Larner
· 8 April 2010
· Chapter 20: Unexpected encounters
Ah--oddly satisfying to realize the "rowan" was indeed Quickbeam, as I'd hoped! And visiting a tree nursery, apparently.
I'm glad they found his father's grave, but grieve with them about the orc. Not a heroic slaying, this. I don't blame Niarl for not wishing the king to know.
Other than the part about Quickbeam feeling a bit--hasty--to my ent-loving heart, an excellent chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you! I was more thinking along the lines of Niarl warning Deoric not to enrage Eomer by making a stance for the poor orcs, but you're right, it's not a herois deed for Niarl's CV either...
Sorry Quickbeam came off too hasty - I didn't want the scene to drag, either.
Dreamflower
· 7 April 2010
· Chapter 20: Unexpected encounters
Yes! Yes these are wonderful encounters! The encounter with Quickbeam was just wonderful, and I'm so glad that they met him.
And that was a gut-wrenching moment when he saw the grave.
But you did a masterful job with the encounter with the injured orc! Very powerful, and it made its point-- mercy is worthwhile, even to one who might not show mercy back. I could identify with Deoric's reluctance to make the needed coup de grace, and was grateful that Niarl was able to do so!
Author's reply
Thank you! I thought this would be a chapter you'd like. :D I decided against the other orc scenario in the end, because Morthoron said it jarred with the rest of the story, and on closer inspection, I had to agree with him.
curiouswombat
· 7 April 2010
· Chapter 20: Unexpected encounters
It is always a pleasure to find a new chapter of your story, and what a chapter of encounters - and all so meaningful to Déoric, too.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you continue to enjoy this story.
Raksha The Demon
· 6 April 2010
· Chapter 19: Holes
I love the Faramir/Eowyn interaction, plus the lovely and realistic scene with baby Elboron. What a neat notion, that he's brought back the finger that Frodo lost.
And good for Faramir, letting his dogs have the run of the house; even if it does occasionally make for a mess...
Author's reply
I thought you might like the dogs... ;-)
Linda, when we first talked about ideas for this story, suggested that, since disability is a theme in the first story, Elboron could have "some little imperfection, like an extra finger." And when I thought about it, the connection with Frodo seemed an obvious thing to make.
Thanks for reviewing.
Eilenach
· 27 March 2010
· Chapter 19: Holes
This is a wonderful story! The whole theme of stories and how they are told differently depending upon which side you are on is interesting and applies to us in "real life."
I hope that Lothiriel brings more paint!
Author's reply
So do I. We can't continue to see the world on black and white... ;-)
Glad you enjoy the story, thank for reviewing.
Larner
· 21 March 2010
· Chapter 19: Holes
Now, THAT is a thought, that Elboron restores the finger lost by Frodo. I see he has something in common with Anne Boleyn, according to report. As longa s no one then seeks to charge him with witchcraft....
Love the descriptions of the Hobbit holes. I'd always believed the tales of Holbytla came from the proximity of Hobbits in the Anduin valley to the folk of the Eotheod before Eorl rode south to Gondor's aid. But if a few of the Stoors and Fallohides managed to come south just after, coming around through the Gap of Rohan, it could explain these holes here. We know some with Stoor blood went back east again, after all, and their descendants might then have then sought a gentler path back into Eriador once more.
And love that now Deoric is thinking in terms of the colors of paints! Now he needs to learn to mix them himself. He won't go on in monochrome indefinitely, of that I'm certain!
Author's reply
Thank you. Deoric and Merry will need to get their heads together to work out this puzzle. And yes, monochrome won't be his eternal fate. ;-)
demeter d
· 17 March 2010
· Chapter 18: Emerging patterns
I got behind with reading during the chapters of his long winter stuck in Dunland, so I have not reviewed in a while. But the chapter after this hit my box today and I allowed time for this one and that. I agree with your other two reviewers. This chapter was a bit exciting. These people feel like a connecting link; between the old tales and the real peoples in them, and the "modern world" in which the living legends have gone - well, west? - and left only tales behind. Now, with Faramir and Eowyn visiting, perhaps Faramir can introduce him to Legolas, and Legolas can escort him to Fangorn, and another introduction to a still living legend? That, and many other possibilities arise. I will have to be more attentive!
Author's reply
Thank you! I shall try not to disappoint when it comes to the possibilities. ;-)
Fantasia
· 17 March 2010
· Chapter 19: Holes
Virtuella,
This chapter has really touched me. I have guesses that Elboron "problem' was an extra finger. My own daughter was born with two thumbs in her right hand; it was really two upper phalanges in the right thumb. The doctor said that it is more common that what people think, and it is not genetic at all, it is an accident. She had a surgery went she turned 1 1/2 years old, and now, you will not even see the scarf, she is four now and learning to play piano with not impediment in her fingers. People react in different ways, some won't even notice and children, well they are children; they can be so indiscrete and some time a little cruel, my daughter was too little to notice, but you do and even if you don't care, it hurts. I don't know in older time how was handled, I suppose that depends of the culture, could be a blessing and could be a shame or doom. I hope that Elboron has an easy way; he is a prince after all and has a lot of people that loves him.
Great chapter, I'm love the interaction between Eowyn and Faramir, looking forward for more chapters.
Author's reply
Thank you for your comments. I also know two people who were born with extra fingers, it's fairly common, though we hardly see it nowadays because of surgery. I'm imagining Elboron with the rarer version, the doubled fork in one of the middle fingers. Good to hear your daughter is doing well.
Larner
· 16 February 2010
· Chapter 18: Emerging patterns
What a wonderful promise! And to know some of the Holbytla once dwelt here!
I am with Deoric--I would have blurted out there, too, particularly as he knew Merry.
Author's reply
Thank you! Deoric will see some rather differnt things on this second journey.
Dreamflower
· 15 February 2010
· Chapter 18: Emerging patterns
Wheeeee!!!!
Oh, this *is* a TREAT!!
Sorry, I'm too incoherent to leave a better response right now! I'll have to come back to it when I have a chance to think!
HOLBYTLA!!!!!
Author's reply
I thought you would like this one! :DDD
Dreamflower
· 31 January 2010
· Chapter 17: One arrival and three departures
Well, this is a lovely chapter! How nice to meet little Blythe!
And we get to see Merry and Pippin getting ready for their journey to the wedding! I adore the idea of their wedding gift-- and I hope that you will see fit to reveal some of those lovely recipes to US! *waggles eyebrows coaxingly*
I also love the idea of Pippin as an artist-- that's not one I've come across much, so it makes a very nice change and addition to his personality!
I think Eowyn very clever to find a way to leave Serveren behind-- she may be well-meaning, but her supercilious attitude would not go down too well with the Princess of Ithilien! I can see why she would not make a welcome travel companion! And I'm wondering what this hesitance is, regarding little Elboron!
And you brought in Brecc's knotwork! *grins*hugs you* That was just lovely! And Deoric's suggestion was just perfect!
I'm looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you. Sorry, I have no recipes to share, I'm just good at making up names for them. You're very welcome to the knotwork. After all, it was your idea in the first place. :)
Celeritas
· 30 January 2010
· Chapter 2: Ribbons
I just reread this chapter and I still really like it because of the way it gives the reader an insight into everyday (well, as "everyday" as a betrothal is) life in Rohan. It's such a sweet microplot to stick into everything else--and Niarl's teasing (I preferred it when you were moping) and Gleowine's advice (which is helpful to the whole story at large) just add to the joy of reading!
Author's reply
Thank you! I quite like this chapter myself, it's like a little story within the story and a bit more light-hearted than the rest.
Celeritas
· 30 January 2010
· Chapter 17: One arrival and three departures
I very nearly squeed when I saw that there was a full-fledged hobbit scene in this chapter! (And this makes me wonder... are you going to deal at all, at least in letter form, with the departure of Frodo and its aftermath? You do seem to be taking a rather conventional approach to his health, which is perfectly understandable since this is not a hobbit-centric fic.) And I love the idea of Pippin as an artist, since as far as I'm aware no one has done that before.
Okay, sorry to blab on at you but I do take an interest in all the different takes on the Travellers in fan fiction.
And I really like the addition of Serveren in this, just because she is Bound to be Trouble. Since the main Dunland episode hinted at in the summary is over, I was wondering how much was going to happen next--but Deoric's secondary trip, as well as all of the other things going on now in this chapter have infused the story with new steam and given me a lot more stuff to look forward to!
Author's reply
Thank you. I hope the second journey will not disappoint! I have no idea what the "conventional approach" to Frodo's health is. I wasn't planning on writing anything in much detail about it.
Pippin somehow elbowed his way into this chapter. I wonder if he's got plans...
Larner
· 30 January 2010
· Chapter 17: One arrival and three departures
Wonderful! I am so proud of Eomer here! And the new babies sound wonderful indeed. Hope the lady from Pinnath Gelin serves well--she has a good deal to learn about the true nature of barbarians, however, if she so characterizes Eowyn. Am not pleased with her attitude.
And now, to see how it is Deoric travels, and what tales he learns. I hope he does not miss Merry and Pippin's visits. And they must return in time to make the trip to the Havens--a good reason for them to have arrived as they do at the last moment, I fear. And their gifts sound wonderful!
Author's reply
Thank you! I think Serveren, while not exactly an amiable woman, will do her best to do the job well.
I quite fancy a Shire cooking book myself! :D
Celeritas
· 28 January 2010
· Chapter 16: Waiting
Several nice things about this chapter:
First of all, Fana is exactly the sort of wife Deoric needs. I was really glad to see that she was in agreement with him and was able to hold off some of his worrying with good sense.
Secondly, I like what you're doing with Eowyn a lot (when I can get some back reviews in I'll try to get back to this), simply because what she's doing is so ordinary. No special post-traumatic ailments for this woman, just one of the many nuisances that can crop up after birth.
Thirdly, as a fan I'm relieved that Eomer came around in this chapter. I was afraid you were going to leave us in the lurch a little longer!
And fourthly... something I had never consciously noticed before was how you're including a nice little post-war baby boom in here. It goes well with your general theme of transitioning to peace and renewal--and all the unexpected difficulties that can come with!
Author's reply
Thank you! I hadn't consciously put in a baby boom, but it makes sense that babies follow a wedding, at least in "those days."
Eomer is a smart man, it couldn't take him long to reconsider. :)
Larner
· 24 January 2010
· Chapter 16: Waiting
Does Eowyn's first child have a slightly twisted fist, then? At least Eomer has come around, as I knew he would. And Fana's given birth at last! Now, the new journey and reconciliation!
Author's reply
Not a twisted fist, but there's something "special" about his hand, yes. You'll find out later.
A new journey indeed. Have you ever read any of the classic medieval Arthurian novels (Chretien, Hartman etc)? They follow this pattern: Hero sets out on quest and fails, returns to court and gets a good dressing down, sets out a second time and redeems himself, to return triumphantly. Obviously, things are a bit more complex here, but I thought the general structure suited me well.
Thanks for reviewing!
Dreamflower
· 24 January 2010
· Chapter 16: Waiting
Well, I'm very glad that Eomer reconsidered his position so quickly-- and of course, he couldn't condone being spoken to that way in front of others. Leofred came up with a good compromise. I just hope that Deoric will be able to learn how to tell the truth without giving offense!
And Eowyn's to visit the Mark, along with Merilwen! That should prove interesting.
And now Deoric's a father. I guess we have to wait until the next chapter to discover if he has a daughter or a son!
Author's reply
Thank you! Eomer is no fool, of course, and I think once his mind was nudged into a certain direction, it would work fairly quickly. ;-)
WendWriter
· 20 January 2010
· Chapter 4: Pressing Questions
I love the way you work Merry into this. The nuances you work into this story are what make it such a lovely read.
Author's reply
Thanks. More Merry coming up - in fact, I'm writing him just now.;-)
Dreamflower
· 11 January 2010
· Chapter 15: A foreseeable confrontation
Oh dear! I knew Eomer would not be pleased initially, but really I did not expect him to be quite so rash! I do hope that he will be able to reconsider before things get too difficult for Deoric and his family.
I find myself very pleased, however, by Gleowine's reaction. He was wise enough to know that there was very likely a middle ground between the stories each of the two countries told. And he was quite right about the reasons, as well.
It will be interesting to see what it will take for Eomer to get over his anger and be reasonable.
Author's reply
Thank you! Gleowine is such an infinitely useful character!
Dreamflower
· 11 January 2010
· Chapter 14: A kiss, a chair and a letter
Oh WoW! I'm *TWO* chapters behind! And this chapter is just lovely-- he's back home at last, and reunited with Fana and in plenty of time for the baby!
And best of all, he had a letter from Merry! I just loved that! And I think you captured Merry's "voice" so well in this! I do think they should have a long and lively correspondence
Now, on to the *next* chapter!
Author's reply
I thought you'd like Merry's letter. I'm glad you think I got his voice right, because if you say so, it must be true. ;-)
Larner
· 9 January 2010
· Chapter 15: A foreseeable confrontation
It appears that in this case Eomer doesn't wish to hear the truth, not even the truth that many of the deaths among the Dunlendings they caused to themselves due to having embraced the worst stories told among themselves. Eomer himself has a bit of growing up to do in this case.
I am proud of Deoric!
Author's reply
Eomer is still pretty young himself. I think they can do some growing up together. :D Thank you!
Larner
· 9 January 2010
· Chapter 14: A kiss, a chair and a letter
And how good it is to see him get each of them! Poor Merry, already worried for Frodo.
And we know who his guide is now, along with him. I look forward to seeing him begin synthesizing and analyzing the various tales he's heard and sifting out the truth. Am so glad to see him home, and with the more comfortable mobility of the chair.
Author's reply
Thank you! Wheelchairs are a great boon indeed.
6336
· 9 January 2010
· Chapter 15: A foreseeable confrontation
Hm, some prople only hear what they want to hear, not what they need to hear.
Eomer needs to stretch his mind a little.
Lynda
Author's reply
Well, that's what stubborn OCs are for. ;-) Thanks for reviewing!
Linda Hoyland
· 9 January 2010
· Chapter 14: A kiss, a chair and a letter
It is so sad that enemies can see nothing good in each other and even in my liferime I've known perfectly nice people horrified at the thought of mixing with someone of a different race or religion.
It is good to see Deoric back home.
Author's reply
I know. And yet such prejudice can be overcome, with a bit of effort on both sides, as historic examples show. Thanks for reviewing!
Linda Hoyland
· 9 January 2010
· Chapter 15: A foreseeable confrontation
Oh dear,I can't say I much like Eomer here, but I would guess he sees things in black and white,though I'd expect him to have more pity for starving children,but no doubt he thinks Dunlendings like Orcs.
Deoric is brave to stand up for what he has discovered.
I love old Gleowine and the ginger cat in this chapter.
Author's reply
The cat's all yours. :D
Eomer is a young king, about to get married, concerned about his country's image - he's got reason to lose his temper here.
Thanks for reviewing!