Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Bound by Duty  by Lady Bluejay 4 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/24/2007
Once she gets fully beyond her pique, I suspect Lothiriel will find this stranger one she will admire and actually like, then love truly. And I think she'll find a degree of romantic inclination she never dreamed could exist in such an apparently austere man.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/16/2006
I love Eowyn's forthright conversation. I think that she and Lothiriel will grow to be fast friends.

And Aerin looks to be an interesting young lady. She may end up being a handful for her mistress--but I think she will do a good job of keeping Lothiriel's spirits up. Aerin sounds a bit like a female Pippin to me.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/18/2006
I love Lothiriel's resignation - and her dignity and her determination not to whinge. And her view of herself as an ambassador expected to lie with the foreign head of state. It certainly seems to be how everyone around her is treating her. It's just as well Eowyn was there to give her some insights into the human being who will become her husband. I think Eowyn learned enough about Lothiriel to know she would welcome her as a sister-in-law, even if the two parties most involved were still strangers.

The maid's happiness at going to Rohan is probably good for both of them - better, at any rate than Moreth's disapproval. Only poor Lothiriel is behaving here as if she is a matron rather than a girl of twenty - she is too resigned to her fate. I'm rather hoping that she and the explosive Eomer have a rather less bloodless marriage.

And they have met at last - but I doubt they will get to do more than nod at each other until after the wedding. Well - a 'welcome to Rohan' / 'thank you, Eomer King, perhaps, but I don't expect there will be time for them to hold a conversation.

Still. Lothiriel probably has the self-discipline to smile and behave like a queen. At least until she is alone.

Looking forward to more

Author Reply: She does hide her emotions pretty well - but you will see some lapses. She will also get to talk to him. Aerin turns out to be very supportive - she needs to be!LBJ

Alison HReviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/17/2006
Poor Lothiriel! How nervous she is and full of doubt.Not knowing your bethrothed apart from snippets from friends and family would drive anyone to flee, but Lothiriel has a duty to perform and she does it admirably.

I laughed at her few sardonic words to Eowyn, especially the 'bookish' comment.Lothiriel has a good sense of humour and that virtue may help her, I think.

I'm glad she finds her betrothed attractive, especially his eyes.That's a good start.I'm eager to know what Eomer thinks of his future wife!

Your opening remark reminded me of Henry VIII who comissioned the famous artist Hans Holbein to paint a portrait of Anne of Cleeves.He painted her at a flattering angle but when she actually met the King he thought her so hideous that he couldn't consumate the marriage.Thomas Cromwell, who brokered the marriage, was executed soon after!

Thank goodness Lothrirel doesn't have to face *that* possibility!

I really enjoyed this chapter.Update soon.

Ali.

Author Reply: I am glad you like her.

Actually, in the beginning I was going to write it as if she had never met him at all, but Lia persuaded me that Imrahil would never have done that to his daughter. BTW, it was Henry V111 that started me on this, however, I think Eomer will manage to do his duty!LBJ

Return to Chapter List