Tide of Destiny - Part One: Choices by Lady Bluejay

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Alquawende · 6 October 2008 · Chapter 23: Chapter 23

I've been derelict, I'm afraid, in my duties as a good reader to review and I apolgize, especially since I'm just captivated with this story! I wonder why Galadriel said Lothiriel couldn't go to Rohan now... The way you described how in awe Lothiriel was in seeing the Hobbits, and the elves, is done wonderfully. I could understand how she felt seeing all these beings, that she's read about in tales, standing before her and some of them from legends among her people... Please continue!

Author's reply

Lothy can't go to Rohan until she is fit to be a Queen. But she will make fast progress now Galadriel has taken a hand. Glad you are enjoying, and thanks for reviewing. LBJ

whitewave · 5 October 2008 · Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Yey! An update! Eomer's last moment with Guleth was one of those sad scenes that you know must happen and that you feel sorry that the characters have to go through. But at least, he was still very thoughtful. As for the Rohirrim's return to Aldburg--the welcoming of the warriors by their families was very heart warming, even if it is tinged with sadness for the lost. It is always nice to take a "tour" of ME through your stories and Aldburg has never been described in the books so this is a treat. The reunion of Eomer and his two surrogate children is a nice one to read too, it's easy to tell that Eomer will make a good father from here. Amrothos is my favorite Dol Amroth prince on most of your stories and Lia's so it's great to read about him here up to his usual business of enchanting ladies. I'm now curious about why Galadriel wants Lothy to wait and excited about what the Lady of the Wood would say to Lothy. Can't wait for the eventual meeting of Eomer and Lothiriel.

Author's reply

You will be pleased with part 2 of the story - all about Amroth! But I have to finish this part yet. They will meet soon but Galadriel rightly thinks Lothy should become a bit stronger. Thanks for reviewing.LBJ

Dreamflower · 5 October 2008 · Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Not yet? I wonder what Galadriel knows? This was a wonderful chapter--Guleth was very wise in deciding not to stay and make complications for the new King, and I thought his consideration for her in providing her with a horse was very touching. Eomer is no innocent, but he's a considerate lover, at any rate. I also liked the look at his and Eowyn's arrival home, and most especially, I liked the look at the arrival of the Elves. I've seen many fics deal with the Elves arriving in Minas Tirith, but very *few* dealing with their arrival in Edoras, and those few from the POV of the Elves rather than the Rohirrim. I had to giggle at Eowyn's reaction. Lothiriel's arrival was wonderfully touching, and the fact that Aragorn understood, and comforted her, was perfect. He's a healer, and he's also a warrior--he has to understand her conflict perfectly. I love that Arwen's first reaction was to go fetch Grandmother! (I was going to say "granny" but somehow that just doesn't apply to Galadriel.) Lothiriel's reaction to Frodo was lovely. I do hope they get a chance for at least a little conversation...

Author's reply

I have never imagined Eomer to be an innocent - but always a nice man. Tolkien is a bit contradictory - it sound as if when Eomer goes to collect Theoden's body he has never seen Arwen before - but if course checking the dates - he has. Aragorn was the one likely tho underhand her torment - and I imagine Imrahil would have discussed it with him. I will try and work a hobbit in somewhere! Thanks for reviewing.LBJ

Elflingimp · 5 October 2008 · Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Aw! I was so getting into this story and now the chapter ends, but I am so glad someone is helping Lothiriel and she will perhaps feel better. I truely cannot wait for the next chapter! The Imp

Author's reply

Yes, somebody had to take a hand. And who better for a counselor. Thanks for reviewing. LBJ

Elflingimp · 23 September 2008 · Chapter 22: Chapter 22

First of all sorry I havn't reviewes lately,RL is being a pig lately taking up all of my time, but be assured I am still reading your interesting chapters, I really love this story. The Imp

Author's reply

Glad you are. Nice to hear you are still enjoying. Thanks for taking the time to tell me.LBJ

whitewave · 23 September 2008 · Chapter 22: Chapter 22

I enjoyed your take on the celebration on the Fields of Cormallen. I think the few general sentences in the books did not do it enough justice to how splendid it must have been. I also liked how you described the hobbits' reactions to such splendor and attention. Oh, so Imrahil also has a mistress...I'm interested also in Orion's role in all of this, especially with Lothy. It may be a long time before they meet but the "build-up" for their first meeting is exciting me: his assumptions about Lothy is sure to make it something to look forward to. Thanks for the update.

Author's reply

The fun thing is taking the bits Tolkien alluded to and expanding them. Yes, I mentioned Imrahil's mistress in a previous chapter - but the story is getting so long and involved she could have got missed. A few chapter to go and then --BANG! Thanks for reviewing.LBJ

Dreamflower · 23 September 2008 · Chapter 22: Chapter 22

I finally got the chance to read this for the MEFAs, and I am so intrigued and impressed with the scope of it. You created such a believable situation for Lothiriel and her family in Dol Amroth--I like to think that the men of Numenorean descent would be far more enlightened than the other men of Middle-earth in regards to things such as making political alliances by marriage, and yet, especially during Denethor's time, still have to step lightly when such topics came up. Lothiriel's reluctance to tell her family of what had really happened to her that day was plot-driven, of course, but you managed to make it a part of her character as well--the decision of a frightened child that impacted on her later life. I've also enjoyed the interspersions of Eomer's life, as you gradually draw the two of them together. This chapter was lovely to read--we are given a great many of some sorts of details about Cormallen in canon, and none at all of other sorts. Filling in the missing pieces is what makes reading Cormallen fic endlessly fascinating. I adored this part: He studied the small figures as they plodded slowly towards the three high seats, red faced and clad in rags amongst all this splendour and pageant. “Makes you think, doesn’t it,” he murmured to Aragorn. “All the trained warriors at our disposal, an armoury of fearful weapons to call on, and it took two humble hobbits to walk into Mordor.” Aragorn nodded. “Great evil has been defeated both here and in your own realm, by the bravery and tenacity of the meek and the mild. It is a lesson for us all.” As Frodo and Sam approached, the three most powerful lords in Middle-earth stood up. One of the major themes in LotR: the meek shall save the earth. I find myself looking forward to the eventual meeting of Lothiriel and Eomer, and I do hope that we will see some hobbit interaction just a little--especially with Merry and Eomer. I know the two of them had to become dear friends for Eomer to eventually summon a 102 year old Merry to his death-bed. And I wonder what Lothiriel is going to make of this king with golden hair when she finally meets him.

Author's reply

Thank you for your lovely review - it is very much appreciated. I rally wanted to show how Lothy's experiences have shaped her outlook on life. Now I have to get her to be a strong princess suitable for Eomer to make his queen. One of the major points of the story. A little bit from Merry, but he will appear again in the third part of the trilogy, which gives us insights into Eomer's long life as King. Glad you enjoyed. LBJ

whitewave · 12 September 2008 · Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Oh gosh, and the plot thickens. Wonder what will happen now that there's a new potential for Lothy, how will it complicate things remain to be seen, especially since Imrahil is a bit aware of it and Eomer and Guleth might develop feelings for each other. I felt the tension in Dol Amroth--re: the plans to flee and I definitely don't envy Elphir. I'm excited to see when Lothy and Eomer meet

Author's reply

Glad you felt the tension - that's what I wanted to show as it must have been awful for those waiting and not knowing. As for Eomer - just a passing phase - or is it? Thanks for reviewing.LBJ

Radbooks · 1 September 2008 · Chapter 20: Chapter 20

I FINALLY got caught up with this story again... I was about seven or eight chapters behind. It was wonderful to have a lot to read at once, but a lot has happened. What a wonderful story this is and I really enjoy the back and forth way it's written between Eomer and Lothiriel. They are both really well written as are the other characters, both Tolkien's and your originals. I about died when Lothiriel sneaked out of the palace! What the heck was she thinking... I know she was hurting, but I wanted to grab her and haul her back inside myself. :) It's interesting reading the thoughts and fears of those left behind who just know there is no chance they are going to overcome Sauron. It must have been horrible to wait and wait day after day... and they didn't even have t.v. to give them up to the minute details! :) You write battle scenes well - those are hard for me to do - I thought the battle in Helm's Deep was done very well. It was very poignant when the women joined Eomer and his thoughts about the fact that later how their dreams would be haunted by what they were going to do. I thought that was great insight. They needed to help, but the lasting effects would be horrible for them.

Author's reply

She did behave a bit like an idiot - but even princesses make mistakes, and it is by our experiences that we learn. One of the reasons I started this was to try and write scenes I had never tried before, so thanks for the support.LBJ

annajane · 29 August 2008 · Chapter 20: Chapter 20

I like this story a lot, Lady Bluejay, and you've done an excellent job of weaving together the stories of two young people in different places and situations. Am hoping you can bring them together soon! But meanwhile am happy to be along for the ride. (I don't know what it is that's so appealing about this pairing, but Eomer and Lothiriel really are a lot of fun to read about.)

Author's reply

Well it won't be too soon - Lothy not quite in the right mental state yet. So please be patient. Thanks for reviewing.LBJ

whitewave · 29 August 2008 · Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Thanks for the quick update, it's always a treat to read something from you. I loved the scene where Eomer and Erchi went off to pursue some orcs--sounded just like Eomer to be fired up by something like that. I also enjoyed the scene where they were talking about Arwen and think that this may have been the time when Imrahil started considering Eomer for his daughter. The scene with Elphir and his sister was most touching, my skin crawled when I read about the hemlock--I liked how you portrayed the dark thoughts and moments of those who were left behind and could only imagine how much weight must have been on Elphir's shoulders.

Author's reply

Sorry for late reply - been on a very soggy holiday in Cornwall. I think we sometimes forget how awful it must have been to be left behind not knowing what was going on - but expecting the worst. Yes, I can imagine the thought going through Imrahil's mind - long way to go yet though. Thanks for reviewing. LBJ

whitewave · 20 August 2008 · Chapter 19: Chapter 19

I'm liking the interaction between Eomer and the Dol Amroth family, sort of like an introduction to his future? I'm also getting excited to the eventual meeting of Eomer and Lothy.

Author's reply

Ha! Don't get too excited - still a way to go. But we know a lifelong friendship was formed between Imrahil and Eomer so I like to imagine he got on well with his sons. Thanks for review.LBJ

Elflingimp · 6 August 2008 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18

This chapter was just fantastic! I love the way you are putting this story together, with following the book and your own story, I had hope Lothiriel would be okay when she went out of the secret passage, I see Eomer and her coming closer and closer to meeting each other. I just can't wait for the next chapter The Imp

Author's reply

Ha! Don't expect them to meet quite yet! And I do enjoy weaving my story around the canon. Thanks for reviewing. LBJ

Pryderi · 5 August 2008 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Wow Lady Bluejay! This was fantastic (in all senses of course). Both youngsters have made blunders from which they have been reprieved (because the wind changed by whatever agency) and are now stronger as a result. I loved your extended quotes. Your intro, as I'm sure you know is featured in the PS to Tolkien's letter No 165 where he says that despite its faults his book has some merits and that "....I am most stirred by the sound of the horses of the Rohirrim at cockcrow...". The quote at the end is one of my personal favourites and one day I may expand on the little thing I have written to the effect that it is poetry not prose. Tolkien uses alliteration for serious occasions. The hobbits do not use it (I don't think). At least that is my interpretation. Your first quote has in the first line "Grond was hurled forward by huge hands". There are a lot more examples. I did not expect you to emulate this but then I read "merciless predator intent on pulling the entrails from his prey" when describing the Witch King and Mithrandir (I do hope Lothiriel meets up with him again) followed by a change to the language of ordinary people (Morgoth's balls indeed. It ought not to be allowed!). What else? Well Elphir raising the siege was a surprise to me as I suspected him to be supporting Angbor on the Pelennor. I think we must have another chapter about Derufin and Duilin and the deaths of all the other noble warriors: Grimbold, Halbarad etc. Probably already too long but just a brilliant job. Thank you. Pryderi.

Author's reply

Thank you for your lovely review. I have to admit to the passage about Gandalf facing off the Witch King to be just about my all time favorite. As for the language - LOL - I think Amroth and Eothain would describe things and speak, differently - they must have had very different upbringings. I am glad I surprised you with Elphir - I enjoyed fitting his story into the canon. You will hear more abut Duinhir and his sons, but maybe not until the next part. What happened to them is central to the plot of the second part of the trilogy. Hope you enjoy the rest. LBJ

Alquawende · 5 August 2008 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Eomer must be so glad to meet with Aragorn again. I like the idea that Aragorn and Elphir had met during the war. Another fabulous chapter! I can't wait for the next one!

Author's reply

Thank you - I like to focus on the relationship between Aragorn and Eomer - it was forged at Helm's Deep and lasted thought Eomer's life.LBJ

whitewave · 5 August 2008 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Hi! Thanks for the update. I was very anxious to see what happened with Lothy but managed to restrain myself from looking at the middle of the chapter. I wondered where Elphir was in the first few paragraphs and I'm glad I waited. I'm liking how things are progressing and wonder how Legolas perceived Lothy's distress. It's good that she emerged unscathed from all this. I enjoyed the way you fleshed out the siege of Gondor and the battle in the Pelennor fields from Amroth's and Erchir's POV. BTW, I've reviewed a number of your stories in HASA but where would you prefer me to review, here or there?

Author's reply

Hi Whitewave. I am so pleased to get reviews for this that I really don't mind where you post them - wherever you feel most comfortable. As regards Legolas - I was just playing with the idea of thought transference - he's an elf and she is fey! But he didn't see all - he just knew something was wrong in Dol Amroth.LBJ

whitewave · 26 July 2008 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17

I hope she isn't harmed! So noble of her to think of sacrificing herself but I don't think the enemy will be as honorable. Hope they meet each other soon.

Author's reply

A long way to go before they meet - she has to regain her confidence and poise! Thanks for reviewing. LBJ.

Elflingimp · 25 July 2008 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17

I cannot believe she is doing this! I just hope whoever accosted her isn't the enemy. Great chapter! Poor Lotheriel.

Author's reply

Well she is not in her right mind. Hopefully she will come through it! Thanks for rewiewing. LBJ

Pryderi · 10 July 2008 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16

I am still enjoying your story immensely and feeling rather guilty for not reviewing more zealously. I was disappointed that Lothiriel did not meet up with Seron while she was in Minas Tirith. If I have identified him correctly he was there at around about the same time. Oh Well. I do like Welwyn (and not just because I lived there as a child!). I am attracted to amazons. This is not a romance although, no doubt, it will become one and I really enjoy the tension you are building up for your two young protagonists. They have learned from their experiences which you have described so well. On Eomer's relationship with Birgit: I get the impression that some reviewers find it sordid. I do not. I like your direct approach towards sex and violence. Treating them as they are rather than as they (maybe) should be. No errant typos to report this time (unless I missed any). Pryderi.

Lialathuveril · 3 July 2008 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16

I enjoyed the last two chapters and how you showed us a side of the battle of Helm's Deep which Tolkien kept from us. It's not easy to cover the same events that the books do, but you do it really well, making them appear in a new light. Lia

Author's reply

Hi Lia, I think you know I found the battle difficult to write about. Not easy when so much is laid down. Thanks for reviewing.LBJ

Elflingimp · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16

I really admired the bravery of all the women in this chapter, I don't know if I would be capable of it,I felt Lothiriel's rage , I'll bet the mercenaries might be a little more careful now,all in all I enjoyed this chapter very much, it seems we are getting closer and closer to them meeting each other.

Author's reply

Closer - well there is a long way to go yet! And more to happen. Thanks for your review, glad you enjoyed. I felt there had to be a few brave women around. LBJ

Alquawende · 13 June 2008 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15

I wonder what Lothiriel is going to do. She's in quite the predicament right now in the story. I admire Welwyn, though I think she has an ulterior motive. How old is she anyway? At least 20? You did a very nice job in writing the battle so far at Helm's Deep. It must be difficult to not copy word for word in some cases from the actual chapter in the novel.

Author's reply

She must be about 21. Ulterior motive? I wonder - we shall see. Not an easy chapter to write - It was difficult to write the battle without totally following the book. Thanks for reviewing, much appreciated. LBJ

Raksha The Demon · 13 June 2008 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Well, the fat's in the fire now - our heroes are besieged on all fronts. Interesting to see another Shield-maiden besides Eowyn. I fear there will be another, even scarier, confrontation, between Umar and Lothiriel before too long. Hopefully, if she doesn't manage to kill him, Eomer (or Theoden, who we know killed a high-ranking Haradian on the Pelennor) will. Good and tense chapter.

Author's reply

You can bet one of them will get him! And I did feel there would be more than on Shield Maiden. What better candidate than Erkenbrand's daughter. Thanks for reviewing, Raksha. It is always appreciated. LBJ

Lialathuveril · 2 June 2008 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14

I really enjoyed seeing Éomer confront Grima, because that's one scene Tolkien unfortunately never showed us. However, you have filled in the gap very well! I can readily believe that Éomer would lose his temper when accused of angling for the throne. And also getting Éomer's reaction to the arrival of Gandalf and the three hunters was interesting. Lia

Alquawende · 31 May 2008 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14

I've been enjoying this story a lot. Can't wait for more! I have a suspicion as to why the Corsairs are coming to Dol Amroth...It's good for Eomer, and Rohan, that Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Gandalf have finally arrived and rid the country of Wormtongue. Why isn't Meren eating? Have I missed something in the previous chapters? "Meren’s bravery never in question since Elphir had rescued her from the corsairs and brought her home." The line above is, I can't help thinking, very romantic. Reminds me of a fairy tale. I don't know why, but I'm really interested in the character of Meren, even if she isn't in here a lot. Do you think you could write more about her, like in a entirely seperate story? I realize I have no reason to expect this from you though. Thanks so much for writing and please update as soon as you may!

Author's reply

Well, a short story on Meren and Elphir might be nice - if I can ever fit it in!! Meren has only lost her appetite because her husband is riding to war - enough to upset the strongest, I imagine. Glad you are enjoying. Thanks for reviewing.LBJ