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A Maid Waiting  by Larner 12 Review(s)
Baggins BabeReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/3/2007
Ivormil has more self-awareness than I thought he might. He realises that he has made a huge mistake and is intelligent enough to admit it. I think he will take his lesson on board and be all the better for it.

Do I spy a romance brewing? Wonderful!

Author Reply: Yes, he's had an awakening and is quick to learn from it, which stands to his benefit.

Yes, this is, after all, a romance story primarily.

HalrohirReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/2/2007
And now, we see how Systerien has become part of the life of the White City, and we see how court intrigue is beginning to swirl about the newly Reuinited Kingdom.

Mis-steps in protocol and courtesy are bound to happen, and so they have already. Young Ivormil of Bidwell has found a tentative interest of sorts in our good Systerien, to the delight of the major players.

I am enjoying this as time goes on, please, continue!

Author Reply: Ah, yes, court intrigue and activities, particularly as it becomes increasingly obvious the new King is a "hands-on" person who is less impressed by class distinctions than was his predecessor.

This story was written as a sequel to a single-chapter story in my "Moments in Time" collection; you can see precisely how Ivormil managed to make an ass of himself in "Vocabularly Lessons." At least he has shown himself an apt pupil. Both he and Systerien are starting to grow as individuals now that they are exposed to the full court brought together by Aragorn.

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/30/2007
Ah, there is always someone listening when you least expect it. LOL

Author Reply: One DOES need to be careful. They are lucky the eavesdroppers are benign, at least. Heh!

EpiscopalWitchReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/29/2007
I admit I didn't read the summary carefully - how, I wondered, could this story be a sequal to "Vocabulary Lessons," which I certainly remembered - so I was surprised and pleased when Ivormil showed up! I like him from his first words, his question about whether she's a great lady in rags. I like Systerien, too. She may have arrived back in Minas Tirith with a chip on her shoulder, but she's melting fast. I like that she spoke honestly about her ambitions and family past to Ivormil.

Author Reply: Yes, this little nuzgul who was masquerading as another innocent plot bunny has been pursuing me almost since I wrote "Vocabularly Lessons." Aragorn brought the power of the Elessar back into the world of Men; and gave new life and hearts to many, I suspect. Both Ivormil and Systerien are learning, at least.

NeiliaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/27/2007
Hmmmm, a new 'friendship' in the mix? Cool! More? Hugs, Neilia

Author Reply: Yes, an almost pure romance story this time. Glad you are enjoying it, Neilia. Thanks for the feedback.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/27/2007
Why was Gandalf there, I wonder? I don't believe it was just by chance!

Poor Ivormil! He's devastated! But I think Dreamflower is right, he is overreacting due to his youth. Or is it the presence of Systerien?

I loved it that Systerien told him the truth about her father and Lord Delrond. That shows the progress she's made since she met Frodo and Aragorn. It also shows that she is seriously interested in Ivormil, doesn't it?

There's romance in the air :) I'm looking forward to reading more!

Author Reply: Gandalf is in a special way the Valar's personal witness to see that Aragorn lives up to being the Elessar and Envinyatar, I think. That he should serve to observe and so bless this meeting and the future of both only felt right.

You may be right--a pretty girl, a confused young man who's prone to overreacting at least for the moment....

And this story IS listed as primarily a romance, after all.

Thanks so for the response, Andrea.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/27/2007
Aha! They meet at last!

It's clear that Ivormil has taken his lesson truly to heart, though as is the way of the young, he's overdoing it. He's thinking now that he has no future at all due to his own foolishness and his father's--well, we don't know yet--caution? cowardice? parsimony? I do wonder why his father didn't send more men, especially since his son does not even seem to know...but anyway, Ivormil is busily flogging himself for his misdeeds when he should be putting them behind him now.

I do like though, that he's still got a sense of humor, even if a bit self-deprecating at the moment. And I loved his wary inquiry of Systerian--he won't make *that* particular mistake again.

And I like Systerian's decision to be frank and honest with him. The influence of the King and the Ringbearer have already begun to make changes in her own heart.

Now, the question is, did Sam, Gandalf and Dalrod set that up--or were they just enjoying the sight of a couple of young people beginning to make their first hesitant approaches to one another...

Author Reply: Ah, yes--young folk are always in the throes of pathos or mania, it seems. You'll shortly see more of his father and a family cousin, and I'll leave you to make of them what you will.

Yes, he does have a sense of humor, which is necessary for the perspective we need to make it through this life given us. No, he's NOT going to make THAT mistake again--that's true.

King and Ringbearer helped transform the realm, and oftentimes one person at a time.

As for your story, no, I think they were just fortunate onlookers.

RadbooksReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/27/2007
Ah, very nice chapter here, especially when we find that they are being overheard!! I'm glad that she was honest with him about her father and about why she was there, and that he is finally coming to realize the truth about himself - and asking questions about his father. I'd like to meet him!! :) Looking forward to more.

Author Reply: I agree, Radbooks. They don't realize the wizard is anywhere about, and haven't realized how keen are the ears of Hobbits. But word will be taken back to the King that perhaps this Ivormil has even more promise to him than he'd seen so far. Aragorn did wear the Elessar stone, after all, and was named anew "Envinyatar." Those capable of renewal would begin doing so within his presence, I think.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/27/2007
“Are you a great lady in but simple dress, or are you indeed one of those who serve the Citadel?” *snicker* I see our good Ivormil is being much more cautious now!

I have to admit that I like this new Ivormil much better than the arrogant fool from the beginning. He made a huge mistake, but he at least is honest enough with himself to realise his faults, and I am impressed he told Systerien so frankly about it. Now he seems on the path to improvement.

And I have to admit, I'd love a romance between these two. Both would mor or less get what they want, wouldn't they?

And you KNOW part of the reason this was written was because you wished to see more of Ivormil's development. Hope you enjoy what comes of it. Oh yes, I do! You know, if you're writing everything I would like to read, you'll be busy forever ;-)

Author Reply: Yes, he's definitely becoming more cautious now. He's had a great embarrassment, foresees the loss of his father's office, has no idea what will happen to himself, and is looking at himself perhaps for the first time in a long while and not particularly liking what he sees. I like to imagine he has more of his mother to him in the end than his father.

Today was working more on "Stirring Rings," getting Gandalf and Elrohir past the Barrowdowns, and if another plotbunny didn't catch me in the midst of that. Don't know when I'll post it, but some of these bunny attacks are becoming a bit frightening! Heh!

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/27/2007
I'm glad Lord Ivorwill has seen the error of his ways.Do I detect romance in the air?

Author Reply: Ah, this one is listed as a romance, after all. And young Ivormil is growing up rapidly--and not as his father had expected of him, I fear.

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