Great verb Kevana, and great use of it to Fiondil. :)
Prince Legolas needs to cut back on the coffee. Wow. Chill dude. What will he do when he meets a real dwarf? (He did sound like a child raised as a royal tho..well at least to me he did.)
Loved the nod to the Hobbit. Can't wait to see how the 'rents take the news. :)
Author's reply
I thank you for both of us, Laer. LOL! Glad you liked the verb. When Kevana mentioned it to me I knew I just had to incorporate it into the Elf Academy story and Derek's the perfect person to mention it.
Yeah, Legolas is having a rough time, but later in the story we'll see him begin to get a grip and take control of his life and destiny in a rather surprising way (at least I think so).
Anyway, it's hard not to reference the Hobbit when dealing with Legolas. We'll be seeing how the 'rents take the news next week. Stay tuned.
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate you doing so very much.
Dreamflower
· 13 January 2014
· Chapter 5: Discussions
Ah, I like "Namo'd" as a verb, too! One that I can imagine often consists of what I call The Look--but coming from a Valar, it would be much more effective than from an Elf, a Man, a Dwarf or a Hobbit.
And yes, this return to M-e might actually be harder on those who used to live there. For one thing, there would be the knowledge that the peoples and places they used to know are utterly gone! Legolas, for example, must adjust to the idea that this is a world that so far as anyone knows, contains no Dwarves nor Hobbits! Also that not only is the Greenwood gone, and Ithilien, but also Gondor! I can see this affecting him more than he realizes.
It's good that Alex and Derek are able to go with the flow, though I like the idea that Alex was ready to let the Elves know that over-reacting is unacceptable.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. It's a great verb and it is so expressive of how many people feel when they encounter that particular Vala.
Legolas is probably being affected more than he realizes and we will see him dealing with this much later in the story. Everyone has to take turns in the telling of this tale but his turn will come eventually, I promise.
Alex is a good one to call the Elves on the carpet when necessary.
Thanks for leaving a review. They're always appreciated.
Leoglin
· 13 January 2014
· Chapter 5: Discussions
I find it hilarious that you have turned Námo into a verb! I teared up from the humor of the situation, as well as the fact that Námo has been "Alexed" lol. I will look forward to Friday morning and the newest chapter!
~Legolin
Author's reply
Hi Legolin. It's pretty hilarious, isn't it? Actually it was Fionwë who got Alexed, having been taken down by him twice. Fionwë is definitely never going to live that one down. Anyway, I'm glad you are looking forward to the next chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I very much appreciate it.
Kevana
· 13 January 2014
· Chapter 5: Discussions
Valandur and Vorondur make a damn good team, bringing together their respective abilities of understanding society, language, and people as we see them doing here. I'm quite excited to see what you have them get up to, if they do both figure into the story in later chapters as I hope/suspect they will. :)
As other people have said, I'm interested in what Vorondur comes up with in studying the Reborn. It's telling that Beleg didn't get upset. Perhaps he of all those there might most greatly appreciate the dangers in pulling weapons in unknown situations, against people who might be friends. The last thing they need is some hapless person getting accidentally shanked by a jumpy Elf.
The formality issue must be very odd to them indeed. At least they are accepting of it, if not happy about it. I can't help imagining what would happen if you tossed Ingoldo into the middle of Wiseman, where people would be decidedly unimpressed with his histrionics. I'd pay to watch that and make popcorn too.
You did use that bit of conversation! I love how you wrote that, it had me LOLing. As did "Alex'd" ...he is shaping up to be the number-one threat to Maiar everywhere, they'd better learn to watch it with him. Not that he could hurt them, but I'm sure it's still plenty embarrassing. And maybe a morale boost to incarnates who are getting tired of being nudged around by even well-intentioned but mischief-making Alien Overlords. Sure, they like to poke anthills...but some ants are fire ants and will bite, mwahaha.
On the other hand, it only seems fair that there is a lot the people of Wiseman can learn from the Elves, too, and perhaps a little leeway is deserved on their side as well. After all it is a two-way street. But I think Alex is right to be firm, both with the Elves and the Ainur he's met. They can benefit from a friendly but dissenting voice. Yet perhaps Alex also still has some issues he needs to work through that are making it hard for him to serve in that role in a way that doesn't involve him getting energy-drained, LOL.
I'm glad Derek woke up early so they won't have to make excuses to Anne and Andy. Either the Elves were off in their calculations for the barrier or someone decided to help things along, despite Námo's declaration to the contrary. Or maybe it's just that Derek's a tough Navy dude with some old and powerful bloodlines himself. *grin* Maybe that would help the inferiority complex thing he's got going on with Alex's even older and stronger blood ties.
Great chapter, Fiondil, an awful lot of interesting points brought up and as always I'm excited to see where those points lead. Thanks and it's always a pleasure! (Whoops, this got long.)
Take care,
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Actually I like long reviews so go for it. LOL!
I'm glad you liked how I incorporated that conversation we had into this chapter. It was so much fun to do.
Alex is definitely a force to be reckoned with as we will see as the story continues and Derek is now slouch either and stands up to the Elves and the Maiar as well.
And I promise that both Vorondur and Valandur figure into the story quite a bit, as you will see, both separately and together. They do indeed make a great team.
Anyway, thanks for the review. I'm very appreciative. Have a great week yourself!
6336
· 13 January 2014
· Chapter 5: Discussions
Interesting discussion, all of it is true, if nothing else the Valinorian Elves are suffering from culture shock/homesickness. Life is lived at a much faster pace here in M.E. than in Valinor. It is sad to think that the Valar have allowed Valinor to stagnate to the extent that it has or have they not realized just how unnatural it is for a society not to grow and expand? A bit all times are now.
Yep, I can think of a few people who should be Namo'd, most, if not all of them politicians who could use a dose of humility/reality!
Another insightful chapter.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I thought it was a very interesting discussion, too, and points out how some of the Elves are coping or not to live in modern Middle-earth. I think the Valar are of the "drop them in the deep end and let the sink or swim" school of enculturation. LOL!
And I agree that most of our politicians and government officials should be Námo'd, too. Then maybe they'll actually do something right for a chance.
Well, a discussion for another time, as Finrod would say. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much. Hugs back.
Ellie
· 13 January 2014
· Chapter 5: Discussions
Still love the "got Namo'd". That is just so priceless and perfect. The Valinor elves have a serious amount of growing up to do in dealing with the mortals of today and coping with life as it is now in Middle-Earth. They truly are clueless about so many things and they just don't seem to be learning yet. What will it take to make them wake up and smell the Jamaican blend coffee? I bet even Glorfindel and the other Wiseman elves do not know the answer to that.
I would love to read Ron's findings and observations concerning Reborns. I hope he writes up something about that at some point.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. "got Námo'd" is indeed priceless and perfect, and I thank Kevana for coming up with the phrase. It couldn't be more perfect in describing our favorite Vala.
As for Ron's findings about Reborns. Well, who knows? Maybe he'll give us a peek at his findings some day.
Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule (and I certainly know just how busy that schedule is from day to day) and leaving a review. It's very, very much appreciated.
bookworm
· 13 January 2014
· Chapter 5: Discussions
"You got Namo'd" LOOOOOL Also go Alex! Calling them out! Looks like Vorundur will have his work cut out for him. I'm really not surprised that the younger elves are adapting faster - younger people generally are more flexible - less habits to break, after all. (Also I feel like hugging Valandur, just because, really)
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. Vorondur will indeed have his work cut out for him, as we will see. And Valandur always deserves a hug, just because. LOL! And we'll be seeing more of him in this story as well, so that should make many readers happy, I hope. Anyway, thanks for the review. It's very much appreciated.
Ellie
· 13 January 2014
· Chapter 4: Into the Woods
What an exciting way to celebrate the new year - being duped by a Maia. It is always fun to see a Maia get in trouble with a Vala. LOL!
Author's reply
Yes, it's very much fun to see any Maia get into trouble with a Vala, especially when that Vala is Námo. LOL! Thanks for reviewing, Ellie. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 13 January 2014
· Chapter 5: Discussions
I nearly spit coffee twice: at Legolas, the Dwarves, and the sleep spell and again at "Namo'd". Both are brilliant. The story is starting to move well now. The psychology of separation, new society, etc. will make great reading. I would feel sorry for Fionwe, but I suspect he will be fine. His action, innocent or not, revealed avenues of concern for all our friends to explore. Thank you.
Author's reply
I'm glad you found the Hobbit reference and "Námo'd" brilliant, UTfrog. The story is definitely picking up and the psychology of separation and what-all will play a large part of it as you will soon see. And Fionwë will be okay. Never fear. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much as always.
Soledad
· 13 January 2014
· Chapter 5: Discussions
First again? Wow! Insane working schedules do seem to have their advantage, after all!
Anyway, I'm growing increasingly fond of Vorondur - and that, considering whatI usually think of shrinks and their usefulness (or rather the lack thereof) is saying a lot. He's a very wise, down-to-earth Elf, and the others will need his even-mindedness a lot, I'm afraid.
Go Alex, telling the Elves the ugly truth. So, Legolas is a bit jumpy, eh? And angry like whoa? Personally, I blame the Valar. Sending the Valinor gang back to modern Earth this unprepared isn't any better than Fionwë's stupid practical joke.
Looking forward to Anne and Andy getting the shock of their lives!
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Vorondur has become without a doubt one of my favorite OCs of all time. He quietly insinuated himself into the story and really has begun to shine. We'll be seeing a lot of him in this series.
We'll also see how Legolas deals with his anger and his frustrations much later in this story, but I promise we will see him getting his act together. And Andy and Anne will show up again next week. It should prove very interesting. *evil grin*
Thanks for leaving a comment. You know I always appreciate it.
bookworm
· 13 January 2014
· Chapter 4: Into the Woods
Well this was a rollercoaster! I laughed at Derek & Alex's parents, and also Fionwe (I thought it might have been him from the beginning), and then oh dear! Poor Alex. He's still struggling a lot I see. Hopefully they'll be able to help him (let me guess - Finrod's training is going to be VERY useful here?)
Author's reply
Hi Bookworm. Yes, pretty much a roller coaster ride of a chapter. Andy and Anne are pretty cute together. We'll be seeing more of them soon. And we'll see how useful Finrod's training is in all this. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Laer
· 12 January 2014
· Chapter 4: Into the Woods
Fionwë is a dweeb. He should not be so mean to us mere mortals. He may find himself assigned to some. And they may not be as nice as any of the ones we have met. Perhaps a little on the spoiled side, or maybe some toddlers. Twins. He will really feel his age once he takes on a set of toddler twins. And Elrond's twins can not offer up any advice or help. Yes I have a set of twins in my family, so I know of what I speak. (insert evil cackle here)
Glad to see Derek and Alex back. Andy and Anne sound like a nice addition to the group also. Guess we will see ;)
Author's reply
Yeah, dweeb is a good word for him. Idiot is another. Fionwë just doesn't seem to learn. Oh well, I guess you have to find your amusement where you can when you've been hanging around the universe for 13-odd billion years. We'll be seeing a bit more of Andy and Anne shortly when they come to dinner at Edhellond. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
Laer
· 12 January 2014
· Chapter 3: New Year’s Eve
hmmm, at the words "New Year" and "less exciting than the last" I could see the drama chip monk turn his little head and geek. This may shape up to be the year of the "Holly Cow!" without the "less exciting than the last".
Looking into his eyes he could see that the young elf was not so young. I always thought you might be able to see not just the wisdom of the ages in them, but stars. And in a first age Vanyar elf the light from the two trees. Kind of a "future so bright they gotta wear shades"; kind of a thing.
A nice party....siiigghhhh. But they have to know something some where is going to happen.
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Well you know what they say about famous last words. *grin* Findalaurë, of course, isn't a First Age Elf, like Finrod, though he is probably close to ten thousand years old, so the Light of the Trees would not be evident in his eyes as it would be for Finrod or Glorfindel or any of the other Elves who saw the Trees.
And yeah, it is a nice party, but....
Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
eliza
· 11 January 2014
· Chapter 4: Into the Woods
Hummm Fiondil,
I'll be the lone dissenter on this chapter. As usual the writing and characters were wonderful, it just felt a little "mean". I think though it may have to do with being a vet. For some reason it just seemed that Namo and Fionwe manipulated the mortals just because they were the "weak" ones so to speak.
please forgive the criticism.
still loving the story.
E
Author's reply
Hi Eliza. Certainly what Fionwë did was mean, but then most pranks are to some extent since they are always at the expense of someone else's dignity. However, I don't see where there was manipulation, other than the note luring Alex and Derek to the woods, which would've been part of the prank. And Námo had nothing to do with it at all and was there to reprimand Fionwë. Also, Alex is anything but weak and proves it by taking Fionwë down a second time. Fionwë showed poor judgment here but being a created being like all of us he's not perfect and can mess up.
Glad you are still enjoying the story. And I don't expect readers to like every little bit that's written. Also, just because I write about some character's action doesn't mean that I, the author, approve of it. Like any self-respecting "god" I allow my characters free will... and the rope to hang themselves with. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Soledad
· 11 January 2014
· Chapter 4: Into the Woods
Fionwë is either completely out of his bloody mind, or he's spent too much time in Wiseman, watching student pranks. It was a delight to see him decked by Alex again. Though I feel sorry for poor Derek. He missed all the fun.
Author's reply
You're probably right about that, Soledad. College campuses are hotbeds for corrupting Maiar. LOL! And he deserved Alex. Derek will probably be pretty upset that he missed all the action. We'll have to see. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 11 January 2014
· Chapter 4: Into the Woods
These Maias *roles eyes*. Fionwe couldn't leave good enough alone. He has a lot to learn about human *shakes head*. Although, Glorfindel was asking for it. I think the only ones that had a lovely New Years party were Andy and Annie.
Author's reply
Yeah, you gotta love them, don't you? LOL! And yeah, Glorfindel was asking for it. I think you're right that Andy and Annie are the only ones to actually have a lovely party. Thanks for commenting, obsidianj. It's always appreciated.
Lyana
· 10 January 2014
· Chapter 4: Into the Woods
Oh good heavens - Fionwë?!? *eyeroll* He really, really ought to know better than that... Let's hope his "appointment" with Lord Manwë is instructive. Finrod seems to have taken the ant-poking well, but I don't think it's going to go over as nicely with a number of others in the interrupted party, and with their fragile mental/emotional states, I'm worrying about Glorfindel and Alex again. Hmmm... probably ought to get used to that feeling - again.
And sorry, but the Andy and Annie thing immediately makes me think of two red haired dolls. :-)
Author's reply
Yep. Fionwë. You know any other idiot Maiar whose name begins with "F"? LOL! We'll see how the Elves feel about what happened in the next chapter. I'm sure you will find it amusing.
As for Andy and Annie... oh well... At least these two don't have red hair. LOL!
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, Lyana. It's very much appreciate.
6336
· 10 January 2014
· Chapter 4: Into the Woods
I thought it was Fionwe, the little stinker! I have a feeling that other Maia will be getting in line behind Manwe to chew him out, they claim the Children never grow up I think some of the Maia are just as bad!
Well there goes the surf and turf, those Elves really know how to party, that's for sure!
Hope Alex gets over his snit with Fionwe and that Derek is not too unhappy about his little nap and that they make it to the church er, brunch on time!
This is starting to get interesting, very interesting!
Sorry, I am running on about three hours sleep, Inventory is such fun and then I had to fight with my security system to let me into my vault so I could get my password to S.O.A.! Computers, ya gotta love 'em!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I think the surf and turf got eaten before Alex and Derek showed up (at least I hope so. We'll see the aftereffect of all this in the next chapter. The Elves will have a very interesting discussion.
I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far. Thanks for leaving a review and I hope you recover from inventory soon. Hugs back.
Sunny
· 10 January 2014
· Chapter 4: Into the Woods
Well, well, well. Fionwë's little jest certainly backfired on him, didn't it? And Fionwë really _should_ have known to be wary of Alex - it's not the first time he has gotten the drop on the Maia, after all. And if the other Maiar haven't teased Fionwë enough before, the joking will surely shift into high gear now!
Author's reply
And in a big way, too, Sunny. He's never going to live this one down, especially with Alex having taken him down a second time. Well, it's his own fault for not checking with Olórin first, who, among all the Maiar and even the Valar, could be considered the expert on Mortals and Elves, having lived among them as one of them for several thousand years.
Thanks for leaving a comment. As always, it's greatly appreciated.
Dreamflower
· 10 January 2014
· Chapter 4: Into the Woods
Oh dear! I think Fionwe may be in a bit of a pickle. And I do hope Derek does wake up--I can see why Alex was ticked off.
Fionwe really does have a lot to learn about mortals if he thought that an anonymous note saying "come alone" would be heeded! LOL!
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. I think Fionwë is in quite a pickle and we'll see Derek in the next chapter, never fear. All the Maiar really need to learn more about Mortals, except possibly Olórin. If Fionwë had consulted him before pulling his stunt things might have gone differently. Oh well...
Thanks for reviewing and thanks for the snippet. It really did give me a plot bunny I can use with Legolas later in this series.
Kevana
· 10 January 2014
· Chapter 4: Into the Woods
Maiar. *eyeroll* Silly creatures!
I do hope Fionwë sees where he went wrong here...he should have written that note in Sindarin, Alex would have known it wasn't from Farrell and may have been less guarded in going into the woods. *evil smirk*
Great to see the dynamic duo of Alex and Derek again! But I groaned when I read Alex's name, realizing he was probably about to get into yet another mess. And now apparently he got energy drained or something by Námo, LOL, not to mention poor Derek knocked cold. And now some of the Elves are annoyed to boot and Finn has a Talk coming his way. Great way to start a year, eh fellas?
At least Anne and Andy seem to be having a very happy New Year. ;) Too cute!
Great chapter, Fiondil! I will repeat what a lot of readers say, it's easier to get up early on Mondays and Fridays. Have a brilliant weekend.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Yeah, they are sometimes, Kevana. I'm sure lots of readers groaned when they saw Alex's name coupled with the chapter title, knowing that disaster was on its way. LOL! Anyway, no one can complain about starting the New Year off in a boring way. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. We'll see what the aftereffects of all this are in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Dreamflower
· 9 January 2014
· Chapter 3: New Year’s Eve
Ah! I am relieved to see that I am wrong about the cook-out being crashed!
Poor Nick, having the weight of ages crash down on him! Knowing the truth in one's head, and actually accepting what that truth means are two entirely different things. But he handled it pretty well.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower. Well, I wouldn't hold your breath on that. There's still the next chapter.
At any rate, you're right about Nick. It's one thing to know something in theory but something else entirely to know it for real. Still, Nick managed and made a good recovery.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
Dreamflower
· 9 January 2014
· Chapter 2: Conversations
An interesting chapter; why do I get the feeling that the New Year's celebration may not go as smoothly as they think it will?
Nice to see Legolas taking up a part, even if a small one so far.
Author's reply
Eek! I happened to be re-reading reviews and found that I never responded to this one, Dreamflower. Sorry about that. And of course, you know full well what happened at the New Year's celebration and I haven't forgotten Legolas. He has a few of his own chapters later in the story, so that should make you and others happy. Sorry again for the late response to this. Thanks for your reviews of this story. They are very much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 8 January 2014
· Chapter 3: New Year’s Eve
I don't think Nick quite realized what he bargained for when he hired Finrod. I can understand that he needed some fresh air when it hit him.
I liked the new year celebration. Having everyone standing about watching the pyrotechnics is fun. Also the fraternization with complete strangers. The people who got to kiss some elf were very lucky.
Author's reply
I don't think any of the Mortals really have a clue as to the true nature of the Elves until their alienness becomes evident, as it did here for Nick.
I'm glad you liked the New Year celebration. I avoid them myself. Too cold to be standing outdoors at midnight. And I'm sure the people who got to kiss an Elf thought they were lucky too. LOL!
Thanks for reviewing, obsidanj. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 7 January 2014
· Chapter 3: New Year’s Eve
The very fact that the Amanian Elves have arrived should indicate this year is likely to be even more involved!
Author's reply
You bet, Larner, and we'll see just how more involved it all gets soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.