Reviews (105)

Eruanneth_Luin · 1 June 2006 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four

Ah, Madeline, again a wonderfully flavorful episode in the lives of two remarkable people. When I read the line that ended with “…just eager to take in everything new”, my husband began to chuckle. With certain trepidation I asked why and he said he knows someone else who fits that description. Yes, he feels my curiosity is also boundless. Your grasp and usage of Old English is quite challenging to read aloud; especially amusing was my attempt to say the name of Lothiriel’s new mare. Just because I am curious, do you have trouble with the pronunciations? You are highly informative in this segment and have stirred my interest in a number of heretofore unexplored areas. Are they accurate? What is a shave horse? Can you really make water-repellent fabric in such a manner? My dear husband, Blue, laughed aloud in complete agreement with Imrahil’s response to the unasked for information. The interchanges between the newlyweds is refreshingly novel, but then what else would one expect from such a pair of strong-willed individuals. Lothiriel’s description of a tournament was wonderfully apt, and the use of so many royal males as packages bearers was amusing.

Kitty · 23 May 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five

Falls noch irgend jemand in Rohan bezweifelt, daß Éomer seine Frau aus Liebe geheiratet hat, dann sollten diese Zweifel nach den letzten beiden Kapiteln und all der öffentlichen Küsserei eigentlich ausgeräumt sein ;) Gimlis Tanz hätte ich ja gerne gesehen! Scheint recht ungewöhnlich gewesen zu sein. Und es ist wirklich sehr nett von Éomer, sich so um Amrothos’ Unterhaltung zu sorgen *gg* Für meine sorgen er und Lothíriel ja sowieso. Da hat sich wirklich das richtige Paar gesucht und gefunden!

Kitty · 23 May 2006 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four

Tja, wenn Lothíriel irgend etwas anpackt, dann auch gründlich. Éomer hat an diesem einen Tag bestimmt mehr über die Arbeit der Handwerker gelernt als in seinem ganzen bisherigen Leben! Muß ziemlich schwierig für ihn gewesen sein, geduldig zuzuhören, da er ja sicher viel lieber schnurstracks zu den Ställen geeilt wäre. Irgendwie habe ich ja den Eindruck, daß ich sein Geschenk für seine Braut viel besser zu würdigen weiß als besagte Braut selbst. Klingt nach einem tollen Pferd! Aber wenn sie sich endlich dahinterklemmt, wird sie bestimmt schon bald eine gute Reiterin sein. Léohtymbhwyrft?? *rofl* Das kann ich ja noch nicht mal *buchstabieren*, geschweige denn aussprechen! Wie lang hast Du denn gesucht, um diesen wunderschönen und völlig unaussprechlichen Namen zu finden? War übrigens wunderschön romantisch, daß Éomer sie auf diesen Ritt geschleppt hat, um ihr den Sonnenuntergang zu zeigen!

Kitty · 23 May 2006 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three

Äh ... ‚cuddlesome’ Spinnen? Jetzt weiß ich wenigstens ganz bestimmt, daß Amrothos nicht ganz normal ist! Zwar habe ich keine Angst vor Spinnen, aber das heißt ja nicht, daß ich sie mögen würde. Geschweige denn, sie zum Knuddeln zu finden! Und schon gar nicht große, haarige. Ist das Dein Ernst, dem armen Éomer auch noch Amrothos auf längere Zeit anzuhängen? Was hat der Ärmste Dir eigentlich getan, daß Du ihn so piesackst? Ein Jammer, daß Imrahil Lothíriels menschenfreundliche Entscheidung, ihrem Bruder seinen Kater zu gönnen, nicht so gut fand wie Éomer (und ich) *gg*

Kitty · 23 May 2006 · Chapter 2: Chapter Two

Sorry, ich merke gerade, daß ich vergessen habe, dieses Kapitel zu reviewen. Und dann war ich erst mal zwangsoffline, dank herausgebrochener Steckerbuchse fürs Internetkabel, und das ausgerechnet im Urlaub, weitab von meinem Dienst-PC ... momentan habe ich nur dienstlich Internetzugang, und das hilft auch nicht gerade, den Rückstand aufzuholen. Oh ja, ich kann gut verstehen, daß Lothíriel diesen Brauch eher beschämend und demütigend findet. Es freut mich, daß Éomer dieses Empfinden ernst nahm und das nicht nur als Empfindlichkeit gondorianischer Prinzessinnen abtat. Aber das ist eigentlich nun wirklich kein Grund zu versuchen, gleich ganz Meduseld niederzubrennen *gg*

Bodkin · 21 May 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five

More deliciousness. I love the silence of the guards as Eomer deals with Lothiriel's objections. I can just picture them storing every word to pass on to their wives. The moment in the stable yard must have added to the tale, too. I think by now no-one can claim to believe that Lothiriel is just a political convenience who means nothing to the King of the Riddermark. He is staggering round in a perpetual haze of lust subdued only by the fact that he really loves her! Amrothos is hilarious? Infuriating? Adorable? I would rather rub my hands together with glee if he did manage to get on Elfhelm's bad side. Seeing him pinned down between the Marshal, Eomer and his own father so that he cannot squirm out of it would be highly entertaining. And Erchirion is showing interest in a principled widow... Rohan will miss this party when it leaves. It's all far too much fun. Even Gimli's dancing. Which must be ... interesting to observe. I loved how Legolas and Elphir were enduring each other's company. (Legolas must definitely have been the more bored. And for it to show, it must have been bad.) Disarming of Eomer to mention that he moves Lothiriel because it gives him an excuse to touch her! Although I agree with her that he needs to be got out of it before it becomes too much of a habit. And he is learning that she can tease back - and has plenty of experience in being deadly. Not just a pretty face, a gorgeous body and a dedicated healer. A little sister, too - and Eomer should know how dangerous they can be. I do like Cynewyn - and it seems to me that she is someone Lothiriel definitely needs to have around. And someone who can act as older sister to Eomer when he needs it! Lovely, Madeleine. I look forward to finding out what happens when the truce runs out!

daw the minstrel · 19 May 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five

Lots of nice sexual tension here. Also nice development of Rohirric society and practices. I like that. I look forward to seeing Eomer deal with his new brothers in law.

Angelelf · 2 May 2006 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four

Great story. I was intriqued right from the start.

daw the minstrel · 1 May 2006 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four

Great chapter. I really admire the way Lothiriel is getting to know her people and letting them get to know her. She must have been born with boundless curiosity if 'formal education' left her with this much.

Bodkin · 1 May 2006 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four

I just love Lothiriel's progress through the workshops of Edoras. And her use of two of the three highest ranking Lords of Gondor as her own personal porters. I would imagine she has already managed to win over quite a few of those who doubted the wisdom of importing an exotic foreign princess. But I am pleased to see Eomer win over the ride! He could easily find himself giving in to Lothiriel rather too often. The name of the beautiful black mare, though - however is that collection of consonants pronounced? I suspect she will find herself addressed by something a great deal more user friendly before long. Aragorn and Imrahil's asides over Eomer and Lothiriel's instant defence of their own favourites - Firefoot and Amrothos - were so funny. I wonder if either Firefoot or Amrothos would be pleased to hear themselves bracketed together like that? Probably not, though Firefoot would be more likely to attack. The word coming back from Eomer's decidedly admiring guards isn't going to do Lothiriel's reputation any harm, either. Although it is probably a good thing that she isn't noticing the admiration - but then, she's still finding it hard to divert her attention from Eomer. This is just such a delicious story. Each chapter is eagerly awaited - and thoroughly enjoyed.

Eruanneth_Luin · 23 April 2006 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three

Éomer and Lothíriel are so remarkably believable and enjoyable together. Though Lothíriel is definitely a woman to be respected, she does not have that unlovely trait of feeling she must be equal to a man in all things. Capable of intuitive insights as well as the ability to think rationally and with genuine honesty, she is a refreshing change from the abrasive, argumentative females so often portrayed as ‘strong and independent minded’. With humor and wit she turns a confrontation into an earnest concern and desire to help, and in so doing heads off a minor crisis over tradition being overturned. Amrothos is, without doubt, my great favorite of the House of Dol Amroth, though his imperturbable sire is a close second. A parent who can view without undue stress the actions and interactions of his grown children, has learned much about the releasing of the childhood boundaries, freeing the young ones to fly or fall as they will. That Amrothos will unquestionably create havoc effortlessly ensures the wedded life of the King and Queen of Rohan will be fraught with challenges and trials, aside from the other numerous demands on the rulers in a recovering land.

Nutmeg_Cairn · 23 April 2006 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three

Maddy: I've just read chapter three, and immensely enjoyed it. I like the way you weave the story from the focus on the couple (the newly weds) to a broader focus on the larger group in the meeting chamber (Aragon, Gimli, Galdolf, and more). This is an effective way to expand Lothloriel and even the story, from the focus on the coming together of the lovers, the young healer and the horse lord, to the larger story of the Queen of the Mark (or so I can see it), and the adult world she has her place in. Nicely done. regards, Donna

Nilmandra · 22 April 2006 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three

I laughed throughout this chapter. You know, I enjoy Amrothos too much to kill him, but I truly do see Eomer's point. And he should definitely stay in Edoras. If nothing else, Eomer needs a court jester. I love Imrahil yet again. He is unperturbable. Like Gandalf, I am amused. And Gimli really is tactless! Perhaps Legolas can teach him a little bit about subtlety!

Lady Saruman · 21 April 2006 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three

Did I tell you? I printed out your whole story (at least, the three current chapters of it.) They proved to be nice and long out of the printer. I printed them out at school so that I could read it at home since I don't go on the computer all that often. The first chapter was nineteen pages, the second was twelve, and this one was nineteen again. Page after page came out of the printer, and I think the librarian suspects something, since she can hear the sounds of the printer and see numerous pages coming out. But it's really worth it, it's such a good story. =) Yes, it certainly is amazing how Lothíriel could start arguments and counter-attacks when she puts her mind into it or when provoked. Éomer undoubtedly has an incredible wife. He'd better be careful! First thing in late morning/ early afternoon (though it isn't quite noon yet) that the young king needs would be Amrothos ambling into the room trying to find the healer and now queen for a hangover cure, and annoying him, seeing how much Éomer detests his wife's brother. Éomer’s lips slowly twisted into a gleeful grin. “You have got a hangover.” Evil king! But Amrothos does deserve it. His constant appearances are really annoying in the king's point of view, not the reader's. However, this was what I find most funny: “Yes,” Amrothos hissed painfully, pinching the bridge of his nose between forefinger and thumb. He groaned again, “This is one of those days that common sense teaches us are best spent lying in bed.” “That is probably the reason why you are here and not in your bed,” the Rohír remarked unsympathetically. Éomer is mocking him—what he just said is sending a message loud and clear to Amrothos—that he has no common sense. Funny that the prince should bring it up, talking about common sense. Though in Amrothos's state he probably didn't get the message. After all, he either has a pretty bad headache not severe enough to be a migraine, or probably he has just that—a migraine. *Cackles gleefully* Now I'm becoming evil too. Before he had the chance to offer his guests his greetings, his dwarfish brother-in-arms rumbled on. “So, how was it?” This question of – undoubtedly – genuine interest provoked a variety of choked noises and even stifled laughs from the Hobbits . . . and a scandalized glare from Prince Elphir which did not impress the Master of Aglarond in the least. If he took any note of it at all. His entire attention was concentrated on the King of Rohan who decided that this was an absolutely ridiculous situation and deserved to be treated as such. “Educational,” he stated laconically and made his way across the room to have a closer look at the chests. He could downright feel the bewilderment caused by his answer. “I would have expected nothing less from your wife,” Gandalf remarked with a satisfied undertone as if one of his pronouncements had just found its corroboration. But nobody had the chance to respond to the wizard. “Educational?” Gimli repeated. “How can a wedding night be educational for the man? He is not supposed to need any more education in that field.” Éomer wondered if there were words for tactfulness or subtlety in Khuzdul. He took a seat on one of the chests. That was FUNNY! Now I do wonder if the dwarves’ DO indeed have the words “tactfulness” or “subtlety” in their Khuzdul vocabulary. Probably not, if Gimli would do something like that that would humiliate both himself and the Rohan king. After the tortoises mating thing that Lothíriel told him about, Éomer certainly caught on a point which made everyone of his wife's family lose all manners and control except for her father Imrahil. Erchirion's reaction was somewhat more tactful than the others. Amrothos's behavior was somewhat childish while Elphir’s was rather scornful and earned him the opinion of others that he probably never learned of the existence of manners. Only Imrahil was tactful enough out of the four. I can almost imagine Pippin’s terror of what he assumes to be prodigious spiders (they would be prodigious to him, considering his size and all that). Amrothos considers tarantulas to be CUDDLY? Oh my gosh, that has got to be the worst thing about him. Tarantulas have hair, yes, they certainly do, but never would they be considered cuddly. How gruesome! x( Lothíriel (and now Éomer) does have an interesting family—an aunt who has a boa by the name of Denethor. But I thought Aragorn would have know since he visited Ivriniel. Wow, Lothíriel did take quite a while to dress, seeing as she FINALLY comes in the study. Her greetings were appropriate, but the one she got in return was not so—as a way of greeting her brother pops up with the question of whether or not tarantulas are cuddlesome pets. I thought that by now the subject would have been dropped but that obviously is not so. In the young queen's opinion—and I agree with her—they would be cuddly to someone like Amrothos, but NOT if someone wore skirts with nothing underneath. Imagine one of those hairy arachnids crawling up your leg! Ugh, I simply can’t imagine it—it's too mortifying. Éomer really DOES need to control his desire. Though he can do that, it must have taken a lot out of him to do it. It looks like Rohan will have a single-minded queen. The first thing that Lothíriel does once she arrives is to inquire about her books. Éomer is certainly right—it would be hard to change her agenda once she has it all planned out. And yet, Amrothos intervenes again, as that is probably what I assume to have been (and still is) one of his habits, as proven with what you said: The Rohír pondered if he should do something about the two rows of perfectly set teeth in his brother-in-law’s mouth. KNOCK THEM OUT!!!!! KNOCK THEM OUT!!! My suggestion! Amazing really that someone can be born with even one row of perfectly-set teeth, much less TWO. That is so not fair, I am currently going through the painful process of braces to obtain straight teeth, and even after the treatment my teeth may still not be “perfectly set.” When they FINALLY go outside, the first person that the king and queen see is Aldhelm. He proves to have annoyed the king as easily as Amrothos does. Éomer's glare and tone would be enough to make a full-grown warg to put its tail between its legs and run, eh? Surprising. I didn’t know wargs had tails (or if they did, I don't remember seeing any). Surprisingly, Lothíriel can be quite impertinent when she wants to. To say something like “My Lord Aldhelm, how long have you been suffering from gout?” is certainly something that I would never have expected from a well brought up person, especially her, with all her composture that she has. Finally, the young king's decision about having someone hitting Amrothos on the head if he tries to leave the hall made me erupt into fits of laughter. Now, I'm going to end this review with the same final sentence that you have: ‘No, the Rohirrim had no idea what was going to hit them.’ A nicely done story =). -Lady Saruman

Bodkin · 19 April 2006 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three

Oh, this is just brilliant. Much as I love seeing Eomer and Lothiriel - er - developing their relationship, it is a sheer delight to see all the usual suspects being bemused by the antics of Lothiriel's siblings. Only Amrothos would stagger through in the hope of knocking at his sister's door that morning in the hope of getting a hangover cure. Had Eomer still been inside when he arrived, he might just have received the sort of cure that would stop him worrying about anything for a couple of hours, too. Although he is a clever one. I wouldn't put it past him to have deliberately greeted Lothiriel with a comment designed to avoid her being embarrassed. Because, much as she loves her brothers - they also love her! And are protective. Eomer will feel much more comfortable in their company once he has passed a few tests. Lothiriel is so single-minded! Only she would immediately start unpacking her library! And Eomer is wise to realise he will have to work to keep up with her as her confidence grows. I think she's onto a loser when it comes to the horses, though. She might as well accept defeat gracefully there and focus her attention elsewhere. The warg imitation silenced Lord Aldhelm - and Lothiriel dived in with a good bit of distraction. And the fire and flood made themselves known among the inhabitants of Meduseld. I don't think it will take the citizens of Edoras long to take to her - although hopefully the elements referred to by Amrothos don't mean that her healing skills will be needed that soon! Poor Amrothos. Only minor head injuries allowed. I wonder if he knows yet of the plans to abandon him among the Rohirrim. So much to look forward to. Excellent chapter. Looking forward to more!

daw the minstrel · 18 April 2006 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three

Poor Eomer! In-laws are the very devil. But really, I like how lively and clever Lothiriel's family is. Eomer is probably right. They need something useful to do and he needs them to do it elsewhere.

Lady Saruman · 24 March 2006 · Chapter 2: Chapter Two

Oh my, Eomer seems to be one of those wierd people--I don't know what they're called--the people who don't see the need for economizing just because they have everything and live a life of luxury. Burning the quilt when you can wash it! I wouldn't blame Lothiriel if she gets mad. AND, the scene with Eomer climbing in the bath tub with Lothiriel was just plain hilarious. She filled it so that it would be able to stay the water with only her mass in there. The addition of Eomer's just made it too much and so out came like, three bucketfuls of water? Oh well, that was Eomer's unrestrained desire...and we readers will all have to...DEAL WITH IT. HAHA just kidding. Good chapter you've got! Except a little con about this is that it takes a while for an update. I remember when you wrote your "To Become a Queen" story the chapters only took like three to four days at the most. Oh well, maybe you're just busy like me. x( -Lady Saruman

ShirePirate · 19 March 2006 · Chapter 2: Chapter Two

I have had no internet for over a month, and I was so excited to see how much you have posted! I absolutley love the last few chapters. I was laughing and smiling the whole time! Lothiriel of Rohan has kept me chuckeling and Eomer King has been so amusing. I love where you are taking this story. Can't wait to check up on this story more often now!

Gandalfs apprentice · 18 March 2006 · Chapter 2: Chapter Two

I love your portrayal of their relationship. A real dynamic and so erotic! It will be fascinating to follow the story of Lothiriel's settling in to being Queen of Rohan. G.A.

daw the minstrel · 18 March 2006 · Chapter 2: Chapter Two

Another highly entertaining chapter. Lothiriel is right: they're going to provide gossip for everyone in Edoras--delightful, happy gossip. I have to admit I'm eager to see them manage as king and queen outside the bedroom. I suspect things are more complicated once they step outside that door.

Nilmandra · 18 March 2006 · Chapter 2: Chapter Two

I rather like that Eomer is not a man of theoretical thoughts, but of action! Burning the quilt was wonderful.. the chamber not so much. And then they flood the next one! LOL, these two are going to give Meduseld a lot to talk about for a long time to come. And the double meaning at the end made me laugh and then go find a cold shower!

Bodkin · 18 March 2006 · Chapter 2: Chapter Two

“My expositions or objections were of the theoretical kind.” She finished tying the bow of her belt with a forceful yank. “Well, I am not of the theoretical kind,” I think Lothiriel might need to bear that in mind at times! (Not that anyone is going to need a sheet or quilt to provide evidence of the royal activities. I think Ælfgyth and the chambermaids are fully aware of what has been going on. And where.) I do not want you to accommodate the wishes of others unchallenged because you feel it is your duty. A dangerous remark. Probably. Lothiriel wondering what kind of cosh she would need to make an impact on Eomer is hilarious. Only Lothiriel... I don't blame her for insisting that Eomer gets the blame for setting fire to the Queen's Chamber (although it does sound delightfully young - I'll bet she made plain to her father that various enterprises were Amrothos's fault, too!) I suspect the last three buckets of water were left out for a reason, too. Only Lothiriel was at that moment too unsuspecting to realise it. And only Lothiriel (or Archimedes) would be thinking about the displacement of water at a point like that! Naughty Eomer... I think it will be a while longer before he and his bride join their guests. Love it.

SimplegirlfromLP · 12 March 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One

Beautiful and sexy. I love it. Dont' Stop Writing... SimplegirlfromLP

Eruanneth_Luin · 9 March 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One

Ah Madeleine, you so artfully and provocatively describe these wonderfully intimate moments between the wedded couple. I thoroughly enjoyed her unhurried appraisal of the heretofore ‘hidden regions’ (buttocks and thighs). I will admit a particular fascination for these portions of the male anatomy. Lothíriel’s aptitude for learning was also amusing; her ready compliance leading to the provoking addition of “More, Eomer” and subsequent response had my pulse racing. The image of “His mouth came down on hers with the impact of embers on snow” left me quite breathless. The lack of a satisfactory (passionate) conclusion was in no small degree frustrating. There is obviously a great deal of straightforward desire eager for release. Her innocence in many ways is delightful and her boldness to explore even the most delicate of topics vastly endearing, though if she does not resist bringing her favorite brother into the forefront, he is apt to find his tale of years dreadfully foreshortened. I find that I, also, am fond of Amrothos and wish him a long and healthy life. Thank you for such a lovely tale.

Lady Saruman · 6 March 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One

Well, the "experience" must have been more enjoyable than Lothiriel thought. It's nice to know that husband and wife both took enjoyment into it. Lothiriel is certainly stubborn. Still refusing to divulge her secret even when Eomer threatened, then actually did, tickle her. Good story!