Okay, NOW Panic! by Boz4PM
obsidianj · 20 July 2007 · Chapter 48: Follow The Yellow Brick Road
This story keeps getting better and better. The last 3 chapters were emotionally draining, for Halladan, for Penny, and for me ;-). I just hope Halladan and Penny stay together -- and not in a guardian/ward relationship ;-)
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm so glad you've enjoyed (if that's the word ;) ) the last few chapters. Thanks for reading and taking time out to review. :)
Mopsy · 20 July 2007 · Chapter 48: Follow The Yellow Brick Road
Over the last few chapters you've really captured this mood of underlying darkness..no matter what Penny does, the old black dog is nipping at her heels. The sort of restless depression she's in is so familiar. The story's getting all the more powerful. I can really feel it driving toward something. I also love the 'intermissions' with her friends, the moments of levity, especially with that dish, Lindir. They provide moments of lightness without destroying the pervading mood. Poor Halladan. The shallow lass in me could go me some angsty Dunadan. *snuggle* But the less completely selfish lass in me wants him to get better. Arvain just seems to want to be close to him but is forced ot the outer. Even while Penny has a foot in the door, Arvain's excluded. Poor lambytoes. Boz, major applause. *applauds* *stomps feet* *performs Morris dance of Boz-joy*
Author's reply
you've really captured this mood of underlying darkness..no matter what Penny does, the old black dog is nipping at her heels. ... restless depression Ah, thank you for that! That's EXACTLY it, and what, in one sense, this whole fic has been working towards. In many ways the whole journey south to Gondor was the 'calm before the storm', or rather before Rohan, because it was in Rohan that the after-effects of the War first hit home and she had to face her own sense of guilt and culpability head on. Yeah, Arvain has been having a hard time of it, but then Halladan hasn't made it easy for anyone. It's more a quirk of fate/circumstance that means Penny was in the right place at the right time (though I'm sure Halladan would not see it like that) which forced Halladan to admit it to himself and then to others, but even that was a struggle. With time Arvain will find himself included, but in the meantime it's very tough for him. Thank you! Morris dance of Boz-joy *rofl* XD
el_esteleth · 19 July 2007 · Chapter 48: Follow The Yellow Brick Road
Wonderful chapter, as always. I read the most recent three chapters again (partly so I could finally leave a proper review), and I must say the realism you have achieved with each character you portray is wonderful. The way you portray how each character is feeling and their reactions to events is truly amazing. Your ability to draw the reader in is something that makes me want to read each new chapter the moment I get the notice in my email. :) Thank you for the wonderful story and the great and realistic characters. The part that had me laughing the most was the part where Halladan asked Penny what "bahr-sted" meant. I can just imagine Penny somehow getting the Westron equivalent of that out of someone and Erestor's horror if she actually used it in front of him. And the badger bite story was hilarious. You've achieved a wonderful mixture of humor and angst, which is what makes reading this story so enjoyable. Thank you for sharing. Es.
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm so pleased that you feel the reactions and interactions seem realistic and detailed. That is always what I strive for, so it's always lovely to hear that it has worked. Oh, I feel certain Penny will pick up enough rude Westron eventually to make Erestor's hair stand up on end. I think we can say that with some certainty. ;D *lol* Thank you for reading!
harrowcat · 19 July 2007 · Chapter 47: Dirty Linen
Ai, Halladan,that wasa hard interview but at least thewound islancedalittleandcan,perhaps, begin to heal. A masterful chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm thrilled you thought so. Thanks for reading! :)
Miss · 18 July 2007 · Chapter 48: Follow The Yellow Brick Road
Thank you!! That was a heartbreaking chapter! Poor Penny..... I hope Halladan will be allright. He isn't on a suicidal mission, is he? I hope not. As always, a very good chapter. Till the next chapter Boz!
Author's reply
I don't think Halladan has quite fallen into that deep a pit of despair. If he'd been allowed to continue unchecked then, possibly, by now he might have done, but he is also aware of his responsibilities - he still has one brother, and also has some standing with the Dunedain community itself, and may yet be needed to fulfil roles his father might have done instead on Aragorn's behalf in the north. That will keep him together on some level if nothing else. That he has now admitted his problems to those who are amongst the best healers of the Age means that it can only (hopefully) get better from here on in, though it might be a slow and painful process. Thank you!
fawlen · 18 July 2007 · Chapter 48: Follow The Yellow Brick Road
I always look forward to getting an email to say you have updated this masterpiece. I can almost feel the anxiety Penny fells about Isengard and Saruman will she spill her guts or not? I think alot more grief is coming everyones way in coming chapters! Thanks for updating i know this takes alot of time and effort.
Author's reply
Thank you for reading and taking time out to review. ;D I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter and felt Penny's anxiety - she will have quite a rough time emotionally in the next few weeks re. Saruman I think.
Pryderi · 17 July 2007 · Chapter 48: Follow The Yellow Brick Road
I have wanted to let you know for some time about the pleasure I get from your writing but have not found the words. I have been following it since you first posted "Don't Panic" on this site. Tonight whilst trying to clear my email box I found an email which I sent to a friend in February. This is an excerpt: 'Some of the stories I've been following have been updated recently and I thought I'd let you know: Boz4PM has updated "Okay, NOW Panic!". The closest "real" writer to Boz that I can think of is Joseph Heller in Catch22. She has created a cavalcade of comic characters operating in a War, the pathos of which she deals with brilliantly by contrasting it with the comedy. If you are interested you might like to start with "Don't Panic!" in which Pen-ii (Boz's OFC) (good jargon Eh?)is introduced. If you do not know what a "Mary-Sue" is don't worry just rest assured this is not one!' For what it's worth I think that Halladan IS too old (and noble). He is not a cradle snatcher! But it's your story and I am sure I will enjoy your resolution as much as I have the whole story. Well, thank you again, Pryderi.
Author's reply
Well, thank you so much for the free pluggery - always much appreciated. I'm slightly abashed to be compared to Joseph Heller, but thank you for it, and sincerely too. (*hides*) For what it's worth I think that Halladan IS too old (and noble). He is not a cradle snatcher! Not wholly sure what you are referring to here, but I presume it might be the idea that several readers have put forward already that Halladan and Penny might fall for each other (and I neither confirm nor deny anything, as has always been my policy on this fic). However, I would point out that, in terms of age, there is only about seven years between them, which is nothing, frankly. I would also point out that Eowyn was 24 and Faramir 36 when they met and fell in love. But as I say, that doesn't mean I'm confirming or denying anything re. possible Halladan/Penny plot - merely answering the specific point of their respective ages being a definitive block to such a possibility. A far greater stumbling block would be the fact that he is her legal guardian and akin to a brother. :)
Dreamflower · 17 July 2007 · Chapter 48: Follow The Yellow Brick Road
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's 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.
Anonymous · 17 July 2007 · Chapter 48: Follow The Yellow Brick Road
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's reply
Thank you. I'm very glad you've enjoyed it all so far and this chapter particularly. :)
Lindelea · 16 July 2007 · Chapter 48: Follow The Yellow Brick Road
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's 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 · 16 July 2007 · Chapter 48: Follow The Yellow Brick Road
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's 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 · 16 July 2007 · Chapter 48: Follow The Yellow Brick Road
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's 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
Tathrien · 15 July 2007 · Chapter 47: Dirty Linen
Finally, Halladan will be able to receive much needed help from others besides Penny. It was sad to see Halladan's reaction to the others finding out about his condition, especially when Arvain was told things he had before been oblivious to. Being so vulnerable must be extremely painful to someone as strong and noble as Halladan, but pain is often a necessary step to healing. I'm glad, though, that Arvain is now completely informed of Halladan's condition; now he can be that much more of a support. Also, it's good to see Arvain and Penny back on friendly terms; actually, they seem a bit closer now that Arvain realizes how much Penny risked and sacrificed for his brother. Thank you for another wonderful chapter! I hope to read more soon! ;) ~Tathrien
Author's reply
Being so vulnerable must be extremely painful to someone as strong and noble as Halladan Indeed. It was an extremely painful and distressing experience for Halladan to have to go through that, but as you say, it was necessary. He was never going to fully open up and Penny felt honour bound not to - they had to have their hands forced. Now that it's happened, things can only improve. Thank you for reading. :D
Marianne · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 47: Dirty Linen
Hi again! Thank you so much for a great update! I have to admit that I still check for updates daily, even though I know it usually takes a while for you to manage it. But when I think of how thorough your research is and how you manage to create such in depth characterizations of your original characters I can hardly blame you. I still love these two Penny-stories to death, and have reread them several times since I started to get hooked somewhere halfway through Don't Panic. I am so glad that things finally came out in the open for poor Halladan. Also because Penny could finally talk about some of what had happened. I think this will help them both immensely. I also loved Arvains "protective older brother"-routine towards Penny afterwards. Priceless!! I think I read somewhere that you plan on calling it a day as far as Pennii is concerned after finishing this story. Any chance we'll be seeing some shorter ficlets...maybe some humorous/moving/angsty/fluffy one-offs from Penniis time in Imladris. I would so love to see more of her developing relationship with Erestor and Elrond. Not to mention the dunedain. Oh, well. Time will tell I suppose. I just hate the idea of no more Penny-updates. Even though what you have written so far can almost be considered books in their own right. Well, that's all for now. Thanks again, for a great story. Best regards, Marianne, Norway
Author's reply
Thank you for commenting - glad you liked this chapter. You are right, this moment was nearly as cathartic for Penny as it was for Halladan. She's been desperate to tell someone, or have Halladan tell someone, ever since it happened. It's one less weight on her shoulders now it's out in the open and that will help. That and, now it's been discussed so very freely, she can better talk about it if not with Halladan (depending on how he reacts in future to her about this, of course) then certainly with any of the others that were in that room and that is a Good Thing. :) I have actually said elsewhere (and possibly here in a reply to a review some time back) that it is highly likely that, even after this fic comes to an end, there will be ficlets and one off stories that my brain will come up with and I will feel the need to exorcise. ;) I know people will probably go 'ack, you can't stop there' wherever I stop, to be honest, but I know where this story is going, what the end is, and the vague journey there (if not the specifics and details - they only come when I writing the chapter usually) and that's that. I can't (and won't) promise anything. As much as anything else, the reason things are so delayed is because RL is so mad, and that's a situation that won't change anytime soon and will likely only get worse, frankly, so it's a question of time as much as anything. However, if I find the time, the likelihood of my doing not a 'third fic' but slowly, occasionally adding to a collection of ficlets is high. It will contain all sorts, I would imagine, covering all and many of the characters. There would be stuff in it to do with various characters back history - such as Lindir's brother and his fiancee, Eleniel's lost love, Halbarad and his wife, Halbarad and Faelon as kids, etc - as well as possible future scenes and stories of Penny amongst the Dunedain. But (and it's a big 'but'), no promises. Only if I can. ;)
aelfwine · 7 July 2007 · Chapter 47: Dirty Linen
I am still loving this story. I don't know why you think epic length should bother your fans , after all we read tolkien right? ( wink wink nudge nudge. Now that penni's guardian is finaly getting some extra help I am wondering if penni will be able to admit that she too needs some help to deal with her own emotional baggage. (You know you have written great characters when your fans start thinking of them as real) Keep up the good work and I will keep checking for updates.
Author's reply
Well, I'm very conscious of the fact that this story is easily twice as long as Don't Panic already and still has more to go. Also, I never really imagined it would go on this long, both in terms of the length of time it's taken me but also the chapter numbers/word count. I had forgotten at first that the 'stopover' at Minas Tirith was so short, so had at first thought it would end there. When I realised it was only a few weeks I then twigged Penny would have travel with them and that threw up a lot more storyline than I'd ever originally bargained on! *lol* Glad you are still enjoying it all, and thank you for reading! :D
Vicki_Turner · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 47: Dirty Linen
I wish I had the time and the words to rightly say how much I enjoy this story. The characters are amazing and every chapter I want to know what is going to happen next. I can't wait until you update next, whether in a week or a year, because its that good I'll definitely be reading it even then.
Author's reply
Thank you. And thank you for continuing to read. :)
Elea · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 47: Dirty Linen
I have just spent the last four days reading this story (including "Don't Panic") and I haven't been able to put it down. The story is riveting, compelling, funny and emotional. I can't remember the last time I've cried so much over a story. I love the characters you have built up. I can especially relate to Penny and I adore the Penny-Halladan relationship. This last chapter was wonderful. It was great to have Penny's strength and kindness shine through and be appreciated. I loved that she and Arvain were bickering. They really are like siblings now ;) Thank-you so much for writing this story. I cannot wait to read more. Elea
Author's reply
I'm forever amazed that people are not only willing to pick this thing up from the beginning (given it's epic length nowadays) but manage to read it all so fast sometimes! Thank you for the supreme effort that must have taken you! Thanks for reading and enjoying, let alone taking time out to let me know what you thought. :)
Daynawayna · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 47: Dirty Linen
That was .... wow. Penny is so honorable, even under the scrutiny of GANDALF. Holy cow. I'dve spilled my guts waaay before she did! That was heartbreakingly beautiful Boz. You always evoke such depth of emotion in your characters (and your readers!) it just amazes me. I love the defending of positions: he didn't draw his sword on me/you were in such danger something HAD to be done/I confronted him because I couldn't NOT confront him.... wow. Now we just have to get Halladan to stop berating himself (ok, he's a man and a warrior... gonna take a looooooooooong time!) and not feeling so bad about it all. And I'm SO thankful Arvain saw Penny's "wisdom" and realized that she really was helping and while very much in danger, very aware of how to minimize that danger as best she could. And her dreams, OY!MOMMA! And I thought I liked to write about angst! GEEEZZE woman! :) Halladan sobbing holding her brother makes me think of Eomer/Eowyn in the extened cut of ROTK... which moves me to tears most viewings. Great chapters! Thanks so much for making it a 2-fer weekend! :) :) I now pray that RL plays nicely and doesn't make us wait another 3-4 months for the next installment! But even if it does, you know we'll be here waiting (somewhat) patiently. :) God Bless, Dayna
Author's reply
I love the defending of positions: he didn't draw his sword on me/you were in such danger something HAD to be done/I confronted him because I couldn't NOT confront him... Thanks for that - it was an important part of what I was trying to convey. :) Halladan's going to be sick as a dog over what he's learnt in that meeting, but better to confront it and deal with it than try and carry on as normal - which wasn't working. Glad you enjoyed, and thanks (as ever) for reading! :D
Pearl Took · 1 July 2007 · Chapter 47: Dirty Linen
A powerful chapter. An overwhelming last three paragraphs.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad you thought so. :)
Pearl Took · 1 July 2007 · Chapter 46: Those Who Wait
Oh My!!! Whew! I think, really, it's about time others knew what has been happening to dear Halladan. He needs some help from those who are healers. I hope all goes well with all of this. *feeling anxious*
Author's reply
Definitely about time. Poor man - he's been manfully struggling with this for far too long. Ah, men can be proud and stubborn buggers at times. ;D
Pearl Took · 1 July 2007 · Chapter 45: Down Deep
So much to morn. How would it be to know you've left your family behind, with no explanation, and might very well never see them again? Or them you? Life is a heavy burden at times. You capture it all so well, Boz.
Author's reply
Thank you, that means a lot. I'm thrilled that you felt I did. :D
Miss · 1 July 2007 · Chapter 47: Dirty Linen
Thank you!!! That was a very good chapter.I truly felt sorry for Halladan and Penny discomfort. I hope that things will be getting good for Halladan, in time. So, Penny is being chases by dreams. Intersting...... Till the next chapter!
Author's reply
Well, she's under a lot of stress and carrying grief at the moment - it's a natural 'stress outlet'. Glad you liked it! :D
Kitty · 1 July 2007 · Chapter 47: Dirty Linen
Oh Boz, what an emotional chapter! It left me in tears and rather breathless and drained - I am not sure my English is good enough to express my feelings about this properly, as I find it difficult to do so even in my own language. I can only say it was one of your best chapters, and certainly worth the long time and trouble you put in it. It was very touching that Penny even now, after all that happened, kept her promise to Halladan, though I am glad Gandalf guessed enough to get them to talking about the day on the Pelennor at last. Poor Halladan, it must have been so terribly embarassing for him, even if it will help him in the end. But to have to talk about it all so publicly ... poor guy. I repeatedly wanted to hug and comfort him. What I loved most in this chapter was how fiercely Penny defended Halladan, allowed no blame to fall on him, how desperately she tried to convince everyone he did nothing to her that truly counted, to make them understand. He may be her guardian, but she’s as protective of him as he is of her. And I hope it may have helped him to see that she did not blame him for anything, but was so understanding and defended him so resolutely. Maybe it lessened his feelings of guilt a little bit. And I am so very glad he finally started talking about his problems, no matter how difficult it is – it is necessary for him in order to heal. Equally glad I am that the others understood, that Arvain is not longer angry at her, but thankful, and that Elrond followed her out and told her what he did. Though honestly, you could have let her dreaming of something more pleasant after this day of emotional upheaval. This nightmare was rather scary, even if probably to be expected after the tour Legolas gave her. I fear now it is Penny herself who needs to talk to someone ... Thank you for a great and impressing chapter, Boz, one I will re-read frequently.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for such a lengthy review, especially not in your first language! What I loved most in this chapter was how fiercely Penny defended Halladan, allowed no blame to fall on him, how desperately she tried to convince everyone he did nothing to her that truly counted, to make them understand. He may be her guardian, but she’s as protective of him as he is of her. And I hope it may have helped him to see that she did not blame him for anything, but was so understanding and defended him so resolutely. Thank you, and yes, that's it exactly. :) And, to be honest, after all the trauma and distress she's felt in Helm's Deep let alone the lead up to it from Theoden's burial onwards, it's not really surprising she's been having bad dreams again. Thanks for commenting and I'm so very glad you enjoyed it as much as you did. :)
el_esteleth · 30 June 2007 · Chapter 47: Dirty Linen
Very good chapter. The past two have been very good. It's good for Halladan to now have support of people who can help him. The interaction with Arvain and Penny was very well done. I look forward to reading more. Es.
Author's reply
THanks, glad you enjoyed it. :D
silvereyes06 · 29 June 2007 · Chapter 46: Those Who Wait
i think she should go to the west with them. I mean really, she has knowledge and they (the valar) sent her there for a reason. SO, why not? she could teach them so much! SO much about her past, their future.
Author's reply
Well, first of all it's not been explained, or even theorised, as to how she got there. We don't know whether the Valar sent her there, though that is one possibility, of course. :) All we know is that not even Gandalf knows how or why - and if he doesn't know, then no one does, or no one that side of the sea, anyway. Secondly, given it's not even certain that Gimli went West, and the hobbits only went under special dispensation, it's highly unlikely that Penny, for all her situation is extraordinary, would go. It would be down to Gandalf to try and take her and he would not know if she would be allowed - why rip her away from where she is just finding her feet only for her to be denied access to Valinor and thus defeat the entire purpose of her going? Thirdly, Gandalf has very deliberately avoided learning anything detailed of the future from her. Manwe is in direct contact with Eru Himself so, frankly, if there was anything the Valar needed to know, they would be told. :)