Alison H
· 24 June 2007
· Chapter 69: A Perilous Path
Welcome back,Kat! This was a great chapter.Eomer's simmering rage was almost palpable as he looked upon those that betrayed him and those who could have saved Eowyn.Th tension between Eomer and Theoden is just about ready to explode again, I think.Gandalf will need to calm things down a little!
At last, Aragorn has seen the darkness in Eowyn's mind.I thought you captured Eowyn's inner hiding place very well.It was a little eerie to have Aragorn hear noises but he was wise enough to depart when he did.No wonder Eomer was alarmed when Aragorn collapsed.Aragorn's battle with Eowyn's fear is something I'm really looking forward to.
Update soon.
Ali.
Author's reply
Hi Ali,
great to hear from you, and thanks so much for your review! RL really had my butt these past weeks (and it looks as if this will not change in the foreseeable future), because I really wanted to be ready with this story in time for the MEFAs... Oh well, next year it is.
I'm glad you like the new chapter, because it took an eternity for me to get a handle on this. I hope the next one will come to me more easily. Yup, I'm also looking forward to writing Aragorn's foray into Eowyn's very disturbed mind!
Thanks for the encouragment!
Cheers,
Katzilla
Agape4Gondor
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 68: The Marshal and the King - Part 2
You absolutely break my heart with your words - so much pain - so endless... Good grief - I hope this eventually turns out well; it would hurt so much to know that Theoden died sundered from Eomer...
"...Béma, so much bitterness in the lad’s eyes! Where was the young man who had looked so proudly at him from the back of his horse on the day when he had joined the Armed Forces, Théoden wondered with growing despair. Where was the young man who had embraced him so heartily upon his return from his first year in service, laughing with happiness?
"It is very convenient to have a Gríma Wormtongue to blame for everything, isn’t it? You think that his evilness frees you of all responsibility. No matter what damage you inflicted with your words, it was the Worm’s fault. It is a cheap way out for you, for he is no longer here to object." For a moment, they stared at each other in silence, and it seemed to Théoden that he literally saw the shutters in his nephew’s gaze close, shutting him out… forever. "
Agape4Gondor
· 23 April 2007
· Chapter 67: Estrangement
Wow! So many things happening in this chapter and all important! Even Merry and Pippin - for did not Eomer need a brief respite from the darkness threatening to engulf him.
His time with Eowyn - so hurtful. His time with the Hobbits - so helpful. His time with Theoden - so sorrowful. His time with Gandulf - so uplifting!
CassandraRae
· 3 April 2007
· Chapter 66: A Battle of a Different Kind
This story is so amazing! I discovered it shortly after you published chapter 65 and read the whole thing straight through, so I've been waiting desperately for following chapters. This chapter certainly didn't disappoint! (Well, it did, but only because it ended.) ;) I love how you portray the characters (especially Eomer and Eowyn), and I'm eager to see how the story will progress after Eowyn wakes up (assuming, of course, that she does). I'm also eager to learn of Aragorn and the others' reactions to the situation in Edoras and Eomer's reaction to finding out that Wormtongue escaped. Please, keep up the great work and update soon!
Author's reply
Hi Cassandra,
and likewise a - albeit very delayed - "Welcome to the Story!" to you! I was really glad to find your review upon my return, as it is always wonderful when even toward the end of a long story, new readers join the bandwagon. I hope the new chapter will not leave you disappointed and look forward to hearing from you again! :-)
Greetings,
Katzilla
Eilenach
· 3 April 2007
· Chapter 66: A Battle of a Different Kind
Ack! Unless you're really going for misdirection, it sounds like it's time for Aragorn to arrive!
Author's reply
Well, he's already there, but someone has to show him the way Éowyn's bedroom, first... (now why does that sound corny?)
Agape4Gondor
· 3 April 2007
· Chapter 66: A Battle of a Different Kind
Oh my goodness gracious! No, Eowyn, there is hope. Eomer is with you! But how will she ever know that. To have missed their reunion by but moments!
Before I read this, Katzilla, I had to go back and re-read the previous chapter. It was so potent and powerful, that I wanted to bring it with me to your newest chapter. And I'm very glad I did.
This is excellent and I feel so badly for Eomer - but also for the dear handmaiden. What bravery she shows!
Author's reply
Hi Agape, and again sorry for responding with such delay, but it seems that I've been fighting on many different fronts these past weeks, not least of all the new chapter (which was a BLOODY hard one!!)
Please be assured that your reviews are always a highlight for me, and I am always very interested in your reactions to the things happening in "Banishment". I was very happy to read that the last two chapters made such an impression on you and hope that the new one will not disappoint you.
Best,
Katzilla
Aurendil
· 3 April 2007
· Chapter 66: A Battle of a Different Kind
When the black breath blows,
And death's shadow grows,
Come Athelas! Come Athelas!
Life to the dying,
In the king's hand lying!
JRR Tolkien
Author's reply
Ah, yes, this would be handy right now, wouldn't it? But I need to decide yet whether that weed actually grows around Edoras. If not, Aragorn may have to pull some other trick out of his (or Gandalf's, rather ;->) hat.
thanks for the beautiful line from the master himself!
Eilenach
· 13 February 2007
· Chapter 65: The Marshal and the King
This is one of the most powerful and well-written chapters in this wonderful story. You make us feel Eomer's anguish as he is first mistaken for Theodred, then must confront Eothain, feels rejected by Theoden, only to reach the bedside of the comatose Eowyn. I doubt he can go any lower; he must feel at this point that the Worm has won.
Author's reply
Hi Eilenach,
I must apologize for the long delay with the new chapter; I was on vacation for four weeks and upon my return, was extremly busy AND unable to get into the depressed mindset the last chapters of the story feature. But I do hope that the new chapter meets with your approval. ;->
Thank you so much for this review though; I was completely overwhelmed to find that this chapter seemed to hit a nerve not only with you. I feel horrible to make poor Éomer suffer so much though.
Thank you for letting me know your thoughts!
Agape4Gondor
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 65: The Marshal and the King
IMHO - best chapter yet! Probably because I thought things were winding down - but the confrontation between Eomer and ALL - and his own feelings were so profound and well-written! Just a couple examples that I loved...
'the city bells silver sound rang' - it is good, in the midst of all that happened to 'hear' these bells.
'man's silent anguish saddened Aragorn' - 'nothing to be done' - so sad...
'befitting his status' - perfect little moment - nice for your readers
The whole paragraph about Eomer's reaction to being called 'Theodred' - absolutely hideous for him... first his grief for his 'brother' - then his grief at his people's betrayal... *sobs*
'how was he...ruler...doubted him' - incredible question - how indeed?
The whole paragraph of his meeting with Eothain - I do NOT look forward to the next chapter because of this... AND his meeting with Theoden - oh dear! Absolutely devastating moments for this good man, warrior, and patriot!
'but in the end, nobody did.' How heinous for Eomer - and for Eothain. I cannot believe the sorrow, pain, and agony over this.
'a deep chasm impossible to bridge' - yet I hope it can be bridged.
'spiritually abandoned him' - there is nothing more to say - this says it all for the son of Rohan...
Again - incredible chapter......
Author's reply
Hi Agape4gondor,
I thank you, too, so much for this review, which found me totally unprepared. I was quite surprised to find that this chapter struck such a nerve with readers, even if I am really mean to poor Éomer. There are a few chapters left yet before this tale ends, and now that I have found my way back into the dark atmosphere after a wonderful vacation, I hope the delays in my posting will be history.
Best wishes & happy reading!
Eilenach
· 29 January 2007
· Chapter 64: Homecoming
Argh! you're letting Grima get away!
Again, why is Theoden not suffering withdrawal from the poison?
Eilenach
· 29 January 2007
· Chapter 45: The Worm's Lair
I like it that you have made Grima such a capable and cunning evil character. He really does have a great plan. The tunnel is camouflaged AND guarded, he has high-value hostages to ensure his safety, and he is well-supplied. Too bad his control over his Dunlendings is slipping.
And a great Eowyn angst scene. While nothing personally BAD has happened to Eowyn yet, witnessing Elfhelm's whipping and being tied and blindfolded to a bed and left to THINK about what might be coming is almost as bad.
Author's reply
I think a story cannot succeed if the villain is weak. The stronger and more cunning the villain, the more you force your hero to work, and in the end, you will let him shine. I will admit freely though that it can be hard to counter the smart villains measures; I sure busted a braincell or two trying to come up with (halfway) believable scenario of how the Rohírrim would act against the snake.
And yes, I'm sure being forced to watch as a person you love and respect is being tortured can very well destroy you, even if the object of the hurting is not oneself.
Eilenach
· 29 January 2007
· Chapter 54: Deeds of Arms
If I were to suggest that you completely rework any of this story, it would be the Isengard chapters. You stated earlier in the story that Eomer has matured and outgrown his hot-headedness. Yet the folly of his attack on Isengard is extreme. He already knows the terrain in Rohan, and I'm sure he uses scouts to bring back intelligence on any enemy he goes against. But here, he has no idea what he is getting into! He doesn't know the terrain or what is inside the wall. No cavalry commander worth his salt is going to lead a charge where there is only a very narrow entryway into his field of battle. Furthermore, he is surprised by the pits on either side of the path inside, keeping him constrained even once he is through the gates.
And then to have the Ents accidentally slaughter hundreds of men and horses is just too cruel. And yes, I do know that in real life these extreme mess-ups happen. But it sounds very out of place for a Tolkien story.
I sense that you were trying your best to (1) do something different from the book/movie so you needed to be away from Helm's Deep and (2) keeps the orcs from destroying so much of Rohan while they were on their way to Helm's Deep. Perhaps a battle on the other side of the Isen, where they are losing until the Huorns come from behind the orcs and the Riders escape by going back across the river on their horses?
Author's reply
I see your point, but I think the attack results from sheer desperation. Everything Éomer hears points toward the fact that Saruman is breeding more orcs with each passing day, and that he is in the process of gathering all his forces. The Rohírrim's only chance seems to lie in a "surprise attack" while his army has not yet fully gathered. The problem is, that it won't march for Rohan until it has fully gathered. If they attack on terrain they don't know, it could go very wrong; yes. But if they wait until they are faced with an army that outnumbers them 1000:1 (always considering the worst-case-scenario), that will be at least as hopeless! Of two less than perfect choices, Éomer chose the one that he believed offered them at least a minimal chance at survival.
And the Ents entry into battle... I agree that was cruel. But I saw no way to avoid the mayhem, and must ask if you think it indeed more cruel than these poor horsies being crushed underneath the Mumakil's feet in "RotK"? I've always loved grim, dark stories (I suppose you wouldn't have guessed ;->), and I try to do what seems to be consistent with the tone of my story (and hopefully, the original work as well... which *is* quite cruel in places, too).
So I must disappoint you and say that I won't change the Isengard-scenario, but thank you for your ideas nonetheless. Those questions always force me to think why I wrote a scene in a specific way, and if I can't justify it to myself, I *will* change it... and if I don't, I will know more clearly why I did it this particular way.
Eilenach
· 29 January 2007
· Chapter 58: Besieged
Ooh, a great scene with Grima and Eowyn. One can almost feel sorry for Grima, who loves Eowyn so much (but in the wrong way) that he destroys her. Eowyn here reminds me of the elves, who (in fanon at least) can flee their life when forced to do something awful against their will. I can just imagine how her conscious mind has retreated far, far away, so that whatever is happening to her is actually happening to someone else.
I don't understand why Theoden is not suffering more. If he is addicted to the poison, and Grima has withheld it so that Theoden is now conscious, why is he not in agony?
Author's reply
Re. Théoden: Well, the way I thought is that Gríma lied about the poison, as well (he lied about practically everything, so why not about the poison?). Perhaps the stuff doesn't even cause any withdrawal symptoms? What if the cause of those was an altogether different poison, to keep Gamling and Éowyn obedient? And now he wants Théoden to be clear, because he wants to show him his army tearing up Edoras. he wouldn't do anything to weaken him now.
Eilenach
· 29 January 2007
· Chapter 2: Leaving Edoras
“My own uncle deems me a curse to his house. I am expelled for a deed I haven’t committed, and none of the men I grew up amongst speak against it though they know for the wrongness of these accusations.” He swallowed visibly. “It hurts, Éowyn… more than death. Given a choice, I would have chosen the gallows instead of this.”
Great line, showing us the depths of Eomer's despair.
Author's reply
"My own uncle deems me a curse to his house..."
And this line will continue to haunt him for some time to come. I guess it must the hardest thing to hear coming from a family member's mouth.
Eilenach
· 29 January 2007
· Chapter 1: The Hearing
"It was strange how at the same time both the river’s surroundings and the presence of his cousin and the ‘other’ reality were completely plausible to him. Some strange dreams he was having these days."
You have started this story with great literary style. The conversation with Theodred allows you to set the time and circumstances of your story in a clever way. It's very nice to think of Theodred coming to Eomer in his dreams, explaining what has happened and then convincing Eomer of what he must do.
The fading of the dream seamlessly takes us back to Edoras, and you start the angst right up. By the end of this chapter, when Theoden banishes Eomer, we really feel how alone Eomer is.
Author's reply
Hi Eilenach,
and welcome to the show! It is always nice to hear from a new reader, even as the story is (slowly but surely) drawing towards its end. And how great that you are such an avid reviewer, I felt like it was Christmas and my birthday all on the same day. ;-) So, thank you!
I'm glad you like my epic tale of Rohirric angst, and be assured that I read your comments and constructive criticism with great interest.
Agape4Gondor
· 25 January 2007
· Chapter 64: Homecoming
Ok - I'm still upset over our poor guard getting killed by that snake in the last chapter! And now you let him get away from Eomer!!! Shees.....
*takes deep breathes* I will put this aside.
Incredibly great chapter again - I am so loving what you are doing with the folk in Meduseld and their angst - poor Theoden... also love Leod...
Keep these chapters coming!
Agape4Gondor
· 11 January 2007
· Chapter 63: Victory and Defeat
Oh my goodness - I have climbed down the back of Edoras (Mount Sunday) and it is treacherous - but it could definitely be done - even in the dark... if you keep away from the cows! LOL Excellent portrayal of the worm's escape. Of course, my heart went out to the poor soldier...
Absolutely stunning, compelling fight between Eothain and Felrod. I held my breath during the whole thing - not sure of the outcome. Phew! Gonna go and get a stiff drink after this!
I can't even express the horror and the deep sorrow I felt as Ceorl's body was finally found and Eothain looked upon his father. Tears flow.
Thank you for an incredibly exquisite chapter - well-written, though intensely painfilled, it was necessary. I hope you too had a drink once you finished it!
Author's reply
Hah, guess what? I've been there, too! Isn't it an incredible view from the (imaginary) windows of Éomer's bedchamber? ;-> But yeah, I definitely think it could be done, and Gríma is sufficiently motivated, as well.
While I wrote that fight between Éothain and Felrod, I must admit that I didn't have a clue what to do... there were so many fights already in this story, I'm seriously running out of choreographies! ;->
Thank you so much for feeling for Céorl and his son; I am glad to hear that it moved you so strongly. Poor Éothain, having to live with the knowledge that he came too late to save his father... and nope, I didn't have a drink after finishing this chapter, I went to bed (it was late!).
Agape4Gondor
· 6 January 2007
· Chapter 62: Forth Éorlingas!
Fudge, drat, and fiddlesticks! Looks like Grima is going to escape - the Worm!
And Ceorl - I had so hoped he would survive and everyone else too... but I know the muse can be heartless.
A great chapter - the battle scenes were wonderful....
Author's reply
Well, there *is one more guard between Gríma and his escape.
(chants: "Go, guard! Go, guard!")... and the way through the Mark is long, too..
Yes, poor Céorl... I was quite fond of him, too, and can you imagine what happens next chapter when Éothain finds him? I'M a cruel person (hangs head in shame)... or no, you are right, it was my Muse! I'm just writing what she tells me.
Glad you enjoyed the chapter, and a happy New Year to you!
Alison H
· 5 January 2007
· Chapter 62: Forth Éorlingas!
Phew, that was some battle! I could almost feel the tension within every Rohirrim soldier as the enemies were put to the sword.Very well done, Katzilla.Now, where is Eomer? I can't wait to read more.
Author's reply
Hi Alison,
I'm quite sure that I will need a biiiiig vacation from battles after this story; perhaps I should write something ultra-soggy and saccharine for a change to cure me from all this fighting, what do you think?
Éomer and his men are still riding through the night while things get out of hand at Meduseld... Béma knows what he will find there upon his return!
Thanks a lot for your comment, and a happy New Year to you, too!
Lady Bluejay
· 5 January 2007
· Chapter 62: Forth Éorlingas!
My goodness, I am worn out just reading it - wonderful action.LBJ
Author's reply
Hi Sidonie,
can you imagine how worn out I am having written this? Phew! (wipes brow). I don't think I want to write another battle scene in the near future; my imagination is beginning to run dry. Thanks so much for your comment though, and
a HAPPY NEW YEAR to you!!
Edlyn
· 28 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Leaving Edoras
Oh, why hadn't I found this story before? This is superb! I literally *ache* for Eomer! Fabulous writing and characterization. HAppily on to the next chapter...and hte next...and the next...
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hello Edlyn,
thanks for your comment and welcome to the show! So, you're *happy* so far, huh? I wonder for how long, because this is only the beginning. And then it becomes darker... and darker... and darker still. (OKay, with the occasional ray of hope thrown in for good measure, or Éomer would have killed himself before Chapter 5!)
Looking forward to hearing from you again & enjoy the trip,
Katzilla ;->
Agape4Gondor
· 27 December 2006
· Chapter 61: Hide and Seek
I think I am just about ready for no more death - I held my breath the whole time Leod was in the room and breathed a sigh of relief when he got away whole... and for Ceorl - how it hurt to hear of his death....
Author's reply
Until the idea of that scene hit me, I never thought that the magical blanket could be used to such effect. I "invented" it basically because I saw no other way for the Rohírrim to invade Meduseld, and there were quite a few who told me that they were irritated by "Harry Potter's invisibility cloak", but after this scene (and the following), I think the whole think has found its justification.
:-) After all, it's a magical world!
Alison H
· 26 December 2006
· Chapter 61: Hide and Seek
Ahh, that was wicked, Katzilla, to leave it there! Will Grima kill the woman he loves, even for petty revenge? Now that the attack is under way he has little option to flee, but can he really kill Eowyn? Is Eowyn's spirit so far gone that she is unable to return? I can't wait to find out.
I've really enjoyed this story, Katzilla.I haven't always had time to review but I've looked forward to every chapter.Your writing is excellent.
Happy New Year to you.
Ali.
Agape4Gondor
· 11 December 2006
· Chapter 59: To Edoras
I am beyond grateful that I have reached the same end as you... I am so tired... have read late into the night too many times, trying to catch up... but you write so well, the tension is so extreme, and the need to finish so great! LOL
Thank you - will wait quietly (NOT) until the next chapter. I am going to bed!
Author's reply
Hehe, now I've got two more chapters on you again, LOL! (or have I?) Thanks so much for sacrificing your sleep for this, it is truly appreciated. Isn't it great if a story manages to do that? I remember when I still went to school (many decades back - cough) and was trying to read through the last third of "Watership Down", and it was getting late and I still had about 150 pages to read, but could not put down the book... Ah, sweet torture! ;->
Agape4Gondor
· 11 December 2006
· Chapter 57: An Ending and a Beginning
This was excellent the way you made it all work out with Isengard and the Ents and overcoming them all... Great job - I wondered how you were going to put all these ends together! And it worked extremely well.
Author's reply
Thank you; I'm always happy to read that a scene seems to be working. You don't want to know how often I write myself into a corner. And since I usually prefer stories with less participants, I was pretty scared of shortchanging some of the characters (which I probably did anyway, but what can you do?).
Once again, thanks so much for your review, and a wonderful (if belated) Christmas and Happy New Year to you!