Of Falcons and Mûmakil by Lialathuveril
Elendiari22 · 11 December 2005 · Chapter 16: Captured
Lucky for Lothiriel that she is more infuriated than frightened by this treatment. She's a good strong girl. Here's hoping they get rescued sooner than later!
Author's reply
I hope to get them rescued before Christmas, bear with me.
Merenwen · 10 December 2005 · Chapter 16: Captured
Ah, such a wonderful thing. I wonder which horse trampled the man. Either would be a good guess of mine, for both seem like they would crush a petty beggar if they were threatened. Well, what a lovely side of the king - angry and frightening. Poor Melian, having to deal with that. At least they will be rescued soon! But what is Lothiriel's idea on keeping them distracted? Sneaky little Gondorian Princess, isn't she? Keep up the wonderful work! I'm anxious for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Just remember that Lothiriel's ideas don't always lead to the exact results she has in mind. Things will get interesting once Éomer and Faramir arrive, though.
Bodkin · 10 December 2005 · Chapter 16: Captured
Do you know what bit made my toes curl with the sheer deliciousness? (As far as deliciousness is appropriate in a chapter where the nasty characters have hold of our heroines.) She’s just killed a man. That’s the cheese knife, Go, Eowyn!! Even the cheese knife can be enough at a pinch! Perhaps Lothiriel will take up cheese knife training if/when they get out of this. Good for Nightwind - and I'm glad Faramir and Eomer are on the way - but what a cliffhanger! How could you torture your readers that way. Now I'll be waiting for the next chapter with even more anticipation. And hopefully the King of Rohan and Gondor's Steward will get really nasty with certain smelly creepy bandits.
Author's reply
Sorry about the cliffhanger, it was in fact unintentional, but my chapters have the tendency to get longer and longer until I have to divide them up. I hope to get them out of the mess I created before Christmas. Glad you liked the cheese knife!
Alison H · 10 December 2005 · Chapter 16: Captured
Great chapter! My heart was pounding as much as Lothiriel's.I wonder what she is planning? Mmmm, I'm looking forward to Eomer displaying some of that Rohan temper of his.The outlook does not look good for the unfortunate man assaulting Lothiriel! Love this story and can't wait for the next chapter.Update soon. Ali.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked this chapter, thanks for leaving me a review. Yes, I think Mashrak and Razmir are in trouble, although they might not realize it yet. I hope to update again before Christmas.
Bodkin · 5 December 2005 · Chapter 15: A day off
A break from matchmaking. Along in a forest glade. I thought naked in the water might be a very, very dangerous moment. But no. Now they are asleep. Unarmed. (Ish. Eowyn might have some weaponry handy.) Unguarded. With restless horses and the wildlife falling silent. And we hear that nasty men are on the loose and that our heroes don't know where. This is dangerous stuff! To the rescue Faramir and Eomer. Before things get too bad.
BM · 4 December 2005 · Chapter 15: A day off
Oh, this is such a great story! I"m loving it! I love your Lothiriel and Eomer--they are very deep, three dimensional and so very real! And their personalities are so engaging that I fell in love with them both in the very first chapter! You have captured them both exactly as I pictured them, and your Lothiriel is absolutely perfect for Eomer! And being a blatant and rather jealous Faramir fan, I also give you many compliments on your portrayal of him and Eowyn. I am looking forward to more of their involvement, and I would love to see more Faramir's mind as you have an excellent grasp of his character (at least, how I see him), either in this story or in another. But if not, I can be content with reading more about Eomer, because I'm coming to adore him as well through your work..... I love how you portray the marriage of Faramir and Eowyn as well--it is as I would love to have myself. There is a maturity and deepness and friendship there along with the romance, and it feels so right for them! Your story comes across to me as a great novel and not some dime-store romance story that has me gagging at all the sentiment and such outrageous actions of the two characters. I'm not sure that I'm explaining myself too clearly. I'm not a romance fan and hate the kind of sugary fluff that comes from mass market productions and today's chick flicks, but I am an old romantic. Let me say that your story compares to the great works of Scott and Austin, and I admire your ability! You are a wonderful writer and bring a vibrant richness to Tolkien's world. I felt as though I were there, hearing the horses and feeling the heat of the day and the cool breezes, walking along the shadows of the road amongst the tree or across the grassy fields.....Please keep up the good work and post regularly! I will definitely be looking forward impatiently for more!
Author's reply
Thank you very much for your praise! I too am a bit of a Faramir/Éowyn fan, so I enjoyed writing them into my story, even though it's primarily about Lothiriel and Éomer. The interesting thing about these two is that they're only mentioned in the appendix so one is free to invent the whole story of their meeting. As for Faramir he is sometimes depicted as a bit of a weakling in some of the Éomer-stories I've seen, which is not at all how Tolkien described him. I'm sure the two of them would have got on very well, for despite their cultural differences they're fundamentally quite similar, as can be seen in their treatment of Aragorn (by Éomer) and Frodo (by Faramir). They're both honourable men who are not afraid to take the decision they consider right. I promise to post quite regularly, but at the moment I'm rather busy with Christmas preparations, so please be patient.
Nilmandra · 4 December 2005 · Chapter 15: A day off
I like that Eomer and Lothiriel are not entirely comfortable around each other the day after the party... that fits with people would react in real life. I hope the Rohirric horses kick the you know what out of a few of the bad men.
Raksha The Demon · 4 December 2005 · Chapter 15: A day off
Very nice work on the swordfight. Love those manly Men sparring! And thank you for not writing Faramir as too gentle or too much the peace-lover to keep his sword-arm in practice, much less give Eomer a good workout. Uh-oh, the ladies are in peril. Hurry and update!
Author's reply
Thank you for your comments. I think the women will be glad soon that Faramir kept up his sword practice. Are you a Kipling fan, too, or is the name coincidence?
Merenwen · 4 December 2005 · Chapter 15: A day off
I loved this chapter. It's always wonderful to have some sort of tension between everyone, and after the previous experience with Dorlas you'd think they would all refuse to be around one another. Wonderful job. Oh no! Lothiriel and Eowyn are in trouble now. I cannot wait for the next chapter! Keep up the wonderful work.
Merenwen · 26 November 2005 · Chapter 14: Éomer's shirt gets ruined
Well, Dorlas got exactly what he deserved. I think I am more disappointed that Eomer didn't beat him into a bloody pulp than anything. Stupid git of a Gondorian nobleman. Eowyn's meddling is going a little too far, and I think Faramir is right. They might just turn on her next! Keep up the good work. I love this story.
Author's reply
I believe it would have been rather unpleasant for Lothiriel to have Dorlas killed in front of her, so I decided to let him live. I don't think he will be bothering any women again for a long time to come. Thank you for your praise!
Bodkin · 26 November 2005 · Chapter 14: Éomer's shirt gets ruined
It was very polite of Lothiriel not to want to give Eowyn the problem of scraping trampled Dorlas of the floor of the stables. Perhaps a touch too polite. And part of me says - what a moment to choose Eowyn! You need to learn to eavesdrop before rushing into situations where you might be interfering with something of importance. But then, on the other hand, this is a situation that requires a bit more Eomer/Lothiriel torment before it comes to any resolution. (By the way. Love the title.) What a dimwit Dorlas is! Unfortunately, I can just see him being spiteful enough to want to get both Eomer and Lothiriel back for what I am sure he will see as an insult rather than a fortunate escape. H'mm. Perhaps Faramir needs a bit more time to develop top Eowyn management skills. But I'm impressed. And I'm sure he's right about the possibility of war. I think it would have been a constant threat over a good few years. But still - go Eowyn. This Eomer/Lothiriel situation needs sorting! Those big nasties looking for women though. Dangerous. Enough to jog a hot-tempered king into unconsidered action.
Author's reply
I have to say in Éowyn's defense that she's new to matchmaking. Myself, I think that maybe she should have chosen an easier couple to practise on first before trying her hand with Éomer and Lothiriel. Still, she's doing her best (or is it her worst?) As for what Faramir said, I believe that Éomer was absent from home quite often, helping his friend Aragorn secure their borders. A bit sad for Lothiriel really.
Dreamflower · 26 November 2005 · Chapter 14: Éomer's shirt gets ruined
I'm with Eomer. She should have let Nightwing and Firefoot handle the problem; then Eomer would not have needed to get his shirt wet. Eowyn really should butt out, but of course it makes a better story if she doesn't--*grin* And at last we see the Bad Guys again. *ominous music* I look forward to more.
Author's reply
I rather enjoyed having Éomer get his shirt wet! I'm sure he can afford another one. And thank you for providing the music to my story.
Nilmandra · 26 November 2005 · Chapter 14: Éomer's shirt gets ruined
For a moment I felt sorry for Dorlas, but I got over it quickly. And it was very quick thinking of Lothiriel to save the man's life! I will admit, that like Lothiriel and Eomer, I was a bit disappointed by Eowyn's arrival as well. And the Faramir - Eowyn scene in the bedroom was perfect - just as I had imagined such a conversation. :)
Author's reply
I agree your sympathies would be wasted on Dorlas. Like you I was rather disappointed when Éowyn came storming into the stables. Maybe she should listen to her husband a bit more and tread more carefully in the future. Whatever the future brings...
Larner · 22 November 2005 · Chapter 13: Of swans
The scheme worked admirably, and Eomer had best find Lothiriel quickly. Folk like Dorlas aren't trustworthy, after all.
Amaniel · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 13: Of swans
Your story is very well written. I am really enjoying it! I hope the next chapter isn't too far off. :)
Sab · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 13: Of swans
This is such an awesome story. I am always anxiously awaiting new updates. I LOVE it so much! Keep it coming, and quicker! I am an impatient reader! ;)
Elendiari22 · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 13: Of swans
Ah, Eowyn, playing the matchmaker came back to bite you tonight, but I think it will work out in the long run. I love your Lothiriel. Her story about fierce brothers and betrothed were brilliant, as was her conversation with Eomer. I can't wait to see Dorlas get his comeuppance. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you for your review and your praise. You won't have to wait too long, just another chapter now.
Nilmandra · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 13: Of swans
Well, Eowyn may well end up accomplishing her aim here, but she will have created a ruckus doing it! I am imagining Faramir and Eowyn later in bed, her justifying the means to the end and poor Faramir just shaking his head. I do look forward to Eomer taking Dorlas down a notch or two.
Author's reply
I must be getting predictable! I was just writing that scene between Éowyn and Faramir when your review came in and had to laugh out loud when I read it. Love, Lia
Dreamflower · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 13: Of swans
Oh dear! Is Dorlas so deep in his cups he's forgotten the "fierce brothers" and the "betrothed", or did someone else let the cat out of the bag that she's not betrothed at all? Idiot! I can't stand jerks that are so oblivious to how other people feel about them. Eomer was right to ream Eowyn, really. Her plan to make her brother jealous of Lothiriel did work, but it subjected the poor girl to a lot of misery. I had to giggle at her angry retort about her neck being too long or her feet too big! *snerk* When you think of the compliments often paid to ladies in old songs and ballads literally, they paint a rather apalling picture: skin like snow and cheeks like roses? Pretty dreadful if you *really* think what that would actually look like, LOL! And I am so glad she liked the dances of the Rohirrim. I'm pretty fond of both courtly and country dances, actually. Pavanes are pretty, stately and intricate, and a nice challenge, while bransles and reels can leave you breathless and laughing. Great chapter!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this chapter, I rather enjoyed writing it. I even got quite fond of Dorlas, he's so completely oblivious to the effect he's having on Lothiriel and Éomer. I'm not sure in what shape he'll finish the evening, though.
Bodkin · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 13: Of swans
Lord Dorlas is seriously lacking in brain capacity. Lothiriel made her feelings perfectly plain - and he still can't interpret that as keep your hands to yourself? (Unless, of course, he is a kind of reverse Scarlet Pimpernel - pretending to be all soft and slimy while he is really the leader of the nasty brigands.) It's a shame Eomer got onto his high horse - matchmaking is, after all, what sisters do! He should have been rather impressed to see her behaving in such a feminine fashion. I do like this version of Eomer and Lothiriel - and the other characters are growing on me, too. Faramir's cynical eye for Eowyn's machinations is amusing - and I am coming to like Melian, who seemed a bit of a wet lettuce at first. I am looking forward to the next chapter - XIII - unlucky for some?
Author's reply
Definitely unlucky for one of them...
Elendiari22 · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Éowyn's plan
Excellent way for Eowyn to trick Eomer into a relationship with Lothiriel. I hope Eomer doesn't do anything too horrible to Dorlas, although I do hope that he gets Lothiriel away from that man soon. I'm looking forward to more!
Dreamflower · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Éowyn's plan
ROTFL! Oh Eowyn,Eowyn! You just can't resist making a bit of drama! Poor Lothiriel and poor Eomer, the victims of your machinations! I don't bother feeling sorry for Lord Dorlas. I've known guys like that. They are so oblivious to the effect they are having it's ridiculous. It'll be fun seeing him get his comeuppance.
Amy · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Éowyn's plan
I only read Aragorn fics, really, so I had to tell you that I read one ch. of this and had to finish the rest. Such a pleasure to read in-canon characters and an interesting tale, even though not much Aragorn/Arwen. Not much Imrahil, either, if it comes to that, but Legolas, Gimli, horses, and Rohirrim detail is great. And kudos for a lighthearted Houses of Hurin/Amroth fic (well, at least until the bad guys attack).
Author's reply
Hi Amy, I'm afraid Aragorn only plays a very minor role in this story, but I'll make sure he gets invited to the wedding. I'm glad to see somebody still keeps the bad guys in mind... Thank you for your review. Lia
Nilmandra · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Éowyn's plan
I admit I am enjoying seeing Eowyn set her brother up this way. It shows such a close relationship between them, to see Eowyn wanting the best for him. Of course, this way, she gets to help pick her own sister-in-law, which makes for better family gatherings. Lord Dorlas - everyone needs a rival, I just hope he lives through the night so he can scurry home with his tail between his legs.
Bodkin · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 12: Éowyn's plan
Lord Dorlas seems to be getting on Eomer's bad side. I wonder why? And Lothiriel is looking good. I hope Eowyn's scheme runs smoothly - well, it'll have to turn out all right in the end, I suppose. But I think Faramir's doubts might well be well-founded. I hope Elphir finds out soon about the baby or the whole of Gondor will be suspecting the outcome befor he knows. Congratulations, Melian!