Cuthalion
· 2 July 2007
· Chapter 34: Epilogue: Queen of the Golden Hall
Wonderful and satisfying - and Éomer, trying his best to finally get his brand new wife into the bedchamber!
What a lovely, sensual chapter this has been, and what a wonderful tale. You should know that it has moved on my long translation list (though it will certainly take some months before I'll begin to start with the German version in earnest. Thank you - that was glorious, and I'm almost sad that it's over.
*bows in respect and joy*
Cúthalion
Author's reply
I have to admit I just couldn't resist tormenting him a little bit more in this final chapter, but Eomer did get his wish in the end. And I'm also a bit sad it's over and that I have to say good-bye to these two. I've grown rather fond of them!
But at the same time I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed the ride - good luck with translating the story, I'm intrigued to see what you'll make of it.
Liebe Grüsse und vielen Dank für deine Unterstützung von Anfang an!
Lia
daw the minstrel
· 2 July 2007
· Chapter 34: Epilogue: Queen of the Golden Hall
“Does Aunt Lothíriel have to go to bed already?”
LOLOL. That one made me laugh out loud. You can see how from a kid's POV, Lothiriel is getting cheated out of a party.
But how nice to see them married. They're a blessing to each other.
Author's reply
Yes, that's the kind of thing my own kids would say - fancy going to bed when you're allowed to stay up! And I agree, they've been blessed to find each other.
Thanks for your reviews!
Lia
Larner
· 2 July 2007
· Chapter 34: Epilogue: Queen of the Golden Hall
As one who has lived with and worked with the blind for over a third of a century, it's been wonderful to see a story that depicts a character who's blind realistically and positively. Blessed Eomer indeed, having such a wife, one who by not seeing will teach him to see more clearly and to listen more closely and feel more deeply.
A most wonderful and worthy story, and one I've been privileged to read and enjoy.
Author's reply
I'm pleased that with your experience of working and living with blind people you should think my depiction of Lothiriel realistic. It's really been a learning experience writing from a blind view-point!
And I think I've been privileged in my readers - I never thought there would be much interest in a blind Lothiriel, but while some people did hate the idea, most of them appreciated the unique insights and strengths it gave her. Like you said, Eomer (and the Rohirrim) will learn a lot from her.
Thank you for your support!
Lia
Adrianne
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 33: Sunlight
Wow! What a fabulous story! I apologize for not leaving a comment before now, but I just spent the weekend reading this from one end to the other. I loved your characterization of Éomer and especially Lothíriel. What a stroke of brilliance to write her as blind, and you did it so very well. So well, that I need to ask if you know someone who is blind? If not you have an exceptionally keen and empathetic spirit.
I loved that Lothíriel saw colors in peoples voices. I also liked the fact that, even though others see her blindness as a handicap (even her well intentioned family), she does not. And Éomer didn't see it as a handicap either. Rather he saw the strength and character and nobility in the woman. Blind or not, Rohan is getting one magnificent queen!
Speaking of magnificent, your Éomer is just that! I fell in love with the man. Strong and fiery and noble, and more importantly a man that is more impressed with a strong character than a fair face.
This was an absolute pleasure to read. It had intrigue, suspense, romance and adventure. And a really good moral. Great villian too! That whole chapter where Muzgâsh tries to violate Lothíriel was very well written. He was perfectly nasty and slimey and just evil.
I look forward to your epilogue with great anticipation.
Adrianne
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm so pleased to hear you enjoyed the story! As a matter of fact I do not know anybody who is blind, although I have a couple of close friends who have handicapped children, so I have at least a slight idea of the kind of obstacles and prejudices they have to face in life.
That is one of the reasons why it is a topic dear to me - and also I admire people who will not let their limitations stop them from achieving their dreams. I tried to show Lothiriel as such a person, by no means perfect, but doing her best to find a meaningful place in life. Like you wrote, fortunately she met a man who truly appreciates her.
As for Muzgash, I wanted him to be more than just a 'James Bond' style villain, talking endlessly, but never carrying through his threats. But in the end he got more than he bargained for when he kidnapped Lothiriel!
Well, I hope you'll enjoy the epilogue as well. Unfortunately my real life woes are continuing, but I still hope to have it ready for you sometime next week.
Thanks for reviewing!
Lia
obsidianj
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 33: Sunlight
Ahh, this chapter makes up for all the hardship of the previous chapters. I love the name of the chapter. It fits so well.
Lothiriel is a force to be reckoned with. I loved the way she kept Eomer awake. No time for proprieties, pragmatism (and she wished to do that for a long time, right?) won out. I nearly spewed on my keyboard when the royal guard faithfully guarded the rose bush without any comment ;-). It has to be hard to be royalty. Lothiriel has one advantage, she can't see any looks or smirks anyone throws at her.
Author's reply
I'm pleased to hear the chapter made up for what I put them through - I was actually starting to feel a bit guilty for all the angst.
And Lothiriel is coming into her own - I get the feeling Eomer is in for further surprises and Rohan will never be the same again. But that's for another story (perhaps). Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Larner
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 33: Sunlight
Ah--all is once again right with the world! And the marriage is on its way!
A marvelous story, and well done indeed.
Author's reply
Thank you! And I think I can soon leave them to their own devices so they can find their happy end. They've earned it!
Cuthalion
· 20 June 2007
· Chapter 33: Sunlight
Wheeeeee! *dances around like Lothiriel*
Éomer feeling better, his lovely bride keeping him alive by... erh... warming his... erh... blood, Imrahil finally giving in to the inevitable, a shieldmaiden, hard as "boiled leather" (insert a helpless fit of giggles here), and Rohan's finest, making sure that a rosebush doesn't come to any harm.
What a delight!
Author's reply
That's actually quite a good summary of the chapter - why did it take me over 4000 words to write that ;-) And you're always so wonderfully enthusiastic in your reviews! I hope the muse cooperates and I'll have the epilogue ready for you soon.
Lia
Unheard Chime
· 20 June 2007
· Chapter 33: Sunlight
*skips around computer desk with happiness*
I'm so glad that Imrahil consented!! Poor man, must have been absolutely mortified at Lothiriel's behavior and Eomer's response right after the poisoning. And I'm glad that Eowyn and Faramir came to Minas Tirith, I was wondering when they'd show up again. How much further are you planning on taking the story? All the way to the wedding? Into their married life? I am looking forward to it, even though I'll be away for the next month and half (field work, gathering data in the Rockies!).
Such a great story.
Author's reply
True, Imrahil held out a long time! But I see him as the kind of person who will stand firmly behind the match, now that he has consented. The wedding is in the next chapter and Eowyn and Faramir will also be there, but then the story is over. There might be a sequel one day, but I really can't promise anything.
Have a good time in the Rockies - are you a geologist? - take care, and I hope you'll enjoy the epilogue when you come back!
daw the minstrel
· 20 June 2007
· Chapter 33: Sunlight
I'm laughing at the rose bush needing guarding. Ceorl was quick on the uptake. Poor royals. No privacy at all and that's without the paparazzi.
Things are finally working out for Eomer and Lothiriel and I'm so glad for them.
Author's reply
I have to admit the rosebush is probably my favourite bit in this chapter. I had a vision of them guarding it faithfully and making sure the two do not get interrupted in their...eh...talk. But don't feel sorry for them, they will get their hard-earned time alone together in the final chapter.
Alison H
· 12 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Night's Lady
Aww, that was such a sweet chapter, Lia.I enjoyed Lothiriel fussing over him and odering Aragorn about--she is bold, but Eomer's welfare is at sake so I'd imagine that she'd order just about anybody to do her bidding if it meant Eomer was comfortable.I laughed when Aragorn emerged from the bathing room with the comb....I thought that Aragorn rather enjoyed being included in Lothiriel's care of Eomer.
It was funny to think that the brother 'who sleeps like a log' would be the one to guard Lothiriel's virtue! Lucky for Eomer that he is too weak to do anything but kiss, but Lothiriel knows that she is quite safe with her love...though I don't think Imrahil would be too happy to think of his daughter alone with any man.But, after Eomer risked his life for Lothiriel, Imrahil's objections must be beginning to disappear.Eomer & Lothiriel are made for each other.
I love this story and would be quite happy to read a new chapter every single week of the year.I hope there is going to be a wedding? Please? That would be wonderful!
Take care and update soon.
Ali.
Author's reply
Yes, I thought that after sharing the care of Eomer for 3 days she would have lost all her initial awe of Aragorn. I can see her treating him much as she would one of her brothers, including teasing him.
And I think that Imrahil must surely see that he's fighting a losing battle here and that the best thing would be to give in gracefully. But we'll see - in the next chapter. Also the exact details of what Lothiriel did to keep Eomer awake...
As for reading a chapter every single week of the year, that made me choke on my tea ;-) Please not! I have a list of real life chores that I've pushed ahead of me in favour of writing, so I'm really looking forward to finishing soon. Also I haven't found much time for reading lately, which is a shame as there are so many interesting stories out there.
But I promise there will be a wedding and quite soon. Only 2 chapters left now!
Lia
Larner
· 11 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Night's Lady
Clever Aragorn--but then he has been to Harad and probably has a feel for the Haradri mindset. And love Lothiriel playing for Eomer. And love the song from Dol Amroth.
Author's reply
Yes, I think Aragorn has travelled to Harad in the past, hasn't he, and would probably have read about them as well. I actually had the Rohirric lullaby at the beginning first, but my beta convinced me to write a sea shanty instead, because that's what Eomer hears when he wakes up.
Tira
· 11 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Night's Lady
Ah, wonderful chapter! I loved it! Gee, marriage just can't come fast enough, can it? Looking forward to the next!
Author's reply
Yes, I think it's high time these two get safely married. Perhaps even Imrahil will finally see this - more of that in the next chapter. And nice to hear from a new reader - thanks for reviewing!
Unheard Chime
· 11 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Night's Lady
Oh, that's a very sweet chapter!! Perfect.
How many more chapters do you have left for the story? I am going out of town in a little over a week and will most likely not have access to the internet for over a month.
Author's reply
There are two chapters left to this story now, one in Minas Tirith and then the epilogue. I'm not quite sure if I can keep up publishing each week, though, as work is giving me trouble at the moment. Overtime and creative writing really don't mix! When exactly are you going away? And have you got email access?
Cuthalion
· 11 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Night's Lady
*happy, satisfied smile*
That's perfect. Lothiriel, singing for an unconscious Éomer, Aragorn, being ordered around and goodheartedly fulfilling the wishes of the Princess and a hero on the mend! Plus that beautiful Rohirric lullaby!
So beautiful.
Author's reply
Yes, I can see Lothiriel losing her awe of the king of Gondor very quickly once she gets to know him, and of course he wouldn't mind. Pleased to hear you liked the lullaby!
daw the minstrel
· 11 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Night's Lady
Lovely lullaby. Actually, I like the quotes and bits of Rohirric writing you've been creating all along.
And bless you for taking us right to his awakening. These two seem so right for one another.
Author's reply
The lullaby is loosely based on a Cossack song I read a translation of a long time ago - I thought it fitting since they're a horse people, too. And although it's not always easy to come up with a quotation fitting a particular chapter, I've really enjoyed playing round with different styles and forms like poems or even a riddle.
And the two are made for each other, aren't they!
SpoonMaidenOfTheShire
· 6 June 2007
· Chapter 31: Serpent Tooth
Aww, she kissed him. Should have done that first...might've kept him awake longer.
That dagger sounds suspiciously like one of the Nazgul blades, or is it actually something from Harad? I don't know a lot about them.
~SpoonMaid
Author's reply
I believe the Nazgul blades take longer to work, so I think it's some poison from Harad (not that I know all that much about it either!). And hopefully Lothiriel isn't too late with her 'kiss of life'...
Lia
Cuthalion
· 5 June 2007
· Chapter 31: Serpent Tooth
Aha! So it was a serpent's tooth, and this is certainly some kind of neurotoxin. You make my nerves suffer with that chapter, and no mistake (to quote Sam Gamgee). And the idea to raise Éomer's flickering spirit with an attack of sheer passion is... intriguing. *grins shamelessly*
Cúthalion
P.S. Did you receive the MEFA-notifications? Black Eyes is nominated this year, as is Yours to command.. They both deserve it.
Author's reply
Yes, of course it was poison, I just couldn't resist adding this twist at the end. I thought Lothiriel should get the chance of rescuing him as well - in
an amusing way. We'll see if it works...and what her father thinks of it!
And thank you very much for nominating Yours to Command for the MEFAs - in fact I filled in the story details tonight.
Lia
irene
· 5 June 2007
· Chapter 31: Serpent Tooth
I absolutely love your chapter starts. They're so well designed one hardly gets the idea you invented them all. Great work!
Author's reply
Hello Irene,
nice to hear you like my 'quotations'. I spend considerable effort on them, so I'm pleased to hear they're appreciated.
Lia
Lianna
· 4 June 2007
· Chapter 31: Serpent Tooth
OK, I'm suitably worried. That smile on Muzgâsh's face just before he died certainly suggests that Eomer could lose his leg here. I think Muzgâsh would enjoy the idea of crippling the King of the Mark.
Update quickly, please!
Author's reply
Hmm, yes I agree Muzgash would certainly enjoy seeing Eomer suffer - but of course what he would really have liked to do is to kill him. More soon, I promise!
Lia
Well, that ought to wake him up!
And I am not worried in the slightest... Aragorn is a very very good healer and we all know that Eomer has to survive. OK, I lied, I AM a little bit worried... I hope they don't have to amputate the leg or anything.
Author's reply
Nice to hear you're not worried in the slightest...then you won't mind having to wait for a week to find out if Lothiriel's plan is going to work...or not...these Southron poisons can be pretty nasty, you know...
I know I'm mean! ;-)
Lia
SurgicalSteel
· 4 June 2007
· Chapter 31: Serpent Tooth
About what I figured as regarded the poison - now Aragorn's just got to produce a suitable antivenin in time!
As for Lothiriel kissing him... well, well, well.
Author's reply
Let's hope that Aragorn is successful in his search - and Lothiriel manages to keep him awake somehow. More next week!
Lia
Larner
· 4 June 2007
· Chapter 31: Serpent Tooth
Aha! Well, it worked for Prince Charming waking Sleeping Beauty--it OUGHT to work for Lothiriel waking the King of Rohan! Hhe! But it definitely ought to be ennervating for him. Come on, Eomer--stay with us!
Author's reply
To be honest I didn't really think of the fairy tale, but now that you've mentioned it, I'm almost tempted to throw in a few dwarves in the next chapter! Hopefully it will work out - with all the practice she's had lately Lothiriel should be quite good at kissing by now.
Lia
daw the minstrel
· 4 June 2007
· Chapter 31: Serpent Tooth
That's what I was afraid of. I'm glad there was help nearby though.
Author's reply
Well, I promise that you will find out early next week if Lothiriel's tactic is going to work.
Lia
SurgicalSteel
· 30 May 2007
· Chapter 30: The Circle of Death
I have a very, very bad feeling about Muzgash's dying smile. Those Southrons are known to use poison on their weapons.
Lovely chapter, though.
Author's reply
Glad to hear you liked the chapter, but I'm afraid I can't confirm or deny your guess. But you'll find out soon, I promise!
SpoonMaidenOfTheShire
· 29 May 2007
· Chapter 30: The Circle of Death
Awww...excellent ending. I also really liked the fight scene...very well written.
~SpoonMaid
Author's reply
Thank you! I've been reading up on early medieval armour and weapons for this chapter, but the fight I had to make up in my imagination, so I'm pleased to hear you liked it.