Reviews (633)

Daynawayna · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 58: Beating Round The Bush

WOW! Talk about taking us on a rollercoaster ride! Poor Penny! I of course have been hoping for this ship for quite some time, but realized that it might not happen, but then when it started looking like it would go that way, WHAM! You pull the rug out from under us with "I can't date/romantically love my WARD." Gaahhh! And all the ups and downs for Penny since the incident at the water: the frustration, the confustion, the sense of loss, the grief and then finally trying to make peace... And then her heartbreaking decision to not marry anyone for the simple reason that she might suddenly wake up in London again one day. :( But yet she continues on and strives to do the best she can, and happily too it seems. Then someone goes and kicks Halladan in the teeth, he obviously has a heart to heart with more than one someone, and we watch as he becomes more free with his emotions around Penny and we see that he seems to have finally accepted that it's okay to love her... and you leave us with a CLIFFIE!?!? ARE YOU HIGH WOMAN!?! ROFL! I hate it, but I love it! You are a wicked creature, especially to the Halladan/Penny Shippers! Oh, the wailing and nashing of teeth over here in the States! LOL All I've got to say is: you'd better not pull the rug out from under us again... PLEASE don't get out hopes up just to dash them again! I don't thing we (or Penny!) could take it! C'mon Halladan: tell her how you truly feel and what you are hoping for from ANY kind of relationship from her so she (we) can accept, adjust and move forward. Even if it's slowly. Spinning slowly in a stagnant pool is no fun. :p And Penny: Please find peace with whatever kind of relationship Halladan wants with you. You little realize it, but you deserve to be loved by a good man. And you have one right in front of you who really wants to be there for you. Don't close yourself off. Please. :)

amokeh · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 58: Beating Round The Bush

Woo hoo!! That was quick! So glad to see Halladan working things out in his own mind, so that he and Penny can move forward as friends again, at the very least. I know you said that the next chapter is already with the betas, so it's already done. But as I'm reading (and re-reading, truth be told, heh) Penny's reaction to Halladan's behavior and her reminder to herself of why a romantic relationship between them can't be, I can't help but think that Lindir would be the perfect person to explain to her why her reasons for remaining single are rubbish. Lindir has loved, and lost (although he knows he'll see his love again, eventually), and has seen much evil is his long lifetime, and understands how important it is to live in the moment instead of worrying about what may or may not come to be. He'd be the perfect person to explain to her that, because of the fact that any of us could lose everything or be lost ourselves at any moment, that it's absolutely imperative that we grab hold of that which can bring us joy, that the very ephemeral quality of life dictates that we embrace it fully, without hesitation. Otherwise, we're not really living, are we? We're simply existing, and our days will be full of nothing more than regrets for what might have been. And that's really no future at all, is it? :( As always, beautifully written with a perfect sense of Penny's ongoing struggle both outwardly and internally to find her place and make a life for herself. Please hurry your betas; otherwise I'll have no choice but to re-read this a dozen more times until your next update. Thanks for continuing this fantastic story!!

Fantasia · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 58: Beating Round The Bush

What a wonderful chapter! I had a huge smile at the end of the chapter. I'm so happy for them, hoping that Penny don't refuse him because her fears of going back to her time. Love their interaction, the friendship and the love between them...I'm assuming that he will declare his love to her on that walk...that Elrond had helped him to sort out his feelings The whole chapter was great, but I can only think about Penny and Halladan...Glad that the next chapter is done, if not, I think that I could have cross the Atlantic, gone to London and demand a new chapter. I'll be waiting anxiously... Thanks,

Dreamflower · 7 September 2008 · Chapter 58: Beating Round The Bush

Oh! Oh! Oh! FINALLY! I'm assuming that Elrond helped to relieve Halladan's rather over-developed sense of duty and honor, to see that if he loved her it would be his duty and honor to let her know. But now, if SHE goes all noble when he declares himself, I will feel like beating her about the head and shoulders with a broomstick!!!! There were lots of wonderful touches in this chapter--the preparations for Mettare, the account of the party and all the drinking, Bilbo getting a third breakfast, LOL! And the Elves hangover remedy that had such a--er, shall we say passing effect on mortals. Hilarious! And I also loved Penny's difidence about her stitchery skills on Mireth's dress. She should realize that it's the thought that counts, there! And the horse--oh, that was a very telling gift!

harrowcat · 7 September 2008 · Chapter 58: Beating Round The Bush

I am so glad that you told us that the next chapter is near at hand or lynching might have definitely been a thought. But then, of we did that we would never see what happens! *Sends your Betas speedy wishes instead.* When you finally finish this part of Penni's story would you mind if I archive it to my e.book reader? That is, when and if it arrives!

el_esteleth · 7 September 2008 · Chapter 58: Beating Round The Bush

*refrains from lynching.. but only just barely* ;) Arrrrrrrrrrgggghhh! That was most definitely an EVOL place to leave off. :) Anyway, I enjoyed this chapter quite a bit. I laughed at the 'hangover the size of a troll' as that gave me a very amusing mental image. And I've forgotten all the other places that I laughed now or wanted to make particular comment on. *should really take notes while reading so the reviews would be better and longer* I really liked the part with the embroidery, as well. Poor Penny being so worried about her skill and Mireth coaxing her along to being able to add it to her wedding dress. *grins* I very much enjoyed the chapter (even with the EVOL leaving off place). Thank you for sharing your writing. As always, it was very well written, enjoyable to read, and done very well as far as realism goes. :) Es.

Kitty · 7 September 2008 · Chapter 58: Beating Round The Bush

Yay, another update so soon! :) The birthday gifts from Halladan and Arvain are sweet; the cutney seems to be something of a sacrifice ;) Loved the Mettarë celebration! It was a great party, and it’s good to have all these Dunedain around. Not to mention the usual banter. I could *so* see the guys, hungover and grumpy about Penny’s cheerfulness the next morning *evil grin* Halladan, on the other hand, with his changing moods must have been a bit difficult for her, though I suspect I know what was working at him. The shared work on the wedding dress is a lovely idea. It seems appropriate, and I am glad Mireth asked Penny, even if she will never be World Champion in sewing and embroiding. Oh wow, the brothers gifted her with a horse? That’s great! And it is great, too, to see Halladan finally relaxing and interacting with Penny again like in old times. But you realise that the end is somewhat of a cliffhanger, do you? (Oh well, considering your AN you do ;-)) *What* is it that Halladan wants to talk with her about? Dare I hope?

Lyrelle · 4 September 2008 · Chapter 57: Absence

Just wanted to tell you that I think you're doing a wonderful job in making this story not all about the romance. With so many stories, once characters realize their attraction, the story then focuses on it to the exclusion of all else and to its own detriment. I was afraid that would happen with this story - thankfully you've managed to keep a complete picture of Penny's life going forward. Also? Penny's totally absorbing the mores of her new culture, and it's enriching her character instead of stifling or radically changing it. It's fascinating to watch. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story. :)

Miss · 3 September 2008 · Chapter 57: Absence

Beautifull chapter!!!

amokeh · 3 September 2008 · Chapter 57: Absence

Yay!!! I can't tell you how extremely pleased I was to see this updated. I made a very abrupt, happy little noise that probably alarmed my coworkers somewhat, heh. Oh, and thanks for the clarification re: winter dresses. I would have never have considered wearing them layered, but you're right - that would make sense. Loved the birthday presents - all appropriate and so meaningful for Penny, to have tokens from all of the wonderful new friends she's made. Also very glad to see Faelon, furry face or no. He's such a dear, isn't he? And have to say that reading how you've portrayed Halladan is proof positive to me that you're married and have a good handle on the male mind. Just ignore it and it'll go away, right? Typical male method of dealing with uncomfortable situations. Hopefully, his friends' reactions to *his* actions will point out just how much of a daft prat he's being. Can't wait for the next chapter!! :)

iona · 2 September 2008 · Chapter 57: Absence

Sleep? Who needs sleep when there's quality fic to be read?! I happened to check SoA, noticed two new chapters to this story, and... Just Had To Read. Staying in Imladris, resting from the long journey and learning useful new skills seems to be doing Penny heaps of good, even though she is very understandably worried sick about what has been happening in Eriador. I've taken to Penny's character so much that I kept getting these little surges of pride when each new skill and accomplishment was mentioned, and especially when it came to her interactions with the various Dúnedain who stopped by. Not the same Penny who landed in Middle-Earth, this one, but a much more mature and thoughtful Penny, who manages to keep her cool. The birthday celebration was a near tear-jerker, with so many of Penny's Very Important People doing their best to make it a great day for her. Lindir and Erestor are such dears that I want to hug them. And Faelon, beard and all! What's not to like?! Seems to have inadvertently sort of adopted Penny, in spite of not having any official obligations towards her. I refrain from saying anything about Halladan and his behaviour, as I doubt I could add much to what others already have said. Might've been interesting - and highly amusing! - to eavesdrop on him and Arvain, though. As ever, I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

Virtuelle · 2 September 2008 · Chapter 57: Absence

Boz4PM, thanks for posting the new chapter, it was my birthday yesterday and it just was the icing on the cake. I have been checking every day for your new chapter as I was reading Nilmandra's stories. The wonderful thing about this site is that while you wait for one of your favorite authors to post you find so many other wonderful stories to read. The feedback for the authors is great also. Penny not being able to recall the face of her mom was so touching. I know that feeling living half way across the states from my own mom. I am hoping when she goes to stay with Morfinniel that a clearer picture of her mother will pop into her subconsious. Maybe something that she will say or do will trigger it. Ah and Halladan,;) can't someone; like Lord Elrond, tell him its ok for him to love his ward? Or maybe Lindir could teasingly give him something to be jealous for. He strikes me as being a good enough friend with them both to flirt ballantly with her and get away with it without getting into to much trouble. Wonderful story, I can't wait to see what you will write up next.

Neilia · 2 September 2008 · Chapter 57: Absence

Dearest fellow author. I have as much trouble getting chapters out as you do! I love this story and will keep reading it as long as it lasts. I do hope Halladan gets over his 'my ward thing' enough to allow them to get together. Penny needs him as much as he needs her. *sigh* I'm a hopeless romantic! :D

Shemyaza · 2 September 2008 · Chapter 57: Absence

I am going to say something horrible... :P Oh not about the story which is incredibly well written and a fascinating read, but I don't think that Penny should stay in Middle Earth. I don't think Halladan is the guy for her and despite her best efforts to fit in and be part of everything, and everyone else's efforts to make her feel at home, the very fact that she seems to constantly question herself and everything says to me that she doesn't know where she fits in. She tries to understand things from his point of view, but the fact remains that they both come from entirely different worlds with different moral value sets. I'm sure that all the romantics among your readers will be up in arms with this, but I really do think she needs to finally go home and have some resolution in her former life. There is no closure with regard to her family and in reality that kind of non closure can live with you forever. I was estranged from my mother when she died and I have never quite forgiven myself for not being there. Her life was unhappy in the modern world, but she's left a lot of things undone and unsaid and not all the happiness in the world with a man will change that. Sometimes happily ever after is not quite what you think or hope that it will be. *Dons Flak jacket and prepares to avoid the outrage of all romantics!* These are just my thoughts on her situation of course and do not reflect badly on an excellent story!

Kitty · 2 September 2008 · Chapter 57: Absence

Arvain’s visit to Imladris was certainly ... interesting. It really left me with the feeling that he had argued with his brother quite a bit – and of course, I have an idea why ;) Penny’s birthday was lovely! I was so glad that all her friends had something for her – and the gifts were truly beautiful. It must have been great for her to see that they all thought of her. As much as she loves Imladris, the Elves, Rangers and Bilbo, her drawing shows so clearly how much she misses her old life, too, and it is important that the others make her feel welcome there. And now Halladan is back! Well, after what happened before he left it was only to be expected that things would be quite awkward between them, and all things considered, it went pretty well, I think. Glad she could convince him to tell her the truth about how things went in Eriador. Of course she would be upset, but she’s right – not knowing anything is worse, because she will always imagine even worse things than the ones that happened. I think I agree with Elrond and Arvain – it was bad, but it could have been much worse. Now, if they only would accept the obvious! *plants her Penny/Halladan banner firmly in the ground before the noses of these two and points at it* Oh, and I don’t think you need to apologise about the time this chapter took. Your chapters are pretty long, after all, and over the years I have waited longer for updates who turned out to be two pages or so (though not here at SoA) ... and it’s not as if you don’t have to do anything other than writing fanfiction, after all.

tempest · 1 September 2008 · Chapter 57: Absence

Halladan, will you just BLOODY WELL MARRY THE GIRL! Thank you. I've been needing to get that off my chest for four chapters now. Waiting with expectation for the rest of the story.

Dreamflower · 1 September 2008 · Chapter 57: Absence

This is a marvelous chapter! Penny is learning to deal with a great many things. I think the part that affected me most was not her reunion with Halladan--though that was marvelously handled, and very realistic given the circumstances--but the part about her doodling of all the modern things she might never see again. I could easily envision the page of "scribbles"--I'm an inveterate doodler myself, and it just seemed so *right* that she'd do such a thing!

Mopsy · 1 September 2008 · Chapter 57: Absence

Oh, KISS DA GIRL! I loved this chapter - so sweet and melancholy! The gifts were lovely - very sweet. Lindir's especially - and the song! Their friendship seems so real. It was a very nice image - the Hall of Fire filled with people, and Penny and LIndir sharing a little in-joke in front of them all - Penny laughing and crying. I will really miss him, Mireth and the rest of the Elves when Penny goes north. I'm still in love with Erestor...the little still life he set up for Penny confirmed it. What a doll. Arvain is such a sweetie! And somewhat caught in the middle of Penny and Halladan. Faelon's little moment talking about his beard and his wife was sweet, too. All in all, bravo. I want the next chapter, yet I don't, because I don't want the story to end! :)

el_esteleth · 1 September 2008 · Chapter 57: Absence

Very enjoyable last two chapters. I have only just now gotten to read the chapter before this one and enjoyed that one and this very much. And I'm happy at least Penny and Halladan got a chance to talk and return things to a less strained type feeling. Bilbo is hilarious. I always enjoy when he's in the chapters. Overall, two very enjoyable chapters. Es.

amokeh · 18 August 2008 · Chapter 56: Home Again, Home Again, (Jiggety-jig)

Lovely chapter, and how relieved Penny must be to be back "home" as it were. Totally understandable her discomfort with the hobbits, knowing what was awaiting them in Suza. Glad that Mireth knows and Penny has someone of the female persuasion she can confide in, with Arwen settled & married in Minas Tirith. :D I was thinking though, of the dress-making, and Mireth saying Penny needed 2 winter dresses. In all seriousness, wouldn't she need 1-2 more than that, considering that with the cold weather there would be less frequent visits to the washing stoop? Or do they have a place indoors where they could do their laundry instead? I realize, of course, that elves don't feel the cold as mortals do, but I can't imagine they'd take much pleasure in washing their clothes weekly in freezing-cold river water! Anyway, that thought just popped in my head and wouldn't leave me alone, the prat. Thanks for the new chapter, and waiting anxiously for 57! :D

Miss · 17 August 2008 · Chapter 56: Home Again, Home Again, (Jiggety-jig)

What a relief that must be for Penny! To actually be frank and not walking on eggs anymore, well for the last part of the tale... You know, I was wondering why she didn't kept a 'diary' before.... Well written Boz. Till the next chapter.

Anonymous · 15 August 2008 · Chapter 56: Home Again, Home Again, (Jiggety-jig)

Wonderful! I love seeing how she's changed, and how much Penny worries for Hal.

Anonymous · 14 August 2008 · Chapter 56: Home Again, Home Again, (Jiggety-jig)

Yay! More "Penny"! Ahhh! the foolishness of mortals. (men and 'honor', can be almost as exasperating as teenage girls.) Thanks for the birthday.The poor woman needs something nice coming to her.

Dreamflower · 14 August 2008 · Chapter 56: Home Again, Home Again, (Jiggety-jig)

I just loved all the wonderful hobbit interaction! Bilbo was just lovely--sleepy and old, as we are told, but still sharp enough when he was awake. And I love the bit about not being sure that he was asleep, as well. The conversation with Sam (Ban) was just lovely, too. Penny may not have quite realized it yet--but all the educating she's getting in the realities of M-e life is going to do away with many of the objections she gave herself for being unsuitable for marriage. A great chapter--I enjoyed it immensely!

Kitty · 14 August 2008 · Chapter 56: Home Again, Home Again, (Jiggety-jig)

Just wondering – can Penny know exactly how old she now truly is? She could have been thrown forward in the year or backwards, after all. This time-travelling has a few disadvantages ;) Ah, that was what I had expected – that Penny would try to learn as much as possible about housekeeping while still in Imladris. And I think she did a good job on it, too. The elves are really sweet, all working so hard on helping and teaching her. It was about time to tell Mireth everything! Though I was not surprised that she already knew. She must have realised that there are a few odd things about Penny, and considering her close relationship with Arwen ... Well, I understand that Penny kept away from the Hobbits, but somehow I hope she will meet at least Sam, Merry and Pippin again, later on when her knowledge isn’t the same burden as it is now. And of course Gandalf has to return to Imladris and talk with her before he sails; they can’t part in this way. And she finally told Elrond and the others the rest of the story! I hope to have confided in them will help her feel better, as she now is sharing the burden with more people. Obviously the elves didn’t have realised before just *how* deep Saruman’s treachery truly ran. Quite a shock for them, wasn't it? And of course, now I am curious about Mireth’s visions! She didn’t have any visions of Penny marrying Halladan, by chance? *grin*