Like a Blade Forged in Fire by Lialathuveril
ElvenViolinist · 30 August 2024 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Aaaaahhhhh I am literally screaming this is soooooooo good!!! I honestly loved the way you built up the characters of Lothiriel and Eomer, truly a wonderful story🫶🏻 Only I wish it wouldn't end...but then I wish none of those very best stories would ever end... Truly beautiful story, loved it so much~~~
aiwendil · 12 July 2021 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
This was fantastic. I'll say from the outset that I'm not huge on romance stories, and I've started quite a few Eomer/Lothiriel fics in this fandom only to set them down after the first chapter. Yours captured me from the start. It's always wonderful to see fics exploring Harad and you did so with nuance and a wealth of worldbuilding. I didn't mind that we jumped away from Harad after that first chapter--Harad's there all throughout the fic, and slowly putting together Lothiriel's experiences in the timeskip was a pleasure. You really nailed Eomer's voice. I enjoyed his good humor, kindness, love for Rohan, his family, and horses. His narrative always had a great casual tone--I would find myself snorting out loud at certain moments. I liked that you didn't shy away from the heaviness of the losses Eomer's undergone, but also didn't have him dwell too long on them. It suits his character to live in the moment. But his outburst about having more family among the dead than the living will stick with me. I also very much appreciated that you gave Eomer his blindspots. He fails to question his assumptions about Lothiriel's relationship to her husband and is subsequently blindsided to learn the truth. But, in what makes him a compelling character in this story, he is willing to accept it and change his views. I like that what moves his and Lothiriel's relationship forward is his giving her space to truly grieve for her husband. I was particularly moved by Eomer's realization that, had he been born in Harad, he would have been a similar man. Tarcil was a highlight of the story. You have a real talent for writing children (another thing I don't often enjoy in fic!)! He never came off as annoying or cloying, and had just the right mix of intelligence and obliviousness for his age and circumstances. In a sense the story is just as much about Eomer and Tarcil's relationship--when they hit it off at the beach, with Eomer humoring Tarcil's claim to kingship, I said to myself, 'oh, this could work.' Eomer isn't just becoming a husband, he's becoming a second father too, and it's a role he seems to excel in. His back and forth always brought a smile to my face. I really enjoyed the prose and your attention to detail in the setting--the horse facts, the different dyes, all the little things that make a world feel real and lived in. Weynild was a great addition to the Rohan cast. I appreciated the way this fic centered female characters in Tolkien's often male-centric world, without playing fast and loose with canon. Finally, regarding structure, I loved your choice to start and end with Lothiriel, but otherwise keep the POV centered on Eomer. The pacing was excellent--each chapter gave me a sense of growth and movement. Thank you for a lovely read! I'm definitely looking forward to checking out more of your work!
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your detailed review! I really appreciate it when my readers take the time to let me know what they like about one of my stories. The points you mentioned, like having Harad in the background throughout the story, but only revealing the details slowly, are exactly what I wanted to achieve. Funny enough, the structure of having the main bulk of the story from Éomer’s point-of-view actually came about very organically. I didn’t really plan it, it just made sense as I was writing. But I think it has worked out well. Also I love worldbuilding and researching little details, even if sometimes only a fraction of what I learn makes it into the story. With this one, reading about dyes and paints was absolutely fascinating. And I had a lot of fun having Tarcil applying his superior knowledge ;-D About having children in stories, I’ve often thought that Rohan would have a young population (compared to ours), with lots of children, young people and pregnant women, so I like to include some of that age group. They’re not very well represented in Tolkien’s writing, are they. With this incarnation of Lothíriel, her being a mother also added a whole new side to her character. And as you said, it’s a great opportunity for Éomer to show his ‘dad qualities’. About Éomer wondering what kind of man he would have been, had he been born in Harad, I had a saying by the German chancellor Helmut Kohl in mind. He spoke of the ‘mercy of a post-war birth’, meaning that his generation did not have to face the test of having to decide whether to follow or reject Nazism. Some of my readers have insisted that the Haradrim are just all evil, but I think that when being born into that kind of culture it’s actually very difficult to develop a moral compass. As such, in a way Éomer has had it easier than Arantar. I thought that he would have the greatness of mind to realise that and acknowledge his own luck. The transition of thinking of Arantar as ‘that evil brute’ to ‘he’s not so very different from me’ was important to me. And now I’ll finish rabitting on! Again many thanks for your review – it really brightened my day.
Larner · 25 June 2021 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Most satisfying! And Tarcil will be an older brother? Will he seek to train his new sibling alongside Rakash and his ponies? Heh! Thanks for this new story. Now--if I can just get my own writing started anew....
Author's reply
Thank you too, for coming along on this ride and for the encouragement. Happy writing and may the muse be with you!
Larner · 25 June 2021 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Aha! It's all but done now. And there will be at least one dog in Tarcil's possession within days, I'd say. Two of mine are looking up at me worshipfully, dark brown eyes bright in the light of my bed lamp. Eomer has made good bargains with the animals he dispenses--or at least WILL dispense in time. And Tarcil, I'm certain, is pleased with his side of the bargain. Heh!
Author's reply
LOL, yes one large dog coming up for Tarcil (who shows remarkable bargaining skills already, doesn't he). And I didn't think of it in this context, but it's true Eomer has dispensed quite a few animals in this story.
Larner · 24 June 2021 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Quite the ruse here. I so hope that the trick works! And he now has hope that he will win the reward he seeks....
Author's reply
Oops, I somehow missed your reviews. Sorry for my late reply! But I'm pleased to hear you liked the ruse.
whitewave · 12 June 2021 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Thank you for including Eowyn and Faramir! I love how Tarcil and even Kouri--have grown to love Eomer more. Lovely way to close the story! I am wondering if someday Tarcil's shieldmaiden friend will join him at Harad. The battle planning with Gondor sounded very interesting. I also enjoyed how you gave details about Lothiriel's former husband that helped me appreciate him more and it's good that it was not a purely political marriage. Enjoyed the scene with Eowyn and Kouri as well. Thank you for this story. Looking forward to your upcoming works.
Author's reply
Eowyn and Faramir are some of my favourite characters, so I wanted to at least give a glimpse of them. And I thought the two shieldmaidens would get along pretty well - and enjoy trouncing Eomer's men. As for Hildwyn, in my mind she will one day help Tarcil win back his throne (along with the rest of the gang plus the next generation of Eomer/Aragorn/Faramir's children). But that's another tale! Thanks for reviewing!
whitewave · 12 June 2021 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Lovely proposal scene, this more than made up for the disastrous first attempt, I think, for Eomer.
Author's reply
It certainly had a lot of room for improvement ;-D
whitewave · 12 June 2021 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Clever plan to hide Tarcil for a few years--this will buy them a few year's peace. For sure he will be a good king like his future stepfather!
Author's reply
Yes, I thought Tarcil would be well capable of taking care of himself once he's a bit older. He'll have good teachers!
UTfrog · 5 June 2021 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
I waited until I finished the story before I commented. I loved it all. Thank you so much for your effort to draw such rich imagery. Excellent story in all parts.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so pleased to hear you enjoyed coming along on this journey with me :-)
Radbooks · 26 May 2021 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Thank you for this wonderful story! I really enjoyed this different take of Eomer and Lothloriel's meeting and relationship. I'm looking forward to your next one! :)
Author's reply
Thank you, too, for following! I enjoyed writing this different approach to their story, so I'm pleased to hear you liked it :-)
Anonymous · 24 May 2021 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
I've really enjoyed reading this story as you've posted it - thank you for a really interesting and different take on this relationship.
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm so pleased to hear you enjoyed this different storyline :-)
Mirkwoodmaiden · 16 May 2021 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Lia! Please tell me this story isn't over! I don't want it to end though I am glad they have finally gotten together! I don't think Éomer's nerves could have stood much more! “Anything to keep our future qu–” Erkenbrand drew to an abrupt halt. “That is… I mean to say…” LOL Will Erkenbrand EVER learn! Love this! Hope you are well! ((hugs)) MM
Author's reply
I'm afraid the story is almost over, though there will be an epilogue next week to wrap things up. I too am always a bit sad to reach the end of a story, but there just comes a point where you have to let your characters go. And at least poor Erkendbrand will no longer have to watch what he says ;-) Take care! Lia
Mirkwoodmaiden · 10 May 2021 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Lia! Wonderful, wonderful! Poor Lothíriel, but it is so true. Once the pressing need to show strength or to keep going is over that is when the damn breaks. I do so hope that Éomer's idea works. It will give Lothíriel peace so she can begin to see the future....with Éomer of course. Thanks for this story! Hope you are well! ((hugs)) MM
Author's reply
I was thinking that in one way or another she's had to be strong and in control of herself ever since she went to Harad. Hopefully there are better days ahead of her - with our favourite horselord ;-) Thanks for following! Lia
demeter d · 9 May 2021 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Wow. Of course, you are right. They would not have gone home, having failed. And that would not have been much acting on Lotherial's part. If I were in her shoes at that cemetery, I would be thinking about how close it had already been, and how, if this desperate drama does not convince them, it would keep happening over and over until my son and I were really dead. After the last few days, it would not have taken much to really put her over the edge. Oh, you know, Tarcil's father's dying act may have helped save him! You wrote that his dying command to Khuri was that she take his torc to his son, and protect him and his mother! That way they had the King's torc to bury with him, and for the assassins to find! Now, I suppose Eomer and Eothain's job is to shadow the survivors out of their land, and make sure ALL of them leave. I would imagine also, that Grandpa Imrahil may have to come visit at Edoras for a few years, at least. If there is a spy, or loose lips, in Dol Amroth, Tarcil should not show up alive, at least for a very long time.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Lothiriel's had a rough time in the last few chapters, so it probably needed no acting at all. She's so controlled all the time, all that pressure had to be released at some stage. And yes, Eomer and Eothain will see the Haradrim 'off the premises', before he feels that he's done his duty. As for a visit to Dol Amroth, I don't see that in the near future either. Like you said, her family will have to come and visit her instead.
whitewave · 3 May 2021 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Oh dear Tarcil was being stalked all along by his Dad’s family. Good thing they are with the Rohirrim! Can’t wait to know more about the assasins. Everything is falling into place!
Author's reply
It's sad when your own family wants to kill you for dynastic reasons, isn't it. Though historically speaking not unusual, for example amongst the Ottomans. Thanks for following!
demeter d · 2 May 2021 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
I knew it! I knew that the fast little stallion with the big heart and the new-found love for his rescuer would be a factor in saving her. And the lady is right: head and scalp wounds do bleed a lot. Same with fingers and hands. Once they get the bleeding stopped, and stitched, he may not be in such bad shape as he looks like right now. You say they will deal with the two survivors in a surprising way? If it were me, once the whole group caught up with them, I would tell them they would live if they go home and tell whoever sent them that the Dowager Queen and her son are now under the protection of the entire army of the Rohirrim! I had images during that chase of the lady stunt rider dressed as Arwen, and weaving and jagging to avoid the Ringwraiths. Whew!
Author's reply
It's fitting in a way, isn't it, that a Haradrim horse should save her. As for the remaining two assassins, I have a cunning plan (or rather Eomer and Lothiriel will have one), but I'm afraid you'll have to wait for the next chapter to find out ;-) And I was actually also thinking of that scene where Frodo rides for the Fords of the Bruinen, with the wringwraiths in pursuit - with Arwen in the movies, but it's a gripping scene either way.
Larner · 2 May 2021 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Tarcil's hard head has saved him, and his mother's strategy saved them both. I rejoice that Eomer arrived in time, and that the enemy is dead or fled. Now to catch the two survivors.
Author's reply
True, they all did their part. The two survivors will be dealt with in the next chapter, though perhaps in a surprising way.
Larner · 2 May 2021 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15
A terrible fear to hold--that enemies of Gondor may have used orcs to hide their own incursion into Rohan, and perhaps in hopes of finding and killing the true heir of the last legitimate king of Harad and his mother. Now, to see how well Eomer fares in his new journey.
Author's reply
Yes, it's a clever plan of their enemies, isn't it. They might even have managed to kill the King of Rohan too, as a bonus. That at least has been averted.
Mirkwoodmaiden · 1 May 2021 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Lia! Once again wonderful! You paint the story so well. I was on pins and needles as the Haradrim rider tried to chase down Lothíriel. So happy they were all safe! Now home to Edoras! Hope you are well and safe! ((hugs)) MM
Author's reply
Thank you! I like to have a bit of action in my stories every now and again, glad to hear you found it exciting. Take care! Lia
Mirkwoodmaiden · 1 May 2021 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Lia! You wrote the story of the battle so well. I feel hard pressed when writing action scenes or battles but yours flowed so smoothly. Nicely done. The plot thickens with this new group of possible Gondorians headed for Edoras! Eeeek! Again you have carried this story so well! Hope you are well! ((hugs)) MM
Author's reply
Thank you! I borrowed a little from the battle with the orcs outside Fangorn Forest, the way they charge the camp, then wheel round and charge again. If you're on horseback, you don't want to get bogged down. Hope you're well too!
sue · 1 May 2021 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
OK did you take cliffhanger lessons in college or something? I love this story so much but I'm gonna need more heart medicine if this continues. Just keep writing and I'll keep reading. I check every day to see if there's a new chapter. Thank you!
Author's reply
LOL, I'm sorry, I just love cliffhangers! But I publish a chapter every week, unless real life interferes (I've noticed that the email notifications don't always work on this site, so just check on Saturday evenings). Thanks for following the story!
Mirkwoodmaiden · 26 April 2021 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Lialathuveril! LOL!! "Somehow he got the helmet off and thrust it to the side, where somebody caught it." Love this line. And yeah!!!! Orcs are apparently good for something. Good for getting Lothíriel to admit her true feelings. I can imagine Eothain trying desperately not to smile as he had Éomer his helmet. The Question is....can Erkenbrand come back to Edoras now that Lothíriel has finally admitted her feelings! And this line! "That moment, he loved the whole world, even the orcs. He would still kill them though." Love that! Stay safe! ((hugs)) MM
Author's reply
Yes, it's a miracle Eothain and the rest of the men didn't start cheering out loud on the spot ;-) As for Erkenbrand, he might eventually be forgiven, I think, now that Eomer is in a better mood again... Stay safe too! Lia
demeter d · 25 April 2021 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Yikes! Sunnild, Lotherial and Khuri will have their hands full leading the group of women and children anyway. Now, with night falling on the open plain with no place to hide... Eomer, hurry! Now, I think the loyal little stallion may be a factor in protecting his lady savior. I hope he survives the encounter!
Author's reply
Yes, the group of women and children will be slow, but the Haradrim have quite far to go. And then of course there's Eomer and his men on their heels. We'll see who will win this race... Thanks for following!
whitewave · 24 April 2021 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Oh dear! The orcs were just the cover! Hope they catch up on time with the baddies!
Author's reply
Yes, I'm afraid the orcs were just a distraction. Though if they had managed to kill the King of Rohan, that would have been welcome too.
whitewave · 18 April 2021 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Laughed out loud on Eothain’s slip of the tongue re: “the Que—-“ so priceless! Maybe Eomer needs to thank the Orcs for their incursion! A question crossed my mind though as to who is more lethal—a happy Eomer or a sulky Eomer haha but based on the last line of this chapter I think a happy Eomer is more lethal for the orcs!
Author's reply
Yes, nothing like a bunch of friendly orcs to further one's romance ;-) And the Rohirrim will probably be relieved when they can finally stop worrying about what to call Lothiriel! Thanks for reviewing!