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| Destiny's Child by Mirkwoodmaiden | 107 Review(s) |
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| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 9/16/2025 |
| MM! Another lovely chapter! Life has been rather busy the past few days, so I'm just getting to it now. Merry dropped himself like a young tree felled by a woodsman’s cruel axe. Éowyn had to suppress a giggle at the dramatic reaction to her request.... “Sir Rider, why are you kicking your cloak?” Oh! This just made me insanely happy for some reason. As long as he was silent she felt there was still a chance so she continued doggedly onwards pleading as if her life depended on this. Because in her mind; it did. Lovely (not talking about her looks but rather her character), stubborn Éowyn! It was best he keep her under his wing. It was the most protection he could offer. Wise and insightful of him. Good leadership. “I must be losing touch with whatever sense I may have had to allow this. Béma protect us…” Bless him. He reminds me of one of my old commanders, more concerned about the well-being of his troops than his chances for promotion. Imagination was Merry’s torment Oh! Beautifully stated. He stared through the cloak covering him seeing little points of light peeking through the loose weave of the fabric. They brought to mind many points of light coming together to fight against the dark. He had to be one of those little lights. He had to be; he must be. From the word picture and realistic feeling brought by the description of the light peeking through the loose weave of the fabric to Merry's related thoughts of being one of those little lights... Well done! Evocative and effective writing. She looked at Merry’s determined eyes and felt a kinship between her and the stout and spirited Hobbit, both travelling to protect those they love. I completely agree with Shirebound. This is the beginning of a lifelong friendship. I loved getting a glimpse of Merry's inner thoughts. But oh, that nightmare, how awful! No one made mention of this unexplained happening because they did not want it to stop. It gave comfort to all near enough. Éowyn had only sought to ease the sorrow and grief of one lonely little hobbit and unknowingly gave comfort to those close enough to hear. This melted my heart into a puddle. What is afoot? Anything that can keep so in this devil’s mirk. LOL! ...hoping for a positive answer but not really expecting one. His optimism had taken quite a beating since they left Edoras. Actually long before that if he was honest. This reminds me of something Dom Monaghan said in an interview about Merry's state of mind in ROTK. Friendly? Enemies? Not quite. You guard one who is precious beyond all measure. Aww. I had just managed to mop up most of my heart off the floor, and here you've melted it again. Oh, bold and clever Merry! (I also like his connecting the Wild Man with the stone figures he saw earlier.) Well done, my friend, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the next chapter. Here's hoping you are able to find some more writing time soon. (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! "Merry dropped himself like a young tree felled by a woodsman’s cruel axe...." Yep! I definitely had a giggle as I was writing this passage. "Aye, My Lady!" the Cloak whispered." Particularly delighted me. "As long as he was silent she felt there...." Eowyn is talking for her life here! Stubborn, Tenacious. Poor Elfhelm never had a chance. "It was best he keep her under his wing. It was the most protection he could offer. Wise and insightful of him. Good leadership." Elfhelm at this point realises he must keep Eowyn safe and only way that he could do that was to let her stay. Not that Theoden or Eomer would see that IF they were to find out. "“I must be losing touch with whatever sense I may have had to allow this. Béma protect us…” Bless him. He reminds me of one of my old commanders, more concerned about the well-being of his troops than his chances for promotion." Exactly! If Tums were a thing in Rohan, there would not be enough for the heartburn or ulcer Elfhelm might have developed. Poor Elfhelm. "He stared through the cloak covering him seeing little points of light peeking through the loose weave of the fabric." Thanks. I remember being on the lake near my town in our boat and Mom would be put a towel over me as a child when we floating for a while. I remember what that looked looked like and I figured that is what Merry would be seeing as well. Many upon Many points of light. "I completely agree with Shirebound. This is the beginning of a lifelong friendship." Yes I think so! "I loved getting a glimpse of Merry's inner thoughts. But oh, that nightmare, how awful!" Like Eowyn says not surprising that nightmares would enter sleep. "No one made mention of this unexplained happening because they did not want it to stop. It gave comfort to all near enough. Éowyn had only sought to ease the sorrow and grief of one lonely little hobbit and unknowingly gave comfort to those close enough to hear." I really loved this passage. This chapter has been a lot more fun to write. And it was so Eowyn!! "This reminds me of something Dom Monaghan said in an interview about Merry's state of mind in ROTK." Yay! I've shared a brain with Dom!! "You guard one who is precious beyond all measure. Aww. I had just managed to mop up most of my heart off the floor, and here you've melted it again." Awwww! I just thought that Elfhelm, having known Eowyn for most her life he would also have great affection for her and his feeling is only a Shadow of what her uncle and brother feel! Merry, ever the intrepid, though he is somewhat bruised Hobbit! Poor Merry. Everyone has left and he has no idea if he will ever see them again. thanks for writing! Hope your are well. :-)) (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: Part 2. "Oh, bold and clever Merry! (I also like his connecting the Wild Man with the stone figures he saw earlier.)" I remembered he looked at the Pukelman statue carvings on his way up to Dunharrow so I thought I would add in that little bit! Next Chapter...getting to Minas Tirith and possibly the Battle of the Pelennor Fields...at least the beginning...it is a possibility!! thanks! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 9/16/2025 |
| MM! The first half is quite dramatic! The fact that Elfhelm is only considering leading Éowyn on account of the boys! (Though to be fair, when they actually start fighting she basically joins the king’s éorad so he doesn’t have to worry about her and Merry any more, eve if he probably does if he has time.) I wonder what Théoden would have thought if he knew. In the movie she talks to him at the end, so after the surprise he is probably just happy she is not more hurt, and could they could talk. Also there Éomer sees her and thinks she is dead, so the worry/grief from that probably outweighs any thought on disciplining her or punishing Elfhelm. Besides everyone being busy of course. Plus when Éowyn awakes he just wants her to be healed. Lastly they both presumably at least somewhat knew Éowyn’s attitude, and that she would like to follow. Author Reply: Fimbrethil! So glad you are enjoying it!! Thanks for taking the time to write! ((hugs)) MM | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 9/15/2025 |
| Dear Merry. It's easy to imagine that he and Éowyn will remain friends all their lives, and write many, many letters back and forth giving news and -- most of all -- cheer. Author Reply: Shirebound! I think you are right! Dear Merry! They supported each other! Thanks! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 9/1/2025 |
| MM! At last, I am starting on my reading list... This story is at the top of it, as I mentioned earlier. The point about Merry not having donned his armor made me wonder; how would the Rohirrim look at armor? Is it like an overcoat that one puts on when leaving the house on a rainy day, or would it be more like a second skin, such that they feel half-dressed without it? By the way, I love this glimpse of Merry going about his duties to his King. However, it seemed odd to me that the Gondorian didn't react to his presence. (Maybe the Man was too distracted by the distressing news he bore. It sounds like a description of "The Day without Dawn", but I'm not sure, and I don't want to stop reading to look it up.) Théoden took a sip of the mulled wine. It tasted sweet. He savoured it as the last lingering taste of the world as he knew it slipped away. This is a wonderful word picture or illustration (or maybe the word I want is metaphor?) of Théoden's inner perspective. It reminds me of Treebeard's words to Celeborn and Galadriel (in the book; Galadriel speaks them in one of the films) when saying farewell, "For the world is changing: I feel it in the water, I feel it in the earth, and I smell it in the air. I do not think we shall meet again." Though the passing of the world as he knew it is sad, there is relief in taking arms and riding forth to his destiny. Joy mixed with sadness ... the refrain of her life. And yet, she will find this to be true even after the War is done and she's married to Faramir and living in Ithilien. We can hope that joy will predominate, and that sadness will provide seasoning... or leavening... or something like that. You know, one of those ingredients in cooking or baking that's essential but bitter all by itself and thus used in very small quantities, such as salt or baking soda. How difficult it must have been for Gamhelm, her protector, to send her into danger. (Is she tall, like her brother, so that she'd look like a seasoned Rider, or would she more closely resemble one of her boys in terms of stature and muscular bulk?) “I will find you, Merry!” She whispered under her breath, “I will!!” Something tells me she's the kind of person who keeps her promises. At least she doesn't have to worry about finding Merry now, when she's just getting used to her disguise and the role she's playing. She has until Edoras to settle in. Éowyn was struck by the realization of how quickly a moving army can travel as opposed to a train of people, horses and wagons. Wonderful detail! ...riding to a battle feeling "hollowed out inside" does not sound like a helpful mindset. I wonder if it contributed to the impact of Shadow on her spirit later? And I would not have it said of me in song only that I was always left behind! Oh Merry. This sounds almost like a joke, but we know he's using light words and saying less than he means in the way of hobbits. You've chosen a plausible moment for Éowyn to reveal herself to Merry. I can still remember, from the film, Merry's amazed and joyful, "My Lady!" as they were galloping along. In the book, of course, Merry doesn't find out until she is standing defiantly between the Witch-king and his prey. The dynamics of the three different approaches are interesting to contemplate. While refreshing myself on Dernhelm and Merry's ride, I ran across this description: There seemed to be some understanding between Dernhelm and Elfhelm, the Marshal who commanded the éored in which they were riding. He and all his men ignored Merry and pretended not to hear if he spoke. He might have been just another bag that Dernhelm was carrying. Somehow this delights me, "some understanding" between Dernhelm and Elfhelm so that all his men ignore the Author Reply: Lin! Hello! The Rohirrim in armor is an interesting question. I think they wear it well like a second skin and with honor. They are always in service to the Mark. I liked depicting Merry performing his duties. I rather think that the second rider is too wrapped in the news he is bringing to notice Merry. Granted technically you would think he would notice and I usually might write that but I think it interrupts the flow of the scene so I wrote the scene as I did. Yes this is the Dawnless Day that is taking place. "Théoden took a sip of the mulled wine. It tasted sweet. He savoured it as the last lingering taste of the world as he knew it slipped away." This line just flowed onto my keyboard really fitting the moment. "Though the passing of the world as he knew it is sad, there is relief in taking arms and riding forth to his destiny." EXACTLY!! "And yet, she will find this to be true even after the War is done and she's married to Faramir and living in Ithilien. We can hope that joy will predominate, and that sadness will provide seasoning." I tend to think that Eowyn is happy in her life with Faramir. She has learn to leave all the regrets and doubts that have plagued her life behind. I write about this in the first chapter of "Leaving Home; Coming Home." After the Ring War, her memories of her life in Edoras might be bittersweet but they are not filled with regret. "How difficult it must have been for Gamhelm, her protector, to send her into danger. (Is she tall, like her brother, so that she'd look like a seasoned Rider, or would she more closely resemble one of her boys in terms of stature and muscular bulk?) Yes. It is very hard for Gamhelm, who has known Eowyn since she was 8 years old and been her protector at his king's request and his own affection for that long. But he has always only wanted Eowyn's happiness and he knows that this fulfills it even though it is against the King's word. But as Holdlith says the King is a good king but not always right. He goes with what is in his heart though it is hard to send his child into harm's way. I think it is written in the book somewhere that Eowyn and Eomer are taller than most Rohirrim because their grandfather Thengel married Morwen Steelsheen who is kin to Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth and his line has both Numenorean and Elvish blood in him. So there is trace amounts of Numenorean and Elvish blood in Eomer, Eowyn and also Lothiriel, who later marries Eomer. (which is probably more than you wanted to know about the descent of the Royal family of Rohan!" LOL!! "“I will find you, Merry!” She whispered under her breath, “I will!!” Something tells me she's the kind of person who keeps her promises." Yes. Yes she is. "Éowyn was struck by the realization of how quickly a moving army can travel as opposed to a train of people, horses and wagons." Thanks. I do try to put in these sorts of detail. It makes the world more full, I think. "...riding to a battle feeling "hollowed out inside" does not sound like a helpful mindset. I wonder if it contributed to the impact of Shadow on her spirit later?" I think it did. Both she and Faramir were very susceptible to the Black Breath's vile influence because they were both emotionally fragile for want of a better way to describe it. Eowyn entered the Battle of the Pelennor Fields wanting fight then die on the battlefield and Faramir had just been told by his father that he wished Faramir died and not Boromir. "‘Do you wish then,’ said Faramir, ‘that our places had been exchanged?’ ‘Yes, I wish that indeed,’ said Denethor. ‘For Boromir was loyal to me." And , "‘I do not oppose your will, sire. Since you are robbed of Boromir, I will go and do what I can in his stead - if you command it.’ ‘I do so,’ said Denethor. ‘Then farewell!’ said Faramir. ‘But if I should return, think better of me!’ ‘That depends on the manner of your return,’ said Denethor." Neither were in the best frame of mind. Kindred spirits in so many ways. "You've chosen a plausible moment for Éowyn to reveal herself to Merry." I thought about it and it was in the departing from Edoras that Eowyn and Merry join up and Eowyn knew all the places she used to hide to avoid needlework lessons with Guthhild. It seemed the best section for the reveal. "I ran across this description: There seemed to be some understanding between Dernhelm and Elfhelm, the Marshal who commanded the éored in which they were riding. He and all his men ignored Merry and pretended not to hear if he spoke. He might have been just another bag that Dernhelm was carrying." I haven't re-read that section yet but that is definitely food for thought. Elfhelm might have known... Thanks again! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 8/29/2025 |
| MM! Oh boy! (Rubbing my hands together.) I am really looking forward to reading this chapter and leaving you a proper review! (I'm dedicating much of the weekend to reading fanfic, leaving reviews, and replying to reviews. It is a holiday weekend, after all! Though I might sneak in a little laundry here and there.) I have to go to the store to pick up my grocery order (before they give it away to someone else! I'm late!), and I have just enough energy to do that and finish editing the latest chapter of another story I wanted to update today. So I'm just leaving you this note to thank you for your email and wave hello. This chapter is at the top of my list for tomorrow! Woohoo! Two of my favorite characters to look forward to, or so I can hope? Merry, and Éowyn as you've introduced me to her. (((hugs))) Lin | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 33 on 8/28/2025 |
| Théoden took a sip of the mulled wine. It tasted sweet. He savoured it as the last lingering taste of the world as he knew it slipped away. He spoke, “So we come to it in the end. The great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away. But, at least there is no longer need for hiding. We will ride the straight way and the open road and with all our speed.” his voice growing stronger with each word. He looked at Éomer, proud and strong, and was so glad that he was once again at his right hand. He proclaimed, “Then call the heralds, Éomer! Let the Riders be marshalled!” The Éomer sentences. He is once again at his right hand. Though Théodred was once, even if he had been much in the Hurnburg or somewhere else. Oh Gamhelm,” Éowyn exclaimed, “Your horse!” For a man of the Mark to give his horse to another was the height of sacrifice and love. “Now I won’t be needing him now, will I?” Gamhelm averred, “He’s fast and he already loves you! No more to be said.” Oh! That explains some things! Poor Windfola, he doesn’t survive, does he? Or last we heard of him he ran away? A voice interrupted her thoughts, “You there! I see by your badge you are of Elfhelm’s Eored.” Éowyn looked up to the captain who spoke to her. She spoke low, “Aye!” “They are massing on the valley floor. You had best get on!” Éowyn nodded and with fist on heart. She made for the entrance, only to look back and see Merry watching her leave. “I will find you, Merry!” She whispered under her breath, “I will!!” And that explains part of the reason she ended up with Elfhelm. But does he find out? Éowyn had been tasked with helping to raid the stores. She spared a thought for Thilda, who for all her faults kept an immaculate kitchen. She would be horrified at the wanton mess the Riders were leaving. [LOL]. Eowyn would have chosen to not enter Meduseld and interact with the other riders but she could not disobey a direct order. Well this time! she amended in her head. She inwardly sighed. Subterfuge did not come naturally to her. It went against every bone in her body. She so wanted to unveil herself and fight with her boys. She ached to do it, but she could not and it left her feeling hollowed out inside. She was stuck with this lie and she had to find a way to live with it. It was so very disorienting to walk the empty halls of Meduseld not as herself. Happy or sad she had called this hall her home since she was eight years and now she was meant to be a stranger. It was unsettling. Keeping herself within this subterfuge she was coming to realize would be a difficulty.” “Some gave him sympathetic looks Notably Elfhelm and Éomer, who placed a gloved hand on his shoulder and gave the hobbit a commiserating smile.” [Well that s good of them. Did Éomer do the last? …Now onwards, if you please! Author Reply: Fimbrethil! Thanks all the reviews and reactions! It really does mean a lot that you took the time to write! Next chapter soon! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 8/28/2025 |
“She pondered what to tell Háláf, for the full truth on the eve of departure simply would not do. He could not know that she was going against the King’s wishes and command. She could hardly even admit this breach to herself and she certainly could not admit it to Háláf.” And now she has to not tell Háláf… “Háláf answered, eyeing her all the while, “About half, Héohelm is not because his arm is still healing and Aethelred is still only fifteen, though I don’t really see why that signifies. It is only a year.” Éowyn thought because Théoden is trying to limit the damage to youth but she did not say that. “But My Lady, why are you not going?” he repeated.” Oh. That is good, I guess. Isn’t Aethelred the son of Elfhelm? I don’t know if this separation will be good or bad. At least Elfhelm survives. But does Athelred? Rohan is attacked again… “You will do well, I know it! You are brave, you are strong. You have trained for this moment. Both Éomer and Théodred always had the highest praise for you. You wear Éomer’s badge. He would not have given his badge to a Rider he did not think was worthy of it! I know that you and all my boys will do me proud.“ [I decided to split this one up a little because it was so long.] | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 8/28/2025 |
| “You won’t be. I will make sure of it. Aragorn meant you to be there. He asked me to find armor for you! You will ride with me and my boys. We will ride to battle together!” “Oh, My Lady!” Merry looked fierce and happy all at once, “Thank you! Did Strider really say that?” Oh! Well, Merry will certainly expect her to ride, even if he doesn’t recognize her as Dernhelm. I really liked/felt this whole next section of Éowyn’s and Théoden’s conversation: ::: “You were visiting with Merry you say? A most interesting personage is he not?" Éowyn assented, “Oh Aye, a most charming hobbit. Though,” She paused, deciding to fight Merry’s corner for him, “He fears that you mean to leave him behind. He would follow you wherever you go.” She felt rather than saw Théoden stiffen a little….“I know that he would. He is a stout-hearted little one! But he cannot.” Théoden ended, caring concern in his voice… A flare of recognition and warning lit in Éowyn's breast. “He can ride with me and my boys. He would be no trouble. I understand what is to be left behind.” She fervently stated. Théoden closed his eyes in pain as he seemed to age again in front of Éowyn’s eyes…With his back to her, he said with a voice strained with emotion, “You will not be heading your boys…” The flare within Éowyn’s breast exploded into a flame of nightmare. Still trying to deny what she knew her uncle to be saying, she said in a small controlled voice staring at her uncle’s back, “What do you mean, Uncle?” Théoden turned, eyes blazing with torment, “The older ones will go, but you will not.” [older ones of who?] The sound of a cage door slamming rang through Éowyn’s ears. She looked at her uncle and said in a voice raked with torment, “You cannot do this! Those are my boys!” The memory of them saluting her after the battle of the wargs seared through her mind. “I thought that when I was the leader questioned that meant I was to lead them into battle.” Her boys’ acceptance meant the world to her and now that was being taken from her. “I am ready!” “I know you are!” The look of betrayal on his beloved niece’s face shredded Théoden’s soul. “But I cannot lose you!” His fear laid bare. “So I will be shut here. Protected and cosseted. Useless!” she spat out. Théoden looked at his niece, “Not useless. You have never, you could never be useless. You have led the people marvelously. I could not be more proud of your leadership. There has been nothing but praise for you! You must continue here,” He said knowing full well that his words will have been leeched of their meaning in his beloved niece’s ears. In fact they sounded hollow in his own, but the fear of losing her gripped his heart, allowing for no other thought. With her soul splintering apart, Éowyn threw back, “To wait for all to come back? Or worse, none? What did you train me for?” she questioned, despair dripping from the words, “Why was I taught if only to shut me away.” She looked up with imploring eyes, “I forgave you.” The words forced their way through her tormented soul. She was dangerously close to tears; the woman’s response. She had been crying far too much in recent days. She would not shame herself and dissolve into tears though she was trying frantically to keep the pieces of her fracturing heart from sundering completely. She knew her words wounded her uncle. She had spent years trying never to open the old wounds but now she could not be in the same room with him lest she lash out further. She drained her cup and left with only the scantest of nods. Had she looked up she might have relented. The look of deep searing pain in her uncle’s eyes might have undid her. The single tear unbidden falling. He silently watched her go. He once again had taken her dreams and shattered them. Tearing them to shreds in his desperate bid to keep her safe. He collapsed on the bed and drained his cup. Her last words’ meaning slammed into his psyche. “I forgave you…” Past tense. His head in his hands he sobbed as those words bit into his heart, wounding and shredding with each bite.” [Oh! oh!] So that’s how she decides to go! Author Reply: Fimbrethil! Thanks!! It wasn't an easy chapter to write. Figuring out how and why Eowyn left has been on my mind since I started the story. Tolkien writes in ROTK that his parting with Eowyn was grievous and I have tried to fit that description in writing that scene. Thanks for writing!! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 8/28/2025 |
| “Háláf, son of Déor! My King!” Háláf announced proudly, utterly relieved that his voice did not sound as nervous as he felt.“ Ah. So would I, in those condotions. “Théoden looked him in the eye, “I remember my first battle. In the Eored of Edoras. A youngling among men. I was nervous.” He confided.” Wow, and that was like what, at least 50 years ago? Without evil influences his mind is CLEAR. We shall hold the ceremony of Investiture for the new Riders tonight and ask that all family members that can be here to attend.” Good. How long will they last? “They sat talking and sharing stories, both happy and sad as an unexpected bond of fellow feeling grew between the tall willowy Rohirrim woman and the stout curly haired hobbit.” With all this conversation Merry really ought to recognize Dernhelm… “I’m to be elevated to Rider today!” Only the meeting of a myth made real could have scooted that from his mind.” Heehee “Éomer stepped forward with his Rider’s badge in hand. He had agreed to loan his badge to Háláf. Normally a new badge would be crafted especially for the new Rider with accents added that symbolized the Rider’s family incorporated into the unique badge and they were highly prized by each Rider but here at Dunharrow that sort of personalized touch was not possible. The word was circulated that any Rider willing to allow their badge to be borrowed until such time as to allow for the making of the new badges would be considered a personal favor to the king. Éomer was one such giver.“ Interesting, but I should think Éomer is currently in personal favor of the king, and will be for the rest of the king’s life. Or do you mean Éomer is performing a favor for the king? “Éomer looked at the young man and saw the small boy on crutches for whom he carved a wooden horse with tail flying in the wind and nodded. So much was going to be expected of these new Riders and quickly, too.” Oh right, I had forgotten about that. Hirgon! …And Rohan will answer! | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 30 on 8/28/2025 |
| Then our paths are sundered,” Éomer said. “He is lost. We must ride without him, and our hope dwindles.” Remember his message Éowyn, and pass it on. Éomer, Théoden, Merry, etc. remember what you know of him. | |