On the Wings of the Storm by Lialathuveril
phyloxena · 3 November 2008 · Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Oh, that's beautiful. I liked the bard-like messenger, already transforming recent events into history, and Lothiriel's irritation. Why wouldn't he tell they won!
Author's reply
Hello phyloxena, Redwald has missed his calling, hasn't he. But it's a tale better enjoyed when you know the outcome of events! Lia
whitewave · 3 November 2008 · Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Thanks for the update. I feel so much for the ones who were left behind--every minute must be pure torture. I just knew Ceolwen will still play an important part, she is just what Lothy needs in the dark and difficult times. It made me think that the events of the day seem to mirror Lothy's innermost feelings. I'm wondering now how and what Eomer must think about her, especially since he was able to spend significant time with Lothy's family. Not that I'm bored but do we still have a long way to go before the end of the story?
Author's reply
Hello Whitewave, I think the story is about two thirds done, so still another 10 chapters to go or so. After all they haven't even reconciled yet and then there's the wedding to cover as well. You asked what Eomer thinks of her. Well, he can't really discuss Lothiriel with her family without going into details that he would probably much rather not touch upon (like a certain kiss...). So the two will just have to work their differences out between them. At least Lothiriel has found some good friends in Rohan. Lia
Larner · 2 November 2008 · Chapter 21: Chapter 21
The battle won and the news sent home--Eomer is alive and now King, and what he will do next regarding this relationship is, of course, up for question. Love the details and the approval she's receiving from those who know Eomer best. As for this little cliffhanger you've left us with... Heh! Son or daughter? We shall see soon, right?
Author's reply
Hello Larner, yes, he's king now and free to do whatever he wants. Fate keeps taking a hand in her affairs... And another cliffhanger - of course! But I promise to be as quick as possible with the next chapter. Lia
daw the minstrel · 2 November 2008 · Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Well, that's an exciting ending! Go Lothiriel the Midwife! One of the tricky parts of writing fanfic is conveying canon scenes in a way that adds something. You did a nice job here with the messsenger telling of the battle and victory. I loved the detail of them being able to hear the water dripping off the messenger's cloak.
Author's reply
Hello Daw, I was considering how to show Lothiriel getting the news from Gondor, since it's important for her, but to the reader it's already known. In the end I hit on this form to make it a bit more interesting and also to show how it has already passed into the oral tradition of the Rohirrim. And I imagine it's the kind of moment where you notice every tiniest detail. Lia
Cuthalion · 2 November 2008 · Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Ah - wonderful! You make me see the dread and impatience of those forced to stay behind, waiting for news to come. And I hope all will be well with the baby (great cliffhanger, btw. :-)). Cúthalion
Author's reply
Hello Cúthalion, it must have been horrible to be forced to stay behind and wait for news - no wonder Eowyn decided to ride with them instead! And don't worry about Ceolwen and the baby, they'll be okay. Lia
Radbooks · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 20: Chapter 20
I really, really enjoyed this chapter - no time for more details but I figured something is better than nothing! :)
Author's reply
Hello Radbooks, I'm pleased to hear you liked it - thanks for taking the time to review! Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 20: Chapter 20
I would really love to leave a dignified, coherent and reasonable review, giving the proper praise this great chapter deserves. Instead I can only say what I already said in the last chapter: Hgbnftrgh. Aber wirklich. Cúthalion
Author's reply
Hgbnftrgh? Bist Du sicher? *grins*
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 19: Chapter 19
Ceolwen ist right - Lothiriel is indeed very young. And Éomer is too adorable and wonderful for words. And handsome. And strong... and hgbnftrgh... (and all that coming from a stury Aragorn-fan, mind you. But the way you write the Third Marshal of the mark simply turns my knees to jelly. I's downright embarrassing. *grins*) Cúthalion
Author's reply
I had to giggle at the image of your knees turning to jelly. You're not turning into an Eomer fangirl, are you? *grins* It's funny how popular this chapter was with Eomer yelling at her. But then it shows how much he cares of course. Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18
My goodness, an Uruk knowing the coins of Gondor - what a miraculous disaster. And Éomer, running to the rescue just in time - you wrote this so vivdly that I almost watched him fighting. He may be angry at her - but they are both still alive, and that is what counts most. Cúthalion
Author's reply
Unfortunately he was a clever Uruk! And I like to write a bit of action, so I really enjoyed being able to slip this fight in. As for being angry, that might be an understatement... Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17
My God, she must be crazy. But as angry as I want to be about the silly boy, bringing her in danger for the sake of his dog, it is a blessing that she saw them in time. How on earth can you stop the chapter here! And I'm still supposed to iron. Dratted laundry! Cúthalion
Author's reply
You were lucky, for you could just click on the next chapter ;-) And children have their own priorities, haven't they. Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
I think getting Lothiriel away from the wounded was meant to keep her safe - still love there amidst the anger, isn't it? But what I will keep in mind from this chapter are two blood-smeared damsels from Rohan and a distressed Princess, laughing their a... off at the thought of a lavender-scented bath with an elf. Simply great. *giggles* Cúthalion
Author's reply
It's funny how close together tragedy and laughter can be. One of the saddest memories from my childhood is the death of a schoolmate, but I remember how after the funeral the whole class got treated to something to eat and drink in a restaurant. Then somebody recalled some of the tricks the boy had got up to and suddenly everybody started laughing. Probably a natural release to all the tension. Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15
There's so much about this chapter that I like. First and foremost the sheer fact that Lothiriel is present in Helm's Deep while the battle happens. That she simply misses the elf (and Aragornm, which - in my eyes - is much worse) - and then turns away and runs directly into the arms of a Legolas fangirl! *huge grin* And remembering the haunting scenes from the movie, I can't imagine how it must feel to sit in those caves and hear the orcs coming... Incredibly well done, dear. Cúthalion
Author's reply
To be honest, having her at Helm's Deep was one of the reasons why I wanted to write this scenario (although at first it was supposed to be only a short story). What attracted me to the idea was the fact that I would be able to show the battle from the view of a non-combatant and also show what was going on in the caves. Tolkien tells us about the heroic deeds of the men, but surely the women were equally brave. And the Legolas fangirl just slipped in ;-) Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
God, that was grim. Poor Lothiriel, hearing about that happened to Éomer, and unable to flee to his side. But there's one streak of light - three wanderers in the Mark. They are coming - finally. Thank you for this marvelous tale! Cúthalion
Author's reply
This is perhaps the lowest points for her, because it looks like Grima has achieved his goals and all her sacrifices have been in vain. And like you said, she can't even ride to Edoras, for the orcs are on their way. Poor her. Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Oh shit. And yet it makes perfect sense, of course. A Prince, in dire need for a wife and an heir... and exactly what Denethor had in mind, I suppose. Like Lothiriel, I don't want to imagine what Éomer will think when he is informed about the newest development. *shudders* Still, the "solution" of that dilemma is one that makes me far from happy. *sighs* Cúthalion
Author's reply
Of course it makes sense. I have to say, sending Lothiriel there before the war is a perfect way of having things get worse and worse and building up the tension. Much easier than when Eomer is King of Rohan and the logical choice for a Princess of Dol Amroth. And of course Lothiriel has been brought up with a strong sense of duty. Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Poor girl - and now Éomer must think that she gave to Théodred what she denied to him. Drat. But like her, I can't think of anything else she could have done to get herself - and Éomer - out of danger. Wasn't I supposed to Iron...? Cúthalion
Author's reply
Grima really is a swine, isn't he. But a very clever one, by adding this twist. As another reader said, he's playing with them as if they were pawns in a game of chess. Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11
That swine indeed. That was reckless and mean, and thank God she got out of there in time. But he manoeuvered her in a fine trap, and the guards sent to the King's chamber speak volumes of what he expected to happen next. I don't want to be in Lothiriel's place right now. What a disaster! *runs off to read the next chapter even though she should iron a mountain of laundry right now* Cúthalion
Author's reply
Yes, a fine trap. And as you know, although she managed to escape, the repercussions of this meeting will take a long time to sort out. I felt sorry for Lothiriel myself while writing this! Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
And he wouldn't sit on the throne of Rohan, of course. *grins* (Though he actually will.)
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
As much as I enjoyed (and that is a weak way to put it) the development in their relationship - and who could deny that man anything he craves for? - I understand Lothiriel's misgivings all too well. No, Denethor wouldn't sell so precious a prize to a man who won't sit on the throne of Gondor. What a bitter, bitter shame to know what has yet to happen to remove the obstacles between them - and I'm honestly afraid of what Gríma will try next. It is certainly not Théoden who summons the Princess at that time of the night - and beware of hateful, frustrated men! Love this tale. Lovelovelove it. Cúthalion
Author's reply
Yes, it looks like a hopeless longing for Lothiriel to marry Eomer at this stage. Also she knows that it would really have been better not to lose her heart to him in the first place. But then you cannot rule your heart, can you. I really enjoyed writing this scenario of their relationship, where the obstacles between them are all too real. Although the way they will be removed is rather sad - but at least Tolkien is to blame for that and I do not have it on my conscience! Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
*smiles* I bet I know what sparked Éomer's temper that evening - and yet, Gríma won't take such a humiliation lightly. It is breathtaking to watch your future lovers "circle" each other in the eldest and most thrilling dance possible, all the same balancing on the edge of a danger that is clearly palpable and still yet has to unfold. What a great storyteller you are. Cúthalion
Author's reply
You know by now of course, that Grima did not take this humiliation lightly at all, especially as he hated Eomer to begin with anyway. And having them on the edge of conflict somehow adds to the tension between them. I really enjoyed weaving their story into the whole happenings of the war. Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Wow. First that delightful scene on the lake - Éomer, ice skating with Lothiril, how wonderful is that? - and then the sudden danger in the end! Masterfully told! *wipes brow* Cúthalion
Author's reply
I thought to myself, why not have Eomer and Lothiriel spend some time together, but not in the usual dancing or strolling around the garden setting. And since I like ice-skating myself, that came to my mind. Lia
Cuthalion · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
My dear, I know I'm repeating myself - but what a gift you have when it comes to writing the Marshall and his Princess! It always puzzles me how little some of the authors who try their hand on love stories and more "explicit" scenes know about the sheer power of true eros. The grazing of a hand... the whiff of the smell that clings to the skin of a man... the warmth radiating from the strong body directly behind you... so much more thrilling and even arousing than the trite descriptions of "what has to be put where". You've become a mistress of that silent - and enormously difficult - art. *bows to you* Cúthalion
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your kind words! Like you, I think that it does not take a lot of explicit language to build up tension between the protagonists, on the contrary. And as I see her, Lothiriel is quite an innocent and is probably a bit confused by her own instinctive responses to this man who has set his sights on her. Lia
Cuthalion · 21 October 2008 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Great scene in Lothiriel's chamber - and Éowyn still has the knack to show up in exactly the wrong right moment. You know, you have a great gift for creating what I call "movies of the mind"; I can see him sit there, and I can see her, moving around him with the bandages, touching his skin and hair and smelling his aroma of wood smoke. That makes reading this a wonderfully sensual experience. *smiles* Cúthalion
Author's reply
Ha, ha, ha. I'd forgotten about that! Yes, Eowyn definitely has a knack for showing up at the crucial moment. And I have a very vivid picture of the scenes in my stories in my mind as I write them, so it's really nice to hear that's coming across. Lia
Cuthalion · 21 October 2008 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
That scene on the dais had me on the edge of my seat... and how clever of Lothiriel to "chatter" Éomer out of his rage! But oh, my heart weeps for Théoden - ever since Bernard Hill made him come alive for me in the movies, I've felt a deep love for him. It is devastating to see what Grímas cordials and whisperings do to him. *off to read the next chapter* Cúthalion
Author's reply
I have to say, I always liked Théoden. Well, all the Rohirrim as you know. And I always felt sorry for him for losing his only son like he does, although Tolkien doesn't really go into it. Lia
Cuthalion · 21 October 2008 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Robin Hood of Dol Amroth! *laughs with delight* And an easy way to win Éowyn's respect and friendship to boot. You weave the atmosphere in Edoras with a sure and clever hand - Gríma sends a shower down my spine. He's the perfect role model for a stalker. Very well done! Cúthalion
Author's reply
Robin Hood? LOL, as you know, her skills will come in handy in the future. And you're right that Grima is like a stalker - with the King's power behind him as well. Poor Lothiriel. Lia
Cuthalion · 21 October 2008 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3
That scene with Théoden King and Gríma was frightening... especially if you know what the Worm is up to. And I like the thought that this time we will find Lothiriel not in the aftermath of the war but right in the center of where the danger in Rohan brews. Very good! Cúthalion
Author's reply
it's what I've really enjoyed about writing this story, to have Lothiriel right in the middle of things. And also being able to play with some of Tolkien's characters that are already dead by the time my other stories take place. Lia