Tide of Destiny - Part One: Choices by Lady Bluejay

Reviews (111)

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AJones · 24 April 2019 · Chapter 35: Character List

I didn’t want it to end. It was great that we got to read both their points of view from children to adult and see how the circumstances in their lives shaped the people who they would be. I liked this strong yet feminine and bold , but respectful Lothiriel. Of course your portrayal of Eomer is exactly How I would envision him, strong, fierce, but compassionate and tender with the gentler race. I must mention the dialog given Eothain and Amrothos, was priceless. I could envision “hanging out” with them and having a blast. Thank you for writing, I was engrossed and didn’t want to put it down.

EStrunk · 7 July 2011 · Chapter 34: Epilogue

Beautiful end to a beautiful story. I love their interactions. And I'm looking forward to your next story.

Author's reply

Thank you so much for the all lovely reviews. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series - they are all a bit different. But the next one, Drummer, follows on from the wedding.LBJ

EStrunk · 7 July 2011 · Chapter 33: Chapter 33

Lovely last line (alliteration again). Amroth was certainly devious with the mare. Eomer's very public marching out to be alone with Lothiriel was a riot. I think the months apart will be very long.

Author's reply

Yes, but waiting is good for the soul - or so I am told.LBJ

EStrunk · 6 July 2011 · Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Wow - their conversation on the beach was amazing. Looks like this will be a fiery match. Her confrontation with Prince Amal was great too. I love Lothiriel!

EStrunk · 6 July 2011 · Chapter 30: Chapter 30

I love Lothiriel's saucy side. Her comment to her dad was wonderful. As was her joke about Eomer's thoughts being easy to read. And I love that he is coming with her to Dol Amroth. They are just such great characters.

Author's reply

I am glad you like them. I they to keep them believable. LBJ

EStrunk · 6 July 2011 · Chapter 29: Chapter 29

I think that qualifies as fluff, although very fun, well written fluff. I particularly liked the scene between Eowyn and Eomer.

Author's reply

Definitely fluff - I do it occasionally. Thanks for saying it was well written.LBJ

EStrunk · 6 July 2011 · Chapter 28: Chapter 28

The flirtations between Eomer and Lothiriel are sweet. I like how he just threw in "When you are my wife . . . ." That seemed in character. And I enjoyed her POV on the courtship.

Author's reply

I think they deserve a few sweet chapters after all the angst.LBJ

EStrunk · 6 July 2011 · Chapter 27: Chapter 27

Lothiriel's healing talent is so beautifully shown. I loved the conversation between Lothiriel and Welwyn, and the description of Eothain storming Welwyn's hold. Eothain is such a wonderful character. His easy relationship with Eomer is fun.

Author's reply

I could see Eothain behaving like that - it certainly fits the character I have built for him. Glad you enjoyed.LBJ

EStrunk · 5 July 2011 · Chapter 26: Chapter 26

Smitten Eomer is so wonderful! And a lion is such a great image for him. I love Lothiriel with the horses.

Author's reply

I think it does Eomer good to be smitten from time to time.LBJ

EStrunk · 5 July 2011 · Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Well worth the wait. What a wonderful meeting (sorry about all the alliteration). I love how she felt something about to happen while she was on the ship. And the conniving by Faramir was fun. Her admiration for his horse was perfect. The idea of the joy of rebuilding after so much destruction, esp. in the mention of the planting of the trees, is thrilling.

Author's reply

Yes, I enjoyed writing that bit - and felt that as it was a real turning point in the story so deserved something special. LBJ

EStrunk · 5 July 2011 · Chapter 24: Chapter 24

Thank you so much for responding to my reviews. I think people often don't review stories completed a while ago for fear that the authors' have lost interest in them and in their reviews. The anticipation for Eomer and Lothiriel to meet is wonderful. I loved the scene on the beach and her explanation about what Lady Galandriel said to her. And Eomer's conversation with Faramir was fantastic. Two of my favorite characters discussing how to find a wife for one of them. I love seeing Eomer make some solid friends.

Author's reply

Well, I have written many stories and still try and answer every review, no matter how long ago I posted. But Tide of Destiny is the first story in a four part series - I am still writing and posting the last in the series - Swansong, so it is very current.LBJ

EStrunk · 5 July 2011 · Chapter 23: Chapter 23

I love the careful detail as they return home, esp. the part about Minas Tirith no longer having a gate. Of course not. It would take some time to rebuild the huge gate. I read a lot of Middle English when I was in college and loved running into "wains" again. Eomer's! bittersweet homecoming was perfect, and the arrival of the elven royalty was thrilling. Then Lady Galandriel's arrival in Elessar's chamber was great, although I'm getting impatient for Eomer and Lothiriel to finally meet!

Author's reply

It won't be long now. Glad you enjoyed the detail, it makes the story interesting to write. LBJ

EStrunk · 4 July 2011 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18

I love your Tolkien excerpts. The combination of your story with the Return of the King gives me chills. I loved how they originally despaired when they saw the ghost ships, before realizing that Aragorn was leading them. Eomer's words when he thought they were lost were magnificent. (I loved "Morgoth's balls" as an exclamation too.) I still wasn't clear who had grabbed Lothiriel. Elphir's reaction to Lothiriel felt very real, very human. But I did love that Meren stood up for her. Just beautiful.

Author's reply

I used the Tolkien excerpts because not all readers are familiar with the books and also because I could not improve on what the master had written. I am glad it worked so well. Sorry if you were a bit confused - one of Elphir's men grabbed Lothy to stop her giving them away just before they attacked the Harad camp. Thanks a lot for reviewing - its much appreciated.LBJ

EStrunk · 4 July 2011 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17

I have been loving your story, but I've neglected to leave reviews up until now. So sorry, guess I was just wrapped up in it. I love the additional depth you bring to Middle Earth (as if it wasn't already deep enough). Your characters spring to life, but they are woven so beautifully into the already existing story. Ever once in a while I have to remind myself that I know that they'll be okay (like at the end of this chapter). The bit with Amroth was wonderful. His father's words to him made me yearn for some of the other fathers in this world, like Denethor, to have such faith in their sons. And I loved his reaction. It gave me chills to think of how terrifying it must be to wait for battle like that. Lothiriel is great also. I have such a vivid picture of her in my mind. And the dilemma she faces is hideous. Her choices are so evil either way. I need to get back to reading. Have to find out what happens.

Author's reply

Thank you, I am glad you are enjoying. It was extremely satisfying for me to weave the plot around the canon. LBJ

galathil · 20 December 2010 · Chapter 34: Epilogue

Dear Lady Bluejay I have throughly enjoyed the story. I have being in hope that you will finish the series soon. Wishing you and your family a warm Western Australian Christmass and New Year. Love Galathil.

Elena Zovatto · 9 July 2009 · Chapter 34: Epilogue

I've been lax in reviewing - FANTASTIC story, excellent writing, great characterization. And I do wonder if I picked up foreshadowing... "he has consented to bear you for a day, but after that, no man will ride him again". Obviously, something big is going to happen - and Lothiriel riding Shadowfax would make a huge statement in Rohan, in may ways. I look forward to finding out :-)

whitewave · 5 March 2009 · Chapter 34: Epilogue

I enjoyed reading this one a lot, it's a very nice conclusion to the story. You tied loose ends and unravelled new ones. Plus I can't wait to read more about Amroth and his nephew and what the future has in store for the King and Queen of Rohan. Amroth is just made for a romantic lead role and I'm excited to read more about him.

Author's reply

I agree about Amroth - he has to take centre stage for a short while. Glad you enjoyed the finale. Thanks for the support.LBJ

Elena Tiriel · 4 March 2009 · Chapter 34: Epilogue

What a satisfying ending to an enjoyable story, LBJ! I was glad that Lothíriel finally learned who Seron was... though I would have liked to know more about his prophecies. Thanks for the note telling us what to expect in future installments, which I look forward to. And they got to ride Shadowfax! Woo-hoo! A lovely, long, complex story.... well done! - Barbara

Author's reply

Thanks. We will find out about the rest of the prophesies in Part 3. Thanks for reading - glad you enjoyed.LBJ

Radbooks · 4 March 2009 · Chapter 34: Epilogue

Thanks so much for such a wonderful story, I've enjoyed every bit of it and now I'll go back and read it all the way through. I'm looking forward to the next part!

Author's reply

Thanks for reading. How you enjoy the second go! LBJ

Medea Smyke · 24 February 2009 · Chapter 33: Chapter 33

Hi LBJ, ffn is experience a glitch with their login, so I can't review there. Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this chapter. I especially liked Amrothos's stunt with the mare. LOL! What a sneak. I want a one-shot about all the old crones and little girls dancing with Amrothos. What a hoot! Thanks, and I hope you're enjoying your holiday. Medea

Author's reply

A good plan for the one shot - but I reckon you could do it better than me!LBJ

Inglor · 22 February 2009 · Chapter 33: Chapter 33

Still a fan. Still on my fave list. Still enjoying the trip.

Author's reply

Oh good. Nice to hear from you. Last chapter coming up.LBJ

whitewave · 19 February 2009 · Chapter 33: Chapter 33

A sweet chapter but I can't wait to read about the wedding. I felt sorry for both of them and the long wait they have to endure. I'm also curious about Amroth's feelings about the young lady and wonder what the future has in store for him.

Author's reply

Next chapter about to be posted. Amroth will be sorted in the next story. Thanks for the reviews.LBJ

curiouswombat · 18 February 2009 · Chapter 33: Chapter 33

Good for Éomer! Lovely to see this coming towards a conclusion - but only because, as it is Part One, I know Part Two is to follow; otherwise that 'to be concluded' would be bittersweet indeed.

Author's reply

Yes, there is a long way to go yet. Glad you are going to be with me. LBJ

whitewave · 9 February 2009 · Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Thanks for the update. I liked the scene where Lothy helped to calm the baby--it's very telling of her character and I think it will help her future people get used to her. I also enjoyed reading about Lothy's banter with her brothers, who will Amroth fall for I wonder? I'm excited to read about the wedding.

Author's reply

Wedding coming very soon. She has got to get married before I go on holiday at the end of next week! And we will find out about Amroth in part 2. Great you are still enjoying, Thanks for reviewing.LBJ

Alquawende · 7 February 2009 · Chapter 32: Chapter 32

It was nice to see Lothiriel interact with the Rohirrim. Her bantering with her brothers was very funny. Where is Meren though? One would think she'd be with Elphir. I pity Ana her love for Amrothos. Doesn't she realize she's falling for a philanderer? Some things I noticed: >>But she had no wish cause antagonism before she had even been crowned, and "no wish to cause..." >>I just have to journey father than normal.” "journey farther..." >>Because Imrahil trusted him, and never in his life would he abuse a trust again. Her father had clamped in him a hold stronger than Melkor’s chains: clever, clever Prince. Lastly, you have Eomer think 'Melkor'. If you want him to mention that Vala, he should think 'Morgoth' because that was the name the fallen Vala was known by forevermore, after Feanor first called him that. Also, it seems odd Eomer would even mention Morgoth. Morgoth doesn't seem like someone the Rohirrim would know of. Morgoth seems like someone more associated with and remembered by the Gondorians and the elves, not the Rohirrim, but that may just be my opinion. Thanks for writing!

Author's reply

Hi Alquawende, Thanks for your review. LOL about the pickies, because I added those bits after Lia had gone through it for me- which just shows how much I rely on my wonderful Beta. You might remember that Meren is pregnant - so she stayed at home. And Ana and Amrothos will be sorted in Part 2 of this saga. As for Éomer using Melkor’s Chains - my reasoning, besides always thinking of him as well-educated, is the time he has spent with Gandalf. On the ride to the Black Gates I can well imagine Gandalf talking to him, Aragorn and Imrahil about the history of evil, and Sauron’s rise to power. I will go with it being something that stuck in his mind. A discussion topic for GoI, perhaps?