Larner
· 20 March 2007
· Chapter 21: The Prince and Princess of Ithilien
Oh, how wonderful--that Wilwarin's own sister sees the manipulation done by the Butterfly isn't right and seeks to set things straight.
Yes, time to talk to a certain young princess.
And LOVE Eowyn throwing his own words back in his face. He NEEDED that! Heh!
Author's reply
Yes, I really enjoyed writing about Eowyn reminding her brother of his earlier words about his ideal queen - it's one of the main points of this chapter for me.
And now he's off to talk to Lothiriel. Let's hope she hasn't gone to bed yet.
Lia
Cuthalion
· 20 March 2007
· Chapter 21: The Prince and Princess of Ithilien
Aha - so Lady Annarima has discovered her better self? It is high time to get some answers, and quick. I can only hope they come to an understanding, and soon.
Cúthalion
Author's reply
I never saw Annarima as completely black, just rather stuck up. Maybe her sister doesn't know her quite as well as she thinks. There are (of course) some more misunderstandings ahead, but also answers, I promise!
Lia
Alon
· 20 March 2007
· Chapter 21: The Prince and Princess of Ithilien
Yay!!! Answers!!! I can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, Eomer has just had a good idea. Now he just has to carry it through. More next week!
Lia
Bodkin
· 20 March 2007
· Chapter 21: The Prince and Princess of Ithilien
Good for Annamira. I don't know if it'll answer - I suspect Lothiriel might take a bit of convincing - but it's a start! And if Hareth is on Eomer's side, we might see them settling their problems yet. (And Wilwarin will just have to make do with Cupid. Or maybe Girion will satisfy himself with her. She's more his type, really. If less well connected than the Princess of Dol Amroth.)
Lovely wedding. And who can blame Faramir and Eowyn for being a little distracted! After all, it's not every day you get married ... and they've been waiting very patiently for this moment. (Well - patiently-ish. With a few visits to places of quiet isolation, where they can ... practise. Responsibly, of course.)
I'm not surprised Lothiriel's family is a bit suspicious - but they might see her change of face more positively. Maybe. As long as Eomer visits Imrahil with a solid proposal. And convinces her father that he means it - and that Rohan will accept a blind queen.
Things are progressing - and I hope they get rather further before Cupid makes his play. He could be somewhat of a nuisance otherwise! While he might actually have his uses, I feel. One way or another.
Author's reply
Yes, Lothiriel might take a bit of convincing, but then Eomer can be pretty determined when he wants something! And you'll get to see in the next chapter if Hareth's on his side.
As for her family, they might well take more convincing than Lothiriel does after all the upsets of the last few days. And of course, like you noted, Cupid is still waiting, bow drawn, in the wings.
Pleased to hear you liked the wedding. And I'm sure the view from Emyn Arnen is very nice...
Lia
Unheard Chime
· 20 March 2007
· Chapter 21: The Prince and Princess of Ithilien
Hi there! I was out of town last week so didn't review your last chapter. I'm glad that Lothiriel's sister-in-law decided to step in. I wasn't sure whether she'd pick Wilwarin's side over Lothiriel's, but it's good to see that she has a conscience.
And as for the ever perceptive Eowyn... good for her, pushing her brother into NOT backing down. What ever will he do without her?
As always, eagerly anticipating what happens next. I'm all for selling Wilwarin to the bad guys.
Author's reply
Nothing like a little thinking time to get your conscience going, is there! Also Eomer saved Annarima's son's life, so she must have felt doubly bad about her sister's plans. By the way, selling Wilwarin into slavery is a new one ;-)
And now Eomer will have to find an equally perceptive woman to take Eowyn's place, won't he!
Lia
Bodkin
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Preparations
Poor Eomer. And poor Lothiriel - who is really not very good at hiding her emotions. (And all because of that evil Wilwarin. I'm glad that Annarima is being quiet - I hope that she'll crack sooner or later and confess what the evil witch has done. After all, Annarima has Lothiriel as a sister, too, and Elphir as a husband and Alphros as a son - she must be torn between evil-witchhood and being nice.)
And if only Lothiriel could see Eomer's face, she would know Wilwarin's lies for what they are. But (fortunately?), Cupid can see him and knows his heart. Even if his desire is mainly to make sure that the arrow he uses to pierce it is terminal.
Such a difficult situation! I hope the wedding goes smoothly - Eowyn is doing her best to soothe ruffled feathers.
Author's reply
Yes, Annarima is being rather quiet. Maybe her sister has miscalculated in that respect? And it's true, Muzgash sees the state of affairs much more clearly than those directly involved.
Don't worry about Eowyn's wedding - I like her too much to spoil it! And who knows what's going to happen before the day is done.
Lia
obsidianj
· 13 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Preparations
So, now the stage is set for the next act. Eomer and Lothiriel are estranged and the wedding is a a good excuse for the enemy to enter the city.
I can't wait to see what twist you use to bring the two together and what role the Haradrim will play.
Author's reply
The Haradrim will of course have a role to play before the end, but not just yet. First it's Eowyn's wedding, and as luck would have it, we're invited! That's coming up in the next chapter, and then we'll see what's going to happen.
Lia
obsidianj
· 13 March 2007
· Chapter 19: Diplomacy
Wow! That was quite a bombshell. Poor Eomer! He doesn't know what hit him. It's interesting how two people can so completely misunderstand each other. Just because they start from different assumptions. On the surface the discussion between Lothiriel and Eomer sounds perfectly fine. But each put a different meaning to the same words. Great job.
Author's reply
Yes, I'm sure Eomer at least feels shell-shocked! And when it's such a delicate topic it's especially easy for people to not say clearly what they think and end up misunderstanding each other (helped along by me of course!). But the truth will out eventually.
Lia
Larner
· 13 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Preparations
Vicious soul. And I see Wilwarin did her job well as well....
Author's reply
Yes, I'm afraid the butterfly seems to have come out on top for the moment. But the day is not done yet!
Lia
ponypetter
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Preparations
It's agonizing watching Lothiriel jump to all the wrong conclusions. She's just determined to turn this into the wrong situation because she can't believe he was sincere. Darn Wilwarin!
Author's reply
I know it's painful! Would it help if I promised to make it up to them? Anyway, Eomer might well decide at some stage to get to the bottom of things and who knows what's going to happen then...
Lia
daw the minstrel
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Preparations
You do such a nice job of working through Lothiriel's feelings! That was a great scene. And then you take us to the bad guys. So Lothiriel is Eomer's weakness, eh? In some ways, that's a good thing because it's likely to stir the pot and good outcomes may happen. Or not!
Great chapter.
Author's reply
Well, Muzgash might see Lothiriel as Eomer's weakness, but then he has no concept that such a thing as an intelligent and resourceful woman exists - which might yet be part of his downfall. And I intend to stir the pot some more in the upcoming chapters ;-)
Lia
Episcopal Witch
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Preparations
Your chapter titles are wonderful!
The first part of this chapter was so sweet. Imrahil displays tenderness and gentle tact. Lothiriel is doing some painful but necessary growing up. Given what she believes Eomer was proposing, she has every reason to be angry and heartsick, but it's good to see her coming to grips with the consequences of her actions. This girl's got depth.
The first paragraph was touching, as Lothiriel, who is already deprived of her sense of sight, tries to deprive herself of her sense of hearing. Nothing could have better expressed the depth of her unhappiness.
The second part--just chilling!
And I have to say I've never before seen this kind of suspenseful dynamic behind Eowyn and Faramir's wedding. It's a treat.
Author's reply
Thank you! The chapter titles and also the quotations at the beginning of each chapter aren't always easy to come up with.
And like you said in your last review, Lothiriel has got some growing up to do and she did some of that in this chapter. At least she's got a father who loves her, even though he might not always understand her.
So now the stage is set. Muzgash busy setting his trap in Minas Tirith, the rest of the cast attending the wedding in Emyn Arnen. We'll see what happens!
Lia
Cuthalion
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Preparations
You know I was already asking myself what had become of Muzgâsh... and funny enough I believe that the (very bad) plans he seems to have towards the blind princess - the "chink in his enemy's armor" - might clear the sky and help both Éomer and Lothiriel see the truth.
Please let us no wait too long for a solution of this!
Cúthalion
Author's reply
Well, Muzgash's moment will of course come, but not just yet. He has established a base in Minas Tirith, but he still needs something to bait his trap with. And he might even find out that what he perceives as a weakness is actually a strength.
But first it's the wedding...and you won't have to wait all that much longer for some kind of resolution.
Lia
Alatriel
· 7 March 2007
· Chapter 19: Diplomacy
Ha Ha Ha!! Well, isn't Lothiriel a feisty little thing! Bravo Lia. I absolutley can't wait for the wedding. I hope it's a scream!!!! And Wilwarin, well you know what they say - every dog has it's day. I'm itching for her to have hers!!!! Perhaps Lothiriel will be the one to give it to her? Don't get mad, get even. Poor Eomer, even his men are looking down on him. I can just imagine their private discussions amongst one another. AAAhhhhh, such is the path to love!
Author's reply
Yes, Lothiriel is definitely not a 'helpless creature'. I'm sure Eomer would rather face a raging warg than another angry princess. But she won't be the one to confront Lady Wilwarin with the truth, that will fall to Eomer and Eowyn. And it's the wedding next, but don't pin your hopes on an early resolution!
Lia
Larner
· 6 March 2007
· Chapter 19: Diplomacy
I am so glad that managed to backfire on Wilwarin.
She isn't a butterfly, but a moth, and a rather drab one at that, you know--one of those given to eating sweaters and afghans, I think.
Author's reply
That made me laugh - in that case I've got some Wilwarins in my attic! Or perhaps she's one of those butterflies that are beautiful to look at, but give off a stink when you touch them.
More next week!
Lia
Bodkin
· 6 March 2007
· Chapter 19: Diplomacy
That Wilwarin ...
I hope Cupid decides he wants her for himself. She's got many of the same qualities.
Poor Lothiriel. And poor bemused Eomer.
Author's reply
As you see, Lothiriel didn't quite 'suffer in noble silence'...but nevertheless the end result wasn't very pleasant. And Cupid will (of course) set his sights on someone else - as you've no doubt guessed already.
Lia
Episcopal Witch
· 5 March 2007
· Chapter 19: Diplomacy
These past two chapters have been PAINFUL to read! I'm writhing for both Eomer and Lothiriel.
Our girl is going to have to do some growing up, though, before she can be a Queen. Even though she has every reason to believe that Eomer is pond scum, humilitating the King of Rohan so thoroughly and so very much in public isn't the best move. "Diplomacy" indeed (smiles)! But I have faith in her.
"Éomer felt he had reached his limit. ''No,' he replied. 'It has put me off all womanhood.'" Little does he know how Wilwarin deserves this! And she's getting waaay too obvious - if Eomer hadn't had to spend so much of his life fending off the forces of darkness, he'd have her number by now.
Poor man needs to go listen to the Beatles singing "I'll Cry Instead."
Hmmm...wonder what Eowyn and Faramir are up to?
Author's reply
They're supposed to be painful to read, although I have to admit to having quite a bit of fun with the last one myself, but then that's my warped personality ;-)
And you are of course right that Lothiriel has some growing up to do. But then I hope she has other qualities which might make up for her lack of diplomacy. As Eomer is slowly finding out - poor man! I promise to make it up to them!
Lia
phyloxena
· 5 March 2007
· Chapter 19: Diplomacy
Such a short chapter! You know, since we know Eomer and Lothiriel will end up happily married, I'm not so *terribly* worried. But that wretched woman... Where will Wilwarin and up? I hope she'll stay a bitter spinster. Or end up being married to some haradric kingling for political reasons. Preferably the same one who didn't get Lothiriel and apparently plotting to assasinate Eomer. If Eomer didn't slice hit in two or Elessar didn't hang him.
Author's reply
Hmm, I don't really know Wilwarin's ultimate fate. But I suspect that Muzgash won't be in the shape to marry her by the end of this tale - although you are right, the two deserve each other. A friend of mine suggested this, but then added that in that case, Muzgash would probably go down as 'Muzgash wife-slayer' in the annals of Harad... Not that it would be much of a loss!
I promise more (and longer) for next week.
Lia
Unheard Chime
· 4 March 2007
· Chapter 19: Diplomacy
Wow... in some ways this chapter was hard to read because I just wanted to reach through my computer screen into Middle Earth to shake both of them and shout into their ears...
Having said that, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where this goes! Maybe Amrothos or Elphir or someone will try to beat Eomer up, and Lothiriel will intervene and explain the whole mess from her perspective... but that would just be too easy.
Author's reply
Yes, they could do with a good shaking up! I'm afraid the whole misunderstanding won't be resolved that easily, though. And at the moment Lothiriel would probably cheer Amrothos and Elphir on, if they attempted to beat Eomer up ;-)
More next week.
Lia
ponypetter
· 4 March 2007
· Chapter 19: Diplomacy
Oh good lord! I have to feel sorry for Eomer. The poor guy is completely befuddled, and who can blame him? Surely the story of this will get around to Eowyn. I wonder how she's going to react? Will she stick to her brother's side, or will she presume Lothiriel must be justified? And something tells me Eomer's going to have some serious trouble with Imrahil soon. Can't wait!
Author's reply
Yes, it's all one big muddle, isn't it. And you are right of course that Imrahil won't be best pleased with the whole scene and will probably jump to all the wrong conclusions.
As for Eowyn, she might yet get to play a role in the final unravelling. Unfortunately she's rather busy at the moment - she's getting married the next day.
Lia
BM
· 4 March 2007
· Chapter 19: Diplomacy
Oh man, what is Eowyn going to say! Will Faramir be able to calm her down before she rips into Lothiriel? and please tell me she gets to put Wilwarin in her place! Please?
Another great chapter, and as usual, you leave me impatient for more :D
Author's reply
Well, Eowyn has other concerns as well - she's getting married the next day. And I think she has enough sense to see that quarrelling with Lothiriel wouldn't help her brother's cause.
But she might eventually get the opportunity to tell Wilwarin just what she thinks of her...
Lia
Alison H
· 4 March 2007
· Chapter 19: Diplomacy
Wow, Lothiriel really does know how to take care of herself, though there is going to be one mortified Princess of Dol Amroth when she finds out the truth!
Poor Eomer, the verbal abuse from Lothiriel was really brutal but the Princess has been deeply hurt.I really felt for him when he felt angry eyes turn his way.Eomer is one angry man, but with good reason.
Oh, and I loved his parting words to Wilwarin.Ha, I hope she has a tough skin wehn Eomer finds out that she is the cause of Lothiriel's real distress.
Can't wait for the next update, Lia.
Author's reply
Yes for a helpless blind woman Lothiriel does pretty well - although her father might not quite see it that way. But when she finds out the truth, she will probably be ready to sink into the ground. While Eomer will want to do serious bodily harm to Wilwarin!
And we'll see if the whole painful scene has really put Eomer off Gondorian womanhood ;-)
Lia
Cuthalion
· 4 March 2007
· Chapter 19: Diplomacy
*lifts her voice above what is considered appropriate*
SCREEEECH!
Okay. Now I feel better.
Then he told himself not to take out his temper on an innocent bystander. She wasn’t to blame for the whole mess he had landed himself in, after all.
Poor fool. Of course I can't blame him. He is so deliciously, refreshingly straight ahead in mind and heart that he'll never understand the winding labyrinth of such a serpent's thoughts (which is a great virtue). His response to her honey-sweet lie was balm to my heart, though. Oh please... help them both out of this trap!
Cúthalion
Author's reply
Tsk, tsk, tsk, Mona. I heard that shriek down here in Switzerland! What would Belecthor say...
I told you things could get worse, didn't I. But never fear, they will (eventually) get better again. And things are not going quite according to plan for Lady Wilwarin either. She might yet find out that she's bitten off more than she can handle.
Lia
daw the minstrel
· 4 March 2007
· Chapter 19: Diplomacy
Yay for Lothiriel. "Hunt" indeed.
But I did cringe for Eomer. That line about her harming his reputation more than Grima did was painful.
Author's reply
Yes poor Eomer. I'm starting to feel sorry for him myself and think that I'll have to make it up to him in one of the upcoming chapters!
Lia
Bodkin
· 2 March 2007
· Chapter 18: Aftermath
Cross purposes!
Eomer isn't going to pick up on the sneaky work of the nasty butterfly - he would never suspect that sort of deviousness - so he's going to avoid Lothiriel because he thinks she wants him to ... while she is going to be suffering in noble silence because Little Miss Nasty extracted a promise of silence. (Very Sense and Sensibility - Lucy Whatshername and Elinor to a tee! Unfortunately I don't think there's a richer brother about to win Wilwarin's greedy attention from Eomer.) I'm still counting on the ugly Cupid. He'll have no trouble cutting through the tangle. Or anything else!
Author's reply
Well, you've had some very good guesses in the past, but I think you're slightly off here - at least with the 'suffering in noble silence'. It would be no fun (for me)! I suppose I could try and get Lord Girion of legendary girth to show some interest in Wilwarin, though. Although like you said, she has set her sights on becoming a queen, I'm afraid. And Cupid is still waiting in the wings...
More on Sunday! Have a nice weekend.
Lia