Smoke & Mirrors by Lialathuveril

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curiouswombat · 15 August 2016 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Aha! I remember thinking, back at the beginning almost, that she had been in love with Boromir - or perhaps just hero-worshipped him; I am pleased to think he might have seen her in that light too. But how good to see this pair finally talking to each other, listening to each other, and finally understanding each other - even with poor Lothiriel's slight detour on the understanding thing! I am really hoping that it really is still in progress and we have another chapter to go (or more - I wouldn't object!) because it is always sad to come to the end of such a good story.

Author's reply

Yes, it started probably very much as hero-worship on Lothiriel's part - as she has come to realise herself. What would have come of it, who knows? And sorry about that final misunderstanding, I just couldn't resist (but then you know me!). As for being still in progress, there will be an epilogue set some time later to tie up the last few loose ends, but that's it. In a way I'm also sad to let them go, but then the deserve to enjoy their happy ending now. Lia

Kath · 15 August 2016 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Oh, they negotiated the smoke and mirrors at last! Thank you, I have SO enjoyed these stories! I really liked your version of Eomer and Lothirial was one fiesty lady! Didn't guess that the long lost love would be Boromir! Thank you for including Aragorn, if only in a bit part! A lovely ending, but sad it's finished. WRITE MORE!

Author's reply

Yes, they finally smashed through the smoke and mirrors ;-D I'm pleased to hear you liked this version of Eomer and Lothiriel and I will definitely write more, though I've also got a few original writing projects in the works that I want to finish first. As for this story, there is an epilogue to come. Lia

UTfrog · 14 August 2016 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Lovely. So very sweet.

Author's reply

Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

Radbooks · 14 August 2016 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Wonderful! I'm really enjoying this. I liked that you had Boromir be the missing man in her life as cousins often married in olden days. :)

Author's reply

Thanks! It was an idea I had a long time ago. I could quite easily see a young Lothiriel hero-worshipping Boromir and then perhaps he suddenly sees her as a woman and falls in love with her.

Larner · 10 August 2016 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14

I think I'd be a bit afraid of him myself at that moment. Now, to actually begin COMMUNICATING! Love the mixed feelings he's experiencing--so true to life! And love the agreements being reached by the Dunlending "queen mum" and Lothiriel. Her father has prepared her well for her current position.

Author's reply

Yes, communication is the key between these two, isn't it. But Eomer is determined to have it out this time, so there's hope they'll finally struggle through the thickets of misunderstandings ;-) Thanks for reviewing!

curiouswombat · 9 August 2016 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Well yes, Éomer, I rather think you could be jealous... now try to be calm and talk nicely!

Author's reply

At least he's done the right thing and went outside for fresh air - now let's just hope he can build on that...

Sitaray · 9 August 2016 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14

ahhh...how could you leave us there! More Lothriel doing what she thought best and getting no credit from her husband and king...can't wait for the next chapter!

Author's reply

Now you're making me feel guilty! But I promise that the next chapter won't be too long. And I think that Eomer does give her credit for what she's done, but he finds it difficult to admit. Men ;-)

Tinara · 9 August 2016 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Wow, what a cliff-hanger! I`m so waiting for him to finally find some words for his turbulent emotions! And I have the impression that Lothiriel will understand better than he hopes. I guess I'll just have to reread the story to while away the time to the next update ;-) Tinara

Author's reply

Sorry about the cliff-hanger! But at least you know that I'm a reliable updater and perhaps the next chapter will finally have Eomer battle through the smoke and mirrors. Thanks for reading!

Linda Hoyland · 4 August 2016 · Chapter 9: Chapter 10

Poor Eomer, I hope the battle goes better fpr him than this last day at home.

Author's reply

He probably finds coping with battle easier than domestic problems, so hopefully it will!

Tinara · 2 August 2016 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Hi, I'm enjoying your latest story very much - quite the different and highly entertaining take on their story! I rather like the twist with the Dunlendings, and I'm looking forward to some more stumbling around and beating the bushes before both will (hopefully?) find the courage to talk about their feeligs!

Author's reply

Hi Tinara, thank you! It's quite different from my other scenarios, isn't it - usually I end with their getting married and here that's the starting point. And I have hopes that Eomer might in the near future finally dare to speak the truth. He's a brave man after all ;-)

curiouswombat · 1 August 2016 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Well he is, sort of, getting there! She has certainly learnt how to at least make him pause in his headlong ride into situations. I wonder if it is the Dunlendings camp that Dordes is talking about when she says her mistress only acted with the very best intentions - or whether there is something else he has yet to learn of, as well...

Author's reply

Well, maybe she's also got a slight tendency to ride headlong into situations, so in a way they're evenly matched! And yes, Dordes was worried about the Dunlendings. As I see it, not everybody in Edoras would necessarily agree with Lothiriel's decision. Lia

Larner · 31 July 2016 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13

She is right, and I'm glad he did capitulate after all. Too bad about his kahva going cold though--I do that with my cocoa fairly regularly, and it's not necessarily as good once it's been reheated.

Author's reply

Maybe Dordes will take pity on him and brew a fresh cup, hoping it might put him in a better mood! She seems a bit less sanguine about the whole Dunlending business than her mistress.

UTfrog · 31 July 2016 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Just love the way she manipulates him!

Author's reply

I'm not sure she's doing it consciously, but she's certainly getting her way ;-)

curiouswombat · 26 July 2016 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Ah Éomer - Arwen has you figured out, even before you really have yourself - and I'm pretty sure that Arwen has you figured before your own wife does. I do love stories with letters in - but that ** Éomer, I regret to inform you that I have not conceived. ** not only speaks of her own sadness, and possibly frustration, but as if she still feels it was the main reason he married her... and still is. What's the betting he will shout at her, partly in relief, when he sees her, and will then be allowed to see nothing but the smoke and mirrors of his wife again?

Author's reply

I have the feeling that all their friends have this pair figured out before they themselves have! As for Lothiriel not having conceived yet, it's of course not only their personal frustration but also the pressure of having to provide an heir for the Mark... But he's got a long ride ahead of him now to calm down ;-)

Sitaray · 26 July 2016 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12

awww...poor Eomer....losing your heart when you thought it safe....I hope he finds the same with his Queen!

Author's reply

Perhaps they might arrange a fair exchange of hearts ;-)

Larner · 24 July 2016 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Hooray! He's finally accepting how dear she's become to him, and is planning to return to her side as soon as possible! About time! Now, to see the reunion....

Author's reply

Yes, one big step forward! However, you can probably guess that it won't be all plain sailing to the happy end, even if it's not that far away...

Freyalyn · 24 July 2016 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Oh dear, poor Eomer. But he's rather giving the impression,to me at least, and probably to Lothiriel when he catches up with her, that he wants to lock her in a tower somewhere and never let her out to make her own decisions and live her own life. He'd better get that sorted out soon...

Author's reply

Poor Eomer, he does rather give that impression, doesn't he. But then it's hard for him to let go when he's lost so many people in his life. He'll probably never quite get over that, but hopefully he will learn to trust in Lothiriel's judgement.

Linda Hoyland · 23 July 2016 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

It is good to see Lothiriel relax at last. "He groaned inwardly. Would it be any use to point out that in his opinion she looked best when not wearing anything at all?" I thought Lothiriel always insisted on being in the dark? A very enjoyable chapter.

Author's reply

Hmm, I suppose you have a point! But then Eomer might just be using his imagination here ;-D Glad to hear you enjoyed the chapter!

Larner · 19 July 2016 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11

He is safe and even coddled, and more curious than ever about his wife. Good! Now, to return to her and to share with her his delight in her anticipation of the needs for her husband and their men! Now, I think he's seeing the first signs that her earliest fascination wasn't for Faramir, at least.

Author's reply

Very much coddled ;-) And it's true, he's learnt a few more important facts about her past, though the most important one is still to be revealed. Thanks for reviewing and more soon!

UTfrog · 19 July 2016 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11

This continues to be an excellent story. I love the eggs, milk and coffee. I fear Arwen and Eowyn will need to take lessons or be teased forever.

Author's reply

Thanks! But perhaps instead Aragorn and Faramir should take lessons from Eomer of how to be pampered ;-D

curiouswombat · 19 July 2016 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Oh well done Lothiriel! Nothing outrageous about those supplies - just organisation and efficiency :) And a peak into her past there for Éomer, which adds as much mystery as it makes things clearer.

Author's reply

As Napoleon said, an army marches on its stomach ;-) And at least you now know why she doesn't like the sea, even if she's still a bit of an enigma, especially to her husband!

Radbooks · 18 July 2016 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Really enjoying this story!! Thanks for sharing it with us!

Author's reply

Thanks! I'm pleased to hear you're enjoying the ride!

whitewave · 18 July 2016 · Chapter 9: Chapter 10

Sorry for the late review, I enjoyed this one as well and because of this chapter, I feel all the more excited to read what will happen when they meet in person again.

Author's reply

No need to apologise! They won't meet for another chapter however, although Eomer will get news from Lothiriel soon. Thanks for reviewing!

whitewave · 18 July 2016 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11

He is so obviously in love with her and I am so excited for them to meet each other again soon. She is such a competent administrator too, I enjoyed the banter of the men about Eomer's chickens and supplies.

Author's reply

I enjoyed writing the banter too. His friends are probably wondering what exactly he's done to deserve all those comforts ;-D

Freyalyn · 18 July 2016 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Lovely little bits of Lothiriel's history - was she perhaps not too happy with her family anyway? Has Eomer got hold of the wrong end of the stick again? Excellent storytelling, as ever

Author's reply

Well, she's had losses of her own and as Faramir said, her mother's death hit her hard. Somebody else compared the story to a puzzle and Eomer has just been handed one of the pieces - what he'll make of it, we'll see.