On the Wings of the Storm by Lialathuveril
whitewave · 21 June 2008 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Loved the last scene! That was priceless and so the plot thickens.
Author's reply
Hello Whitewave, are you reading this backwards? Or at least reviewing it backwards ;-) Yes, the plot thickens. In a way the last scene of this chapter is a turning point, for the rabid fox will start of a chain of events that will take quite a while to play out. Lia
whitewave · 21 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Oh gosh this is so romantic! Even if the characters were not Lothy and Eomer I'd still read this! Loved reading about the tension in the banquet hall. Grima definitely deserves a flogging! :-)
Author's reply
Hello Whitewave, yes, poor Eomer having to watch his heart's lady share a meal with somebody else, even if it is his beloved cousin. But he got her back in the end! Lia
whitewave · 21 June 2008 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Can't wait to see what happens next. I absolutely detest Grima! It's great that Theodred has more than a few lines in this story and I suspect he will have a role to play still. The Eomer and Lothy scene was just so romantic.
Author's reply
Hello Whitewave, you're guessing right that Théodred still has a role to play in this story. As will Grima! I had intended to post the next chapter this week, but it's so hot here that my brain has just about melted, so I'm afraid you will have to wait a little longer. Sorry about that! Lia
daw the minstrel · 21 June 2008 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Why is it that when Eomer shows himself to be a man who knows what he wants and intends to get it, I find it attractive? But Grima is the same way and he's slime. I suppose he's sneaky and Eomer is honorable. Though I wonder how Theoden would have reacted (even if he were well) if Eomer had asked her to marry him? Would that be honorable? I guess I don't know enough about the Rohirrim to be sure. I like how physically aware of him she is.
Author's reply
Hello Daw, an interesting point. I suppose Eomer is attractive because he only intends to take what he knows Lothiriel is willing to give. Unlike Grima... As to how Théoden would have reacted when asked if Eomer could marry Lothiriel, I think that he would not have opposed the match. But it would not be solely up to him, of course, and Denethor would surely have objected. Lia
daw the minstrel · 21 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
I've been out of town and was thrilled to find two new chapters from you. Poor Eowyn is on thin ice here, politics and rivalries all around her and not much she can do to keep out of it.
Author's reply
Hello Daw, yes, not an easy time for anybody living in Edoras, I don't think. Eowyn would of course have Grima after her and Lothiriel is very far away from home and family. And things might well get worse... Lia
whitewave · 21 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Loved the first meeting scene between Lothy and Eomer! This is the first story I've come across where she goes to Rohan and I'm enjoying it immensely.
Author's reply
Hello Whitewave, you've been extremely busy with your reviews - thank you very much! This is also the first story for me that's set in the time before the war and I really enjoy having characters like Théoden and Grima appear in them. Lia
Alatriel · 20 June 2008 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Oh my, I'm starting to swoon!!!!! What a man!! Lothíriel summoned to the King this late at night, sounds very suspicious. Can't wait to see where you take this Lia. As always you have captured my imagination and I am right there with your characters in the great hall. Thank you.
Author's reply
Hello Alatriel, sorry for the late reply, but somehow reviews did not make it into my mailbox this weekend. I'm pleased to hear you feel like you're actually there in Meduseld. As for Lothiriel being summoned to see the king, I'm afraid you are right to worry. And I'm also pleased to hear you like my Eomer. Unfortunately he's already taken - and very much so ;-) Thanks for reviewing! Lia
galimeril · 20 June 2008 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Dun DUn DUN! What will happen! I'm on the edge of my seat, you gotta update, You have a gift for telling stories!
Author's reply
Hello Galimeril, oh dear, don't fall off your seat! I promise to update as soon as I can. The story is all there in my mind, it's a shame that it takes so long to get it down on paper. And thanks for the compliment! Lia
Larner · 19 June 2008 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
This midnight meeting sounds all too ominous, particularly if, as I suspect, her drink has been spiked as well as the King's. And it is Grima's agent who calls for her? Nasty! Glad she accepts that she loves Eomer already.
Author's reply
Hello Larner, yes, she might have done better to give in to her impulse and find shelter in the hall! And while she has finally admitted to herself that she loves Eomer, the obstacles separating them remain the same. Lia
Fantasia · 19 June 2008 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
I'm afraid that Grima is planning something bad for Eomer and Lothiriel, I'm suspicious of the test of her drink, which make me believe that he drugged it or something. I think that Grima is not stupid, so it is not likely that he will kidnap her, but maybe do something that compromise her position on the court...or maybe the "King" will tell her to stay away from the Marshall, I doubt it. I love the almost marriage proposal, I just loved Eomer, he sound so sincere, in love and in hope, thinking to live a peaceful live, breeding horses, in anonymous and with his beautiful princess wife...so different for his final fate, King (at least with his beautiful Queen)…I can't wait for more chapters, keep posting and thank you.
Author's reply
Hello Fantasia, you are of course quite right with your suspicions. Like you said, Grima is not stupid and he's just been publicly humiliated by Eomer. But being who he is, he prefers indirect methods to direct ones. And easy victims to accomplished warriors... And poor Eomer does not know what fate has in store for him. From what Tolkien wrote about him, he is not an ambitious man. The picture of him settling down to breed horses in welcome obscurity with his pretty wife is nice one, isn't it. A shame it will never come about. But like you said, at least he gets to marry the lady of his choosing (well, eventually). Thanks for reviewing! Lia
Alquawende · 19 June 2008 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
I have a feeling what Lothiriel is going to hear is NOT good news... Can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Alquawende, your feeling is quite justified. Of course Lothiriel was rather distracted, or she might have put two and two together herself. More soon (I hope). Lia
Linda Hoyland · 13 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Another most enjoyable chapter.I enjoyed the Yule celebrations. i enjoyed researching for a story where Eowyn tries to liven up the Gondorian festival.Poor Lothiriel sitting with Theodred when she wants to be with Eomer.I hope she enjoys her dance.
Author's reply
Hi Linda, for this chapter I also did quite a bit of research on Yule celebrations. It's interesting how many different customs there are, many of them involving fires to celebrate days getting longer again, so I borrowed from that. And Lothiriel will enjoy her dance, but of course the night is not over yet... Lia
galimeril · 11 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Very Pretty, I like the word game, and thanks for including Theodred, he doesn't get nearly enough lovin! I can't wait to hear more of this story, I love Eomer/Lotheriel stories! Have a Happy Summer!
Author's reply
Hello Galimeril, it's true there are not all that many Théodred stories. But then it's a bit heartbreaking to write about somebody you know will die. I feel sorry for him myself! And I had fun including that word game, it's good to hear you liked it. A Happy Summer to you as well! Lia
Fantasia · 11 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
This is a great story, I have been a loyal reader of all your previous ones, but I'm very lazy with my reviews. Anyway, this one is very different, and I like that idea of them knowing each other before the war. I was wandering if she will be still there when Boromir stop in Edoras in his way to Rivendell, it will be interesting to see the cousins together in the Rohir court. Will she be there too when Eomer is send to the dungeons? I will think that his father will ask her to return after the battle of Osgilath (can not spell that name) Waiting for more, and I want you to know that I really enjoy your stories.
Author's reply
Hello Fantasia, Boromir actually passed through Rohan the previous July, so Lothiriel won't meet him. The Fellowship sets out from Rivendell around this time and will be in Rohan by the end of February, which is quite soon really (I had to make an exact timetable to keep track of events!). And I'm keeping this close to canon, so Lothiriel won't be directly involved in any of the events described in the books, but she will nevertheless witness a few important ones. Anyway, I'm pleased to hear that you enjoy my stories. And thanks for reviewing - all authors really appreciate that! Lia
Queens Reader · 10 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Another wonderful chapter! Thank you so much Lia; it made my day to find your latest post.
Author's reply
Hello Queens Reader, And I am pleased to hear I made your day! It's nice to know my story is read and appreciated. Lia
Larner · 9 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Oh, I WONDER what's annoying Eomer? Seeing the woman he desires sharing a platter with his cousin, no matter how deep the love and respect between them, must be adding to it. Wonderful, the use of "kennings."
Author's reply
Hello Larner, well, it must be galling to have all his hard work go for nothing. But as Hyarmendacil said in 'The Art of War': The successful general regroups quickly! And I stumbled across kennings while researching Anglo-Saxon poetry for a Rohirric song, so I was rather pleased to be finally able to use them here. Lia
Alquawende · 9 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
This was a very nice chapter! The emotions are played out perfectly. I like the personality that you gave Theodred a lot. It's sad to know that he's killed... Please update soon and thanks so much for writing!
Author's reply
Hello Alquawende, I feel bad about Théodred's death myself. I see him as a man very much dedicated to the protection of his people. So much so that he doesn't even particularly notice a pretty woman sitting next to him (unlike his cousin...). Lia
Klose · 30 May 2008 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Foaming disease, yikes - and yes, this is still a problem in many rural areas and this incident is completely believable. The tension of the last bit was very well portrayed, I was very much gripping my seat and wanting everyone to stop doubting Lothiriel! Indeed, having just caught up with the last three chapters, the overall tension is escalating very nicely with the 'real' timeline. Your ideas and scences (like the kite and the ice-skating) and wonderful and original, and the characters and dialogue just as much so - very much still enjoying this story. It really is perfect for warm summernight reading! :) Looking forward to updates, as usual!
Author's reply
Hello Klose, I read up on rabies for this chapter and have to say it's a horrible disease. Where I grew up, there used to be signs warning us not to touch any dead foxes (not that we ever saw any). And the tension will of course escalate more and more - I'm by no means finished yet ;-) As to why so many hobbies of mine find a way into this particular story, I don't know, but it was fun incorporating them. And also fun to write a more light-hearted moment for this couple, for the times are pretty grim after all. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the story! Lia
Catharina · 28 May 2008 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Great story! Keep on writing, I really like the idea with the fox, just brilliant!
Author's reply
Hello Catharina, thank you! We were always warned about rabid foxes in the woods when I was little, so I suppose that's where I got the idea from. Lia
Larner · 28 May 2008 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
And one wonders how a fox with rabies happened to be there just at that time? Having written rabies into one of my stories, I tend to be suspicious! Lovely description of iceskating.
Author's reply
Hello Larner, that's funny, that you wrote rabies into one of your stories as well! But I think it was just coincidence that the fox should be there and luckily Lothiriel recognized the symptoms. And I seem to weave a lot of my hobbies into this particular story - ice skating is another one! Lia
Larner · 28 May 2008 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Oh, I DON'T like Grima's plotting--not at all! And he's so obvious about it in some ways! The kites are such a wonderful idea, and the thought of the "butchered" nightgowns has me smiling. As for this gift and the gift of a bodyguard--she HAS caught more than just his eye, I suspect! Now, as to how she becomes queen of this land.....
Author's reply
Hello Larner, the kites are a bit of a hobby of mine, though I never thought I would use them in a story - until I got the idea for this one. And I think I'm not giving any secrets away when I agree that she has caught more than just his eye - probably from the very beginning. But they've still got a long way ahead of them. Lia
Linda Hoyland · 28 May 2008 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
I just loved the skating and felt like I was there watching,you described it so vividly. Thank Goodness, Lothiriel shot the rabid fox before it could bite anyone!
Author's reply
Hello Linda, I've gone ice-skating every winter since I was a little girl, also on frozen lakes. So when I got this idea, it was fun to do some research on medieval skates and incorporate a scene into the story. And a rabid fox would have been quite frightening, wouldn't it! Lia
Larner · 28 May 2008 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Ah, I love the irony of that last statement! Heh!
Author's reply
Well, Lothiriel has a few surprises ahead of her!
Larner · 28 May 2008 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Ah, the silly innocent act! And it worked! Excellent. So, it's by drugs as well as by insinuation that the King is kept sedated and depressed? Interesting that no one is willing to take the proper investigation further....
Author's reply
Hello Larner, you've been busy reading - thanks for all your comments! My theory in this story is that it's by a combination of drugs and misinformation/insinuation that Wormtongue gets his hold on King Théoden. Difficult to prove of course, especially if the king gets worse whenever his councillor isn't there to look after him. Lia
phyloxena · 27 May 2008 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Great fun to read. Lothiriel is gentle but gutsy (we know she comes from a remarkable family), and Eomer is a mensch enough to appreciate both qualities. I am a little bit frustrated that Eowyn appears so ordinary and bloodthirsty. But perhaps she copes with her troubles in her fashion.
Author's reply
Hello Phyloxena, yes, Lothiriel is probably more courageous than she gives herself credit for, but Eomer does realize it. I didn't really mean Eowyn to come across as bloodthirsty, but I do believe that she would really have enjoyed a day's hunting as a way to get away from the very constricted life she leads while looking after her sick uncle. Thanks for reviewing! Lia