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| Bound by Duty by Lady Bluejay | 103 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/7/2006 |
| I love the picture of Aerin offering to share what knowledge she possesses of - er - marital matters. And I am glad that Lothiriel's sister-in-law ensured she's not totally ignorant of the ... activities required of her. I'm not sure that annoying the housekeeper is the wisest of moves though. The more Byrhtwyn says - and the more she shows Lothiriel - the less likely it seems that Eomer is the type of person who would go for a marriage quite this arranged! He seems the sort who might accept its sense, but who would try to meet and court the other party rather before the wedding. And once he and Lothiriel knew each other, it wouldn't be an arranged marriage in the sense of the Gondorian ambassador sharing the King of Rohan's bed. With or without a bolster! He has done a good job in designing rooms to appeal to her and choosing furniture to suit her. Not to mention providing adequate bathing facilities. Now they just need to spend some time talking to each other. I'm looking forward to the rest of the day. (And the post-banquet developments.) Author Reply: Yes, they will have to talk. He just never had the opportunity to court(lovely old-fasioned word) her. Perhaps he will make up for it!LBJ | |
| Alison H | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/7/2006 |
| It was good to see Lothiriel starting to return blunt speech with like and get some answers from Byrhtwyn about how people perceive her.She will have a lot to learn, but she is a Princess and her upbringing will help her deal with her new household staff, though Aerin is doing a fine job already in changing things a little to suit her mistress.Aerin is breath of fresh air--I like her personality and she is a good friend already to the nervous Queen-to-be. The little touches Eomer made to ease Lothiriel's comfort upon her arrival were really touching, especially the desk and the bookcase.That was a nice touch, though I had to laugh at the feather bolster remark.As if that would stop a man like Eomer! It was good that Lothiriel felt like giggling! The beggining of this story got me thinking.Lothiriel is in a very emotional state, with lots of tears.Could her state have anything to do with expectancy? Eomer is using the cot, too, so maybe he doesn't know how to comfort her? Just guessing--I love this take on Eomer and Lothiriel's marriage. Update soon! Ali. Author Reply: I am not giving anything away - you will have to wait until Ch11 to find out if youare anywhere near. Glad you like Aerin - there has to be some light relief. LBJ | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/1/2006 |
| Well - they're talking. Amiably, too. And joking! And Lothiriel likes horses and dogs - and admired the Golden Hall. It seems as if Lothiriel has made her first friend. I hope Eowyn's letters to Byrhtwyn expressed definite approval of Lothiriel - it might help if the female population know that the White Lady looks on her as a friend. Things look promising for the wedding - at the moment. But I'm sure it can't last. After all, Lothiriel didn't seem too happy at the beginning of chapter 1. Author Reply: Lothiriel is not popular with all - but hopefully she will win them round. I am not saying anything about her tears in the opening - all will be revealed at the end!LBJ | |
| Rugi | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2006 |
| I really like your realistice portrayal of probable upper-class life. You do a great job of portraying people who probably expected to have to make a political marriage and thus are both making an effort to make a good marriage as well. I like that Lothiriel's father didn't really hesitate to betroth her to a person he approves of. A princess would expect no less. I also like Lothiriel as a narrator - she is an interesting and real person, making the best out of a discombobulating situation but she also is an accute enough observer to make the other characters stand out too. I also love how her position as narrator makes the reader want to learn more about Eomer and Rohan while Lothiriel is learning. I look forward to reading more. Author Reply: I have always thought that even if the marriage was not actually arranged then it would have been - encouraged. I am really enjoying writing through Lothiriel's eyes. Thanks for the review.LBJ | |
| Lera | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/28/2006 |
| It's been a while since I've delved into any fanfiction and I'm wholeheartedly enjoying yours! Your Lothirel's personality has really captured me and the way they behave tends to fit the times perfectly. The only suggestion I have is that occasionally there will be a phrase that doesn't seem to fit at all, like when you had someone "shut up." It just didn't flow with the language of the day. But aside from that I can't wait to read what you have coming! It's amazing you're giving the exact details I want to hear about. There's nothing I feel the need to skip over, because I want to read about the feelings and thoughts about this obviously capeable and strong lady, who is so wonderfully human and that I can relate to. I look forward to more chapters! Author Reply: That's the problem - translating Westron into Modern English - sometines I get it wrong! Seriously, you are right - I occasionaly use expressions that are not quite correct. Anyway, I am glad you are enjoying the story and hope you continue to do so. Nothing much happens really, but I like exploring their relationship. Thanks for reviewing. LBJ | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/25/2006 |
| Well - Eomer is making quite a good impression. Smiling. Looking good. Showing appreciation of her mare. And telling her he wouldn't marry just for political advantage. However - that she could understand. She must want to take him to one side and find out what else might be his motivation because she'll be pretty certain that one dance won't have been enough to win his love! Not a good moment for their conversation to be interrupted. Author Reply: Eomer always makes a good impression! She is sensible enough to know that love is a way down the line. LBJ | |
| Faramir of Gondor | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/24/2006 |
| When is the next chapter comming??:) Author Reply: About 5 days time! | |
| Faramir of Gondor | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/24/2006 |
| I LOVE THIS!!! This is the kindof things I like to read. Way to go Lady Bluejay!!!:) | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed 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 H | Reviewed 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 | |