Yes, some stories do take on a life of their own, don't they? We've all felt that.
Love the joy that Eowyn is able to find as Theoden tries to anticipate what will help her to adjust best to her new surroundings.
Now, to find out the story of Eomer and the nursemaid. That I'm waiting for, I find.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner! Yes, they certainly do. I've really been enjoying writing children lately. I had several in my 'Brothers at Heart' story and enjoyed writing them and so writing Eomer and Eowyn at such a young age has been fun for me. Well, when Eomer or Wynleas tell me their story, I may pass it on. :) Mostly, I think, it's a case of a rambunctious boy and a nursemaid trying to rein him in a bit... but if there is more to it then that, they'll have to tell me. *grin*
Bodkin
· 15 April 2007
· Chapter 4: Éowyn
Good point, Eomer! I suspect there's a decided lack of clean dresses in your room ...
And Sometimes adults said the strangest things.
How true! I don't think Eomer's quite aware of his relationship with Wynleas being on the level of friendly sparring, though. Perhaps he's not quite as grown up as he thinks!
How nice of Theoden to organise both Wynleas's arrival and a room where she can be close to her nurseling. (And save Eomer from having to sneak into his sister's room.) It's not surprising that Eowyn seems to have offered him her instant devotion. He will make a very good substitute parent for his niece and nephew.
I don't know that the magic woodpile will be able to provide one of the Mearas, though. But worth a try!
I'm glad to see Eowyn settling down to life in Edoras. It will take time - but she has her brother and Wynleas and an affectionate cousin and uncle. She'll do! Such a delightful look at them all.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, Bodkin! Eomer is really not sure about Wynleas right now. He's somewhat afraid that she might take him in hand now that his mother is dead and on a certain level he probably would like that... at least the motherly affection she might provide. But as an 11 year old boy he'd never admit that!! It might take a little while for him to understand that she shows her affection for him by the 'friendly sparring'. :)
Eowyn is fortunate to have the extended family that she does. They are certainly caring for her very well in an extremely difficult situation. I'm sure there will be rocky times ahead, but at least she is starting to feel like she can trust her uncle and cousin.
Thanks again!
mistry89
· 15 April 2007
· Chapter 4: Éowyn
I have recently discovered an interest in the Eorlingas, particularly Eomer, both pre-and-post LOTR, so am delighted to see that this is part of an arc.
The thought that Theoden is only beginning to see the strength of Eowyn's personality makes me grin, and that it is pre-Grima means we will see how devastating it must have for Eomer to find himself banished.
Thank you - looking forward to the next story!
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you enjoyed the story. This is set about 12 years before Theoden starts falling under Grima's influence so Eomer and Eowyn have a nice long time with their uncle and cousin before things start going downhill.
Linda Hoyland
· 14 April 2007
· Chapter 4: Éowyn
I'm so glad Eowyn got her nursemaid back and is learning to trust her uncle.The poor child needs something familiar. I'm pleased there will be more of this, though Aragorn remains my first love,but I think this is a new and interesting area to explore and you do it well
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda! Yes, Eowyn definitely needed something familiar in this new place where she's living, she's had so many changes and so much heartache that she needs Wynleas with her. So does Eomer even if he doesn't realize it yet. Aragorn remains my first love, too, but I find I'm really enjoying writing children lately.
Agape4Gondor
· 14 April 2007
· Chapter 4: Éowyn
Delightful chapter. I had so hoped, upon reading Ch. 3, that Theoden was brilliant - and he was!
But it's good that the children know they can go to Theodred too!
Delightful tale altogether - and very glad that the characters are bugging you to write more! Well worth reading!
Author's reply
Thanks so much! Yes, Theoden was a wise and thoughtful man. He knew that Eowyn especially would need someone from home to help her adjust to the enormous changes taking place in her life.
Misty
· 14 April 2007
· Chapter 4: Éowyn
Awww, that was a sweet ending. I'm glad that Theoden did everything he could to help Eowyn feel at home. I love the line from Eomer about now not having to sneak into Eowyn's room and sleeping on the floor. That was cute. Good story.
Author's reply
Thanks, Misty, glad you liked it! I just knew that once Eomer knew how scared she was to sleep in her room he wouldn't leave her to sleep alone... he was too protective of her.
daw the minstrel
· 14 April 2007
· Chapter 4: Éowyn
Nice conclusion, Radbooks. I'm glad Theoden took Eowyn's needs seriously, despite how busy he must be with disaster looming and his people to care for. Sometimes adults dismiss children's needs too easily.
Author's reply
Thanks, Daw. Oh, yes, adults do dismiss children and their needs far too often. I see that quite often in the school where I teach and it's very sad. The books - LOTR and Unfinished Tales - are pretty clear about how he came to love them as a father and how he loved their mother so it seemed to me that he would take her needs seriously in spite of how busy he was.
elanor winterflowers
· 14 April 2007
· Chapter 4: Éowyn
Ah, NOW everything is better. I love the nurse; SHE understands perfectly. Her relationship with Éomer is funny; I'm sure he thinks he has the upper hand! :)
And while this is The End, I hope for and look forward to more. I'm also going to suggest this story to a little group of young (middle school) LOTR fans I know. I think they would love to read more about their favorite Eorlingas!
Author's reply
Thanks again! Glad you like Wynleas, she'll be a good mixture of love and gentle discipline for both of them. I don't think Éomer thinks he has the upper hand with her, he's uneasy around her at best. Not quite certain if she'll take him in hand again not that his mother is gone. I'm honored that you'd share my story with a group of middle schoolers, I hope they enjoy it.
elanor winterflowers
· 14 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Théoden
I knew Théoden would turn out to be a good, kind uncle! It's funny sometimes how even the nicest people can seem cold and frightening when one is little and powerless in unfamiliar surroundings. I like the relationship you have built here with Théodred and Théoden, too; very warm and close. No wonder then that Théodred's death was such terrible blow to his father: he lost both not only a son and heir, but a friend as well.
There is wonderful insight into Éowyn here, in terms of backstory for others who might be writing her at a later point in her life; you have texturized her really well! And I have a feeling things are going to be looking up soon! :)
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your very kind words. I imagine that Théodred and Théoden were close just because they only had each other up until that point. Being a king can be pretty lonely and so I've chosen to write him as being close to his son, though I think that Tolkien's writing also gives that indication. I'm glad that you like how I've written Éowyn, I've discovered recently that I enjoy writing children, so it's been fun writing both her and Eomer.
Raksha The Demon
· 13 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Théoden
This is the Theoden who Tolkien didn't write, who existed before Saruman and Grima's malice weakened him - strong, kindly and kingly; a sturdy father-figure for his sons and his sister's children.
Looking forward to the next chapter!!
Author's reply
Thanks, Raksha! I shudder to think about what is going to happen to all four of these characters in the future. I also wonder where Grima is and when he starts in on Theoden. From the books it says that Theoden started really failing about 12 years from this point - in 3014 - so they do have a good long time as a family together, but it makes me wonder about Grima. I doubt he just suddenly showed up and became a counselor in 3014... is he even now lurking about somewhere? Well, best not to go there as I don't intend to write him! :)
harrowcat
· 13 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Théoden
I am enjoying this Radbooks. RL is stopping me reviewing properly. Hope to come back soon.
Author's reply
Thanks, harrowcat! I know how busy RL can be at times, so thanks for taking the time to leave even this, it's very much appreciated!
Pentangle
· 12 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Théoden
Ah, poor Eomer! Lessons *all* morning! Of course, when I was his age, I would have given anything to have his *afternoon* lessons! I can't wait to see the surprise!
Pentangle
Author's reply
Thanks again! Yes, the horror of having lessons and learning is hard on most 11 year olds when you could be out riding and learning to use a sword! I agree with you at least on the riding part of the afternoon lessons. :) You'll have to wait until Saturday to see the surprise. *grin*
Pentangle
· 12 April 2007
· Chapter 2: Théodred
I love your Theodred! He is obviously having to do a lot of rethinking about children in general, and his cousins in particular. It was so funny the way the kids started bickering--just like real life!
Pentangle
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, Pentangle! I'm glad you like Theodred, I'm not sure I quite have him yet, but it's close. *grin* It's been interesting trying to figure him out after mostly writing Aragorn and Dunedain characters. And, yes, kids will be kids! :)
daw the minstrel
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Théoden
Theoden is right that they need routine. They need lessons too, if only to keep them busy. But I can see why sitting inside would rankle.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, Daw! There is security for kids in knowing what is coming next in the day, too much free time - as much as they'd like it - is not a good thing. Besides, they do have much to learn!
Misty
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Théoden
So what did Theoden do? lol Eomer's reaction to lessons was like so many little boys when it comes to schoolwork.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, Misty! Eomer's reaction was exactly what any of my nephews would do - my nephews would be less polite! - and what almost every boy in my school would do. :)
Violin Ghost
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Théoden
You've gotten me excited. What COULD be the surprise waiting for Eowyn?
Lovely story, I like your idea very much. Continue. :D
Author's reply
Thanks so much for reviewing, I'm glad you're enjoying it. I can't tell you the surprise. *grin*
insignia
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Théoden
Another good one, Radbooks, thank you! It's nice to see some attention being paid to the young orphans, and how they build relationships and trust with their "new" uncle and cousin. And Theodred was quite a bit older, wasn't he?
I was entertained by the list of learning topics for Eomer. Will he learn Sindarin too?
I hope that they will settle in soon and make some new friends, and maybe Eomer might even get that puppy he was thinking about ... Looking forward to your next chapter(s)..
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! Theodred is 13 years older than Eomer, 17 years older than Eowyn. According to the books they did become as close as brothers and sisters and Theodred and Eomer were fiercely loyal to one another which was very important later when Grima tried to drive wedges between them.
I don't know if Eomer ever did learn Sindarin, it won't come up here, in any case.
This story is only a four chapter story. However, the characters have really, really grown on me and I'm working on another story that takes places immediately after this one ends. So, I suppose it really won't be a separate story to anyone but me. :) This is not my usual type of story... I'm much more of an Aragorn fan, but this story and these characters just hit me and I had to write it! :)
Bodkin
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Théoden
Poor Eomer. The whole morning wasted on tedious lessons like Westron and arithmetic and writing and reading ... Every morning ...
I'm glad Theoden has a surprise planned for Eowyn. She's very young to be orphaned - and although Eomer and now Theodred are doing their best, she does need a bit of stability in her life.
Theoden must have found the time to devote himself to raising them (at least until Wormtongue came along) as they both loved him dearly.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, Bodkin! I know very, very few 11 year old boys that enjoy sitting inside WASTING time on schoolwork. There are quite a few of the boys in my school that do chose to read books and I know they enjoy it, but would still like to be outside doing something different.
In LOTR and in 'Unfinished Tales' it says that Eomer and Eowyn really look to Theoden as a father so he did make time for them. I'm not sure when Grima shows up, but Theoden starts really declining in 3014, or 12 years from when this story is set. Grima had to have been lurking around somewhere... shudder
Larner
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Théoden
Do they have their old nurse, then? I do hope that Eowyn will indeed like whatever change has been made.
Author's reply
Hmmm, you'll have to wait and see what happens next. I can't give away secrets! :) Thanks for reviewing!
Raksha The Demon
· 9 April 2007
· Chapter 2: Théodred
Poor Theodred; he's not used to kids; and it's understandable that he'd rather go riding with his pals. But his intelligence and compassion show through here; he's adapting to the problem presented by the young orphans' discontent. I loved the bit about his using the same tones he uses on his horse to try to console Eowyn - it's very real for that culture (and others); someone used to calming skittish animals would have a gentle touch needed by an unhappy little girl.
Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, Raksha! Glad you liked the part about Theodred speaking to Eowyn as he would to his horse, it just seemed to fit him.
daw the minstrel
· 8 April 2007
· Chapter 2: Théodred
I have a sad and shallow confession. Movie!Theodred was so gorgeous (even dead) that I'm intrigued by him. I liked this glimpse of him with his cousins, and also his memory of their father as his first captain.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, daw! I agree that Movie Theodred WAS very, very good looking and when we watch the movie my friend and I often talk about him and wish we could have seen him alive and talking. :) I felt like there needed to be something to tie Theodred closer to the children, something besides the fact he was their cousin and I felt that it was reasonable that his uncle would have been his first captain.
Larner
· 7 April 2007
· Chapter 2: Théodred
And the loyalty between Eomer and Theodred is begun. Theodred is at least willing to open himself to the children, which is important.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, Larner! Yes, I'm sure that Eomer started looking up to Theodred right away in the manner that most young boys do to an older cousin or to some 'hero' that they know. And, Theodred is already beginning to feel protective towards both Eomer and Eowyn.
Larner
· 7 April 2007
· Chapter 1: Éomer
Changes of this magnitude can be difficult indeed. I'm rather glad Theodred overheard the conversation and has an idea how to help.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, Larner! Oh, I can't imagine losing both parents so close together and then having to move to a new city like they did. I thought that there had been some lag time between the deaths of their parents but they did die in the same year, though it doesn't say how far apart the deaths were. Very, very difficult for the children, though children are resilient.
elanor winterflowers
· 7 April 2007
· Chapter 2: Théodred
I like your portrayal of Theodred! He's picking his way carefully, which bodes well. I always feel sorry for him, getting cut down so early in his life, but this makes me feel like he got to experience some of the sweeter, more gentle parts of life than one might suppose. He seems a very nice young man. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing the chapter, Elanor! I'm glad that you enjoy how I portray Theodred, it was fun trying to figure him out. I've always wanted to know more about him and he's one of those characters I wish Tolkien had written more about.
Linda Hoyland
· 7 April 2007
· Chapter 2: Théodred
You made me feel for all three of them here,poor Theodred never having known a mother's love !
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing the chapter, Linda. I had to put that part in about him never knowing his mother... it just seemed important to me to show that he'd never had that love... it was sad.