daw the minstrel
· 15 May 2007
· Chapter 28: Pawn's Move
Geez, I love Lothiriel. She's brave and clever and resourceful.
As I read this chapter, I was struck again by how well-written this is. The story is embodied. It's shown, not told, and it's exceedingly compelling.
Author's reply
Yes, now we'll just have to hope that Eomer is equally clever. And since I always try to show, not tell, and like the reader to make up her own mind about the characters and the story, I'm exceedingly pleased by your comment! Thanks!
Lia
Anonymous
· 15 May 2007
· Chapter 28: Pawn's Move
This is just too suspenseful. I've been reading this from chapter one and I don't think I've ever been so enthralled. I love the characterisations, the physical vulnerability of Lothiriel, and then the innocence yet sharpness of her mind. Eomer, so utterly in love and deliciously masculine. I've loved the anger, the romance and now the suspense. Will there ever be a wedding? Lol. I know it's pointless in asking but please update soon!
An avid reader,
Fishy*
Author's reply
Hello Fishy,
thank you! One of the things that drew me to writing about a blind Lothiriel was to see how far willpower and sheer determination can make up for such a severe physical handicap - and then the character kind of took over!
And yes, there will of course be a wedding (in the epilogue, so we're invited). More next week (I hope!) and thanks for reviewing!
Lia
obsidianj
· 13 May 2007
· Chapter 27: A Fight in the Dark
So, Muzgash encountered some obstacles on his way to having fun. Go, Lothiriel. I loved the bit with his burnt hair. I hope it is bad enough that he can't go among his people. That guy gives me the creeps. But he learnt that Lothiriel is not easy game.
I hope Eomer, Imrahil and Aragorn have a break soon. They need a good idea how to trap the Haradrim.
Author's reply
You are right, Muzgash has learnt that Lothiriel is an opponent to be reckoned with. However, it might be a lesson learnt too late.
And your wish is my command, so there should be a break coming up soon for Eomer and company! Now they only have to make use of it.
Lia
Bodkin
· 12 May 2007
· Chapter 27: A Fight in the Dark
Calling off the search won't help. Finding Lothiriel will! I mean - she'll only get so many chances to impair Captain Mugwash.
Scary chapter! Part of me says - this'll help the marriage quest ... but the kidnapping can only go on for so long before the advantages will be swallowed up in the general disaster.
She's doing well, though. I don't know how long her courage will last. And she hasn't got a cheese knife with her. But I'm sure Eomer ... and Imrahil and her brothers and Aragorn will do their best to get to her and slice pieces off Mugwash to feed to the piranha in the Anduin.
Author's reply
You're right, a cheese knife would be rather useful at the moment. Fortunately she has still got one sharp weapon - her brain. But I agree, it's time for her to get rescued soon, before her courage fails her.
At least she knows that Eomer and her family will do their utmost to find her. And they're a force to be reckoned with!
Lia
Alison H
· 9 May 2007
· Chapter 27: A Fight in the Dark
Boy, is the slime that is the Harad prince ready for an outraged and vengeful Eomer? I don't think he understands Eomer's feelings for Lothiriel; she will not be one among many and treated as chattel that's for sure.Eomer will treat her as the treasure he thinks she is.
Yuk! Lothiriel's captivity seriously took a turn for the worse but I'm glad she brained the Haradrim and set fire to his hair.That must have been a victory of sorts--but Eomer needs to find Lothiriel before she really comes to harm.
I'd love to think that the search for Lothiriel will *not* be called off but neither Eomer, Imrahil or Lothiriel's brothers would put her life in further danger by opposing her captor.Maybe,honourable as he is, Eomer will offer himself in exchange and then turn the tables on Lothiriel's tormentor.I hope so.I want to see Eomer exact vengeance for the terror his beloved has been put through.
Brilliant story, Lia.Update soon!
Author's reply
Yes, Muzgash needs to work on his attitude towards the female sex ;-) Still, Lothiriel might teach him a lesson, yet. But I don't think he would take Eomer in exchange if the offer were made to him, for of course he wants it all. Lothiriel in his power and Eomer dead.
It's true Lothiriel won a victory of sorts (and I think will enjoy the thought of it), but of course she's still in dire straits. We'll see what the next chapter brings.
And I'm really pleased you like the story so much!
Lia
SpoonMaidenOfTheShire
· 9 May 2007
· Chapter 27: A Fight in the Dark
Oh boy, I really can't wait until Eomer gets his hands on the Harad prince. That will be interesting...
~SpoonMaid
Author's reply
I think Eomer can't wait either! And I agree, it will be interesting - not just yet, though, but soon...
Lia
Cuthalion
· 8 May 2007
· Chapter 27: A Fight in the Dark
Oh dear. Thank God she had the candle holder and the chamber pot... that could have had a rather ugly end. And of course the search has to be stopped, for I have no doubt that Muzgâsh would kill her at once if needed. And my heart bleeds for Imrahil. Poor man. *sighs*
More soon... please?
Cúthalion
Author's reply
Yes, I think that Eomer took the right decision when he stopped the search, especially as he has no idea what Muzgash's intentions are. But never fear, Muzgash will soon find out that he has overreached himself.
And of course the most dangerous weapon Lothiriel possesses is her brain...
More next week, but then I'll have to see. I get very little writing time at the moment. Sigh!
Lia
Tira
· 7 May 2007
· Chapter 27: A Fight in the Dark
Wow. I truly like how this story is laid out, very gripping. It truly surprised me to find out she was blind, but is a good twist to an unknown story.
I am looking forward to the next chapter, indeed.
Author's reply
Thank you. I wasn't sure at first if people would like a blind Lothiriel or reject the idea out of hand, and I'm actually a bit surprised - but very pleased of course - that the story is so popular!
More next week and thanks for reviewing.
Lia
Larner
· 7 May 2007
· Chapter 27: A Fight in the Dark
Palantir? Foresight? Logic? There must be something to lead them to Mugash!
Love the burnt hair! Hooray for Lothiriel!
Author's reply
Clever of you to think of the Palantir (I didn't!), but there will (eventually) be something else to lead them to Muzgash. And I'm not sure he's very pleased with his new hairstyle, for I don't think it will set a new fashion in Harad ;-)
Lia
phyloxena
· 7 May 2007
· Chapter 27: A Fight in the Dark
Silly Muzgash -- falling for Lothiriel's cooperation second time in a row. That is what one gets for underestimating a woman and being generally full of oneself. Hope he got bad burns. And there is Eomer's new extended family? Probably news didn't reach Ithilien yet.
Author's reply
It was rather stupid of him, wasn't it! But then he's probably had people fawning on him all his life and never met any woman who wasn't impressed by his title.
We're only in the afternoon of the day she was kidnapped, so no, I don't think news would have reached Emyn Arnen yet. Plus it would take some time for Faramir and Eowyn to ride to Minas Tirith. Looks like they'll miss the fun then.
Lia
galimeril
· 7 May 2007
· Chapter 27: A Fight in the Dark
you had me worried for a minute there! Such suspense, I love it!
Write more soon! I can't wait to see what is coming now!
Galimeril ;D
Author's reply
Good to hear I had you worried ;-) And real life is keeping me rather busy at the moment, but nevertheless I can promise the coming chapter for next week.
Lia
Calenlass
· 7 May 2007
· Chapter 27: A Fight in the Dark
That was...a fast chapter. Poor Lothiriel. Things aren't looking good for her.
Author's reply
Well, things could be a lot worse, though. But I have a feeling the next chapter might bring a tiny ray of hope.
Lia
daw the minstrel
· 7 May 2007
· Chapter 27: A Fight in the Dark
Oh nonono! Don't call off the search. Just pretend to and then do something very sly and nasty.
Ahem.
All right. They can do what they must. Again, I salute Lothiriel's spirit and courage. She's clever and brave. She'll make a fine queen of Rohan.
Author's reply
Sly and nasty is actually more in Muzgash's department, but I'm sure Eomer will do his utmost to rescue Lothiriel. And I agree she would make a fine Queen of Rohan - now if only her father would see it.
Lia
Unheard Chime
· 7 May 2007
· Chapter 27: A Fight in the Dark
Oh, wow, this was a great chapter! I love Lothiriel's spirit, and her comebacks to Muzgash ("Come back and ask again when you're king!" Brilliant.).
I also liked seeing the new interaction between Eomer and Imrahil. I miss seeing them as friends.... they've been at odds long enough, time for them to reconcile and unite to find Lothiriel!
Eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
Author's reply
I really admire people who will not let themselves be defeated by their limitations, so I tried to give that quality to Lothiriel. And I have to admit I also enjoy writing verbal clashes!
It's true Eomer and Imrahil are slowly drawing together, but of course first they have to find Lothiriel before they can consider anything else. Ah well, let's hope the next chapter brings a change in fortune...
Lia
SpoonMaidenOfTheShire
· 1 May 2007
· Chapter 26: Of Eels
Nasty, evil cliffhanger. Excellent post, I'm very impressed with Eomer's memory. The eel line was a stroke of genius.
~SpoonMaid
Author's reply
Somehow dead sea creatures have a tendency to creep into my stories. But here they actually came in useful.
I know I'm terrible with cliffhangers - but I promise more soon!
Lia
Bodkin
· 30 April 2007
· Chapter 26: Of Eels
Oh, Eomer! You're just not suspicious enough!! Grab the messenger before you let him know you intend to probe rather more deeply.
Although here, I suppose, is a chance for Eomer and Imrahil - and Lothiriel's brothers - to work together and get past the 'oh-no-you-cannot-wed-my-poor-blind-daughter' bit. If they manage to get her out of this, Eomer will seem a much better prospect than Muzgash. And Imrahil might be able to forget just how irritating Lothiriel has been in her Rohan-cloaked defiance - and remember that her strength of will is a good thing.
Scary ending - I don't really know how Muzgash plans to 'deal' with Lothiriel. But it's very mean to make your readers waiting, gnawing their nails.
Only consolation is that, if the story is to reach a happy conclusion, she must survive Cupid's wrath relatively whole.
Author's reply
I think that compared to Muzgash almost anybody would look a better prospect. So Eomer might just slip by ;-)
Eomer will feel rather guilty about letting the messenger slip through his fingers, but he'll get the chance to make it up to Lothiriel and show what he's made of. However, first she will have to show what stuff is made of.
But don't worry too much!
Lia
Bodkin
· 30 April 2007
· Chapter 25: The Black Serpent
That's a much better use for Hareth than leaving her dead in an alley! Lothiriel might well be willing to defy Muzgash for herself, but she won't if it is Hareth who will be hurt. Unfortunately, Muzgash will use that - and probably still kill Hareth if things aren't going his way. Not a nice Cupid.
Good attempt at warning Eomer that something is wrong. Hope it works. (But not too quickly. I don't want the story to end too soon!)
Author's reply
I like to make maximum use of my characters ;-) For Muzgash of course, showing compassion is just a sign of weakness, so you're certainly right when you write that he would kill Hareth without any compunction.
And the story will run to over 30 chapters, so don't worry about it ending just now.
Lia
obsidianj
· 29 April 2007
· Chapter 26: Of Eels
So, the plan unfolds not quite as Muzgash expects. His promise to let no woman see him losing is temper might be a bit premature, I just hope for Lothiriel's sake that help is near when that happens.
I think Imrahil's guilty conscience of letting Lothiriel walk into the trap will unite him with Eomer. Although Eomer's latest appearance doesn't quite meet Imrahil's standard ;-)
Author's reply
Lothiriel is quite a decent player of Shah, too, as Muzgash has yet to find out. But at the moment he still thinks of her as a mere pawn.
The next chapter will show both what happens when he loses his temper (for of course you're right that he will) and what Imrahil and Eomer think of each other.
More coming up soon!
Lia
Cuthalion
· 28 April 2007
· Chapter 26: Of Eels
Oh dear, it was the mentioning of eels! I swear, if that tale goes on as excellent and thrilling as it has done so far, I will finally give in and ask you if you give me the permission to translate it (which will be thrilling in its own way, for you will - for a change - exactly know what I'm doing. "weak grin*)
I wish Éomer had kept his composure just a little while longer - for now things will be much more difficult, I fear.
Marvelous.
Cúthalion
Author's reply
You should know by now that of course you have carte blanche to translate whatever you want to of mine. And I'm sure you'd make an excellent job of it. It's such a lot of work though, over 100'000 words by now! Sometimes I wish my subconscious would come up with ideas for shorter stories.
And yes, I couldn't resist bringing up the eels one more time. You know my fixation with dead sea creatures ;-) Unfortunately it was a bit sudden for poor Eomer - still, more fun for us!
Lia
galimeril
· 28 April 2007
· Chapter 26: Of Eels
Yay! This just keeps getting better and better, I can't wait to see what happens next, my heart just goes out to Lotheriel! See you soon I hope!
Author's reply
I got quite a bit of writing done while on holiday, so you'll get the next chapter soon. I'm a bit surprised myself how much action and suspense has crept into this story!
Lia
daw the minstrel
· 28 April 2007
· Chapter 26: Of Eels
Lothiriel was quite clever in the messages she hid for both Eomer and her family. Now they know something has happened to her.
I have to say that if I were Lothiriel, Muzgash would scare the bejeebers out of me.
Author's reply
Yes, Lothiriel was clever to keep her head in a tight spot like that, wasn't she. And she's made of sterner stuff than me too! But I think inside she's pretty scared.
Lia
Larner
· 28 April 2007
· Chapter 26: Of Eels
I rejoice that Lothiriel was so careful and Eomer so perceptive. Now--to find a chance to use that chamberpot....
Love the cliffhanger here. Heh!
Author's reply
Yes, the chamberpot! Lothiriel will actually get to use in the next chapter plus whatever else comes to hand!
Lia
Alison H
· 28 April 2007
· Chapter 26: Of Eels
Clever Lothiriel, to leave that hidden plea to Eomer--but I do fear what retribution her captor will inflict upon her now.Eomer has to ride to the rescue soon but he has to find her first and that won't be easy.Poor Lothiriel, locked away and not knowing what is happening.What a terrifying experience for her--but I hope her faith in Eomer gives her some comfort.Eomer would ride to the ends of Middle Earth to save her and anyone standing in his way better be ready for a nasty end!
I love this story, Lia.Update soon.
Author's reply
Lothiriel kept her head there, didn't she. But you're right, Muzgash won't appreciate her cleverness. And finding Lothiriel won't be easy for Eomer. But then I like to make life difficult for my characters. As a friend of mine likes to say who always gives Eomer a right battering in her stories: if it were easy, anybody could do it!
I had lots of late nights writing while on holiday, so I can promise the next chapter for the beginning of the week.
Lia
obsidianj
· 26 April 2007
· Chapter 25: The Black Serpent
Poor Lothiriel, getting into the hands of this slimy Haradrim. She has one advantage, though. Evil looks will not work on her, but the voice can be just as evil a torturing device and then her own imagination will do the rest *shudder*.
I love the "quotation" at the beginning of the chapter. I don't think Lothiriel will submit with "humility, obedience and good cheer". At least not to this guy.
This is an evil cliffhanger. I hope you will be back soon, even if the next chapter will not bring the solution.
Author's reply
About the quotation - a friend remarked to me how often nobles rise in revolt against the king! It's not what I had in mind when I wrote it, but it's true really.
We'll see what 'colour' voice Muzgâsh has in the chapter after next. But not a nice one I don't think. And I'm afraid there are more cliffhangers still ahead!
Lia
SpoonMaidenOfTheShire
· 25 April 2007
· Chapter 25: The Black Serpent
Grr, stupid Harad people. Don't they realize that you don't mess with Eomer's girl?
~SpoonMaid
Author's reply
Not yet - they will eventually though! More in a couple of days' time, I hope.
Lia