News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| Okay, NOW Panic! by Boz4PM | 15 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 7/17/2007 |
| A powerful chapter. I can identify easily with Penny's problems with her brother--they sound all too familiar to me, and I have two close relatives of my own who seem to have that personality type. After a number of dangerous stunts and close brushes with the law, both of them finally seem to be growing up--a decade or more later than most young men do; I have a feeling that if Penny had still been in her own time to see it, she'd have seen it happen for herself. Halladan's revelation explains a good deal; whether it actually played out as he said or whether that's simply his perception of it hardly matters--what matters is, he blames himself. I hope he will open up to Elrond and the others. And we are coming close to the revelation of Saruman's escape at Isengard, and the meeting with him on the way. Saruman is going to open a whole new can of worms for Penny. And what will be his reaction to her--if he should see her? Because you have covered so much territory, and the Quest itself is over, I had begun to lose sight of the fact that this story is *still* a gap-filler. How hard is it going to be *now* to keep her mouth shut, when she knows what the hobbits would face when they get home? I've noticed that you have kept them very much out of the limelight in the last couple of chapters--it seems a subtle way of showing that Penny may be avoiding them right now... Author Reply: I'm glad that several people have recognised Penny's brother in someone they know or know of - it always helps to have it confirmed that a character strikes readers as realistic. Yeah, I wanted him to come across as more immature and irresponsible more than 'a wrong 'un' as it were. The hobbits have been rather in the background. Part of it, in truth, is simply that it's been hard to include them with everything else going on, though they were on the visit to the Caves with Penny. That and, while journeying, everything else continues as much of a muchness - it's really only things that seem out of the ordinary, are of note or have a direct effect on Penny that I often have time to mention. The hobbits are just getting on with their thing, as it were. ;) But, yeah, there has always been a certain level of distance between Penny and them all, part of it due to the language barrier she has with all of them bar Frodo but particularly of late due to her foreknowledge of the Scouring of the Shire. | |
| Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 7/17/2007 | |
| Once again, I love the realism and detail that you bring to this story! "However she genuinely began to be slightly fearful, wondering if a storm was brewing for her above the valley of Isengard, and whether she might have to speak of what she knew at last." Oooo, suspense! I really don't know how Penny can explain not sharing what she knows, and I can't wait to see how she, and everyone else, handle it. So now that that's coming up, and the earlier comment about her brother being like Lotho... I have to wonder if Penny will go to the Shire and meet him. Thank you for writing such a wonderful and character-driven story, and for sharing it with us. Author Reply: Thank you. I'm very glad you've enjoyed it all so far and this chapter particularly. :) | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 7/16/2007 |
| Read part-way through this immediately after it was posted, but got interrupted. Finally got back to read the rest. How we do love, however irrationally. *sigh* Penny's brother is hardly remarkable. Too common a story, these days. The chapter moved me to tears when it was revealed that Arvain had overheard the conversation. How hard this is, layers within layers, yet one can still hope for healing, somehow, and hopefully not a vain hope. Penny, in her encroaching depression, sounds like one in need of athelas. (For some reason, I keep thinking of "his grief he will not forget; but it will not darken his heart, it will teach him wisdom.") I wonder how athelas might affect Halladan? Have you mentioned it, and I missed it? I have read in bits and snatches over the past weeks. Author Reply: Athelas has not been mentioned. Mainly because healing has only really properly begun with Halladan of late. More of that will come in future chapters and I suspect Aragorn will want to have a go at him with his healing hands of the King before he leaves them all at the Gap of Rohan, and I suspect that will have to involve athelas. Glad you enjoyed it. :) | |
| Tathrien | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 7/16/2007 |
| How wonderful to come back from Thailand to find a chapter waiting and after just a few days at home to have another chapter posted so soon! :) Ai, Halladan! It is so terribly sad to see him have to deal with such intense grief and guilt. "This is my burden. I will carry it with me to my grave." That line made my heart ache. How can he bear such a despairing thought! I'm glad to see Arvain and Faelon being such ready supports to Halladan. Elrond and Mithrandir can provide much help that the others couldn't. However, the Dunedain are Halladan's people, and they can provide a unique kind of support that neither Elrond nor Gandalf can give. Arvain's reaction to hearing about the details of Hirvell's death was so sad. It must be painful to hear such details about his brother's death and also realize that his other brother feels responsible for what happened. I'm glad that both brothers have someone like Faelon, who cares deeply for them, to help them. Poor Penny. Already, she is emotionally exhausted, and now, she must deal with the results of her knowledge of future events. It seems as if everyone is pretty preoccupied with other things. I hope with all that is going on, they do not forget Penny's state of being and drain her further by interrogating her. Thank you for another great chapter! Looking forward to more! God bless! ~Tathrien Author Reply: To be honest, Halladan's line was (in my mind) more him saying it as a statement of fact. He has come to accept it as a fact (albeit, perhaps, erroneously or based on a fallacious view of what actually occurred). He was simply saying 'this is the way it is.' He bears it simply because he has to - he has no alternative. Of course, saying that, one would hope and presume those round him, powerful people and skilled healers, will change all that, but even so - that's where he's at. Yes, I think Faelon has an important role to play. If it were not him then it would be others amongst the Dunedain. He has known them all their lives and is much like an uncle to the two men, so it's natural that he should be there for them, for their father's sake as much for the love he has for them. The wise are indeed the wise where Penny is concerned. I hope it does not seem like they have forgotten her, and I might have to include a rare 'scene from others' POV' in the next chapter, perhaps, to better explain their reticence with her. They are watching, though, and will step in if needs be. They know what they are about. :) | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 7/16/2007 |
| A new chapter! :-) Hadn’t dared to hope for another so soon! Lindir’s reaction to Penny’s acceptance of a Westron lesson was priceless! *LOL* Though I have to admit, I’d not expected it some chapters earlier, either. And I loved all the banter; it was good to lighten the mood a bit, to distract Penny and Halladan both, even if it is obvious they need time alone, too, to come to terms with their problems. Ah, I’m glad Penny finally opened up and talked to Halladan about her family at length. The built-up emotions had to get out. But honestly, her brother seems to be the 21th century version of Lotho! Halladan is right – I’m not sure he deserves how much Penny tried to get along with him and how much she misses him. As for Halladan himself ... if he thinks Hirvell’s death was his fault, it’s only too understandable why he is so much affected by all this. Though I doubt it was truly his fault – but that’s something many people would not think rational about in his place, too. And I am glad she told Faelon about it and Arvain overheard as much as he did – they need to know and to get the healers to help here, too. Considering all the gentle touches and concern shown for each other, I feel strongly tempted to wave my ‚Penny and Halladan’ banner again ;-) Oh – in the AN at the end you mentioned Dol Amroth, but I think that should be Dol Guldur. Author Reply: Thanks - the Dol Guldur thing is already changed. *weary sigh, head-desk* It's one of those things: your brain says one thing and your fingers type something else and then because it's not a glaring typo your eyes don't pick it up when you re-read for editing/mistakes. *lol* At one point writing this chapter I caught myself typing 'Celeborn' instead of 'Celebdor' - can't imagine Lord Celeborn taking too kindly to Lindir laughing over him having been bitten in the bum by a badger. *rofl* her brother seems to be the 21th century version of Lotho! *LOL* Yes! Hee! I'd not thought of it. *chortles* Thank you for reading. So glad you enjoyed the chapter. :D | |