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Okay, NOW Panic! by Boz4PM	18 Review(s)
Pearl Took	Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 6/27/2007
You write as one who is familiar with grief. This is deep and sensitive and altogether beautiful. Author Reply: Thank you, I'm very glad you think so.

	Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 4/14/2007
you are such a great writer. I was laughing and crying, mostly crying, through out the first story adn these chapters have been no different. I think she should talk to Lindir about what will happen when they get back to imladris. and what will happen when he leaves for the west. Author Reply: My apologies for not replying to this sooner - I honestly thought I had and have only just come across it once more! hangs head Thank you - I am so very glad you have enjoyed the story so far. Penny is wary about talking to anyone about her 'foreknowledge' at the moment, given there is still much to pass with Saruman and the Shire. It might well be the case that she will speak to someone about it, but we have yet to see if that will happen. ;)

Abra	Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 4/12/2007
Holy cow! I'm so excited you've updated!! I just wanted to express my joy. I haven't read the new chapter, yet ... so I better go do that. I'm so happy!! Author Reply: lol Thank you for that. ;D Just sorry I can't get them to you any faster.

Aelinmir	Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 4/12/2007
Does Penii get to go home? Author Reply: As the story stands, all we know currently is what Gandalf said to her back in Minas Tirith: that as best as he can fathom she is 'where she is meant to be' and that she should live her life as if she is there forever. Yes, he said it was possible that she might not stay, but he was as certain as he could be that it would not happen - and he is the wisest Maia there is, remember, so his opinion carries quite some weight. I cannot answer more fully than this because it is something that is to be explored in future plotpoints, but have no fear a clear answer WILL be provided by the end. ;)

Daynawayna	Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 4/11/2007
Once again, I get Elrond and Penny!! I love their interactions since "the blow up"; and you do marveously with the nuiances of each character. The scene in the tent was especially touching to see: I, like Penny, would have wanted to offer condolences of any sort, so I had severe empathy with her this time out. And as always, even in the midst of his own grief, Elrond councils her so eloquently. And the scary thing is that he is RIGHT! Of course I'm glad she was able to fall into Halladan's arms... sign me up! LOL I like the relationship they have, even if it's not a romantic one. :) I still think I'd like to see them "together", but now I'm not so sure. There are so many layers to their friendship and I love seeing it grow, especially when it draws Halladan into being an "emotional man". I like that in men because it makes them... I don't want to say vunerable, but I guess that really is the closest word. Can I have Halladan for a weekend please? Oh wait, hubby might not like that.... :D And Corunír... toerag indeed! LOVE the "fantastic 4" converging on him: Halladan, Arvain, Faelon and Aragorn. WOOT! bastard. Got what he deserved for sure! If he learns humility and maturity, he might make a decent noble someday... maybe. This was certainly worth the wait, and I hope RL stops getting in your way... I seriously miss my Panic Fix! :) Author Reply: Thank you. I hoped that avid lovers of Tolkien would empathise with Penny to some degree in her wanting to give some kind of condolences or acknowledge of his pain to Elrond - it's certainly how I would feel as well if I were in her shoes. It only seemed right that Elrond should speak both with wisdom but also with insight into how she might be feeling. Yes, he knows her well, but also he is an elf and a noble and wise elf at that. It is the distinction between humans and elves - they are that much more capable in that regard, something that I've tried hard to show whenever I can: that they are as wise and as kind as they are light-hearted and loving life, both aspects that (sadly) are often lacking from the portrayal of elves in some fanfics one comes across. LOL at your comments on Halladan. grin I'm so glad so many readers have taken to him, and his brother, so much. I'm glad that I've managed to make them rounded enough as characters in their own right for people to be able to respond to them in that manner. Corunir is indeed a toerag. One can only hope that under the glorious reign of a glorious king he might be diverted away from the slippery slope he has potentially started down. I suspect this whole episode will either be the making of him, or if not then all hope is lost.

Paladin1420	Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 4/11/2007
OK, you caught me crying. Great chapter, well worth waiting for. Who would have guessed that Penny telling what she knows would do so much good now, when it could have done so much harm before. I really enjoyed this one. Author Reply: It was a lovely opportunity for me to have Penny use what she knows for some benefit for once, that is true, and I'm glad you saw it in that light. Thanks for reading! :)

AspenJules	Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 4/11/2007
First of all, let me say that this chapter was well worth waiting for, and wonderfully and delightfully LONG. I printed it out (16 pages! not counting the author's note) and saved it till after I'd gone to the gym to do my 30 minutes of hell. Came home, took a HOT shower, then collapsed on the bed and read it through. It was the perfect treat, even if I did cry through most of it. Things I liked(?).. if you could call it that (considering much of it is sad): - Merry refusing to eat a second breakfast, and Pippin not much better. I don't know why, but I liked seeing that they were also affected by these farewells. - Aragorn being as concerned for Elrond as he was for Arwen. After all, he'd known and had a close relationship with Elrond for longer than he had Arwen. It must have been so hard for him, to leave his clearly suffering wife behind, but also to see his father-figure hurting so, and knowing that in essence he was the cause of both of their sorrow. - The discussion about Corunir. I love seeing Halladan and Arvain in protective mode happy smile, and angry Aragorn is truly an intimidating, awe-inspiring sight. His wisdom and benevolence does him proud, even as you know how angry he is about it. I loved Halladan continuing to feel Corunir'd gotten off easy and laughed out when he called him a 'toerag.' giggles - The farewells to Arwen. This is about where I started crying, and pretty much it didn't stop after that, lol. Arwen and Elrond's farewel was heartbreaking, for all they'd had decades to get used to the idea. Knowing something is going to happen doesn't lessen its impact when it does. Elrond was so noble and sad, Aragorn concerned, Eomer and Eowyn supportive... it was just beautifully written. - Everyone's concern for Elrond. Their gentle care and watchfulness on his behalf was ... I can't think of a word to describe it. It made me feel all warm inside. He needed it and he certainly deserved it, and it did everyone credit. Even Penny when she headed for his tent, wanting to help (though I was screaming at her "NO NO NO don't do this!" LOL), but realizing she shouldn't and couldn't, even before the Twins stopped her, as gently and kindly as they did. - The discussion with Elrond! (Have you gotten the clue that it was pretty much the whole chapter that I loved?) I gasped when I realized what he was asking her. I mean, what if it had been terrible? Thank heavens she was able to tell him they lived long (for a human, anyway) and their love never failed, and they had a son and daughters, etc. His concern for her, and their relationship as it has developed, is just beautiful to see. - Of course I loved it at the end when she ended up in Halladan's arms, crying out her grief, and Arvain close by to help. You know... after I read that, and before reviewing... that chapter was so powerful that I wanted to go back and see Penny how she was when she first arrived.. and ended up reading all of Don't Panic all over again, in a day and a half! And it just makes this whole chapter more powerful. I think that I can honestly say that it is my favorite so far, of all the chapters of both stories. OK, this is horribly long but I just had to let you know how much I loved it, and how much I'm looking forward to the next chapter. You did say it was already partially written, right? I want to see the conclusion and consequences of her collapsing into tears with Halladan and Arvain. grins Author Reply: 16 pages? Is that all? It was around 22 I think for me in Word. ;D Thanks for picking out all the moments that stood out for you. I'm glad you included the bit with the hobbits, as well as Aragorn being amongst those worrying for Elrond. I felt it was important to include both of those. It was not only about Arwen and Elrond in this chapter. Tolkien deciding to leave Arwen behind and then have Aragorn travel with Elrond was a tough think for me to work through in my own head, to find a reason for it and make it work, but the idea that Elrond and Aragorn came to their own understanding about this years before, that they are still foster father and son to some extent, who love each other dearly, was important for me to get across. Knowing something is going to happen doesn't lessen its impact when it does Very true. Also, having been through something once does not mean it won't be just as difficult a second time: as Penny will find out when she arrives at Helm's Deep. It will be not dissimilar to when she first arrived at Minas Tirith, and for similar reasons. I'm so glad the Elrond and Penny seen moved you (and other readers) so. It was moving to write it, to be honest. Thanks for reading and taking time out to review. :D (And, yes, the next chapter is at least halfwayd done, if not a little more - she's already arrived at Helm's Deep). ;D

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 4/11/2007
Poor Elrond. But it's better he should know what Penny knows. He's had a long time to learn to deal with difficult situations, one way or another. And Penny is in Halladan's arms. That's promising. Author Reply: Indeed. Elrond more than anyone else has had to deal with bitter knowledge of an impending fate, let alone the fear of what might happen (as in the case of Celebrian). I think this knowledge will do a lot to help him find some sort of peace within his distress. And Penny is in Halladan's arms. That's promising Oh, aye? ;D cackles and says nothing

Mopsy	Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 4/10/2007
oh, what a glorious chapter. I really love the quiet closeness Penny and Elrond have. it feels like their companionship is based on mutual understanding, despite the fact that one is just a young woman far from home and the other is a great, wise, ancient (beautiful) creature of a higher race. he seems to feel quite paternal towards her which is nice because pen really missed out in that respect. And it was nice to see that she could offer him some comfort - it's good that she can do something significant for him. poor penny. She must be so sad. i'm housebound with my right hand out of action so this chap has really made my week. Author Reply: Sorry to hear you're not well - hope your hand is mended soon. :\ I really love the quiet closeness Penny and Elrond have. it feels like their companionship is based on mutual understanding, despite the fact that one is just a young woman far from home and the other is a great, wise, ancient (beautiful) creature of a higher race Thank you for that! They have come on quite a journey together in terms of their relationship, when you consider how he was with her way back when in Imladris at the first questioning. Penny is, indeed, incredibly low right now. Something that will be explored further in the next chapter.

Cornelia	Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 4/10/2007
You had me floored with this chapter! Simply great - and so heartwrenchingly sad! I saw the revelation for Elrond coming even from the last chapter. I knew it had to come somehow, but I didn´t know how. There was no way Penny would have done that on her own although she tries to do something to ease his grief. And then he asks her straight out for Cerin Amroth! OMG! Just one thing: You let Penny tell him about `many´ daughters, but nobody knows how many daughters Tolkien really has meant. It could be two or ten daughters...g The `will-Elladan-and-Elrohir-really-sail-West´problem has already been mentioned. Once again: Simply great! Thank you! Author Reply: Thanks for mentioning the thing with Aragorn's daughters. I'd actually made a mental note to change the 'many' to something else that didn't indicate such a definitely large number since, as you say, the number is uncertain (though, for myself, I think it's at least three if only because I think if it were only two Tolkien would have perhaps said so). I shall edit that when I get a moment - thanks! :D As for 'will the twins sail West' - it's not certain, but there is something (I think in the Letters?) that actually seems to indicate pretty clearly that they do sail. I shall try and find the reference and reply once more with it if I can. :) If Penny hadn't been in such an emotional state, though, she might not have said what she did about them, or certainly not been so certain. Then again Halladan seemed surprised when she raised a question mark over them sailing and I think if they were considering not sailing she might have got to hear about it by now - I think she takes the fact that no one's mentioned it even as a possibility as a positive sign in favour of their sailing, thus making her more confident about coming out with something like that. Also Elrond didn't contradict her when she said it. I'm glad you enjoyed (if that's the word) this chapter - and thanks ever so for both reading and taking time out to let me know your response to it. :) Author Reply: Ah, right, I've found it and misremembered what it was saying (due to the context of the conversation in which it came up). So ignore part of what I was saying. All it says in the Letters is that it was not necessary for them to sail WITH Elrond for them to still retain their immortality - that all they needed to do was sail at some point. It does say their fate is unknown, though. I would still maintain that, for the purposes of my fic, they will sail, if only because I cannot bear to think that they wouldn't - poor Elrond has been through enough without them leaving him also. And for the purposes of that scene, the reason why Penny says what she says is I have just explained it. :) Besides which, simply because Elrond thinks it is what will happen and it is what Penny hopes will happen, does not mean that it will actually happen, either.

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