Loving the rapport between the two leads. It's quite undeniable to everyone except to Lothiriel. Perhaps Khuri sees it too. Would be interesting to see Lothiriel's POV. I like how Tarcil is adjusting to the Rohirrim. I'm sure he will make lifelong friends.
Author's reply
I had considered whether to do some chapters from Lothiriel's point-of-view, but thought it's more fun like this really, because Eomer has got limited information. But the epilogue will be narrated from her point-of-view again, so we get a glimpse of her side of the story.
whitewave
· 14 March 2021
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Thank you for featuring Khuri! She is so bad-ass! I really like her history too and the glimpses from Lothiriel's life in Harad. It's good that she had a good relationship with her previous husband. I think the Rohirrim like Lothiriel!
Author's reply
I like Khuri too :-) Though she doesn't say much, she makes her presence known.
whitewave
· 14 March 2021
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Oh dear, Lothiriel is still oblivious (it seems) or maybe she is just choosing to turn a blind eye to the signs. I feel so sorry for Eomer. I think Tarcil will enjoy his sojourn in Edoras -- perhaps it might help him someday if/when he reclaims his kingdom.
Author's reply
Yes, it's still a long road ahead for Eomer! And I won't go as far into the future with this story as to see Tarcil grown-up, but I agree, his time in Rohan and the friendships he makes there would help him.
Pryderi
· 7 March 2021
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Hello Lia. It is a long time since I reviewed but I need to tell you that I am really enjoying this story, in particular this chapter. I notice that you are writing the story from Eomer's point of view. I can't remember you doing that before. If that is right then I think your new approach is working well so far.
In this chapter I enjoyed the contrast between the action packed scene in the hall and the reflective conversation in the private quarters, with the housekeeper providing a satisfying bridge between them.
When Lothiriel confided that she didn't blame Denethor etcetera I was taken back in time to a production of Euripides' play Iphigenia in Aulis which I saw in London some years ago. While Lothiriel's mission in Harad was not identical to Iphigenia's plight I did find parallels between them and it set me thinking, which is a good thing! These are deep waters but navigated expertly if I am any judge. Bravo!
Pryderi.
Author's reply
Hello Pryderi,
it is a long time! I hope you're keeping well?
About the point-of-view, my last story 'Smoke and Mirrors' was also told from Eomer's point-of-view. But all my other stories are either mixed pov or first/third person narrative by Lothiriel. Funny enough, I don't usually make a conscious choice how to tell a story, but one particular way just slowly crystallizes as the best way. In this one Eomer seemed best, taking the reader along on his journey of discovery.
And interesting what you said about Iphigenia. I didn't think of it, but she was sacrificed by her father, wasn't she (although whisked away in some versions, I believe). I have to admit I'm firmly on Clytemnestra's side in this matter!
Thanks for coming along on this ride and I hope you'll enjoy it!
Larner
· 6 March 2021
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
She was a surprise to more than just the drunken rider who'd mistaken her for a quick tupping. Poor guy got what he deserved, it seems. And now Eomer knows she is just--behind--that--door! Maybe not as innocent and naive as he imagines....
Author's reply
Yes, I like to keep Eomer on his toes with a surprise every now and again - he's got a few more coming ;-) Thanks for reviewing!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 2 March 2021
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Lialathuveril!
There is so much I love about this chapter! My heart goes out to Éomer. He is really being put through the wringer! But he is holding up admirably well.
Also I love your Bael-Feorm remembrance ceremony. Have you studied Old English? I recognise the words. In a story I am writing about Éowyn "Destiny's Child" I used "Lytling" what I glossed as meaning "Little one" as Théoden's endearment for Éowyn when she is a little girl and I noticed that Tarcil's pony is named the same thing. I loved your Remembrance ceremony. Very moving. I love creating ceremonies in my stories. I really loved yours.
The set down Éomer gives Lady Déorwenna is priceless. There may hell to pay over it but somehow I don't think that Éomer gives one fig about that.
Very enjoyable!
Thank you!
Stay safe!
MM
Author's reply
Yes, I'm afraid poor Eomer is taking a bit of a battering in this story ;-)
As for the 'bael-feorm', I've studied some online Old English grammars and I've got an extensive dictionary, which I find very useful. I'm sure I make mistakes, but it's fun to come up with Rohirric phrases and expressions, isn't it.
And like you, I also enjoy creating customs for the Rohirrim. So pleased to hear you liked this one :-)
Stay safe, too!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 1 March 2021
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
>Thank you,” she said simply and leant against the stallion’s neck. “I wish I could >repay you somehow for all your kindness. In any way at all.”
>At once Éomer’s unruly mind threw up pictures of how she could do so.
>She really shouldn’t say things like that.
LOL!! Poor Éomer he is so tortured. I love the path you are talking these two on! It is a wonderful story.
But when will Éomer and the rest realise that it wasn't Arantar who mistreated her. (I am guessing this...I haven't read ahead yet.)
Well done with how you have depicted the changes and the losses in Rohan because of the Ring War!
I shall continue reading now!
Stay safe, mellon nin!
MM
Author's reply
Thank you! It will take a while until Lothiriel opens up to Eomer and tells him more about her life in Harad, but we'll get there eventually. Not without a few bumps along the road of course ;-)
Larner
· 1 March 2021
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
One young lady needs to learn tact and diplomacy before she tries to inveigle her King. Love how Eomer dismisses her, making it plain she has failed to please him.
Author's reply
Yes, she has a lot of growing up to do, doesn't she. But then she's very young and rather spoilt - perhaps she'll learn her lesson.
Radbooks
· 27 February 2021
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Wonderful chapter! I loved that ceremony... it fit with the culture of the people of Rohan. Thanks for sharing!
Author's reply
Thank you! We have bonfires on the mountains tops on our national holiday, I got partly inspired by that.
Larner
· 24 February 2021
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
A wonderful interlude. I'm glad she's willing to do the picture for Eowyn.
Author's reply
Thank you! I enjoyed making this Lothiriel a bit of an artist.
Larner
· 23 February 2021
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Love at first sight but for a horse! Poor Eomer.
Author's reply
First the horse, then perhaps the horse-lord?
Larner
· 23 February 2021
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Excellent match with Khuri, and he is learning how to joust.with Lothiriel as well, I note.
Author's reply
Thank you - perhaps his practice in dealing with shieldmaidens will come in useful. At least he knows not to underestimate women ;-)
Radbooks
· 14 February 2021
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Another wonderful chapter! Thank you for sharing this story with us, I'm really enjoying it.
Author's reply
Thank you too for coming along on this ride :-)
demeter d
· 14 February 2021
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
....but she is a shield maiden, and I took the return blow...Yes, Eomer, you really do have to be careful what you tell a child! And then, "i wish there was a way to repay you..." And "Eomer's unruly mind could think of several ways"! To that little horse, she is not a stranger, she is a voice from home!
He was not a war horse, she says. Yet someone, possibly the murderous younger brother, rode him into a terrifying battle. And if so, then he had his rider cut down from his very back. And particularly if he had been her husband's horse, and the brother who was not his regular rider took him to war. No wonder the poor boy was upset! This brings to mind the scene from P.J.'s Extended Edition of The Two Towers, where Aragorn is in the royal stable in Edoras. Some grooms were wrestling a terrified horse. Aragorn goes to him, speaks to him in Sindarin and calms him down. Eowyn says the horse, Brego, had been Theodred's. Not said, but understood, was the horse was one of the few survivors of the massacre at the ford! That horse returned the favor after Aragorn nearly drowns during a battle on the way to Helms Deep. I can imagine that the Haradrian horse will be just as devoted to Lothy. I enjoyed watching Eomer giving her pointers on taming the horse. Working together to help tame the poor beast might be a way for the two of them to come closer.
Author's reply
Yes, children have a wonderful ability to take you literally, don't they ;-D
And I didn't really consider it before, but there must have been a lot of traumatized horses (as well as riders) after the war. I was more thinking that all the language and aids as well as the climate would be strange for a horse of the Haradrim, so that would be both confusing and frightening.
As for repaying Lothiriel's kindness, I'm sure the stallion will be devoted to her, they've got a connection already. And Eomer a reason to spend more time with her ;-)
Thanks for reviewing!
demeter d
· 14 February 2021
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
....but she is a shield maiden, and I took the return blow...Yes, Eomer, you really do have to be careful what you tell a child! And then, "i wish there was a way to repay you..." And "Eomer's unruly mind could think of several ways"! To that little horse, she is not a stranger, she is a voice from home!
He was not a war horse, she says. Yet someone, possibly the murderous younger brother, rode him into a terrifying battle. And if so, then he had his rider cut down from his very back. And particularly if he had been her husband's horse, and the brother who was not his regular rider took him to war. No wonder the poor boy was upset! This brings to mind the scene from P.J.'s Extended Edition of The Two Towers, where Aragorn is in the royal stable in Edoras. Some grooms were wrestling a terrified horse. Aragorn goes to him, speaks to him in Sindarin and calms him down. Eowyn says the horse, Brego, had been Theodred's. Not said, but understood, was the horse was one of the few survivors of the massacre at the ford! That horse returned the favor after Aragorn nearly drowns during a battle on the way to Helms Deep. I can imagine that the Haradrian horse will be just as devoted to Lothy. I enjoyed watching Eomer giving her pointers on taming the horse. Working together to help tame the poor beast might be a way for the two of them to come closer.
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 10 February 2021
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Lialathuveril!
I am loving this. Poor Eomer. He will have to be patient to win this fair lady's heart. You have constructed this story well as an AU and I am really looking forward to the rest of the story.
MM
Author's reply
Yes, he's got a long way ahead of him. And there will be a few bumps... But hopefully the end is worth it.
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 9 February 2021
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Lialathuveril!
Hello! I didn't leave a review for the previous chapter because I wanted to press with reading but this line prompted comment: "He very nearly assured her reflexively that she was welcome in his bed any time, but settled for a gurgling sound instead." LOL Poor Eomer...he doesn't know what has hit him! :-)
Enjoying this immensely!
MM
Author's reply
Thank you! I have to admit I'm having fun with the way Lothiriel is completely unaware of the effect she has on him. Poor Eomer ;-)
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 9 February 2021
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Lialathuveril
Stray thought...Denethor is a really bastard. Sold off Lothiriel when he suspected a lasting peace would not be the result. Bastard.
Six years,” he ground out. “Six years she bought us. Three more than Denethor had reckoned on.”
MM
Author's reply
Yes, I suppose so. He certainly took advantage of her idealism. I've always seen Denethor as the kind of person who sacrifices everything for the 'higher good', even the people he loves, like his sons. But he's just as hard on himself - a bit of a tragic figure too.
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 9 February 2021
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Lialathuveril!
Just when I was all set on the first relationship, then the abrupt change. This is a fascinating story! I'm hooked. I have also written a story about how Eomer and Lothiriel met and while they are very different one thing they have in common Eomer acts like a lovesick fool whenever he is around Lothiriel and wonders what the heck has gotten into him. :-)
I like some of your AU elements! I shall continue with the story!
MM
Author's reply
LOL, sounds like my idea of Eomer! I've written several scenarios about them and in one of them Eomer tells Lothiriel that all his foolish actions have involved her somehow ;-D It's just nice to see him a bit unbalanced, isn't it.
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 9 February 2021
· Chapter 0: Prologue
Lialathuveril!
I really love this first chapter! You create the world of the Haradrim so evocatively. So wonderfully exotic. I started reading wondering how long till we get to the part where Eomer meets Lothiriel but now you have sketched this blossoming relationship between Lothiriel and her Haradrim Prince I am wondering where their storyline is going. Wonderful! I shall continue onto Chapter one!
MM
Author's reply
Thank you! I've long wanted to explore this corner of Middle-Earth, even more so because Tolkien doesn't really tell us much about it. And by now you've discovered that the story jumps forward several years, but there will be more details of the relationship between Lothiriel and Arantar.
Larner
· 4 February 2021
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Oh, yes--the first to know indeed! Heh! She knows how to wind up her brother, doesn't she? And I am so pleased to learn she is an artist. Delightful!
Author's reply
Yes, she likes to draw and paint. It was fun to give her an artistic bent and it also meant some interesting research into paints and dyes for me. Thanks for following the story!
Radbooks
· 31 January 2021
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
I am really enjoying this AU look at Eomer and Lothiriel! Forgot to review that last chapter, but it was wonderful too. Thank you for sharing!
Author's reply
Thank you :-) It's a pleasure to be publishing again, it's been a long time!
demeter d
· 31 January 2021
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Well done. You replied to my review of your first chapter with the comment that since I had said my introduction to E/L stories was your "Not the Usual Stakes", you were surprised that it did not put me off the genre entirely! It did not, because it established, for me, the way your writing draws one through a window into that world. In that story I found myself in the room with a brave new father, who was facing a sort of battle he had never been trained for! And you described it with a gentle mix of reality and humor. Now in this one, The Princess of Dol Amroth invites her host to join her on her ledge. Then you describe the valley they are seeing to us, through her eyes. The image of the meadow flowing up the sides of the hills like a wave is lovely! We are getting more development of Tarcil and Khuri, too. I found it interesting that Lotherial had her son start out the Paths of the Dead with Khuri, so that in "protecting" him, she could control her own nerves. I have been re-reading some older stories, lately. There is a story, "Distractions" written about a decade ago by author "GamgeeFest". In it, a delegation of Haradrim from a tribe which did not follow "The Eye" comes to Gondor after the war seeking a peace accord. One of the Haradrian queen's maids fell in love with a Rider, and was left behind in Minas Tirith under Eomer's protection so she could marry her Rider. In gaining her love, tho, she gave up everything she had known. Rather like Arwen of course, and like your Khuri. I like that Khuri seems to consider Tarcil her son, as much as his mother's. And we end with your trademark humor. Protective brother protests at the room arrangements only to have his sister tell him she can take care of herself. And, I like Eomer's thought that the lock is for HIS own protection for what would otherwise be temptation!
Author's reply
Yes, that was indeed an epic battle and one Eomer had not been trained for, but he put up a good fight. The topic was rather omni-present in my life at the time, so I thought why not turn it into literary fuel, so to speak ;-)
And thank you very much for your kind words about my style and the use of humour. This Lothiriel is a bit of an artist, so I thought she'd look at the world differently.
Also the story you mention sounds interesting. Like you said, Khuri has given up everything. Some in Harad would say even her honour - and it's difficult to go against the expectations of your culture. Luckily for Tarcil and Lothiriel though, she did.
Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy the rest of the story too!
Kath
· 31 January 2021
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
I am thoroughly enjoying this tale of Eomer and Lothiriel! I love the back story you have given the heroine, which is gradually unfolding. This is a completely new version of the story and really interesting.
Can't wait for the next chapter.
Thank you
Kath
Author's reply
Thank you! It's slightly AU (though Tolkien told us nothing about Lothiriel), but I too thought this new twist would make for an interesting, rather different story. More soon :-)
Virtuella
· 30 January 2021
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Ah, I was hoping we would find out more about Khuri, and you very kindly obliged! :) I hope she has a satisfactory future ahead of her.
Author's reply
I find Khuri an interesting character, too. As for her future, I think as long as Tarcil is happy, she will be too.