News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| Destiny's Child by Mirkwoodmaiden | 2 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 8/14/2025 |
| MM! I knew at once who the "curly brown mop" was! And yes, as in The action struck her to the heart and stayed, hobbits certainly have a knack for that. Théoden's perceptivity (is that a word?) and leadership (as in when he said, "I am sure both are true") shine forth in this chapter. I love the way you write him and expand on his character, going beyond the limited portrayals of the decrepit victim of Wormtongue's treachery and the old (yet not elderly) Man who rode dutifully to battle and rounding out his character beautifully. Háláf's description and praise of Éowyn brought tears to my eyes. And I'm so glad the King took the opportunity to tell her how proud he was of her and didn't leave it until too late. That there were almost-hobbit-sized furnishings in Merry's room sounds amazing, no matter how sparse they might have been. And now I'll read on to see if there's an explanation... Poor Merry, with his loneliness and worry about his cousins and Sam. It's no wonder that his nerves are on edge. His telling Éowyn about Pippin putting a frog down his shirt sounds eminently hobbity, along with his (characteristically) light talk (I can only imagine how heavy his heart is with sorrow and dread – and probably self-blame that he didn't watch over Pippin well enough to keep his younger cousin safe from the Palantîr). I love how Éowyn immediately picks up on his hidden sadness and sets herself to help in any way she can. And then Merry does the same for Háldemir! Truly he and Éowyn seem to be kindred spirits! (And I think I too would find meeting a myth completely distracting.) This is a wonderful glimpse into a facet of Merry's character: “My mum says it's going to get me a right thumping one of these days. But if I want to know; I ask.” Was it only two weeks ago? rings so true. The tender moment between brother and sister touched my heart. Beautiful, heartfelt ceremony. I love that Éomer lends his badge and honors the young warrior even as he remembers a small boy. Merry's mental comparison of the Strider he knew with the description of Aragorn he hears now is well done. And here is the summons from Gondor! The story continues to gather speed and momentum... (On a personal note, I'm feeling a little better today. Last week was challenging, and then I spent the first half of this week recovering. Even when I wake up feeling back to normal, as I did today, it seems as if I use up my energy too quickly. My pacing app is proving helpful – at the moment, it's actually telling me "Take it easy"! ...so I'd better follow its advice. Drat. I was hoping to do a bit more reading and reviewing and even some writing. Foot by foot, as they say. It seems like a good day to go to bed even before the sun has made her exit and relax with a good book, at least as long as my eyes agree to stay open.) (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! I was looking forward to this introduction of Eowyn and Merry! As you write hobbits so well I am hoping you liked how I wrote Merry. His loneliness I think helps him to see that in others. Which as is written in the chapter "The Muster of Rohan." He is perceptive enough to know that Eowyn's words and her body language do not match when meeting with her uncle outside the cavern when they first meet. About Theoden, I think it is in the book (it is most definitely in the films) where he mentions that he wishes he had been a better father to both Eomer and Eowyn. This to me says that Theoden held both as dear to him as Theodred. I have expanded upon this. Theoden is very proud of Eowyn. But still worried about her as well. Eowyn is thinking that finally her uncle will let her fight. This is not true though which will be written about in the next chapter. *sigh* Háláf and the rest of her boys love and respect and accept her. Many of them will go with Theoden (none will die, while that is not realistic and a death would provide good dramatic angst I simply cannot do it. In these times that is too much angst to write). Eowyn cannot go as their leader. But of course she will go! Also I love to create ceremonies and ritual that hopefully fit each of the peoples. So fun! And this one had be one that was adapted from what it might have been. I thought it was fitting that Eomer loans his badge to Halaf. Of course the ceremony would differ from what it would have been. And it gave me a chance to for Eomer and Eowyn to have a quiet moment together and remember Theodred who was so important to both of them. thanks! (((hugs))) MM P.S. Glad you are on the mend. When are you going back to England where you can live and be unhindered by bad health! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 8/10/2025 |
| What a marvelous and inspiring ceremony for all of them. Wishing to distract him from his sorrows, he started brightly, “Hello! I’m Meriadoc Brandybuck!" Dear Merry! *happy* Author Reply: Shirebound! Hello! Thanks! I just love to create ceremonies and rituals for the different peoples of Middle Earth and try to have them fit the different cultures. Dear Merry! Like Pippin in Gondor, he is simply friendly and open, their way of dealing with so many different peoples and places. And people warm to them. Best for all involved! :-) Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM | |