Well, did anyone besides me want to punch Elphir?? Obnoxious git! I'm glad Eomer put him in his place.How can Elphir admonish his sister for having too much to drink during her wedding celebrations? Elphir really needs to lighten up--or have the stuffing beaten out of him!
Eomer was certainly surprised when Lothy told him Eowyn was going to teach her to fight but he quickly understood her reasoning, and Eowyn would be a good teacher.It would be a handy skill to have--maybe she can threaten Elphir on a regular basis.
Great chapter and I can't wait for more.
Update soon!
Ali.
Author's reply
Hello Alison,
no, you're not the only one of my readers not very keen on him. Still, I think Eomer did a pretty good job of reminding him it's no longer his business. And cheese knife fighting is a useful skill to have as we've seen in the past.
Nearly finished now!
Lia
Dreamflower
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 31: Promises
*chuckle* Somehow, that was just about what I imagined would happen...
I have to say, for someone with such and intelligent father and siblings, Elphir does not seem to be the sharpest knife in the drawer. He completely has failed to get all the hints that Eomer has given him as to what is no longer his business. Perhaps Amrothos could take a 2x4 to his brother's thick skull. I don't think it would really *hurt* him any, but, like a mule it *might* get his attention...
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower,
Elphir does sometimes sound like he's a couple of riders short of an éored, doesn't he! I very much think he got that last hint, however, and he's off home soon anyway.
But I think Eomer and Lothiriel have other concerns on their minds now...
Lia
Bodkin
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 30: Will you ride with me?
Lovely wedding. And two major participants who are quite sure of each other. (Eowyn can hold that comment about wife-slaying over her brother for the next couple of dozen years though!)
I like the very Rohirric tradition of inviting the bride to ride away with the groom. And the fact that Lothiriel kept him waiting just on the outside edge of acceptable. Seeing the action through Eowyn's eyes was delightful - especially when she decided that her brother looked besotted!
Nice vows - and I see why winning Hergyth's approval was a good move. Beautifully done.
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin,
I told you it was important to make a good impression on Hergyth, didn't I!
I thought it would be nice to get an outside view of these two and Eowyn deserved a bit of attention after all the trouble she's gone to. She must be glad her two charges have made it past the finish line.
As to the traditions, I thought it very likely that weddings in Rohan would involve horses at some point!
Lia
Dreamflower
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 30: Will you ride with me?
What a very satisfying and thoroughly Rohirric wedding! And I loved seeing it from Eowyn's POV--an excellent choice! This chapter made me grin.
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower,
I really had to rack my brains to come up with all these customs (and all the superstitions), so I'm pleased you enjoyed it.
Lia
Nilmandra
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 30: Will you ride with me?
Silly Eowyn, thinking anything could go truly wrong on this day. Eomer and Lothiriel have so much tension to dissolve between them they would MAKE this day happen by force if needed!
I love that she kept him waiting almost abit too long... for the customs, of course.
Author's reply
Hello Nilmandra,
it's going to be another two chapters until they really get to dissolve that tension... And Lothiriel is a great stickler for traditions, isn't she ;-)
I'm so glad nothing more can go wrong now. Or can it?
Lia
Macphisto's girl
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 30: Will you ride with me?
Ohhhhhhh! Beautiful chapter! When I read the vows... I was melting! So sweet!
It was nice to know more of the relationship between Eowyn and Eomer.
This was a nice start for this saturday (it's 9 in the morning here).
Now I must wait for more...
Oh, about the weather, it's getting a little cold in here... =) mmmm
Saludos!
MPG
Author's reply
Hello MPG,
so you liked the vows? I'm glad, because they gave me considerable trouble and I had to discard about four versions before I hit on these. It's difficult to think of something that's fitting yet does not sound too Christian. Fortunately I finally hit on the idea of including their land.
Saludos
Lia
Macphisto's girl
· 20 March 2006
· Chapter 29: Temptation
Right now, I'm wearing a devil smile. God, Eomer! Lothiriel it's so lucky... and vice versa.
The ambivalence in Lothiriel's thoughts, the self control, the anxiety, and the way she tease him (that was extremely dangerous my lady!)... So lovely!
The big day it's coming! yeyyy... And the long night too (This sounds like Eomer) =P
Saludos, for you too!
Take care (I will send some of this warm weather, ohh! but the last time didn't works!)
MPG
Author's reply
Hello MPG,
I was just replying to a review and here comes another one! They are well suited, aren't they! Lothiriel really has to learn to control her mad impulses, though, like you said they could get her into trouble.
Yes, the longest night of the year is coming (I've got some plans for that) ... First it's the wedding however.
We got some of your warm weather today so thank you!
Saludos
Lia
Merenwen
· 19 March 2006
· Chapter 29: Temptation
My my. Isn't Eomer sneaky. Poor girl was so nervous, not knowing where she was going. Excellent payback.
Eowyn interrupting things again...*shakes head*
I loved the interaction between the cook and Lothiriel. It was fitting, really. Keep it coming!
Author's reply
Hello Merenwen,
Eowyn does seem to make a habit of interrupting them at the worst moments. It might be a good idea for Eomer to bolt the door on their wedding night!
And Eomer again narrowly avoided causing an international incident...
More next weekend
Lia
Dreamflower
· 19 March 2006
· Chapter 29: Temptation
Aww...such a sweet and loving interlude. Eomer is every bit as noble and honorable as he should be! I love Lothiriel's combination of hesitation and daring, both shy and bold, and her utter trust in her future husband.
And Eowyn's coming upon them was funny; I hope she gives her brother an earful.
And I adore Hergyth!
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower,
that's exactly how I wanted Lothiriel to come across, thanks for telling me! Isn't it just their luck to meet his sister on the way. Eomer should really have known better ;-)
As for Hergyth, she'll make another couple of short appearances later on.
Lia
Bodkin
· 19 March 2006
· Chapter 29: Temptation
Very good example of self-control there, Eomer. Probably helped by knowing you only have to wait one more day. And by noticing that Lothiriel looks shattered.
Imrahil ... or possibly Elphir - it seems like a precaution he might take ... should know better than to set guards at the front and forget the back. That's asking for trouble.
I'm glad Lothiriel met the person who really controls Meduseld. It's important to have her favour!
Now she's just got to get a good night's sleep. She'll need it!
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin,
It was Elphir's idea to post the guards, so it's not really surprising he botched it.
Poor Eomer did have to excert a considerable amount of self-control, didn't he! I'm starting to feel sorry for him. Still, all good things come to those who wait.
It's also a important that Lothiriel made a good impression on the cook as you'll see in the next chapter.
Lia
Macphisto's girl
· 18 March 2006
· Chapter 28: Homecoming
Did U missed me? (=P) I was reading the last reviews, and you're playing with us! ah-ha-ha-ha. The snow didn't froze that ability in you.
I'm glad that Eowyn was part of the complot against Eomer.
Elphir... poor guy. It's loosing his "little sister", but really, I'm close to hate him.
And the people of Rohan... It's seems to me that they're going to love his future queen...
Well done again! I wait for the next chapter soon.
MPG
Author's reply
Hello MPG,
yes, I've missed you! You won't have to wait long for the next chapter, it's coming up tonight or tomorrow.
I told you Lothiriel would get her own back, didn't I? And in the next chapter she'll have yet another opportunity, but she has to be careful.
As for poor Elphir, soon he won't be able to tell Lothiriel what to do or don't do without having to reckon with Eomer. I'm looking forward to it.
Saludos
Lia
Bodkin
· 16 March 2006
· Chapter 28: Homecoming
Snow must be pretty exciting for the sea maiden. I'm glad she and Eowyn combined to sneak a snowball down Eomer's neck - I reckon Eomer would be pretty pleased to have a good level of affection between the two females in his life. So much so, he will probably forgive the attack.
Aragorn is right - Rohan is a good environment for Lothiriel. And she and Eomer should have some heartfelt conflicts! Elphir is a blot, though. Perhaps he should bear in mind that by tomorrow he will not have any bargaining chips left in his relationship with the King and Queen of Rohan.
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin,
I think that at the moment Lothiriel can do no wrong in Eomer's eyes anyway, so I'll suppose he'll forgive her, although she still owes him something...
Poor Elphir, you know I'm almost starting to feel sorry for him! There's always the hope that becoming a father might change his view of what's important in life and what isn't, but I'm sure Eomer and Lothiriel are looking forward to the day when he leaves for Dol Amroth again.
Lia
Merenwen
· 15 March 2006
· Chapter 28: Homecoming
Snowball fights can be so much fun. I wish we had snow here. I miss the stuff.
I loved this so very much. I also love how the women teamed up on Eomer to get him. Go Eowyn and Lothiriel! Heh.
Keep it coming!
Author's reply
Hello Merenwen,
you can have our snow! I have to admit it's March now and I'm getting sick of the stuff, last week we had half a meter!
I agree, Eomer will have to look out now that he's outmatched! I told you she'd get even with him, didn't I.
Lia
Dreamflower
· 13 March 2006
· Chapter 28: Homecoming
Very nice! I loved Lothiriel and Eowyn ganging up on Eomer in the snowball fight! And the ride, and Eomer's musings on his bride, were very well done and sweetly sentimental.
I, too, am getting tired of Elphir. I hope someone gives him some comeuppance soon.
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower,
thank you for saying 'sweetly sentimental' and not 'sickly sentimental'! I know I'm treading a thin line here, but I hope I haven't overstepped it.
After all the squabbling, the fighting and the anxiety we're into good
old fluff territory now for the last few chapters.
Lia
Bodkin
· 9 March 2006
· Chapter 27: Meetings
It's probably just as well Eomer didn't arrive a few minutes earlier or they could have had an international incident on their hands. As it is, it's just as well Elphir is as prissy as he is!
His unexpected arrival certainly reassured them both that they still quite liked each other, though. Imrahil's question might have unnerved her more had she not recently seen Rohan's king in a rather ... informal setting.
And she is looking forward to diving into her new life. She and Eomer are really very well suited!
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin,
the international incident makes quite a tempting scenario, really. I suppose Eomer would have had to change to Plan B - abducting Lothiriel. It does not look like she would have put up much of a fight if any!
Also, this would have been a good opportunity to get even with Elphir - he's not very popular with some of my readers.
Yes, they're well suited, more of that next week.
Lia
Macphisto's girl
· 8 March 2006
· Chapter 27: Meetings
This visitor it´s terrible, in a good way. The way he tease her shows the trust between them, the bond that it's growing little by little.
And Lothiriel says: "I will make you pay for this!" Mmmmmm... well, she got some power over him, that's well known...
The wedding! ohhh I can't wait! (I know... patience, first Rohan... and then)
I've been busy lately, the last week U2 was in Argentina (and I went to see the band) And now I'm working again as a school teacher... but still it's a pleasure turn on my computer and after check my mails, read your story. It's like fresh air... a nice brake in the rutine.
Again thanks for that!
MPG (feeling Vertigo, ahaha)
Author's reply
Hello MPG,
Eomer is a terrible tease, isn't he! But like you said, Lothiriel has her own ways of getting even, as we'll see.
I've started on the wedding, but I'm stuck at the moment - hopefully inspiration will strike over the weekend.
I promise the next chapter for next week, though.
Lia
Merenwen
· 7 March 2006
· Chapter 27: Meetings
Naughty, naughty Eomer. Sneaking into her tent like that. I love it so much, though. It's so sweet. I can think of nothing else to say! They just put me in awe with how darling of a couple they are.
Author's reply
Hello Merenwen,
How nice that you still like it. In a later chapter Lothiriel will actually get even with Eomer for teasing her like he did.
Lia
Nilmandra
· 7 March 2006
· Chapter 27: Meetings
Lovely chapter. LOL at Eomer sneaking into her tent. How late did our good king stay? I am sure many knew exactly where Eomer was, but we'll keep that secret from Elpir!
Author's reply
Hello Nilmandra,
I think there are only three men in that party who do not know where Eomer was - I leave you to guess who. However, he didn't stay all that late...
At first I only had the scene at the river in mind, but then I asked myself: would he wait tamely for her? Of course not!
Lia
Dreamflower
· 7 March 2006
· Chapter 27: Meetings
Oh my! Besotted, the both of them--I am sure they are offering endless amusement to everyone except for Elphir, the prude, and Imrahil, who dreads losing his little girl.
It's just as well Elphir did not catch them in the tent, I think.
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower,
yes, Elphir might have fainted and we don't want that, do we? No doubt his sensibilities will be even more offended in the future!
Lia
Macphisto's girl
· 6 March 2006
· Chapter 26: Shades of grey
They are so cute and so in love! The cloaks with mûmakils make me laugh.
A wedding it's coming!
I have little time for the reading, but I'm still enjoying every time that you post a new chapter.
Greetings!
MPG
Author's reply
Hello Macphisto's girl,
yes, I've missed you! How nice that you're still reading this, though. The wedding is still a few chapters off, first I have to get her to Rohan. The next chapter will be up tomorrow and will bring a reunion.
Take care
Lia
Bodkin
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 26: Shades of grey
I think Eomer will find that there is more potential for chaos yet. After all, Lothiriel might only remember 29 of the words to describe a grey horse - and then she will be rejected as an unsuitable queen for the Rohirrim.
Imrahil should have the sense to be grateful to Lothiriel for driving off Aunt Ivriniel - who sounds as if she should move in with Elphir. Although at least Elphir doesn't seem to be quite such a starched shirt with Melian.
I love the sound of the bard sent to teach Lothiriel - and that apparently in Rohan bards were not allowed to learn to read and write for fear that written down the songs would lose their power.
The wait must seem endless to both of them - and their doubts and worries about the changes to come are very realistic.
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Hi Bodkin,
there is always potential for chaos around Lothiriel, you're right. That's quite a funny idea, presenting Lothiriel with her horses and then asking her to name all the colours! As for Aunt Ivriniel, you can see why Elphir is her favourite nephew, can't you.
Five months is a long time, but you are in luck and will only have to wait another week.
Lia
Tessi
· 2 March 2006
· Chapter 26: Shades of grey
The story telling is very good and each time at the end of the chapter you want to urgently read the next chapter! Isn’t it unfair to have to wait for the next chapter again and find out, what happens to the falcon and the mûmakil?!
What I specially like about this story is the humour in it. Éomer and Lothiriel sound much more like real persons because they also have small problems, laugh about themselves and are not the all perfect heroes. Lots of playing with words and I specially like the clever dialogs.
The story is very smooth reading. The only Chapter I didn’t like that much was Chapter X, where I found it a bit strange to find Éowyn weeding her garden. I could imagine her discussing the house hold matters with her steward or checking up on craftsmen or traders but not weeding… Later when Éowyn faced off the bandits it felt much more in character for her.
Great story – keep on writing!
Author's reply
Hello Tessi,
that's what I like to hear, readers who are impatiently waiting for the next chapter! Just think I have to write the next chapter, surely waiting is much easier work.
As regards Chapter X, that was inspired by something Eowyn said to Faramir. "I will love all things that grow..." I was looking for something un-Eowyn-like and un-princess-like for them to do, so I hit on gardening, but maybe you're right.
Anyway, enjoy the rest of the story and thank you for your review.
Lia
Merenwen
· 1 March 2006
· Chapter 26: Shades of grey
Awwww. Two lovesick lovebirds, questioning the deicisions made. It's so sweet, and very much expected.
I really pity her learning all the colours of the horses. That's a lot to learn for just one animal!
Author's reply
Hello Merenwen,
at least once she knows all those words she can then have meaningful conversations with most Rohirrim ;-)
Lia
Dreamflower
· 1 March 2006
· Chapter 26: Shades of grey
A lovely chapter showing both the lovers pining for one another, and filled with the traditional pre-wedding jitters and doubts. I enjoyed Lothiriel telling off Aunt Ivreniel, and Eomer losing track of things at the council meeting.
The title of the chapter put me immediately in mind of the song--is that what you had in mind?
And *why* does this sound so ominous?
"Surely then nothing more could go wrong."
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower,
No, I didn't know there was a song called 'Shades of grey'. I was just considering what the language of the Rohirrim would be like and thought they would probably have lots of horse related words, and since their horses are mostly grey I got the idea for this chapter. After all the Eskimo are said to have over a hundred words for snow, so thirty words to learn are pretty easy.
Aunt Ivriniel will make a short comeback when we'll get to hear what good advice she had to give Lothiriel for her wedding night!
And yes, that's another of my evil last lines...
Lia
galimeril
· 1 March 2006
· Chapter 26: Shades of grey
heh. heh. heh. NEVER ask what could go wrong, something always does! I can't wait for your next update!
Author's reply
Hello Galimeril,
it does rather sound like famous last words, doesn't it! After all the trouble he's been through Eomer should really know better...
Lia