Reviewer: It Was Me Signed [Report This]
Date: June 30 2023 9:43 PM Title: Strength of Character

I know I said that fantasy settings aren't really my thing, but you're kind of pulling me into it with these stories. These characters are a joy to follow, and the quest on which their embarking is an interesting one.

Tyrael is a pretty fun character, as she's an interesting mix of wisdom, mischief, and impulsiveness. And I think that impulsiveness is something I didn't think too much about in The Elf is Innocent, but thinking back on it, it was certainly there, although I just attributed it to less than ideal decision-making skills. but seeing her more focused on in this story, that impulsive nature really does mix well (from an entertainment standpoint) with the wisdom, creating an almost unwitting arrogance; the kind of subconscious arrogance that makes someone think that making backroom deals with vampires is a good idea, but doesn't make you act like an asshole.

Also, I love how her motivation is about as pure is it can get (spending eternity with the one you love) but the means through which she hopes to accomplish this is as dark and sinister as it can get. That's a pretty engaging contrast, and it's already played out so well, even before those two opposites are forced to clash.

And it's nice to see Arthur fleshed out here. He was fun in the little we saw of him in The Elf is Innocent, but to actually see his simple, laid back personality in this elven setting is pretty neat. He also shows that he's a bit quicker on the uptake and braver than I thought he would be as a candlemaker, but then again, he was also a soldier at one point, so that kind of makes sense.

I really appreciate the way that the relationship between Arthur and Tyrael is illustrated in this story. Yeah, this is kind of a harem story, with all of the elves (and probably adding an orc to that mix as well), but I feel like the differences in Arthur's interactions with the two apprentices really serves to highlight the more intimate nature of Tyrael's feelings for him.

I'll start by saying that I think Elwyn and Tina (classic elf name, by the way) really do care for Arthur in their own way, even if their narrow worldview limits the terms in which they can consciously consider this friendship. I also think that if Arthur didn't love the things they did to him as much as they loved doing them to him, they wouldn't do them to him.

However, I think it would only be guilt that would stop them. I don't think his enjoyment is something that matters to them in terms of their own. It's more like the fact that he likes it makes it okay for them to do these things, but they would enjoy them either way, if not for them knowing that it's wrong to do them to an unwilling human.

With Tyrael, I think her time with Arthur means more to her because he enjoys it as well. Throughout the story so far, every time she's done something to/with him, she has asked him questions about it, referenced previous conversations, or done something that both answers a need of his and led to fun for the both of them. In other words, when she shrinks him, she's focused on him; when the apprentices shrink him, they seem more focused on the stuff they're doing to him and his baser reactions then the tiny human himself.

Between that contrast and the subtle ways throughout the story that show that Arthur makes Tyrael happy even beyond her being able to toy with him, their relationship really stands out in an endearing, charming way.

However, while Tyrael's feelings for Arthur are pretty apparent, I'm left wondering exactly what forms of romantic relationships are common in elven society, if any are common at all. Tyrael doesn't seem to mind sharing Arthur (even with a hypothetical amazon), but Elwyn does feel the need to ask Tyrael before shrinking him even a little, which implies some form of possessiveness on the archmage's part.

So I guess I'm wondering if you might provide some detail into elven relationships in this world, unless doing so would spoil something later in the story, of course.

Also, while I'm asking questions, what is the average lifespan of an elf in this world? Are they immortal? I was kind of getting that impression, but then Varnay seemed to offer to turn both Arthur and Tyrael, so now I'm thinking maybe not?

And if Tyrael isn't immortal, but is actually seeking to make Arthur that, then she's really just putting him in the same position she's in now, isn't she?

I can't explain why, but "does their god even lift" has instantly become one of my favorite insults. It just really cracked me up for some reason. Also, just the thought of deadlifting mountains made my lower back ache. I know, I know, you're supposed to lift with your legs.

Excellent work as always! I look forward to seeing with this goes!

Author's Response:

As always your reviews are a joy to read and dissect. I know you don't usually like Fantasy but I've got a deep catalogue of it if you like this one lol.

Tyrael is the inverse of the Dunning-Kruger effect, or at least she's it from the opposite side lol. She's gotten too powerful and knowledgeable for any peers to tell her that she's making a bad decision, she doesn't have anyone to consult on these matters except the ancient vampire who obviously wants her to fall into a bad situation. Obviously things will go to a bad place by the end of this story, a place Tyrael would have easily seen if it was anyone other than herself involved.

Elwyn and Tina definitely care about Arthur, but not in the same way Tyrael does. I think you just about covered it, they would feel bad if he didn't like it, and Tyrael likely wouldn't have taken them as apprentices if they didn't (keep in mind she specializes in magic to counter human militaries) at the same time yeah their relationship isn't as deep. I'll try to get into how relationships in the Elven realms work, there are elven men but as I've said before I mostly like the women so that's who we see lol. Tyrael definitely has a certain possessiveness over our dear former Candlemaker. He's bringing her a happiness she hasn't had in a long time, I will expand on her (platonic) relationship with Emperor Gustav in the next few chapters, and why she's so paranoid about losing a human friend to mortality.

Elves in this setting are "immortal" in the sense that they don't die from age or disease (usually). We'll dive into it a bit more, but average lifespan of the elves is still only in the upper triple digits due to sheer mortality factors, if you look at average human mortality from war and workplace accidents I feel like you get a good idea of the Elves. Tolkien addressed this himself somewhat, Elrond, Galadriel, and Thranduil are some of the oldest elves by the time of Lord of the Rings, you might say Tyrael is similarly kind of a standout among the elven population.

Anyways I hope to see more reviews of my fantasy stories in this universe, I yearn for the day you post a review of Amazon Country lol.

Reviewer: Sg20855 Signed [Report This]
Date: June 27 2023 5:17 AM Title: Strength of Character

Thank you for another chapter. This one felt more wholesome, with Tyrael getting excited about the hypotheticals of what if Arthur had more time, and likewise, Arthur praising Tyrael for who she is. I like the building of their relationship so far, it's pretty cute.

I also dig the reference to the fitness cults God. And likewise, I'm always up for an Orcess character, so its nice to see the addition of Naz, every good party needs a tank after all. I wonder how she will react to all of the shrinking shenanigans and if she'll partake.

Overall, a nice incremental chapter to move the story along. As always, great stuff.