Elf Academy 4 - The Unfinished Tales by Fiondil
Soledad · 24 October 2016 · Chapter 39: Reconciliation
Typical. Not even high-ranking angels are safe from Church politics. What can we mere Mortals hope for then? *contemplates her own life for a moment* In any case, while I'm still not happy with the "having one's cake and eating it" solution, I am happy that Alex is feeling better and that we're back to Wiseman. :)
6336 · 24 October 2016 · Chapter 39: Reconciliation
I see Eru is drawing his straight crooked lines, again! Well that is that sorted, now for the Ap Hewels(sp). Lynda
obsidianj · 22 October 2016 · Chapter 38: Trial of a Vala
Interesting... So, Namo had Alex' permission... sort of. I don't think Alex would have agreed if he had known what Namo really asked of him. Fighting with all he had is one thing, killing someone in the process is something different. Alex probably envisioned no bodily harm would come to him, but the spiritual side can be as bad. He didn't think about that.
Lindelea · 20 October 2016 · Chapter 38: Trial of a Vala
Wow. I'd had the feeling that Namo was out of character, somehow, in messing Alex around the way he did. Now it makes sense, though it still feels kind of manipulative. Alex showed a touching trust, I think, and I hope he reaps a rich reward. (And healing. Definitely healing. Can't Illuvatar touch him with a healing touch? I mean, He can, but would He?) Though my thoughts surely don't matter in this respect, if it were a matter for voting, I'd vote to leave the RL info up as well. It's a reminder that these moments of pleasure come at a cost (the chapters didn't write and edit themselves), and of the fact that I can do my bit, in some small way, just by praying. Lifting prayers for your sister, and those who love her.
Author's reply
Thanks for your thoughts Lindelea, yes RL happens when we're making other plans! I am sure Arthur wasn't planning to answer Namo's call in the middle of writing his story! Namo's actions were quite manipulative, but then perhaps it's because he knows what the score is; he knows that the Elves alone won't be able to fight the final battle and that they are so distances from happenings and advances on Middle Earth, the Elven armies might actually be a hindrance, given that their way of fighting differs so greatly from that of present times. I also feel that the Enemy would certainly take advantage of man's abilities to invent every more drastic and powerful weapons to kill each other. That would give him a big advantage over bows, arrow, swords, spears etc. Even the Elven battle mail wouldn't be proof against armour piercing rounds. I think Arthur had that very clearly in his mind when he wrote these chapters. The Wisemen Elves have had time to adapt and the Elves from Valinor will have to play catch up very very quickly. I do think that Eru isn't healing Alex, not because he can't, but because even the PTSD is part and parcel of Alex's being and Eru would have to wipe large amounts of memories in order to rid Alex of the trauma. I have PTSD and it becomes part of you; part of life experience. So no, to answer your question, I don't think Eru would just heal him, certainly now without actually asking whether he wanted it. Thank you for the prayers, they are much appreciated.
katharein · 19 October 2016 · Chapter 38: Trial of a Vala
Please leave it up and keep us posted about your sister. No names, no pack drill, but RL happens to everyone. Youall are doing an awesome job - thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you katherein, obviously life is a bit busy. Apparently the other 'reviewer', and I use the term loosely, has massive real life issues, for which I am very sorry, but as you say RL happens to everyone. It would be nice if she left an actual review and remembered that I am not, in fact, Fiondil. Occasionally the new chapter could be delayed.
Aranadhel · 19 October 2016 · Chapter 38: Trial of a Vala
Good to see all updates up and running on schedule on Mondays. How about deleting the reason please on the main page of Fiondil's thread. No offence, RL is tough. Mine included. That's why I come here to read and escape RL. Not be reminded of it again.
Author's reply
You obviously have huge issues and I am sorry for that, but you know, me accidentally leaving that in the message is hardly impacting on your enjoyment of the chapters. In fact you should be concentrating more on the chapters than you do on whether the story is posted on time or whether the message doesn't suit you. I have asked you before to please leave an actual review, but instead apparently you would rather be obnoxious. Please leave an actual review next time? If you have any issues with me or my life then feel free to request my email address and we can take it to a private forum. Okay? Good. Thank you. Now, back to the story....
Soledad · 18 October 2016 · Chapter 38: Trial of a Vala
As much as I love Fiondil's work in general and the EA series in particular, I feel definitely cheated by the solution. It is kind of the eating one's cake and yet keeping it sort, which I always experience as cheating. I'd have loved to see Námo and the other alien overlords taken down a peg or two, and poor Raguel hasn't deserved to stand there like an utter fool. Besides, the solution still doesn't change the fact that Alex got royally messed up again. Just my two Eurocents.
Author's reply
Alien overlords! That made me chuckle, among my friends I am known as the Evil Overlord! I do think that Arthur really wanted everyone to be shown in the best light. Even when he came up with a villainous character, he always tried to show their positive side. Arthur was just plain, nice guy. Wanted to see the best in everyone. Namo should have received his dressing down in private in my humble opinion and perhaps the Valar themselves, who had been given a great deal of autonomy by Eru, should be shown that neither the Eldar nor the Mortals are there for them to play with. Poor Raguel's job description says that unfortunately he is always the bad guy, even when he's being the good guy.
Celeth · 17 October 2016 · Chapter 38: Trial of a Vala
Now that was a surprise... And it has me wondering how Namo and Raguel are going to help Alex...by disguising themselves as Mortals? Can't wait for the next chapter!
6336 · 17 October 2016 · Chapter 38: Trial of a Vala
Ah, I see the Chess Master is playing with his pieces, again! Now to see how Nate and Reggie can help Alex. Lynda
Author's reply
Yes indeed, let's hope that Nate and Reggie can help Alex. Poor chap is always at the butt end of the bad things. He deserves a break if anyone does!
Larner · 17 October 2016 · Chapter 38: Trial of a Vala
Fascinating scene played out here, and I rejoice that Atar allowed it all to be shown to everyone. Raguel is realizing even Atto can be tricksy when it is needed.
Author's reply
Indeed, Eru can be tricksy!
eliza · 17 October 2016 · Chapter 38: Trial of a Vala
***sighs**** this chapter is excellent like all of Fiondil's writing but this chapter made me mad. I think it's my ridiculous independent nature that has me screaming. They are basically still doing the same thing Alex is mad at them for. I know he gave Namo permission but he doesn't remember that, so he suffers. The Valar, Racquel, elder all are making decisions for him and about him without even thinking of asking him. I know what it feels like to have people (even those you love) doing that and it sucks. I completely agree with Glorifindal I hope Alex gets the satisfaction of giving Namo and Racquel a black eye and a busted lip.
Author's reply
It's very difficult to know or assess whether Arthur was going somewhere with this. I know after talking with him once, while he was still writing these chapters, that there were some things he may have gone back and amended. I know that he did want to show all of his characters in a positive light and perhaps this was what he was trying to achieve. I believe that the Alex issue was meant to be the fulcrum on which he based these scenes between a direct representative of Eru (Raguel), and the Valar themselves, who down through the ages have had a certain amount of autonomy. The Valar haven't always made correct decisions, I do believe that if the situation demanded a show and tell, Alex should have been allowed to remember. I personally don't see why he couldn't have appeared in the spirit in the full knowledge of what Namo's intentions are concerned. Probably Namo should have received a dressing down in private. It might seem presumptuous, but as a Staff Sergeant in the British Army I often had to take people to task, but one of the rules I learnt was that you never dress a soldier down in front of the other troops. However, not everyone has had that experience. Glorfindel was speaking from an emotional standpoint, because he feels his friend has been unfairly treated, but he is right, Alex should at least have redress of grievance and a direct apology.
obsidianj · 16 October 2016 · Chapter 37: Alone in a Crowd
Poorn Raguel. Nobody is happy to see him. No wonder he is not happy with himself. It can't be easy. I like the Olorin and Tulkas tried to comfort him. It might not have worked immediately, but in time he will remember.
someone · 15 October 2016 · Chapter 37: Alone in a Crowd
Poor Raguel! It must be hard to be among people that are only waiting for his reaction/judgement/talking-to. Tulkas and Olórin showed their good hearts in this chapter. I'm looking forward to seeing how he is introduced to the Elves, and how they are going to react to the fact that even the valar have to answer to other(s). And also to how they are going to fix this mess with Alex.
Dreamflower · 11 October 2016 · Chapter 37: Alone in a Crowd
Good heavens! What do the Elves *think* Raguel will do? He's there to do Atar's will, after all. Have they forgotten Eru's nature? I was glad to see Olorin and Tulkas make an appearance. Olorin is and always will be my favorite Maia of all the Tolkien universe, and I kind of like Tulkas too.
Larner · 10 October 2016 · Chapter 37: Alone in a Crowd
At least Namo is willing to accept the chastisement he knows he's earned. Poor Alex does have healing to do, and an apology from Namo would most likely help a good deal, I think.
bootsgrandma · 10 October 2016 · Chapter 37: Alone in a Crowd
I truly wish Fiondil's work was in book form. I get to the end of a chapter and long to continue reading BUT I must wait at least a week to do so. I am ever so grateful his artistry is still available to us though. Thank you for the wonderful job you are doing in bringing it to us. A good story is soooo hard to put down though....and this is a good story and a great chapter. Atar always has a reason for everything He does...reasons His children may not readily see. I think Atar sent Raquel to Arda to help him as much as Lord Namo and the other Valar. Please Atar help me to have the patience to wait for more......
Sunny · 10 October 2016 · Chapter 37: Alone in a Crowd
Poor, put-upon Raguel! All the Valar and Maiar consider it obvious that he's here only to deliver A Lecture, and why won't he get on with it already, damnit! So I really loved how Olórin and Tulkas showed up to give him a bit of support. And I really lied tulkas here! "It takes two to tango", indeed! And the image of Manwë forced into a corner by the three Elven High Kings who all demand that he Do Something is just too amusing for words! ::snickers::
UTfrog · 10 October 2016 · Chapter 37: Alone in a Crowd
I keep thinking there has to be a good-but-not-great chapter soon, but the great chapters just keep coming.
obsidianj · 8 October 2016 · Chapter 36: Raguel in Valmar
So, Raguel and Namo have a similar job, just on different levels. Loved the suggestion they should go and compare their jobs. Namo needs a chat to take him a notch down. He is a bit full of himself at the moment. But it is a delicate balance to make him see the errors of his ways and not to destroy his confidence.
Author's reply
Yeah, I think perhaps the Valar have grown a bit smug in Valinor once all of the Eldar were called home or reborn. Arthur did have set ideas about how Valinor turned out to be both paradise and not paradise. He often highlighted his ideas on our Facebook page that there would have been considerable trouble in paradise given that the Elves who never left, the Reborn and the Returnees would have been all dumped in one place. All would have had issues, certainly with each other. You can only imagine the unrest.
Larner · 4 October 2016 · Chapter 36: Raguel in Valmar
I am so sorry to hear about your sister, but rejoice that she can draw upon both your strength and your experience as well as your continued presence in her life. Joy to you both always! She joins those who already are in my prayers. Manwe at least is reassured that Raguel is there to support him, not to necessarily punish him, and that helps improve his own estel.
Author's reply
Thanks Larner, she isn't doing badly, but very sick for at least four to five days after the treatment. I do try to support her as best I can. Thank you and others for your prayers.
Sunny · 3 October 2016 · Chapter 36: Raguel in Valmar
Heh. Really like Raguel here - did Fiondil "borrow" him from your fanfics on FFN, Shemyaza? I certainly noticed that your Námo (and other Valar seemed to be quite influenced by Fiondil's work. ;-) (And speaking of your own fanfics (and your pro writing too, for that matter) are they permanently on hold?) (Yes, given what is happening in your life, I certainly expect that the more important matter of your sister's diagnosis trumps this, but I did want to ask.) So much win in this chapter: Manwe having kitties, Eönwe sighing, and his book appearing, Maglor ready to slug his elder brother. Among other things. And Maedhros is just delightful!
Author's reply
Haha! Yes indeed, Arthur asked me if it was okay to borrow Raguel, I remember saying that Reguel is in the public domain and that he didn't need to ask permission. I will start writing my fanfics again, it has been a rough four years since my diagnosis of leukaemia and the stem cell transplant. There are times I suffer from terrible fatigue, both physically and mentally and I also suffer a lot of pain from the neuropathy caused by the chemo. I've also ended up with something called Graft Versus Host Disease which hit my skin, so I lost most the layers of skin just after the transplant and had to be hospitalised again, because unfortunately GVHD can be life threatening all on its own. They gave me steroids which helped the skin, but in turn they have given me osteoporosis, so my spine has what they call wedge shape fractures. Consequently I am in a lot of pain because quite simply my back is crumbling. I have to take bone hardeners and Vit D. Add to that the fact that I had to go through two knee replacement surgeries and really I am just seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now. As soon as the fog lifts from my brain, I can publish my second book and go back to finish The Hellmouth. I love Eonwe and his book and I can just see Maedhros excitedly wanting to be with Alexgrant his gwadur! This was the magic of Fiondil, how human all of his characters were!
Dreamflower · 3 October 2016 · Chapter 36: Raguel in Valmar
OK, that was very amusing. I love that Raguel is conversant with mortal expressions, and that the Valar have recognized their own mistakes and fear for their own positions. I am looking forward to Namo's chat with Raguel, but he's going to have to go some the next time he encounters either Alex OR Glorfindel OR Vorondur, because none of them are very happy with "Nate" either. He may have damaged any trust the Elves of Wiseman have for him.
Tari · 3 October 2016 · Chapter 36: Raguel in Valmar
I was sorry to read about the health issues in your family. I pray things improve for you.
Author's reply
Thanks Tari, every little helps, so far things as going as expected.
KathyG · 3 October 2016 · Chapter 36: Raguel in Valmar
LOL! It seems that without even meaning to, Raguel has freaked everyone out, especially Namo, I suspect. I wonder if Fiondil had any plans to include a reborn Fëanáro with the others for the final battle? Too bad there's no way to found out.
Author's reply
Isn't it just? There are so many things I would love to ask Arthur. Still so sad that it isn't possible. :(
UTfrog · 3 October 2016 · Chapter 36: Raguel in Valmar
These chapters keep getting better and better! Am I correct that the reborn in the chamber were Sador, Gil-Galad and Maehdros? Thanks so much for all the hard work.
Author's reply
Yes indeed, they were there. Lovely chapter. Thorough enjoy every time Fiondil took his characters to Valinor! It gave a special feeling to the story I think.