aelfwine
· 11 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Feasting and Farewells
OMG! I could hear that "thwap" on the face clear from arda. I must admit though I feel a little sorry for the other young man who had insulted penni when he was drunk on the last visit. To his credit he was obviously embarressed by his actions and man enough to act polite and face the music now that he was in a more sober state, unlike corunir the little snit.
I also noted the reference to what is happening in the shire. Will penni spill the beans about Saruman and the shire? Will she realize what the lack of pipeweed must mean? This was a wonderful chapter as always . Poor penni. She keeps bumping into men who take her wrong or want more than she will give. Of course that makes it a great read! I am thrilled you updated so quickly and I look forward to the next chapter coming soon. (Can we say addicted?)
Author's reply
I also noted the reference to what is happening in the shire. Will penni spill the beans about Saruman and the shire? Will she realize what the lack of pipeweed must mean?
Things in the Shire have possibly not started to get bad just yet - it will take quite some time for the men and half-orcs to wend their way up the Greenway and then to cross Arnor. It's only when Saruman joins them that it really begins to get very nasty.
But just to explain: the thing about the pipeweed running low was not a reference to the Shire at all. :) It was a simple matter of fact. The Dunedain smoke and would only have brought so much with them and are, frankly, running out of what they had once they had pooled their resources. The hobbits only had what they had thanks to what they found at Orthanc.
There is no established trade route for pipeweed out of The Shire. Indeed pipeweed is unknown outside of The Shire other than with Gandalf and the Dunedain. That was what so extraordinary about the finding of the pipeweed at Orthanc - it showed Saruman had had business with The Shire that no one had known about before: it was a secret deal he had had going.
The Greenway has yet to be opened and made safe - that won't happen for some time yet - so there is no likelihood of pipeweed coming south for quite some time (if ever), so there is no trade route to be disrupted. That was not what I meant by the pipeweed running low - I only meant their own personal supplies they had brought with them were more or less gone (and had probably been low for quite some time - I imagine they'd been eking it out for quite some time even before now, rationing it in effect).
Glad you enjoyed the chapter, though. :D
Yanic
· 11 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Feasting and Farewells
Oh wow! I wasn't expecting another chapter this soon! What a lovely surprise! I just loved the fight between the brothers in the morning, boys will be boys!
Author's reply
Well, I did say it would not be long in coming - most of it was already written when I posted chapter 42. ;)
boys will be boys
Oh, indeed they will. :D
Dreamflower
· 11 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Feasting and Farewells
This was a very fun chapter. Starting off with Arvain's hangover, and Penny's dismay at realizing that she'd be traveling with a whole bunch of people in the middle of nicotine withdrawal, and on to the account of both the Rohirric and Gondorian idiots getting their come-uppance.
I have to say the "young Rohirric lord" comported himself much better than Corunir did. (And I do hope you will reveal Aragorn's punishment!)
Of course, all the farewells are very sad, but I think that the conversation between Arwen and Penny was very revealing and very comforting.
And I *do* like the protectiveness of all her guardians--official *and* unofficial!
Author's reply
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it all. :) Corunir's fate will be explained in the next chapter. I'm so glad you found Arwen's comments 'comforting' - they were intended to be precisely that. :)
Mopsy
· 11 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Feasting and Farewells
*happy bouncage*
I love you and all your characters.
(Definitely not excluding tense and glowering Dunadain.)
Author's reply
*lol* Thank you for that. ;D
Mopsy
· 11 February 2007
· Chapter 42: Farewells and Feasting
*reads in slow motion*
Oh my God, what a courageous thing to do. *boggles*
I love Faelon's response.
Argh! I've read your comments in which you say Penny is supposed to be an ordinary girl, and she is, in a beautiful, believable way, but she's got strength and courage far far beyond the norm. :o
I can't re-read that scene, from when she stands up to when Erestor appears being all lovely, it's too intimidating. *goes and reads the bits around it again*
Author's reply
She had had two tankards of STRONG ale on an empty stomach, don't forget - that helped her courage enormously. ;D
Thanks for reading and commenting. I'm so pleased you found that scene so realistic and powerful. :D
Kitty
· 11 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Feasting and Farewells
Why do I get the feeling the healers had to be very busy this morning, caring for all the men who picked up fights? Not everywhere was a Faelon to stop them in time.
The conversation between Penny and Arwen was so touching that I ended up in tears. But Arwen was right in everything she said – it is very probable she would have faded if she had sailed instead of marrying Aragorn.
Well, the sombre mod didn’t last long after Mirieth and Eleniel badgered Penny in going to the young Rohirrim *grin* What a mess! These two are much too romantic.
Well, as for Corunír ... the slap was more than deserved, but if he truly was going to apologise when Arvain interrupted, then I hope Aragorn isn’t too hard to him.
And now I am sad for Elrond again ... *sniff*
Author's reply
Why do I get the feeling the healers had to be very busy this morning, caring for all the men who picked up fights? Not everywhere was a Faelon to stop them in time.
I suspect you may be right. But then I also suspect (as was, in part, shown the last time they were in Rohan with the way Rhimlath was treated by the young lord's friends) that a bout of fisticuffs is considered part and parcel of a good feast, indeed it's not been a good night out if you haven't come home with a black eye or scuffed knuckles. ;D
Glad you enjoyed the chapter - thanks for reading and reviewing. :)
Kitty
· 11 February 2007
· Chapter 42: Farewells and Feasting
To be honest, after the first time Penny had sung in Edoras, I was rather worried what she would do this time. But she did the right thing, I think, only female mortal or no. The ones whose opinion counts most did appreciate her intent and the meaning behind her song, and for that I was very glad.
Author's reply
Glad you approve of her decision. I suspect, though, if she hadn't had that second tankard of ale, much as she might have liked to, she would never have had the courage to stand up.
el_esteleth
· 10 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Feasting and Farewells
This was wonderful. The farewells had me sniffling and the last line where Penny's wondering what state Elrond is in just got to me. Before reading this story, I hadn't ever really thought about Arwen and how she was leaving her family, etc.
Yet again, you've done a wonderful job conveying situations and the resultant emotions.
There should be three cheers for Halladan, et al for dealing with Corunir.
I was laughing like a drain :D during the part where Penny danced with the 'Young Rohirric Lord'. That whole scene was just priceless. The scene with Arvain with a hangover was hilarious, too. *grins*
I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter. Thank you for sharing.
Es.
Author's reply
Elrond's story's always moved me - so I suppose that shows through. I'm glad you found it moving, though. :)
I was laughing like a drain
*lol* That scene was such fun to write - I'm so glad others have found it amusing to read too.
Thanks for reading! :)
Lindelea
· 10 February 2007
· Chapter 43: Feasting and Farewells
Squeaked out a few moments for reading, the first fanfic I've read in days, and cannot tell you how lovely an interlude it has been. You've done a good job of working out the timeline, I think.
Just a question? I think you might mean "Beregond" rather than "Bergil" here.
Nor were they the only ones. As the night went on more and more people seemed to be taking their leave of the friends they had made during the War or afterwards. Merry was in the company of Rohirrim for most of the evening, and Pippin made a point of speaking to every Gondorian there, though he stayed longest, perhaps, with Bergil, remembering him to his son and wishing him well. Similarly occupied were Legolas and Gimli, who knew well both Rohirrim and Gondorians there, and Frodo and Sam who had made many friends in Minas Tirith during their long stay there. Being who they were, the two hobbits found themselves in much demand for much of the evening since nearly everyone wanted to shake their hands and bid them farewell, whether they knew them well or not.
Author's reply
Ack - you weren't the only one to spot that! *facepalm* Thanks, Lindelea - all corrected now. *hangs head*
You've done a good job of working out the timeline, I think.
Thank you for those kind words. :D After all the panic of realising I had three days not just one to cover, I wasn't sure I'd manage it! *lol*
I'm glad you've enjoyed it - thanks for reviewing. :D
amokeh
· 9 February 2007
· Chapter 13: Hitchcock Would Be Proud
Your description of Penny's vertigo was similar to my own experience on the Leaning Tower in Pisa. It was very disorienting as I walked up the steps, first tilting one way, then another. By the time I stepped out on one of the balconies, I was slightly "off," if you get my meaning. Then, looking down and see the little bit of crumbled marble around me and, well, I backed up until I hit wall, slid down to the floor and hyperventilated for a few minutes, LOL. I recovered after about 15 minutes and made my way to the top just fine, but that first step out and then the feeling that it wasn't as sturdy as it looked from the ground just did me in. :) Anyway, loving this story!
Author's reply
Gah, how horrible! I do know what you mean about feeling slightly peculiar and the walk up the thing being disorienting - I had exactly that when I went up it as well. I didn't get true vertigo up there, though. The one time I got horribly freaked out, and much like Penny had to GET OFF THIS THING AS FAST AS POSSIBLE (as it were), was going up the Duomo in Florence. Unlike the Dome of St Paul's (London), where the ledge on the inside of the dome is set into the wall, at the Duomo it's a ledge that sticks out of the wall. All I could think of, like Penny, was how far up I was and how little there was between my feet and thin air. I panicked - didn't even get to the outside - because you had to walk round the inside of the dome to get to the door that led you up and outside and I was just frozen halfway round. Think my friends thought I'd flipped my lid! *lol*
Bodkin
· 9 February 2007
· Chapter 42: Farewells and Feasting
Very brave of Penny to stand up and sing! Although failing to observe that it was a male preserve must have been embarrassing - but she chose a good song and everyone who mattered seemed to approve!
And it was short ... unlike Rhimlath's minute by minute account of all twelve years of the Last Alliance.
The wake is going well.
Author's reply
You just know Rhimlath's going to subject all and sundry to that rendition the first moment he can if only because they denied him. ;D
Glad you liked it all, Bodkin. Thanks for commenting. :)
yanic
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 42: Farewells and Feasting
what a chapter, I was torn between tears and laughter. Loved the part where Penny's caught with a hand down her shirt, happens to the best of us!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for reviewing. :D
Pearl Took
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 42: Farewells and Feasting
This was as meaningful as the last chapter. Beautifully done. Penny did the right thing indeed, and could hardly have chosen a better song. Also, I loved the history of the song in your author's note. I always love learning the story behind most everything :-)
As always, Boz, a pleasure to read!
Author's reply
Thank you. And thanks for commenting on the AN - wasn't sure if was just randomly burbling at that point, so good to know someone found it of interest. *lol*
AspenJules
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 42: Farewells and Feasting
Very good, Boz! I can't imagine how difficult it would be to sit and listen to all those sad songs, especially given the extended somber mood the group had been traveling with. I second Dreamflower's thought that she did it in behalf of all of us, and liked that you pointed that out in the story. Kudos to Penny for representing us all so appropriately. I must say that I found the descriptions of everybody's reactions when she stood up entertaining... especially Elrond's.
I also agree with aelfwine that I do believe Corunir is going to try to take some revenge, which I guess may mean some more bad times for Penny but I hope also means the creep will finally get what he deserves. I *SO* look forward to reading that!
And that song of Rhimlath's!!! Oh thank heavens for the good sense of those around him!!! *joins Lindir's sniggering*
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it, and that you felt Penny did her bit for us all appropriately.
Ah, Rhimlath, Rhimlath - he'll never learn. ;D
Bramble Took
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 42: Farewells and Feasting
Nice to see a new chapter, so soon after the last!
Excellent song for Penny to choose! It wasn't written/intended though as a lass singing to her lad, but as a father bidding his son farewell, probably for the last time.
Author's reply
Thanks, I'm glad you think the song was the right one for the moment.
It wasn't written/intended though as a lass singing to her lad, but as a father bidding his son farewell
That's an interesting theory and not one I have heard or read before. I did a bit of research and reading into it all (as I was tracking down the lyrics) and that was never a possibility I came across, and I have to say it doesn't really square with the lyrics if you read them. The general opinion seems to be that it is, as I said, a young woman singing to her love, though some suggest it could be interpreted as a mother singing to her son (which I can understand, though even then I think that it's laying it on a bit thick from a mother).
From a father? I don't think so, personally, especially not when written by a Victorian gentleman - it's FAR too emotional for that: "I'll sleep in peace if you only come back to tell me that you love me"? That's something a mother might say, and certainly a betrothed/love/wife would say, but a father before the last decade or two of the twentieth century (and even then not all fathers)? Seems unlikely IMHO.
harrowcat
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 42: Farewells and Feasting
I just knew it was going to be Danny Boy. Glad she got the approval even though it wasn't totally unqualified.
Author's reply
Well, I don't think it would have been realistic for it to be unqualified, frankly, if only because of the reputation as an oddball she's made for herself amongst the mortals if nothing else.
Dreamflower
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 42: Farewells and Feasting
A beautiful chapter, and a perfect song for Penny to have chosen. And it was appropriate for her to do that, as the only representative of her own time and people there, to pay those respects, whatever the thoughts may have been about her gender.
In fact, one might say she was doing so on behalf of all of us, who here and now can appreciate the sacrifices of the fallen, even fictional ones.
Author's reply
Thank you, dreamflower, I'm glad you thought so.
And that she felt herself to be representative of her own time as well as lovers of LOTR was something that went through her head before she stood up, so, yes, that was definitely part of her gesture.
aelfwine
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 42: Farewells and Feasting
Great chapter. Thanks for updating. I can't believe that Corunir intends to just leave being snubbed without seeking some revenge. He may not have any feelings for penni but an ego like his is going to want to take being embarressed in front of his friends out of penni's hide. ( I look forward to seeing him getting his ass kicked by one or more people )
Author's reply
Thanks - next chapter will reveal if you're correct or not and it will be coming very soon (within a week maximum, I reckon, if not a lot less). :)
el_esteleth
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 42: Farewells and Feasting
Very well done! Excellent. Just wonderful.
This entire chapter (half of a chapter?) was very moving and very well-written. Your ability to write characters with whom your audience can sympathise is wonderful, and IMHO, has continued to improve and grow as you've written these two stories.
I continue to be impressed and to learn things about writing from your characterizations.
Absolutely wonderful.
Thank you for sharing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Thank you again.
Es.
Author's reply
Thank you - glad you enjoyed it all, and that you think my characterisation is improving. I have learnt a lot writing this and while I would not change a word of Don't Panic, I do think you can see a progression of sorts, not simply in the story (obviously), but in my writing.
Eilenach
· 1 February 2007
· Chapter 41: In Some Corner Of A Foreign Field
What a beautiful chapter! I especially enjoyed the clothes-washing vignette, where the women were scolded for not being sufficiently serious. I can just feel how the mood of the entire city would have become more and more somber as the funeral drew nearer.
I'm sure that Theoden's funeral would have been a very cathartic event, and very healing for everyone involved. It was an occasion where weeping was acceptable, even encouraged. Every person there had great reason to weep, and you captured them all in the last paragraph with Penny's weeping.
AspenJules
· 26 January 2007
· Chapter 41: In Some Corner Of A Foreign Field
First of all, Boz, let me say how glad I am that you are on the mend. It's amazing how just small improvements can be such a relief when you've been ill for quite a while. Here's hoping your recovery is steady and permanent.
As for this chapter, what can I say that hasn't been said? The funeral was amazing. Some touches I loved:
That Penny couldn't understand much of what was said. This goes without saying, of course, but... having attended functions held in a language which I only understand slightly, her reactions were perfect. She felt and reacted to the mood without being distracted by the actual words being said. That in itself lent itself to her grieving for all the losses, those of her own past as well as all the losses of ME.
Merry's grief at Theoden's tomb. I don't know why it is, but his grief at the death and funeral of Theoden has as much power to move me to tears as anything in the whole story, and your recounting was no exception. It was simply, but very beautifully, portrayed.
Kind of going in reverse order here as I think of them: the Dunadain who suggested Penny stand with the rest as she was now "one of them." I loved that his reaction showed how much Penny is accepted by them. She is so 'accepted' that it didn't even occur to him that it would be inappropriate for her as a woman to stand with the rest of them.
I got a kick out of the men, and older women, who worked to 'tone down' the washing day gaiety. LOL, been there, been scolded for it. It's so easy when engaging in such mundane chores to forget the setting sometimes, and have to be 'taken down a peg' for it. It gave me a bit of a chuckle. Thanks!
Lastly, since this has gone on *so* long, I love the little hints that Gandalf *still* knows more than he is telling, when they come to inform Elrond and Aragorn of Penny's decision. Will we ever know what he has foreseen (or guessed)? OH, and the teasing of Aragorn was also priceless, so very well done, and good for another chuckle.
All in all, thanks so much for yet another pearl in the strand of your story, Boz. You're truly creating a work of art, a thing of beauty. Well done.
Author's reply
Thank you, yes, I'm much improved. Here's hoping the cold snap doesn't trigger another bout, though. Am taking Vitamin C and echinacea like there's no tomorrow. *lol*
Thanks for your comments. I'm glad you felt Penny's response was fitting. The mood in the camp and the rest has been building towards this, and as Bodkin and I agreed below, Penny is now at a stage where she is finally allowing herself to consider and accept certain things that mean, yes, she is grieving as much as the rest of them, and the 'mood' around her helps her to express it - both generally and in that specific moment.
As for the Dunedain, I think the moment they knew that Halbarad had planned to take care of her that would, in itself, have been enough for them, let alone the fact that she has/had the patronage of Elrond and Aragorn. They accepted her back in Minas Tirith, but it's taken these past few weeks, especially with the clear concern and wisdom she's shown re. Halladan, for them to truly express it and let her know.
Real life carries on, no matter what else occurs. It's one of those weirdly awful realisations you get when you have lost someone - life continues. As such, yes, it's perfectly reasonable and realistic for people to forget themselves during a time of official mourning. It's also been some months since Theoden actually died, so... yeah. Glad that amused, though. ;D
Oh, I'm SO glad someone's mentioned those little moments of Gandalf's I do throw out from time to time. And, yes, I hope to make it clear at the end - either a last conversation he has before he sails, or something Elrond says to her, dunno yet. But, yes, it will be made clear, and, yes, they ARE deliberate.
Thanks for reading!
Anne
· 26 January 2007
· Chapter 41: In Some Corner Of A Foreign Field
Tears for the fallen
the shattered, the dead.
Tears for survivors
Alone in their beds.
Tears for the Valient,
that gave all they had.
Tears for us all
When our memories grow cold
Tears for us all
that will never grow old
Author's reply
Beautiful. I'm touched. Thank you.
Abra Ahab
· 25 January 2007
· Chapter 41: In Some Corner Of A Foreign Field
Hurrah! I knew it!! It won't be long before Halladan realizes there's just no resisting Penny's charms. That is, if she lets him. lol
This chapter was so beautiful and strong. I love the small glimpse into Penny's past and would also love to see more. The more I think about it, the more interesting I find the situation in which Penny has found herself. With the recent release of census data in the US on how the majority of modern women are unmarried, it places a stark picture on how far we've come. Penny is in a completely different world, unable to rely on herself and for more than one reason. Not only has she no skill, but she would face the fear and ostracization of a community with no understanding of feminine independence. It's no wonder that she finds herself at wit's end more than once!
Thanks again for a wonderful chapter. I look forward to seeing what happens next. How far do you think you'll take this story? I'm really interested to see how the Scouring of the Shire works out and if there will be any fingers pointed.
You just keep on writing, honey, and I'll just keep on gobbling it up!!
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. What you say about the realities of your average modern western woman as compared to that of an average human female in Middle-earth is VERY true and EXACTLY the point. Penny is constrained and entirely out of her depth for all sorts of reasons and from all sides in many respects. She HAD to change and adapt or risk insanity or rejection - neither possibilities that bear thinking about.
I know where I'll end this. I've always known. Things keep extending the length of this fic, such as when I realise certain things HAVE to be covered in detail, but in terms of overall story arc I know where I'm at and where I'm heading. How many chapters it will take to write it all, I am not sure. I am hoping (famous last words) to get to the point of leaving Edoras by the end of the next chapter, and then (hopefully, and again if descriptions of Isengard and Helm's Deep don't delay me too much) up to Aragorn's leaving the party by the end of the next chapter. Then another to reach Imladris (again, I hope, but it remains flexible). The time covering the Scouring of the Shire will be dealt with, yes. :)
Mopsy
· 23 January 2007
· Chapter 41: In Some Corner Of A Foreign Field
Major love to you for this, Boz. :D *does the Penny dance* *John Travolta moves*
The burial was so moving...the last paragraph really struck me. Poor Penny. She's lost everyone she ever knew...and in such a terrible way, just cut off, without a chance to say goodbye. I'm glad she's really becoming aware of her grief now, because it means she can start to heal. :) And therefore make lots of babies with Halladan. :)
Author's reply
*does the Penny dance* *John Travolta moves*
*LOL*
She's lost everyone she ever knew...and in such a terrible way, just cut off, without a chance to say goodbye.
Exactly so. And they had no chance to say goodbye to her either - she feels that terribly.
Glad you enjoyed it. :D
Margo
· 22 January 2007
· Chapter 41: In Some Corner Of A Foreign Field
I'm usually a lurker, but I've recently realized just how much feedback means to authors, and I realized that it would be unconscionable of me not to tell you how much I've enjoyed reading 'Don't Panic' and 'Okay, NOW Panic!' I stumbled upon them year or two ago when you posted an update on this site. The immediate disclaimer that it was NOT a Mary-Sue caught my eye, and I immediately read everything you'd posted so far. Since then I've had less time for fanfiction, but I come back here at least every month to see if Penny's story has been updated. I don't think I can express how wonderful these two epics are. The characters are so rich, and I love your perspective on Middle Earth and Tolkien's familiar characters. Penny and others make me cringe sometimes, which only adds to the realism. These are living, breathing, make-total-fools-of-themselves people, and I love them. I also admire how you show the slow growth of the relationship between Penny and Halladan, as well as Penny's struggle to come to terms with her life in Middle Earth and the loss of her family. So, thank you so much for sharing this with all of us, and know that I, and I am sure many others, eagerly await your posts - and reread whenever we get the chance!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for taking time out to comment and let me know how much you've enjoyed the stories so far - it means a lot to hear such things. I'm glad that you've found the characters and plot 'real' - something that has always been important to me in this fic right from the get-go, that it should all 'ring true' and be as believable as possible.
Thank you for reading. :)