Yours to command by Lialathuveril
Cuthalion · 17 November 2006 · Chapter 6: The Slayer of the Witch King
I love the way Éowyn treats Lothiriel - a strong woman, sensing the iron core in another one of equally strong will. And I simply adore that scene with Cadda the Bard. I must say you really have a skilled hand with writing the Rohirrim. Mona
Author's reply
Thanks! As you see, I even tried my hand at writing poetry - an absolute first with me.
Cuthalion · 17 November 2006 · Chapter 5: Protector of the Weak
Lothíriel liked to imagine that voices had colours. Her father’s was a silvery grey, elegant and cultivated, while Amrothos’s was a fiery orange, quick and cutting at times. Then there was the deep amber of Elphir and the calm blue of Erchirion. As for the King of Rohan - it was red, she decided, but so dark as to be almost black and perhaps with a glint of gold in it. Ah - wonderful. "Black and with a hint of gold..." - hmmmm. And the argument over that poor, neglected "sack of bones" was wonderful to read. Of course Éomer came to the rescue - against all good reason, simply because there "has" to be a Rohirrim Knight to save the damsel... erh... the pony, of course. And there's even a villain looming at the horizon! Now you've done it again. I knew it would be dangerous to read a new tale of yours - they have the tendency to get me positively addicted. *grins* Mona
Author's reply
When I read 'Keeper of the Jewels' I saw that you'd done something quite similar with colours in one of your own chapters, where Artanis fainted. The pony - well, everybody but Eomer probably saw that coming! And of course, there is a villain. You know how much I like them!
Cuthalion · 17 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Imrahil's Table
Hmmm... I am sure Lothiriel would be capable of managing her life much better if her family wouldn't care so VERY much for her comfort. And the "wine-incident" was delightful. I like the idea of Éomer trying to help her as inconspicously as possible... even if his sleeve was soaked in wine afterwards. *smiles* *hurries to read the next chapter* Mona
Author's reply
They are a bit overprotective, aren't they. Eomer already seems to have a much better idea of how to help her - even if he messed up at first.
Cuthalion · 17 November 2006 · Chapter 3: Nightfall
Ha! I was right! And poor Éomer had no idea why she behaved like she did... Lia, that was marvelous. Now I'm going to find out when she lost her eye-light (and I have no idea if this is the right way to say it...). And I'm eagerly waiting to see what happens next! Cúthalion
Author's reply
Glad to hear you liked it - but I'm afraid it will be a while yet before you find out in any detail how she lost her eyesight.
Cuthalion · 17 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The White City
Wait a moment... could it be that in this version of the tale Lothiriel is blind? You never describe what she sees, only what she hears, and she must have spent a long time in the Houses of Healing... was there a kind of accident? How intrigueing! Yes, this is your beta long gone astray, and after I never found the time to help you, I want at least to give it the honor it deserves and read it. *blushes* Sorry for taking so long! This is beautiful. An entirely different Lothiriel... and yet not so different to the woman you described in The Falcon and the Mûmakil. I'm looking forward to work my way through this story - at last! Cúthalion
Author's reply
Dear Cuthalion, so nice hearing from you again! As always you are very observant - but you'll find out when you read the next chapter. I think all my Lothiriels are similar in some ways (haven't managed demure and well-behaved yet), yet I also try to make them slightly different. I hope you'll enjoy the story! Lia
Larner · 15 November 2006 · Chapter 8: The Wild Rider
Aha--a cliffhanger! And the innocent princess in this case brings more positive attention to herself by being herself than the beautiful lady who seeks basically an advantageous marriage. Excellent.
Author's reply
Hello Larner, yes, I think that ultimately it's always much better to just be yourself and I'm sure Eomer would think so, too. Glad to hear you like the story Lia
galimeril · 15 November 2006 · Chapter 8: The Wild Rider
Great story, it seems to just yank you inside of it and insist on you staying for teh duration! I just love it! Can't wait to see what's happening at the river!
Author's reply
Hello Galimeril, thanks so much for your review, that's exactly what I'm aiming for, to draw the reader inside my story! Lia
vampfan30 · 15 November 2006 · Chapter 8: The Wild Rider
wow - evil evil cliffie! The action was goin & then, bam! righht into an evil cliffie!I think I like this one better than the others! waiting for more.....
Author's reply
Hello Vampfan, I know I'm evil...but you'll have to admit I also update very regularly! So I can promise the next chapter for in a week's time. Lia
Bodkin · 9 November 2006 · Chapter 7: Winterbreath
Lady Wilwarin has only exchanged a couple of words with Eomer and already you dislike her! I'm assuming there's a strong family resemblance between Wilwarin and her sister! Of course, you might be just about to make Eomer fall desperately in love with sweet and conventional ... ... or maybe not.
Author's reply
It's just that for a split second I got confused over which chapter I had posted - I'm ahead with writing and there is more Wilwarin coming up. Yes, I'd say there is quite a family resemblance. I'm not sure if it's genetic or upbringing!
Bodkin · 8 November 2006 · Chapter 7: Winterbreath
Lothiriel's blindness (and her position) gives her a little independence from the Etiquette Master of Gondor - even if Annamira would far rather that she was totally conventional and compliant. And it seems as if Eomer has noticed that she is definitely more interesting than certain other honey-sweet girls with spiteful stings. I am glad he convinced her to take his arm, though. She doesn't need any more accidents just yet! The horse sounds gorgeous. And very eloquently described. I'm sure Lothiriel will enjoy furthering the acquaintance. If, of course, Eowyn can find the right sort of garment!
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, it's funny, Lady Wilwarin has only exchanged a couple of words with Eomer and already you dislike her! By the way, black eyes can get a great way to get to know each other better... Eowyn will find the right garments, as you'll see in the next chapter. Lia
Deiliah · 7 November 2006 · Chapter 7: Winterbreath
Very nice development! I love the character interaction... the bits of humor and even awkwardness that comes with making new friends. And I especially love Eowyn's idea, just hope it doesn't get Lothiriel in trouble! I, for one, really appreciated Eomer's description of Winterbreath's coloring. I'm a horse lover (used to work with Thoroughbreds and Quarterhorses) and could clearly picture her in my minds eye. It's nice to see that attention to detail with Rohan's finest. As always, I'm really enjoying your story and look forward to each update. Thanks for sharing!
Author's reply
Hello Deiliah, I once read that the Eskimo have hundreds of words for 'snow', so I imagine the Rohirrim would have a similar number for their horses' colours. But Eomer did get carried away a bit here ;-)
Dreamflower · 7 November 2006 · Chapter 7: Winterbreath
A wonderful chapter. And I hope you don't mind my saying this, but when I came to this bit: Éomer was touched. “Well, you know, I didn’t win the war,” he said gently. “Frodo the Halfling did. It just stopped me for a moment, to collect myself. I am always rather emotional over it when one of the Big Folk acknowledge who the true hero of the War was; it always makes me tear up a bit, to realize that they have not forgotten him. As to the rest, it was wonderful. I did notice that Eomer does not assume that being blind would automatically mean that Lothiriel could not wed--he wonders in passing if her father has a match in mind for her. *grin* And I also loved her reaction to getting the horse. Eowyn is a manipulative stinker--and I love her for it!
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower, What you wrote in your review is actually a point very dear to my heart and it will come up again a bit later. I always thought that the fact that Frodo saved their skins might have a humbling effect on the Big Folk - always a good thing. And Eomer seems to be starting to notice quite a few things about the Princess of Dol Amroth... Lia
Larner · 7 November 2006 · Chapter 7: Winterbreath
What a wonderful and proper gift for this most special of princesses. Now, while she thinks the King is interested in Lady Wilwarin, she will be suffering from some sadness, I suspect as she comes to honor Eomer increasingly. But he seems very open to the possibilities of her capabilities--wish all were so, myself.
Author's reply
Hello Larner, Yes, I'm afraid we haven't seen the last of Lady Wilwarin yet. And Eomer is probably more openminded about her abilities than her own family. But even he might underestimate her. Lia
Deiliah · 6 November 2006 · Chapter 6: The Slayer of the Witch King
Well, it seems that Lothiriel is building new friendships at least. That could be useful in gaining a bit of independence from the(mostly)well intentioned, but overbearing family.... right? I loved the scene with Cadda, by the way, and the emotions that the interaction evoked. You have a wonderfuly way with a story! In fact, while reading this, I really feel as if I'm "seeing" things as Lothiriel does. Thanks for another lovely chapter!
Author's reply
Hello Deiliah, you are right when you say that her family is well-meaning but overbearing. She will actually be handed a small piece of freedom in the next chapter. I was really pleased to hear that you feel like you can 'see' things from Lothiriel's point-of-view, that's really what I'm trying to achieve. Lia
Bodkin · 4 November 2006 · Chapter 6: The Slayer of the Witch King
There's something about that honey-sweet Lady Wilwarin that makes me (and sister Eowyn) want to immerse her in a large pile of stable manure. I like the way Eowyn responds to Lothiriel - she's a nice down-to-earth straightforward and honest person. Very unlike the flowers of Gondorian nobility we are seeing here! (Note above suggestion.) I reckon I know which guests Cadda the bard prefers.
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, the pile of stable manure - ah, how you tempt me! At the moment I don't really see how I could work that into the story, but I'll definitely keep it in mind. We have of course not seen the last of Lady Wilwarin. By the way, I have borrowed a sentence from one of your last reviews for a future chapter, I hope you don't mind? See if you spot it - it won't come up for a while yet, though. Lia
Dreamflower · 2 November 2006 · Chapter 6: The Slayer of the Witch King
Eowyn is wonderful in this, and I love your OC Cadda! I have a soft spot for bards, I must confess. And I loved the way he put "Lady" Wilwarin in her place. I think I'd like to see a full-blown confrontation between her and Eowyn. Somehow I don't think that sly little miss would come out ahead of Eowyn Nazgulbane! I really liked the verse you gave, from the song. Have you written the rest of it? I'd love to see it, if you have.
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower, I haven't got a confrontation between Eowyn and Lady Wilwarin planned, but I agree, it would be worth watching. And we'll meet Cadda again in a later chapter. The verse - I'm afraid that's the sum total of what I could come up with and even that took me quite a while. I tried to stay close to the structure of Anglo-saxon poetry, but I'm not a natural born poet!
Larner · 31 October 2006 · Chapter 6: The Slayer of the Witch King
Ah, methinks the lady doth put herself down overmuch. And loved the song "Heartbreaker." Yes, a day of grief, but a day of new beginnings as well, as much for a child of Dol Amroth as for the new King of Rohan.
Author's reply
Hello Larner, you are right that Lothiriel is too modest about her own accomplishments at times. Maybe she just needs somebody to really appreciate her. Glad to hear you liked the song, even though it wasn't about golden-haired maidens! Lia
Bodkin · 23 October 2006 · Chapter 5: Protector of the Weak
I love Lothiriel's compassion and determination - and the relationship she has with her nephew. How could Eomer not come to the rescue? Between the unfortunate horse and the mean-spirited Annamira - he couldn't help himself. A dark-haired grey-eyed beauty needed his help - and he came to the rescue. I do look forward to these two getting to know each other a little better!
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, I thought that Lothiriel might have special empathy for apparently 'useless' fellow creatures. They will get to know each other better in the upcoming chapters, but I'm taking things slowly. Lia
vampfan30 · 22 October 2006 · Chapter 5: Protector of the Weak
reading still, just got a little off of the tracks these last few days. two road trips & strep in between time,all in one month, yeah... like the characterization of her even though she is blind; it gives her a different perspective on the world, yet, she is still the headstrong girl that we all know....
Author's reply
Hello Vampfan, are you feeling better yet? A friend of mine with whom I had discussed my ideas remarked that she had expected this Lothiriel to be tamer because of her blindness - but I don't think I can do tame! Anyway, that would be boring ;-) Lia
Anne Rose · 21 October 2006 · Chapter 5: Protector of the Weak
I like this very much. I've read quite a few stories about Eomer and Lothiriel meeting and this is a new twist on the story. Saving small and not so small animals as a hobby is amusing. I hope she doesn't find a stray Mumak. ;-)
Author's reply
Thank you! I was trying for a different kind of Lothiriel this time. And I agree, even Eomer might balk at the idea of taking on a mumak.
Deiliah · 20 October 2006 · Chapter 5: Protector of the Weak
I'm still loving this story! My cheeks actually ache from grinning through most of this chapter. Why am I not suprise Eomer took the pony? He is ever honorable... and seemingly so reserved so far. Bravo to Lothiriel for her determination to rescue an animal who was mistreated, overused, and sentenced to death through no fault of his own. They may seem too soft, but to me, it show's a great strength of character for both Eomer and Lothiriel. I still STONGLY feel that Annarima should be gagged! I realize her stuffy character adds to the conflict, but I can't wait for a scene when someone tells her just where to stuff it! There will be one.... right???? Please? Now, what's this? A bit of intrigue to twist the plot? Well, I'll be waiting, a tad less patiently, for your next update. Once again, Thank you for sharing your imagination!
Author's reply
Hello Deiliah, I don't think Eomer has a clue yet why he took the pony - or at least less than most of my readers. I'm pleased to hear you liked Lothiriel's actions. She is of course aware of the fact that there are bigger problems in the world, but she wants to do what she can. Annarima: just wait until you meet her sister, the beautiful Lady Wilwarin! And I thought it would be more fun to mix up things a bit, so these two can't concentrate on all the tangles in their love life too much. Lia
Dreamflower · 20 October 2006 · Chapter 5: Protector of the Weak
Oh my goodness! I was grinning all through the exchange over the pony, and even though I *knew* what Eomer was going to end up doing, I still splorked when he did so! I loved Lothiriel's determination, Alphros' childlike faith and Amroth's wry asides. Poor Elphir--he seems to always end up stuck with a wife with the personality of Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. And then as I am chuckling and giggling my way through to the end of the fluff, suddenly there is foreshadowing of something a bit more dire! Obviously someone from where? Harad, perhaps from the name? is eager to wreak vengeance on our intrepid King of Rohan. Oh my! I look forward to more! Only now I'll have to wait, instead of just pushing the "next" button...
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower, nice to hear from you again! With this chapter, I think Eomer is the only one who doesn't know that he'll end up with the pony right to the end. And yes, Elphir has drawn the short straw once again - let's hope Eomer doesn't make the same mistake. And now you'll have to wait another week for the next chapter - at least you didn't have to wait 2 weeks to find out why Lothiriel was so unsuitable. Lia
Dreamflower · 20 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Imrahil's Table
Uh-oh. That last line has the ring of a set-up--you know, like "What else could possibly happen?" or "Wait for me". On to the next chapter to find out...
Author's reply
Well, you know me and my ominous hints, don't you!
Dreamflower · 20 October 2006 · Chapter 3: Nightfall
Ah. I had guessed at a few things, and it was only as I was coming up on the revelatory paragraphs that I began to suspect the truth. Very interesting indeed, and I can see now why she might be thought unsuitable as a bride for a king.
Dreamflower · 20 October 2006 · Chapter 2: The White City
Hmm...why is Lothiriel so "unsuitable"? Clearly she must have suffered a trauma of some sort. I was right about Eowyn. She's not one to let things rest.