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Okay, NOW Panic! by Boz4PM	17 Review(s)
Inglor	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 7/25/2006
I think I have blathered enough in previous reviews and other venues that you know how I feel about this story and your writing. Now, on to the the review: Pow, right in the kisser. Like the proverbial girl in the horror flicks that takes the proverbial spill as the baddie is chasing her. Penny just keeps taking those spills, I can't wait to see how you extricate her from this one. The possibilities are endless. Hard lesson you just taught her. This incident is so much worse than "Balrog". As was said in previous reviews, she can't unsay anything and now has to live with it, though her anger was initially justified. But I did like how you portrayed Elrond. I should know better by now not to expect you to write what is expected but...his reaction was more intimate than I...expected, not that she was talking to him like that, that too but more so that she should know him better. Yet another aspect of 21st century city girl dumped into ME. She went from a big city where you can be short with people and get away with it nor do your actions have such dire consequences to a place where every word can mean life or death and like in a small town, everybody knows everybody and you can't go off half cocked because you will have to see them tomorrow and the next day, and the next, etc, etc. Poor Penny. You are evil and cunning and the Supreme Mistress of the Cliffhanger. Author Reply: Like the proverbial girl in the horror flicks that takes the proverbial spill as the baddie is chasing her. Penny just keeps taking those spills lol That's an excellent analogy. Especially for this chapter, because you could just SEE she was doing the wrong thing right from the get-go - the equivalent of 'no, don't go off by yourself and into that dark wood all by yourself... oh, you did. Well, don't say I didn't warn you.' snigger I also think your analogy of the 'small town' society is a very appropriate one as well. It's also a cultural thing. I know a lot of people of different nationalities in RL, and one thing I have noted is that in the UK you can say stuff, especially if drunk or angry, and even if it upsets people there is a level at which it's not wholly serious. Elsewhere, every insult has to be carefully weighed - if you swear, or insult someone's family, or cross a certain line you had better be prepared to back it up: things are taken far more seriously. Personally I think the latter is better, since it makes people more careful about what they say, and only say things they mean. And thank you for your comment about Elrond. I perhaps have not had much opportunity to show it, given one fic ended when it did, and the other picked up some time after the end of the War, but during that time Penny and Elrond would have got to know each other quite well - there has always been a certain level of reserve, since she is aware of who he is, his station but I'm glad what closeness they have showed through in how they interacted in this scene. :) Author Reply: You are evil and cunning bows I thank'ee. ;D Supreme Mistress of the Cliffhanger LOL I should have that made into a plaque and hung on the wall!

Eruvyweth	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 7/24/2006
I've been reading this and its "prequel" every chance I could get the past three or four days, and, though the long hours of staring at and scrolling down a screen have taken their toll, I am absolutely ravenous for more. I love Penny's character and the way you've ventured down the paths of psychology with her development. The number one best thing about this fic is how informed the author is, whether it be obscure descriptions of Tolkien's or historical knowledge of everyday life in older cultures or medical research or whatever. You seem to have a lot of great people helping to connect you with this stuff and it is strikingly evident in the story and makes it all the more real for the reader. The second, and very close at that, best thing about this fic is Penny's not being a Mary-Sue and, more specifically, not having a stereotypical love interest (at least at the moment...? I admit that Halladan is getting a little bit borderline...). Not that there's anything wrong with romance, but so many stories (even published books) have to have romance in their plot or the author can't cope. You've succeeded in giving your heroine some intimate, genuine opposite-sex friendships which, in the mainstream media that tells you "any male is instantly potential lover material for any female who knows him", is very refreshing and sweet. While I admit I WAS rooting for Lindir and Penny to "realize their feelings for each other", I think the quality of the story is enhanced by them just being friends. (And of course I wouldn't think any less of your story if you did give Penny a "true love". I'd just prefer it to be Lindir, that's all. [D) Lindir is, by the way, officially the coolest character ever. At least in your interpretation. I want to see more of him as a warrior, though. One last thought: As a student who craves languages and is studying two on top of her first language already, I have found that I sympathize strongly with Penny having to cope with both Sindarin and Westron simultaneously...but it must be a hundred times worse without Xeroxed worksheets. Maybe even a thousand times. shudders If Penny ever gets sent back to our time by Eru, I want to meet her. You'll have to give me her contact info. :) Update soon or face the wrath of the desperate reviewer. ~Eruvyweth Author Reply: Well, thank you for taking time out to read this hulking great thing (it just keeps expanding! lol), as well as stopping to let me know your thoughts and response so far - much appreciated. :) I'm very glad you have enjoyed it all so far, and that you have found the fic to have depth and breadth (and the characters also). Lindir is, by the way, officially the coolest character ever. At least in your interpretation. I want to see more of him as a warrior, though. Not really been any opportunity, though we've had hints and glimpses - he protected the borders of Imladris, was one of those dealing with the orcs in the mountains, as well as the little incident in Rohan. I suspect, though, that even once this fic is finished these characters will not leave me alone. I will not start another whole fic, but I suspect there may be scenes, short fics or one-shots that insist on being written, and some may well be about Lindir, especially his earlier life - losing his brother on the Dagorlad, and his betrothed. So some may well include him in warrior mode. ;) One last thought: As a student who craves languages and is studying two on top of her first language already, I have found that I sympathize strongly with Penny having to cope with both Sindarin and Westron simultaneously...but it must be a hundred times worse without Xeroxed worksheets. Maybe even a thousand times. shudders Indeed. And also not really any means of writing stuff down and taking copious notes (with the Westron anyway). That said, she is immersed in the language in day-to-day life, which goes a long way to make up for it. They do say the best way to learn a language is to be surrounded by it - to be in daily contact with people using that language. That has helped her enormously because she is no natural linguist. She is also still not wholly fluent in Sindarin. At times I do make her speech a little more stilted than it would be if she were talking in English, though I dunno if that comes across - probably not. lol

Nessa	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 7/24/2006
Hello! I just wanted you to know that usually I dont leave reviews,but after reading"Dont Panic,I just had to start reading this one too.You have totally held my interest in each story,and I can hardly wait for the next chapter.I am an avid Tolkien fan,and have been for years.Ive read all his writings,and own all three movies,and the books.Ive even began to learn to learn the elvish language.I read alot of the stories on SOA. I once started reading a story on SOA about Legolas waking from a coma in our world these days.After a few chapters,it was just too far fetched.You on the other hand,you chose to put one from our world into Middle Earth,with the things we know of the story in our world.I must say to you....most excellent writing!! These two stories are awsome! I look each day for the next chapter.It's just like I could never put his writings down...I had to read more.When the movies came out,I actually went to the theater to see what would happen next,after years of not seeing a movie in a theater.This is without a doubt the best writing Ive read here tho there are some of the writers here I do like alot.After reading the first story,and following this one,I thought you might like to know how much Ive enjoyed them.I hope you get the next chapter up soon,and thank you for posting these stories.They are sooooo very good! Have a wonderful night,and I'll be looking for the next chapter.I just hope it ends like I'd love for it to.Thanks again,Linda aka Nessa. 'Namarie melon amin! Author Reply: Well, thank you so much for taking time out to review this if reviewing is not normally something you do - it is much appreciated. :) I'm so glad you have enjoyed the stories so far, and only hope the rest can live up to your expectations. Thanks for reading! :D

Fire	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 7/23/2006
O boy, you've really done it this time another great chapter to make me cry about. Poor Penny and poor Elrond, they both are angry and hurt because of what the other has said. And they both have a right to be, eventough if they think clearly about it they will know that neither of them really ment to hurt the other. Author Reply: I think you've given a very balanced and fair summary of the situation there. Thanks for reading and reviewing - glad you enjoyed (if that's the word) the chapter. :)

Mopsy	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 7/23/2006
And it started so well... If I could have tackled her gagged her with her own hair, I would have. She's definitely going insane. wails Author Reply: LOL You know, I do believe that is exactly what Penny needs: a gag. Ai, I'm such a cow to the poor girl, I really am!

AspenJules	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 7/22/2006
Wow Boz. What can I say? I couldn't even review this chapter when I first read it because it affected me to an uncommonly high degree. I felt so sad for Penny. She knows she'll never feel comfortable or fit in with the Gondorian society, and now I wonder if she'll ever feel comfortable in the Elves company again. I mean, perhaps with individual elves like Lindir, or Mireth and Eleniel, but with Elrond that upset with her, how could she possibly live in Imladris again? Apologizing, no matter how sincerely, can never take those words back, and unless Elrond can truly, and compassionately and lovingly forgive her words, I doubt she'll ever feel comfortable there again. Not that he didn't ask, even insist on her talking to him when he saw how upset she was. He's supposed to be one of the Wise, isn't he? He shouldn't have pressed her, I think. He KNOWS her tendency to feel things intensely and speak somewhat without thinking things through when in the grips of great emotion. They had just put her through a whole cartful of stress, and then she still was trying to control her words and emotions at the end, and he pressed her anyway. I don't hold him blameless. On the other side, the talk with Halladan and Penny (up to that one point) was very satisfying. I'm glad they've gotten that out into the open. I think if I was her, however, I would be so depressed about it all that I would hesitate to join the Dunedain society too, for fear of what I would do to mess that up. I think I'd be at the point of finding a nice secluded cave and living by myself. I really couldn't believe how depressed and discouraged I was at the end of this chapter. OK, I was kind of emotional before I even read it but it affected me unusually strongly. I have two requests - please let up on poor Penny for a bit, and please, update soon? Author Reply: Apologizing, no matter how sincerely, can never take those words back Exactly. A line has been crossed, and whatever may come, the memory of that moment will always be there - just as she will never forget the moment Elrond exploded at her when he learnt of the death of Gandalf. Even if Elrond utterly forgives her and completely understands (which is by no means certain), will Penny ever forgive herself? She has a tendency to take things on herself, take things to heart and it's unlikely she will feel quite the same about Elrond ever again, if only because she will never forget this - so things will be affected, even if only from her side, and it may yet be from both sides. We shall see. Your point about her being wary to even join Dunedain society, if it's ever given as an option, is a valid one. Right about now she'd like the ground to open up and swallow her, thank you very much. Either that or wake up, find herself in hospital and discover the entire thing was a coma-induced dream. No such luck on either of those, though. I will update ASAP - the chapter is nearly done and then needs to be beta-ed, so hopefully within the next few days. :)

miss	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 7/22/2006
oh that was sooo sad....too bad i cant leave a good review, because right now i am on a holiday. Author Reply: Well, so long as you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking time out from your hols to track it down and read it, though! lol Have a nice holiday. :D

Vicki_Turner	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 7/22/2006
Wow.... now, that was an intense chapter! Truly loved it! I guess that settles Penny living with the elves... Author Reply: Thank you. :D And I guess it does. Possibly. Who knows? (Well, me, obviously, but you know what I mean. ;P)

Marianne	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 7/22/2006
Hi! Wow...and...wow! Okay, I had to take a moment to compose myself before writing this review. First of all just let me say that I absoloutely LOVE your stories about Penny. I have to admit (to my shame) that I am not nearly as good at leaving reviews as I should be. I have been following your "Penny-story" since about half way into "Don't Panic" and ever since I have been on SoA at least once a day to check for updates! To say I'm hooked would be an understatement!! I just love your writing. It is funny, thoughtprovoking, emotional and intelligent. Your original characters are well-written and very easy to get emotionally involved with. I really enjoy your "British" way of looking at things and your sense of humour which has me laughing so hard I cry sometimes. (Not a good idea when I'm at work!) As for the last chapter...you had me in tears, for an entirely different reason. I've always had a soft spot for Elrond, with all he's gone through in his life. And although I found both of their reactions understandable at the time they occurred, I do hope that they will mend things before this goes too far. I always liked the relationship between Elrond and Penny. I always thought he (as well as Gandalf) understood her a little better as they have their own experiences with foresight. I would hate to see that relationship damaged. That said, I think it was only a matter of time before Penny would crack and lash out at SOMEONE. Their imprompt "interrogation" didn't help matters. Okay...phew this got long in the end, didn't it? I'll wrap it up for now. Just wanted to thank you for the excellent work you are doing, THANK YOU! Best regards, Marianne -Norway- Author Reply: Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a detailed review - it's always nice to hear people's thoughts and responses to it all. I'm so glad you've enjoyed it all so far, and for so many different reasons. You are right about Elrond. There's been an interesting discussion about this chapter and Elrond as I have portrayed him on my LJ. Some think I have made him a little hard and felt he deserved what he got in this chapter. I have perhaps made him a little hard at times, but that's only because I feel he sees himself in the position of guardian and protector for Penny: she is of the household of Imladris for the moment and thus she is his responsibility, so he has taken something of a patriarchal role with her. That has meant being a guiding hand at times, sometimes a firm one. Not only that but he is the elf who could have chosen to become High King after Gil-galad's fall. Aside from that, though, there have been moments when he has shown great understanding of her predicament - particularly at the end of Don't Panic during the scene when she spoke to him about Halbarad, and also the final moment of that fic where she watches Halbarad leave and Elrond gently takes her hand and holds it all that while. As for how damaged or changed their relationship will be by this, then we wait to see.

Daynawayna	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 7/21/2006
:O!!! Wow. I'm just... you did... he.. they... Wow. ::pauses briefly from the shock to jump up and down, clapping her hands and praises the Halladan/Penny Shipper Goddess (aka Boz4PM) for a divine peek into possiblities!::: That was just.. WOW! Boz you are phenominal. Amazing. Incredible. What an intense, emotion-wrought chapter! I am just awed once more by your writing skills and the story you so expertly weave. And let me tell you, Penny has some chutzpah, that's for sure! Telling of Elrond!?!? Yikes! I've only read LOTR twice (I'm on my 3rd read-thru now.. currently at Helm's Deep) and I couldn't think of why the the Dunedain not riding North right away upset her, but then it did become more clear as the chapter progressed. And I do hope we don't have to wait too long for the resolution of this confrontation. We can't leave Penny and Halladan in that kind of limbo now, can we? LOL Author Reply: Thank you. :) I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. As for Penny, well I think if she had not been quite so furious and emotionally overwrought it would not have happened. For all she might have thought it, she would not have exploded at him like that. Halladan did try and stop her, but she's a strong-willed madam at the best of times (as we all know), and with her raging inside like that it was almost inevitable.

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