Kitty
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven
Die gute Lothíriel hat offensichtlich nicht gemerkt, daß ihr Bruder an zu guten schauspielerischen Fähigkeiten krankt und sonst nichts *gg*
Ansonsten habe ich mich mal wieder durchgehend blendend amüsiert. Lothíriels Reaktion auf die Tatsache, daß Amrothos Damengesellschaft hatte anstelle von Erchirion z.B. – sie hat offenbar erst jetzt wirklich begriffen, was die diversen Techtelmechtel ihrer Brüder beinhalten.
Und der gute Gléowine wird wohl den Besuch seiner neuen Königin nicht so schnell vergessen. Genausowenig wie seine Enkelin. Ich hatte es ja ganz schnell kommen sehen, daß sie ihren ersten Lehrling gefunden hat. Wer sollte es ihr auch verbieten? Éomer wohl kaum, der Arme hätte keine Chance, und auf die Tradition wird sie mit Sicherheit pfeifen. Das ist halt der Vorteil eines Status als Königin.
Deine jüngste Antwort auf meinen Review macht so richtig Appetit auf mehr. Oh ja - laß Lothíriel eine Weile dort sein, und die Rohirrim werden Edoras – oder sogar Rohan – nicht wiedererkennen. Das wird noch lustig ...
Ich hoffe, das nächste Update läßt nicht mehr ganz so lange auf sich warten! Du kannst mich ja nicht vor Neugier platzen lassen, oder? ;)
Author's reply
Jetzt hat das Update doch arg lange auf sich warte lassen.
Wie könnte man Lothíriel ansehen? Vielleicht als einen eher zierlichen Elefanten im Porzellanladen? Wohin sie tritt, mag zwar weiterhin Gras wachsen, aber ihre Fussabdrücke bleiben noch eine Weile sichtbar.
Und ihr Besuchsreigen durch Edoras ist noch nicht am Ende.
Kitty
· 15 July 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter Ten
An diesen netten kleinen verbalen Geplänkeln habe ich immer so viel Spaß – Du hast wirklich ein Händchen für solche witzigen Dialoge. Wobei Éomer natürlich recht hat – man sollte sich in Acht nehmen, was man in Lothíriels Gegenwart so von sich gibt.
Was nun Elphir anbetrifft, der zeigt sich ja nun wieder von seiner "besten" Seite. Ich seh es schon kommen, daß Éomer über seiner Abneigung gegen den ältesten Prinzen zum jüngsten findet ...
Apropos, das wäre ja wieder typisch Imrahil, wenn Amrothos noch gar nichts von seinem Glück, sprich den Plänen seines Vaters, weiß, und danach sieht es aus. Wie ich schon sagte – das ist es, was mich bei Imrahil am meisten stört.
Oh Mann, die Vorstellung von Amrothos und Éofor war wirklich außergewöhnlich und ein Duell, das die Zuschauer wohl so schnell nicht vergessen werden! Amrothos hat wirklich einiges riskiert, um Éofor in die Schranken zu verweisen. Beeindruckend! Ebenso wie sein schauspielerisches Talent. Ich bin zutiefst beeindruckt. Aber irgendwie überrascht es mich nicht, daß er auch noch so kunstvoll in Ohnmacht fallen kann. Auch wenn ich bezweifle, daß er auf diesem Weg für längere Zeit Lothíriel von Éofor weghalten kann – anscheinend ist ihre Berufung als Heiler stärker als die Vernunft, bzw. das, was ihr Éomer über Éofors Motive erklärt hat ...
Author's reply
Es gibt mich noch!
In den nächsten Kapiteln wird Éomer noch das eine oder andere mal wünschen, er hätte bestimmte Dinge nicht zu seiner Göttergattin gesagt. She hat nicht nur das Gedächnis eines Elephanten, sondern auch eine eher eigenwillige Art Dinge zu interpretieren bzw. ihre eigenen Schlüsse zu ziehen.
Unser König muss feststellen, dass es etwa so einfach ist, mit seiner Königin zu diskutieren - und die Diskussion für sich zu entscheiden - wie einen Pudding an die Wand zu nageln.
Und was nun den Herren Éofor betrifft, für den hat Lothíriel auch Pläne!
Die nächsten drei Kapitel werden einmal aufzeigen, was Lothíriel an einem einzigen Tag so alles auf die Beine stellt - wenn man sie sich selbst überlässt.
Das Leben in Rohan als solches - und Éomers im besonderen - wird nie wieder so sein wie zuvor.
Und immer daran denken: sie ist Amrothos Schwester!
Kitty
· 15 July 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter Nine
Aragorns Begründung, warum sie dieses behourd stattfinden lassen müssen, gefällt mir. Das kann ich mir so richtig vorstellen, wie er nach Hause reitet, einen Haufen schmollender Wachen im Schlepptau *lol*
Wenn Imrahil befürchtet, sein Nachwuchs würde ihm einen unruhigen Tag bescheren, dann geschieht ihm das eigentlich ganz recht. Ich habe nach wie vor das Gefühl, daß er zu sehr über sie verfügt, ohne sie überhaupt um ihre Meinung zu fragen. Andererseits, wer verdient es, *solche* Söhne zu haben?
Amrothos würde offensichtlich auch das Geschick zum Taschendieb haben, wenn man danach geht, wie geschickt er beim Ziehen der Lose mogelt. Interessant ...
Kitty
· 15 July 2006
· Chapter 8: Chapter Eight
Éomer hat es recht gut geschafft, Lothíriel das Problem Éofor zu erklären – und nicht nur das Rätsel, sondern sein ganzes Verhalten. Mal sehen, ob es wirkt ...
Die Rücksichtnahme, die Lothíriel für die wasserschleppenden Diener zeigt, ist wieder so typisch für sie. Zweifellos wird sie irgendwann eine Lösung finden, wie man das Wasser gleich nebenan wärmen kann. Und ich sehe gespannt ihren Vorschlägen entgegen, was man mit dem Überfluß an Dienstboten sinnvollerweise anfangen könnte.
Hm, die Prinzen von Dol Amroth haben noch gar nichts unternommen? Irgendwie habe ich schon erwartet, daß sie Éofor mittlerweile so quasi zu Hackfleisch verarbeitet haben (auch wenn das nicht ganz dem gondorianischen Protokoll entsprechen sollte) und ich vermute, Éomer geht es genauso.
Kitty
· 15 July 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter Seven
Hmmm ... nach der genialen Art und Weise, wie er seine Schwester von Éofor befreit hat, sehe ich mich gezwungen zuzugeben, daß Amrothos doch ab und zu seine guten Seiten hat. Ab und zu, wohlgemerkt *gg* Obwohl Erchirion mir derzeit immer noch der Sympathischste ist. Aber vielleicht schaffst Du es ja doch noch, daß ich Amrothos wirklich mag, obwohl er eine furchtbare Nervensäge ist.
I am expecting the worst from any mutual offspring of yours. Ääh ... ich fürchte, da kann ich Amrothos auch nicht ganz unrecht geben. Schließlich wird der Nachwuchs ihn zum Onkel haben ;-)
Ah, Lothíriel hat nun selber gemerkt, was die passendere Antwort auf das Rätsel gewesen wäre? Das spart Éomer vielleicht wenigstens die Mühe, ihr zu erklären, *wie* impertinent Éofor wirklich war ...
Kitty
· 15 July 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter Six
Éofor hat vielleicht Nerven! In Anbetracht dessen, was er sich da herausnimmt mit dem Rätsel, könnte man schon meinen, der Gute wäre lebensmüde. Das war ganz schön impertinent! Eigentlich sollte er seinen König gut genug kennen, um zu wissen, daß solche Frechheiten nicht ungeahndet bleiben werden. Lothíriels Brüder hat er offensichtlich auch vergessen, oder unterschätzt er sie nur?
Einerseits fand ich es eine sehr nette Idee, Merry mit Lothíriel tanzen zu lassen, andererseits hat es natürlich auch Éofor den Weg geebnet. Angesichts der Art und Weise, wie er seine Königin die ganze Zeit mit den Augen verschlungen hat, kann ich nur zu gut verstehen, daß Éomer höflich gesagt etwas verschnupft ist. Tja, es ist nicht immer einfach, der Ehemann einer hübschen Frau zu sein, nicht wahr?
Eruanneth_Luin
· 11 July 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter Ten
Thank you! The suspense was more than we could bear much longer. Though you put much effort into this chapter (a nice long one, too) the first reading I sped over the duels, though I noted with amusement the ‘muzzle’ comment and Lotheriel’s running commentary of the injuries and possible collateral damage done by the opponents
How unfair to only see Amrothos in a good light when compared to his eldest brother. Amrothos is a rare spark of a life filled with the joy of living. Could it be that Imrahil thinks the two youngest of his children are best suited to life in Rohan for their sakes or merely for the peace his will surely enjoy when he returns to Dol Amroth. Worse yet is Elphir, who knew him from infant to adult thinking Amrothos, with his keenly attuned senses, capable of a truly idiotic action.
Amrothos with his completely disarming manner and irritating words could no doubt have ‘talked’ Éofor into surrender, but it would have lacked the necessary physical reminder against the repetition of the transgression. A through drubbing before one’s peers as involves the memory of others in the lesson.
Without question, Amrothos is admirably suited to life among the Rohir and will demonstrate that winsome smile and charming manner as well as his wit and battle skills to the benefit of his new liege lord.
Once again thank you for another exciting chapter.
Author's reply
Back at last.
I think, Imrahil has always the best of intentions regarding his children - as long as it does not interfere with the interest of Gondor. After all, he is a reigning Prince who is responsible for all people of Belfalas. The wellfare of everyone has to come before the self-interest of any member of his family. Their birth meant quite a few privileges for Lothíriel and her brothers and they ahve to pay for those by the service to their people. How could the nobility otherwise justify its existence?
Imrahil was quite happy to be able to link the political advantages for the marriage between Éomer and Lothíriel with the personal. And for the same reason he feels Amrothos is in much better keeping in Rohan.
He has just this highly disagreeable trait of never consulting his children beforehand when he makes plans which usually turn out to be for their best.
Eruanneth_Luin
· 11 July 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter Nine
Imrahil must be an exceptional parent to have not only sired, but reared such a unique trio of sons. The apples certain fell extremely close to the tree. His daughter obviously had the benefit of older brothers and a decidedly odd aunt to steer her in a direction quite unlike most of her female peers.
Éomer will not lack for exasperating company if he does, in fact, acquire the youngest son of Imrahil, though I believe that he has far more worth and talent than he normally displays. Amrothos and his preferred terminology was understandable. It is not unknown for the play of words to be used to dress a deed in finery beyond the reality of the facts.
Such sensitive fingers would be better employed as a artisan of some fabulously of things intricately crafted, but perhaps it is simply one of his undiscovered gifts.
How could you do this again! Both Blue and I are hanging far over the cliff’s edge. Please, please reveal the plan fermenting in the fertile mind of Amrothos.
Eruanneth_Luin
· 11 July 2006
· Chapter 8: Chapter Eight
It is so wonderful to see a loving, caring couple who have common ideals and goals; even more impressive in royalty who likely were often merely assigned to each other and had to make the best of it whatever the outcome. Monogamy as you have shown is a blessing to both parties. And as always I love Lothíriel’s practical innocence and ability to construct a sensible, mature appraisal with the particulars of a given event.
Indeed, I also am curious as to the solution to the over-staffed royal household. Considering her mind and her familial traits, it should be entertaining to follow the thought processes.
Alright, I will second the statement. What is going on? Why has Éofor been denied his just desserts? What has Amrothos planned to ‘persuade’ the Captain from pursuing the Queen inappropriately?
Bodkin
· 7 July 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter Ten
You have actually made these accounts of battle in the behourd interesting - and I usually dodge descriptions of fighting! The participants have character - I can just see the one who got to take part because everyone knew that trying to stop him would be like holding back a wall of water. And Amrothos! He is gorgeous - and I just love Erchirion's judgment that he is suffering from third-son-itis. (Especially with Elphir as the first son!)
Imrahil is right - Rohan is a far better place for Amrothos to be himself. Erchirion, too, perhaps, now Elphir is a father and he is no longer needed as spare. Although I don't think Erchirion is suited to life as a travelling player. (Amrothos did quite a good dying swan if he took in his sister. And Eomer must be grateful to him for distracting Lothiriel from seeing to Eofer's injuries. Eomer couldn't have come up with anything subtle - not at this time of day.)
Excellent chapter. Love it. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
I'm not an avid reader of endless action scenes, but I came across a book about Medieval sword fighting and simply couldn't resist. I hope I managed to desbribe the 'behourd' in a not too serious manner. After all, nothing in which Amrothos becomes involved should be taken too seriously.
And I'm afraid Éomer has to learn that he can't keep Lothíril from being interested in something for too long, if she gets certain ideas into her head.
Linda Hoyland
· 6 July 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter Ten
I just loved the way Lothriel treated the two kings at the end,just priceless !I felt I was at the jousting you described it so vividly and it was brilliant the way you brought all the tension to such a hilarious conclusion.
It seems that Eomer is learning that his in laws have their uses!
Author's reply
That Éomer is learning that his wife's brothers - particularly the youngest one - have their uses, doesn't necessarily mean he wants them - particularly the youngest one - to stay in Rohan.
But fate isn't exactly interested in a king's opinion.
daw the minstrel
· 6 July 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter Ten
Hurrah for Amrothos! He's a clever and skilled combatant. And also a good actor. Eomer's life will never be dull.
Author's reply
No, Éomer life will never be the same again. But that has not necessarily something to do with his brother-in-law; rather with his wife. Next chapter Lothíriel is going to set out stirring up some trouble - unintentional, of course.
Bodkin
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter Nine
I just think your writing is brilliant, Madeleine. I love the sexiness, the friendship, the frustration, the humour - everything just makes it so enjoyable to read and re-read. I'm repeating something I've already said here - as I am running short of time this morning.
That Amrothos ... multi-talented! To the more dubious talents of his brother-in-law there now had to be ranked the dexterity of a pickpocket. Just what you need! I love Erchirion's comment that, as soon as he outgrew cute, he had to learn to be a highly skilled fighter. I can so see that! And I have a feeling that Eomer will learn to value his new brothers ... in time. As long as he can stop choking on porridge.
Now I hope Erchirion has not over-estimated his brother's skills. And that Lothiriel doesn't have to spend too much time patching up Eofer - that could be counter-productive.
Aragorn and Gandalf (and Imrahil) are supporting characters here, but I just love the digs they put in - everything combines to provide such depth.
Author's reply
I simply can't resist the porridge. I got myself a cookery book with Anglo-Saxon recipes and 'grýtta' (porridge) was an imporatnt part of their nutrition. I made some and it's pretty tasteless but definitely filling. Honey and cream helps to make it taste better. But then it becomes some kind of super glue and you have to be careful not to choke from the stuff.
Patching people up comes somehow naturally to Lothíriel, so it won't be too easy keeping her from caring for Éofor. That is when Amrothos's dubious talents come into play once more. Brothers do make fine allies.
daw the minstrel
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter Nine
You reduce me to quoting my favorite lines, Madeleine.
Your wife was handed to you on a plate
What a great quote from Aragorn. It reminds us so subtly of what he went through for Arwen.
The Marshal of the East Mark gave the impression of a father who had to announce, with the appropriate stern face, the latest misconduct of an obstinate child whilst inwardly having a whale of a time
That's a hilarious comparison!
Author's reply
Yes, that was the idea. Aragorn had to wait for Arwen for decades, whilst Éomer got Lothíriel delivered to his doorstep. But then, Madam is far from elven perfection.
Alison H
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter Nine
This chapter was just so enjoyable that I didn't want it to end! I always love it when Aragorn and Eomer are together as they're so comfortable in each others' company.Aragorn is both friend and advisor but he's also a brother-in-arms and the bond between them is as strong as steel.They need each other.
Ha, so Eomer thought that Imrahil was jesting about letting Amorothos loose in Meduseld? No wonder Eomer choked on his porridge! Poor man, he must think the world is against him.I have a feeling that his attitude towards Amorothos may change in the near future, though!
Erchirion really shed an interesting light on Amorothos' character during his discussion with Eomer.Apparently, Amorothos will either best Eofer with his sword or his tongue and I can't wait to read the juicy details.Eofer is going to get a huge shock.I loved Imrahil's description of Amorothos' character, too.Imrahil will not get the brunt of Lothiriel's displeasure this time but I'm sure he'll miss her voice soon enough.Mmm, what did the look between Aragorn and Imrahil mean? Is the storm coming?
Once again you have outdone yourself with this chapter.Every addition to this story leaves me with a huge smile on my face.Thanks for that.
Bring on the 'Behourd'!!
Update soon!
Ali.
Author's reply
You feel Amrothos can make Éomer a good friend? Certainly, but first Éomer has to learnt, that when there are "two roads diverged in a yellow wood" Amrothos will take the third.
Imrahil believes firmly that the ends justifies the means - and that in the end the odds will be on his side.
Storms? Oh yes, they will come, but the ususal subjects aren't going to be blamed.
And now off to watch the 'behourd'!
Bodkin
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 8: Chapter Eight
Goodness, but Lothiriel is a quick learner! And Eomer is certainly enjoying the results. And she might be inexperienced - but, like an elephant, she never forgets.
Eomer forced himself to leave to discover Eofer's fate - only to find he hasn't met it yet. Amrothos and Erchirion have something planned, I suspect, although they might have to be persuaded to break their scheme to Eomer. Only then he'll be involved - and Lothiriel might not be best pleased.
I'm glad she's diving in to sorting out the overcrowding of Meduseld. I wonder if she might find some volunteers for healer training among the excess. I'll be glad to see her with the tools of her trade back in her hand, even if queening prevents her indulging in full-time health care.
Lovely. And I'm left yearning for more!
Author's reply
In Middle-earth they might say: A memory like a mûmak.
Éomer is still coming to terms with the uniqueness of his new family. I think he is more baffled than annoyed by his newly aquired brothers.
Lothíriel's proposal what to do about those redundant servants and many of her other ideas are going to take Éomer and the rest of the Rohirrim a little bit by surprise. So, nothing new here.
daw the minstrel
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 8: Chapter Eight
I really like Lothiriel's confidence that problems are there to be solved. Good for her.
Author's reply
As Éomer contemplated, the basic requirement for success in general is to exclude possible failure from your considerations in the first place.
Bodkin
· 13 June 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter Seven
Amrothos and Erchirion are both demanding their own story! Excellent! They are both total charmers and I'm sure they will get into all sorts of bother.
Mind you, Erchirion is right to keep Eomer from getting into a fight at the party. Lothiriel would not have been impressed - and she would not have treated his wounds gently! I love Amrothos's solution - and Erchirion's instant recognition of his brother's tactics. These two will make very valuable allies! Eomer's decision to let the two of them be more inventive in their revenge on the dumb Eofor is well-judged - and I confess to wanting to know how they embarrass the poor fool!
The next moment the King of Rohan found out that riding boots made in Gondor had pretty solid heels and his wife an unexpected cruel streak. Love it!
I love the affection between the two of them, too - and Lothiriel's easy acceptance of their intimacy. She responded to the cradle without any awkwardness as well, despite the lack of warning. Amrothos's statement that any little Horselords these two produce will be strong-willed is interesting, too!
And 'moving her' definitely woke Lothiriel up to the possibilities of being alone together again! I don't know when they're going to fit any sleep into their timetable. I loved her realisation of the double meaning of the riddle - she's definitely in the best place to catch onto that one!
Author's reply
In the foreseeable future Amrothos will find out that his reamrk about the strong-willed little Horselords was rather prophetical and they will come back to haunt him.
After all, the likelihood that the cradle will soon be occupied is pretty high.
elliska
· 12 June 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter Seven
I love Amrothos's 'chess game' and the cradle was wonderful. As usual, the time Eomer and Lothiriel have alone is delicious--she handled finally catching on to the riddle very well. I love her combination of innocence and intelligence and honest openness. Great chapter!
Author's reply
I think that combination in Lothíriel is what got Éomer hooked from the very beginning. And it is a kind of innocence she is very likely to keep as well as her honesty and openness.
Eruanneth_Luin
· 12 June 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter Six
Heavens, a riddling contest! These Rohirrim are a surprising lot. Éofor has me uneasy with his blatant and fixated interest in his Queen. It was such a clever, bawdy riddle-poem, but definitely not proper fare for a Lady, especially in mixed company. I did enjoy her innocent deduction.
Hobbits seem to find enjoyment in many diverse circumstances; delighting and amazing the ‘big’ folk with their novel and amusing antics.
It is fascinating that her most likeable brother, Erchirion, was the first to openly query his brother-in-law about his true feelings for his wife. He and Amrothos do have much in common, though the younger brother has a more arch (and eloquent) manner of expressing himself. Yes, I thoroughly adore Amrothos, aside from his fondness for willing female company.
Éomer is the perfect example of the twin aspects of a man that he think nothing of pursuing to the bedding of an available woman, but when his heart becomes engaged to one woman his perspective alters dramatically, jealousy rearing its possessive head.
Lothíriel and Merry! What unlikely dance partners.
Thank you for another remarkable chapter.
Eruanneth_Luin
· 12 June 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter Seven
Could this phrase been a possible Freudian slip twixt hand and keyboard?
‘This time Gléowine nodded appreciatively. Éomer was not surprised. Lothíriel's bothers - at least the two closest to her - no doubt had a very capable brain each.’
How I laughed at the thought! It has merit.
Another hearty laugh we enjoyed at Éomer’s heartfelt enthusiasm for dancing, You have such a lively humor. Oh dear, poor Amrothos. He has now become the epitomy of things disagreeable to Éomer, but I do love his style of speaking; fearless in the realm of wordsmithing.
Being married to the lovely Lothíriel, it is perhaps an unrealized benefit having two of her older brother in close attendance. Éomer is all action where Erchirion and Amrothos are cunning and subtle; a formidable combination against a common foe.
Amrothos is utterly brilliant and devious! What a tactician he would be and this skill may yet be advantageous in the healing and continuing defense of Rohan. He really does need a positive channel for the expression of his genius for the unpredictable, though.
A cradle is an absolutely appropriate bridal gift as the begetting of children would be the natural and welcome result of the marriage bed. Éomer pursuing his bride through the Golden Hall would lead even the casual observer to deduce that it may soon be put to use.
Lothíriel undoubtedly was aware in a purely academic way of the propensity of the male to engage in non-marital unions with willing females; just how often this might have occurred with her husband would be open to speculation, so his familiarity with the female clothing is not without possibility.
Gracious me! Lothíriel is so pleasantly innocent, yet unabashed by the perfectly natural consummation of a husband and wife; an admirable trait.
Author's reply
Oh my! It must be something about me. I always run into men who try everything to dodge dancing and Éomer seemed to me just the type who would do that.
And if he tried to ignore Amrothos, his wife's favourite brother would perhaps be less inclined to put him to the test whenever the opportunity arises. But I suppose it is like some kind of itch; Éomer simply has to scratch it.
I thought a cradle is an appropriate gift for a newly wedded couple. In those times children were simply a natural part of married life and not a matter which might come in consideration on day.
elliska
· 10 June 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter Six
I have been reading these and meaning to catch up with reviewing them...but this chapter was so wonderful that I have to take a moment to say I loved it. The riddle contest is something that I love and the one you included (as well as everyone's reaction to it) was outstanding! And then he ended up dancinf with her after Eomer finally managed to calm himself down a bit! These are wonderfully rich characters, Madeleine, that I think Tolkien would have loved!
Author's reply
I'm often wondering what Professor Tolkien might have thought about all those fanfiction efforts, feeding on his works. I just hope he was a very broad-minded, ungrudging man, willing to forgive us.
At least he inspired me to read a lot about his beloved Anglo-Saxons and their culture and I found them absolutly fascinating. 95 of their riddles are handed down (some of them are quite rude) and they are a delight to read. I think a couple of others will find their way into my stories.
Bodkin
· 9 June 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter Six
Eofer clearly has a death wish. He has grown weary of life in a relatively safe role and wants to be sent off to act as orc bait. I don't know quite what he had in mind with that riddle - but I cannot picture any way in which it would have been a clever thing to say. Good on Lothiriel for defusing the situation - even it it was completely inadvertantly. (Of course, if you come up with the other answer to that riddle, you are told in injured innocence that the answer is 'an onion'.)
It is so Lothiriel to want to go over and find out more about the riddle game - and, despite her objections, Eomer is still 'moving her'!! (I think she enjoys it really. Most of the time.)
I do like Erchirion. He's a little less determined to be different than Amrothos and he conceals a very strong, very intelligent warrior under his urbane exterior. I reckon he could make a good friend to Eomer. (So could Amrothos - once he learns to overlook the provocation.) And he is in a good position to treat Eomer as an equal - like the way he told Eomer to lay off the idiot. Eomer getting into a fight at the bridal hop wouldn't impress Lothiriel at all.
'“If I had known that you longed to dance I would have made the sacrifice,” Éomer assured her with all the enthusiasm a man would summon up for the pulling of one of his teeth.' Oh, Eomer! You are going to have to learn to bend a bit on this one! Lothiriel will ride and you will both enjoy more horizontal activities, but you will have to be prepared to dance!
Still - the image of Lothiriel dancing with Merry is delightful. And I wonder what Merewyn has done to upset her mother.
(I reckon the Princes of Dol Amroth would have more Elven blood - because of the tendency of the aristocracy to marry each other. Eomer only has one line leading to Mithrellas - but I'm sure all the third, fourth and fifth cousins and cousins of cousins the Princes have married over a thousand years have brought back that trace of Elven blood and enhanced it.)
Author's reply
I'm afraid after Amrothos his older brother also decided to start a life of his own and push for his story. Amrothos's is already written, Erchirion's is taking shape. Poor Éomer might find the majority of Lothíriel's family ending up in in his realm.
Btw., from a vets point of view marrying third, fourth or even fifth cousins is not recommendable at all.
daw the minstrel
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter Six
Lothiriel's own honesty and honor leads her through a lot of obstacles. I like the idea of a riddle game. But what in Arda is the captain thinking? I suspect if he gets hurt, Eomer won't allow Lothiriel to be the healer to deal with him. Unless the treatment is very painful, of course.
Author's reply
What makes you think that men think? Well, now and then they do, but when a remotely attractive woman is involved their brains more often than not just make 'bang!'.
And the riddle is going to return.
Eruanneth_Luin
· 1 June 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Oh, Madeleine, I am completely taken with that imperturbably roguish, Amrothos! He would, of course, drive one to distraction in short order, but a more cheerful annoyance is hard to imagine.
On one point I must agree with Éomer King; more privacy with his bride would certainly strengthen their understanding of one another; well, hopefully anyway.
Never before had I given thought to the celebratory displays of Dwarves; apparently they make up in enthusiasm what they may lack in human taste and style.
Lothíriel has my compliments on her assessment of the seating situation and overcoming the hurdle in a sensible though somewhat provocative manner. It was refreshingly practical and completely innocent.