Bound by Duty by Lady Bluejay
Larner · 31 January 2007 · Chapter 14: A painful departure
Yes, all hope they will return. And I, too, smile at Faramir being reduced to "that Ranger." Well, in Gamling's eye he is just a stripling, after all.
Author's reply
I admit to liking the bit about Faramir -- it seemed something a Rohir would say.LBJ
Rikki · 31 January 2007 · Chapter 18: A time for healing
Your choice of chapter title here was very apt. Not only has Eomer King arrived home to the delight of his queen, but Lord Cereth has apparently decided that Lothiriel can lead the country while the king is away. And it looks like Lothiriel has made headway with Elfgyuu. Lothiriel is managing her husband well, the reunion that both are thinking of and Eomer's determination to discover how Lothiriel really feels about him points out the growing love between the two. The only thing that would help would be that Eomer or Eothain needs to learn better antiseptic procedures. A Rhorric king who lost his leg to an infection would not do very well in this land of sweeping plains and horses. Good chapter!
Author's reply
Yes, they need to take more care of themselves -- good job he came home when he did. They will both have to say a few things to each other now. LBJ
Larner · 31 January 2007 · Chapter 13: A Dangerous Plan
She knows her duty and his, and I think appreciates the young king and his attentions. Glad they got one another.
Larner · 31 January 2007 · Chapter 12: An unscheduled return
The two of them have adjusted very well, and she's truly coming to know him and anticipate what he'll do. She's leaving him free to be himself and do what he does best, in spite of her fear for his safety. In the end this will work to her advantage, I think.
ponypetter · 30 January 2007 · Chapter 18: A time for healing
Aw, they're so cute. As excited as he was to leave, I think Eomer is also appreciating the homecoming.
Author's reply
I think he must be very pleased to come home to a loving wife after all the bad years.LBJ
Elena Tiriel · 30 January 2007 · Chapter 18: A time for healing
Hi Lady Bluejay! Just wanted to let you know how much I'm enjoying your story! You make Lothíriel and Éomer into living, breathing, three-dimensional characters that are truly interesting. Very nicely written! - Barbara
Author's reply
Thanks - I have really enjoyed making all my Lothiriel's, quite different.LBJ
Bodkin · 27 January 2007 · Chapter 17: A waiting game
Aerin needs to work on her relationship with Elfgyuu if she doesn't want to be made miserable! Lothiriel did well - showed masses of the qualities required from a queen (and underking). Except in that she's not pregnant with triplet boys - that'd contribute to making the Council happy. And she was right not to give in to Cereth - but she really needs some friends and supporters among the men! Aelfric's arrival and advice was just what she needed! Although she's wise to work with the women on developing the sort of skills expected in the wife of a Rohirric warrior. The dreams are scary - and I hope are not premonitions! Good thing Eomer is back. And I hope the injuries are minor enough that they can both enjoy Lothiriel tending to them. While the sight of their queen rushing into his arms can only go to assure the Rohirrim that the arranged marriage is turning into a love match.
Author's reply
triplet boys! Yes, that would put the icing on the cake. Rushing into his arm was definatley the best thing -- it's staying out of them that will be the problem!!LBJ
Larner · 25 January 2007 · Chapter 11: A ride on the wild side
Definitely a danger that must be faced and dealt with as soon as possible. And having tried sleeping with my late husband on a single cot, I certainly understand her reluctance to be on the bottom. Heh!
Author's reply
Hi Larner, What a pile of reviews when I switched on my laptop -- thank you so much. You seem to have really picked up on what I wanted to get over in this story. Sometimes it is better read in chunks. Eomer is getting much more fun as the story progresses -- having a lovely wife must help. But Lothiriel has a few battles of her own to fight yet, and Aerin does not find everthing as easy as she thought. I hope you continue to enjoy. LBJ
Larner · 25 January 2007 · Chapter 10: A triumphant morning
The perfect name for the Queen's horse, I think. And a daughter among the mearas? Excellent.
Larner · 25 January 2007 · Chapter 9: An undeniable pleasure
A far more pleasant waking than yesterday's, I must say.
Larner · 25 January 2007 · Chapter 8: An intimate exchange
Another question answered. Alas, that such a death should have taken Imrahil's bride; and at least Eomer and she are beginning to make friends and woo properly. A most wise and controlled young man he is.
Larner · 25 January 2007 · Chapter 7: A worrying interlude
So much for greeting his arrival with panache and coolness! Poor girl! Here comes the groom!
Larner · 25 January 2007 · Chapter 6: An eventful afternoon
The wedding of the decade twice interrupted! And it would first be a dogfight, and then the arrival of Gimli that would lead to this, wouldn't it? Hehehehehe! Poor lass--what a marriage ceremony to remember in afteryears.
Larner · 25 January 2007 · Chapter 5: A rude awakening
Wedding jitters indeed! And I see Meduseld is being delightfully modernized by Eomer. Definitely thoughtful and foreward thinking.
Larner · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 4: An understated welcome
Oh, I'm willing to believe that she does indeed miss her mother at the moment! But she'll do well enough, I think. And I find I love Aerin.
Larner · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 3: An interesting journey
I hope she soon realizes that Eomer is indeed drawn to her and not just the political alliance side of the situation. I find I like him immensely. And I love seeing the feminine armor readied and used so well. Heh!
ponypetter · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 17: A waiting game
Looks like Lothiriel gets to practice her new skills immediately. I hope we're going to see more of Eomer again. Even I was starting to miss him.
Author's reply
You will see plenty of Eomer in the next chapter -- lots of interesting bits!LBJ
Larner · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: A calm acceptance
Once she gets fully beyond her pique, I suspect Lothiriel will find this stranger one she will admire and actually like, then love truly. And I think she'll find a degree of romantic inclination she never dreamed could exist in such an apparently austere man.
Alison H · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 17: A waiting game
It was nice to see Lothiriel assert herself and let her instincts guide her actions--I was happy to see her interact with Rohan's womenfolk at last, and that they were warmer to her. Lothiriel's nightmares were understandable, but terrifying nonetheless.I'm glad she had Eomer's dog to comfort her and Aelfric's presence did her a world of good.What a charming friend he is! So, Eomer has returned and Lothiriel's reaction to seeing him was sweetly simple but very emotional.I liked the way you had Eomer shrug off Eothian's arm so that he may approach his wife.I so wish you hadn't ended it there!! This is a wonderful story and I'm looking forward to the next chapter where we will,hopefully, see how badly Eomer is injured.Lothiriel's healing skills may be needed but I think Eomer, right now, just needs Lothiriel to be safe and in his arms.Hurry with the next update! Take care. Ali.
Author's reply
Yes, I think they just need to spend some time together in the next chapter -- they deserve it!!LBJ
Larner · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 1: An unwarranted proposal
Have started this three times, only to be interrupted each time. A marvelous beginning, although of course you have my curiosity stirred as to why Eomer is sleeping in his study, what happened along the beach in Dol Amroth when she was seventeen, and what happened to the soldier she loved at sixteen. A small problem with punctuation and our favorite bugaboo--homonyms; but the story is engaging and realistic.
Author's reply
I am afraid you will not find out why Eomer is sleeping in his study until the end - Chapter 20. The fate of the soldier will be revealed in Ch 2, and what happened on the beach comes in about Ch 8. Sorry about the punctuation and the homonyms- at least two people have read this through for me, but I will give it another go -- it's something I have problems with. Hope you make the end!LBJ
Rugi · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 17: A waiting game
What a great chapter. I like how your show Lothiriel gradually getting her footing as a Rohirric queen. She's strong enough to stand firm but human enough to have insecurities and worries about her choices. I feel sorry for her too in that she seems very alone without Eomer. You show the gap between the queen and her people when she doesn't have any friends of rank yet. I hope Eomer isn't seriously injured - though since he is upright I suppose he's okay.
Author's reply
I wanted to show that although she appears controlled and confident she has worries as well. Over time I am sure she wil feel more at home.LBJ
Bodkin · 18 January 2007 · Chapter 16: A day of judgement
Lothiriel would definitely notice the pea under the mattress - she is a real princess! She is very controlled and wise - and very good at winning over those who are suspicious of her. Just because she does as she ought and administers justice wisely and even-handedly. She's winning with Elfgyuu - and even managing to earn Certh's respect. Although he wants to push her rather harder to make sure she is staunch all the way through. (I suppose it's not that surprising that he looks on Lothiriel as a Gondorian spy who intends to facilitate a take-over of Rohan. Not after Wormtongue.) Once Eomer gets back, they should get working on the heir business. The production of a few children will solidify Lothiriel's position considerably! And offer them plenty of entertainment along the way. I think she's earned some friends with her judgements. And, possibly, some enemies.
Author's reply
I wanted to write about a confident princess this time but underneath I think you will find she has her little worries. Don't forget she was crying in the first chapter!LBJ
ponypetter · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 16: A day of judgement
Good for Lothiriel! That seemed to go smoothly. I'm starting to miss Eomer myself. I hope he returns soon.
Author's reply
Yes, I miss him too. Don't worry he is back very soon. LBJ
ponypetter · 6 January 2007 · Chapter 15: A chapter of misfortune.
Oh man, Lothiriel's in for a time of it in Edoras. Let's hope at least one of her allies returns soon!
Author's reply
Hopefully she can sort it out for herself. But maybe she will get a little help.LBJ
Bodkin · 5 January 2007 · Chapter 15: A chapter of misfortune.
Oh dear! I think Lothiriel might just have to show Cereth and Elfgyuu just what the former Princess of Dol Amroth is made of. All her allies - except the dog - are out of touch and she's been left to confront her detractors. I think she's got more idea than they have of the stakes, though! And who'll be the winner. Loving it!
Author's reply
Ha! Left alone to fight her own battles - I am sure she is up to it.LBJ