "post" without reading over carefully what you typed. You can trust me!"

Ellie · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Awesome! I love it when Manwe shows up. LOL Now when Derek gets upset, things are very very bad, indeed. Maybe the elves will listen and maybe some will even take to heart what is being said - those are two entirely different things. At some point, I hope we get to hear Daeron's story of long ago... Finrod is trying to placate with his responses. I still don't think Finrod understands how difficult this situation could prove for him all around with the Valinor versus Wiseman thing and the elf versus mortal thing.

Sarah · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Lord do you know how to structure a chapter. We just start getting down to the meat of the matter & then you go and throw a curve ball at us ;-) Bravo Derek for laying down some hard truths & cutting through some of the deferential political dancing that seems to have plagued this issue from the beginning. I think perhaps our friends need a bit of a reminder of what happened the last time such "infighting" occurred among their people, even as relatively recently as what happened in EI on Tol Eressea. Though I think some of this was inevitable, considering what happens when you drop different factions within a small space; people will argue over the smallest of details. Sadly, the world is a bit too small to just send them packing to some 'deserted' corner of the world. I am also glad to see that the Valar are adopting a somewhat less "hands-off" policy than previously, even if it is only (I suspect) to act as a relatively neutral party & provide a bit of perspective. I would hate to see the Opposition manipulating the situation for their own ends. Sarah

Soledad · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Go, Derek! That will teach them some sour truths. I'm particularly glad that he called Gilvegil upon his bullying Alex. Really, Gilvegil of all people should have known better. I'm very disappointed with him - not that he'd care, I'm just a lowly moretal, after all. I very much loved Dave Michaelson telling the Elves the simple truths of life. They can do what they will, but the townspeople will turn to Glorfindel, no matter what. Hehehe. And now I have to wait until Friday to see Manwë's side of the whole mess? That's not fair. (I would pout, but at my age it would look silly...)

UTfrog · 3 March 2014 · Chapter 19: The Housewarming Party

Aaaaaaa! I do not want to wait until Friday for an update. This was a fantastic chapter. You very neatly summarized the story to date. The situation is millennia in the making and no resolution is simple, even if Lord Manwe says so. Great storytelling. Go Derek!

Larner · 1 March 2014 · Chapter 18: Setting the Bait

Forewarned hopefully means forearmed in this case. Now, to see what comes of all this. Good to see the three amigos growing up so well. And Derek could probably learn some from their new friend.