Alison H
· 5 January 2007
· Chapter 15: A chapter of misfortune.
Poor, Lothiriel! She certainly has her hands full now that she is back at Edoras, but I'm sure that she will be able to deal with anything that may come up......though there will be a few who would like to see her fail.At least Lothiriel has found a new friend, of sorts, in Hrodwynn.Lothiriel could benefit from her experience and, in turn, Horodwynn may heal from her loss by helping her new Queen.Lothiriel needs a friend to confide in when Eomer is away, which may happen more often than she likes.
Wonderful chapter, LBJ.I am really enjoying this story.Update soon.
Ali.
Author's reply
Difficult for a Queen to confide in anyone -- help may come from another direction.LBJ
ponypetter
· 1 January 2007
· Chapter 14: A painful departure
I just found this story, and am truly enjoying it. I more comes soon.
I like the contrast between Aerin and Lothiriel. Aerin started on the journey as excited as she could be, while Lothiriel felt more insecure about the situation she was moving into. In the beginning, Lothiriel needed Aerin to remind her of the good things awaiting them, as someone to help keep her chin up. Now, Aerin needs Lothiriel to provide that same strength facing this new challenge.
Author's reply
Yes, they have provided a good contrast. So different but thrust together in a strange land.LBJ
Rugi
· 30 December 2006
· Chapter 14: A painful departure
Oh I am so glad she loves him. Though it's not surprising really - Eomer is very loveable. :) It's nice to Lothiriel really settling into her role as Rohirric wife and queen. She is planning to welcome Eomer as his wife and had to say goodbye as his queen - Aerin allowed to show worry that Lothiriel can't.
Author's reply
It must be hard to balance both her roles -- and may get harder.LBJ
Rugi
· 30 December 2006
· Chapter 13: A Dangerous Plan
Wow! I come back from holiday to TWO updates - lovely!
I liked seeing Eomer's professional soldier side and Lothiriel's professional soldier's wife side. It was a nice twist to have Lothiriel instructing Aerin this time around. It's true that Lothiriel would have been trained from birth to expect to have to put asside her own needs/feelings when her husband had to perform his war-duties. You always do a great job of balancing Eomer and Lothiriel's professional and personal life and showing how they intersect. You show that Lothiriel and Eomer's personal life is also political and public as well.
Bodkin
· 28 December 2006
· Chapter 14: A painful departure
But she wanted to help you, Eomer! And if she hadn't woken and you had ridden off without the proper goodbyes ....! (He has a lot to learn when it comes to dealing with a wife's emotions. Even with a sensible wife whose marriage was arranged.)
And Gamling is a good person to show her around. He'll doubtless tell her far more about Eomer than Eomer would!
Hard to be left behind like this - but doubtless only the first time of many. Lothiriel could learn a lot from Wilflede.
Author's reply
I don't think he is doing a bad job -- dealing with a wife. I am surprised that at the first hint of 'wargs' he did not completley forget about her!LBJ
Bodkin
· 24 December 2006
· Chapter 13: A Dangerous Plan
One track mind, that Eomer! Well ... two track. Maybe more! Not that Lothiriel seems to mind being married to a barbarian from the north.
I'm a bit concerned about her trip back to Edoras - although Eomer seems quite sure that his men know what to do if the wargs come.
Aerin and Leod! Immature, the pair of them - and that is one of the things about lurve. It doesn't bring mutual understanding. That is something you have to work for.
Fingers crossed the dangerous plan has a safe outcome.
Bodkin
· 15 December 2006
· Chapter 12: An unscheduled return
I'm glad Eomer has come to terms with Theodred's death at the Fords. And he's right - his cousin would have considered the salvation of Middle-earth more important than riding to his rescue. Visiting with Lothiriel is an important part of accepting the past and moving forward - only the past won't entirely let go. Not while there are wargs and orcs threatening the realm.
I'm glad Lothiriel is somewhere safe - but Eomer was never going to shelter behind walls while there is fighting to do. It's part of who he is. I just hope he comes back undamaged!
And it'll be interesting to see how Lothiriel copes as Under-king. And how the Rohirrim accept her in that role. Sounds as if Cereth might be a bit of a problem.
Author's reply
Lothiriel will manage I am sure and hopefully the Rohirrim will come to value her. One thing - at least we know Eomer lives until age 93 - so I can't kill him off!LBJ
Rugi
· 12 December 2006
· Chapter 12: An unscheduled return
I like how you blended Lothiriel and Eomer's personal lives with their public lives here. It was really funny to have serious issues like Grievance Day and warg-hunting discussed while Eomer is in an amorous mood. ;)
I also laughed when Lothiriel managed to get Eomer to admit that he WANTED to go fight wargs for a bit - duty and inclination working together (maybe that's the theme of this story).
Author's reply
Perhaps he was in an amorous mood because he knew he would be away for a while!
You are right about the theme - I suppose the poem at the beginning says all - Lothiriel did her duty by marrying for Gondor - and what a reward!LBJ
Alison H
· 11 December 2006
· Chapter 12: An unscheduled return
Mmmmmm......thank you for the delectable imagery of Eomer taking a bath.That certainly raised MY temperature a little bit ;D
I do like your characterisations of Eomer & Lothiriel in this story,LBJ.Their teasing is quite adorable and lovely to read.They share a sesnse of silliness and the fact that they each fancy the other only adds to the enjoyment for the reader!
Do I sesnse that Lothiriel's journey home, without Eomer, will not be as straightforward as everyone expects? The wargs are still out there and they are acting with some intelligence....though if they *were* intelligent they'd stay away from Eomer's wife!
A lovely, well written chapter, Lady Blue Jay.I can't wait to see what happens next!
Take care and Merry Christmas!
Ali.
Author's reply
No, I dont think that Eomer will let any wargs near her - but she has her own battles to fight before they meet up again. And, of course, he will need another bath when he returns!LBJ
Rugi
· 29 November 2006
· Chapter 11: A ride on the wild side
I am glad that Lothiriel and Eomer got to have a little vacation away from court and its needs - it really showed how their relationship is growing. How it ended also shows the pressures they are under and the duties that pull them in different directions - I am worried for Eomer going off to fight wargs in his lighter mail - though he seems pretty competant and equal to even difficult tasks like that ;)
Author's reply
Clever you - picking up on the lighter mail. I have already written a chapter where Lothiriel is worried about it. But whether it will have any consequences, I dont know - he hqasn't faced them yet!LBJ
Bodkin
· 28 November 2006
· Chapter 11: A ride on the wild side
Eomer and Lothiriel seem to be settling into a rather more than comfortable relationship! And there can't be many in Edoras, at least, who don't know that their king is ... more than satisfied with his bride!
I enjoyed the progress to the Fords - especially since they decided to make it the other kind of Rohirric camping trip. I'm sure Lothiriel preferred that kind!
But wargs! I suspect there could be some trouble ahead - and I'm very glad that Lothiriel is wearing mail. And that there is an extra squad of guards to protect the ladies. Especially since I suspect none of them is handy with anything more ferocious than a gutting knife. (Although that's good enough at a pinch.)
Looking forward to finding out what happens next!
Author's reply
Don't worry - with all those warriors around I dont think any wargs will get near Lothiriel - she has different battles to fight.
~Faramir of Gondor~
· 24 November 2006
· Chapter 10: A triumphant morning
Oh! I love it!!! Im so happy she likes Eomer now!!!*chuckles* And i think the horse is fine! In one of my storys i wrote my charetur's (I did not spell that write!!) horses name was Silverlode, that is the name of the river by Moria. Any way! Keep up the GOOD work!! :)
Author's reply
Yes, luck Lothiriel - I think we all like Eomer! LBJ
Bodkin
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 10: A triumphant morning
I don't think Elfgyuu has quite grasped the significance of a queen. Lothiriel won't be going away - and she has Eomer standing by her. Does the dim woman honestly think that the King of Rohan will support the petty meanness of his housekeeper against his wife? Not that Lothiriel isn't perfectly capable of dealing with Elfgyuu on her own, of course.
And some men say it with flowers. Others realise diamonds are acceptable. Of course the King of Rohan will say it in horseflesh! Loud and clear.
Things are going well, I'm pleased to see. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Things go from good to better - she just has to sort out the housekeeper.LBJ
Dreamflower
· 17 November 2006
· Chapter 10: A triumphant morning
Very nice! Eomer's way of dealing with things was perfect, and very Rohirric, of course--a horse must be a metaphor for a great many things among that people!
But I have to say, I loved Lothiriel's method of dealing with Elfgyuu, LOL! And I am quite sure Hasopad did as well! Perhaps, in addition to her new horse, Lothiriel also needs a dog of her own--one that she would not mind getting a bit fat, LOL!
I do look forward, though, to the more direct one-on-one confrontation with the housekeeper. It's quite clear that she has completely forgotten what it means to deal with a queen! And I have a feeling she'll soon learn not to tangle with *this* one!
Author's reply
Ah, dogs. Without giving anything away - they will become quite close, dog and Queen, I mean. Let's hope that there is eventual capitulation by the housekeeper.LBJ
Rugi
· 17 November 2006
· Chapter 10: A triumphant morning
Oh I just loved this chapter. It was wonderful to see Lothiriel settling into her role. I like the many subtle ways you used to show how well-suited she actually is to be Queen of a foriegn country - picking a dress that was Rohirric enough to be send the message that she's ready to be Queen without going to far by wearing a uniform, walking in calmly with Eomer - she does a wonderful job. I also liked her masterful handling of Elfgyuu (whose name I cannot at all pronounce) - she didn't meekly eat the cold porridge (as I would have been tempted to do) but nor did she make an enormous scene AND she topped it off with a polite set down - it really shows how she has been trained up to be in charge of a large ruling household. I LOVE that she isn't a person who makes scenes - she really knows how to act.
I also like Eomer so much. I think it's great that the tension in the story doesn't really come from their personalities - they are both doing their best to make their marriage a success - it comes from the inherently and unavoidably awkward situation. I love that Eomer makes it clear to his wife that he plans on supporting her against the nay-sayers. And Eomer is as adept as Lothiriel at handling people in a kingly way - he doesn't come out and SAY he's happy in his marriage, he SHOWS it in the best way possible.
And I agree that a stallion like Shadowfax probably has a lot of descendants left in the Rohan herds - it wouldn't really make sense otherwise.
Author's reply
I don't put her in a green dress for a few chapters yet! My idea for the whole fic was to write it around an awkard situation - so you picked up well on that.
Hopefully the nay-sayers - I like that- will come to see her worth! LBJ
Rugi
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 1: An unwarranted proposal
Okay something made me go back and read the first chapter (it's good by the way) which made remember the very first scene (which I had completely fogotten).
What's Eomer doing sleeping in his study? Everything was going so well!
Yes... I know you can't say, but now I am worried and concerned.
Author's reply
You are right - I am not going to tell you! Perhaps I had better put a reminder at the end of the penultimate chapter to remind everybody! This was only going to be five or six chapters but I got carried away. The last one's written though - so I know why! LBJ
Bodkin
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 9: An undeniable pleasure
Well - I reckon Lothiriel has come round to the idea of being married to Eomer! They seem to have passed a rather pleasant night, at any rate.
Now come the problems of dealing with the rest of the wedding party!
Very enjoyable chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks. Eomer will sort them out! LBJ
Rugi
· 6 November 2006
· Chapter 9: An undeniable pleasure
Well THAT was well worth the wait. Honestly, jokes about cliff hangers asside (and I have been thinking of them) I am glad that you spent time on introducing us to the two characters - Lothiriel in particular - before you put them in bed together. The pay off was perfect. You made everything tasteful and sweet and STILL were able to hold onto the characters' personalities throughout. Impressive.
I have to say I get more intrigued by Eomer with each chapter - again you manage to put the reader in Lothiriel's shoes so well. I want to know what he is thinking. I also am interested to see how Lothiriel will adjust to the practical side of being Queen of Rohan (since the wedding and wedding night have been got over ;)). I am curious to found out what her detractors are going to say and do now that she actually is the queen.
Author's reply
You will hopefully be able to work out what Eomer thinks from his actions. This is all from Lothiriel's POV. She will be given the chance to deal with her detractors before the end.LBJ
Dreamflower
· 6 November 2006
· Chapter 9: An undeniable pleasure
*whoosh!*
It's a wonder the computer didn't combust!
*fans self*
I do love canon couples.
Author's reply
Imagine what happens to me when I write it!LBJ
Deiliah
· 6 November 2006
· Chapter 9: An undeniable pleasure
Wonderfully Romantic and tastefully done! Quick update, too, after that teaser of a chapter last time... thank you!
I think it's important that they're building a friendship, a genuine caring and unique bond that will hopefully help them each feel supported in the face of challenges to come. Terrific so far.... and I'm enjoying the little touches of humor here and there that, to me, are an important part of any relationship.
Lovely! Can't wait for more! Thanks for sharing!
Author's reply
Yes, they should be able to build on such a good start.LBJ
Alison H
· 6 November 2006
· Chapter 9: An undeniable pleasure
Lady Blue Jay, this was simply a beautiful chapter to read.Lothiriel has found the man of her dreams(mine, too!) and Eomer trated her with such tenderness, thoughtfulness and love that she soon had no reason to fear Eomer at all.
They make a wonderful couple and they compliment each other so perfectly.Their wedding night was probably better than either of them had ever imagined it to be and they will no doubt explore each other further....and they deserve their newfound happiness.
That was wonderful, LBJ.I'm looking forward to the next chapter already.Update soon!
Ali.
Author's reply
My goodness, you read that quickly - I only just posted. I am a sucker for happiness, and just had to write about then having a good time! Thanks for reviewing.LBJ
Bodkin
· 4 November 2006
· Chapter 8: An intimate exchange
Very wise here, is young Eomer. How can Lothiriel resist him? Sensitive, understanding and providing a rather appealing shoulder to weep on! She might well overcome her nerves yet!
Author's reply
I am sure she will!LBJ
Lera
· 2 November 2006
· Chapter 8: An intimate exchange
Delicious.
Author's reply
Thankyou! LBJ
Dreamflower
· 2 November 2006
· Chapter 8: An intimate exchange
Eomer is absolutely spot on perfect in this.
And I love Lothiriel's courage in turning down his offer to wait--very well done!
Author's reply
Courage, eh! LBJ
Rugi
· 1 November 2006
· Chapter 8: An intimate exchange
I really enjoyed this whole interlude. I think it is realistic that Eomer wouldn't want to drag a nervous new wife straight into an intimacies she wasn't ready for and I can imagine Lothiriel refusing to avoid holding up her end of the relationship. You so good at keeping everyone in character in every situation. And I am glad that they have talked a bit about more important stuff than the weather too.
Interesting to finally find out what happened to Lothiriel's mother and what made her so eager to leave Dol Amroth. My initial reaction to her tears was that she wouldn't have cried in front of Eomer but then I actually thought about it and realized that after a stressful week, a tiring day, and then an emotionally frought evening (to say nothing of the realization that today is REALLY the first day of the rest of her life) Lothiriel was likely to break down to a sympathetic listener - especially one who was close, kind, and receptive. Can't wait for Chapter 9!
I noticed that you mentioned that this chapter was already written. Have you written the entire story already? If that's the case, I think it shows in the high quality of the writing and the tight and realistic plot. Planning ahead makes for a good, cohesive story. Though you have to have talent for writing a story to begin with of course and that shows too!
Author's reply
Hi, Thanks for that. I rather thought that she had been keeping herself very tightly controlled, as you say - with all the stress of the week - and that when he was so nice to her and then asked about her mother - it poured out. I always know where my stories are going and always have the last chapter in my mind. I wrote six chapters before I started posting, and am now up to C11. However - there were about six chapters originaly - I seem to be writing in more detail than I used to. LBJ