Reviews (156)

Kitty · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 11: The Proverbial Hits the Fan

Well done,Penny! I am sure no one was ever able to shock this noble group so much than Penny did now! Although the poor girl was probably frightened nearly to death!

Kitty · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 10: Calm Before The Storm

THAT was something she would be intrigued to find out: were elves ACTUALLY hairless or not? Come to think of it, she could find out the answers to all those niggling questions: were there one or two Glorfindels? DO Balrogs have wings? I see Penny is about to find out the one practical side of this weird situation! What a pity we can’t send her our questions – she could ask the elves in Imladris and then send the answers back! I’m sure she would be *buried* in mountains of post!

Nilmandra · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 12: All Hell Breaks Loose

I like tempermental Elrond.. its so nice to see him get a bit fired up and yell when needed. I can't imagine someone showing up who knows the outcome of major world events. The knowledge she has could change the course of events in Middle-earth... I like the whole 'Prime Directive' thing coming into play here. Hopefully she will disobey less often than Captain Kirk did!

phoenix23531 · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 12: All Hell Breaks Loose

Ok, well I had intended to review each chapter. Somehow I didn't even realise I was pressing the "next" button until I hit the end and it wasn't there. THis is addictive! And now I hardly have any time to leave a decent review. Appologies in advance. I'm glad Penny has finally come to terms with events. I don't think Halbarad could take any more of her being a leaky tap. And at least now Halbarad can understand a bit more why the, er, more complicated interactions that they shared. Hehehehe, leaves... The first introduction to the High Stakes players was amusing. Especially Aragorn laughing at Halbard having to appologise. I loved that little insight into their relationship, that they are lord and seneschal but also friends and sworn brothers. And the smirks shared over the Sindarin she DIDN't mention were hilarious! The council-like scenario was wonderfully written. Thank heavens for Olorin, and as for Glorfindel - HAH! I knew it I knew it I knew it! Yay!!! :-) I have to admit I had forgotten the Westron names for the hobbits, and now I can't remember where I read them. As for knowledge of Gandalf's origins, yours seems a fair assumption. I'm very curious to see in which direction you send her, and what she decides concerning Halbarad. Sniffle. Poor Halbarad. I always thought his death was a tragic waste - all the rest of the character deaths had at least some definite purpose: even those names of Gondor that weren't 'fleshed out' so to speak died showing support for the man who would be king. But Halbarad, poor Halbarad, died and I can't work out why. Ah, well. Thanks for another fantastic series of chapters, and hopefully I'll remember to review BEFORE hitting the 'next' button. Cheers, phoenix23531

Nilmandra · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 7: That Old River in Egypt

I like this chapter, with the sudden realizations that she wasn't in Kansas anymore. How shocking to suddenly realize you have awkened in a different world and nothing you knew to be true still is. I'd have hit the wall a few times too. Pain is pretty real.

Nilmandra · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 2: Bunny Stew

You know, we're enjoying spamming you with all these comments, but its nice to be able to leave them for the more hilarious moments. The more she revealed about her ignorance the more bizarre he found her and the more worried he became. I have thought of this before - we are so inept about survival in this day and age. Heck, half the city people I know couldn't survive on a farm or in some little in the middle-of-nowhere village. What, no coffee shop? No McDonalds? No all night grocery store? LOL, imagine havng to catch, clean and cook our meals! He slurped at the sauce. He paused. Okay, even he had to admit it wasn’t brilliant, but it was better than nothing or lembas yet again and that was good enough for him. This made me laugh! Glorfindel or Galdor would have pulled out their own personal salt shaker... and I'm glad he gave Penny credit for at least trying.

TithenFeredir · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 12: All Hell Breaks Loose

Still loving your story. It was interesting who picked up on the Sindarin vocab she chose not to reveal, and how they reacted. *chuckle* ~TF

daw the minstrel · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 10: Calm Before The Storm

Well, doesn't she have timing! I think I'd prefer living among elves too. What looks prissy to Halbarad looks normal to me. Of course, you could say that about most males I know now too.

Kitty · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 9: Curiouser and Curiouser

How else would a warrior from six thousand years ago react to some screaming banshee from the twenty-first century? The perfect summary for the whole problem! Though I can understand Penny, I am glad she can see this now - Halbarad didn't deserve her anger towards him. The elf beamed, amused and pleased at Penny’s enthusiasm. So unusual for a mortal. They normally enjoyed stinking and regarded all such things with deep suspicion. I beg to differ! ;-) Though Halbarad was obviously the perfect example *grin* What an image, to be in this noble company! Penny did very well, considering the circumstances. The others, of course, must be total confused by now about her knowledge!

Kitty · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 8: Reality Bites

“Ah, but my friend she is a female,” Elladan grinned. “And, what is more, a mortal female. A deadly combination, frankly, and one I could never hope to understand. However if, as her fellow mortal, you consider her behaviour odd, then I suppose it must be.” *ROOOFL!!* That was priceless! Even if I should be insulted - it is so hilarious! As was the question of the necessarity of a comb! Well, Penny's first look at an elf was quite dramatic, wasn't it? And then she knew what happened at the ford - poor Halbarad, he *can't* understand this at all!

Bodkin · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 12: All Hell Breaks Loose

Phew. That took some sorting out. But the Prime Directive holds. Must be awful to know your current best friend is doomed, though.

Bodkin · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 11: The Proverbial Hits the Fan

Good thing Gandalf has managed the mental outline part. That would be impossible in nothing but sign language. Although she did pretty well. It's going to take a bit of yelling before they begin to accept her highly suspicious story though. Although, she is in the best place if she happened to be dangerous.

Bodkin · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 10: Calm Before The Storm

The Imladris sanitation officers could definitely do with paying a teaching visit to Bree. Although the Breeland inhabitants would probably gaze at them blankly and fail to comprehend. I can quite see how Penny has come to count on Halbarad. He is the closest to a friend she has - which just goes to show how bad things are right now! And to realise that the Council is just about to happen - and that, if she wanted to break the Prime Directive, she could tell them the whole story - if only they had any form of common language. Just as well they haven't.

Bodkin · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 9: Curiouser and Curiouser

Wow. Imladris would be a bit much. And the elves have invented shampoo and conditioner. The height of civilisation. It's no wonder they were known for having good hair. And toothbrushes. Ditto good teeth. I can see why Halbarad is wrestling the wine from her - but really, if ever there was a situation that called for strong drink! About to confront figures of legend. Literally. And she managed to impress Gandalf, Elrond and Aragorn. Even if, at the same time, she frightened them more than a little.

Bodkin · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 8: Reality Bites

I loved, just loved, Elladan's possessiveness over his comb. And How had she been able to tell that without looking at a single track! How indeed? Poor Penny.

Bodkin · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 7: That Old River in Egypt

De Nile, is it? Don't blame her though. Who would want to accept this? Insanity is easier to understand. And depression once Penny realises that she might be in a locked ward somewhere, but her mind is quite firmly in Middle-earth.

Bodkin · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 6: Pennies Dropping

I just love the way they are driving each other insane. There is nothing like getting all that off your chest, Halbarad. Shame the only words she picked up were 'Elrond' and 'Aragorn'. And then Penny said 'Nazgul'!! Poor girl - this 'dropped into Middle-earth' situation certainly isn't all it's cracked up to be. The stew definitely sounds a few steps up from Halbarad's cooking - apart from the mention of body parts. I reckon finding that it was all too real to be role-play must be a terrifying moment. One you would fight fiercely.

Bodkin · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 5: The Latrine of Doom

Oh my. Not quite up to the automatic washing machine. But, on the other hand, the hobbit feet, ears and wig didn't fall off. Maybe things are moving beyond hysteria now. She's moving on to fearing madness. Because, after all, there can't be a better explanation, can there? It can't possibly be real - because it's not possible. Although if there is anything that could convince you, it would be the worst latrine this side of the Misty Mountains. There are some things that are just too bad to be pretend.

Bodkin · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 4: Clear As Mud

You can't blame her for getting hysterical really. She's been stuck among a bunch of incomprehensible weirdos - and they wave swords at you for mentioning a few names! On the other hand, it must have been a nasty shock for Halbarad. And a bath - even a Bree bath - can soothe a lot of ills.

daw the minstrel · 7 December 2005 · Chapter 9: Curiouser and Curiouser

I love the way the LOTR characters are so in character. Penny's presence alarms them but doesn't turn them into some guys from another story.

Kitty · 7 December 2005 · Chapter 7: That Old River in Egypt

Penny seems to realize now that can’t be only a role-play. And of course it is absolutely impossibly to shape the land according to the books! One place maybe, but not the whole countryside. No wonder she lost her nerves and tried in panic to run, thinking herself insane. I love your Halbarad. It’s understandable he is sometimes quite angry with her, but on the whole, he is very nice to her, and seeing him wanting to help the crying, desperate Penny was sweet.

Kitty · 7 December 2005 · Chapter 6: Pennies Dropping

Another point where their different origin has to lead to a clash! Of course Penny wants to have a closer look at Bree, the houses and inhabitants, still searching for a way out of this supposed role-play, and is furious to be stopped by Halbarad. And of course Halbarad can’t let her walk freely around after the visit of the Ringwraiths some days before and with her dangerous knowledge about Aragorn and is equally furious about her carelessness! From their POV both of them are absolutely right. The permanent switching of POV works very well, because it enables the reader to see the same event with Penny’s and then with Halbarad’s eyes. It makes their reactions very understandable. Oh, I had forgotten it completely, but now I remember vaguely Westron isn’t English, and ‚hobbit’ is not the true name. Quite confusing, I have to admit. Poor Penny. Another shock, no doubt. Well, at least the end was a nice little surprise. Sam may have thought the apple wasted, but I disagree and am very happy to know Bill Ferny got what he deserved :)

TithenFeredir · 7 December 2005 · Chapter 9: Curiouser and Curiouser

Well, I've not written any reviews for that last few chapters because I have simply been rushing on through them. This is truly a wonderful tale. This will seem odd, I'm sure, but I think that although this is clearly not the Mary Sue we all love to hate, in a way it is the ultimate Mary Sue. I say that because who of us that love Middle-earth would not dearly love to experience it for real? Penny does just that, but you write her experience in way that is so well thought out and credible that I caught myself thinking, "Oh yes, this is how it would be." and getting very excited. She finds the filth and discomfort as well as the beauty and magic of the place. Her reactions of disbelief, paranoia, anger, frustration, panic, despair, finally her ambivalent awe and wonder at it all are so believeable that I feel like I'm on the trip with her. Lastly, the reactions of Tolkien's characters to her and her strangely fragmented knowledge not only make sense, they create a new problem for those characters to handle. What are they going to do with someone who seems to know so much and yet also seems so lost? This is just fantastic. ~TF

Levade · 7 December 2005 · Chapter 6: Pennies Dropping

This is great! I'm not only impressed with the authenticity of details in what life would have been like then, but your knowledge of Tolkien's world AND creating a hilarious story. I feel for Halbarad, even if I do agree a few onions and salt wouldn't kill him. *g* But he's just like you'd imagine a true Ranger would be, and I can't wait to read more!

Kitty · 7 December 2005 · Chapter 5: The Latrine of Doom

Somehow I'd never thougt one could wash his clothes without at least soap! No wonder Penny insisted in this - and no wonder Halbarad was so confused if it wasn't usual in earlier centuries! So Penny is realizing now the Hobbits are real Hobbits and not only little people with wigs and protheses? Poor girl. I'm sure we would be equally confused, too! And the chapter title is more than fitting. Uh, I'm so *very* glad I haven't to go in there! *shudders*