First a Maia interferes and then Namo himself! Poor mortals are being overwhelmed by all these experiences, although it appears Anne is more familiar with angels than anyone else expected. Now, to see if she does come to trust Alex and the Elves!
Author's reply
Well, of course, I don't think either Andy or Anne understood the Maia reference, but certainly Námo made an impression on them both. Anne is full of surprises and secrets Alex knows nothing about, and that is as it should be. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I really appreciate it.
Lyana
· 27 January 2014
· Chapter 9: Revelations
Oh, I *loved* this chapter! I always enjoy your writing, but every once in a while, there's a chapter that leaves me breathless, or very much moved, or just grinning from ear to ear. This one had the ear to ear effect. :-)
I love that Anne is a skeptic, that her son knows and loves her so well, that..., well, I've just come to really, really like Anne! And I love that she got one over on her son by having previous acquaintance with Namo. I was glad I wasn't drinking anything when I got to her last comment.
*happy sigh* Now, to go re-read it at a leisurely pace...
Author's reply
Hi Lyana. To paraphrase a famous quote: I love it when a chapter comes together. *grin* And this chapter came together like a house on fire. Some chapters just flow out and they're loads of fun to write, and this is one of them.
I'm glad you really like Anne. I wasn't too sure about her at first, but I enjoy her no-nonsense attitude. Anne being a skeptic just seemed natural since she teaches history. She's not going to accept anything at face value, especially since she teaches high school; she's learned to be very skeptical where her students are concerned. *grin* And her last comment is priceless, I agree.
Enjoy your re-read and thanks for a lovely review. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 27 January 2014
· Chapter 9: Revelations
I wonder, Fiondil - is Namo a fan of the Dresden series by Jim Butcher, by any chance? ;-)
Author's reply
I wouldn't be at all surprised if he did, Sunny. I certainly enjoyed it, though I've not kept up with the series of late.
Dreamflower
· 27 January 2014
· Chapter 9: Revelations
Makes sense that Ann would need Maian intervention; but the glow-in-the-dark part was really cool! I loved that!
Hopefully she is now convinced. And very interesting that it was felt necessary to have an intervention when she was pregnant with Alex. Clearly Someone felt it was important that she be the one to raise him.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. Glad you liked the glow-in-the-dark part. I'm sure Anne will be more accepting of things after having remet Námo. And clearly, Someone knew this day would come and that Alex would need to be in Wiseman, but only if Anne raised him.
Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Ellie
· 27 January 2014
· Chapter 9: Revelations
Derek's dad is a hoot. Love his comment about fainting away ro not and no one caring. Anne is a riot wiht that "you're radioactive!" comment. LOL!
"That was weird"
"No, that was a maia"
"Are there Mayans living in Wiseman?" LOL!!!
Love the ending of this chapter. Beautifully done! Nate is alwasy entertaining anyway.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Andy is a lot of fun and we see where Derek gets his weird sense of humor. And I couldn't resist the Maia > Mayan joke. That was too good to pass up. And Nate is always entertaining, which is why I don't mind him showing up whenver he feels like it. Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Kevana
· 27 January 2014
· Chapter 9: Revelations
demeter d, are you psychic? LOL! You nailed this one on the head.
The bit with Anne having met Nate all those years ago was so wonderfully bittersweet, as was the explanation for the dancing. Did you ever mention how Alex's dad died? It kind of parallels Aragorn and Gilraen.
Yes, radioactive Elves! I knew it! I'm right there with you, Anne. *grin* But really, I've wondered if they actually do have some sort of spiritual "radiation effect" and that's partly why Mortals who hung out with them tended to end up...well, the way Mortals who hung out with Elves tended to end up.
Speaking of silly, looks like Alex and/or Amroth might have some dance students to teach if they're up for it. Tangoing Elves.
Great chapter, lots of questions answered. Now Anne will go home and have a lot to think about.
Thanks and have a frabjous week!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Oh, I couldn't believe how close demeter d was to the truth. It was positiviely scary. LOL!
I think Howard died in a car accident, which is pretty typical these days, though I've never come right out and said it.
The bit with Anne and Námo is indeed bittersweet. Just shows how far reaching the Valar are in "arranging" matters.
Don't know if Alex and Amroth will open a dance studio together or not, but I'm sure more than one Elf and maybe some Mortals will be wanting to learn the tango.
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, Kevana. I hope you have a frabjous week as well. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's always appreciated.
UTfrog
· 27 January 2014
· Chapter 9: Revelations
From Anne's reaction on the last chapter, I thought we might see Olorin. You really shocked me with Lord Namo. I love Anne's story of when she met him. Patterns come together. Thank you.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Oh, Námo is a much better choice, I think. Patterns are indeed coming together. Thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.
eliza
· 27 January 2014
· Chapter 9: Revelations
LOL. It's offical, I'm in love with Namo aka Nate !!
Charming chapter Fiondil,
And to echo the previous reviewer, it is presently colder in the Northeast U.S. than it is in Alaska, jeez I'm starting to understand how Glorifindal felt crossing the Helaxace (spelling?)
Author's reply
Hey, join the club, Eliza. LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Yeah, I draw my inspiration for describing Wiseman's winter just by looking out my window. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Sarah
· 27 January 2014
· Chapter 9: Revelations
I suppose one can always count on 'Nate' and his wonderful sense of timing to save the day & smooth things over. I must say I love it when he (or any of the Valar) drops by unexpectedly because suddenly everyone is too busy tripping over themselves trying to remain calm, cool, and respectful to worry about much else.
Great chapter as always. I'm glad to see Anne is finally able to at least entertain the idea of Elves, and her smug remark there at the close was just priceless.
-Sarah
P.S. It is presently colder here where I live than it is in Wiseman. Perhaps the good folk of Elf Academy can put in a good word to their bosses 'Upstairs' to have mercy on us down in the lower 48? Then again, it probably wouldn't do us much good.
Author's reply
Hi Sarah. Nate is cool, what else can you say? Glad you enjoyed the chapter. And it does seem unfair that it would be colder in the lower 48 than in Wiseman. I remember some years ago that it was something like 10 degrees WARMER on Mars where the Mars Rover was than it was here in Syracuse, NY. Now that's pathetic. LOL!
Thanks for the review and I hope you stay warm where you are.
Sunny
· 27 January 2014
· Chapter 9: Revelations
So "Nate" decided to drop in - and he was already acquainted with Anne. Hm.
I rather think I like Anne, and i think it will be very good for the Elves to have her around. She certainly wouldn't be hesitant about giving them the what-for if she considered it necessary. ;-)
So she thought the Elves were radioactive, did she? I guess it might be one explanation for the glow-in-the dark effect. Bioluminescence is another - I wonder how the Elves would react to being compared to fish, fungi, fireflies and cephalopods?
I guess the Elves will now all want to learn to tango.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I'm glad you like Anne. She's one tough lady and now you see where Alex gets his chutzpah and isn't afraid to call the Elves on the carpet if necessary. He learned it from his mom. Don't know if all the Elves will want to learn the tango but I can see Amroth giving lessons to those interested.
Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
obsidianj
· 25 January 2014
· Chapter 8: Dinner with Parents
Picking jaw up of the floor. What was that all about? Dancing to calm Annie down? Strange. Annie will be difficult to convince, even with all the evidence to the contrary. Maybe it was not such a good idea to have the whole lot showing their true colors all at once. It was probably a bit overwhelming. What she now needs is time to observe for herself. Unfortunately, she is leaving on the next day. Maybe the snowstorm can hurry up a bit and keep her for a while longer?
I have a feeling that any "proof", the elves can give her will be discussed away in her mind right now. No matter how ridiculous the argument is.
Was it on purpose that Finrod mentioned his conversation with "Manny" at a time when nobody could elaborate on it?
Author's reply
You and everyone else, obsidianj. LOL! I promise that all will be explained in the next chapter and we will see how Anne handles things now that she's calmed down a bit.
I don't know if it was on purpose that Finrod mentioned his conversation with "Manny" when he did. I think he just wanted to fill the silence and that was the first thing to come to mind. Obviously all the other Elves had to play it cool and dumb with the Mortals there, so we'll see how they deal with it once they know what it was that Manwë told Finrod.
Tanks for leaving a review. It's always appreciated.
obsidianj
· 25 January 2014
· Chapter 7: The Rest of the Week
Changes are happening too fast. Everything is new for the Valinorean elves. They don't have anything that can anchor them. Even their "home" is changing because of people moving out, which again brings a change in the daily routine. This was beautifully symbolized by the missing piano. It shouldn't faze Finrod, because he doesn't even play it, but it does. I think he can be lucky that he has his job at the bookstore. At least that gives him something of a routine.
Glorfindel should be more accustomed to change, but his reaction to Finrod being on his own shows me that he is also affected by the constant changes around him.
I like that they found a solution for Nell to live on campus. With Manwe's warning in my ear I think they have to tread a fine line with the youngsters or as Daeron put it they will be in a heap of trouble. Just like Finrod, Nell would also not appreciate to being treated as if she is ten years old in front of her classmates. If the 3 amigos would also not move to campus it would be something different.
Author's reply
You're right about the changes, obsidianj, not only for the Valinórean Elves but for the Wiseman Elves, as well, as we see with Glorfindel. And Daeron's solution for Nell is quite elegant and everyone wins.
Thanks for reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Larner
· 24 January 2014
· Chapter 8: Dinner with Parents
No, THAT is an unusual manner in which to get someone else calmed down--the Tango! Perhaps now she will be in a more receptive mood for the news she was just rejecting. And I wonder when the questions about Manny's news will begin?
Author's reply
We'll have to see how receptive Anne is in the next chapter. As for questions about Manny's news, that remains to be seen as well. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. It's much appreciated.
bookworm
· 24 January 2014
· Chapter 8: Dinner with Parents
*laughs self silly at the way in which Alex calms his mother down* Oh dear. Poor Anne, quite a shock, although Andy seems to be taking it calmly enough! Technically, I suppose the Valinorean elves born there could be considered 'alien' as in 'not born on earth'? =p
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. Well, it worked, so that's all that counts, isn't it? *grin* And yes, technically, those Elves born in Valinor and not in MIddle-earth would be 'aliens', though they probably don't see it that way. Thanks for your review. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 24 January 2014
· Chapter 8: Dinner with Parents
Bit like Arnold Schwarznegger in True Lies, do you think it is a requirement of the 'Agency' that they learn to dance the Tango ?
O.K. I'll be good now, or as good as I can be!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I don't know if the Agency requires its agents to know how to dance the tango or any other dance but I'm sure Amroth decided Artemus should learn it along with everything else he had to teach him.
Hugs back.
Tari
· 24 January 2014
· Chapter 8: Dinner with Parents
Poor Anne. Being confronted by all those lovely Elves was a bit too much. Personally, I love the idea of being in a room with them. Hopefully she'll calm down and realize what they say is true. How they will accomplish that remains to be seen. What a fun ride.
Author's reply
It can be overwhelming, though, so it's not surprising that she doesn't react well to the Elves. We'll see how she does in the next chapter. Glad you are enjoying this, Tari. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Dreamflower
· 24 January 2014
· Chapter 8: Dinner with Parents
Oh my goodness! That was unexpected!
I mean, I figured at least one of the parents would have trouble being convinced of the truth, but I'm not quite certain of what happened near the end, with Alex and his mom dancing--it shut her up for a few minutes, but I can't understand what else it would accomplish!
I do hope that she does come around, though. It would hurt Alex dreadfully if she doesn't.
Author's reply
Why do the expected, huh, Dreamflower? Keeps the readers guessing what you'll come up with next. *grin*
We'll learn the reason why Alex began dancing the tango with his mom in the next chapter, and what it accomplishes other than shutting her up for a bit.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
demeter d
· 24 January 2014
· Chapter 8: Dinner with Parents
Wow! That dance with his mother reminds me of Farrell trying to use Artemis's immobilization word on him, only to find out it did not work. Indeed, did Amroth, er, Ryan, teach him to dance? Or, was the Tango something that Anne did with Artemis's father, back in happier times, which would mean that Anne likely taught her son. Interesting that he "just happened to have" that CD with him. With Artemis/Alex there is no such thing as "just happened". I think that he expected just such a response from her, and cane prepared! In which case, if I were her, at this point I would be accusing my darling son of trying to brainwash me! I agree with the other reviewer. The two of them have been "you and me against the world" for a long time. Which would make changes of this magnitude even harder on Anne. First she lost Artemis's father. Then she had to share her only son with a shadowy, dangerous profession. And now, it feels as though she will lose him entirely to some crazy cult! I understand her reaction completely! Apocalyptic cult, indeed! Anyone here remember Guyana, and that bunch in Texas? She says she is a skeptic. Yet the four of them went to a Christmas Eve church service. Out of tradition, or some real belief? If a Vala or Maia does come, the "Guardian Angel and Archangel" angle might be more useful for her right now, and NOOOOOT SO MUCH about an Apocalypse, not just yet!
I found it very interesting from word one that "Artemis Gordon Meriwhether" grew up to be a modern day U.S. Government agent, with a specialty in disguises and plots against the security of the the free world. Now, to find out that the show was MR. Meriwhether's favorite is even more telling. For "Alex" to be rejecting the name SHE chose for him, a name with ties to happier times with his father, well, to her it may feel like he is now rejecting HER! This may take some finesse.
I agree, Fionwe is likely still under house arrest somewhere. Perhaps Manwe and Varda, accompanied by their mortal expert, Olorin, would be good. Or something more subtle, Namo and Este, only in a dream. Either way, she is still not likely to believe the evidence of her own senses. After the attempted reveal, she is likely to chalk an in person appearance up to special effects or mass hypnosis. A dream she might write off as a result of mental suggestion. She will be a hard sell.
Author's reply
Oh Demeter, you have no idea just how close to the truth you are with your analysis of this chapter. I promise, most (if not all your) questions will be answered in the next chapter.
I will comment on your observation about Alex's name, though. You're right that Anne perhaps feels a sense of rejection because Alex has rejected his name. I think that's why she continues calling him Artemus even while everyone else calls him Alex.
At any rate, we'll see what happens next. The excitement isn't over yet.
Thanks for your lovely and very insightful comments. I really appreciate them.
6336
· 24 January 2014
· Chapter 8: Dinner with Parents
Well they do say music soothes the savage beast!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Actually, Lynda, the correct phrase is "music soothes the savage breast" but however you slice it, it's true. Of course it also depends on the kind of music. Hugs back.
Kevana
· 24 January 2014
· Chapter 8: Dinner with Parents
Aww. As unexpected as the dancing was, that was really sweet. It kind of brings home that they must be really close, that they only had each other for a long time and probably share a lot of things only they understand.
I really like how you wrote Anne's reaction. I think it's a very realistic response. Anne, just wait till you hear about the Dagor Dagorath. This isn't just a cult, it's an Apocalyptic cult! Ha, I'm sure that's going to go over well, especially given what usually happens to the poor people who get caught up in those.
Meanwhile Andy's showing us where Derek got that relaxed and open nature. And Vorondur continues to be just awesome. Then it seems carrying around the worry over his talk with Manny has been weighing on Finrod. And THAT'S where Alex's name came from! I'd wondered.
If the Elves are cranky about the Victorian "fairies" I can only imagine what they think of the darker, nastier, older stories. Especially the Scots-Irish and northern European ones.
Star Trek references! Extra points for that one, Fiondil.
Of course dragons are real. Mine is conked out, hibernating for winter. *grin* I wonder if he'd be more comfortable buried under gold coins.
Eagerly awaiting to see what happens next! Have a great weekend.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. I'm glad you like the way I wrote Anne's reaction. Apocalyptic cult. I like that one. You come up with the neatest phrases. LOL!
Way back in EA2, right at the very beginning, we learn about why Alex was named Artemus Gordon, but I suppose it's one thing to have Alex comment on it to himself and another to hear it from his mother.
Vorondur is indeed awesome and I think he gets awesomer as the story continues.
And way back in EA1 there's a Star Trek reference near the end of the story. So there. LOL!
So you have a bearded dragon, huh? Maybe I should get one, too. One of my beta's sons also has one.
Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate your comments. Have a great weekend yourself.
UTfrog
· 24 January 2014
· Chapter 8: Dinner with Parents
How very interesting that Anne resists while Andy is intrigued. Also loved the reactions to "Manny." Looking forward to Monday's update to see if Anne calms down or if a Maia shows up. Somehow I do not believe poor Fionwe is on duty at the moment. I have long wondered when someone would mention Vulcans and their pointed ears. This chapter was all I have been hoping for. Next one is bound to be great as well. Thank you.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. We'll see how Anne fares in the next chapter with explanations as to why the tango and everything. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Thanks!
Sunny
· 24 January 2014
· Chapter 8: Dinner with Parents
So Alex' mother doesn't believe in fairytale creatures outside of fairytales, and doesn't take well to finding herself in a room packed with mythological creatures. I do wonder what the dancing was all about, though!
It would be interesting to get a peek inside Vorondur's skull in this chapter - both because of his reaction to Finrod's tale of "Manny's" visit, and his reaction to Alex sweeping his mother into a dance.
I also loved the little quips between Alex and Derek at the end.
I do wonder - if Anne remains stubbornly disbelieving, despite the tango (And what _was_ that about, anyway?) what are the odds of one of the Maiar popping in for a visit?
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I promise, there will be an explanation as to what the dancing was all about.
I'm afraid you'll just have to guess at what Vorondur was thinking through all this. No doubt he probably thought he'd died and gone to shrink-heaven. LOL!
Glad you liked the little quips between Alex and Derek at the end. There the Laurel and Hardy of Wiseman. LOL!
As for who may or may not pop in for a visit at this point, that remains to be seen.
Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Laer
· 21 January 2014
· Chapter 7: The Rest of the Week
I am so glad they talked him into letting Nell stay in the dorm. She will love her time there.
Yes, walking in and seeing the piano gone would be a shock; but well a lot of things gone might be a bit of a surprise for them. Missing people even if they are just across town can still be sad.
I am also glad that Nick did forget to warn the kids a bout being gone. Finrod soul needed that to help sooth him. :) I must say I was a bit worried when the teacher hung around a bit. I didn't know if she was going to try and blame him for anything bad :/ Glad it was just to say nice job :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I have no doubt Nell is ecstatic about being able to live at the dorm. And you're right that Finrod needed that story hour as much or more than the kiddies did. I think it did him a lot of good.
Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated.
Ellie
· 20 January 2014
· Chapter 7: The Rest of the Week
I pity Finrod trying to get a grip on the world only to find it in a constant state of flux. How very frustrating and unnerving for an elf! After several ages of nothing changing and then all this change at once and it being a normal thing, no wonder the elves from Valinor are having trouble coping. I think that the Wiseman elves are used to living one step to the side of the mortals and their focus is on something different than that which the Valinor elves focus on, if that makes sense. I think the Valinor elves are focused in the middle of things and are finding that they can't keep things still long enough to focus on tehm teh way that elves were designed to focus on things. For ex: every daisy will bloom in specified colors to a specified height for a specified period of time and that hasn't changed for millenia. According to Finrod, everytime elves see nature around they appreciate it as if it were the first time, but I think they also relish the continuity and predicability of that nature.
Living in a city of mortals who change rapidly with their cutting edge technology and bleeding edge technology and penchant for gadgets and new and improved and bend toward innovation and progression to the next thing...
There literally is no possible way for a Valinor elf to cope. I think the Wiseman elves see mortals and their comings and goings and growings the same way the Valinor elves see nature, so it doesn't phase them as much. Does that make sense?
I bet the kids always remember that story hour with Finrod.
Author's reply
Yes, I think it makes perfect sense. The Elves of Valinor are trying to keep in the center of things, but the center doesn't hold so they get lost in the current and are in danger of being smashed by the rapids, so to speak. The Wiseman Elves, knowing better, stay out of the current and remain on the edges where the water (and life) is calmer. Hopefully, the Valinórean Elves will learn that trick and survive instead of being smashed to bits by the rapids of mortal life as it's lived today.
And I bet the kids always remember story hour with Finrod, too. I certainly would.
Thanks for your insightful analysis, Ellie. Very thought-provoking.
bookworm
· 20 January 2014
· Chapter 7: The Rest of the Week
Those lucky children! Having Finrod sing to them *sighs enviously*. A nice, quieter chapter... though I fear things are going to heat up again?
Author's reply
Things always heat up, bookworm. You should know that by now. *grin* There's always a lull before a storm and that's as true in our lives as it is in nature. Just what kind of storm, though, remains to be seen. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.