el_esteleth
· 21 April 2007
· Chapter 45: Down Deep
I enjoyed this chapter. It was very emotionally charged, not only for Penny, but for everyone arriving at Helm's Deep. I think you did a wonderful job of showing the effect a place can have on the survivors of such horrific events through Penny's reaction to arriving at Helm's Deep.
I did have to laugh at Penny a little though, earlier in the chapter when she told Halladan she wouldn't have shared her pain with him and Arvain if he and Lindir hadn't come and found her. I think turnabout was fair play there: Penny getting a taste of how Halladan felt when she wanted him to talk about his pain. *giggles* Definitely my favorite part this chapter.
The descriptions of Helm's Deep and the land leading up to it were wonderful. The part about Hama's burial mound made me sniffle.
Very well-written chapter, as usual.
Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed reading this chapter.
Es.
Author's reply
Thank you. And yeah, it was fair enough for Halladan to turn the tables a little, but it also goes to show it's one thing to be able to objectively see what others should do in a situation and quite another to be able to do it yourself when you are in a not too dissimilar situation. ;)
Anonymous
· 14 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
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's 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
· 12 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
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's reply
*lol* Thank you for that. ;D Just sorry I can't get them to you any faster.
Aelinmir
· 12 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
Does Penii get to go home?
Author's 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
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
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's 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
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
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's 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
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
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's 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
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
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's 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
· 10 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
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's 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
· 10 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
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's 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.
Kitty
· 10 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
This chapter was worth the long wait, as it was wonderful. You caught the mood of the elves very well, I think, their grief about the parting from Arwen though they had known for decades it would have to happen.
Aragorn proved himself a good King in the way he handled the problem with Corunír. The guy got his punishment and it was made crystall clear he was in disgrace with the new King, but he got the chance to redeem himself and to prove he is not as bad as he seemed over the last days. I truly wonder what will become of him, as his apology was obviously not very sincere, and he seems to have apologised more because it was expected than out of the knowledge how badly he had behaved.
And of course, I was amused about the protectiveness the Rangers show towards Penny, particularly Halladan and Arvain.
Through the rest of the chapter I was crying often enough. The farewells from Arwen are so sad. I felt so sorry for her grandparents and particularly her father. It is heartrending to know they will not see each other again *sniff*
Was rather surprised Elrond summoned Penny to his tent, and definitely speechless as he asked about Cerin Amroth. But after thinking about it for some time, I think he is right – knowing what will happen, even if it is hard for him to accept, is probably better than not to know anything and to worry endless and imagine maybe things much worse. Simply to know that Aragorn and Arwen will be very happy with each other will be a bit of comfort to him.
And I was glad Penny said the twins would tell him about his grandchildren, as it implies they will sail, too. We may not be sure, as Tolkien himself was so indecided, but I still can’t imagine they would do this to their father and chose mortality, seeing how much he suffers from the separation from Arwen. You know, if Tolkien was still alive, I suppose he would have thousands of fangirls at his doorstep, demanding confirmation that the twins chose immortality!
I was deeply touched that Elrond thought about Penny’s own loss even then and tried to convince her to mourn openly, so she herself could heal and move on. And once again I was glad that Halladan was there for her and held her as she wept. He is truly a wonderful guardian for her, always kind and understanding.
Author's reply
Thank you for reading and letting me know your thoughts on the chapter. I'm so glad you enjoyed it all.
I tried hard to present a punishment for Corunir that was both suitable in terms of the gravity of his transgression whilst also showing Aragorn's inate wisdom and kindness. I'm glad you think I managed it! I'm not sure what Corunir's end will be either. I suspect he might find his niche down in the south and stay there for quite some years, battling against the sporadic outbursts from the Southrons, and do quite well for himself in that regard.
Dreamflower
· 10 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
This was so sad and beautiful. You have managed to cram so much emotion into this chapter, and to make the emotion ring true and *real*.
I was just as shocked as Penny when Elrond made his request, and yet, you know it really was a way in which he could have been helped--to be sure that her life would be a long and happy one, and not cut short by mischance.
And I'm glad that she has finally let go to grieve herself. The journey is going to get harder for her, I fear, after Saruman.
Author's reply
Thank you, dreamflower. That means a lot, since it's always realism, as best as I can represent it, that I am aiming for in any chapter.
You know, I was kind of shocked when the idea came to me, but the moment I did, I realised it made complete sense and, for all it would be unbelievably painful for both of them, would be exactly the sort of thing I could imagine Elrond as I have portrayed him in this fic, doing.
The journey is going to get harder, or at least it's not going to get any easier any time soon, you're right.
Eilenach
· 10 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
Ah, so heartbreakingly beautiful! The conversation between Elrond and Penny was just right, full of anguish and hope for healing at the same time. I'm sure it was a great comfort to Elrond to hear that Aragorn and Arwen's love endured, and that Arwen did not have to spend years and years in suffering after Aragorn's death.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm so glad you found that balance in the conversation with Elrond and Penny - that was exactly what I was aiming for, and I'm pleased it came across and seemed to work.
Anonymous
· 10 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
My goodness! What a wonderful chapter- her talk with Elrond truly brought tears to my eyes!
And what a unique way to comfort him.
el_esteleth
· 9 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
This was the most powerful chapter yet. The Arwen/Elrond parting was superbly done. In fact, this entire chapter was superbly done. The scene with Elrond having Penny tell him about Cerin Amroth was very powerful, as well. (Yes, I cried several times throughout this chapter.) And of course, I had to squeeeeeeeeee at the cute Penny/Halladan moments. I thorougly enjoyed this chapter. Very well done. Thank you for continuing to write and share your story.
Es.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you thought so. It's a moment I've slowly building towards for some chapters - indeed I honestly thought I'd be writing the Arwen/Elrond parting chapters back! *lol* I hadn't counted on writing three days of feasting back then, though. ;D
Miss
· 9 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
Oh finaly!!!
You did a supurb jobe on the farerwells! Very touching. I could almost sit next penny and see the lot of them.
Damn,when Penny turned around form elronds tent, I thought 'Noooooo, don't do THAT'(you've written it very well you know. Keeping me at the edge of my seet!).I was WAITING for this. But then after some lines, she got to see Elrond. Yesss!!!!!! I do kind of feel exited when she speakes with him. I don't know why....maybe with all the cirqumstances you put her with Elrond. But I am glad you wrote this part! Like Halbarad, Gandalf (the grey) and Lindir, Penny has a different clossenes with Elrond.
Poor Penny, hopefully Lindir can cheer her up with his songs....
Update soon!!
Author's reply
Thanks - I'm glad you found the farewells realistic and detailed enough to be able to visualise them.
It's interesting, because the two have built up a strange relationship, even though I've not shown them speaking together that often, and in some ways Elrond has always been at some remove from her (unlike, say, Erestor or even Glorfindel). I'm glad that the relationship they have shows, though, because they do have one, it's just much of it was established 'between fics', as it were - after Halbarad left and before we picked up her story again after the War.
Nessa
· 9 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
As beautifully written as ever.....keep the chapters coming. It does not matter how long it takes. Pen-ii's story is now a part of me. Love you much.
Author's reply
Thank you - both for reading and taking time out to comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. :)
Lindelea
· 9 April 2007
· Chapter 44: No Man Is An Island
That's all right. I have almost no time for reading, so slow writing doesn't bother me much these days.
Lovely. I'm so glad that Penny and Elrond cleared the air between them.
And Beregond! You mentioned Beregond! My joy is complete. *g*
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Hee! I thought of you as I mentioned him, too! *grin* At least this time I didn't call him Bergil by mistake. *LOL*
Anonymous
· 4 April 2007
· Chapter 43: Feasting and Farewells
you should make her tell Rhimlath who she is. Then get them to talk about her history and his and then they can get into arguments over wich is actually the superior race. If you get my meaning, it's hard to explain.
Author's reply
I do get your meaning, and it's a nice idea. However, I think it's unlikely she would tell Rhimlath about her past and who she really is. After all, she has not even managed to tell Eleniel or Mireth, and they are very good friends of hers. It is an extraordinary tale, and for all she is believed by very wise and great people (and that in itself would be enough to convince others of its veracity), it's best that the number of people who know are kept to a minimum. It's likely to stay that way.
silvereyes06
· 18 March 2007
· Chapter 37: Dead Man Walking
i think you should get her into a situation where she gets kidnapped or Corunir comes after her with no one to protect her to see how she reacts to it as much as the elves. I love your plot itself though, it is very in dpth and gives up a look at what might actually happen if some one was transported to that time. excellent job
Author's reply
Corunir is travelling with them to Rohan and does crop up again as you wil find out. ;)
Thank you - I'm so glad you have enjoyed it all so far. Thanks also for reading and taking time out to comment. :)
Paladin1420
· 3 March 2007
· Chapter 43: Feasting and Farewells
Technical difficulties have put me behind in my reading so I’ve just got through the last two chapters. Getting up and singing Danny Boy was both brave and brilliant, the words are perfect for the occasion and of course the tune is moving even if the words are foreign. I think you really conveyed the mood in the room well. I’ve often tried to think of songs that would be appropriate for a Middle Earth crowd – Danny Boy was on my list.. Which others does Penny have on her short (sober) list that she thinks would work?
As always, I am looking forward to the next chapter.
Paladin1420
Author's reply
My apologies for not replying sooner. Thanks for taking time out to catch up on the chapters and to leave a comment on your response to the latest plot. I'm so glad you approve of Danny Boy - as have many others. It did indeed seem like a very appropriate song, both generally as you said and also for that occasion. I'd been hoping to mention it for a while and then I suddenly realised that was exactly the right time for her to sing it.
As for what else is on her list, well you have to understand Penny is younger than me (*wink*) so there's probably a couple of things that she knows that I don't. I do think there's a couple of Simon & Garfunkle songs on there, or possibly Paul Simon solo (something from the Graceland album perhaps?) - her mother would have had those kicking about somewhere. If it was me I would include a Jethro Tull song or two, but dunno if Penny would know those. It's always possible, though. I reckon she's been trying to remember the words to a few Chris de Burgh songs (again - her mother's record collection), and the full words to a few traditional songs she might know of, such as "Molly Malone". But anything slowish with reasonable lyrics would do, IMHO. :)
Apologies for the delay in getting the next chapter done - life is even more chaotic than usual, and likely to remain so for the forseeable future. The chapter IS coming, just slowly.
Aitra
· 13 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Feasting and Farewells
I've just found your story and I wanted to say that it's well written and excellent. Please post the next chapter soon, I can't wait to see what happens...
Author's reply
Thank you, and thanks also for daring to read the entire thing from scratch even though it's now so hugely long!
As for chapters - well, RL is incredibly busy and, as you've possibly noted in more recent Author's Notes, I can't vouchsafe how quickly chapters arrive these days. Current advice is assume a chapter a month and if I can get it out quicker, so be it, but sometimes it can be longer than that (even a lot longer). However, the moment a chapter is done it's sent to the betas and the moment they return it it's posted - that much I CAN say. :)
Miss
· 12 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Feasting and Farewells
Nice!!!!
Author's reply
:) Thanks for taking time out to read and comment.
Miss
· 12 February 2007
· Chapter 42: Farewells and Feasting
That was a great chapter!!!
Up to the next one!!!
Author's reply
Thanks - glad you liked it. :D
Bodkin
· 12 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Feasting and Farewells
Arvain and Halladan ... what a typical brother moment!
The farewell between Arwen and Penny was very touching - and I'm not at all surprised that the elves are finding this difficult to cope with.
While Penny is remarkably skilled at putting herself in just exactly the wrong place at the wrong moment! Between the young Rohir and Corunir, she had a good night!
Dreadful as the parting of Arwen and Elrond is, in some ways they probably both want it to be over now. It's not, after all, going to get any better for being dragged out. Poor them.
Author's reply
Arvain and Halladan ... what a typical brother moment!
Hee - glad you thought so.
I agree about Elrond and Arwen not wanting to have it dragged out. I am writing the following morning now and that seems to be the only way to look at it. What with packing the camp up and reading for the off there is actually little time for sentimentality in an odd kind of way.