Does Eomer know what he just gave Meriadoc permission to do? Surely a friend who knew how to help a sick friend would do so, would they not? And then, if said friend, once feeling better wants to do something rash like ride off to war, surely you would not let them go alone! Put this with the coming chapter where Merry and Eowyn plot, and, oh, my goodness. Big brother asked Merry to help his sister!
Author's reply
Well, I suppose you could see it like this... although Éomer would probably protest that he never meant it that way! ;-)
galathil
· 15 January 2012
· Chapter 80: Into the Storm
Dear Katzilla,I have just stumbled across this story and am enjoying it.when are you going to write the next chapter? I have to find out what how this wonderful story finishs.LOL Galathil
Author's reply
Hello Galathil,
I'm sorry, I just saw your comment! Thank you so much for the kind words; however, unfortunately I don't have any good news for you, as I consider this story completed. There will be no additional chapter. :-(
Best,
Katzilla
PipMer
· 23 January 2009
· Chapter 39: Cat and Mouse
I am only about half-way finished with this story, but I am hooked!! You are very talented at painting the emotions of people, as well as the landscapes and background. I rarely see such gifted writing in fanfiction; Well done!
Author's reply
Hello PipMer,
and thank you so much for your kind words! I'm happy to hear that you enjoy my *little* tale of epic woe in Rohan. It helps especially now as I'm a bit struggling not with writer's block (on Adventures of an Éored), but a general absence of my writing muse although I know exactly what I want to write. I hope that one of these days, the words start flowing again.
Best wishes,
Katja
Stefania
· 20 August 2008
· Chapter 12: Unbidden Visitors
Hi katzilla -
What a great piece of action this chapter is. I could see all the events happening as though they were in a film. I'm really enjoying your story so far.
Agape4Gondor
· 10 May 2008
· Chapter 80: Into the Storm
I swore I had reviewed this before. Thankfully, I kept my notes.
It was so nice to have Eomer rememeber the young guard in the midst of the horror that has taken place. And I love the young man's discomfiture! Blessed Rohirrim! And Eomer's promise to not forget the deeds of this man compared to the deeds of others at that time.
I sadly wondered how many times Eomer will think that he is so unlike Theodred... I hope that he comes to value himself when he becomes king.
Dearest Theoden's hope at the beginning of their conversation mirrored mine.
I loved Eomer's trying to gain courage. Such a difficult thing for a man such as he in this instance. Much easier fighting the enemy than enduring this interview! Oh! And the toast was painful!!!
I noted immediately that Eomer called him 'uncle' - hooray! and the moisture in Theoden's eyes... and I cried yeah when Eomer spoke of healing the rift. And another yeah when Eomer spoke of his love vs the snake's machinations... and Theoden's tears... *sobs* And Theoden's embrace and its return! YES!... I had to LOL when we see Eowyn fully dressed (but what's hiding under her outer garments???... And the torment the poor thing is still undergoing with her dreams... and her mind unhinging - what a hideous thought!... Ah ha! and then a hooray when we discover that she is, in fact, planning... *giggles* you know what!.... I again LOL at the 'effect' of the Ent drought! ... Her sadness at farewelling her brother... her horror at the thought of the upcoming battle... Theoden must have looked absolutely splendid in his battle armor upon Snowman's back - breath-takingly impressive! I love your description... I loved the Hobbit's bravado...
One thing I must also applaud you on - the song as they rode forth - one of the neatest scenes that Tolkien gives us is the song of the Rohirrim upon the battlefield of the Pelennor. I love you presaging that!!! And their horns as they leave foreshadowing the horns at their entrance that proclaims, "Gondor - Rohan has answered!" *shivers in joy*
And the ending paragraph was BETTER THAN PJ's!!!!
Thank you for spending so much of these last months/years upon crafting such a wondrous tale and sharing it with us.
Blessings,
Agape
Ainariel
· 25 April 2008
· Chapter 80: Into the Storm
Have followed this story for almost 2 years, and to be truthful, I'm almost sad it's ended. You have definately captured the spirit of the Rohan - and her people!
The only thing that I found a bit disappointing was that I really wanted to see Grima pay for his crimes - especially the torment he caused Eowyn. Of course, I have an active imagination, so I've just let my own mind go on that one.
Well done!
Author's reply
Hello Ainariel,
thanks so much for your comment; it is a wonderful feeling to hear that people will miss my story now that it's done. It is still a strange thought for me, too. I am happy to hear that you think that I succeeded in capturing the spirit of the Rohirrim; they are by far my favourite people in Tolkien's work; so heroic and still down-to-earth.
Concerning Gríma: I needed to let it end like this because of "A Rohan ghost Story", which I hope to rewrite into an "official" sequel of "Banishment"... but there is one major problem I must still get my head around, first, and as soon as I have a solution for that, I will do it. Still, if you want to see what's coming for Gríma, I suggest you risk an eye and have a little look...
:-)
Thanks so much for letting me know your thoughts!
Cheers,
Katzilla
mistry89
· 19 April 2008
· Chapter 80: Into the Storm
This was an epic indeed! Thank you for the tale and for perhaps revealing how Eowyn could have escaped detection amongst the riders - she was taller!
Thank you again, one for the re-read pile :)
Author's reply
Hi Mistry89,
and thank you so much for letting me know your thoughts. I am very proud to hear that you consider my "little tale" good enough to land on the "re-read pile". ;-)
Cheers,
Katzilla
Lady Bluejay
· 15 April 2008
· Chapter 80: Into the Storm
Well done,Katja.
Its always difficult to part with a story - and especially an epic such as this. Looking forward to the next! LBJ
Author's reply
Hi Sidonie,
and thank you! Yes, it is a strange feeling to part with "Banishment"; it has been a major part of my life for the last 2.5 years. But of course, there is still lots of betaing to do, and some rewriting, as well, so it is not yet *really* beyond my horizon.
Thanks for letting me know your thoughts!
Cheers,
Katzilla
Agape4Gondor
· 25 February 2008
· Chapter 79: A Hobbit's Proposal
Whooo hooo! Great chapter and great idea about the drought! Should work. LOL - I'm just wondering about the side affects myself - hope Faramir's tall.... *giggles appreciatively*
I had to Yikes when I read the first part and I sincerelly hoped it was a dream! Too horrid to even imagine. I actually got chills as Eowyn... *shivers*
And then of course, had to say Hooray! Though she was still suffering, this reader was most relieved!
Again - great chapter. I REALLLLLLLLLLLY look forward to the next one - my heart is in my throat for Eomer and Theoden.....
Agape4Gondor
· 11 February 2008
· Chapter 78: Call to Arms
I really hate the ending of a good tale - but it is time to let the Rohirrim rest - at least for a time : )
I was saddened by Eomer's almost disregard for those who had died - saying they brought it upon themselves. These were wondrous brave men who made mistakes but in the end helped save Rohan by holding it until Eomer could save it himself. I was glad to see that he changed his tune, so to speak, towards the end. It was incredibly sad that Rohan was diminished by 15 men that they would desperately need in the coming battle - fifteen seasoned warriors!
I liked that he hugged Eowyn finally - they BOTH needed that.
I liked seeing the beacons from the Rohirric POV. I think so much on them as a Gondorian that it was really neat seeing them... but Halifirien to be lit just at that time - typically sad timing!
I like Theoden's thought that 'no enemy ever prevailed when Gondor and Rohan stood side by side...' NICE
And I'm really wondering what's going to happen to Eowyn since she really doesn't seem fit to ride. Is Dernhelm going to be stymied???
I very much liked Maelwyn's wit!
A great chapter - as always...
Author's reply
Hi Agape,
yes, I agree, it is time for the Rohirrim to rest. I've tormented them long enough, I suppose ;-) Yet of course I was wrong again, there is still one more chapter to write, but it won't be a long one.
I don't think Éomer wanted to express disregard for the fallen warriors, it is only that he saw it as an utter waste, when they could have chased Gríma away years earlier. Instead, they chase him away.
That scene of the signal fire on Halifiren blazing in the evening sky gave me chills once it entered my mind. I think this is really an inconsistancy in Tolkien's books, because he *does* speak of the fires... but then Théoden is alarmed when the messenger from gondor gives him the "Red arrow". I think this would have been very impractible and unreliable, because a messenger is slow, and he can easily be interfered. for once, PJ changed the storyline here for the better, I think.
I am most curious to hear what you think about Éowyn's miracle recovery though. Bless Dwimmerlaik for that idea, because I was severly stuck and did not know at all how to get her fit enough to ride in time. Thank you, Dwim!!!!
Thanks so much for your wonderful reviews!
Fantasia
· 11 February 2008
· Chapter 78: Call to Arms
As always, I enjoyed the chapter, it is a great story; all your stories are good.
Just one comment, you never mention the healer's son that got kill trying to reach Eomer with the weapons. Don't you think that Eowyn and Eomer should thank his parents as they did with her maid? I recall that the healer was in another story, well now I'm not sure if your story or the ones that you co-author with Timmy2222, sometimes I get confuse with the two of you, because you use the same characters. And fix your other fic and don not kill Eothian, I like him.
I'm waiting for more fics from you, I always read them, it's just that I'm very lazy and don't review too much.
Thanks,
Fantasia
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia,
and thank you so very much for letting me know your thoughts; it is much appreciated. :-) I very much like your suggestion re. Élric's parents, although I don't think they would want to be rewarded when their son has died. But I will definitely mention it when I polish the story.
Well, yes, Timmy2222 and I are two different people; she used to be an avid Aragorn-Lover while I fancied my horse-lords, and so we decided to work together for a few stories, but these days, we're going our separate waysa again. Yálanda was indeed in "Twilight of the Gods". I always like to use personnel from my previous stories (provided I didn't kill them off ;-)).
Thanks for coming out of lurking for your review, and I hope that perhaps, I will hear from you again. :-)
Cheers,
Katzilla
Lady Bluejay
· 11 February 2008
· Chapter 78: Call to Arms
Well, I wait with baited breath to see how you are going to get Eowyn fit enough to ride.*grins*
Coming to the end! - you must have mixed feelings - a story becomes a friend.
Thanks for writing. LBJ
Author's reply
It will definitely be weird, although I suppose this story is a long way from finished! There's some substantial re-writing to be done and also a hell of a lot of beta-work... if only I could find a beta. :-( But I do understand that now one would like to tackle this epic, even if it were only for a few chapters. *sigh*
Oh, and yup, I will of course use a trick to get Éowyn in riding shape... ;-)
Stay tunes, and thanks for your thoughts!
Best,
Katja
Agape4Gondor
· 10 January 2008
· Chapter 77: No easy Answers
An excellent chapter. It definitely must have been difficult for brother and sister to share the tale of what had gone before. Neither wanting to bring the sorrow and horror to the forefront and yet having to share... but how much? Oh my!
As for the reasons why they both suffered... Eowyn's heart is pure, is it not? Very nicely done with her character. And Eomer's is still broken and bleeding. I loved their quarrel, if one can love a quarrel. I loved his introspection.
I firmly believe in Eomer's good character and expect him to reconcile with his liege and his uncle... it will be difficult. As will the funeral. It still breaks my heart - the warriors who died.
Again wonderful chapter.
Author's reply
I'm sure the truth will trickly out between the lines; they know each other too well.
And yeah, Éowyn's heart is very pure, and it is difficult for her to stand between her uncle and her brother. It is also difficult for éomer to hate his uncle, he knows he's wrong, but of course he has also very valid reasons for feeling the way he does. Who said that life was easy, LOL! ;-)
Agape4Gondor
· 26 November 2007
· Chapter 76: Shadows
Excellent chapter. I very much liked Merry and Eomer's discourse. I can't wait to see what happens next.
agape4rivendell@gmail.com
· 9 November 2007
· Chapter 75: Kindred Souls
Excellent chapter, as always. I very much liked Eomer's discourse with Eothain - I think it had to help him too - perhaps he will remember his own words next time he sees his King.
As for Merry - VERY glad you brought the dear lad into this!
Author's reply
Hi again,
and once more a big THANK YOU! for your latest review! :-)
I'm glad you liked the discussion, as I pretty much busted my braincells to come up with an idea of how to conduct it. I agree, Éomer would do well remembering his own words when he deals with Théoden... perhaps he will see the light of day before this story ends, I am not yet decided about this.
And Merry was an unexpected pleasure to write + he really complements Éowyn; those two are very good together.
Looking forward to hearing from you again,
Katja
Lady Bluejay
· 9 November 2007
· Chapter 75: Kindred Souls
Looks like Eomer and Eothain will finally make it up - and Eowyn - priming Merry up already, bless her! LBJ
Author's reply
Hi Sidonie,
yes, I decided that I did not want for the two friends to carry their quarrel into battle, knowing that in all likelihood,they will not survive.
As for Éowyn: I think she really needs someone to talk to (as she won't burden her brother with those horrible dreams), and Merry as well, so in a way, those two are perfect for each other. I am not usually interested in the hobbits, but they do have a tendency to comfort my poor, ailing heroes, bless them! ;->
Cheers,
Katja
Agape4Gondor
· 29 October 2007
· Chapter 74: Farewell to New Friends
A difficult chapter to write - but well worth your efforts. Stunning in its sorrow and joy, tension and friendship!
Author's reply
Hi Agape,
oh yeah, that was definitely the hardest chapter of them all! It never happened to me before that I had to discard 10 pages I had already written, because they were not going in the right direction. Hopefull, it won't happen to me again on this story. There are still a few difficult discussions to write, so... :-o
I'm glad to hear you liked it though. :-)
Cheers,
Katzilla
Lady Bluejay
· 29 October 2007
· Chapter 74: Farewell to New Friends
Very nice, you seem to be on a collision course with the canon. *grins* I like your Eomer - but then I like most Eomers!LBJ
Author's reply
Aaw, my first review in ages! But then again, this was also my first chapter in ages! Thank you, Lady Bluejay! Those were two long months, where I first had to undergo knee-surgery and thus could not sit before the PC as much as I wanted, and as if this had not been enough, I also suffered a pretty severe bout of good, old-fashioned "Writer's block"! Baaah!!!
I had infact already written about ten pages when I started to realise that the new chapter was turning out the way I wanted it to... so I had to start from scratch. Oh well, glad to see you're still there. :-)
Yeah, canon is just around the corner now, although I must still find a miracle trick how to get Éowyn ready to ride with the army. Ehm... this could get rather tricky...
Cheers,
Katzilla
Alison H
· 31 August 2007
· Chapter 73: Leap of Faith
That was a beautiful chapter, Katzilla.Aragorn didn't give up and Eomer trusted his new friend with retrieving his most precious posession, his brave sister Eowyn.The descriptions of the badger's den and a young Eowyn were very well done.
Wonderful writing from start to finish.The siblings are reunited at last!
Update soon.
Ali.
Author's reply
Hi Alison,
sorry I was gone for so long; reasons were knee-surgery and Writer's block. I hope to have overcome it now though, because I would very much like to finish this epic of epics this year. It's time for something new! (not that I have an idea yet, but I don't doubt they'll come)
Glad you liked this chapter, although I was REALLY apprehensive of approaching it at first and had to find my way just the way Aragorn did in the dark. ;->
Thanks so much for your review, and I hope you like the new chapter!
Cheers,
Katzilla
Agape4Gondor
· 30 August 2007
· Chapter 73: Leap of Faith
Bravo! There are no words to say how this chapter affected me. Glorious. Well-written... I go to have a cup of tea and recover!
Author's reply
Hello Agape,
and also apologies to you for the delay in responding. I'm glad you liked this chapter so much; I had a pretty hard time coming up with it, to tell the truth. But now almost all's well. :-)
I look forward to hearing from you again and hope I will soon be done with this. It is time to finish after 2 years of writing!
Best wishes,
Katzilla
Lady Bluejay
· 30 August 2007
· Chapter 73: Leap of Faith
That was well done - a difficult scene to write, I imagine, but you made it very plausible .LBJ
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Sidonie!
You bet I had a hard time coming up with all of this. I changed it around quite a lot until I was satisfied with the feeling, so I'm glad that in the end, you found that you could follow the strange stuff my brain threw up. ;->
Agape4Gondor
· 29 July 2007
· Chapter 71: A Night to Remember
'citizens laughing and singing' - difficult to even consider this knowing Eowyn may be laying on her death bed!
Poor Eomer has GOT to get over this soon??? 'having to face the people who had betrayed him...'
Bless this little one - 'My only wish would be that you cure...'
Oh good grief - you are killing my heart - poor Theoden - I know he has put Eomer thru so much - but really - my heart goes out to him.... 'after the charade Théoden had forced on him'
And dearest Eomer - so bitterly betrayed.... everything Theoden does digs the hole even deeper!
And Ceorl's wife - how wondrous she is! I love her! 'He is at the end of his strength, and he has no one to help him.' Beautifully written as is the whole chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Agape,
and thanks so much for your latest review. I'm glad you liked the last chapter, even if it widened the rift between éomer and Theoden even further. I loved writing Éomer's conversation with Lady Glenwyn; it was about time he heard what happened from a different perspective. For now, the pain and feelings of having been betrayed are still very strong (it is only one day since he's been back), but perhaps the news he's learned will help him to put his anger behind him.
Looking forward to hearing more from you,
best wishes,
Katzilla
Fantasia
· 27 July 2007
· Chapter 71: A Night to Remember
Hi,
I have been reading your stories for a while and never leave you a review. They are all great; I'm never disappointed with any of your stories. So please, keep writing, despite the no constructive reviews that some anonymous people will leave you, be sure that there are others that read and enjoy it.
Glad that Eomer will listen to Éothain, he really doesn't deserve Eomer disdain. He stayed in Edoras for the right reasons and Eomer has to understand that not everything is about him, his country and people are before him and what Éothain did was right, he was the only one left behind to protect the Edoras people from the Worm, and the one that kept them on the palace away from the city. He certainly paid a high price for that. Does Eomer know what happen to their friend, the one that Eowyn sent with help? That will give him an idea of what was happening in Edoras when he was out.
Hope that when Eowyn wake up, help him to forgive and understand some people, include his uncle.
I like Eothain, and now I just remembered that you kill him in one of your stories, poor guy. Also like Thor, he is very loyal and he proved in another of your tales.
Again, thanks for this wonderful story.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia,
and thanks so much for letting me know your thoughts, all the more since you came out of hiding to respond to that strange review! I'm not really bothered by it, though, because all other reviews show me that apparently, some people *do* enjoy my stories (despite their dark, sinister atmospheres), and I can well ignore non-constructive comments.
You are right of course, when you say that Éomer has a few things to realise, as well, but I think his conversation with Céorl's widow helped him get there. Just remember, it is still the first day after he came back; everything is still very fresh and he will need some time to overcome his bitter feelings, which I think, are justified as well. Once he has all the information though, the son of Eomund might be able to see the truth.
I'm quite fond of Thor, too, actually, and hope to employ him in any further stories I may write in the future, as well. He is a very giving character, and perhaps one day, he might even get his own story
And Éothain certainly had some rough times as well. As a matter of fact, the story where I killed him ("A Rohan Ghost Story") was the first in the LOTR-realm I ever wrote, and I was still struggling with everything and especially Rohirric names, and the poor guy just had the bad luck of having survived the RingWar, so that he was still *available* for me to kill him off. I had no idea that later, I would develop his role to become Éomer's best friend. I am now contemplating of rewriting "Ghost Story", because his death will have a significant effect on Éomer, but I'm struggling with a few things I don't know how to tweak yet.
Anyway, thanks so much for your review, and I look forward to maybe hear from you again.
Best,
Katzilla
Anonymous
· 22 July 2007
· Chapter 70: A Meeting of Old Friends
LOL - what a bunch of pathetic whiners! I don't think I ever read a story where the Rohans got portrayed as such a bunch of losers, your precious Eomer most of all (assuming he is supposed to be your 'hero', and this fic is not meant as a parody, in which case, of course, it would be brillaint).
Keep on writing, I got some good laughs out of that!
Agape4Gondor
· 24 June 2007
· Chapter 69: A Perilous Path
Gripping chapter. Needless to say, I hope that somehow Theoden and Eomer will be reconciled... but not now... perhaps Gandalf might be able to help...???
As for Aragorn and Eowyn - absolutely excellent look into her mind. I have every hope??? that she will be saved and brought back.
As for Grima - find and kill the sucker!
Again - great chapter, as always. You do not disappoint your readers!
Author's reply
Hello Agape,
did I already mention what your reviews mean to me? Especially in times like these when it seems that I have to fight for every single word. I'm glad you liked the little glimpse into Éowyn's mind, there is still a whole lot more to come. Aragorn will have his hands full with the shieldmaiden of Rohan!
As for Gríma... I still need the guy... ;->
Thanks for your comments & best wishes,
Katzilla