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| Destiny's Child by Mirkwoodmaiden | 54 Review(s) |
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| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 5/23/2025 |
| 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 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 | Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 5/22/2025 |
| What a marvelous tour you're giving us, I feel I can see everything so clearly. Author Reply: Shirebound! Thanks!! I do try! Thanks so much for writing! (((hugs))) MM | |
| PSW | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 5/4/2025 |
| 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 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 | Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 5/2/2025 |
| 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 Reply: wee-hee! Something happy and frivolous!! (((Hugs))) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 5/1/2025 |
| 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 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 | Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 5/1/2025 |
| 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 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 | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 4/10/2025 |
| 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 | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 4/9/2025 |
| 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 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 | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 4/9/2025 |
| 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 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 | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 3/22/2025 |
| 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 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 | |