Black Eyes by Lialathuveril
whitewave · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 9999: Peace settlement
Enjoyed this story immensely, I liked it the best, and believe me you make it so difficult to choose which one is the best!
Author's reply
Hello Whitewave, once again, many thanks for your reviews! It's really nice to hear about this story again after all this time - it brought back all the fun I had writing it. Lia
whitewave · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Truce
I only just realized the significance of the title and its connection to Lothy's eyes and Eomer's injury. Very clever! Loved the dialogue between them here--it underscores very much that they'd make a good team. The ending scene of the chapter was adorable.
Author's reply
Yes, black eyes all round ;-) And I think they'll make a formidable team - Rohan will never be the same again. Lia
whitewave · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 8: Council of war
Yes! More Amrothos moments! Methinks he could be psychologist if he lived in the present time. He's Eowyn's counterpart in the matchmaking category. Loved Lothy's make-over moment and Eomer's reaction to it.
Author's reply
Nothing like a good bit of sibling advice. But Lothiriel only puts on her pretty dress because she can't have him going back to Rohan with the wrong impression. Nothing else behind it ;-) Lia
whitewave · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 7: Shifting battlefronts
Loved the confrontation between Imrahil and Eomer and then you make him face Aunt Ivriniel (I don't agree that she's a poor defenseless old woman though)! Poor Eomer has been sorely mistreated by the "Dol Amrothians". The whole "cloak" routine was priceless!
Author's reply
It's true that Eomer had to go through a lot on his visit to Dol Amroth! Probably made facing Sauron's armies at the Black Gate look like a walk in the park. In fact the Dol Amroth family seems to specialize in defenceless females, each in her own way... Lia
whitewave · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 6: Aftermath
The image of Lady Eileniel was so vivid in my mind. Laughed out loud on her first guess as to who attacked Eomer!
Author's reply
Ah, the jelly fish lady! But she met her match in Lothiriel.
whitewave · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 5: Parley
Haha! The sexiness of this chapter is one of your best so far! It's like they're in a blind date and their real personality emerges further. I adored his comment about his hair that started with "to a barbarian like me..." Their discussion about Rohan's needs and resources really had me hanging on to every word and it also demonstrates to me how perfect they are for each other.
Author's reply
Hmm, actually 'Blind Date' would have been an apt title for this as well, because neither one knows the other and they just get thrown together. And he does like to tease her, doesn't he! Lia
whitewave · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 4: Pitched battle
Eomer's injury was priceless! Who could have thought that a mere girl can do that to the formidable Lion of Rohan? His reply to her was such a work of genius too: "You happened to me." That's about the equivalent of "You complete me" in my humble fangirl romance meter. It's nice to know that the pink gown "nearly bowled him over". And the location! I wish I had thought of it--a marooned-in-an-island romantic comedy set in Middle Earth! The way Lothiriel "confessed" her malintent was also very, very smart writing, the characters are such experts in winding up each other and their common interest of war books was much appreciated as well. I also think the double entendres (or is it just my ever-in-the-gutter mind?) "you are well equipped" indeed.
Author's reply
Lol. I didn't notice that double entendre before. Must have been my subconscious! And she really slipped under his guard here ;-) Lia
whitewave · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 2: First passage at arms
I will never get tired of saying that I absolutely loved the quotations at the beginning of every chapter!
whitewave · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 2: First passage at arms
Laughed out loud at all the outrageous lies that Lothy baited poor Eomer with, but I liked the "discreet arrangements" the most! I could almost imagine Eomer's facial expression--he must have wanted very much to wring her neck. I also enjoyed the good-willed "conspiracy" of her relatives against her designs. Loved this one, is there a level higher than 'favorite'?
Author's reply
Eomer showed enormous self-restraint here, didn't he! She really did her best to put him off, but of course she didn't know about his ulterior motives. I do sometimes wonder, though, what alternative ways this scenario could have played out. Say if they had not gone riding the next day. Lia
whitewave · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Preliminary skirmishes
This is among the funniest stories you have written about my favorite mortal couple. I especially liked the quotations you placed at the beginning of every chapter--very clever and makes me so excited to read the contents. I liked how Lothy compared her pink dress to a warrior's armor. She must have looked like a sight though, it's good that Eomer has seen far, far worse scary stuff. :-) Ivriniel's incarnation here is among the most entertaining so far--she and Belechtor are my favorite "funny" baddies now. Anca is delightful as well and thanks very much for any mention of Amrothos! I enjoyed how Lothy still manged to stand out and catch his attention even if she wanted just the opposite. The overall theme of battle, war, verbal sparring, etc. reminded me of Pride and Prejudice and I enjoyed reading this very much.
Author's reply
Hello Whitewave, actually I had tons of fun writing this. It started with the idea of the pink dress and was all downhill from then on! Especially once Auntie Ivriniel made her first appearance. I liked her so much, I decided to include her again in a later chapter. But I don't know where the very martial theme came from. It did fit the story very well, however, especially once I remembered Sun Tzu. Lia
Imhiriel · 15 May 2007 · Chapter 9999: Peace settlement
I very much enjoyed this story, especially that you chose to cast it in terms of battle. Lothíriel's characterisation was very good and complex; she was both intelligent and naive, accomplished and innocent. I liked her sparring matches with Éomer. The plan to provide Rohan with stores was very well-thought out, and it showed very clearly just how resourceful and intelligent Lothíriel is. I liked that she said that this was the woman's job anyway in Gondor - it provided a good and poignant reminder just how important this task was, and that women had to be more than ornaments to be helpmeet to their families and husbands. I couldn't believe the outrageousness and rudeness of Ivriniel. Actually, the Lady-in-waiting was pretty rude, as well ("the so called King of Rohan", good gracious!). I do have a question about a passage in ch. 9: Lothíriel says, "I’m sure we’ve had salt from Rohan in the past..." Why would Dol Amroth need salt from Rohan, and where does Rohan get its salt in its turn? It seems to me that vice versa would be rather more usual. In the epilogue, when they kiss and Éomer says, "You have not learnt this from your books...", I have to confess I half-expected her to say, "Actually, I did." *eg*
Author's reply
I have to admit I had great fun with all these martial quotes and turning the encounter between them into a major battle. And I agree that women would have had more than just an ornamental role in this kind of society, so it seemed logical that they would take care of the daily logistics of running a castle or any home indeed. The salt - it's true that Dol Amroth would have had salt from the sea, but this kind of salt is of the lowest quality. I happen to know because I'm from Switzerland and salt from salt mines in the mountains is actually the only natural resource we have (apart from banks). It used to be traded far and wide in the Middle Ages, and people then needed lots of salt, because it was the main way of preserving food. Anyway, that's why I thought that Rohan could have traded in salt with Gondor, but of course you cannot include all that detail in a short story. And the come-back at the end, that you suggested for Lothiriel would have been a good line. Maybe she's read not only the 'Art of War', but also 'Ars Amatoria' ;-) So thanks for reviewing and I'm pleased you enjoyed the story! Lia
Bodkin · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Peace settlement
Very wise not to wear green. Stand out against the meadow of maidens, that's the best way. Love Eomer on tenterhooks, waiting to pounce on Imrahil's daughter. Not that she was at all unwilling to be pounced on. I think he's won her over. Hardly surprising, really! A delightful ending to a most enjoyable tale. I look forward to discovering what you will put them through next!
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, sorry for the late reply, but I've been offline as I was away on holiday the last three weeks. On the plus side, this means I've had lots of time to think about the plot of my next scenario and should start writing soon. Glad to hear you enjoyed the ending to this story. I thought it would be nice to get one chapter from Eomer's point-of-view. And I agree he's won her over, even though he did not stick to his initial plan to take it slowly! Lia
vampfan30 · 21 July 2006 · Chapter 9999: Peace settlement
* CLAP, CLAP, CLAP * lovely ending........
Author's reply
Thank you very much! *bows* Lia
Bodkin · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Truce
Oh, Eomer needs Lothiriel so badly! She is clearly highly skilled in all the elements of managing a fief that he isn't. He can focus on the day to day management and leave the logistics to her!! (I just hope Elphir's wife is half as talented - or Dol Amroth will fall apart in her absence.) And so good for Eomer to learn before their next meeting just how good at this she is! He will have time to adjust to - and welcome - not only well-read, beautiful, desirable, well-dowered but competent. I'm glad to see that he hasn't lost the audacity that makes him such a successful warrior - we wouldn't want to let Lothiriel have it all her own way! I think Eomer's tactics have ensured that Lothiriel will be awaiting the spring visit to Minas Tirith with considerable eagerness. Lovely chapter. Delightful Eomer / Lothiriel interaction. And just an Epilogue? That's just unfair ... Unless it means you are already well under way with your next story. That I might accept as an excuse!
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, Yes, I'm sure she'll have Rohan and the Rohirrim organised in no time. They probably won't know what's hit them! She might not be all that well-dowered anymore, though, not if she spends all her father's monies on credit for Eomer. On the other hand Imrahil might not notice until she's gone ;-) Lothiriel might know all the theory of warfare, but you can see that Eomer has considerably more practice. Now she just has to sort out that dress for the celebrations in Minas Tirith. Let's hope she doesn't delegate that part to Auntie Ivriniel... Yes, there's only one more chapter to go. However, you did guess right that I'm already into the next story - it's scenario number three, but I haven't started writing yet, I'm still thinking about the plot. But first I'm off on holiday so you'll have to wait until aproximately September. So am I excused? Lia
vampfan30 · 14 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Truce
finally!!!! sorry, had to get that off of my chest - not a big fan of romance, but, this is a good one! I knew that she had a few plans to help the people of Rohan, the girl is just brilliant. I love this story....
Author's reply
Hello Vampfan, I know I took my time getting there, but then I believe a bit of suspense is good for my readers. You've been very patient with me and after all in Eomer's world only 24 hours have passed. Well, it's nearly over now, just an epilogue to follow next week. Lia
vampfan30 · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Council of war
I dare say that she feels a little bit better about the situation now that she has confided in her brother, though his reaction was a little different than what she had expected. It was good, though; he should want to protect her & her honor.I have the distinct feeling that, regardless of what happens, the people of Rohan will be taken care of & no one will go without. I can see that she has something going on in that sharp mind of hers........
Author's reply
Hello Vampfan, I think Amrothos has actually given her some good advice, although she might not realize that (yet). And no, she hasn't forgotten about the people of Rohan - more of that in the next chapter. Lia
Bodkin · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Council of war
The amount of thought Lothiriel is putting into dressing, one might almost think that she wants to impress the King of Rohan. (And, from his reaction, that she did a pretty good job of it!) Amrothos, at least, has cottoned on to a distinct change in his sister's attitude - even if he doesn't much like the thought of her as a dowry with a strings. And a meeting in the spring - after a winter of writing to each other - might be just the way to deepen their relationship. Provided Eomer's unchaperoned presence in her chambers once Lady Idril has been sent on her way is not so shocking that Lothiriel finds herself shotgun-weddinged off to the Riddermark, of course! I look forward to the coming conversation.
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, oh, she does want to impress Eomer, but it's all in the interests of civility and to improve relations between Rohan and Gondor. Nothing more... Amrothos has actually given some good advice, as she might find out in the next chapter - more of that next week. As for Eomer's presence in her chambers, after all he's just come to collect his cloak, that won't take a minute. Or will it? Cheers! Lia
Alison H · 8 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Council of war
Well, well, well! It looks as though Lothiriel is warming up to Eomer, albeit unconsciously.What with defending him to Amorothos and her lady-in-waiting--and she then twirls around in her favourite dress! I'd say Eomer's charm has struck again.I'm dying to know what they will speak of next and what Lothiriel has planned. A very enjoyable chapter.Update soon. Ali.
Author's reply
Hello Alison, No, no, she's just being polite to a good friend of her father's, isn't she... You'll find out in the next chapter what she has in mind and then I'm afraid we're nearly at the end of this story. Thanks for your review. Lia
Bodkin · 4 July 2006 · Chapter 7: Shifting battlefronts
I did get worried every time Lothiriel popped a hand out from that cloak. She was very close to exposing more than she wanted to! And routing Aunt Ivriniel probably advanced Eomer's suit more than anything else he could have done. That, and defending him from Imrahil's suspicion. It's almost as if L&E are now fighting on the same side! (Fingers crossed she decides she quite likes battling at his side instead of treating him as the enemy.) She'll feel a lot better after a bath and a set of clean clothes, too. Well. Any clothes, really.
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, Lothiriel really has to watch that cloak, doesn't she! And bravery on that scale should really impress her...what more could you possibly want in a man? Yes, the battlefronts are definitely shifting. Lia
Alison H · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 7: Shifting battlefronts
That was a lively, entertaining chapter! I was a little wary of Eomer's intentions at first but his charm could sway the devil himself ;D By the way, Lothiriel's aunt reminds me slightly of Cruella DeVille! I could just imagine the two-tone hair! Great chapter and I look forward to more. Ali.
Author's reply
Hello Ali, you are probably right about the Cruella DeVille comparison. Ivriniel is rather overdrawn of course, but then the whole story is not terribly serious, is it. And Eomer does seem to be very much aware of his effect on the ladies... Lia
vampfan30 · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 7: Shifting battlefronts
yet another good chapter. I did cringe for a moment, I wasn't sure what Eomer was up to with the aunt, but it turned out to be very interesting...so far, so good ^__^ ps, the aunt reminds me so much of my 76 year old grandmother, it's almost terrifying! always good for a giggle.....
Author's reply
Hello Vampfan, he, he, so I had you worried for a moment? That's what I like to hear! Do you know, after I published the first chapter with Aunt Ivriniel in it I suddenly realized that she was very much like my own grandmother who used to terrify us all as children! Lia
Alison H · 24 June 2006 · Chapter 6: Aftermath
Ah, the opening to this chapter was just so sweet.I laughed at Eomer's "You know, you shouldn't really do that" after Lothiriel's stretch.It was funny to realise that Lothiriel just let Eomer see more of her then she ever intended! Eomer's amusement and his sly grin really shouldn't be allowed--it's too darn sexy :D "Tell them to go away" had me laughing again and Lothiriel really needs to wake up for when she has to face her father.I'm glad Eomer and Lothiriel are now warming to each other.Oh, and I loved Lothiriel's impressive display in getting rid of the annoying Lady Eilinel.Lothiriel with claws--I like that! Hope you're feeling better and update when you can--but soon ;D Ali.
Author's reply
Hello Ali, it's a good thing Eomer is so honourable, isn't it. I don't think Lothiriel is quite awake yet, though, at least not to her feelings. As for Lady Eilinel, I almost felt sorry for her. After all Lothiriel tried to foist Eomer off on her not 24 hours earlier... I hope to update next weekend if my ears play along. And dear Auntie Ivriniel might make a short comeback in the next chapter. Lia
Bodkin · 24 June 2006 · Chapter 6: Aftermath
I think Lothiriel might regret not have had a moment to put on a few clothes - it's a bit difficult to take the high ground when you know that underneath Eomer's cloak, you are wearing very little! And it sounds as if she is definitely warming to Eomer, even if she doesn't fancy the suit of the King of Rohan. And I reckon he's on her side now - I can't imagine Eomer foisting Eowyn into a marriage without her consent and he won't take Lothiriel on those terms. Although he's interested! He's definitely interested. Lady Eilinel doesn't stand a chance - Eomer doesn't want to be lunch. I hope Imrahil doesn't put his foot in this - things are actually working out quite well.
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, it's all in the mind! Of course she could have disappeared behind some bushes on the way back, but it's just so much more fun this way. I agree Eomer would not want an unwilling wife (just imagine Lothiriel doing her worst in Rohan...) and that she is slowly warming to him. Mind you, I don't think she realizes this yet. And I'm not sure what jellyfish eat (algea?), but I don't think Eomer would go down without a fight! Lia
Macphisto's girl · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 6: Aftermath
Thanks for post another chapter of this adorable story! I'm enjoying it a lot. Hope that you're feeling better... you need to rest this weekend! Take care, (and I really meant it!) C.
Author's reply
Hello Celeste, I think I need to write this weekend... but I've already got some ideas for the next chapter and I enjoy writing (when my brain cooperates). Thank you for your good wishes and take care, too! Lia
Bodkin · 13 June 2006 · Chapter 5: Parley
I don't know what Imrahil would think about a Lothiriel clad in nothing but Eomer's cloak! (Oh, wait, I think I could guess!) Good thing Eomer is proving very honourable and honest - with a GSOH. And he has aroused Lothiriel's sympathies for the people of Rohan, too. I suspect she will be willing to work with him to ameliorate their plight ... even if she still has no desire to be offered as the price of such help. And they're having great fun talking like a pair of students of warfare and capping each other's quotes. You never know - they might end up liking each other!
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, Hmm, either I'm getting rather predictable or you're clairvoyant - but then you've had good guesses in the past. Don't tell Imrahil about the cloak thing, or all of Lothiriel's hard work might be for nothing. And definitely don't mention it to Aunt Ivriniel! More quotes soon... Lia