Reviews (103)

sue · 16 October 2021 · Chapter 4: An understated welcome

I am really enjoying this story. You have captured the personalities of Lotherial and Eomer so perfectly. I do have a small criticism though - an error you share with very many writers. Mead is NOT sweet, nor is it thick. Yes it is made from fermented honey, but the result is more like champagne or a good Riesling. I have brewed mead and drunk the brews of many other brew masters, so I know whereof I speak. I am not meaning to be harsh with you. This tale just had the misfortune to be the last of many I have been reading lately that featured mead (badly, 8>D ). I guess it hit my last nerve.

SeaCreature · 13 March 2008 · Chapter 21: Epilogue

This is, by far, one of the best Lothiriel/Eomer fanfictions I've ever read.

Radbooks · 18 January 2008 · Chapter 21: Epilogue

Well, since I read Waterloo and Tides of Destiny and enjoyed those so much, I thought I'd start on your other ones that I hadn't ever read. Being sick at home does give you time to do things like that! I had read a couple of your other stories, but hadn't read this one and it was nice and long so it was my first choice! :) I really, really enjoyed it. Lothiriel's uncertainty about the whole thing but doing it out of duty - that's a tough thing to imagine in this day and age - but oh so real in that sort of society. I really liked her as a character. She was vulnerable and yet strong at the same time. I was glad it was from her point of view, it was very nice. Not that I didn't like this Eomer, because I really did - who doesn't like him? :) But, it was nice seeing it all from her perspective in this story. Well, done and I'm sure you'll be hearing from me again, though I may wait a day or two or the stories will get all jumbled up in my head!

SpoonMaidenOfTheShire · 27 March 2007 · Chapter 21: Epilogue

Wow, this was really good. It's the first story I've read on Stories of Arda, and I was very impressed. Congratulations!

Anonymous · 9 March 2007 · Chapter 21: Epilogue

I thought this story was stupendously written. You have a talent, my dear. It grabbed me from the first and I couldn't stop till the end, and you certianly have a way with words.

Elflingimp · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 21: Epilogue

Aw! I just loved this story, I don't think you could have written better.

Klose · 20 February 2007 · Chapter 21: Epilogue

I'm a bit sad to see this story come to an end, I admit, because for the past few weeks I've been pouncing on updates as they came in. *g* But, I've also been a horrid reader, not leaving feedback. *cough* Lothiriel's emotional state is absolutely understandable, and it was great to see this side of her character - that she's capable of showing her vulnerability to Eomer, which shows how much their relationship has progressed over the course of this story. And it's a great way to end this story, too, because the important theme of this story, was after all, how Lothiriel adapted as the "foreigner Queen" of Rohan. Still, this has been such a great look at how an arranged marriage (so to speak) can realistically work out well for everyone involved. I loved your charactisations of Eomer and Lothiriel (and, the supporting cast was simply splendid, I thought!); and all the small, well-researched details with regards to day-to-day life in Middle-earth (with respect to Lothiriel) just added to the richness of the narrative. Lothiriel's voice was clear and matter-of-fact, and I'm trying to figure out what exactly about your style draws me in as deeply as it does, but, really, you've just got such a great flair for this - and in addition, some very nice plot-work going on, with the very nicely executed politics aspect of this story. Right, am rambling here, but I just wanted to say that it's been a great ride, and thank you for sharing this story with us! Can't wait to see your next scenario!

Bodkin · 20 February 2007 · Chapter 21: Epilogue

Sweet twist! It's an emotional time at the best of moments - but crying because her son looked like Imrahil! Elfwine will be a good Rohirric prince, raised among his kin - I doubt anybody will even notice his looks (except to admire them, of course). And the marriage has definitely turned out very well, considering Lothiriel's initial doubts.

mistry89 · 16 February 2007 · Chapter 21: Epilogue

This is a fly-by "Thanks in advance", I'm off to read it in it's entirety. Thank you for introducing me to E/L stories, I've been hunting them out all week (was sick) and now I have this to indulge myself with! Hope very much to read more from you soon, and I'll try to leave relevant fb next time :) Cheers!

Larner · 16 February 2007 · Chapter 21: Epilogue

That is a GOOD reason to sleep in the study, I think, and one that caused no hardship on either, save for perhaps wishing he was beside her. But the love has definitely there. The story has been marvelous and your writing excellent. Thank you so much for the enjoyment. I usually read Hobbit and Aragorn fiction, I'll admit, but I find I love the different ideas of what the relationship between Faramir and his bride from Dol Amroth might be like. As for the concern the child might look perhaps too Gondorian--remember that one of Eomer's grandmothers was Morwin, also of Gondor. It's not particularly new to the people of Rohan to know a queen from the land of the sea kings.

Larner · 16 February 2007 · Chapter 20: A surprising confession

Yes, the seal of her acceptance, that she quickened for the King, and delights in his love. Wonderful! And on Aerin's wedding day, too. So appropriate!

ponypetter · 15 February 2007 · Chapter 21: Epilogue

Oh how silly of Lothiriel. But I guess her experiences made her sensitive to the thought of her son being considered an outsider. It's such a nice end to the story. I had to smile at Eomer's hesitation in picking up his son. He probably has very little experience with children, given his life thus far. It's good to see that he's willing to jump right in.

Eilenach · 15 February 2007 · Chapter 21: Epilogue

Yet another wonderful Eomer/Lothiriel story from you, made of carefully and believably drawn characters. It was hard to believe at the beginning of this one, however, that there was actually going to be a happy ending! (Although I'm sure that's the impression you wanted to leave.) I re-read all of your stories from time to time, and always enjoy them. Hopefully, you have more stories up your sleeve, maybe concentrating on different characters? (I'm just thinking that, after a point, it becomes hard to think of new scenarios for how Eomer met and fell in love with Lothiriel.)

Alison H · 15 February 2007 · Chapter 21: Epilogue

Awww, what a lovely end to a wonderful story! I'm glad Lothiriel's tears were good tears and not ones of sorrow.It was sweet of Eomer to tell her that she was considered a Rohir now, especially after delivering an heir at the first try! I'm not sure whether I would like my husband to announce to a great crowd our bedroom activities, but his excuse was that he was on the way to being very drunk at the time! This was a wonderful, sweet story, LBJ.I hope it will not be long until your next one! Take care. Ali.

Bodkin · 12 February 2007 · Chapter 20: A surprising confession

So his first question is about the dog? And he decided he wanted to marry Lothiriel based on instant attraction? He's lucky it turned out as well as it did, then! Although perhaps Aragorn and Imrahil wouldn't have been so inclined to push the match through if Eomer had been attracted to some far less suitable example of Gondorian womanhood. He's doing his best with the distraction technique, too. But her strength of will is apparent - she clung on until she extracted some answers! And it hasn't taken them long to delight the sharp-eyed with the prospect of an heir. The first, if their relationship carries on as it has started, of many!

Alison H · 11 February 2007 · Chapter 20: A surprising confession

I enjoyed this chapter immensely, LBJ.Lothiriel's determination to get to the bottom of why Eomer asked for her hand was amusing and, in a way, frustrating.Her urge to uncover the truth was evidently confusing to Eomer but at least he answered her as honestly as he could....and who could resist his endearments of love? What a man! I love your portrayal of him! *sigh* So, Lothiriel is now expecting and I loved how you dealt with that scene, with her tears at a happy event.Elfgyuu was surprisingly warm but it was Eomer's reaction that I enjoyed the most.He and Lothiriel are so happy right now so what could the reason be for Lothiriel's despair at the beginning of this story? I think I'll read this whole story again to see if I can find a few clues.I'm looking forward to the epilogue but not to the end of this story.I hope that you have another one planned soon.I love 'your' Eomer & Lothiriel, you write them so well. Take care. Ali.

ponypetter · 11 February 2007 · Chapter 19: A question of postponement

I have a feeling those two will be having an important conversation soon. They both seem to be so happy now that they're reunited.

Rugi · 9 February 2007 · Chapter 19: A question of postponement

“I followed her gaze. No wonder she sounded surprised, the dagger in my hand must have looked a bit odd. “Éomer King wanted to stick it in his infected wound. I thought it prudent to fetch a healer, Elfgyuu.”” This quote, and a few others this chapter, just made me laugh right into my computer screen. It shows the frustration of women dealing with heedless fighting men, Lothiriel’s growing love and affection for her husband, her understanding of his personality, and her determination to be wife and queen. It’s great. I also loved her way of getting him to sit down. Lothiriel is honestly learning how to handle her husband when he needs it and it’s lovely to see them so comfortable together. I agree with Bodkin’s discussion of the wounds. It was great that you made the reader (and Lothiriel) face the rather gruesome reality of war wounds instead of the heroic fantasy. One can’t spend weeks living outside, not bathing, and sleeping in your clothes and expect to come home fresh as a daisy. And the hard conditions would only worsen even minor wounds. I am glad she held off the interrogation until Eomer was more fresh – having an absess lanced can’t have been a pleasant experience but now I am a bit worried about the later discussion. They are getting on so well I don’t want to see Lothiriel crying in her bed alone. Though I imagine (hope, wish, DEMAND) the situation won’t be permanent…

Bodkin · 9 February 2007 · Chapter 19: A question of postponement

Ensuring that everyone sees how concerned she is about Eomer - and little things like his holding her hand ... She couldn't do anything better to make herself accepted. (Except the triplet sons.) That abscess sounded seriously unpleasant! Which is only appropriate, really. (Too many injuries are just pure Hollywood! You know what I mean - an artistic trail of blood and a torn sleeve and get up and walk away.) And it's the drama of the moment - the dropping of barriers - that enables Lothiriel to say what's on her mind, even though she intended to be discreet and controlled. I'm glad she let Eomer off - and joined him in sleep. It'll be good for both of them! But the words are out now, and the questions must be answered. Looking forward to hearing what Eomer has to say!

Larner · 7 February 2007 · Chapter 19: A question of postponement

Yes, sleep now, Eomer, for tomorrow your wife will need you to be her husband and lover, a role I suspect you, also need. Lovely descriptions.

Bodkin · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 18: A time for healing

Very nice! Very nice indeed. Almost worth having him come back a little injured - just for the pleasure of tending to him! But poor Eadric! I'm glad he saved Leod - but not at the cost of his own life ... And Swidhelm - I hope he survives. Inevitable, really - as war comes at a cost - but still ... I'm with Lothiriel that Eomer needs a healer more than he needs ... er ... other diversions. At least, he needs a healer first. A lovely reunion - but tinged with sadness and responsibility and delayed gratification. Like life, really. And they have tomorrow.

Larner · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 18: A time for healing

In the end the caring leader and friend comes out as he inquires after Swidhelm. No wonder she loves him now. Keeping the proper priorities in line while dealing with him was difficult, but necessary, and he will love her the more for it as their marriage progresses. I suspect Aragorn foresaw this match would become a lovematch quickly, or I doubt he would have countenanced such an arranged marriage. And this does indeed look to have become a marriage between equals, bless them both.

Larner · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 17: A waiting game

Alas--he was wounded after all. At least he has her to meet him as he approaches the hall, and she can see he is alive indeed. Poor Aerin--she indeed has a good deal to learn.

Larner · 31 January 2007 · Chapter 16: A day of judgement

Her experience in her father's service shows well, and her judgments are sound. And now that she proves she has Rohan's needs at heart she is finding acceptance. Very good!

Larner · 31 January 2007 · Chapter 15: A chapter of misfortune.

Aha! The first real challenge for the Queen. But she will handle it well in spite of the lack of support. Alas the lord she inquired about is ill--sounds like a stroke to me. But she'll get through, and may prove to this woman she knows more than a thing or two before she's done.