Larner · 18 April 2021 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
That last line--it is wonderful! Heh! Love it!
Author's reply
Thank you :-)
Like a Blade Forged in Fire by Lialathuveril
Reviews (92)
Mirkwoodmaiden · 12 April 2021 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Lialathuveril! Finally we get to the point where Lothíriel finally or at least partially opens up to Éomer! “Éomer, I will be honest with you: taking you into my bed would be easy.” Involuntarily he choked. “What?” LOL!! It is a good thing that Éomer was not drinking wine at the time! Choking and coughing up a lung in the process is SUCH a mood breaker! :-)) You handled this section very well. A deft and light touch through a difficult conversation! Just lovely! Honesty serves Éomer well here. So looking forward to your next chapter! Stay safe! ((hugs)) MM
Author's reply
LOL, that was a bit of a shocker for poor Eomer, wasn't it. Hopefully it won't upset his delicate sensibilities ;-) And I'm a great believer in being honest and talking to each other, so it's definitely a step forward for the two. Stay safe too!
Larner · 11 April 2021 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Well, he's not making a hash of it now! He is listening, really listening, and letting her tell her tale in her own words. And she accepts that his is not an idle fancy, but one that is thought out as well as instinctive. And he understands the language with which she was brought up. Now, if she will relax and accept his offering. At least she knows it is voluntary, and that she will not be kept in gilded captivity should she accept his love. A worthy courtship, this.
Author's reply
An important step for Eomer to listen to her and learn the truth, isn't it. And for Lothiriel to be able to unburden herself for maybe the first time - though perhaps not completely. Thanks for reviewing!
Larner · 11 April 2021 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Obviously he has had it forced upon him that not all Haradrim were monsters, and that it was possible for one such as Lothiriel to find one worthy of her love. Now, for Eomer to heal the damage done by letting her know his imaginings of what Arantar was like, which will NOT be an easy task. But at least she now knows that he loves her, which is actually a good thing, or will turn out to be one in the end.
Author's reply
I too think that it's always better to have things out in the open and that Lothiriel finally knowing that he loves her is a good thing - as is Eomer learning that she loved her husband (though he might find it difficult to accept at first!).
whitewave · 10 April 2021 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13
I felt very hopeful for Eomer after reading this chapter. I think Tarcil and Amrothos and Khuri are all in favor of Eomer in their own way. It’s good that they had that talk—looking forward to the next one.
Author's reply
Yes, it's definitely a step forward. And I agree that Tarcil and Khuri are in favour or at least not actively opposed to Eomer marrying Lothiriel. But first he has to convince the lady herself.
Mightisright · 6 April 2021 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Last point before I quit this story. This portrayal of Eomer is better suited to someone else. Someone who is not tainted by the enemy. An enemy that in lotr, should have been completely wiped out. Why should the rohirrim welcome her and her son? Eomer must feel betrayed
Author's reply
I have to agree with you, it's probably better if you quit reading this story. I don't think you'd enjoy it.
Mightisright · 5 April 2021 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Eomer deserves better than Lothiriel. She is not right for him. I don't know how Eomer could love someone that was married to and loved the enemy. He should not suffer
Author's reply
I'm sorry you're feeling that way! I know the Haradrim are villains in LotR (and I've used them like that in some of my other fics), but for this story I wanted to paint a more nuanced picture of them with more 'greys' in it. Sorry to hear it doesn't work for you.
whitewave · 5 April 2021 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Oh dear! Poor Eomer! Maybe she grew to love him eventually but initially I think she did not love her first husband. Wonder how Eomer will turn this around! Will he suffer still more?
Author's reply
Yes, I think she grew to love Arantar, especially once they had Tarcil. And I'm afraid Eomer will suffer a bit longer, but this was an important turning point. Thanks for reviewing!
Mirkwoodmaiden · 4 April 2021 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Lialathuveril! "“Nothing dishonourable,” he blurted out, hurt by the wariness in her face. Then he suddenly worried that she might think he did not find her attractive. “That is, of course I would like to…eh, that is not to say that you’re not…but…” He realised he was making a complete hash of it. Éomer took a deep breath. He had fought Uruk-hai, had faced the hordes of Mordor. He could do this. But for Lothíriel only the truth would serve, even if it felt like walking through fire. He took a step forward, looking up at her. “I love you. Will you marry me?" " Poor Lovesick Éomer. He bumbles about in such an adorable fashion. I did burst out in sympathetic laughter. Poor man. Erkenbrand was VERY wise to make a hasty exit! LOL! As for Lothíriel I am glad it is finally out in the open that she did love Arantar. And will not apologise for it! Love this story. ((hugs)) MM
Author's reply
Yes, perhaps not the most suave declaration of love ever ;-) And Erkenbrand probably would have ended up in a shallow grave, had he stayed, lol. I have a feeling he won't be visiting Edoras again anytime soon. Thanks for following the story!
Mirkwoodmaiden · 28 March 2021 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11
Lialathuveril! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!! Serves that peacock right!!! Insulting ignorant bastard!! I thought Éomer was very restrained considering what he wanted to do the vain fool! And Tarcil knew EXACTLY how to prick the man's ego! LOL! I'm sure when Aragorn hears about this he will know the man behaved like a vain, idiotic peacock and secretly agree with Éomer's actions! Loving this!! ((hugs)) MM
Author's reply
I have to admit I had lots of fun writing that scene ;-D And I can see Aragorn listen attentively to the man's complaints and then later break down in helpless laughter!
Mirkwoodmaiden · 28 March 2021 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Lialathuveril! You put such detail into your work. The description of the paints and how they were made is fascinating. When I am researching for a story I will read and read then sometimes only a sentence about what I researched about will wind up in the story but I know that that sentence has some background to it. Such detail in your work makes the world you paint come alive. I see that Éomer is thunderstruck by the idea that Arantar himself did not mistreat Lothíriel. Will be interesting when his ideas of Arantar and Harad go from here! Thank you for this! Stay safe! MM
Author's reply
I do exactly the same thing! Like you said, it might only be a single sentence, but it adds depth to the story (and anyway, I love doing research). The different pigments were really fascinating to read about - there is actually one called dragon's blood, I didn't even have to make that up. So pleased to hear you like these little details :-)
Larner · 28 March 2021 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11
Bless the children for the devious miscreants they are. A prank worthy of a Took, and well deserved! I love that the other children were willing to do this favor for Tarcil, and that Eomer recognized how it was done. Bless them all! And hopefully Lothiriel will be more forthcoming with her host now, and begin to recognize that mutual respect is an excellent foundation for a deeper and more meaningful alliance!
Author's reply
I have a suspicion that Hildwyn was the mastermind behind it all, helping Tarcil keep his hands clean (in every sense of the word!). As Eomer will remark at a later date, the two are born leaders ;-)
Radbooks · 28 March 2021 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11
Wonderful chapter! I'm a little worried that someone from Harad will be coming to find her now! Loved Eomer getting a little rough with the guy, he totally deserved it - he was an arrogant jerk . The blue horse was also pretty funny. Thanks for sharing your story.
Author's reply
Yes, Lothiriel must be worried to know that her whereabouts are being discussed in Gondor. But at least she knows that Eomer is taking her concerns seriously. Thanks for reviewing!
whitewave · 27 March 2021 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11
A major milestone happened in this chapter. I like how Tarcil looks up to Eomer and at the same time be hostile to the Gondorian suitor of his mom. Wonder how Eowyn will react to the painting and if she will pay her brother a visit. I really like how Eomer's staff are looking out for Lothiriel and Tarcil. Had a laugh at the expense of the "peacock" blue horse.
Author's reply
Yes, Tarcil and Eomer ganging up on Lothiriel's suitors is a step forward, isn't it. And you'll discover what Eowyn made of the painting, but not until the epilogue. Thanks for reviewing and I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed the blue horse!
Radbooks · 21 March 2021 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Loved this chapter! I really enjoyed the details about the pigments... very cool details that added to the story. Thanks so much!
Author's reply
I spent a lot of time researching paints and pigments for this story - it's such an interesting topic - so I'm really pleased to hear you enjoyed them!
Larner · 21 March 2021 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Aha! It is finally dawning on him that perhaps--just perhaps--Lothiriel and her late husband just might have come to respect and even care for one another. To realize that this man actually might have cared for his wife, and to see her as more than just a possession, is shaking Eomer's prejudices and preconceptions. Love this glimpse at how Eomer must adjust his thinking to truly appreciate just how special this woman is, how dearly she could love him--if the two of them get that far! And I love the growing appreciation for her artistic gifts.
Author's reply
Yes, it's not easy for Eomer to get his head around this new idea. In his defense, unlike the reader, he got all his information from Lothiriel's family and only had a few cryptic hints from her. And of course the Haradrim were their hereditary enemies, so it's difficult to think well of them. And I really love making this Lothiriel into an artist! Unfortunately, I'm not talented that way myself, or I'd draw a few pages of her sketch books. And the research into pigments and paints was fascinating too :-)
whitewave · 20 March 2021 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
I wonder why Lothiriel decided to take Tarcil with her in the library? This chapter confirms the full-fledged conspiracy in Meduseld to get Eomer and Lothiriel together. :-) I think Tarcil has warmed up to Eomer and Rohan very much but it's good that he is also raised with his Haradric heritage. I am curious to see how Eowyn will react to the whole idea--maybe she will also visit? Her talk with Amrothos did sound ominous to me too.
Author's reply
I don't think there's an ulterior motive behind Lothiriel taking Tarcil with her, she probably just likes having him around. And yes, there's quite the conspiracy going in Meduseld. Those letters to Eowyn would probably be fun to read! She'll actually make a brief appearance in this story, but not until the epilogue. Thanks for following the story!
Mirkwoodmaiden · 19 March 2021 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Lialathuveril! I love this story. There are so many wonderful details that really flesh out the world of the Rohirrim, such as the geography you refer to and the history you reference in the books you have titled. I love those details. The slow development of the relationship between Lothiriel and Eomer is wonderfully done. And of course far too slow for Eomer's taste! LOL. Poor Eomer! A man of action having to be patient. I suspect that patience is not a strong suit for Eomer. "making Éomer wish she would lavish the same love on him. He would not be jealous of a horse, he told himself." LOL Really wonderful story! Stay Safe! MM
Author's reply
Thank you! I can highly recommend 'Midnight raid on Umbar', it's quite the page turner ;-D And I love studying maps and adding these little details to my stories, so it's nice to have them appreciated. As for Eomer, I hope that he'll eventually manage to overtake Shirram in Lothiriel's affections, but like you said, it needs patience!
Larner · 14 March 2021 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
No state secrets, but definitely personal thoughts not yet ready for sharing. Love the waking kiss! Heh!
Author's reply
Not quite his true love's kiss, but perhaps he'll get there eventually ;-)
Radbooks · 14 March 2021 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Really loving this story. I like how it's a more normal falling in love type of story... which takes time, it's not overnight normally. :) Anyway, very well done and I'm loving the glimpses we get of her past life in Harad. Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you :-) I like a slow burn too, so I'm taking my time with developing their relationship. Glad to hear you're enjoying the ride!
Eloquent · 14 March 2021 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Wonderful story! Will we be getting any chapters from Lothiriel's perspective as well?
Author's reply
Thank you! The epilogue will be from her perspective again, but otherwise the story is from Eomer's point-of-view.
whitewave · 14 March 2021 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Oh dear I think Lothiriel should be able to discern by now--it's so easy to see. The Rohirrim seem to be conspiring as well (in a good way) to support their king. I am curious about how/when she will return his feelings.
Author's reply
Yes, she should be able to see - but does she? It's also easy to deceive yourself when you're not ready to acknowledge something. And yes, there's probably a full-fledged conspiracy going on in Meduseld's kitchen ;-D Thanks for taking the time to leave reviews!
whitewave · 14 March 2021 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Thank you for including flashbacks from Lothiriel's life in Harad. Too bad about the child she lost. Thuri is really a good person to have around her, I think she will play a key role in the future.
Author's reply
Thanks! I wanted the reader to learn about Lothiriel's life in Harad along with Eomer, bit by bit.
whitewave · 14 March 2021 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
I think the Rohirrim are in favor of Lothiriel. Would be interesting to see Lothiriel's POV here, but since she is intelligent I think she notices at this point but is probably choosing to ignore?
Author's reply
I'm not sure if Lothiriel is really aware of Eomer's feelings - or her own for that matter. The heart can be remarkably blind...
whitewave · 14 March 2021 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Wonder when Amrothos will be back. I always enjoy your different portrayals of Amrothos. But then, I think with Amrothos away, Eomer has more opportunities to interact with her.
Author's reply
Amrothos is one of my favourite characters, too - he sneaks into most of my stories. But like you said, with him out of the picture, Eomer and Lothiriel can get closer to each other (though not very quickly!)