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| Destiny's Child by Mirkwoodmaiden | 67 Review(s) |
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| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/10/2025 |
| Aha! Just the right decision for Theoden to make for the child of his beloved sister. Author Reply: Larner! Exactly! Theoden loves both Eomer and Eowyn and only wants their happiness! Thanks for writing and reading! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 8/10/2025 |
| Looking forward to reading this anew. I wish I could get my hands on the hacker. Am still working to restore some of my tales. Author Reply: Larner! So happy you are taking the time to re-read the story. I have many new chapters added since the hacker did their hacking. Thankful I was able to restore what was lost because I had them on another site as well. The positive upshot for me was that I got exposed to a lot of stories that I missed the first time! I read a lot of new and really good stories! Thanks for taking the time to read! Yeah! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 30 on 8/2/2025 |
| MM! How lovely that Saelith has grown into the woman Haere has long known and loved! (Does that make sense? I am very distracted at the moment: I have an impatient cat bumping at my leg; she wants me to close the laptop and sit on the couch so she can sleep in my lap.) With every chapter, I am struck anew at the love and respect directed at Éowyn by those around her. The lads are growing up so fast... It was so good to see Merry and hear some of his thoughts, along with seeing Éowyn through his eyes. It is no wonder that he'll come to hold her in the same esteem as the other Rohirrim we've seen in this story, and no wonder that his admiration and respect will later drive him to crawl forward, sick and shaking, to defend her, in the midst of his own terror and despair, against that deadly foe. Again, well done! (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! Hello! So glad you liked it!! These have not been easy chapters to write. Nor have they been easy for Eowyn to endure!! I am also happy for Saelith. I included her in this portion of the story to be a fly in the ointment but instead she was blossomed. Much to Eowyn's relief and Haere's delight. But seriously, in wartime people change and kids grow up a lot faster. I have tried to strike a balance with the lads' growing up. Like Aethelred being the stern guardsman and dissolving into the 15 year old who wants his papa's approval. And Halaf talking with Eowyn by the shimmering lake. but I like a challenge! Again Hama's one line about Eowyn being high-hearted and loved by all has really enlightened much of this story. She inspires people but doesn't really understand. I am much looking forward Eowyn and Merry growing kinship. And Merry know who she is the entire time! thanks! (((hugs))) MM P.S. Hope you are feeling much better now. Author Reply: I see your cats share the same opinion as mine. "Nothing could more than paying court to me!! Surely not!" LOL (((hugs))) MM | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 30 on 8/2/2025 |
| I like seeing Éowyn through Merry's eyes and insight. But augh, that Grima! His presence penetrates even Éowyn's dreams. Author 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 | Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 7/19/2025 |
| p.s. Thank you, I'm feeling much better today! Author Reply: Yeah!!!! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 7/19/2025 |
| 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 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 | Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 7/12/2025 |
| 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 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 | Reviewed Chapter: 28 on 7/3/2025 |
| 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 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 | |