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| Destiny's Child by Mirkwoodmaiden | 58 Review(s) |
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| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 28 on 7/3/2025 |
| Farewell.”* he ended softly. As he spoke, Éowyn could only hear the sound of a key turning on a lock. What a beautiful and moving chapter. Author Reply: Shirebound! Thanks! It wasn't an easy chapter to write. Neither I or Aragorn relished breaking Eowyn's heart... The cage she thinks is closing. Very hard time for her. Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 28 on 7/2/2025 |
| MM! Another lovely chapter! Hurrah! This was something I'd never thought of before, that deep down, he didn't want to take others on that Path: He looked at his companions knowing with regret that none of them would be staying. No words would shift them from their appointed path, to follow him. “But I shall take the Paths of the Dead, alone if need be.” He voiced these last words hopelessly for none would forsake him. Does he have a foretelling of the deaths that lie beyond that door, even as Halbarad describes for himself? Éowyn stores away Aragorn's mention of Rivendell (and his unspoken thoughts of Arwen) for future reference. I wonder what she'll be thinking when she first sees Arwen? (I think I remember from your other stories that they become good friends!) So many were watching out for his daughter. I so love the fierce and dedicated loyalty Éowyn inspires in her people. And the conversation between Gamhelm and Aragorn fits perfectly, IMO! It seems that Gamhelm's filling in of the background will be invaluable when the time comes for her healing of the Black Breath. She was so tired of it all ... [she] looked for a chair so that her old friend could be more comfortable. So characteristic! Even in her exhaustion, she's looking out for others (and not looking out for herself; it's a good thing that others are looking out for her!). She just hoped that that someone would realise what a treasure he would be getting. Oh! Oh, yes. I have to say, the Faramir/Éowyn fanfics I've read in the last few months (including yours) have done an excellent job of showing Faramir's realisation of Éowyn's inestimable worth. Oh, poor Holdlith! To have such a vision! But I'm glad for the hopeful ending where she sees Faramir. Does she ever get to meet him? Éowyn had to choose her own path and not allow visions to choose it for her. Indeed. What a difficult moment for both of them, when she begs to accompany him and he must refuse her. Is it possible that his perspective helps him out here...? He's in his late 80s, and Éowyn is in her early 20s, I think? And I also wonder if he had to fend off other young women during the 60-some years when he was travelling all over Middle-earth, even under different names? ...but I think Éowyn is too young and inexperienced to understand, even if he tried to offer more of an explanation than he did in the book (and this chapter). You've done a wonderful job of weaving the dialogue from the book into this chapter! I'm looking forward to seeing more of what happens through Éowyn's eyes... and, of course, Merry (my favourite hobbit!) will also be a part of the upcoming chapters since he will also be left behind and will want to "follow like a hound"! So I'm looking forward to seeing their conspiracy play out, and at what point Merry will realise that Dernhelm is Éowyn. (I think you might have mentioned it earlier, but I can't recall for sure.) (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! Hello! So Glad you liked it!! I do think that Aragorn would per that he could take the path alone and not endanger those that he loves, but those that love him won't let travel this path alone. If I retained the ability to write angst like I used to then possibly some would die or perhaps come to close to it but I just can't do it anymore. Rest assured no more than those that already die will die. Yeah...Eowyn is putting the Rivendell comment in the back of her mind as sheer out of sheer self-preservation. She really can't think of what that means right now. And Yes they do become friends, close friends, but that also after Eowyn has met and fallen in love with Faramir. She is happy within herself. Must dash! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: Part II, I was falling asleep last night and couldn't properly finish my response. So here I am next morning. I am going to rewrite portions "Leaving Home; Coming Home" which is about Faramir and Eowyn's wedding and when in my timeline Eomer meets Lothiriel with characters that didn't exist yet such as Gamhelm, Gamwen, Holdlith and Halaf and his family. They didn't exist when I wrote "Leaving Home," but they have become very important in Eowyn's life and I really feel they need to be in "Leaving home" So at some point I feel they will meet. Aragorn's heart belongs to Arwen. And yes I'm sure he has had fend off the occasional ardent village lass! LOL! In reading the explanation he gives Eowyn about her Uncle and brother you can read into it that he is tempted by her spirit but falls back on he can't because he almost would if he could. "You've done a wonderful job of weaving the dialogue from the book into this chapter!" The weaving wasn't easy. I used it only when I absolutely had to. Thanks though! I'm glad it reads well. To answer your question, Merry will know pretty quick that it is Eowyn and they will willing co-conspirators for the entire journey. Glad you liked it! It wasn't easy to write! Onwards!! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 6/20/2025 |
| MM! I'm so glad to see this new chapter posted! So many things to love... I love the banter sprinkled throughout the chapter, from the "educated guess" to "I can't take you anywhere!" Ah, Halbarad. It's nice to catch a glimpse of this stalwart warrior who gave his all for the Promise. The growing friendship between Legolas and Gimli is clear to see here. "a little in love with you"... I suspect Gamhelm is right. "Erithain, son of Dirhael": I was disoriented for a moment on reading he was an older man until I realized I've been reading about him 80-some years earlier in your other story! I'm assuming it's the same person, and I'm so excited to see him again! (But I'm also biting my nails – or trying not to – as I remember what happens to Halbarad not too long from now.) At that moment she wanted to kill both of them. That sounds very true to life. And I love her threatening the visitors with supper in the stables cavern, or maybe no supper. Oh dear. Éowyn is going to be so upset by Aragorn's simple statement that ends the chapter. (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! Yes the next chapter is going to be very painful for Eowyn and also Aragorn who does not want to break her heart.AND therefore very difficult for me to write as I have grown very fond of the two. Alas! But in this chapter I happily found moments of companionship and some Joy. I could just hear Orlando Bloom and John Rhys-Davis when writing their banter!! Fun!! And yes I do think that Gamhelm IS right. Her riders are all a little in love with Eowyn. She kicks ass in battle and protects them and their feelings as much as she can and is pretty. Of course. Alas they do not know of her cooking disability. Alas! (Thankfully Faramir as Prince of Ithilien can hire cooks!) If this were a lighter portion of the story it would be fun to have their loved one tease both Eowyn and Elladan about their cooking disabilities. Maybe a small one-off? I will ponder it. Yes. It is Erithain, Aragorn's uncle. Actually it was you currently reading both "Destiny's Child" and "Heir Apparent" that made me think that Erithain could very possibly be part of the Grey Company. Dunedain live long long lives. And of course as his uncle and still regent throughout the years of Aragorn's wanderings Erithain will be there. Though he won't be killed but the angst at seeing his brethren killed is going to go hard on him. "At that moment she wanted to kill both of them. That sounds very true to life. And I love her threatening the visitors with supper in the stables cavern, or maybe no supper." Oh definitely! No matter how much you love them, there are ALWAYS times that you want to kill them! LOL!!! "Oh dear. Éowyn is going to be so upset by Aragorn's simple statement that ends the chapter." Yeah...I normally don't end chapters with clangers as big as this one, but it just seemed to end with that sentence. I write with only the vaguest of notions of what is going to shape a chapter and I basically just write until I find my ending, which makes for some pretty long chapters sometimes. LOL!! Thanks so much for writing! (((hugs))) MM | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 6/17/2025 |
| It's delightful to read the way Éowyn perceives these guests, and the way they perceive her. Beautifully written, my friend. Author Reply: Shirebound! Thank you so much! my friend and faithful reviewer:-))). I try to think about how each character would think and perceive. I'm so happy it came through!!! (((Hugs))) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 5/23/2025 |
| Your wonderful descriptions make me feel as if I'm right there, seeing through Éowyn's eyes. Who knew that history lessons would prove useful. Ah, the short-sightedness of youth! The feeling of protection is interesting. I am intrigued... Who or what is responsible for it? Gamhelm chimed in looking about one of the storage rooms, “Well! We may not have a lot to eat but with all this mead and wine, I don’t think that we will care nearly as much!” He reminds me of my hobbits when the crops failed, saying they'd be fine as long as the brandy held out... Well at least Éowyn has enough sense to tell someone where she's headed! (Unlike the Faramir/Éowyn-in-Ithilien story I'm hoping someone will write where they neglect that little precaution since it's just a picnic and they'll be right back...) I was thinking that three wavy lines might indicate water, somehow. (p.s. was it in Dunharrow where Gimli found the Glittering Caves? Or was it Helm's Deep? My memory is rusty. I just remember him insisting that Legolas needed to come with him to see it.) I have to laugh at Éowyn drinking and pretending to choke, even though I would not find it funny in real life, but that's just me. I also remember reading a novel where a couple get lost in a cave network and drink the cave water and get very sick, I don't remember why. It's also interesting to see the positive changes resulting from this perilous situation. It reminds me of a nonfiction book I read last month about how a sense of community comes out of a disaster. The chapters on the San Francisco earthquake in the early 1900s were particularly fascinating, as well as the descriptions and interviews that emerged from the Twin Towers aftermath. Alas, poor Éowyn. When will she find inner peace? (Rhetorical question, of course.) Author Reply: Lin! Thanks for writing. I'm sorry I haven't written sooner I was out of town at a gaming convention. It was fun, but busy. "The feeling of protection is interesting. I am intrigued... Who or what is responsible for it?" I was reading through the Tolkien Gateway website and I came upon this passages, "The Drúedain are known to have carved statues in their own likeness, which could watch over places and could be animated by their crafter to attack invaders in Beleriand in the First Age.[5]" So I just extrapolated a little bit that while the spell now is defunct a residual protection is felt by those who had never hunted the Druedain and who also made Dunharrow their refuge as well. "Gamhelm chimed in looking about one of the storage rooms, “Well! We may not have a lot to eat but with all this mead and wine, I don’t think that we will care nearly as much!” He reminds me of my hobbits when the crops failed, saying they'd be fine as long as the brandy held out..." LOL! I had to look it up as well. The Glittering Caves are under Helm's Deep. I couldn't resist Eowyn teasing Gamhelm with the choking. My hubby raised the same point about the water, so I changed it to rippling so it wasn't stagnant water. And I made the creative decision that this water was from a underground spring! In times of war, some people see and experience things differently, Saelith is one of these people. Positive reinforcement from the people in Upbourn have caused her to look anew at things and it has remained a positive change. And also people grow into their roles. This has happened for the Apprentice Riders. And in times of trouble, most people do pull together. Éowyn now has felt useful and doesn't want that feeling to stop....Will she find happiness...? :-D As was said in the old serials...Stay Tuned!! (((hugs))) MM | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 5/22/2025 |
| What a marvelous tour you're giving us, I feel I can see everything so clearly. Author Reply: Shirebound! Thanks!! I do try! Thanks so much for writing! (((hugs))) MM | |
| PSW | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 5/4/2025 |
| Little by little, their rivalry and enmity will wear away. It’s unfortunate that others were there to hear them - but then again maybe it both forced them a little farther together than they might have been willing to go otherwise… Author Reply: PSW! Yes!! Exactly! In the face of such upheaval, petty childhood grievances pale in comparison. Even Saelith, as self absorbed as she has always been, begins to see this. A threat of humiliation (strapped the slowest horse) didn't phase her but Haere thinking she is somehow less than perfect did, and Eowyn sees that and feels for her and pities her. Revelations in times of war. And yes an audience probably help them along this path. Saelith like Lobelia Sackville Baggins will be soon, is cheered accepting Eowyn's extended hand. She had received approval for reaching beyond her own viewpoint. She choose to reach out and not to put on airs and received fervent approval for it. It has set her on a new path of thinking. Again revelations in times of war. Eowyn also is letting go. Seeing life differently. All is changing and will never be the same. Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 5/2/2025 |
| This may well happen! Hmmm! (Is it possible to jump up and down while sitting on an office chair? If so, that would be me. If not, at the very least, I am bouncing up and down.) (((hugs))) Lin (!) Author Reply: wee-hee! Something happy and frivolous!! (((Hugs))) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 5/1/2025 |
| MM! I am so glad to find this chapter today! There are so many parts I love, I will have to try hard not to quote the entire chapter... Gamhelm as a father-of-need and his daughter-of-the-heart, and "But you cannot hide your heart from those who love you." What a tender scene; it shows how Éowyn has others who watch over her, just as she watches over her people. But how they must have fretted and grieved and worried when Wormtongue was in control! I'm so glad he's gone... (And I'm glad that Gamhelm and his wife survived Wormtongue's reign.) Éowyn's weeping reminded me of something I read a long time ago about the chemical composition of tears and how it differs; if I'm remembering right, tears of fear are different from tears of grief or anger or after undergoing stress. She has likely kept so many emotions bottled up inside; hopefully her weeping will bring a sense of release and relief. Gamwyn's loving care is also beautifully portrayed. Saelith is falling under Éowyn's spell! (And it's so telling that Éowyn hasn't a clue what it's all about...) And Éowyn is her uncle's niece... I'm glad they have rope! The cliff rescue(s) and flashback brought back memories of my youth. When I was young and foolish, I sometimes free-climbed without a rope. Somehow, I couldn't imagine falling because I always kept a good grip on the rock, instinctively anchoring three holds while moving one hand (or foot) at a time. When I was in college, I learned about climbing with a rope and rappelling down. (I learned recently that "abseiling" is the term used more commonly in the UK; isn't that interesting?) When I had my first child, something changed (Does pregnancy affect the inner ear? I don't know.) – my sense of balance was never the same after that, and climbing wasn't fun anymore. So the fearless young ones in the flashback feel very familiar to me. The repetition of "I will always protect you" was powerful and heart-rending (because Éomer obviously could not keep that promise because... life happens) and touching. And yes, Éowyn is eminently logical ("I am the lightest one") as well as brave. And now, for some reason, I am wishing for a story where post-War Éowyn climbs a tree in Ithilien to rescue one of Pippin's small children who climbed too high and forgot how to climb down... (((hugs))) You have left me smiling. Thank you for this lovely chapter in the middle of their desperate situation. Lin Author Reply: Lindelea!! So happy to see your review. It got me through the last part of the day knowing I had your review waiting for me! "And now, for some reason, I am wishing for a story where post-War Éowyn climbs a tree in Ithilien to rescue one of Pippin's small children who climbed too high and forgot how to climb down..." This may well happen! Hmmm! Interesting I did not know this about tears... I figure Eowyn needs someone who she can speak honestly and without pretense and Gamhelm, Gamwyn and Holdlith were there! Otherwise the stress would get to her. I love writing scenes where the shields come down and people are just taking care of each other. About Saelith, I think that after the shouting match in the last chapter and Eowyn sees Saelith's fear about Haere not thinking she is perfect, she is a little more understanding of Saelith. And Saelith being cheered for her actions in accepting Eowyn's apology is something of a relevation for her. Most people are not evil they are projects of their own upbringing. Maybe there is hope, at least some for Saelith. I had to display some reason that Eowyn would be able to rescue Hathain and the flashback just kinda wrote itself. I also did a lot of rock climbing as a kid! I loved it! the hills around a lake just outside my town. God I loved climbing. For some reason my inner ear changed I couldn't really do it anymore. And I never had kids. Hmmm! Bizarre. But after Eomund died I imagined that the kids used to slip their minders a lot just to be alone. I am glad the repetition of "I will protect you always!" resonated with you. It was my goal. After the flashback Eowyn's first words were "I need four strong men!" I continually think, "Don't we all, or at least one strong man!" ;-) "You have left me smiling. Thank you for this lovely chapter in the middle of their desperate situation." I needed a lovely chapter because next chapter (I'm thinking) Aragorn is going to have to break Eowyn's heart that will lead to her wanting to die on the Pelannor Fields. It's going to be rough! But soon Faramir!!! Thanks for all the lovely words! (((hugs))) MM | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 5/1/2025 |
| you cannot hide your heart from those who love you. So true, and such a lovely thing to say. So many of the Great Deeds of LOTR are achieved through the love of one person for another, or for the love of one person for his or her home. Author Reply: Shirebound! Thank you for writing! And yes it is so true. So much is achieved because of love not anger or ambition. So many of the characters are motivated by love. It might be why Tolkien has such fervent fans and enduring appeal. Thanks! (((hugs))) MM | |