Dreamflower · 20 October 2006 · Chapter 1: Prologue: Of Kings and Queens
Very intriguing! But Eowyn is not likely to let her curiousity rest.
Yours to command by Lialathuveril
Reviews (292)
Larner · 20 October 2006 · Chapter 5: Protector of the Weak
Aha! An assassin! Now, what is to be done with this creature, we wonders? As for Gallant Galador--I am certain Lothiriel's trust will be proved true, both for the promise for the pony and the honor of the king.
Author's reply
We'll meet Gallant Galador again soon and will see how he fares. As for Muzgash, you'll see... Lia
galiemril · 14 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Imrahil's Table
this story is absolutely enchanting. I love you style, you write Lothiriel so that it is very easy to understand her annoyances and moods adn where they come from. Thank yo for thaking the time to write such a wonderful piece.
Author's reply
Hello Galimeril, Glad to hear you like it. I enjoy getting inside my character's thoughts and moods - I think it's what makes a story interesting. Lia
Bodkin · 14 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Imrahil's Table
Annarima is a cold fish! I'm surprised Alphros has turned out so well. I love the way - inevitable, I suppose - that Lothiriel adds colour and personality to the voices of those round her. And that she is getting to know Eomer without any idea of what he looks like! His attitude towards her is rather interesting, too - protective and intrigued. But he'd better not get too pitying or it won't be Imrahil who slaps him down! (And Lothiriel is still a matrimonial prize, really, whatever her family might think. After all - she has rank and status and you don't need sight to perform the most important task of a noble bride, the production of the heir and spare.) I'm looking forward to Lothiriel continuing to behave in a way that is certainly not according to the Belecthor's rules. I think she'll get on well with Eowyn - who is also rather unconventional.
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, It will be quite a while until Lothiriel gets any idea of what Eomer looks like - but he's got a nice voice. I agree that some will still consider her a matrimonial prize, but she certainly doesn't fit the bill as far as Eomer is concerned. Still, who knows, he might yet change his mind. And yes, she should get along with Eowyn - but of course the evening's not over yet... Lia
Larner · 13 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Imrahil's Table
Ah, yes, the overhelpful relatives moving things and not saying so. My husband would get so frustrated when someone did that to him. But she's a game one, and outspoken. And I'm pleased she will one day be Queen of Rohan.
Author's reply
Hello Larner, What a strange coincidence that your husband should be blind - and if I understand correctly you work with blind people as well? Yes, Lothiriel is very game and before the end of the tale Eomer will realize that as well. That will be a while yet, though... Lia
Larner · 13 October 2006 · Chapter 3: Nightfall
All right, I hadn't guessed, and with my profession and experience I perhaps ought to have done so. But I've seen the desire to avoid pity many times, of course, and the discomfort so many first feel when they first come to know someone who is blind.
Author's reply
Hello Larner, I have to admit I do not know anybody who is blind, but a couple of my daughters' friends have handicaps (of a different sort). At first it tends to dominate your view of them, but then after a while you almost forget about it - what's important is their personality really. Lia
Deiliah · 13 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Imrahil's Table
Oh, poor Lothiriel! It seems her father's over protectiveness only serves to stifle and embarrass her.... and that sister-in-law should be gagged! I'm enjoying Lothiriel's POV, as there really is no "view", I can imagine sitting in her place and relying soley on what she smells, hears, and feels. I would think she'd prefer her lack of sight to be viewed as a challenge rather than a weakness, but her first challenge seems to be overcoming other's treatment of her. I really look forward to Eomer's POV now. I can't wait to see how this story progresses and am thoroughly enjoying it so far!
Author's reply
Hello Deiliah, You are right to say that Lothiriel's handicap is not so much her blindness as such, but rather the way it is viewed by those around her, primarily her family. I found it a bit of a challenge to write from Lothiriel's point of 'view' - you constantly have to remind yourself of how the world would seem to her - so I'm pleased to hear you're enjoying this story. Lia
Bodkin · 8 October 2006 · Chapter 3: Nightfall
I am glad Eomer met Lothiriel before he realised she had lost her sight. And that she was obviously not an insipid well-brought-up Gondorian maiden incapable of talking of anything more demanding than the weather. Or the prospects for the harvest. I suspect he already feels interested and protective when it comes to the smoky grey-eyed princess - and he has recognised the cage that confines her even though he failed to understand the reason for it at the time. I look forward to him taking Lothiriel to the encampment to meet Eowyn - because I can't see much standing in his way if he makes up him mind. And if Lady Wilwarin decides to patronise the Princess, I'm sure he will bristle on her behalf. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, Yes, Belecthor (of Gondorian maiden’s guide to proper deportment fame) would be quite horrified at the princess's choice of subjects - and it will actually get worse in the next chapter. The evening's not over yet. I think Eomer takes an interest in her and would naturally feel protective, but there will be many chapters yet before he makes up his mind. I just had to split a chapter in half today because it just kept on growing and growing! Lia
vampfan30 · 7 October 2006 · Chapter 3: Nightfall
hi again ! read the first three chapters & just like the last rendition, love this one as well. * blush * missed the hints as to a difference in this form of our heroine. about fell out of my chair when it finally dawned on me. Guess strep & laryngytis can mess with your head after a week's worth of them beating mercilessly.... AHEM - sorry. loved the story. looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Hello again too! I was surprised myself that anybody guessed after the admittedly rather obscure hints in the first two chapters. Sorry to hear that you're not feeling well - autumn is coming, isn't it. I hope you get well soon and the next chapter should be up by next weekend. Lia
Alatriel · 7 October 2006 · Chapter 3: Nightfall
WOW!!!! That floored me as much as it floored Eomer! I completely missed the hint in the other 2 chapters. So now too, I have gone back and re-read them. Oh, the intrigue, the suspense. How will Eomer handle the princess now. Will he think she's too much work? Perhaps him seeing her in action as attendant for Eowyn, will let him see that Lothiriel is qute capable for she certainly seems it, even at this early stage of the story. So many issues, so little time! Absolutely priceless once again Lia!
Author's reply
Hello Alatriel, You were meant to miss the hints in the first two chapters ;-) We'll see how Eomer handles the princess, also what is her family's attitude to her condition and her own - she's actually unusual in other ways as well. Lia
Deilia · 7 October 2006 · Chapter 3: Nightfall
Oooooooh! What an interesting and unique story line for these characters! BRAVO! I had to go back and reread the previous 2 chapters and can now clearly see the numerous allusions to Lothiriel's circumstance. I think I may have also spotted a hint(s) as to what happened to her??? ...Unless it's a "condition" she's had from birth, but I'm guessing there's more to the story there. Also, let me say that this is my 1st review! I've "lurked" here for a while as I find the best stories on this site! I finally signed on for the update alerts, and I was thrilled to see this! I love your 3D characters and the challenges you give them! I look forward to seeing their relationship develop and how it changes them as individuals. Thank you for sharing your imagination!
Author's reply
Hello Deilia, I'm glad to hear you like it. I wasn't sure if my readers would appreciate this twist, but after a year of reading and writing about Lothiriel I was getting a bit tired of the beautiful, accomplished, flawless princess that she's usually depicted as and I wanted to go for something else. You'll find out eventually just what happened, but it's not something she's had since birth. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the story as well and thanks for reviewing - it really makes an author's day! Lia
Larner · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 2: The White City
Yes, I think she's the proper one for Eomer, and feel somewhat smug that Lady Butterfly isn't going to find herself anywhere in the running all too soon. Lovely descriptions of all, and I look forward to finding out WHY Lothiriel is so familiar with the Houses of Healing.
Author's reply
Hello Larner, I'm not sure if spitting cherry stones is in the job description for Queen of Rohan, but we'll see. Some, but not all will be revealed in the next chapter. Lia
Bodkin · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 2: The White City
Goodness! You have stirred up lots of questions and not provided a single answer. Although I have come up with several theories! I won't go into detail for fear of spoiling a terrific set up - but I was very intrigued by Lothiriel's viewpoint of the city! Poor Eomer - the victim of a particularly unforgiving hunt. I hope Lothiriel manages to save him from the wiles of Lady Wilwarin and her ilk. I dislike her already (and her sister, probably) - beautiful, conventional, self-assured and smug. Let's see her confounded! She would bore the King of Rohan within weeks. Let him just take back a picture of her - that'd be enough. I'm looking forward to the next part - and hopefully some elucidation of all the hints I've picked up in this chapter!
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, Some answers will be given in the next chapter, but not all. It seems to me you might be on the right track, though. We'll get to meet Lady Wilwarin in a later chapter and will see her hunting skills - they are quite impressive. Lia
Raksha The Demon · 2 October 2006 · Chapter 2: The White City
A promising beginning. I love the idea of great excitement, and tents of Rohirrim, all gathering for Faramir and Eowyn's wedding, which was sadly left out of ROTK. I hope you'll describe the wedding in some detail; I know it's Lothiriel's story, but I love good versions of Faramir's wedding... Lothiriel's memory of her and Amrothos getting in trouble with 'Uncle Denethor' for spitting cherry pits down on the hapless guards was quite funny. I can just see her doing it, too.
Author's reply
Hello Raksha, Yes, I plan to describe the wedding and all the surrounding events in some detail, after all it's the reason why Lothiriel is coming to Minas Tirith. I like Faramir and Eowyn, too, so they will play a considerable role in this story. And what's the use of having such a wonderful vantage point when you can't put it to use... Lia
Bodkin · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 1: Prologue: Of Kings and Queens
Very intriguing! After all the Princess of Dol Amroth must be high on the list of suitable maidens - all things being equal. And even Faramir accepts that she is totally out of the question! Mind you, if Eomer were really to marry the paragon of all virtues he is picturing, I think he would find her very tedious after a while. He needs someone who can sit there - like Eowyn - and share his interests. Able to be ladylike at need, but able to be a strong-willed and determined help-meet by his side. Love the setting and the conversations - and, much as I love Eowyn, I hope it doesn't take too long to get them to Gondor so that Eomer can begin to look for his perfect wife!
Author's reply
Hello Bodkin, The next chapter is set in Minas Tirith, so you'll get your wish soon. Who knows, Eomer might even meet the perfect woman there and find out firsthand if what you say is true. He will of course also meet someone else there... You'll meet Lothiriel in the next chapter and might find out yourself why Faramir thought her unsuitable - or you might not. Nice hearing from you again! Lia
Alatriel · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 1: Prologue: Of Kings and Queens
Hi Lia! Where do you possibly find the time for this??? However, I am eternally grateful that you do! Yet another first chapter that now has me sitting patiently (well, kind of) waiting for the next instalment. I know you will blow our minds as always. We kind of tend to forget the harsh reality of life long ago, when they did marry for political alliance and heirs in monarchy's. Poor Eomer! Will he find out about Lothiriels strangeness before he meets her and then have a preconceived idea of what she's like? Or will he find out from her first hand why people think her behaviour is a little strange? Hmmmm, can't wait to see where this goes.
Author's reply
Hello Alatriel, I'll do my best to live up to your praise - you have high expectations! Eomer will meet Lothiriel quite soon, but you will do so first - in the next chapter to be precise. As for when I find the time - sometimes I don't know myself! The next chapter should be up early next week. Lia
Larner · 27 September 2006 · Chapter 1: Prologue: Of Kings and Queens
Aha--so Lothiriel isn't quite of the caliber Eomer has mentioned, is she? And yet she's the one who'll get him in the end. A tomboy, perhaps, similar to the White Lady of Rohan? Heh!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, No, Lothiriel is nothing like Eomer's dream woman, especially the 'always courteous and polite' bit... Thanks for leaving a review! Lia