obsidianj
· 24 June 2008
· Chapter 54: Drawing Lines
Lovely chapter! Poor Penny and Halladan. But Penny should think. What did Halladan say about the menfolk in his family not being able to express their emotions? And Halladan sure has enough trouble speaking about himself. And being her guardian and such... Maybe a bit of modern straightforwardness is called for in this case ;-)
Author's reply
Thanks! I think it's very easy to see what might be needed if you're outside of a situation, but it's a different matter when you're the one in the middle of it. ;)
amokeh
· 24 June 2008
· Chapter 54: Drawing Lines
Oh, you ARE evil! You are the evillest evil thing EVer!!! (clucks tongue in disapproval) I have to admit that I've been checking daily for an update as you had intimated that the next chapter was coming soon, and was not expecting such an evil cliffie. Although, in retrospect I should have, shouldn't have I? Hopefully, Penny will be her usual tenacious self and not let Halladan be all self-recriminatory and discover that he's mad at himself for the same reasons SHE's mad at HERself; that he believes he's alone in his deeper feelings and acted inappropriately when that isn't/wasn't the case at all. I'm totally into the Penny/Halladan 'ship at this point. :D Well, despite the fact that you're EVIL, thanks for the quick update and can't wait until the next chapter!!!
Author's reply
*grins* *is evil* *cackles*
Glad you enjoyed it (if that's the word?). :D
harrowcat
· 24 June 2008
· Chapter 54: Drawing Lines
I am so glad that you won't be long with the next chapter.!!!!! How long is not long????? can't wait, can't wait.
Author's reply
Well, hopefully (barring unforeseen crises) by the end of the week? First draft is done, beta-ed and just needs some tweaks and edits, but otherwise is more or less good to go. :)
Miss
· 18 June 2008
· Chapter 53: Hook, Line and Sinker
Thank you for this upadte, indeed much faster that the one before.
I have mixed feelings about this chapter. I don't know, maybe because I saw Penny's relationship (with Hallandan)as a friendship one, best friend alike. On the other hand, I love the way you've written the proces of 'being in love', it was great.
I can't help but feel sad for Penny and for the ones she left behind in London. Well, I don't know how this story will end, but for now, it makes me sad.
I do understand that she feels much more herself with humans/mortals than with Elves (apart from the hygiene). I see that you distant Penny from the Elves. Not all the way, but in small steps. Well,she did some self-thinking during the trip,she needed the space. Like before, she always talked to Gandalf or Elrond, and now she has Halladan, just him. Maybe I just miss Penny interact with the Elves.
Oh I loved Linder and Penny going at each oother! I really missed it!
A very 'flowery' chapter!! Nice
Author's reply
My apologies! I thought I'd replied to this already!
Thank you for reading and commenting. And, thank you for being honest about Penny's feelings. I realise not everyone will be pleased with it, at the same time it does happen - friends do fall for each other, and Penny's been so reliant on Halladan's support, as well as being very important in terms of his recovery it was not wholly unexpected that it would happen. Whether anything will come of it, though, is another matter entirely. ;)
Penny is still interacting with the elves, it's just hard to take time out to show that AND keep the story moving forward. :\ I do try and refer to it, even if in passing, to try and indicate that it is going on, even if I'm not detailing specific conversations. Don't forget that the camp is one big place and there are times when she's sitting with Halladan at the elvish fires, and times when the elves are at the main Dunedain fire - it's a very social and sociable mix all the time. :)
paranoidangel
· 17 June 2008
· Chapter 53: Hook, Line and Sinker
I'd only just finished the last chapter when this one went up, which was well timed! I wondered how much of Halladan and Penny's relationship was brotherly/sisterly and if it was anything more. Of course, now we only know one side... :)
Author's reply
Oh, indeed. And it might be some time before we truly see things from Halladan's perspective... ¬¬
Fantasia
· 17 June 2008
· Chapter 53: Hook, Line and Sinker
This is my second review, but I read the chapter again in home, to enjoy it properly. You say that Tadion's mother was no-dunedan, but I think that you said before that she was Faelon wife's cousin, I remember because I was thinking that they were all related to certain degree. I know that it just a silly question, but I do love this story and I like to know about the characters.
It was so funny all the teasing around Halladan and Penny. Why are they the only one to not realize that they are in love? Penny sounds so sure that he will never fall in love with her. Sure, she is very different, but that makes her very unique. You know what I find amusing, that nobody will comment about the time that they spend alone together and they will make a big deal about sharing a cup or Penny running like a mad woman when Halladan was injured, different times, we will for sure gossiping like crazy about those night walks...Well, I suppose that Halladan has a flashback during the tree battle and that it is why he lost concentration...no fit for duty yet, mentally and physically, maybe he can recovery in Imladris and then they can have more time together...I'm hopeless romantic...I just love the old romance stories, you know the gentle and brave knight and his lady...Oh, love Tadion and his remarks...BTW, I guess that he is not in Penny's favorite list any more, due that he might has provoke Halladan's flashback, well, not intentionally...
I now that you say that yuo won’t write a trilogy, but I would love to see Penny as a married woman living within the Dunedan, that will be hilarious...
Author's reply
Tadion's father was Halbarad's wife's brother and Morfinniel (Faelon's wife) was also a cousin of Halbarad's wife. I don't remember linking Tadion's mother and Morfinniel and I have tried to check through stuff this morning. I will keep checking, though, and if I spot a reference edit it, since it must have been a mistake on my part. Tadion was only ever a cousin to Halladan and Arvain, a first cousin. I never intended any direct familial link between him/his family and Faelon/Faelon's family. :)
Well, the night-time walks HAVE been noted. Galadriel commented on it with Penny, don't forget. That said, those who know both of them well know they both have a lot of issues and, in some senses, issues in common. Those who know them both VERY well know that Penny was directly involved in poking Halladan to be honest about how ill he was - thus it is natural that both would become close and also have private moments when they could both unburden themselves a little. So it's a mixture - understanding that it's entirely innocent and yet also realising that it could be an indication of something more. It's the more obvious signs or slip-ups that they will pick up on/tease them about.
There may well be one-shots or drabbles of Penny's time with the Dunedain (married or no - since the former is far from certain).
Daynawayna
· 16 June 2008
· Chapter 53: Hook, Line and Sinker
Boz:
I have been faithfully reading every chapter as you post it, but have been sadly remiss in my review duties. Please forgive me.
That said, I could NOT pass up the opportunity to review this chapter. I have been a HUGE Haladan/Penny shipper from the get go, and I am pleased to discover that my hopes have been fulfilled! Yay! :D I'm not worried about his side of things per se because whereas he may not be "in love" with her like she is with him, it's obvious (to me anyway) that he certainly has deep feelings for her. And if a guardian IS allowed to marry his charge, I believe he will simply for the reasons Penny stated earlier: He knows her and her situation and it wouldn't be odd at all for him to assume that roll of Husband (which is the Ultimate Guardian, btw. LOL ).
I am still so in love with this story after 2+ years reading (from Don't Panic! to this)... You've done such and incredible job keeping our interest and leading us through this AMAZING journey with Penny. I can only hope to achieve something like this in my own writing someday. It makes my day when I see you've updated. :)
Author's reply
Nothing to forgive! Reviews are never obligatory and every one that is left is hugely appreciated. Thank you!
Ah, but IS a guardian allowed to marry their charge? ;) *cackles cruelly*
Thank you - I'm glad you've felt you could stick with it all this time, in spite of the increasing slowness of chapters.
iona
· 16 June 2008
· Chapter 53: Hook, Line and Sinker
Well, now! The proverbial brick finally hit her on the head. *chortles*
Had Penny not had all the more pressing concerns on her mind until now, she might've become aware of her developing feelings gradually, but as it is, the poor girl is understandably taken by surprise and terribly embarrassed. Her self-deprecating musings are really rather endearing and my hat goes off to your descriptions of how she mentally calls herself names whilst simultaneously being incapable of not smiling at Halladan. Cute and hilarious at the same time!
Also, hugely entertaining tales of the antics of Double Trouble i.e. Hirvell and Arvain! *is grinning like a loon*
Again, looking forward to the next chapter. With the not-quite-controlled eagerness of a puppy waiting for a treat that is being dangled in front of its muzzle.
Author's reply
Had Penny not had all the more pressing concerns on her mind until now, she might've become aware of her developing feelings gradually, but as it is, the poor girl is understandably taken by surprise and terribly embarrassed.
Exactly so! It's all something of a shock to her and she feels both a complete idiot for not realising sooner as well as stunned that she could feel so much and not have realised. But then folks can be truly dense when it comes to their own feelings or how others feel about them.
And thanks! Glad the 'beating herself up while reacting entirely hormonally/emotionally' worked and came across well.
Glad you enjoyed it all - thanks for commenting. :D
obsidianj
· 16 June 2008
· Chapter 53: Hook, Line and Sinker
Oh, Penny! It took her long enough to realize her own feelings. Now just get her to accept that Halladan might be in love with her too. I had to laugh and smile throughout the chapter. Why is it that it is usually everyone around a couple who knows before the couple knows *g*. I loved the banter and the teasing.
But it seems like Halladan will not resume duty anytime soon. This incident during training shows that he still has some serious issues to work through. I'm not sure he will ever be able to go out on patrol again (which I think will suit Penny just fine ;-) ).
Author's reply
Ah, issues and problems upon issues and problems. Life's never simple, eh? ;D
Thanks for reading!
amokeh
· 16 June 2008
· Chapter 53: Hook, Line and Sinker
Very glad to see Penny at a point where she can say "goodbye" to her old life, so to speak. After all, she can't move forward (preferably with a tall, handsome, somewhat gimpy Dunedain, heh) until she does, right? Beautifully written and made me a little teary-eyed myself, to be honest. :D Thanks for another great chapter. (The "keep 'em coming" is understood, right?) :)
Author's reply
Yeah, it took a while for her to reach this point. I think that's what made the last several chapters hard to write - had to get her to this point where she was ready and able to move on, both in terms of saying goodbye but also have enough of her burden removed, resolved or shared so she could finally accept what her true feelings for Halladan were.
Understood loud and clear, Cap'n. *salutes* *clicks heels*
;P
Dreamflower
· 16 June 2008
· Chapter 53: Hook, Line and Sinker
Wheee! Penny *finally* realizes! Now if only she will realize that he returns her feelings! When she started calling herself "stupid" I wanted to throttle her!
Excellent chapter! And I loved the hobbits going rabbit-hunting, and Sam calling Glorfindel a squirrel!
Delightful chapter! *grin*
Author's reply
*grins back* It was fun to write. :D
Squirrel!Glorfindel is something Lindir will definitely have to get more mileage out of, I feel. ¬¬
Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed it!
Kitty
· 16 June 2008
· Chapter 53: Hook, Line and Sinker
Yay! Penny realised that she is in love with Halladan! FINALLY! *happy dance* Took her long enough, didn’t it? I was grinning and snickering through most of the chapter :) And Penny’s permanent reading something in looks, touchs etc. and then scolding herself for it was very entertaining. It seems not to dawn on her Halladan could share her feelings, in spite of all these knowing looks and teasing remarks. Oh, and I loved the cup story!
Halladan’s tales of his brother’s childhood misdeeds were great! Well, I understand it was not easy when it happened, but in hindsight it is so funny and I am glad he is finally able to think of Hirvell and laugh. And Penny used her knowledge well *eg*
Hm ... I think Penny writing this letter is a good idea. To write something down you need to sort your thoughts and feelings out, which helps a bit to work through them, and in my experience it is easier to get over certain emotions when one can talk about it or write it to someone. And Halladan sitting with her the whole time was so sweet!
Oh, you have hurt poor Halladan! And of course everyone took notice how fast Penny was running to get to him! *grin* For that, I think I can even forgive you for hurting my sweetie! I truly wonder how long it will take these two to finally admit their feelings? And maybe Halladan is now not allowed to go back to duty any time soon? It would be such a great excuse for Elrond to keep him with Penny ;-)
I am very glad your muse finally returned – and not only because that means faster updates. It must have been pretty frustrating sometimes not to get any further with this story.
Author's reply
It DID take her long enough, but she's had a HEAP of other issues on her plate, and sometimes we can all be incredibly dense about such things, even quite bright people (and Penny is not a stupid woman).
Glad you enjoyed the rest of the chapter in all its various parts - thanks for commenting!
And, yeah, I'm glad these latest bits have been coming fast off the fingertips (for once!).
el_esteleth
· 16 June 2008
· Chapter 53: Hook, Line and Sinker
*laughs* Penny sure does know how to get herself into scrapes. Halladan arguing with a tree... poor guy. Hopefully, it's just some bruising... but I'm thinking what happened may have an impact on his returning to his usual Ranger duties. Poor Penny... finally realizing the blindingly obvious, especially so soon after her starting to feel better.
Thoroughly enjoyed this chapter. I was laughing through most of it.
Es.
Author's reply
Laughter is good. We likes laughter. ;D Thanks for reading!
Fantasia
· 16 June 2008
· Chapter 53: Hook, Line and Sinker
This is great! She is in love with Halladan, I love this chapter, I mean, I can feel all her emotions, the butterflies in her stomach and the frustrations. What a wonderful time, when you only live for a smile of your beloved and when you are trying to imagine what it is his head, and you imagine all the worst possible scenarios except that he might be in love with you too. I always like your stories, but now I can't wait for more... Thanks for posting, you made my day (I'm working right now and boring, but I can work the whole day now because Penny and Halladan)
Thanks.
Author's reply
So glad you felt able to empathise with her - it was very important that not just her obvious feelings for him but her thought process carried readers through, i.e. they could see/feel/understand why she was thinking what she was thinking - her reasoning.
Thanks for reading and commenting! :)
el_esteleth
· 16 June 2008
· Chapter 52: Oil on Troubled Waters
*grins* I really enjoyed this chapter, especially the part where Galadriel talks with Penny. I'm glad Penny's heart is lighter, too. Well, except for the part about realizing that Halladan and the others will have to leave soon. And I'm off to read the next chapter. :)
Es.
Mopsy
· 16 June 2008
· Chapter 53: Hook, Line and Sinker
Argh! So exciting! She's in love. :D Poor Penny, I really do go through all her emotions with her. You write so sympathetically.
Author's reply
I'm glad you think so - thank you for that. :D
iona
· 2 June 2008
· Chapter 52: Oil on Troubled Waters
Dear Boz4PM,
having followed Penny's adventures for quite some time, it's high time to leave a review and let you know that I've enjoyed these stories immensely. Not only is this the only believable modern-girl-falls-into-ME story I've ever come across, this is an exceptionally well researched and written fanfic. The canon characters "ring true" to canon and the original characters are interesting and believable with their own idiosyncrasies.
Something that I really like is how you show the humorous, even playful side of the elves. It is hinted at in Tolkien's works, but not shown often. You've done a particularly splendid job in portraying Elrond, who cannot by any means be an easy character to write.
The attention to detail that you show in your depictions of the various locations is something that makes a geeky medieval re-enactor such as myself very happy indeed. Even your author's notes have been interesting to read, what with the explanations for Gondorian foodstuffs, for example.
( My cat seems determined to leave a review, too, judging by his attempts to jump onto the keyboard. I supppose he appreciates the long hours I've spent reading your fics - those hours have been quality lap time for him! =) )
It will take considerable time yet before Penny is truly at ease in Middle-Earth, but she seems to be adapting much better thanks to her discussions with various important (to her) people, last but not least Galadriel. Thanks to Galadriel, she will perhaps be better able to bear waiting for the scouring of the Shire. Her growing closeness with the Dúnedain will help her settle in with them eventually, and I'd say her friendship with Halladan has been something of a lifeline.
Speaking of that, I hereby express my wish to enlist in the Penny/Halladan Shippers' Club. :D To steal a line from Penny herself, those two really are a pair! Penny doesn't have an inkling yet that she's falling head over heels, and Halladan might have an inkling but probably hasn't admitted to himself that it's not merely guardianship from his side, but Arvain and Tadion seem to be having a "sweet Elbereth, do they even realize" sort of joke at Penny and Halladan's expense. Delightful!
Looking forward to the next chapter,
Iona
Author's reply
Thank you so much for taking time out to comment. So glad you've enjoyed the whole journey so far.
You're right about Penny. I know some have occasionally been frustrated at the length of time her distress and discomfort have taken, but realistically it WOULD take that much time and more - she's been through a heck of a lot and, as I've often said, if it were me in her position I know I would not have had the strength of character she has shown and would likely as not completely flipped my lid by now.
Anonymous
· 31 May 2008
· Chapter 52: Oil on Troubled Waters
Wonderful! I always love seeing Middle Earth characters confused about modern things, like chocolate.
And did I detect a hint of jealousy on Hal's part?
Author's reply
lol, yes, I've not gone into detail with Halladan and Erestor's conversations with her about home life - and she also had some with Gandalf way back when in Imladris too - but I'm sure half of what she tells them foxes them completely!
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Kitty
· 28 May 2008
· Chapter 52: Oil on Troubled Waters
Yay, an update! :-) And a very lovely and long one. These childhood stories were so much fun! I was glad Halladan and Arvain were finally able to talk about their brother; it seems they are finally beginning to come to terms with his loss.
It is so great to see how everyone is looking after Penny, trying to help her, to comfort her, all of them, even Rhimlath (he may be grating on nerves sometimes, but he has a good heart).
The meeting with Galadriel in the woods and the resulting conversation was very well done. What a relief for Penny to realise that Galadriel – and probably Mithrandir, Elrond and Celeborn, too – knows at least roughly what will happen in the Shire, so she doesn’t have to bear the burden alone any longer!
Erestor is helping, too, in his quiet way. How nice of him to speak English with her and listen to her talking about her family in her own language! He may be truly interested in the language, but still, it is wonderful of him, as he has no use for English other than talking with her. And he had an interesting suggestion, I think, about this ritual or whatever presents itself. Maybe it would truly help Penny.
Halladan is such a sweetie! I am always touched about the way he looks after Penny and vice versa. These two are *so* destined for each other – I wonder when they will finally realise that themselves? Sometimes I get the impression most others have a pretty good idea ...
Another chapter well worth the long wait; and I greatly appreciate that you don’t simply abandon the story, considering your time constraints!
Author's reply
Erestor, albeit in the role of 'tutor' and 'wise advisor', has become a good friend to her - even before they left Imladris.
Thank you for reading and for all your comments - glad that each 'element' of the chapter appealed. :D
Mopsy
· 28 May 2008
· Chapter 52: Oil on Troubled Waters
Forgot to say I think that I loved the "missing chocolate?" moment! aww...
Author's reply
Yay! First person to comment on it! Glad you liked it. :D
Mopsy
· 28 May 2008
· Chapter 52: Oil on Troubled Waters
HOOROAR! So exciting! New chapter joy. :D And it came just at exam time, to alleviate my otherwise infinite suffering. So, fame and ovation for Boz, and on to the review proper.
Erestor is so sweet! What a doll. Adorable linguists...aw. I am a fangirl. You write him so beautifully...he's such a quiet support for Penny. Fangirly question: have you considered whether or not he has kids? He'd make a lovely father.
I love the way you've portrayed the deepening friendship between Halladan and Penny. He certainly seems to have come to depend on her now - to rely on her support to some extent, which is beautiful. His stab of what I have (hopefully correctly) interpreted as jealousy over the Tadion/Penny moment with the tent was gorgeous.
You write Galadriel wonderfully well! Also the family stories - love the Dunadan dynamic.
I read another review somewhere saying Penny was too mopey...I couldn't disagree more. I think you've portrayed a movingly realistic grieving process - after all, it's no ordinary grief, is it? No one back home is dead, and yet, they might as well be, to her...
Well, it's been years now, and I'm still reading and enjoying, and still eagerly await updates. Magic!
Author's reply
Fangirly question: have you considered whether or not he has kids? He'd make a lovely father.
Honestly? No. But only because it's never been relevent to any conversation or scene. Now that you've made me consider it, I think he has a daughter and she sailed with her mother. So there you are. ;D
I read another review somewhere saying Penny was too mopey...I couldn't disagree more. I think you've portrayed a movingly realistic grieving process - after all, it's no ordinary grief, is it? No one back home is dead, and yet, they might as well be, to her...
Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and you can't please all the people all of the time. I think the fact that it's taken me FOREVER to write these last few chapters hasn't helped, lol! So I'm sure to some Penny's malaise has felt like it's gone on too long. Couldn't be helped, since it was only really after Saruman had met them and parted with them on the road that any of it could come to some sort of resolution in some ways. And as you say, grief is not something you get over quickly, as anyone who has lost anyone close to them knows. Not only that but she has not simply lost a family member, she's lost ALL her family, ALL her friends, her ENTIRE way of life - everything she's ever known. That's a LOT to deal with, on top of everything else (guilt re. the War, shock at the human cost/coming face to face with the brutal reality of War, the stress of worrying if she would be left in Gondor, sheer exhaustion from travelling, worrying about the Scouring of the Shire and should she try and stop it or not, etc). It is something that would take weeks and weeks to begin to work through.
Anyway, now Galadriel's had a word, matters will get easier for her.
...
Or will they? *insert evil author cackle here*
Alassiel
· 27 May 2008
· Chapter 52: Oil on Troubled Waters
Greetings,
A couple of days ago, I was hoping to read another chapter of this wonderful story—and here it is!
I am so grateful that you are continuing to tell us Penny's tale. I especially love watching the deepening of her friendships, which have certainly stood her in good stead.
When life permits, please continue.
Your Devoted Reader,
Alassiel
Author's reply
Thank you. And thank you for reading and commenting. :)
Neilia
· 27 May 2008
· Chapter 52: Oil on Troubled Waters
Well, I must say, this chapter was well worth the looooong wait! I will be more patient in the future. Really, I enjoy these books so very much that I am glad, so very glad, to see this chapter posted. It is good to see Penny able to stabilize a bit. I just hope and pray that she doesn't have to 'go back' and suffer this stuff all over again. Halladan is too good a man to lose! What can I say? I am a hopeless romantic. :D Love, Neilia
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for reading!
And, yes, the main plot point of this chapter was to bring Penny to some sort of resolution regarding all the emotional trauma she's been through the last few months.
Miss
· 27 May 2008
· Chapter 52: Oil on Troubled Waters
So glad you updated!! That was a good chapter. I loved Rhimlath in this chapter!
You know, i still found it a bit difficult to understand how Penny tolerates her 'fate'. Obviously, Penny has struggles and is trying to accept it, you have explained it. I guess I must be patience and wait how this story gonna end.
Penny has indeed bondend with the Halladan and the others.
Till the next chapter!
Author's reply
You know, i still found it a bit difficult to understand how Penny tolerates her 'fate'.
Well, really she has no choice. It's either learn to accept it and live with it or else go completely insane or kill yourself. She's too bloody minded to the either of the last two. She has also had months to come to terms with it - much of it under the watchful eye of the greatest of healers in Middle-earth: Elrond. Being in the company of elves for as long as she was stood her in good stead and would have affected her in ways that she probably was little aware of at the time. It's only when she had to face, particularly, the reality of war and the real human cost and reality of what she had always known as a fictional tale that raked a whole load of emotion up and made everything very raw for her, but frankly she was in a far better place pyschologically by then to be able to deal with it. If she'd had to face all that when she was still fairly recently 'landed' in Middle-earth, I do think she really would have lost the plot completely - run off into the wilds somewhere, hysterical and insane and died from exposure, starvation or attack by wild animals (or worse). That or the shock would have killed her. What's she's been through has been incredibly traumatic from many perspectives, but she's been fortunate that a) it's been drawn out somewhat over a period of time and b) she is surrounded by so many who are so skilled and, yes, 'magical'.
it's hard to convey a lot of that, though I do try in terms of the way others interact with her at times. Also if I've shown something once, then I presume readers will take it as read that it can happen again 'off-stage', not have to repeat it over and over - so there are people taking care of her and, yes, perhaps reciting 'words of healing' or whatever over her when she sleeps. She has not been completely left alone, if that makes sense. :)
Dreamflower
· 27 May 2008
· Chapter 52: Oil on Troubled Waters
What a delightful bit of the journey! I love the way you treat this as partially a travelogue, and partially a journey of discovery for Penny. Believe it or not, even after forty years of reading the books, your story has given me a clearer picture of Middle-earth's geography!
Penny's conversation with Galadriel was wonderful--you truly captured that combination of kindness and sweetness with the veiled power of a princess of the Noldor. And it had to be comforting for Penny to realize she was not the only one with foreknowledge that had to be kept in check.
I also got quite a giggle out of the embarrassing childhood stories! For some reason, those always get to me!
Author's reply
I love the way you treat this as partially a travelogue, and partially a journey of discovery for Penny.
Thank you for that! :D And I'm also glad the geography is coming through. I get anally retentive about details like this - I HAVE to have it clear in my head or I simply can't write anything that is happening within that landscape, even if I make no reference to the landscape at all (if that makes any sense). It's been a good exercise for me as a reader/lover of Tolkien, to be honest, because I've HAD to pore over the maps and really think about the topography and the rest in a way I never did before - I just glossed over it and got on with the plot of JRRT's story. Minas Tirith was the killer. I could never, ever visualise it sensibly in my head. Dunno why. Had a complete mental block about it, so I was dreading writing it. I had to just read and re-read every description, making notes and mulling them over in my head until I got a really clear mental picture. Thus, I'm always pleased when readers comment on it and say it's come through clearly for them in my writing. :D Thanks!