Okay, NOW Panic! by Boz4PM
Bodkin · 7 March 2006 · Chapter 23: THE Wedding of The Age
Good wedding. I'll bet the ladies of Gondor hope that none of the elves will be hanging around for too long. They're far too pretty. Halbarad's sons are rather appealing. Well, they would be, really. And they managed to get Penny dancing in the end!
Kitty · 7 March 2006 · Chapter 23: THE Wedding of The Age
Ah, the wedding, finally! And wonderful described! :) Penny must have felt like Cinderella, or at least I would’ve felt so among all these dressed up elves and nobles, no matter how beautiful my own dress may have been. And I can understand she nearly didn’t recognise Sam at first sight – this elegant hero is no longer the modest gardener of Bag End! I enjoyed Penny’s reunion with the hobbits, although I suppose it is still a bit difficult for her, knowing what is happening in the Shire and that Frodo will never wholly recover in Middle-earth. Hm ... Legolas should have realised until now just *why* Penny acted so odd around Boromir and in what a situation he had brought her with his assumption that she was in love with him. Can’t wait until they have a chance to talk in private! Well, that goes for Aragorn and Gandalf, as well. *giggle* Now I wonder if the stiff Gondorian protocoll and seating arrangement will survive Aragorn’s and Arwen’s rule? They have one hundred and twenty years to get rid of the worst formality, after all. And the stuffed swan ... *rofl* I doubt I’d been brave enough to try *that*! Another part I loved very much was Aragorn’s remark about ‚modicum of civility’ in Penny’s greeting and the way she hugged Arwen. Oh yes, I can see the raised eyebrows of the Gondorians! *eg* Oh, and I love the banter between Lindir and Penny. And of course I love Halbarad’s sons more and more. Arvain may be more fun, but somehow I still prefer Halladan. He seems a bit melancholy after the loss of his father and his other brother. Poor guy, it would do him a world of good to find love with Penny *hint, hint* Anyway, can’t wait for more!
Lyn · 6 March 2006 · Chapter 23: THE Wedding of The Age
You've really made this one of the more realistic portrayals of life in those times with all the research and detail, but I don't believe England at that time had tomatoes, spices such as cinnamon or herbs. It is possible that dates and figs came from Harad, but the spices would have come from the Orient, beyond Tolkien's maps I think. I discovered that England had wild srawberries but didn't get modern large strawberries until a shipment from Virginia in 1642. Blueberries arrived in England in 1946 although they had whortleberries. Early food was rather limited then, but lots of salt (no pepper). Grease from butter and tallow from deer and lard from pigs, flower from wheat. I imagine they had dill weeds and thyme, rosemarry. Apples, but no citrus. I haven't really done much research so this may all be wrong, but I think it is correct. Bacon and beer of course. Milk, cream, eggs, chicken. And swans and ducks. Honey was the only sweet. Onions for certain. Forgive me if any of this is wrong. I think Tolkien envisioned this ancient time as 7,000 years ago, long before the Romans, Dark Ages, and Middle Ages.
Author's reply
Which is the essential problem and difference with Middle-earth, and why I have allowed myself poetic licence in such matters. Since, if you were to be absolutely historically accurate, then the hobbits can not have their shire weed and Sam can not wax lyrical about 'po-ta-toes.' Indeed, if you want to be really historically accurate, then Britons 7,000 years ago were using only stone tools - no Anduril, no dwarf armour, no mithril. ;) The dates and cinnamon were intended to indicate trade with southern states (even if not directly - most trade would have been done in 'stages'). Figs and apricots (and similar) to indicate the warmer climate in Gondor, particularly in Lebennin. Pepper was already in use in Roman times. To my mind, the Shire is England with the possible immediate environs (Arnor) included also. Outside of Arnor you are getting into the rest of Europe if not beyond - the scales are too big for them not to be - so when you reach places as far afield as Rohan, Gondor or Dol Amroth, then you are into a very different cultural history than the British one. To my mind Gondor, but particularly Dol Amroth, are more mediterranean in climate, which means a whole different set of native plants (and foods), such as figs and olives. Whatever did not grow in Minas Tirith or on the Pelennor would be transported up from Dol Amroth, or even trading states further south now peace is re-established, by river. Having the Anduin does open up a lot of possibilities. (This is how I have worked it out in my head). Anyway, my point is, that given JRRT had those 'historical anomalies' in The Shire, means some anomalies/allowance can be made by an author setting their fiction in his world. (Another is the clock on Bilbo's mantlepiece). Civilisations, foods and ways of doing things rise and fall - we can see this in our own history, and it's clear in Tolkien's world too with the demise of the skill of Numenorean building one very clear example. But I thank you for taking the time to point this out, and yes you are correct. :)
Arynn · 6 March 2006 · Chapter 2: Living In The Past
WOW! You're really done a lot of research! Of course this is harder for you all than for me.” Why would Penny say that? Death is a separation. For the Elves, they KNEW with certainty they would see their loved ones again. Only those who have committed evil would be kept in Mandos Halls...the others would go to Valinor and meet ones who had traveled there by ship while alive. At least, that is the way I remember Tolkien. Also, when Penny says "God" does she mean it in a sincere religious sense like talking to God or does she mean it in a frivilous teenage way as in "oh my God" or My God! ? Just curious. I hear it a lot and it's obvious it's just a popular saying with no real meaning.
Author's reply
Of course this is harder for you all than for me.” What I meant (or intended Penny to mean) by that, was that those who would die would be known to them personally - old friends, possibly even relations. Yes, they would see them again, but that does not mean they would not feel their loss far keener than Penny would, who, after all, either would not know them or not know them well. When she says 'Oh, God!' she uses it in the popular sense of people saying it without really thinking about it. This chapter is the first one where I indicate both her lack of religion, but also that she has had to slowly accept that Eru (God) does exist.
Lyn · 6 March 2006 · Chapter 1: Dulce Et Decorum Est
My dictionaries say hamstringing is cutting one of the TENDONS at the back of the knee (or both), not an artery. That would be permanent since it was not until modern times that surgery could have been performed, and even then permanent crippling would occur because no surgeon can lengthen a cut tendon (then tend to curl up into a ball when cut).
Author's reply
In fencing history, padding was worn behind the knee to prevent hamstringing since, while it technically refers to the tendon, there is a major artery there as well, and the act of hamstringing invariably got the artery as well and you bled to death. I will, however, reword the note when I get a moment to make this clearer. Thank you. :)
Lyn · 6 March 2006 · Chapter 1: Dulce Et Decorum Est
Excellently written...I have no suggestions on improvements. Although, I was under the impression the definition of a "Mary Sue" included anyone who came from another land or time...such as earth in our time, not necessarily a "perfect" person. Thus, because the protagonist is not from Middle Earth, she would be a "Mary Sue". I also was under the impression that anyone from Middle Earth who was "perfect" could be called a "Mary Sue" (such as any female with whom Legolas fell in love despite them arguing all the time and she being the better archer). Could be wrong.
Author's reply
A Mary-Sue is a self-insert into a story whose 'perfections' or OTT personality so usurps and warps the storyline around her that even the canon characters are changed. She could be a 'bamf' (landed from somewhere else), she could be written so as to be an OC within the universe itself. An OFC is not automatically a Sue, it is the quality of the writing, the characterisation and the author intention that makes the Sue a 'Sue'. I have never heard the definition that a bamf OC is automatically a Mary-Sue - that would make Doctor Who a Stu for a start, let alone his umpteen assistants. It is true, however, that there it is rare indeed to find a bamf story (of which there are hundreds in the LOTR fandom alone) where the main character is not a Sue or a Stu. However, I would never say a particular plotline or AU decision automatically equals badfic (Sue does equal badfic, however). If an author can write it well enough, then almost anything is possible. It's when people don't write it well, don't even try to keep canon characters in character or stick to the canon of the universe in which they have set their AU element that badfic (and Sues) are born. I would refer you to this link (http://community.livejournal.com/the_ppc/20306.html) which includes a list of very useful links to articles on Sues, what constitutes a Sue, etc. HTH. :)
Pearl Took · 6 March 2006 · Chapter 23: THE Wedding of The Age
Wonderful!! So beautiful, I could just picture everything. *SIGH*
Author's reply
Thank you - for reading, enjoying and reviewing. :D
Dreamflower · 6 March 2006 · Chapter 23: THE Wedding of The Age
This was just wonderful! I loved the descriptions of the finery of all the guests, and the reunion with the hobbits wsa just as touching and funny as I had hoped for. We are reminded that most of the bad news she is still acquainted with relates directly to those four, and to Frodo in particular. How hard is it going to be for her now, not to warn them of what they are going home to? But for the most part it was a happy reunion, and the description of Sam's reaction was *perfect*. I also enjoyed the banter between Halbarad's sons and Lindir, and I loved the way she greeted the new Royal couple. The curious looks she is recieving from the Gondorians are probably just the beginning--everyone is going to want to know just who and what this mortal woman is who came with the Elves. I do think that perhaps we see some possibilities arising with Halladan. I have to admit I have had hopes in that direction since the start of this sequel.
Author's reply
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for taking time to let me know your reaction. Always lovely to hear back from readers who have noticed the little things that I include. :D
Mopsy · 6 March 2006 · Chapter 23: THE Wedding of The Age
Just remembered - are you going to write Mireth and Celebdor's wedding? I would LOVE to read that. I know you said it would be less than a year ahead of the action, which is forever, but maybe you're planning to write it anyway? I live in hope.
Author's reply
In all honesty? Probably not. But never say 'never', I suppose. ;)
Mopsy · 6 March 2006 · Chapter 23: THE Wedding of The Age
Frankly HOORAY. VERY brill chapter. I loved it. I cherish Lindir (but am sad there's been no Erestor banter for a while. Am I alone in adoring him?). I also am in love with Halladan, and I love his limp, and feel extremely sorry for him. I'm a very loyal reader, checking for updates at ff.net embarrassingly often. The delay (entirely forgivable, I hastily add) led me to find a link to your LJ in another review, and thus I found my way here, AFTER being absolutely amazed (or possibly astonished) to find myself mentioned in a relatively aged entry in your LJ. It was about a Doctor Who comment I left in a review. So, I wanted to thank you for the LJ mention, as well.
Author's reply
Oh, hello there! No, you are not alone in liking the Erestor of my story, quite a few people do I think. Though Rhimlath, Lindir and Halbarad seem to be the main contenders for people's affections. *lol* There's just not been much opportunity for Erestor banter, with everything else I have wanted to include in chapters. There will be more coming, though. As for the LJ mention, well you deserved it. It was an utterly hilarious suggestion, and one that could work well for a 'bamf-fic'. (To explain to anyone reading this who doesn't know what we're on about, Mopsy suggested it was not too late to make this fic a Doctor Who/LOTR crossover and have Penny turfed out of the TARDIS by Rose being the explanation for her landing, unexpectedly, in a field near Bree).
Levade · 5 March 2006 · Chapter 23: THE Wedding of The Age
I hope they didn't put those swans in front of Prince Imrahil! Wow, what a feast, and I can imagine the finery, with everyone trying to outdo the other. If the sun came out you might be blinded by the gems. Lovely chapter, the wedding was great but my favourite part is still the Dunadain. They just seem to belong to both worlds and yet they must be far more grim than the Gondorians? Ah, I don't know, but I really liked this chapter. Seeing the hobbits again was touching, and Penny knows Frodo will never recover. Mithrandir was being his usual elusive self and Lindir, the younger brother who just can't stop teasing. Now if they can just get through the ode... :)
Author's reply
*lol* Well, I suspect even Prince Imrahil would have been stoical and thought swans made good eating on occasion. After all we have many people in history using stags or boars as their badges or family crests, no? If the sun came out you might be blinded by the gems. I did consider putting in a line to that effect, but I had already had her nearly blinded by the amount of mithril in the silver banner the twins carried. *sniggers* Thank you for commenting, and I am glad you enjoyed it all. And as for the ode... Well, I've already written that little moment. :)
Levade · 1 March 2006 · Chapter 22: So It Begins
The destruction on the Pelennor, in the city, the personal loss – the scarred men hiding in the shadows in the lower circles, Hirvell dead, the piled heaps of bodies in those mass pits outside the walls… Of all the horrors she's faced, and latrines definitely fare up there, this has to be the worst. Penny comes from a modern age where death is mostly unseen, and war is something most of us only see in movies, TV news or pictures. She's seeing the battlefield first-hand, cleaned up, yes but still... I have no idea where you're going with this, but I really look forward to the next parts! And suddenly I'm thinking I reviewed this already? Oy. Memory like a sieve. Poor Penny -- to have to worry if she'll be there tomorrow or even through today. How do you plan a future when everything is so uncertain? Here's hoping she gets a "and they lived happily ever after...to the end of their days" ending. :)
Pearl Took · 24 February 2006 · Chapter 22: So It Begins
*applause* Wonderful as always :) I love your long chapters! I'm looking forward to your description of the wedding :)
Daynawayna · 23 February 2006 · Chapter 22: So It Begins
Ai, poor Pen-ii! I take it you have not told her of what occurred? She would be deeply ashamed and embarrassed if she knew." He glanced at the expressions of 'Who do you think you are talking to? Do we look stupid?' that met his gaze and held up his hands with a muttered apology, chuckling. LOL!! 'do we look stupid?' ::laughs self silly:: good lord that was great! And I swear, if you apologize for a "long chapter" again, I'll take a swat at you myself! Too long indeed! Pshaw! Perfect in length and detail. I can't wait to read about the wedding, if I ever find time for it! :)
Daynawayna · 23 February 2006 · Chapter 21: The Shield of Achilles
Once again, Boz, I'm amazed at your attention to detail! You/Penny must really know the books well to leave such detailed notes at the end of the chapter. I'm just in awe of this phenominal piece of work.... and I love your beginning! Girls will be girls, no matter WHAT race they're from! LOL OK, on to Halbarad('s son)!
Bodkin · 23 February 2006 · Chapter 22: So It Begins
Millennia of dressing hair apparently taught you a thing or two, she thought wryly. I imagine it would. It's one of those little thoughts on elven age that is surprisingly awe inspiring. Meeting Halbarad's sons - and discovering that one died at the Black Gate - must certainly bring the horrific reality of the battles home to Penny. It's one thing reading a book - but quite another living it.
Author's reply
It's one thing reading a book - but quite another living it. Exactly so. I realise some people felt Penny wept too much in Don't Panic. Re-reading it after a break of 18 months I could see there were, perhaps, a few moments I could have toned it down a little, but not many and not by much. Living through such a thing for an ordinary young woman born in our fairly laid-back and comfortable Western middle-class is a traumatic experience, and I don't think that's unrealistic in any way. Indeed, one of the basic failings of the Mary-Sue 'bambf'-fic is that most of the OFCs show little or no psychological upset at what they are going through. Thank you for reading and taking the time to review. :) Always appreciated.
Kathy_SFF · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 22: So It Begins
What a wonderful suprise after a weekend from hell to see ALL your updates. I love all the big "Wedding of the Century" build-up. I thought the way you managed to balance the joy of the up-comming wedding with the still obvious signs of a city that has recently been through a horrible war (burial mounds, blackened earth, crippled men hidding in shadows - excellent imagry). Penn-ii's interactions with Hallabard's (sp) sons. Hmm..maybe romance is in the air for Peniii, much better than a drunken singinf from the top level of Minas Tirth (although that would be good too - :-) ). Of course I could JUST SEE all the men in the room (some somking their Shire-weed) discussing Penn-ii. Can't wait for "THE WEDDING".
Author's reply
Ah, well, I am not sure how much of the actual wedding will be shown. I am too scared to detail it too much - far too much like treading on the big man's toes, IMHO. Glad you liked. :)
Aurendil · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 22: So It Begins
An ellyth named Firiel ???
Author's reply
Um, not really sure how to respond to this, since I am not sure what you are asking. Really, it's a 'yes' or 'no' question, to which the answer is 'yes, I used the name Firiel for an elleth in this chapter'. However, the triple question marks would seem to suggest you find this strange, bizarre or questionable for some reason. Perhaps you could enlighten me? :) I am always happy to change or correct something that is wrong. If you think this is not valid Sindarin, then please tell me so. If, however, you wish to point out that JRRT used the name himself for Sam's grandchild (I believe, though that's going on memory, and I could be incorrect) as well as for a maiden to whom the elves in the the last ship that sailed called out to (in the poem The Last Ship), then I do know that. Firiel was the first name that came to me and there are many instances of elves having names that mortals use elsewhere, so it is perfectly feasible that there could be an elleth named 'Firiel'. I'll be honest and say I misremembered and thought the maiden in the poem WAS an elleth, and only later double-checked and realised, at which point I felt it would not matter if it remained as it was. However, as I say, am not sure what your objection is, or quite what your question was. But I thank you for taking the time to read. I hope you enjoyed the rest of it. :)
Dreamflower · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 22: So It Begins
Poor Penny--having to face Halbarad's surviving sons, and learn that one of them had not survived, on top of a long day, and many gloomy thoughts of those lost in the War, and her inevitable wondering if she could have done anything differently that would have helped. I like the fact that those "responsible" for her (and, though really they aren't but I can't think of a better word) had not forgotten about her, though they had not spoken to her that evening. And her reunion with the hobbits is going to be clouded by her knowledge of the sorrow that is ahead of them, realizing what they will face on returning home. (As a side note, I appreciate that though you are using the "Westron" names for them in dialogue, you continue to use the English "translations" in the narrative. It makes things far simpler to keep track of.) I really appreciate the research you have done on the plumbing and so forth. While I have no problem with believing that Gondor, especially in Minas Tirith, would have such conveniences as holdovers from the old Numenorean technology, it's always nice to see an author who has done her homework and provided reasonable explanations of how it could have been done. Look forward to more soon!
Author's reply
(As a side note, I appreciate that though you are using the "Westron" names for them in dialogue, you continue to use the English "translations" in the narrative. It makes things far simpler to keep track of.) Thank you. A deliberate plot on my part that I have used throughout both fics, though even with that attempt to keep things clear I know some have got confused. Thank you for reading and reviewing. Glad to know you are still enjoying it thus far. :)
Kitty · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 22: So It Begins
*giggle* You should be ashamed that you regret not being able to torture poor Penny more about latrines and all that! And your excuse about the length of the chapter is quite funny. As far as I am concerned, you can post thirty or more pages every chapter, and I will gladly read it! I certainly don't mind long chapters, on the contrary! What a day for Penny, all the emotions after seeing the Pelennor and the destruction there, then meeting Halbarad's sons and the shock that one of them died, too. After all she is not fully recovered after her illness. I am pleased Halladan seems quite interested in Penny. Well, I'm hopeless romantic ;-) "She could have done nothing to prevent it," Aragorn replied. "It would have been wrong of her to try." He spoke with complete conviction. I am glad Aragorn thinks so and I hope so very much he tells Penny, too. She need, I think, to see they don't held her responsible for anything or think some deaths could have been prevented if she had told them everything she knew. And coming from Aragorn, she may even believe it. I look forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
You should be ashamed that you regret not being able to torture poor Penny more about latrines and all that! I know I should be. I'm not, but I know I should be. ;P Glad you enjoyed the chapter, and thank you for your comments. :)
Flintheart · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 21: The Shield of Achilles
Oh EXCELLENT !! I long to hear more of this exquisitely mundane person so much like the rest of us mere mortals. Although I keep hoping there will be something she is good at, I must admit I can see why the Elves would find her heartbreakingly charming. Because she is so VERY human, and so like a butterfly in it's brief glory, and she tries so hard to learn how to fit herself into a strange world that both is, and is not hers. Please write on. I watched them pass through Pellonor A host of stars earth fallen They left a scent of lillies in their wake And I could only wonder at the glory in their passing. Grace and beauty far beyond all human measure A sight to wring the soul with yearning. But the one image that remains with me almost a lifetime later. A young girl riding with them, human as you or me. A wren among swallows, Yet, somehow more beautiful for that. A comfort to the eyes and heart in all that blinding light.
Author's reply
Wow. That's beautiful. I am very touched that not only did this chapter inspire poetry, but such good poetry at that. *treasures it* Thank you.
Kitty · 16 February 2006 · Chapter 21: The Shield of Achilles
Boz, you did a wonderful job with this chapter! Minas Tirith was described so well I could see it all before my eyes. Not to mention all the beautiful elves! A pity I can't really be there to see it. For Penny it must be an experience she isn't likely to forget for the rest of her life. As for Elrond, his speech was very nice, although I suppose it was not easy for him. And Penny proved once more her knowledge when se asked about the stars Elladan and Elrohir wore. Our dear twins seem to be a bit proud to know they are still remembered six thousand years later *grin* And the end! Halbarad?? I suppose it is one of his sons, maybe Halladan? You know, ever since the first chapter of this story I wondered if Penny will end up with Halladan or at least one of his brothers (as I don't believe it will be Lindir). If she is remaining in Middle-earth, that is. Anyway, I was always curious about Halbarad's sons, and Arvain seems to be a very nice guy. I can't wait for more. Well, you said you've chopped off a lot, so I hope most of the next chapter is already written. I look forward to it!
Pearl Took · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 21: The Shield of Achilles
WOW!!! the Elves are so . . . so . . . Elven!! This was so flowing and graceful, wonderfully written. I'm looking forward to more as always :)
Ana · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 21: The Shield of Achilles
How very unkind of you to end the chapter like that! I'm totaly speachless and cannot decide whether to laught or cry. The only thing I know right now is that I truly wish you'd update quickly as I think I'll enjoy Penny meeting all of Halbarad's sons very much. :) Thank you for writing this story. It's incredible. And amazingly real. Plus it's one of my favourite. ~Ana
Dreamflower · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 21: The Shield of Achilles
This chapter is marvelous!! You have clearly adhered so closely to canon with this that I am most impressed. Crossovers/AUs that can do that are rare indeed--most of them go on their merry way once the non-canon element is introduced--but you have managed it brilliantly. Elrond's speech to Aragorn, now King Elessar, could easily have been lifted from one of the unpublished drafts of the professor himself. And yet, there's Penny, with her sharp eye, and her modern-day POV, to add a bit of humor and remind us that this isn't *quite* canon. I love her irreverent thought that the Elves were practicing a bit of PR, her gasp at meeting Ingold, Elladan and Elrohir's delight that they must have been mentioned in history, as she recognizes the jewels they wore to battle, and her wry bit of self-recognition, as she realizes she is still a "city girl" at heart. And meeting Halbarad's sons--that's going to really affect her! Since you chopped this chapter short to save some for next time, I shall keep my fingers crossed that "next time" will be very soon!!
Author's reply
"Elrond's speech to Aragorn, now King Elessar, could easily have been lifted from one of the unpublished drafts of the professor himself. " I consider that to be the highest compliment anyone could pay me. I particularly wanted that moment, and Elrond's speech in particular, to 'ring true' (as it were) and I am so very glad that it did so for you. Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. :)