Marianne
· 22 July 2006
· Chapter 35: The Tangling of the Web
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's 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
· 21 July 2006
· Chapter 35: The Tangling of the Web
: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's 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.
Dreamflower
· 21 July 2006
· Chapter 35: The Tangling of the Web
Poor Penny! I think the strain is all catching up to her at once, now that the ending is drawing near. That probably accounts some for her strong reaction to what she learned about Elrond. Her temper has become more and more uncertain--it seems as though she may have a little bit of PTSD herself.
I hope they will get their fences mended soon.
Author's reply
Yes, she's been through a LOT in the past few days. Not only that, but Gondor as a whole has unsettled her hugely. It was all a great lark travelling south, but in Rohan things were a little darker (even without her getting sick), and then Gondor suddenly dragged back up all this stuff she'd been ignoring and trying not to think about. So, yeah, I little delayed PTSD is probably a fair assessment. Culture shock 'in extremis'. ;)
mithwen
· 21 July 2006
· Chapter 35: The Tangling of the Web
Oh my God!
That was a powerful chapter!
I got exhausted just from reading it; I can’t imagine how it was to write it.
I loved the nice talk between Halladan and Penny; I have been waiting for something like that…and hoping for more.
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
Pearl Took
· 21 July 2006
· Chapter 35: The Tangling of the Web
You must have been exhausted when you finished writing this.
This chapter is phenomenal. Overwhelmingly powerful. I am in awe.
Author's reply
Well, writing it was relatively easy in some ways because I've had these scenes (in various different forms) in my head for a very long time. That said the Elrond/Penny explosion did have a major rewrite, but I needed to do one version first to see how it worked and only then could I progress to the second version. I do get sucked into the emotion and perspectives of it all, and that can be draining, yes. I'm pleased you felt it all worked, though. :)
el_esteleth
· 21 July 2006
· Chapter 35: The Tangling of the Web
*sniffles* Oi!
Wow.
Yikes.
*points to self* Speechless after that one.
I do believe you've outdone yourself on this one.
Very nice chapter. I look forward to more.
And I liked the quote your beta gave you that you put in the author's notes. That's very true.
Poor Penny and Elrond.
I can't wait for the next chapter. :)
Es.
Author's reply
Yes, I like that quote too. We were laughing because it's just SO appropriate, which is why I included it. Thanks for reading, enjoying and reviewing. :)
Lindelea
· 21 July 2006
· Chapter 35: The Tangling of the Web
Whew...
I think I know what gobsmacked feels like.
Just when things seem to be winding down, you crank them up again. Amazing story.
Author's reply
Well, I can't let things get boring, now, can I? ;D
Glad you enjoyed it. :)
Kitty
· 21 July 2006
· Chapter 35: The Tangling of the Web
Uh oh. That was a very emotional chapter. Now I don't truly know what to say ... No matter from which POV one is seeing this chapter, everyone acted as he had to and was right, but the mix was explosive, to say the least.
The talk between Halladan and Penny was sweet. It is so good she now knows how much the brothers care for her and before them their father. Do I see flutter some Halladan-Penny-banners here? *grin*
But it ended in quite a disaster. Of course Penn shouldn't have said what she did to Elrond, but I can see how difficult all of this was, Halladan's last revelation on top of the extreme pressure to tell them what would happen. Poor girl, it was probably only to be expected that she broke down in this way. I think I would've lost my temper long ago and over much lesser things. Now I feel so sorry for everyone!
Oh, I hope you can update soon - I'm dying to know what will follow after *that*!
Author's reply
No matter from which POV one is seeing this chapter, everyone acted as he had to and was right, but the mix was explosive, to say the least.
I think that pretty much sums up the chapter: it's a clash of persepectives in many ways.
And I'm glad the sense that Penny, if in the wrong, was exploding not just about that one situation, but also at the end of huge amount of emotional roller-coasting conveyed itself.
I'll update as soon as I can - I promise! :)
Gandalfs apprentice
· 21 July 2006
· Chapter 35: The Tangling of the Web
A powerful chapter. It's difficult to write effectively about such an impossible situation and make the reader truly believe it, but you have. I can see the look on Elrond's face and feel Penny's misery. I keep asking myself if she is going to let on about Cerin Amroth....
G.A.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you found it powerful and believable. As for Cerin Amroth, I don't think she needs to - Arwen knew/understood, and Elrond guessed (and thus knows and understands).
miss
· 20 July 2006
· Chapter 34: Us And Them
Well I dont understand one thing....why does penny belong in ME? I mean, its such a simple answer to a difficult question. It really bugs me [ in a good way.
sorry for this short review, I liked this chapter very much because [for me ] it left more questions than answers
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, miss. Glad you liked the chapter. As ever, the story is revealed in stages (even if I pick threads long ago laid down) and this is not the last we will here on this issue. ;)
Author Reply: Or even 'hear'. *sigh* (Note to self: try reading replies to reviews before posting) Sorry! *lol*
AspenJules
· 18 July 2006
· Chapter 34: Us And Them
Oh I love this story! I did something this chapter that I don't usually do and I read through all the reviews before writing my own. There are simply so many comments I *could* make that I have to leave some out because I just don't have time to write them all. This way I can comment on some things that you haven't already heard.
I really enjoyed the talk with Gandalf, and I feel like I am right there with Penny. I have been afraid that she would be ending up by going back home because the thoughts of her family were cropping up more and more, but I like better the concept that she is beginning to accept that she won't see them again. The *coffin* dream especially was poignant in showing her that perhaps they are "putting her to rest" in their own world, and she needs to do the same. She truly will need to grieve for them some, as well as getting past the guilt that she prefers to stay. It's almost an interesting parallel to Arwen's situation. They could maybe have an interesting discussion on the subject, if it is not too painful for Arwen.
As for telling them about Saruman... I think if I were her I would confide in Elrond. After all, he is one of the "Wise" and is not, if my memory doesn't fail me, one of those who meets up with Saruman and Grima. (Too bad Eomer wasn't still with them, I'll bet he wouldn't have had too much difficulty deciding what to do with him! *grin*) Anyway, I think she could have a good discusion of the situation with Elrond and perhaps together they could come up with a decision on the best course of action. On one hand - would Frodo have felt less guilt and ultimately suffered less if the Shire hadn't experienced the worst of the Troubles? Or would the other three hobbits have had a more difficult time when Frodo left without the confidence they gained in dealing with it themselves?
Ack, this is long nonetheless... However, I just *have* to add that I like the way the relationship between Penny and Halladan is developing. He is learning that she *can* hold her tongue, that she is trustworthy as well as caring, and that she does have more knowledge and understanding of life than might be immediately noticeable. It appears to me that he is coming to respect her, as well as care about her as more than just a pleasant responsibility. They are at least becoming friends, the best kind of friends who can share everything and depend on each other. Of course... those make the best kinds of spouses...... *Grins unrepentantly and fights a fierce but ultimately successful battle to hold her tongue on any other suggestions or comments*.
As always, Boz... thanks *trainloads* for sharing this product of your imagination, intelligence, knowledge and research with us. I know I am richer for it.
Author's reply
Thank you for such a long and detailed review! :) I had not thought of the parallel to Arwen, actually - thank you for pointing that out to me. I shall go away and ponder on that, because there was likely to be a conversation at some point with Arwen that may or may not have touched on the subject of Arwen's choice in more detail (given the 'farewell scene' between Elrond and Arwen that will occur in Rohan).
Your idea about Elrond is a good one except he is one of those that meets Saruman. The only one is not there is Aragorn since he only travels as far as the Gap of Rohan with them. And think you are exactly right: Eomer would not think twice! *lol* I am not sure Frodo would have suffered much less, in truth. The hobbits never fully understood or appreciated what he had done and that was in spite of what happened right under their noses as an effect of the War and upheaval. Frodo was changed by his wounds and what he had been through as much as anything - and that accounted for his melancholy as much if not more than anything else IMHO. For all the destruction, much good came out of the Scouring of the Shire - especially in establishing the reputations of Merry, Pippin and Sam, let alone the realisation finally hitting the hobbits that something momentous and terrible had been happening.
I'm so glad you find the relationship between Halladan and Penny to be realistic and to have the kind of depth you described. They are indeed becoming firm friends, and she needs a few of those who are not elves (and thus likely to leave any time soon), I think.
Lindelea
· 18 July 2006
· Chapter 34: Us And Them
whew.
Once again you have left me limp with reaction. Such a lot of emotion to get through!
I will go on to lighter fare:
I am an ellon, Pen-ii, I am allowed to be inconsistent in my storytelling if I so choose.
LOL! What an excuse!
No doubt he would be along later if his adoring public could spare him.
Ah, Merry, living up to your name, how nice. Japes? What are japes?
I would have left a review last night but was interrupted before I even began to read (sleepy child out of bed). Had a little bit of time this afternoon and finished. Whew.
So, it looks as if, so far as we can tell, Penny will stay. And perhaps her family has "buried" her in some way, back where she came from. I find myself pondering various sci-fi possibilities. That some part of her remained in her old life, perhaps in a coma, or that her persona split in two and part still carries on in modern time while the other carries on in M-e? That she was "translated" whole from one world to the other, and so is a "missing person"? (Which would be more likely scenario for her to be yanked out of M-e when her mission is done. But putting down roots makes that less likely.)
Hmm. Will have much metaphysical to ponder while going on with the housework. Aargh! Looked at clock and I only have about an hour to do three hours' work! And so, farewell, and looking forward as always to more.
Author's reply
Well, I think we're allowed a little emotion - many chapters of this fic so far have been travelling and sight-seeing. ;D
'Japes' are listed in the online dictionary (my huge OED is not in easy reach at the moment) as 'gags' or 'jokes' or 'fun times'. I shall check my OED because in everyday usage it has more the meaning of 'fun times' that usually involve pranks and/or high jinks. So playing a light-hearted trick on someone, or having a bit of boisterous fun that may end in disaster but everyone can laugh about it - so the kind of thing young hobbits may well do quite a bit of, basically.
*lol* at you pondering on the metaphysical dilemma of Penny while you dust! Ah, well, you can't say I don't give you something to think about. ;D Thanks for taking time out to review - glad you enjoyed this chapter. :)
harrowcat
· 18 July 2006
· Chapter 34: Us And Them
Oh wow Penny! That was a truly impassioned speech on the futility of war. And I am so glad that she and Halladan are still communicating
Author's reply
Thanks. I don't know that Penny sees all war as futile - after all she does mention that sometimes you HAVE to fight (such as they had to against Sauron, or against Morgoth before him), and even in modern times such things have been known. That said, she is making it clear that for all she has not lived through war herself, she understands its brutality and horror to a certain extent and that in modern times we have seen a huge amount of it, including wars that did not serve a 'greater good' or 'higher purpose' - the First World War being one of those since it quickly became a bloody quagmire (and of course the consequences were far-reaching given the lead, directly, to the Second World War thanks to the reparations German was forced to pay, etc, etc). So it was more an example of how some wars can be futile (and all wars horrific), if you see what I mean.
Joana
· 17 July 2006
· Chapter 34: Us And Them
Uau, this fiction got me hooked! :D
I must admit I didn't start reading it from the beginning, but at certain point I couldn't stop and read one chapter after another. Some chapters were amusing and hilarious, others were serious and thought provoking... sometimes I don't like reading about characters created by the author but this was definitly not the case! I love Halladan (and I'm sure Penny does too *cough* - sorry, I'm silly when it comes to romance), Rhimlath, Istdor, etc. and even Sidhwen. I don't think there was a part in the story I didn't enjoy, honestly.
Sorry I'm not good at writing reviews (there were many things I wanted to say but which I can't remember now) but I still wanted to make an effort because I think you deserve more than simply: "Go on! It's very good! Please post next chapter tomorrow!" And never apologize for writing large chapters - those are great and I hope there are many more to come. :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much for taking time out to review. I'm thrilled that you have enjoyed it all the way through - and it's quite some undertaking to read it all in one go these days given how long it's all getting, so kudos to you for that! :)
Pearl Took
· 16 July 2006
· Chapter 34: Us And Them
This really is such a masterpiece, Boz. A story with much more depth than many fanfic pieces. Thank you so much :)
Author's reply
Thank you. I am very pleased you think so. :)
Mopsy
· 16 July 2006
· Chapter 34: Us And Them
Absolutely extraordinary...the sheer depth of this fic is amazing. From the coffin dream to the war-talk...then the chat with Gandalf. All linked together by little moments of fun, like the boar story, and hobbit songs. I really like Celebdor and Mireth, and I love the way you can infuse so much personality into even the minor characters like Faelon, Meresel and co. And the wise in this story really ARE wise - I love the thing Gandalf said to Penny about not letting fear prevent her from choosing happiness. And I'm really anxious about her decision - I'm hopeful about Halladan, that he's healing already and falling in love with her - but even if that happens, where will they live?
Author's reply
Thank you. :) The minor characters have a habit of running away with me (witness Rhimlath has being a classic example). I am always worried they'll come over as flat since it's rare I have any kind of advance idea of their characters, their personalities, and yet as I start to write they take up a voice in my head, an attitude and they write themselves a lot of the time.
Thank you for your comment about the wise. I get very nervous writing Gandalf, Galadriel, et al, because I worry I cannot truly do them justice precisely in those terms of wisdom and insight - I procrastinated over the Galadriel chapter in Lothlorien for ages for exactly those reasons. *lol*
el_esteleth
· 16 July 2006
· Chapter 34: Us And Them
*bounces and grins* Yay!!! A new Penny chapter. :D
I greatly enjoyed this chapter. I think that you handled the things between Halladan and Penny and the things between Penny and Gandalf very well.
I agree with Penny's assessment of her situation with Halladan that she's helping him by getting him involved in things, distracting him from difficult memories, etc. I think you've done a very good job with the emotional aspects of such profound trauma. I really admire you for attempting anything of the sort at all. I honestly don't remember if I got involved in the discussion about PTSD at the end of the last chapter, but I did read most everything that was posted. I think you've done very well with portraying something that's difficult to put into words.
I was really pleased that Penny had the chance to talk to Gandalf about whether or not she'd stay in Middle Earth or not. I think that was a very important conversation between them, and a good thing for Penny to realize--that she needed to live her life as if she'd always be there. Honestly, that's what we do every day anyway. Penny's just had a very real representation of how random and chaotic life can be. From one day to the next we really don't know if we're going to still be around. So basically it's a philosophy of plan for tomorrow, live for today.
I think you do a very admirable job of bringing things like that into stories. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. I really like reading them because there's always something in every chapter that provokes thought. Thank you again.
*hugs*
Es.
Author's reply
Thank you. :) I'm glad you feel I managed to resolve things with Halladan and Penny and get their friendship moving, as it were. They've 'found their level' with each other, I think, and their frienship can only strengthen from this point on.
She's had to live her life as if she was staying here - in that she has not allowed herself to consider she could disappear in a puff of blue smoke at any minute since she would have gone crazy if she had that constantly in her head - but now she can do so with the (relatively) sure knowledge that she is not lying to herself or ignoring a huge 'what if..?' or 'but' in doing so. That can only be a positive thing. :)
Kitty
· 16 July 2006
· Chapter 34: Us And Them
It is so very sweet of all of them to distract Penny so careful from the alley where it happened. And it's good to know the story they told her wasn't only at the expense of Halladan, but of Celebdor's as well. At the moment I feel so protective of Halladan.
Poor Penny, it was probably not easy to tell them just *how* bad the men in our days truly are, how many wars they fought - and still fight - for petty reasons. One wonders what they think of that - they fought so long against Sauron to get peace at last, and then the races of men turn against each other. And the terribly losses of WWI and WWII are nearly unimaginable even for us - how much more difficult is it for the elves to understand? The more so as they still fought man against man, not with the modern weapons of mass destruction?
On the other hand, maybe Halladan now can understand better that Penny knows of what she talks and that she has enough knowledge to be right - he *has* to talk with someone. Maybe their conversation in the night was a little beginning, even if it was not much. And I am glad Penny and Halladan are spending so much time with each other. And this time not so much because I hope they come to love each other, but because I have somehow the feeling maybe Penny will be in the end the one to whom he is able to open up, as she will understand even though she herself never witnessed war. I truly love the way they look after each other and how each tries to help the other with his/her problems.
Finally Penny had her talk with Gandalf, too. It was about time, though it is understandable she feared his answers as much as she wanted them.
Hm, so she will probably stay in Middle-earth? Good. I think Gandalf is right - she belongs there, is in spite of everything that is burdening her more happy than in our time.
The bit about Saruman was interesting. I hadn't seen it this way before, but you are probably right - only after they found the original Elendilmir they could truly understand how far Saruman's treachery reached, though they must've known he had betrayed them for some time already.
That was a thought-provoking chapter, Boz, and wonderful done.
Author's reply
I think on some level they would not be surprised and also utterly appalled and shocked at what she has told them. And she has made it clear it is not the worst of it by a long chalk when she referred to WWII and the general bloodiness of the last century. They're shocked and yet they know what she has described is only the beginning. I think she may talk more of this to some of them, though I may not write it or write it in detail. There are many long nights ahead to be filled with talk and chatter and I do not doubt that the subject will come up again, probably more than once.
On the other hand, maybe Halladan now can understand better that Penny knows of what she talks and that she has enough knowledge to be right - he *has* to talk with someone.
Exactly, and their talk in the night is almost like a meeting in the middle - an acceptance that she knows his secret and he's accepting of it and will just have to get over being uncomfortable about it. Knowing that she has understanding of the processes, of what causes it and is not judgemental in the least will help will all of that.
The bit about Saruman was interesting. I hadn't seen it this way before, but you are probably right - only after they found the original Elendilmir they could truly understand how far Saruman's treachery reached, though they must've known he had betrayed them for some time already.
Oh, I think they did, but not even Gandalf realised how far he had gone and how long before. UT is very clear on that - which is why I love it so, for all the depth it feeds back into LOTR. The discovery of the Elendilmir and the locket for the Ring were truly shocking because of all the implications it held.
Thank you for taking time out to comment and review - much appreciated. :)
Inglor
· 16 July 2006
· Chapter 34: Us And Them
The scene where she was telling about WWI and II has joined the "Balrog" scene in my head.
The way you capture and communicate the shock and awe of the Lords and Ladies... It is like I am sitting there next to Penny, not really sharing her emotions, but able to feel that what she said has such a profound and disconcerting effect. And she isn't even telling them the truly nasty stuff. She is sheilding *them*.
This is gratifying in a way that I have rarely felt while reading. Like looking at a painting or sculpture and wanting to thank the artist because it is so beautiful. Reading this is such a singular experience. Letting me visit ME in such a personal way. You have written things so differently than I would have but very closely to how I (and anyone who is honest with themselves) would have acted had I been in her place. I know I gush everytime I review but I can't help but say what a work of art this is.
I don't really care what Penny does next, just as long as you let us read it.
Author's reply
Thank you for letting know your response to this chapter, and I am so very pleased that you have felt like you are there with Penny, can understand if not sympathise with her reactions and thought processes. It means a lot - thank you. :)
Dreamflower
· 15 July 2006
· Chapter 34: Us And Them
Wow, I finally got a chance to catch up to everything! These last few chapters have been amazing--like a roller-coaster ride.
I really liked the way you handled the subject of Halladan's "shell-shock" or PTSD. I found the review and reply on the subject fascinating. Of course, on another level, these are also problems the hobbits are dealing with, as well.
And I am impressed with the way you handled her revelations of the realities of "modern warfare" to those "in the know". It was not something she really wished to do, yet somehow, she had to make them understand. When Galadriel got that brief glimpse--I am sure that it was horrifying to realize what the world one come to one day. Yet there will be many ages to come before that occurs.
Her talk with Mithrandir was wonderful. That she is beginning to think of her family is actually a good sign, for she can begin to admit that she will probably never see them again, and be able to move on with her new life. I loved her hesitancy about confiding Saruman's future black-heartedness--she feels that things still must take their destined path, although it must make being around Frodo, especially, very hard.
I'm thinking that Penny will not remain in Minas Tirith. The only thing I regret about that is that the "bitches" in the court will somehow think they've "won" something by her absence.
I must confess, I am among those who are hoping for a denouement involving Penny and Halladan together, but I do hope it will be a while yet--the story is so engrossing, I hate to think of it nearing the end.
Author's reply
Of course, on another level, these are also problems the hobbits are dealing with, as well.
Indeed, as I tried to show to a lesser extent during the conversation at tea. That said, hobbits seem to have a certain natural resilience and zest for life that means things never come wholly dark for them. Frodo is the exception, perhaps, but that is understandable given what he went through, and even then his dark moments post-War are really those days when his wounds/scars hurt him and he becomes ill. The other three seem stronger for their experience - changed but in a good way. Frodo is most affected and yet there is a good part of him that is the same hobbit he always was.
It was not something she really wished to do, yet somehow, she had to make them understand.
Indeed. As I said in responses to the reviews in the last chapter, in some ways this is a means, albeit unintentionally, for Penny to show she does have some understanding and knowledge, that she's not wholly ignorant or stupid. Not they have necessarily thought that of her, but she is showing them, perhaps, a deeper level of natural wisdom/learning than they may have previously realised. All too often she's the clumsy one, the one in trouble, the one letting her mouth run away with her, so we need some good positives in her favour - something to balance the flakiness and hot-headedness. ... Not sure I explained that terribly well, but hopefully you get what I mean. *lol*
The talk with Mithrandir was necessary on several levels - she needed to know one way or another if she's staying or not, and we need explanation as to why she is not telling them about the Scouring of the Shire (or not yet anyway - she may yet change her mind). As you say, this is the best she could have hoped for, for all Gandalf's refusal to say for absolutely certain and also his ignorance of how or why she is where she is - she now has 'closure' (dreadful word, but can't think of a better one) and can start to move on.
And I think you are right: the bitches certainly would consider it a victory.
Ninithil
· 28 June 2006
· Chapter 33: Fear and Loathing in Minas Tirith
Oh don't leave me hanging. There is a little part of me that still believes that the mugging wasn't random. It was too soon after a certain other incident, but I could be wrong. :)
I'm must admit, I'm quickly becoming an addict to this series. I chack back daily for new chapters.
Author's reply
I'm sorry for taking so long to update! I really hoped to have the next chapter up far sooner, but chapter 34 is now up!
I'm glad you have enjoyed it all so far, and I'm afraid that, no, the mugging was entirely random. Penny (as ever) was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Fire
· 26 June 2006
· Chapter 33: Fear and Loathing in Minas Tirith
Wow, now this is what I call a very, very powerful chapter.
You have brought up a subject that is unfortunatly too often occuring now a days with all the fighting going on all over the world.
I think Penny's way of handeling was very good, she snapped Haladan out of it, and she was stubborn enough to tell him everything she knows about it.
Her advice was sound and I do hope she got through to him and that he will go and talk to someone. And just on an different piece of the story, o boy is that thief lucky the gards showed up because pissing of two rangers and an elf is not a smart thing to do. I love the way Lindir acted, it was like: Hey don't mess with my human friend or I'm gonna rip your heart out ;)
I mean you don't want to piss of an elf, any elf.
Author's reply
Thank you. I am not sure Penny did snap Halladan out of it, though, as she says herself. Most flashbacks only last a limited period of time and, as the person comes out of it, they are in a strange 'in-between' world where they can hear stuff but it's kind of far away and slowly reality comes back to them. So by that point Halladan could possibly have heard Penny and the birdsong, but it would have been hard for him to focus on - the main focus would have been the flashback. If she had not been there it's like he would have come out of it in much the same manner and in much the same time. She may have helped a little, perhaps.
And, yeah, the thief had a very narrow escape indeed. ;)
Bodkin
· 26 June 2006
· Chapter 33: Fear and Loathing in Minas Tirith
Just for a moment at the end of chapter 32, when everything went dark, I was thinking 'No, Boz wouldn't do that to her audience. Penny is not just about to wake up and find it was all a dream caused by having been mugged in a dark London street...' But you had me worried for a moment!
And there was a mugger who was glad to be carted off by the rozzers. He was in far more danger surrounded by Penny's friends than he will be in jail.
Halladan is becoming more and more rounded as a character - and Penny is revealing more of herself to him - lots of things she has kept shoved away in that locked drawer.
She did well in her response to his distress. Probably very familiar with her Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. Poor Halladan - he must have thought he had seen enough not to shatter under the stress of battle, but everyone has a last straw. He does need to talk - and to listen. Fingers crossed Penny's reaction to his flashback will make a difference to him - we'll see.
Author's reply
Thanks, Bodkin, and sorry to have alarmed you! *lol* There was debate between me and the betas as to where to end that chapter and we plumped for there (my first suggestion) only because I knew the next chapter was going to be posted within days - otherwise I would have had it up till the start of the rescue which would have worked but not quite as well IMHO.
I'm glad you think Halladan is becoming more rounded as a character - it was one of the main aims of this chapter. And you are exactly right: Penny's knowledge on such things, while limited, does come from studies of WWI and that gives her enough to have some understanding. It's interesting, when I've discussed this subject with Americans, or Americans have posted reviews, they all (and quite understandably) refer to the Vietnam War. As a Brit my history/cultural references for PTSD, or 'shellshock' is WWI, even though at the time it was largely unrecognised or misdiagnosed.
Speaking of Wilfred Owen and Seigfried Sassoon - have you ever read Pat Barker's "Regeneration"? Superb book. It's about when both were invalided out with shellshock from the trenches and actually met while up at a hospital for shellshock victims (Pitlochrie in Scotland). It's fiction, but does have that meeting in the book (Sassoon is a main character) and the cases of shellshock are based on actual cases files written by the doctors at Pitlochrie.
Pearl Took
· 25 June 2006
· Chapter 33: Fear and Loathing in Minas Tirith
This is a wonderful chapter. A very powerful chapter. I hope the seed she planted in his head and heart grows into something good and beautiful. :)
Author's reply
Thank you. It is a chapter/scene I have been working towards for some time, and I'm glad you feel it worked enough to describe it as 'powerful'. :)
NESSA
· 25 June 2006
· Chapter 33: Fear and Loathing in Minas Tirith
Oh my, I have wept, held my breath, mourned and become desperately hopeful in these last two chapters. Halladan needs help so badly. I am glad Penn-ii was there in the story to see and say as much as she has. I wish I had had the courage (would you believe I was afraid to review?) to have told you all the things I have felt and thought throughout the reading of this tale.
Should I go back and review them? Would it be helpful? I do not want Pen-ii to leave the Elves. As you can tell, my heart is Elvish as well as my Penname.
Author's reply
Well, I wanted her to see this, not only so I, through her eyes (as it were), could convey the damage the War has left behind not just on the land but on the people and the soldiers themselves, but also because for once she can use her modern knowledge to some effect - it's not working against her for once.
It is always a pleasure and of great interest to read people's comments and reactions to chapters or scenes, and I would love to read yours, but please do not feel obliged to go back through chapters and review. Perhaps if you ever re-read you can make comments then? Whatever you decide, I will look forward to reading anything you wish to say whether about past or future chapters. :)