Abra Ahab
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
Okay ... Okay ... Just. Wow. In the past two weeks, I've read the entire installment of "Don't Panic" and "Okay, NOW Panic!" up until this point. I am just so impressed. And so excited to read a fic that is true to canon, and that is a real reflection of what it would be like to have a 21st century woman in Middle Earth. All of your characters have flaws, which is so critical to a successful fiction. Not only that, but you've chosen characters we know little about and expanded on them until I feel they could be my dearest friends.
Thanks so much for the fic! I can't wait to read more.
Author's reply
Thank you: both for taking time out to read the entire thing from start to where we are now, and for stopping to let me know that you have enjoyed it all so far. :) I've just updated (at long last) if you are interested.
Lianne
· 10 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
Dear Boz4PM,
I have been following Okay, NOW Panic! chapter by chapter for quite some time now, and I want to apologize for not leaving a review for the earlier chapters or for Don't Panic!. I would like to let you know that I really, really love Don't Panic! and its sequel. I check almost daily for updates, because when I finish one chapter, I can hardly wait to know what happens next, it's just so intriguing!
I really like Penny, to me, she's real, not too perfect, just an ordinary person, with imperfections and flaws, feelings and emotions. I practically cried all the way through Chapter 35, I was so upset over Penny's 'trouble' with Elrond! I've always liked Elrond, he's one of my favourite elves, and I didn't want him to be angry with Penny.
I also really, really like Halladan! He's just amazing! He's ever so good to Penny, when he isn't irritated with her. I an very much hoping that he and Penny will end up together, because it seems to me as if they're just right for each other, and I will be a little disappointed if they don't.
I'm glad Halladan has spoken to Arvain. Arvain must have been so worried about him. I hope Halladan recovers soon, if that is the right word to use.
I can't wait to know what Penny's decision will be, to return to Imladris, or to Gondor. I hope she won't go back to Gondor, she realy doesn't fit in there in the least, and she'd be miserable there, won't she? Anyway, I hope to find out soon.
I apologize for the long review, hope you don't mind. I just wanted to let you know that I think you're a really wonderful writer, and whenever a chapter of Okay, NOW Panic! is posted, it really brightens the day for me! Hope you update soon!
Author's reply
Never apologise for a long review (or for not reviewing before) - it's wonderful to get any review, let alone one this length! :D Thank you for reading and I'm glad that you have enjoyed it enough so far to still be looking forward to updates. I am not sure when the next chapter will be done - at least another week, I suspect.
Thanks also for your comments on Halladan and Penny, especially that Penny comes across as absolutely ordinary and believable - which is what I have strived to achieve throughout both fics.
Have no fear, Penny will have to make her decision in the next chapter I suspect, or the one after that maximum, since it has to come before the elves leave Edoras. :)
Mopsy
· 8 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
I haven't reviewed the past few chapters but I've been reading as devotedly as ever. You've portrayed an intensely difficult situation in which I'd just give up (Penny's choice/angst over Elrond/angst over Halladan) so well. She's really developing/discovering her own strength and wisdom beautifully. Like a little rose. :) I love the way she's changed so subtly...I remember first really noticing it back in Minas Tirith when, at (I think) the wedding she bridles at the tacit understanding between Erestor and Aragorn that she's there for good, but decides not to make a fuss.
And I'm SO glad we finally get a moment of fluffy-feeling-acknowledgement re:Halladan from Penny.
Author's reply
Glad to know you've been reading and enjoying it all still. And thank you for the description of Penny as an unfurling rose (or for seeing my portrayal of her change and growth as such) - it's a wonderful image, exactly right and matching what I have been trying to build towards in this whole fic, and it's great that you not only think I managed it but found such an ideal metaphor for it.
Pearl Took
· 7 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
*sigh*
This is soooooo good! Arvain and Aragorn both agreeing with what Penny has been saying - that had to be tough on Halladan. As you say, he could nearly ignore it from her, but not from them.
Wonderful, Boz, Wonderful!
Author's reply
Thank you! So glad you liked it. Yeah, poor Halladan was much put upon by all and sundry in this chapter, but he needed it.
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
Lovely lovely chapter! Penny's making some headway with Halladan in helping him to see--as she put it, "the oliphaunt in the tent", LOL!
I really love when she uses modern idioms, and then has to explain them. And I had to snort at her thought on men and multitasking!
I think I am beginning to see what I've been hoping to see wtih Penny and Halladan from the first chapter. I suppose it won't be long until I know one way or the other.
And so will Penny.
Author's reply
Thanks, dreamflower. :D I glad you enjoy the moments of modern or English idioms. It's something that never goes away when you learn a foreign language - either you come up against ones in the language that you don't know or make no sense until explained or else you find it difficult to find an alternative way of expressing something that you would usually use an idiom for in your own language. It's where code-switching comes in so useful when two or more people who both speak the same languages are talking with each other - they can switch from one language to another according to how to best express more accurately whatever it is they are trying to say. Of course Penny doesn't have that luxury - even Erestor's knowledge of English that he's picked up from her is limited - and so ends up having to use English idioms in Sindarin and hope people know what she is trying to say. :D
And as for the last comment: I will neither confirm nor deny anything. ;P
Bodkin
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
Well, I'm glad Halladan talked. Even if he did it at Aragorn's suggestion rather than Penny's! Finding he's not alone will help both brothers.
Penny still knows quite a lot about what's going to happen, doesn't she! That's quite a burden, too - but not one she can share. Except, perhaps, with Elrond or Gandalf, in a vague sort of way, since they both know more than they let on.
She is spending a lot of time in Halladan's company ...
Author's reply
Oh, I don't know that Halladan finally acted only at Aragorn's prompting alone. Far from it. I would like to think that even if Aragorn had not spoken to him that night that he would have spoken to Arvain as a consequence of Penny's conversation with him. He might not have done it that very night, admittedly, but it would have happened relatively soon. I think the conversation with Aragorn simply showed him that people close to him knew, cared, understood, laid no blame on his shoulders, still held him in high regard and could help him if he wanted them too. It must have been something of a shock for Halladan to have Aragorn to basically tell hiim to his face 'I know what you are going through', let alone been some comfort too given the manner we can assume Aragorn would have had with him - sympathetic, wise and comforting. All Aragorn did was nudge Halladan to take the plunge and take it sooner. He would have got there under his own steam, indeed his entire manner with Penny in the conversation prior to Aragorn showing up was meant to show he was trying to make an effort to take on board what she was saying. Towards the end he realises that what she is saying is right - he even admits as much even if he also says he cannot promise he will act on it. However what he actually says is not 'I will not do it' but 'what you are suggesting is contrary to my nature': i.e. 'I know I need to do this but don't know if I can.' The implication is 'I will try if I feel I am able to, but don't force me to make a promise I might not be able to keep'.
The burden of her future knowledge is something touched on earlier back in Minas Tirith but there's been little opportunity to address it further as yet. Her main concern at the moment is the decision she must make in a little over a week's time re. where she will stay. However her knowledge of the Scouring of the Shire will be discussed further in the near future.
She is spending a lot of time in Halladan's company, but not exclusively by any means. She is spending nearly as much time in everyone else's company if not more, but since that is not salient to the plot it's difficult to describe it in too much detail, though the last chapter covered some aspects of it. :) That said, she and Halladan do like each other's company: they both have heavy burdens (if utterly different ones) and that gives them a level of mutual understanding and connection. They are also friends and as guardian/ward it's probably only right and understandable they spend a lot of time in each other's presence, even in larger company.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Bodkin! :D
Kitty
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
Poor Halladan, to have to suffer so much! But it was good to know there are so many who were concerned for him.
I think Penny did a great job in this chapter. Though she knew the dark mood Halladan was in, she risked to make him angry in order to finally help him. She may not have enough medical knowledge to try some sort of therapy or something like that, but she knows enough to realise that to bottle all of it up makes it worse and seems to act instinctively right. And her earlier words, even if he hadn't wanted to hear them, seem to have had their effect on him, considering he finally listened.
Penny's argument how he would feel if it were Arvain who shut up to him and refused to talk was clever, I'd say. It forced Halladan to switch his POV a bit and think of how he affected all the others who loved him. I think that helped a bit, too. And then Aragorn turned up with the same intent as Penny. It confirmed what she said, didn't it? Still, I was glad Penny was the first. Btw, 'The Unmentionable Subject' was a very nice word for the problem.
I was so *very* glad that Halladan in the end opened up enough to talk with his brother, and I hope so much it was his first step to healing. And the moments when he touched Penny's cheek and later when she held his hand were so sweet - and telling. You gave me again a bit hope about the outcome ;)
Again in all this grave mood there are some amusing parts. I loved particularly the bit with the oliphaunt. Didn't know the saying myself, but it fitted quite well here. And Halladan complaining because she acted as a mother to him ... well, maybe that is exactly what he needs?
Oh, and that: A man? Multitasking? Well, wasn’t he the novelty! *rofl* Can it be I am not the only one to being cynical in these things?
Elladan and Elrohir were with seated Arwen Oh, shouldn't this be 'seated with'?
Great chapter, Boz, and I am looking forward to the next, as usual.
Author's reply
Poor Halladan indeed, but he is not the only one, as I tried to show in this chapter. We are seeing his story in detail, but he is only one of several.
I'm glad you approve of Penny's actions in this chapter. I have been trying to build towards this: towards her finally doing something, if unconsciously and instinctively, that is correct for once. She is so unskilled, so out of kilter with the societies she is surrounded by, it's rare she finds something she can actually do without making a hash of it (decorating pottery was one rare example), but with Halladan she can actually do something useful and positive.
And as for the moments of humour... Yeah, well, it's hard to not put stuff like into a chapter. They just leak out of me without me meaning too. The vaguely humourous stuff just itches to get out. *lol*
Author Reply: Oh, and I forgot to say: thanks for pointing out the error. SHould be corrected now. :)
Miss
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
First of all: thank you for answering my question!
It seems that this chapter has to come around: the healing process...
The advice she gives Halladan - “I think that it is only to be expected that you should feel that way. It does not mean it is true, but it is entirely understandable that you think it is. But then just to voice it, if only to a few who know you well, who already know what you cannot express, that may help"- is the one she can take upon herself....But Penny is Penny.
Good chapter!!!!
Author's reply
You're welcome! I hope my answer made sense since it was rather long and rambling. :)
Ah, it's so much easier to see the splinter in someone else's eye and forget the log in your own. ;) Penny has a lot to do herself, it is true, but Halladan's words of advice in the last chapter may yet work their charm, you never know. :D
Thanks for reading and reviewing. :)
Fondy
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
Poor Halladan. I find I admire him more with every chapter. I know how hard grief is. It's such a wretched thing to realise we have limitations in mind and spirit as well as the ones we know so well in our bodies. And the ability to admit those limitations, often the very thing that will heal us over time, is the hardest thing to grasp. His experiences are very accurate to my own experiences with depression. I want to hug him, too. =D
And I liked how you mentioned the 'old Penny.' She really has changed! It made me pause and think about the beginning of her journey.
Humour me for a moment while I talk about myself. ^^; I have two baby meat goats, and one of them is Delphinium and one is Penelope. Penny is the shy one. It's less she who reminds me of her namesake, and more her sister, who will nibble out of my hand.
Author's reply
I find I admire him more with every chapter.
Wow, well thank you for that. I'm so very glad that you can feel such a strong positive sentiment for him - that's great! And yes, what you describe, about how hard it is to admit your failings, and yet how that is exactly what you need to do to start healing, is so very true. Again, I am pleased that you feel I have captured that realistically.
You keep goats? I never knew!
Lady Laurelin
· 3 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
Hi! I know I normally read and review on FF.net, but it was giving me fits tonight, and I didn't feel like waiting to read the newest chapter! I'm so glad Penny finally convinced, if only in a small way, Halladan to share a little of his burden with his brother.
Author's reply
It's still playing up. I managed to post just in time, it would seem, because it went down about thirty minutes after I posted last night and it's still not working this morning. :\ Anyway, at least you found it here - SoA is a lovely spot and I know several people who were reading this on ff.net now read it here instead. :) Thanks for going to the trouble of tracking it down, and I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. :)
el_esteleth
· 3 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
*bounces around with absolute glee at the cute Penny/Halladan moments.. bounces more* I guess it's pointless now for me to admit that for a significant number of the past chapters, I've kind of been hoping that Penny and Halladan might like each other... although who knows what will happen in future chapters. *grins* I love how you handled the subject of Halladan's PTSD. You've done a wonderful job. I really enjoy reading this story. I really loved how Penny was finally able to talk to Halladan without getting her head taken off, and that she was persistent even though it looked like she might be in for a rough go at first. Anyway, I really enjoyed this chapter. I think you made a good point with Halladan about him needing to talk to other people about his difficulties. I really enjoyed this chapter and look forward for more. Thank you for sharing.
Es.~*still appologetic about not leaving a review for the last chapter... *
Author's reply
*lol* I did wonder how much bouncing and squeeage bits of this chapter might induce. Thank you for reading and taking time out to review - I'm glad you enjoyed it, and that you feel I'm managing to portray the PTSD sympathetically.
And don't apologise! Any review - even one - is greatly appreciated!
aelfwine
· 3 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
Loving it as always but when do we see her make nice with elrond? I would hate to think that Imladris is totaly out of the picture for good.
Author's reply
I had hoped to get to Elrond this chapter, but the Halladan plot point took over completely, and I'm actually pleased it did cos this works better than what I had originally intended. I am aiming to get to the point of the elves leaving Rohan by the end of the next chapter which would necessitate her making her decision prior to that happening. :)
Ainu Laire
· 3 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
Wow. That *really* needed to happen. I'm so glad that Halladan finally talked it out a bit... now the healing can really begin. Poor all of them. I can not even begin to imagine the horrors that they've experienced. Fictional or not, I really feel for all of them...
Author's reply
It did need happen, sooner or later, and better sooner than much later in Halladan's case, I think. Thanks for your comments - to know that I managed to paint the picture well enough that you feel for all the soldiers suffering to a greater or lesser extent is lovely to know. :)
mithwen
· 3 September 2006
· Chapter 38: Persuasion
‘Oh, look, there is an oliphaunt in the corner’
That really cracked me up. Not sure what a similar saying would be where I come from. We have something I‘m sure, but I can’t remember right now.
So wonderful to see Halladan finally talking about it. It’s a start.
And the friendship between him and Penny is going well. *grin*
(I’m hoping for something more)
Great chapter as always.
Author's reply
*snicker* It just came to me as I was typing away because that's much the sort of expression I would use if I were talking about that kind of situation in real life and it fitted so well I then could not get it out of my head. Of course, once I had her say it the whole side-track developed of its own accord. ;D
Glad you liked the chapter and approved of Halladan finally biting the bullet and admitting he is ill. :)
Inglor
· 31 August 2006
· Chapter 37: Dead Man Walking
Le calm before le storm?
Author's reply
Oh, almost certainly. ;)
Kitty
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 37: Dead Man Walking
You did very well in describing the departure from Minas Tirith; I could see it all before my eyes. And Meresel’s gift for Penny was touching. It must have been a great consolation for Penny to know that there is at least someone who will truly miss her there. Honestly, I don’t envy her that she has to make this choice, even more so after what happened between her and Elrond. But even without this it would probably be difficult.
The elves and their bathing precautions were quite funny. Not to mention the worry of the other women. (“who knows what sort of strange magic they may get up to in the water”) *lol* They are still quite wary of elves, aren’t they?
I see I was not the only one to be a bit wary of Corunir, either. It is good to know there are some men around to have an eye on him and to protect Penny from his intentions. Hopefully he will get no further opportunity to be near Penny.
After all the suspense in the last chapters this was rather relaxing and a nice respite from Penny tormenting - at least for me, the poor girl herself is still not so happy, I suppose.
Author's reply
Thanks for taking time out to review. I'm so glad the detail summoned up a clear picture for you - always gratifying to hear that that worked for a reader.
I do think that some, particularly those sections of society that would have less regular contact with the elves would still be in awe of them somewhat. You only have to remember Boromir's reaction to entering Lothlorien and the rumours he related that were said about the place in Gondor to realise that much lore and understanding of the elves had been lost. If Boromir, an educated noble, could say such things, then can you imagine what 'fairy stories' were said by the lower classes?
Pearl Took
· 25 August 2006
· Chapter 37: Dead Man Walking
Thank you for all your hard work on this story, Boz. It's hard to do so long a tale and not have things interrupt the writing. I'm always glad to see an up date in my email box :-)
It's late. I'm not thinking very clearly, sad to say.
A wonderful chapter, as always. I am so enjoying this story :-) :-)
Author's reply
Well, thank you for taking the trouble to read it, let alone review. ;) Glad you are still enjoying it all. :D
Lima3081
· 25 August 2006
· Chapter 37: Dead Man Walking
Boz,
Another great chapter. So looking forward to the next one :-) I have a quick question, I’ve tried to envision in my mind who Halladan looks likes with no success, who would you say he is physically similar to?
Lima3081
Author's reply
who would you say he is physically similar to?
Halbarad. ;) Seriously, I have no idea. I tend not to see faces too clearly in my head when I write - it gets in the way of the character a lot of the time. I know their physicality, their build and have an idea of how they look, but not too specifically, though that's not always the case. I also prefer to not over describe characters in such terms and allow the reader to create their own image of them - I am a great fan of radio, and radio drama in particular and I'm sure it comes from that. Also, so often I have read something where the writer has gone to great lengths to describe someone's facial features and I cannot construct a whole from what they describe. The only exception is Dickens, but then Dickens is a genius when it comes to characterisation.
I know how Halladan looks, but I would be hard pressed to describe him to you. He looks like no one I can think of, though there are similarities to some people, perhaps - think any character or actor who is dark haired, fairly rugged and manly and gruffly handsome and you'll probably be there. ;)
miss
· 25 August 2006
· Chapter 37: Dead Man Walking
Apologies accepted...
Like every chapter, you made this chapter full of details, really good. THe details that a reader even didn;t think of, you put it in. Like the cooking-business or the dominant male.
You keep the tension speed up between Penny's rational and irrational feelings...Very good. I'ts like I am waiting for the moment when she finaly has the courage to talk to Elrond about her feelings.
One question: were is Eowyn? I think it rather strange that she didn't go with them. She who tried to protect her Uncle, the king and defeted the witch-king (whatever his name is).
What I find fascinating is that both Halladan (well I would bet that he screamd that night) and Penny have nigtmares.
Well I hope you will update very soon.THis story keeps being better and better!
Author's reply
I so glad you liked that chapter. I will try and update as soon as I am able - I always do - but things are a bit hectic in RL at the moment and likely to remain so (such is life as a mother, lol), so I cannot tell you if it will be soon or another length of time similar to the last one. Obviously, I hope it will be soon, but I cannot guarantee anything.
As for Eowyn, what you have to remember is that what she did, while heroic and of great note - she was declared 'Sheild-Maiden' after all - was out of the ordinary: she had to travel in disguise, and Gandalf himself said that her taking herself to war, as well as the darkness that hung over her even when she was recovering, were the last vestiges of Saruman's hold on Rohan - meaning they were signs of a darkness, a malevolence, something not right.
She was not happy in her role or station. She wanted more - to be a queen, or a warrior, or both, and that was not correct for her to think that way: she should have stayed and lead and protected her people.
Now, we can be terribly modern and say 'that's awful', but frankly that's the society she lives in. That said, Rohan clearly thought much of its women: she knew how to fight and fight well, so she must have been trained. She was also allowed to lead/be left in charge of the people when Theoden and Eomer left for Helm's Deep, so there was no sense of a woman being 'less able' - far from it. Not only that, but she was greatly praised for her deeds on the battlefield. Her riding to war may have been a product of Saruman's evil work, but the result was truly heroic and a great good.
It was only when she accepted Faramir's love, and loved him in return, that she was truly healed - the physical hurt she had suffered was less than the darkness in her heart. She actually says in that exchange with Faramir how she will, from that point on, happily and willingly accept her role and station in life: as a noble woman who will marry a noble man - a wife, a mother, and a woman of power, but not a queen or warrior.
As such, I see it entirely fitting that she stays in Rohan, leading the people in the King's stead, while Eomer goes and does the 'male, warrior's work' of bringing home the body of Theoden for burial. It is right that she should do so. She is not searching for glory or death any more. She is not restless, nor does she feel caged and unhappy. She accepts her role (which is not to say her role is a lesser one, merely different than that for which she yearned when Aragorn first met her) as the King's sister. She will welcome them when they arrive - as host and leader of the people in her brother's stead - and then she will be betrothed to Faramir and will be truly happy at last.
It is, of course, poetic licence, perhaps - another author could decide she would accompany her brother. I do think Tolkien would have mentioned her being there if she had travelled with them, though, and he does not. He mentions Eomer, an eored and a wain to carry the body: this is not a social visit - there are protocols and traditions and all sorts at work here - this is the Rohirrim collecting and burying their King and in my perception of Rohan, that is a very male thing. The eored has not ridden with their wives, children and families: they have ridden as warriors, in formal fashion, to give Theoden full military honours. Eowyn's place is not among them and it never was, as Gandalf's words on her actions make very clear.
aelfwine
· 25 August 2006
· Chapter 37: Dead Man Walking
I am enjoying this story very much and I love the part about penny's nightmares . I wonder if elves ever get that naked in front of the world horror in their dreams? I also liked the way you handled the kid with the crush . OMG Penny probally is older than she looks considering she has had up till now what has been an easy life compared to gondorians or rohirric life. Not only gutting ones one meat but hauling water from the river , stoking the wood stove in the morning , baking all ones own meals from scratch. Darning without a sewing machine, etc. I wonder what the kid would think if he finds out she's older than she seems compared to other mortals in those times? I check for updates to this story almost daily . (that is how hooked you have me)
Author's reply
I always got the impression elves were more in control of their 'dreams' (which are not true dreams, since their sleep is not actual 'sleep'), but I do not have the wording in front of me, so it could be I am misremembering. I would imagine Penny does not 'look' her twenty-four years to many there, but that said, there would be a difference in the mortal classes do not forget: most of the nobility in Gondor would not do menial work, so in that sense she would be no different from them. They also do not live in modern cities where the pollution levels alone can affect your health, skin and general well-being: there food would be chemical free, their air relatively clean, etc. She would perhaps look younger than a lowly farmer's daughter of the same age, but compared to a lady of Gondor she's about equal, I reckon. Don't forget she's also surrounded by elves - who all look young even if they are millenia old. ;)
I'm so glad you have enjoyed the story so far. I don't know how long the next chapter will take me - just to warn you since you check frequently for an update. I would hope it would be up within a couple of weeks, but nothing is certain. :)
Daynawayna
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 37: Dead Man Walking
Another wonderful chapter Boz. I really feel for the soldiers, especially the one who had the dream. There was so much in this chapter that I can't even begin to comment on it all...especially since I was reading it at work (printed it out even) when I was SUPPOSED to be focused on work.... ::giggle:: Oh well! :)
And I totally understand the delay in posting... at least you haven't done to your readers what I did to mine.... I took a 5 year hiatus from writing in the middle of my story! Ok, my MUSE took the hiatus against my will and wishes, but when she came back.. whoa nellie! LOL
I am looking forward to more of the story, no matter how long it takes! :)
Author's reply
Thank you, daynawayna, I'm glad you liked it. *wags finger at you for reading it at work, though - naughty woman! ;P*
5 years?! O.O Wow. Okay, that beats my 18 months, then - which is what happened to this story, right after chapter 5, when RL hit with a vengeance, including illness and pregnancy. *lol*
AspenJules
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 37: Dead Man Walking
OH, welcome back, Boz!! Sorry to hear about your difficulties this summer - glad it was nothing serious. Hope you managed to have fun, regardless. Thanks for continuing to write in spite of it all, and your work is certainly worth waiting a little extra time for, especially considering how delightfully long all your chapters are. They are a treasure!
ROFL... ok, to start off with, I love the image of elves poking everywhere, investigating, not quite getting underfoot but... especially in the kitchen. I could just see them permeating the city with their inquisitiveness and 'helpful suggestions.' The Head Cook's 'soup revenge' was entirely understandable... LOL - too too funny!
The descriptrion of them all leaving Minas Tirith was wonderful, if very sad. The contrast between their arrival and their leaving was so beautifully done, I felt like I was there myself. I especially loved the conversation between Penny and Meresel, and Meresel's gift to her. It sounds like a beautiful ring, and what a lovely keepsake.
Poor Penny, however, to have another reason not to go back to Minas Tirith, in having to deal with Corunir. In spite of the teasing, I'm glad the others are taking it seriously that it is *not* a *match.* Another reason not to go back, which had not previously occurred to me, was how it would be for Halladan, who would surely settle near her, to have to be there. Hopefully that will mean she won't be going back, though I will miss Elenial and Meresel and even Arwen in the storyline around Penny. I also feel for her that she is finally starting to come to terms with the fact that if she stays, no matter where she stays, she must face the prospect of forever gut[ting] her own rabbits, pluck[ing] her own ducks, hand wash[ing] her own dresses, never eat[ing] chocolate again and never wear[ing] a bra. Having spent some time 'roughing it' camping this summer... well, I still had showers and access to laundry rooms, not to mention chocolate. Yikes... what a prospect!
I'm glad that it came out, and Penny became aware, that others were having similar troubles to Halladan, and that even Elves deal with it to some extent. I hope that eventually Halladan will take Penny's advice and go to someone among the Elves who might be able to help him. *crosses fingers... and a few toes for good measure*
Well, all in all, a great chapter, and no Penny in trouble, either! YEA!! I don't hold out much hope that it will continue, but I'll take it while I can get it, LOLOL.
Author's reply
Thanks for taking time out to review - glad this chapter amused as well as entertained. :D I've been trying to get the stuff with the cooks in for a while, so this was the last chance to talk about it, but I imagine they've been trying certain sections of the Minas Tirith populace slowly crazy! *lol* And I'm so pleased you liked the little conversation with Meresel - Penny has made a good friend in her, despite their very obvious different outlooks on life.
paranoidangel
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 37: Dead Man Walking
I'm really enjoying this. It's so long but I never want it to end because then what will I look forward to? :) Poor Halladan, though, I hope he gets better.
Author's reply
Thanks - I'm glad it's still enjoyable to read. I suppose all things have to end at some point, right? But not for a few chapters yet. ;)
Dreamflower
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 37: Dead Man Walking
A wonderful chapter as always. I was particularly struck by the little moment with Pippin, and knew at once what it was about--and was glad to see my guess confirmed by your not.
Corunir is a twit. He'd be mortified and furious to realize what everyone thinks of him--yet he would never admit that they are right. He'd be more likely to take the "me against the world" attitude. So adolescent! But I loved Penny's horrified reaction! LOL! That was hilarious--especially as she tried to explain the idiom about "as far as she could throw him"!
And I *really* loved Halladan's reaction to finding out what the twit's little game was...a shame he was stopped from acting on it. Twit deserved it.
It's a shame she cannot bring herself to talk to Elrond yet. True he was angry and hurt. But he has millenia of experience in forgiving people, and a sense of perspective--she's the one who can't let go of it. Not able to forgive herself--gives her a lot in common with Frodo, actually.
As the parties come closer and closer to the "splitting up" point, there's going to be a lot of pressure on her--not only her big decision of what to do with her life, but her knowledge of what is facing the hobbits at home, and Frodo's ultimate choice is also going to prey on her mind.
Looking forward to more!!
Author's reply
Thank you, dreamflower. :D I thought I should explain that moment re. Pippin, cos although the book bods would get it, it's a nice thing to know about Pippin - a very touching aspect to his character, and shows that, for all they seem unfazed by it all, the hobbits have been deeply affected by their experience, not just Frodo.
I'm so glad Corunir riled you so, that you thought of him as a typical late adolescent (in the worst sense of the word) - that means he did his job just as he was meant to do. ;D And, yeah, the whole Elrond situation is as much, if not more about Penny's perception of it and her unwillingness to forgive herself than anything on Elrond's part. I was very careful in my wording of those moments when they interact, even at a distance, to show how it looked to Penny - meaning she could have been wrong in her reading of it every time (or not).
And you are right, the pressure is not going to let up on her any time soon, poor woman.
Speckled_llama
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 37: Dead Man Walking
As always, a wonderful chapter. This story makes me laugh and brings tears to my eyes at the same time- I have never seen such a well-written story, with such depth and characterization. I am impressed with the amount of research that went into writing this!
Penny seems like such a modern girl, who is used to being able to be open with people. It presents such a strong contrast with the more reserved folks of ME.
Finally, I had always wondered about the more practical aspects of life in ME, such as, err, surfing the crimson wave, soap, shaving, and how people today would react to them.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful writing.
Author's reply
Thank you - both for reading and for taking time out to let me know what you thought. It is much appreciated. I'm so glad Penny struck you as true to our times, and her interaction so far with the people of ME not out of keeping with all that.