Destiny's Child by Mirkwoodmaiden
shirebound · 2 August 2025 · Chapter 30: At Twilight...
I like seeing Éowyn through Merry's eyes and insight. But augh, that Grima! His presence penetrates even Éowyn's dreams.
Author's reply
Shirebound!! It is the beauty of gap filling fan fiction. We can try to see more of the story filtered through Tolkien's own words and imagine more of his world. And Grima, like a grease stain, is hard to get rid of!! But he will eventually leave. (((Hugs))) MM
Lindelea · 19 July 2025 · Chapter 29: "Tell me..."
p.s. Thank you, I'm feeling much better today!
Author's reply
Yeah!!!! (((hugs))) MM
Lindelea · 19 July 2025 · Chapter 29: "Tell me..."
MM! I'm thinking the absence of a chapter title is deliberate, as the emptiness following the chapter number flows perfectly into the text, "Nothing". Bless Holdlith for knowing exactly what is needed, and providing it with love and empathy and understanding. (And the thought just crossed my mind that I'm so thankful that Gríma is out of her life, and their paths will never cross again. ...but I wonder if Wormtongue will appear in the form of one of the dark voices in her dream before Aragorn heals her of the Black Breath, telling her among other things that Éomer has been slain? Come to think of it, she says here that Aragorn has ridden away to his death, and I think she won't know he's alive until he heals her... is that right? And even in the healing scene, he must seem like no more than a dream to her, for he leaves the room before she awakens, and then he goes to the Black Gate.) One of the things I love about your writing are the intricate details, such as "the tick in her left thumb". Sometimes the simple acts of life can pull you forward regardless of whether or not you think you can. Words of wisdom. Foot by foot, as Pippin will tell Merry not long from now. I love Gamwyn's dry observation of the proper way to obtain the benefit of porridge, and Gamhelm's response! The connection between them is beautifully drawn. (I have to say, I really like Lord Erthain too.) Was I ever that young? made me chuckle. So true to life. I laughed at Elfhelm's "bodysnatcher" moment with Saelith. I'll say. LOL! Gandalf must have a reputation for knowing more than he lets on, I think. Well done! The pace is picking up, and soon the story will be galloping along, I think. (((hugs))) Lin
Author's reply
Lin! Hello! I have just returned from a trip to the Central California coast. We escape the heat of San Joaquin Valley (100F) to enjoy the cool sea breezes. Ahhh. The only problem with vacations is that you have to come back...sigh! So glad you are feeling better. I would like to take credit for the Artistic Flourish of there being no title but alas it was only a computer glitch, but having said that I may consider the idea! I am so glad that Holdlith was there! LOL As Tolkien says when writing characters nudge him and they then appear in the story. (I have been reading a lot about Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and their writing process lately!) I knew Eowyn was going to need support so I wrote the characters which out any real notion of how they would be there for her in later chapters. It has worked out marvelously! :-)) We all need these people in our lives. Must dash to work! more at break! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: Lin! (part two) I have to write about the Black Breathe but Grima might actually figure... "One of the things I love about your writing are the intricate details, such as "the tick in her left thumb"." I try to imagine the scene and point out little details that will help paint the scene for the reader! I'm happy to see that is noticed! "Sometimes the simple acts of life can pull you forward regardless of whether or not you think you can. Words of wisdom. Foot by foot, as Pippin will tell Merry not long from now." I have found this to be true! "I love Gamwyn's dry observation of the proper way to obtain the benefit of porridge, and Gamhelm's response! The connection between them is beautifully drawn." Thanks! Theirs is a long-time relationship and they are very settled but in a good, comfortable way. Their conversation give depth to their relation in only a few words. I have to say that Erithain has long been a favourite character. You know I included Saelith as a fly-in-the-ointment character in these later chapters, but she just matured before my eyes!! As Elfhelm says "I'll say!" That Gandalf...always keeping secrets! LOL! Thanks again! (((hugs))) MM
shirebound · 12 July 2025 · Chapter 29: "Tell me..."
Sometimes the simple acts of life can pull you forward regardless of whether or not you think you can So true, my friend. That's a very encouraging thought.
Author's reply
Shirebound! Hello! Thanks for writing! I have sometimes when distraught focus on what you can handle and just keep going. Eowyn has some tough times still to come... Thanks! (((hugs))) MM
shirebound · 3 July 2025 · Chapter 28: If not her heart...
Farewell.”* he ended softly. As he spoke, Éowyn could only hear the sound of a key turning on a lock. What a beautiful and moving chapter.
Author's reply
Shirebound! Thanks! It wasn't an easy chapter to write. Neither I or Aragorn relished breaking Eowyn's heart... The cage she thinks is closing. Very hard time for her. Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM
Lindelea · 2 July 2025 · Chapter 28: If not her heart...
MM! Another lovely chapter! Hurrah! This was something I'd never thought of before, that deep down, he didn't want to take others on that Path: He looked at his companions knowing with regret that none of them would be staying. No words would shift them from their appointed path, to follow him. “But I shall take the Paths of the Dead, alone if need be.” He voiced these last words hopelessly for none would forsake him. Does he have a foretelling of the deaths that lie beyond that door, even as Halbarad describes for himself? Éowyn stores away Aragorn's mention of Rivendell (and his unspoken thoughts of Arwen) for future reference. I wonder what she'll be thinking when she first sees Arwen? (I think I remember from your other stories that they become good friends!) So many were watching out for his daughter. I so love the fierce and dedicated loyalty Éowyn inspires in her people. And the conversation between Gamhelm and Aragorn fits perfectly, IMO! It seems that Gamhelm's filling in of the background will be invaluable when the time comes for her healing of the Black Breath. She was so tired of it all ... [she] looked for a chair so that her old friend could be more comfortable. So characteristic! Even in her exhaustion, she's looking out for others (and not looking out for herself; it's a good thing that others are looking out for her!). She just hoped that that someone would realise what a treasure he would be getting. Oh! Oh, yes. I have to say, the Faramir/Éowyn fanfics I've read in the last few months (including yours) have done an excellent job of showing Faramir's realisation of Éowyn's inestimable worth. Oh, poor Holdlith! To have such a vision! But I'm glad for the hopeful ending where she sees Faramir. Does she ever get to meet him? Éowyn had to choose her own path and not allow visions to choose it for her. Indeed. What a difficult moment for both of them, when she begs to accompany him and he must refuse her. Is it possible that his perspective helps him out here...? He's in his late 80s, and Éowyn is in her early 20s, I think? And I also wonder if he had to fend off other young women during the 60-some years when he was travelling all over Middle-earth, even under different names? ...but I think Éowyn is too young and inexperienced to understand, even if he tried to offer more of an explanation than he did in the book (and this chapter). You've done a wonderful job of weaving the dialogue from the book into this chapter! I'm looking forward to seeing more of what happens through Éowyn's eyes... and, of course, Merry (my favourite hobbit!) will also be a part of the upcoming chapters since he will also be left behind and will want to "follow like a hound"! So I'm looking forward to seeing their conspiracy play out, and at what point Merry will realise that Dernhelm is Éowyn. (I think you might have mentioned it earlier, but I can't recall for sure.) (((hugs))) Lin
Author's reply
Lin! Hello! So Glad you liked it!! I do think that Aragorn would per that he could take the path alone and not endanger those that he loves, but those that love him won't let travel this path alone. If I retained the ability to write angst like I used to then possibly some would die or perhaps come to close to it but I just can't do it anymore. Rest assured no more than those that already die will die. Yeah...Eowyn is putting the Rivendell comment in the back of her mind as sheer out of sheer self-preservation. She really can't think of what that means right now. And Yes they do become friends, close friends, but that also after Eowyn has met and fallen in love with Faramir. She is happy within herself. Must dash! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: Part II, I was falling asleep last night and couldn't properly finish my response. So here I am next morning. I am going to rewrite portions "Leaving Home; Coming Home" which is about Faramir and Eowyn's wedding and when in my timeline Eomer meets Lothiriel with characters that didn't exist yet such as Gamhelm, Gamwen, Holdlith and Halaf and his family. They didn't exist when I wrote "Leaving Home," but they have become very important in Eowyn's life and I really feel they need to be in "Leaving home" So at some point I feel they will meet. Aragorn's heart belongs to Arwen. And yes I'm sure he has had fend off the occasional ardent village lass! LOL! In reading the explanation he gives Eowyn about her Uncle and brother you can read into it that he is tempted by her spirit but falls back on he can't because he almost would if he could. "You've done a wonderful job of weaving the dialogue from the book into this chapter!" The weaving wasn't easy. I used it only when I absolutely had to. Thanks though! I'm glad it reads well. To answer your question, Merry will know pretty quick that it is Eowyn and they will willing co-conspirators for the entire journey. Glad you liked it! It wasn't easy to write! Onwards!! (((hugs))) MM
Lindelea · 20 June 2025 · Chapter 27: A little kindness never goes amiss
MM! I'm so glad to see this new chapter posted! So many things to love... I love the banter sprinkled throughout the chapter, from the "educated guess" to "I can't take you anywhere!" Ah, Halbarad. It's nice to catch a glimpse of this stalwart warrior who gave his all for the Promise. The growing friendship between Legolas and Gimli is clear to see here. "a little in love with you"... I suspect Gamhelm is right. "Erithain, son of Dirhael": I was disoriented for a moment on reading he was an older man until I realized I've been reading about him 80-some years earlier in your other story! I'm assuming it's the same person, and I'm so excited to see him again! (But I'm also biting my nails – or trying not to – as I remember what happens to Halbarad not too long from now.) At that moment she wanted to kill both of them. That sounds very true to life. And I love her threatening the visitors with supper in the stables cavern, or maybe no supper. Oh dear. Éowyn is going to be so upset by Aragorn's simple statement that ends the chapter. (((hugs))) Lin
Author's reply
Lin! Yes the next chapter is going to be very painful for Eowyn and also Aragorn who does not want to break her heart.AND therefore very difficult for me to write as I have grown very fond of the two. Alas! But in this chapter I happily found moments of companionship and some Joy. I could just hear Orlando Bloom and John Rhys-Davis when writing their banter!! Fun!! And yes I do think that Gamhelm IS right. Her riders are all a little in love with Eowyn. She kicks ass in battle and protects them and their feelings as much as she can and is pretty. Of course. Alas they do not know of her cooking disability. Alas! (Thankfully Faramir as Prince of Ithilien can hire cooks!) If this were a lighter portion of the story it would be fun to have their loved one tease both Eowyn and Elladan about their cooking disabilities. Maybe a small one-off? I will ponder it. Yes. It is Erithain, Aragorn's uncle. Actually it was you currently reading both "Destiny's Child" and "Heir Apparent" that made me think that Erithain could very possibly be part of the Grey Company. Dunedain live long long lives. And of course as his uncle and still regent throughout the years of Aragorn's wanderings Erithain will be there. Though he won't be killed but the angst at seeing his brethren killed is going to go hard on him. "At that moment she wanted to kill both of them. That sounds very true to life. And I love her threatening the visitors with supper in the stables cavern, or maybe no supper." Oh definitely! No matter how much you love them, there are ALWAYS times that you want to kill them! LOL!!! "Oh dear. Éowyn is going to be so upset by Aragorn's simple statement that ends the chapter." Yeah...I normally don't end chapters with clangers as big as this one, but it just seemed to end with that sentence. I write with only the vaguest of notions of what is going to shape a chapter and I basically just write until I find my ending, which makes for some pretty long chapters sometimes. LOL!! Thanks so much for writing! (((hugs))) MM
shirebound · 17 June 2025 · Chapter 27: A little kindness never goes amiss
It's delightful to read the way Éowyn perceives these guests, and the way they perceive her. Beautifully written, my friend.
Author's reply
Shirebound! Thank you so much! my friend and faithful reviewer:-))). I try to think about how each character would think and perceive. I'm so happy it came through!!! (((Hugs))) MM
Lindelea · 23 May 2025 · Chapter 26: The Everpresent Wound
Your wonderful descriptions make me feel as if I'm right there, seeing through Éowyn's eyes. Who knew that history lessons would prove useful. Ah, the short-sightedness of youth! The feeling of protection is interesting. I am intrigued... Who or what is responsible for it? Gamhelm chimed in looking about one of the storage rooms, “Well! We may not have a lot to eat but with all this mead and wine, I don’t think that we will care nearly as much!” He reminds me of my hobbits when the crops failed, saying they'd be fine as long as the brandy held out... Well at least Éowyn has enough sense to tell someone where she's headed! (Unlike the Faramir/Éowyn-in-Ithilien story I'm hoping someone will write where they neglect that little precaution since it's just a picnic and they'll be right back...) I was thinking that three wavy lines might indicate water, somehow. (p.s. was it in Dunharrow where Gimli found the Glittering Caves? Or was it Helm's Deep? My memory is rusty. I just remember him insisting that Legolas needed to come with him to see it.) I have to laugh at Éowyn drinking and pretending to choke, even though I would not find it funny in real life, but that's just me. I also remember reading a novel where a couple get lost in a cave network and drink the cave water and get very sick, I don't remember why. It's also interesting to see the positive changes resulting from this perilous situation. It reminds me of a nonfiction book I read last month about how a sense of community comes out of a disaster. The chapters on the San Francisco earthquake in the early 1900s were particularly fascinating, as well as the descriptions and interviews that emerged from the Twin Towers aftermath. Alas, poor Éowyn. When will she find inner peace? (Rhetorical question, of course.)
Author's reply
Lin! Thanks for writing. I'm sorry I haven't written sooner I was out of town at a gaming convention. It was fun, but busy. "The feeling of protection is interesting. I am intrigued... Who or what is responsible for it?" I was reading through the Tolkien Gateway website and I came upon this passages, "The Drúedain are known to have carved statues in their own likeness, which could watch over places and could be animated by their crafter to attack invaders in Beleriand in the First Age.[5]" So I just extrapolated a little bit that while the spell now is defunct a residual protection is felt by those who had never hunted the Druedain and who also made Dunharrow their refuge as well. "Gamhelm chimed in looking about one of the storage rooms, “Well! We may not have a lot to eat but with all this mead and wine, I don’t think that we will care nearly as much!” He reminds me of my hobbits when the crops failed, saying they'd be fine as long as the brandy held out..." LOL! I had to look it up as well. The Glittering Caves are under Helm's Deep. I couldn't resist Eowyn teasing Gamhelm with the choking. My hubby raised the same point about the water, so I changed it to rippling so it wasn't stagnant water. And I made the creative decision that this water was from a underground spring! In times of war, some people see and experience things differently, Saelith is one of these people. Positive reinforcement from the people in Upbourn have caused her to look anew at things and it has remained a positive change. And also people grow into their roles. This has happened for the Apprentice Riders. And in times of trouble, most people do pull together. Éowyn now has felt useful and doesn't want that feeling to stop....Will she find happiness...? :-D As was said in the old serials...Stay Tuned!! (((hugs))) MM
shirebound · 22 May 2025 · Chapter 26: The Everpresent Wound
What a marvelous tour you're giving us, I feel I can see everything so clearly.
Author's reply
Shirebound! Thanks!! I do try! Thanks so much for writing! (((hugs))) MM
PSW · 4 May 2025 · Chapter 24: “I ask that we come together as People of the Mark.”
Little by little, their rivalry and enmity will wear away. It’s unfortunate that others were there to hear them - but then again maybe it both forced them a little farther together than they might have been willing to go otherwise…
Author's reply
PSW! Yes!! Exactly! In the face of such upheaval, petty childhood grievances pale in comparison. Even Saelith, as self absorbed as she has always been, begins to see this. A threat of humiliation (strapped the slowest horse) didn't phase her but Haere thinking she is somehow less than perfect did, and Eowyn sees that and feels for her and pities her. Revelations in times of war. And yes an audience probably help them along this path. Saelith like Lobelia Sackville Baggins will be soon, is cheered accepting Eowyn's extended hand. She had received approval for reaching beyond her own viewpoint. She choose to reach out and not to put on airs and received fervent approval for it. It has set her on a new path of thinking. Again revelations in times of war. Eowyn also is letting go. Seeing life differently. All is changing and will never be the same. Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM
Lindelea · 2 May 2025 · Chapter 25: “I will always protect you!”
This may well happen! Hmmm! (Is it possible to jump up and down while sitting on an office chair? If so, that would be me. If not, at the very least, I am bouncing up and down.) (((hugs))) Lin (!)
Author's reply
wee-hee! Something happy and frivolous!! (((Hugs))) MM
Lindelea · 1 May 2025 · Chapter 25: “I will always protect you!”
MM! I am so glad to find this chapter today! There are so many parts I love, I will have to try hard not to quote the entire chapter... Gamhelm as a father-of-need and his daughter-of-the-heart, and "But you cannot hide your heart from those who love you." What a tender scene; it shows how Éowyn has others who watch over her, just as she watches over her people. But how they must have fretted and grieved and worried when Wormtongue was in control! I'm so glad he's gone... (And I'm glad that Gamhelm and his wife survived Wormtongue's reign.) Éowyn's weeping reminded me of something I read a long time ago about the chemical composition of tears and how it differs; if I'm remembering right, tears of fear are different from tears of grief or anger or after undergoing stress. She has likely kept so many emotions bottled up inside; hopefully her weeping will bring a sense of release and relief. Gamwyn's loving care is also beautifully portrayed. Saelith is falling under Éowyn's spell! (And it's so telling that Éowyn hasn't a clue what it's all about...) And Éowyn is her uncle's niece... I'm glad they have rope! The cliff rescue(s) and flashback brought back memories of my youth. When I was young and foolish, I sometimes free-climbed without a rope. Somehow, I couldn't imagine falling because I always kept a good grip on the rock, instinctively anchoring three holds while moving one hand (or foot) at a time. When I was in college, I learned about climbing with a rope and rappelling down. (I learned recently that "abseiling" is the term used more commonly in the UK; isn't that interesting?) When I had my first child, something changed (Does pregnancy affect the inner ear? I don't know.) – my sense of balance was never the same after that, and climbing wasn't fun anymore. So the fearless young ones in the flashback feel very familiar to me. The repetition of "I will always protect you" was powerful and heart-rending (because Éomer obviously could not keep that promise because... life happens) and touching. And yes, Éowyn is eminently logical ("I am the lightest one") as well as brave. And now, for some reason, I am wishing for a story where post-War Éowyn climbs a tree in Ithilien to rescue one of Pippin's small children who climbed too high and forgot how to climb down... (((hugs))) You have left me smiling. Thank you for this lovely chapter in the middle of their desperate situation. Lin
Author's reply
Lindelea!! So happy to see your review. It got me through the last part of the day knowing I had your review waiting for me! "And now, for some reason, I am wishing for a story where post-War Éowyn climbs a tree in Ithilien to rescue one of Pippin's small children who climbed too high and forgot how to climb down..." This may well happen! Hmmm! Interesting I did not know this about tears... I figure Eowyn needs someone who she can speak honestly and without pretense and Gamhelm, Gamwyn and Holdlith were there! Otherwise the stress would get to her. I love writing scenes where the shields come down and people are just taking care of each other. About Saelith, I think that after the shouting match in the last chapter and Eowyn sees Saelith's fear about Haere not thinking she is perfect, she is a little more understanding of Saelith. And Saelith being cheered for her actions in accepting Eowyn's apology is something of a relevation for her. Most people are not evil they are projects of their own upbringing. Maybe there is hope, at least some for Saelith. I had to display some reason that Eowyn would be able to rescue Hathain and the flashback just kinda wrote itself. I also did a lot of rock climbing as a kid! I loved it! the hills around a lake just outside my town. God I loved climbing. For some reason my inner ear changed I couldn't really do it anymore. And I never had kids. Hmmm! Bizarre. But after Eomund died I imagined that the kids used to slip their minders a lot just to be alone. I am glad the repetition of "I will protect you always!" resonated with you. It was my goal. After the flashback Eowyn's first words were "I need four strong men!" I continually think, "Don't we all, or at least one strong man!" ;-) "You have left me smiling. Thank you for this lovely chapter in the middle of their desperate situation." I needed a lovely chapter because next chapter (I'm thinking) Aragorn is going to have to break Eowyn's heart that will lead to her wanting to die on the Pelannor Fields. It's going to be rough! But soon Faramir!!! Thanks for all the lovely words! (((hugs))) MM
shirebound · 1 May 2025 · Chapter 25: “I will always protect you!”
you cannot hide your heart from those who love you. So true, and such a lovely thing to say. So many of the Great Deeds of LOTR are achieved through the love of one person for another, or for the love of one person for his or her home.
Author's reply
Shirebound! Thank you for writing! And yes it is so true. So much is achieved because of love not anger or ambition. So many of the characters are motivated by love. It might be why Tolkien has such fervent fans and enduring appeal. Thanks! (((hugs))) MM
Lindelea · 10 April 2025 · Chapter 24: “I ask that we come together as People of the Mark.”
My hubbie says like Tolkien I never met a word I didn't like! Hah. Kindred spirits. I'm awfully long-winded, I'm afraid, and when I'm tired I ramble dreadfully. (((hugs)))
Lindelea · 9 April 2025 · Chapter 24: “I ask that we come together as People of the Mark.”
I'm so glad to see this new addition! Hmmm. Perhaps Holdlith is Éowyn's canary in the coal mine? What a wonderful character she is, too! Alas, poor Gamhelm. Seriously outnumbered in this battle of wits. It didn't surprise me that Éowyn is known in this outlying village. I'd imagine she has an outstanding reputation and has won the trust of the people with her previous actions and generous spirit. Somehow Waehild sounds a bit like Princess Leia in my imagination. (Aren't you a little short to be a stormtrooper?) This word-picture reveals so much in so few words: Hidden behind a serious visage he saw in his eyes a loyalty and companionship that spoke to the need to crush a cup of good ale together. It can be quite satisfying to see someone on their high horse being taken down a peg. Éowyn's insight into Saelith's fear shows her growing maturity and understanding. I half-expected they were carrying word to the village to evacuate to Helm's Deep. Is the village not at risk from the attack expected to hit Edoras? (I still know too little about the Rohirrim, I admit.)
Author's reply
Lindelea! Yep! I'm squeezing writing and reading time into the early morning hours, so I can move forward in my fanfiction along with everything else that I do. Retirement is on the far horizon and it can't get here fast enough! "Perhaps Holdlith is Éowyn's canary in the coal mine? What a wonderful character she is, too!" I Love this image! Hadn't thought of it like that yet, but yeah she kinda is! She has turned into a wonderful character! Gamhelm! Alas poor Gamhelm. What can I say, he loves strong women!! And wisely knows how to treat them. :-)) "Éowyn is known in this outlying village." I hadn't really thought about it until this chapter, but Upbourn isn't really far and it is something Eowyn would do though with less frequency! Like Gamhelm says people can see her title through to that that she genuinely cares. "Somehow Waehild sounds a bit like Princess Leia in my imagination. (Aren't you a little short to be a stormtrooper?)" LOL! Love it!! "This word-picture reveals so much in so few words: Hidden behind a serious visage he saw in his eyes a loyalty and companionship that spoke to the need to crush a cup of good ale together." It was an image that struck me when writing. It is how I write. I have only a notion how I want to start a chapter with usually no idea how it is going to end. I write a chapter to find out where it will end. That was definitely the case with this chapter I started writing about Saelith and that is what gave me my ending. It sometimes makes for long chapter! My hubbie says like Tolkien I never met a word I didn't like! With the change of circumstance and leaving Edoras and her life of quiet despair, Eowyn is seeing life from a new perspective which allows her to view Saelith from a new perspective. Only in the film does Eowyn and the citizenry of Edoras go to Helm's Deep. I think PJ changed it to for a cleaner forward storyline. Which I completely understand. in the book Eowyn and citizenry go to Dunharrow. PJ does change quite a bit in TT, but he keeps the spirit of the Rohirrim intact I think! Thanks for writing as ever. I shall endeavor in more reading before tackling the next chapter. (((hugs))) MM
shirebound · 9 April 2025 · Chapter 24: “I ask that we come together as People of the Mark.”
Saelith had been raised to be an ornament, either to dangle from her father’s arm or to hang on her husband’s. She knew no other way and was lost when taken out of her world, out of her element. What an important -- and compassionate -- revelation.
Author's reply
Shirebound! How lovely to hear from you!! And yes, with the change of circumstance Eowyn is seeing things differently and it has given her a new perspective. thanks for writing!! (((hugs))) MM
Lindelea · 22 March 2025 · Chapter 23: “Westu hal! My brothers!”
MM! "Ruffled feathers" – such a mild term considering the circumstances! Holdlith's vision is both troubling and hopeful. I have to say, it's certainly a good thing Éowyn trained as a shieldmaiden! I love the young warriors' recognition and acceptance of her skills. The apprentices fought well for their tender youth. I felt a pang when she remembered Théodred's advice. I also love that she makes a point of giving praise when it's due. This rang so true: There was not a Rider alive who would admit to not being able to ride. Athelred was injured, I think? He couldn't hold up his shield. Did his injury get overlooked? I hope he's going to be okay. And now I think I'm caught up with this story. I'll be so happy to see the next chapter posted when life gives you some breathing space! (((hugs))) Lin
Author's reply
Lindelea! Yup! I thought about writing about Saelith as the other ruffled feather (no surprise there) but she had already too much airtime (so to speak :-D ) Holdlith's vision (basically she sees a good portion of what will happen to Eowyn) the good and the bad. She has already forseen that Eowyn will find happiness with Faramir but no longer mentions it because she knows that Eowyn is not ready to think of marriage as anything more than a duty and or cage. So she says as much as she can of the good and none of the bad. Éowyn as shieldmaiden. Yeah thinking about it she would have to have the training she received in order to kill the Witch King. And yes she does lead the apprentices in battle and yes they accept her. I loved writing that! <3 She is born to leadership and she knows that these boys need all the encouragement she can give because this is not the way they would see (In my mind) their first battle. In my extrapolating of Rohan society they would go out with the Muster a few at a time, always with experienced Riders there to guide and support. She praises and supports because she knows boys of 15 will need it though they would never have admitted it. "This rang so true: There was not a Rider alive who would admit to not being able to ride." Exactly! It really just felt like something no Rider would ever admit to. :-) I'm thinking that Athelred has a dislocated shoulder and Leoulf will know how to fix it. I tried to think of injuries that could tended on the trail without too much fuss. Athelred will be OK, just sore. Thanks so much for writing! (((hugs))) MM
Erulissé · 18 March 2025 · Chapter 23: “Westu hal! My brothers!”
That was an awesome chapter! My heart breaks for Eowyn too... Knowing what is to come is hard. But it is good to know that it will be well in the end! I am glad she has that bit of experience to back her in the future. Slán go fóil!
Author's reply
Erulisse! Hello! Thank you so much for writing! I am really glad that it came across well. I'm not always the best at writing battles so I had my husband read through it! And it is true, Eowyn still has a hard road to travel until she meets Faramir in the Houses of Healing. But this encounter will bolster her confidence and she has found acceptance in young eyes. It will help to sustain her in the coming days!! Thanks again for writing! Slán go fóil! (I looked it up!) :-) ((hugs)) MM
Lindelea · 17 March 2025 · Chapter 22: “We Leave at First Light…”
Evacuating the people sounds like an overwhelming task, but I believe she's capable. Her shield-maiden training may even be an asset since she's got to be assessing dangers and possibilities and consequences. When you think about it further, it becomes clear that the people under her care are the very reason for the warriors to fight. They'd have a hollow victory if all their loved ones were dead when they returned from battle. "She walked among her people..." the trust and acceptance in their response to her is built on a foundation she laid over time by walking among her people many times, always with their benefit in mind. So many details in this chapter attest to her diligence and knowledge and acknowledgment of each individual. Poor Holdlith, will everything still be there when she returns, or will everything be destroyed while they're gone? You do an excellent job of describing the urgent bustle of preparation. Bless Gamhelm. Lovely person. There was no one else and You are doing splendidly! and, especially, Whatever you need of me! I am here!
Author's reply
Lindelea! I love it when I wake up to find a review! Thank you! I thought about it and that is why I said that the apprentice Riders were to remain in Edoras. She needed somebody to help organize the moving the citizenry. Quite an undertaking but she is up to it and the people already love her. They will follow her. As I don't recall anywhere in Tolkien's writing that Edoras was invaded, it will remain untouched! Yay! I couldn't do that to Holdlith or Deor and Saeryth! :-) I'm glad my portrayed the urgency and bustle was effective! Yay! Also Eowyn needed someone she could talk to. Both Waerith and Holdlith could have sufficed as well. But she didn't have time for a sit down talk. And Gamhelm has always been her confidant going back to when she was eight years old. And has always loved her as a daughter. And she needed someone in whom she had absolute truth who could hold some sway with people that he also had known for years. He realises that she is truly alone. Theodred having passed and both Theoden and Eomer off to do battle. He will always be there for her! Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM
shirebound · 16 March 2025 · Chapter 23: “Westu hal! My brothers!”
Éowyn paused in her answer, pain of memory and experience buried beneath so much duty and regret. The secret that had shaped so much of her life no longer seemed necessary to keep. Reality leaching the secrecy of all importance. What a turning point in her life!
Author's reply
Shirebound! Definitely! It sometimes takes upheaval to redefine what is important and what is no longer important. There will be more upheaval but Eowyn is seeing things from a different perspective now! (((hugs))) thanks for writing! MM
shirebound · 16 March 2025 · Chapter 22: “We Leave at First Light…”
“Can’t have the place untidy. It wouldn’t do to come home to untidiness.” That's so wonderfully optimistic. :)
Author's reply
Shirebound! True! True! Holdlith is engaging in positive projection, though she wouldn't call it that! Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM
PSW · 16 March 2025 · Chapter 23: “Westu hal! My brothers!”
Yikes - poor Heohelm, indeed! Her training and experience has finally come into play - and in a group who admire her for it rather than downplay her ability to contribute in such a way. Bless those young riders for their enthusiasm!
Author's reply
PSW! Hello! And yes poor Heohelm! I originally had the arrow in his shoulder, but in reading how arrow wounds were tended in the Medieval or Renaissance time, that sort of wound had no really field dressing and the "Healing" practice for an arrow left in made it far more grisly and dangerous than I wanted for the story, so I switched to a through and through wound. Still a danger but field dressing is possible and better chance at survival. And yes! The apprentices were far more appreciative of her skills and didn't doubt, but accepted her. That healed Eowyn's somewhat tattered soul. So I agree! Bless those young riders for their enthusiasm!! :-D Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM
PSW · 16 March 2025 · Chapter 22: “We Leave at First Light…”
She is very good at this kind of organization and leadership. Even if she doesn’t enjoy it, she has gifts to make use of in these situations! I had never thought about how well she must have known so many of those packing up to make the journey - his story has done so well with giving them all faces and personalities…
Author's reply
PSW! Exactly. She is. She has very practical experience and has a lot compassion for her people. When Hama says "the people love her. She is high hearted, I thought she must have been among the people. And as a result she would know them and the problems they would face! Thanks! I am having fun fleshing out some of the characters I have created. It has been fun! Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM
Lindelea · 16 March 2025 · Chapter 21: The Glint of Spears Fading in the Distance
Another glimpse of Grima, but he has no power here anymore. Good riddance! The celebratory feast was very appropriate. Chains have been broken, wrongs are being righted, and light and truth are driving away the shadows. O my. She dumped the flagon over his head? And in front of Aragorn? Poor Éowyn! And it takes such courage for her to send her loved ones off without showing her true feelings. The farewell cup ritual is moving, as is arming Éowyn for the upcoming battle she faces. And kudos to Hama! Well done! Very cinematic! I could easily see everything happening as you described it.
Author's reply
Lindelea! Thanks so much! I try to see it and hear it in my head as I am writing. Trying to write from Eowyn's perspective around what is written in the book and filmed on screen proved quite challenging. You should see my copy of LOTR in this section, highlights, underlining and tabs so I could easily refer to bits that I was writing around or though! LOL. Dumping the flagon! You know, sometimes brothers just deserve it and Eomer's smirk just crossed the line. LOL! But seriously sometimes it is all too much and Eowyn had reached that point. The Farewell Cup: I just love to create ceremonies that are specific to each culture! Glad it worked well. Yes! Thank Bema for Hama! Theoden did not mean to hurt Eowyn but being caught up in the moment he didn't think. And Hama's line gave much shape to my writing of Eowyn. The people must have known her so I decided her weekly visits that her out amongst the people. Once again Tolkien giving shape to a character with only a few lines. That man... :-D! Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) hope you are keeping well!! MM