Episcopal Witch
· 9 January 2007
· Chapter 13: The Houses of Healing
I like this story very much! Eomer has always been one of my favorite characters, and it's wonderful to see him drawn not only with his courage and chivalry but also a sense of humor he didn't have much chance to display in LOTR. I certainly feel that your Eomer is compatible with what the Professor lets us know in the canon. And since we don't know anything about Lothiriel, authors are free to choose, and your unusual approach by giving her the disability is (along with the quality of your writing) lifting your story out of the realm of generic romances.
I also like the leisurely pacing, which helps to make the romantic developments convincing--and I hope will yield plenty more chapters to enjoy! (For one thing, I hope we'll get a look at how Lothiriel and Eomer manage to convince Rohan that a blind Queen was the right choice.)
Author's reply
Eomer has always been my favourite character as well (obviously!) and what he said when meeting Gimli convinced me that he had a sense of humour as well: So many strange things have chanced that to learn the praise of a fair lady under the loving strokes of a Dwarf's axe will seem no great wonder. And of course the great thing about Lothiriel is that she's only mentioned in one line in the appendix. Like you said, that gives us pretty free reign to imagine her as we please.
There will be quite a few more chapters (I'm not halfway yet, I think), but the whole story is set in Gondor. With one of my previous stories I described Lothiriel's journey to Rohan and the wedding there in detail, so I don't really want to do that again. However, I'm playing with the idea of having a short sequel in Rohan, but that's by no means sure yet.
Lia
obsidianj
· 7 January 2007
· Chapter 12: Rescue
This is an ingenious idea for the Lothiriel/Eomer romance. Your description of Lothiriel's disability feels very natural. I love the idea of comparing voices to colors. I think Eomer is already hooked. He just doesn't know it yet. Lady Wilwarin can go home. Although I don't think she will admit defeat, until Eomer is truly wedded.
Author's reply
Hello Obsidianj,
It's not always easy to get inside Lothiriel's head and I do have to remind myself constantly of how she would experience the world. At the same time I have found it a very interesting exercise.
Yes, Eomer is of course well on the way to fall for her, although he doesn't have a clue about it. As for Lady Wilwarin, she hasn't given up yet!
I think you left me reviews over at the MEFAs for a couple of my other stories, didn't you? I wanted to reply, but couldn't find an email address. Thank you very much!
The next chapter to this will be up sometime next week - hope you'll enjoy it.
Lia
Bodkin
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 12: Rescue
I do love the fact that the rescue was afforded to Eomer by Lothiriel. Great twist! And actually, Eomer being the man he is - that is, someone who can cope with being big brother to the Slayer of the Witch-King - it will doubtless increase his respect for her. And between feeling sympathy for her and respecting her undoubted courage and talents - and admiring the picture she presents - I suspect Lady Wilwarin will really have to play dirty if she wants to get any attention from Rohan's King.
Have a good Christmas. I'll try to keep my impatience for more under control!
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin,
Yes, I bet Eomer didn't expect to be the one using their secret code word to ask for help! But like you wrote, he'll survive and won't hold it against Lothiriel to have got the better of him, especially as she does it completely without intent (and so charmingly).
Lady Wilwarin might find her a tough act to follow, but I'm afraid she won't hesitate to play dirty...
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you, too!
Lia
ponypetter
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 12: Rescue
I just found this story and have signed up for notifications! I absolutely love the plot line, and this story has some wonderfully humorous lines. The eels thing just makes me giggle. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
It just goes to show what useful creatures eels are ... they might even come in useful one more time. More coming up in January - although the next chapter will be more serious again.
Lia
Larner
· 16 December 2006
· Chapter 12: Rescue
How delightful, and a wonderful description of the figures for the maze. Very, very nice indeed.
And a wonderful Christmas and New Years to you as well.
Author's reply
Hello Larner,
The description of the maze is actually from a castle we went to while on holiday in England this summer. We got lost and had to ask for help - and it wasn't even all that big!
Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.
Lia
Cuthalion
· 16 December 2006
· Chapter 12: Rescue
Lo and behold - so Ar-Pharazôn had a Minotaurus? And that's a delightful little adventure. Those gondorean noblemen, getting lost in the maze, and then Éomer the Orcslayer, losing his way as well! *snickers* But she brings him outside, holding his hand, and he brushes the spiderwebs from her hair... exactly the kind of romance I like, slowly taking shape and unfolding like an intricate tapestry. Beautiful, Lia.
Mona
Author's reply
Hello Mona,
I wouldn't put it past Ar-Pharazon to have a Minotaur, but then he gets the blame for everything anyway! I have to admit the last chapter was a bit of a set-up to have Eomer worry about what happened to Lothiriel, only to turn the tables on him. And he did overcome his pride and ask for help in the end (probably never asks for directions either...).
Pleased to hear you like the slow development of their romance - I like to take my time over it.
Merry Christmas!
Lia
galimeril
· 16 December 2006
· Chapter 12: Rescue
Hi again, I'm just starting to catch up on all of the stories I'm reading, this one is still as good as I remember it to be. I just adore the idea of Lotheriel leading Eomer,a nd the eels! I knmow just how she must feel with all of those people crowding around her, we're fitting 68 people into my grandma's farmhouse for a christmas party tomorrow. Save me! Happy yule to you, this is a great present, can't wait for more!
Galiemril ;D
Author's reply
Hello Galimeril,
Yes, I thought it would be amusing for Lothiriel to rescue Eomer for a change and for him to get a taste of what she has to face every single day of her life.
And 68 people - you must be mad! Or is your family descended from sardines ;-)
Happy yule to you and your family as well!
Lia
phyloxena
· 10 December 2006
· Chapter 11: Emerald Eyes
Poor Wilwaryn! Those barbarians don't have an attention span to appriciate her efforts! And Lothirien irritates women and collects champions and remains unaware.
That was nicely done, actually: Eomer thinks nobody cares for princess, and everybody else who cares thinks the same. I expect some contest of protectiveness any time soon.
Author's reply
Hello Phyloxena,
You're making me feel sorry for Wilwarin! It's true that she went to a lot of effort and then it all comes to nothing because her prey gets distracted at precisely the wrong moment.
Eomer is actually a bit overprotective in this instance, as you'll see in the next chapter (along with everybody else)...
Lia
Larner
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 11: Emerald Eyes
I find the Butterfly a bit too obvious, myself; but if she thinks she'll capture Eomer she's very mistaken, of course.
Now, a second walk along the wall, and with the right one this time....
Author's reply
Hello Larner,
I think Wilwarin has a lot of practice, she's just not met anybody like Eomer yet. As for another walk - not quite - but you'll see. I intend to post the next chapter in a week's time.
Lia
Larner
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Snake Fish
Ah, the demise of canes--I've seen a number of such events--struck by cars, caught in drainage grates and manhole covers and snapped at their joints (a common fate for folding canes), stepped on by classmates at school, driven over, cables for folding canes giving way...so many ways for them to be destroyed.
And glad that Wilwarin recognizes her danger, and am glad to know she will lose this one--HA, HA, my lady.
But she will undoubtedly find one who will be her match.
Author's reply
Hello Larner,
well, it looks like it's realistic that Imrahil should have a ready supply of more canes then - they don't seem to last long!
And Lady Wilwarin does of course not have the slightest chance of bagging Eomer, not with me in charge ;-)
Lia
Dreamflower
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 11: Emerald Eyes
Uh-oh. I hope Lothiriel is not in too much danger. But I love the way that in spite of all "Lady" Wilwarin's wiles, Eomer is so easily distracted.
And I also loved Eomer's response to her flattery. I'm sure that she knew--not a person in Minas Tirith wouldn't have known the role Frodo played--but she chose to ignore that and play on what she thinks will stroke his ego.
How little she understands.
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower,
I think Lady Wilwarin is exactly the type to forget very quickly who really won the Ring War. How embarrassing to owe your life to a mere Hobbit! Fortunately Eomer knows better - like you wrote, she understands very little of his true nature. But then, she said it herself: "I’m afraid I’m not clever enough." ;-)
Don't worry about Lothiriel - more next weekend.
Lia
Cuthalion
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 11: Emerald Eyes
Aha - already being the protector of a princess, hm? And I could nearly feel a certain pity for Lady Wilwarin - such a cleverly prepared scenery, such a well-performed dialogue... and then everything comes to naught because of some fools splashing around. *grins* Éomer doesn't imagine things, not at all. He should trust his instict.
And where for heaven's sake is Lothiriel? More - and fast!
Mona
Author's reply
Hello Mona,
yes, Eomer should trust his instincts more and perhaps taking his guards along might not have been such a bad idea after all - but then 'He was well able to look after himself'...
But don't worry too much about Lothiriel. The next chapter is actually called 'Rescue', but events are not as you might think.
Thanks for reviewing and have a nice Sunday!
Lia
Bodkin
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 11: Emerald Eyes
I didn't mean to stop there! I pressed the wrong button!
Lady Wilwarin plays the delicate doe-eyed maiden just exactly as any female spectator would expect. And heroic Eomer is in danger of falling for it! But hopefully the distraction of Lothiriel will keep him from being trapped by a very wily and professional beauty.
Interesting information from Faramir. And Eomer's desire to defend Lothiriel is increased. Yay. Glad to hear it!
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin,
you had me puzzled for a moment there! I was hoping you meant Lady Wilwarin and not the story ;-)
Those Gondorian noblemen deserve a medal, don't they, for creating a distraction just then. Maybe Lothiriel will provide another one. And I thought I should finally provide some information as to her accident - you've all been waiting very patiently.
Lia
Bodkin
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 11: Emerald Eyes
S-H-A-L-L-O-W and P-R-E-D-I-C-T-A-B-L-E.
Cuthalion
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Snake Fish
Sorry, ich bin einfach zu begeistert für Englisch. Meine Güte, Lia, das ist wunderschön. Ich dachte immer, Of Falcons and Mûmakil wäre mein All-Time-Favorite unter deinen Geschichten, aber das ist eine harte Konkurrenz. Lady Wilwarin ist ein großartig portraitiertes Biest, die Begegnung mit Arwen ist atemberaubend... vor allem das hier:
Black and silver, shot through her mind, but then the queen greeted her and Lothíriel forgot everything else. She tried to grasp the quality of her voice, yet it eluded her like clear water running through her fingers. All colours, yet none, perpetually changing, yet constant and true.
.. und die Szene beim Bankett ist herrlich.Wenn du erlaubst, werde ich diese Geschichte im Livejournal bei "LOTR_fic_recs" empfehlen (Of Falcons and Mûmakil steht bereits da).
Ach übrigens - deine Geschichte Revenge is a dish best served cold hat bei den MEFA's in der Kategorie Humor eine Honorable Mention abgeräumt - für den Fall, dass du's nicht mitbekommen hast. Bravo!
Mona
Author's reply
Liebe Mona,
Vielen Dank! Als ich die Szene schrieb musste ich an die Begegnung von Artanis mit Arwen in Keeper of the Jewels denken - immer noch die beste Beschreibung von Arwen, die ich kenne.
Natürlich kannst Du die Geschichte weiterempfehlen ;-) Und wer weiss, ob die Aale nicht vielleicht ein Comeback haben werden.
Das mit den MEFA's habe ich gesehen, danke. Ich sollte dringend noch allen Reviewern danken.
Lia
Bodkin
· 2 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Snake Fish
You see - I knew I didn't like Lady Wilwarin! Her ambition might be understandable - beautiful, from a minor house, sister married well, doesn't want to go back to obscurity - I can see that. Also that marriage is the only prize for women like her. But she has no interest in her victim as a person - only in his entry in the Almanach de Gondor. Position and wealth and outdoing her sister. She is a nasty piece of work - like a lovely cream cake that has gone off.
While Lothiriel is very little concerned with herself. She couldn't have done nothing when confronted by the warg - she wanted to protect Alphros. She treats Eomer as a person - and he needs to win her trust. Even to accept his aid at the dining table. (Being a skittish and rather wary mare - how could that not tempt a Horselord?)
Poor Guthlaf. I'm glad Lothiriel wants to go and see him. Another example of courage and potential queenliness!
Belecthor would not approve, though. They are actually talking. About things that matter to both of them.
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin,
did you see this is the chapter where I borrowed a line from one of your earlier reviews: 'After all, it doesn’t take sight to perform the most important task of a bride'. Many thanks for that!
I like the comparison of Lady Wilwarin to a cream cake that has gone off! I don't think they have cream cakes in Gondor, or I might borrow that as well ;-) Your comments on her are spot on and while her motives are understandable it still does not make her any more likeable.
I also like the image of the skittish mare - I had actually thought of that myself. Eomer already seems to have won a great deal of trust. And the visit to the Houses of Healing will come up later.
Lia
Dreamflower
· 1 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Snake Fish
Oh dear. Wilwarin is most certainly just as unpleasant and calculating as I feared. I hope she doesn't hurt Lothiriel too badly.
However, she may be making a grave miscalculation. I have a feeling that such typical machinations of a courtier will simply *not* go over in a court ruled by Elessar and Arwen. I can just see her trying to lie to Arwen--it would go over like a lead balloon. And there are too many good judges of character there who will be able to see right through her.
I liked Lothiriel's joy in her dress, and her method of coping with her meal. It's clear that Eomer is developing a great respect for her--far from the pity that Wilwarin is thinking he'd have, and much harder to overcome.
I'm looking forward to Faramir and Eowyn's wedding...
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower,
no doubt your are right and Wilwarin will have to step carefully around Arwen and Aragorn. I don't think she'll do anything openly against Lothiriel, more hints and insinuations around her back. More of her coming up in the next chapter.
Lothiriel is having an unexpectedly enjoyable evening, but I don't think she realizes yet why it is turning out to be so pleasant. And the wedding should be in about three days' time - for them. I'm afraid you will have to wait until the new year to reach it!
Lia
vampfan30
· 1 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Snake Fish
"like a warship under full sail"... what a picture. love this one - I think better than the others that I have read........
Author's reply
Thanks! Wilwarin probably knows the 'Art of War' by heart!
Bodkin
· 26 November 2006
· Chapter 9: Blood in the Water
She is just so much the right person for Eomer, blind or not! She's valiant and enterprising - and unimpressed by conventions that should have had her eaten by the warg rather than attempting to do something as unladylike as hit the creature. Eomer is just going to have to carry her to freedom before all her caring conventional kin shut her up in a safe place.
Muzgash sounds a dangerous addition to the tale. One with the potential to complicate matters tremendously!
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
I'm not sure if Belecthor has written anything on warg attacks in his guide, but no doubt he would consider something like elegantly fainting away much more seemly than fighting back.
And the complications have barely started!
Lia
vampfan30
· 24 November 2006
· Chapter 9: Blood in the Water
eeek, a warg! & she went right ahead & nailed the thing on the snout without knowing what it was - wow........ one tough lady.she & Eowyn make an interestng team, which will, no doubt, gang up on Eomer sooner or later. ^__^
Author's reply
Hello Vampfan,
Well, it was probably very much just an instinctive action, but I'm sure Eowyn can sympathize with her. Ganging up on Eomer? I might have to put another snowball fight in!
Lia
Larner
· 23 November 2006
· Chapter 9: Blood in the Water
Aha--so that's where the assassin and his crew are hiding, is it?
Lothiriel was very brave, and all did well to have her there as well as Eomer. Now, to see how all deal with the assassins.
Author's reply
Hello Larner,
you will have to wait a good while longer until Muzgash gets what's coming to him. There are some more complications coming up first...
Lia
rikki
· 23 November 2006
· Chapter 9: Blood in the Water
Whew! That chapter had me on the edge of my chair urging Eomer on to make it to Lothiriel on time. Her bravery in protecting Alphros and attacking the warg, while foolhearty, has certainly made an impression on the King of Rohan. Shivers down my spine, I would have been a quivering mess if I had been there.
And more mystery with the unknown Muzgash? Sounds like Eomer had better be on his guard for this enemy.
Great chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Rikki,
I think Lothiriel didn't quite realize what she was facing or at least didn't think about it before acting. I would have been a quivering mess, too!
There will be more hints as to Muzgash's identity coming up...
Lia
Bodkin
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 8: The Wild Rider
Do you know, I understand some of Lothiriel's family's worries. She is decidedly headstrong. I know Winterbreath can see perfectly well - but the thought of galloping off blind - literally - on a horse you've only just met. Well. I would think Eomer would be about to produce heirs in the shape of kittens.
The pretty men have offered themselves as bait - probably their best role yet - but I hate to think what's about to come. Although I'm afraid that Lothiriel won't think to get out its way.
Eomer's not really suited to Gondor's court ways. I hope he realises that before he gets his feet stuck in the honey. (Thank goodness Faramir knows that if he wants Eowyn to be happy, he has to let her be herself!)
More? Please?
Author's reply
For some reason, all my Lothiriels are decidedly headstrong and stubborn - I don't know what that says about myself...Giving her a horse was a bit like opening Pandora's box. You don't know what's going to come out, but you can't close it again once it's open.
The honey is of the treacly sort, if you're not careful it sucks you in like quicksand. And I promise the next chapter for Thursday - what a nice feeling to have my readers begging for more ;-)
Cuthalion
· 17 November 2006
· Chapter 8: The Wild Rider
*stares over her glasses*
Shame on you, Lia! Now I sit here, biting my nails and waiting for an explanation of what it might be that comes trampling through the woods! Great chapter, btw. Lothiriel's wild ride was wonderful. She must have enjoyed her sudden, unexpected freedom very much, and her exchange with Éomer afterwards was a hoot. Bravo!
Mona
Author's reply
*evil chuckle* I thought to myself that you'd chosen the wrong moment to start reading my story - you should have waited another week!
Yes, I'm sure Lothiriel enjoyed herself. Probably Eomer and Eowyn are only now slowly realizing what they've done by presenting her with a horse.
Cuthalion
· 17 November 2006
· Chapter 7: Winterbreath
“The colour of your breath on a chilly winter’s morning, which is where she gets the name Winterbreath from, what we call a dawn grey,” Éomer explained. “A very light grey, that shades into white along the haunches. She has one white stocking, but the other legs are darker and more like ash grey and the mane is darker still, almost smoke grey in fact. Also her head is not really dawn grey, it’s a bit too pale for that, I think you’d call it more like silver grey.”
He stopped at the amused expression on her face. “In other words, she’s grey,” the princess commented dryly. Behind him, Éowyn unsuccessfully smothered a laugh.
Hehe. I remember how Lothiriel had to learn the various words for "grey" in Rohirric in your very first tale. And blessed be the uncomplicated way of Éowyn to make things easier for the Princess! She is clearly in good hands here. *smiles*
Mona
Author's reply
Ah, I thought you would remember that! My fixation with grey again...