Cuthalion
· 28 May 2007
· Chapter 30: The Circle of Death
Wow! Wonderful choreography of a fight, and Éomer is victorious! BUT - why did Muzgâsh die with a smile on his face? I bet that there's some nasty poison on the blade of that southron dagger, and I can only hope that the damage done is not too bad. Can't wait can't wait can't wait!!
Cúthalion
Author's reply
Yes, more action! I have to admit it was fun to write the fight since that's not my 'usual fare'. And because I'm still a little ahead with writing I can now promise you another 4 chapters until we reach the end. So you see, you won't have to wait all that much longer!
Larner
· 28 May 2007
· Chapter 30: The Circle of Death
I only hope there is no poison in the wounds. Did the Southron die thinking he'd managed to blind Eomer also?
Glad to see the end of him without permanent damage to our favorite young king.
Author's reply
I don't think that Muzgash thought that he had blinded Eomer, but I promise you'll find out next week why he died smiling. And I agree, it's good to see the end of him!
phyloxena
· 28 May 2007
· Chapter 30: The Circle of Death
Scimitar or dagger? What type of poison?
Poor Imrahil. He heard all Muzgash's jibs as well. Must be terribly
embarrasing.
Author's reply
Hmm, I'm afraid you'll have to wait a week to get answers to your questions. Sorry! And I'm starting to feel sorry for Imrahil myself with all that I put him through ;-)
Unheard Chime
· 28 May 2007
· Chapter 30: The Circle of Death
Very good chapter! The suspense was killing me as I read the chapter... It was all I could do to NOT skip to the end!! Of course, I knew Eomer had to survive, but still... every now and then you read a fanfic that you think will follow canon and then BANG, the author pulls the rug out from under your feet and maks it AU.
I really liked the way Lothiriel and Eomer and Muzgash all interacted with each other just before the duel. Very nice. And i especially liked the bit where the killing blow that Eomer dealt to Muzgash was done blind. Were you planning that from the very beginning?
Poor Imrahil, completely shocked by Eomer and Lothiriel kissing fervently in public. Hopefully we have a happy ending coming up for our two star-crossed lovers... and hopefully now that the Rohirrim have seen how Lothiriel can hold up under pressure, they'll be more willing to accept a blind queen.
Author's reply
I can promise you that I will not suddenly make this story AU - I've had it done to me in the past and really do not like it. Especially if it later turns out that the author intended to do so from the beginning! But I don't mind if I can make you worry about Eomer even though you know he will survive!
As for the killing blow, I only had the fact of a single combat planned from the beginning. I've got a general outline that I stick to (rather less than more), but the details usually don't come clear until I write the chapter. So here I thought it would be fitting that after trying to take advantage of a blind woman, Muzgash would be killed by a (momentarily) blind man. Serves him right!
And poor Imrahil has been through a lot in one day - and of course the day is not quite done yet anyway...
daw the minstrel
· 28 May 2007
· Chapter 30: The Circle of Death
I'm a little worried about the dying smile on Muzgash. However, apart from that, things are taking a turn for the better. If Imrahil is smart, he'll get these two married off quickly before they get carried away.
Author's reply
I think that Imrahil is slowly coming to agree with you! At least after this last very public display. And you're supposed to be worrying...
Bodkin
· 28 May 2007
· Chapter 30: The Circle of Death
I have this uncomfortable feeling that poison might well be a characteristic of Muzgash's fighting technique. Why else would he die looking smug? It might turn out to be a very good thing that Eomer's boot got in the way of the knife ... although I'm hoping there's no tiny nick there. Or maybe that the presence of the healer might be a Good Thing.
I love the way Lothiriel released her clutch on the arm when she realised she was grabbing at the king. And that Imrahil seems - more or less - resigned to her impropriety. After all, Eomer has pretty well committed himself - in public - so his daughter will become Queen of Rohan.
And if Lothiriel is going to hold Eomer's hand through his treatment, it won't be all that bad ...
Author's reply
Hmm, I'm afraid 'no comment' is all I can reply to the first part of your review. But I promise you'll find out next week why Muzgash died smiling.
And poor Imrahil has loosened up somewhat, but still finds his limits tested (and will even more so in the near future...). Still, at least like you said, his daughter will be Queen of Rohan. As for Lothiriel's offer, I'm sure Eomer will be quick to accept, even if he doesn't need it ;-)
Elea
· 23 May 2007
· Chapter 29: Trap
Ah! Eomer to the rescue! *sigh* I think I'm in love!
Another wonderful chapter! I can't wait to hear Eomer's suggestion. Funnily enough, I forgot that Lothiriel was blind a first. I only remembered when she jumped out the window. I guess that means she's no longer "a blind Lothiriel" to me but a "Lothiriel who happens to be blind".
I can't wait for the wedding! Although if I had my way I'd have their entire life story down to who picks their children's names and which one sleeps on the left side of the bed.
Elea
Author's reply
*grins* I'm afraid you'll have to find your own Eomer, this one is taken. And I was really pleased to hear you forgot about Lothiriel being blind!
The wedding will come up soon, but then I need a break. I might write a sequel one day, but it's by no means certain yet. However, if I do, I'll make sure to mention who sleeps on which side of the bed ;-)
Lia
SpoonMaidenOfTheShire
· 23 May 2007
· Chapter 29: Trap
A suggestion? Wonder what that could be...
Excellent post, especially Eomer's inner struggle with wanting to save Lothiriel and wanting to ah, strangle, Muzgash.
~SpoonMaid
Author's reply
Well, Eomer's temper is legendary, isn't it! But I thought that for Lothiriel's sake he would try to master it - until he gets a chance to let it loose...
Lia
Bodkin
· 23 May 2007
· Chapter 29: Trap
Difficult. And I'm sure Captain Mugwash's suggestion will not be that he gives up and takes up flower-arranging.
Lothiriel will never abandon Hareth to Muzgash, though - and she wouldn't think very highly of anyone who did. Not, of course, that harming her would help Muzgash much - Hareth's value to him ends if he kills her.
I'm glad the cavalry arrived in time to stop the last stand. But I'll bet Lothiriel's feet need treatment.
Author's reply
Well, maybe something calming like yoga or getting in touch with your inner self? Although, has Muzgash got an inner self? And I'm sure Eomer would not think of abandoning Hareth either - don't worry, he'll come up with something.
And lol about Lothiriel's feet! I actually wrote that scene not long ago. She'll get the royal treatment...
Lia
Bodkin
· 23 May 2007
· Chapter 28: Pawn's Move
Good for Lothiriel. Not one to sit back and let things be done to her - even though she is under a considerable disadvantage. Seek out the cheese knife, girl!!
Author's reply
I didn't think of that actually - the kitchen would have been a good place to pick one up. But then she might well have ended up stabbing Eomer by mistake, so maybe it's better she didn't!
Lia
Anonymous
· 22 May 2007
· Chapter 29: Trap
That a blind woman would close her eyes out of fear may be instinctual, but is also quite poignant. Wonderful chapter! I think I love your Eomer. It may be far off, and you may not choose to take the story that far, but I think the wedding night of such a masculine man in love and a very innocent but trusting blind young woman would be beyond touching.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful tale :)
Fishy*
Author's reply
Actually I am planning to take this story as far as the wedding night and I hope I won't disappoint your expectations! Obviously, it's not written yet, but I have got some ideas for it. And moreover it's not that much further ahead - maybe another 4 to 5 chapters.
Thanks for reviewing!
Lia
Alison H
· 22 May 2007
· Chapter 29: Trap
Yes, Eomer rescues his love! What an entrance by heroic Aragorn, too.Mmmm, my two favourite Middle Earth men fighting to save the Princess---can you hear me squee?!!
Now wouldn't it be fitting if Hareth was feigning her sleepy state and gave Muzgash another taste of Dol Amroth feistiness? I'd like that a lot--but Eomer deserves to give Musgash a taste of his fury for even daring to kidnap Lothiriel and hurting her.Go Eomer!
I'm sad that this tale is coming towards its' conclusion but I can't wait for the next chapter!
Update soon.
Ali.
Author's reply
Isn't it lucky that there were enough Southrons to go round so Aragorn and Imrahil got their share as well? Now there only remains one...
But I'm afraid poor Hareth is not in any condition to give Muzgash a fight. Lothiriel unsuccessfully tried to wake her up and that was only a little while ago (in the story). But don't fear for her, for Eomer has had an idea.
And yes, the story is slowly drawing to its conclusion. At the moment it looks like 33 or 34 chapters (including the epilogue). I have to admit I'm looking forward to it, for my real life chores are piling up!
Lia
daw the minstrel
· 21 May 2007
· Chapter 29: Trap
Eomer to the rescue! Cool. I shuddered at blind Lothiriel having to jump out that window.
Author's reply
Yes, not something I would fancy doing myself! I hope I never get sucked into Middle Earth for real adventures - since that seems to be happening to so many people... ;-)
Lia
Larner
· 21 May 2007
· Chapter 29: Trap
A fitting rescue, and I love Eomer's and Imrahil's unspoken agreement to support one another and protect Lothiriel, and the grudging acceptance by the Prince that the young King is likely to be his son-in-law soon.
Lovely indeed!
And now, the final showdown with Mugash! Should be interesting, as well as deadly to the prince.
Author's reply
Yes, I think Imrahil is slowly getting accustomed to the idea of his daughter marrying the King of Rohan. But like you wrote, of course we haven't yet reached the happily-ever-after...
Lia
Unheard Chime
· 21 May 2007
· Chapter 29: Trap
Oh, how I love this story.
What an excellent, excellent chapter! I loved the last minute rescue by Aragorn and company, and the quiet moment between Eomer and Imrahil as they came to a temporary understanding was beautiful.
Is Eomer going to challenge Muzgash to a duel?
Author's reply
Hmm, you don't really expect me to answer that, do you? I don't want to give the whole plot away after all ;-) But you'll see very soon!
And hopefully the temporary understanding between Eomer and Imrahil will eventually turn into a more durable one.
Lia
Cuthalion
· 21 May 2007
· Chapter 29: Trap
Ohhh... how wonderfully thrilling! And the moment when Aragorn burst through the gate had me literally bouncing on my chair: "The King has come!" Now I'm only afraid for Hareth's sake, and I can't wait what kind of suggestion it is that Éomer has in mind for Muzgâsh (hopefully something that leaves that villain without at least one leg - or his head?) *growls with a very inappropriate bloodthirst*
Cúthalion
Author's reply
Well, Eomer probably feels even more bloodthirsty than you do, so you might yet get your wish - you'll see in the next chapter. And nice to see you get drawn so much into the story!
Liebe Grüsse nach Norden
Lia
SurgicalSteel
· 21 May 2007
· Chapter 29: Trap
Evil cliffhanger!
Glad that Lothiriel's rescued, but what a place to leave off!
Author's reply
Oh dear, you're making me feel guilty! Would it help if I promised more for next week?
Lia
Elea
· 17 May 2007
· Chapter 28: Pawn's Move
This is a wonderful story. I sat and read this for nearly 4 hours solid the other night because I couldn't tear myself away, which is quite shocking seeing as I'm in the middle of my finals! ;). I loved your "Of Falcons and Mumakil" story and this one is arguably even better. I love Lothiriel's inner strength but also the fact that she has a vulnerabilty. She's no Mary-Sue either as she has obvious flaws as well (such as her obstinance) which is nice because it makes her seem more real. Eomer is such a hearthrob! He's a strong and sensitive type but he can be a bit of a pillock sometimes which is sweet.
These last two chapters with Muzgash made my skin crawl! It's so well written. I'm so glad Lothiriel got the better of him. She doesn't seem like the type who is easily made a victim.
Can't wait for more. I'm totally hooked!
Elea
Author's reply
Well, while I'm sorry to have kept you from learning for your finals, I have to admit I'm also pleased to hear how much I managed to draw you into the story! I like characters with flaws, but just small, ordinary ones like we have them all. Like you said, it makes the characters more real and - at least to me - also more interesting.
And I agree with what you wrote about Lothiriel. I think even the Southrons are slowly finding out that they kidnapped the wrong woman ;-)
Anyway, thanks for reviewing, it's always nice to hear from a new reader. And since I had a productive couple of days over Ascension, I can promise more for next week. Good luck with your finals!
Lia
irene
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 28: Pawn's Move
Oh dear,since a very long time there was no story here which I followed with so much interest! Furthermore, I never read Éomer and/or Lothiriel stories because I never was interested in these two. Summary: you are an EXCELLENT writer!
Author's reply
It's funny you never read Eomer/Lothiriel stories, because he's my favourite character from the book and I've been stuck with these two since I started writing! I'm pleased though, that despite this 'handicap' you're enjoying the story. More next week...
Lia
Cuthalion
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 28: Pawn's Move
Aaaargh - and here you stop??? That is mean, ma'am, having us wait yet another week to find out how Lothiriel's game of Hide and Seek turns out - and if it is Éomer coming. That she managed to lock her guards in her prison was brilliant - what a shame that her servant wasn't clever anough to keep away from the drugged food.
Can't wait to read the next chapter!
Cúthalion
Author's reply
Of course I stop there - you should know me by now! Evil, cruel and merciless, my only saving grace being that I update regularly ;-)
Having said that, it's a long chapter as it is and the next scene fills a whole chapter. Don't fear, you will find out soon who it is outside the window.
Lia
Oh, how I love the Lothiriel you depict in this story! Very good of her to recognize the sleeping potion in the wine. I wonder if she recognized it only because she had taken it before. Would it also be a result of her blindness? I've heard that when people are missing a sense, the other senses are enhanced to make up for it.
I certainly hope that that's Eomer outside, though I do not doubt that she could make it out on her own, somehow. But it would certainly be nice if she got a break in this! How many men does Muzgash have with him? It certainly doesn't seem like very many.
Skipping ahead in the story: do Lothiriel and Wilwarin ever get to meet face to face again?
Author's reply
I think it's true that if you lack one sense, the others grow sharper to make up for it, so that might well have played a role, too. And bad luck for Muzgash that she had tasted poppy syrup before and recognized it.
I would have thought that Muzgash has a dozen to twenty men or so. But I agree Lothiriel deserves a break...
As regards Wilwarin, she's been sent home, so I don't think Lothiriel will meet her again in this story. Perhaps she'll get mentioned again, though, to wrap up things so to speak.
Lia
Larner
· 15 May 2007
· Chapter 28: Pawn's Move
Our Imrahil has raised a wonderful, intelligent, adaptable daughter, one well worth the love of Eomer of Rohan. How marvelous!
Author's reply
He might just not have realized this yet! But at least Eomer knows, so that's the main thing. More soon, I hope.
Lia
SurgicalSteel
· 15 May 2007
· Chapter 28: Pawn's Move
Smart girl. Very smart. And resourceful.
Hope Eomer gets there soon!
Author's reply
Well, Eomer is of course already on the way - more of that in the next chapter.
Lia
Alison H
· 15 May 2007
· Chapter 28: Pawn's Move
Now that was tense! Those around Lothiriel know that she is a determind, resourceful young woman and it was wonderful to see those attributes come to the fore and aid her in her bid for freedom.All she is thinking of now is saving Eomer--and she may have a few tricks up her sleeve yet.Good for her!
Update soon!
Ali.
Author's reply
I think that between Lothiriel and Eomer, the Southrons won't know what's hit them. Now the two just have to meet up for Muzgash's plans to start unravelling fast...
And I'm busy writing!
Lia
SpoonMaidenOfTheShire
· 15 May 2007
· Chapter 28: Pawn's Move
Don't mess with the girl! She's a lot tougher than they give her credit for!
Excellent chapter, I especially enjoyed Lothiriel's escape and how you wrote it. It was very well done.
~SpoonMaid
Author's reply
Yes, and I bet she enjoyed giving those Southrons a taste of their own medicine! Well, she still hasn't made it out of the house, but hopefully the cavalry will arrive soon.
Lia