Reviews (137)

Fimbrethil · 24 August 2025 · Chapter 20: Once Again to See Through the Darkness

Éowyn looked at his hand upon her arm and perhaps it was her own heart’s wish, but it did not seem as frail as had been. She then looked up into her beloved uncle’s eyes and her spirit soared. She saw life in clear blue eyes and he gave her a slight smile. She ventured against experience to hope and nodded. With a slight bow she left them and stepped back toward the Great Hall. She turned back to see the Wizard on his staff and her uncle standing tall. Inside her heart seated small within her joy a pocket of loss, a sense of pity but for whom she did not know. Entering the Great Hall proper there was a perceivable change among those who had witnessed the King’s rising. A spell of wonder hung in the air. And with it a buoyancy of spirit. All the murmurings amongst the people spoke to it and gone was the dread. She looked at the spot where Grima had crumpled and she saw nothing, not even a grease stain to mark where he had lay, she thought uncharitably and felt no guilt for the thought. Grima brought only misery. He was gone. She did not care where he had gotten to so long as he was gone. [two things: 1. For the first paragraph, this would be a good time to go get Éomer, 2. For the second, nicely vanished. We can ignore/forget the whole Aragorn’s ring fiasco. Unless he has only vanished outside…] Ah, Hama has gone for Éomer and Éomer's sword, good! And Éowyn with him! Hooray! Next up, Théodred’s funeral? And the Muster? Well, things go by so fast now.

Fimbrethil · 24 August 2025 · Chapter 19: Hope

Oh yes! Wait for it! (Also a certain HIM who is not here! I realized while writing that could work for Éomer, or who I originally meant, Faramir.)

Fimbrethil · 24 August 2025 · Chapter 18: At this darkening hour...

“Éomer strode toward the Great Hall apprehension flaring strongly in his heart, his hand clutching the bag containing the helm of a slain orc with the fervent yet fleeting hope that his uncle would listen. He had hoped to catch his uncle alone in his bedchamber and away from Grima’s words. To let him to him the truth of the ambush and not let the wheedling lies Grima would instantly pour into his ear upon presentation of visual fact take hold once again. But it was not to be. The King was not in his bedchamber. Éomer was informed the king’s manservant that Théoden King was in the Great Hall. “ [Ah. I like this scene too.] Without waiting on leave that might never come given the unwelcome entrance the King’s counsel Éomer’s voice rose, cutting Grima off, “My liege, your son was ambushed by Orcs! Orcs wearing the White Hand of Saruman.” he said without preamble knowing he had only a few words before Grima started pouring unctuous lies into the King’s ear. He quickly grabbed the burlap sack placed at his side and pulled out an Orc helm emblazoned with Saruman’s clear mark of white upon the crude helmet. Éowyn stared at the helmet for a beat or two and then looked up to Théoden’s face. Through the rheumy haze she thought she saw a spark of connection. [Oh oh!] Éomer began to speak again, more forcefully. “Orcs are roaming across our borders at will, pillaging as they go! They must be stopped!” … I knew this was coming, but still, Éomer handled it well: Grima began ominously. “You ask why you were summoned here this morning?” The voice was quiet yet clear. He paused and withdrew a scroll from a sleeve, unrolled it and began proclaiming, “Éomer, Son of Eomund, Third Marshall of the Riddermark, you are arrested forthwith, to await trial for treason against Théoden King. In direct opposition to the King’s command, you deserted your post and left Edoras unprotected. By order of Théoden King, Son of Thengel, your freedom is forfeit.” He stopped reading. “Guards!” Éowyn saw riders that she did not recognize [hmmmm] come forth to seize her brother, who started to struggle against their restraint. She remained on her knees frozen, mute unshed tears blurring her vision as she was witnessing the unimaginable. “Oh, please do resist, my Lord Éomer, please do. It will make this even easier.” Grima boasted, triumph in his voice. Éomer stopped struggling, the hate and contempt for Grima boring through his eyes as he stared at the loathsome counsel. “You have no right! Grima!” “Oh but my Lord Éomer. It is not my rights I exercise but the King’s!” Grima crowed, false submission and victory comingling in his tone as he pronounced his words with glee. He unfurled the scroll to show the King’s decrepit scrawl of his formerly bold signature and the seal of the rampant horse in green wax. “Take him away!” She heard a ripping sound and looked up, a pennon had ripped from its post and was flying away on the wind. She looked in the flag’s direction beyond the gates of Edoras and saw horses, three horses approaching the gates. [-Yay! Yes! Yes!] Now do you do Éomer’s return properly when Hama fetches him, or do you wait till Gandalf brings him to Helm’s Deep, where I suppose, Éomer also offers his sword to his king. Actually now I have thought that, it makes sense, the change, but we don’t see it as emotionally, and Éomer doesn’t get to say his lines to Gandalf, or talk to the Three Hunters again. But you didn’t say he was banished, so I guess it is book version. Lovely!

Fimbrethil · 24 August 2025 · Chapter 17: “Give Me Strength”

So two, three, days later.], Éomer was imprisoned for a night. So this is how you write it! She walked forward and saw that her brother was at Théodred’s side. She knelt beside him at Théodred’s bed and he turned such eyes of sorrow upon her that she felt her world start to give away under her. She followed his glance to her cousin’s side and her eyes filled with the horror of the loose blood red bandage. Her hand of its own volition picked up the bandage so she could see underneath. Red mangled slightly swollen flesh greeted her eyes. She shut out the horror of sight, but she could not stop the truth from lodging itself in her heart and twisting hurtfully as she finally accepted that her cousin was dying and no bluster, no amount of words thrown at the problem could deny it. She looked at her brother and she knew that his sorrow was now tragically reflected in her own eyes. [Ah! But with this scene! Such full of emotion, between the siblings, I love that! And Théodred speaks here?] Again that look of longing across Grima’s face and Éowyn was unfortunately not the only one to see it this time. Éomer saw as well and took a step forward only to be stilled by Éowyn’s hand, “Too long have you watched my sister…” his voice trailed threateningly. Éowyn stated again, “We shall attend.” She ended with a slight nod. Grima flicked another look of maliciousness at Éomer, nodded to Éowyn and was gone in a swirl of dark layers of robe and cloak. [Oh boy.] ….Not all is lost, my friends. Much, yes, but not all.

Fimbrethil · 24 August 2025 · Chapter 16: The Heart of the White Horse

A clash of swords shifted Éomer’s attention. He looked to his left and found himself in battle against Orcs. He barely had time to notice that he stood at the Fords of Isen before he parried an Orc blade that was swinging for his midsection. From the parry his blade swung, defensive arc turning to attack arc as he deftly beheaded the Orc who had sought to disembowel him. Not ten feet from where he stood with the Orc trunk at his feet, he saw his cousin felled from his horse, a heavy shafted Orc arrow impaling his right side. Éomer heard himself scream, “Théodred!” Éomer awoke to a hand on his arm. He shoved it away fiercely. “My lord Éomer! It is me!” Éomer looked and saw his squire, Wulf getting up off the floor of his bedchamber, “You screamed in your sleep. I was trying wake you!” Oh my. At least there is some Aragorn in him. Those orcs! Go nephew! But do not expect a welcome when you return!” That is indeed what immediately happened by him, but presently a day or so later you did receive welcoming company! Éowyn seems more and more like Faramir—except she can’t escape to Ithilien, or wherever.

Fimbrethil · 24 August 2025 · Chapter 15: The Breaking Storm begins with a whisper

February 3019! Nice offer, Héostor. “She drew in a fortifying breath and reminded herself that, whatever Grima’s intentions were, Théodred would never let him harm her in any way.“ Ummm he can’t when he is dead, but by then you should hav Éomer near you for a day or two, until he goes to hunt some certain orcs, and after Théoden is healed and Wormtongue sent away you don’t need to worry about that, but Éomer will be with you til Dunharrow or Helm’s Deep, and then you will be in the Muster, which they are in obviously, without them knowing. Then of course after Théoden dies and Éomer goes to the Black Gate, he will leave you to Faramir, not intentionally, and then later intentionally. Ah, Ëomer’s back, for the present! “The two men remained silent for a few beats and then Théodred began rolling up the map with such haste that one of the paperweights was toppled to the floor where it landed, shattering the globe that had contained a rampant horse over a field of green. It had been a gift from his father. “Nothing! There is nothing to fear.” oh boy. leaned over and gently kissed Éowyn. “No one will hurt you, ever. Not while I have breath in my body.” He left the room. Éowyn’s eye fell upon the shattered globe lying on the tied rug. She walked over to pick it up and stared at it for a long moment. She then looked at her brother. “I have the most awful feeling that nothing will ever be the same.” [Oh dear Éowyn, yes. BTW this account of when they plan to go to the Fords is interesting.] But, my King.” Éowyn heard her brother’s voice. She heard the strain and frustration colour his words as he fought to sound measured and reasonable. “If the threat is as large as Grimbold says it is, should not Théodred have the support of numbers? Surely the threat lies there, not in Edoras.” Grima spoke accusingly, “Surely, Éomer, it is not for you to deem where the threat lay. You are not King to decide such matters!” At this pronouncement Théodred hissed, “Nor is it yours, Grima! You presume too much.” Théodred’s voice had turned to one of beseeching entreaty. “Father, what is your decision?” Théodred turned his face from Éowyn’s view as he sought his father’s response. Her uncle’s tired voice, just above a whisper, was heard. “Grima is right. Saruman will protect us. Éomer, you and your Eored will stay in Edoras. You, my son.” Éowyn saw Théodred throw his shoulders back readying for the King’s pronouncement. “You shall provide supporting numbers only. Now go!” His voice punctuated this point. “I am weary of this bickering and need rest.” [Arg, Wormtongue! Yes, Théodred, Éomer! Why does this sound suspiciously like Denethor sending Faramir to Osgiliath? Or Ithilien, even? I wonder if THÉODEN still loves his son while being poisoned, I guess not. Denethor gets him basically one there, and Faramir survives. But then there is the Boromir/Théodred similarites, and with their fathers, so maybe they had to.] “As she spoke the words an image flashed in her mind: Théodred in ceremonial battle armor laid on a bier, his face a deathly white. She took a deep gulp of breath and forced the image from her mind. “Cousin! What is wrong? You have lost all colour.” Oh my. Théodred’s eyes turned from doubtful to worried. He kissed Éowyn on the top of her head. “We will find a way. When I return, we will find a way. But now I must go.” [Oh, oh, oh! It just occurred to me he and Éomer both are somewhat suffering from the Hamlet indecisiveness, especially Éomer whose father is already dead Plus his uncle is the king. But on the other hand, I am sure they did the best they could.]. Éowyn hugged her cousin and whispered in his ear, “May Béma protect you!” Théodred pulled away from the hug and smiled. “And you as well, my warrior cousin!” “With Théodred away, what was he planning? Éowyn stroked Myrthu's coat and gamely fought back tears – of anger, frustration or sadness, she no longer knew. She needed to speak with Éomer, but she could not go anywhere until she calmed herself. Castles had ears and eyes, Meduseld was no different in that respect.” Ah. Indeed. Though how does she know others, excepting Aldburg, do? “He knew he should have seen his cousin off, but his anger had been too ungovernable.” Oh my. Let us hope this is movie version of Théodred’s death, then. So it begins, in the words of your uncle, several weeks to late. Foul Worm, indeed! He has managed to separate you! And if you go to the Fords, the king and Éowyn and Edoras will be unprotected! I say he should still go to the Fords, though!

Fimbretthil · 24 August 2025 · Chapter 14: Storm clouds gather

Those who have not yet had audience please may you leave your names with my Lord Steward, and I will see that issues are made right.” Even Rohan has a Steward?! “Éowyn had begun tending her uncle in his need and caught a glimpse of hatred on Grima’s face as he watched Théodred speak to the crowd. The pain in her stomach intensified, now only to be joined by a pain in her heart as she recalled the look in Gandalf’s eyes before he swept from the hall. She swallowed it all, burying it beneath the mountainous duty she owed to her now-ashen faced and clearly exhausted uncle.” uhoh. I am surprised 5 months pass before the Battle of the Isen. Perhaps Théodred and Éomer were good at postponing it. Which is good. I should be saying they did a good job! Unseen by either, Grima retreated from a recessed alcove near the entrance and stole away back into the relative darkness of the hall. [uhoh. At least Éomer managed to come—or did he not? Wormtongue supposedly intercepted Théodred’s plea for Grimbold or Éomer to come to the Fords.]

Fimbrethil · 23 August 2025 · Chapter 13: Stormcrow

“The ceremonial gowns were all shades of white to ivory; unmarried girls in Rohan wore only these shades during official engagement, symbolizing they were yet untouched. Daily wear consisted of light pastels, nothing too vibrant. Wearing colors came with marriage, as they gained their full womanhood and identity. She chose an ivory brocade with a long waist and flared sleeves lined in ivory silk to go over her white cambric chemise.” Huh. I am fairly sure she has a dark blue dress in the movie, you might count the traveling dress as not pastel, and…the mourning dress is black obviously. She does have that white dress, though. True, but you did not come here to bandy words about myopic schoolmasters." [heh] That is where Gandalf learned it I guess. funny. Théodred gets his revenge. “Éowyn looked up and saw Théodred approaching quickly. He stopped at the first step that led to the King's dais and bowed his head. With his fist on his heart, he unbent and said in a clear and purposeful voice, "Gandalf Greyhame begs an audience with you, my Lord. I ask that you give him voice to speak!" Grima Wormtongue stiffened as if angered and Théodred saw his eyes flash angrily before slipping on the supplicant's mask once again. That look confirmed to Théodred all he suspected about the noisome man's intentions and fear for his father flared even more brightly in his heart.” Théodred! Good! But for that, Wormtongue will send you to your death! Théodred ignored the loathsome counsel and looked directly into his father's vacant eyes. "My King, I do believe Gandalf should be given voice this day." "Théoden King! Hear me speak!" came Gandalf's forceful voice from behind Théodred who sighed deeply at the inopportune interruption. The tone of command seemed to rouse a response from the King. His eyes snapped with affronted pride, and he spoke with some force. "Théodred! Stand aside. We will hear what Gandalf Stormcrow has to tell us." Hum ho!

Fimbrethil · 23 August 2025 · Chapter 12: Helpless

Théodred! Théoden!…though really it is not your fault. Gríma Wormtongue! Saruman! …Though I guess it was also affected by Sauron. (Note: where is Boromir, is he here yet? Was that commotion at the Gate Théodred, Gandalf, or Boromir? Gandalf, I guess, seeing as how Boromir in Rohan is not mentioned on the Timeline on Tolkien.net and Boromir had probably already come and gone in August. It probably wasn’t Théodred either, because the guards would recognize him. I suppose the next chapter will reveal.) Théoden, your son would never do that… Théodred, do send for Éomer, that would explain how he had come to be in Edoras in February. (That, or with Théodred leading the armies elsewhere). Then of course, whether Théodred’s body stayed at the fords or Éomer brought him back to Edoras, Éomer would want to be in Edoras with his family and to watch Wormtongue. Until some certain orcs cone into the kingdom, of course.

Fimbrethil · 23 August 2025 · Chapter 11: A Smile and Brave Words

Oh oh…. but cool ceremony. I am somewhat surprised Théodred was able to be there, even if it is his job. Éomer wasn’t?

Shield Maiden of Rohan · 23 August 2025 · Chapter 9: A Seed of Worry is Planted

Oh dear… But WOW, I was right about what would happen! Grima came at the time Éomer was appointed Third Marshal. Éomer! May I be proud of him? Éowyn, as well, of course. And his wood carving, cool! Also Herubrand or whatever his name is, she actually likes spending time with him? Last but not least, Théodred! Only where was his hug for Éomer?

Fimbrethil · 23 August 2025 · Chapter 6: The Reckoning

Ohhhh Éowyn… At least there is no Wormtongue, yet. Also, I had forgotten about Éomer’s temper.

Fimbrethil · 23 August 2025 · Chapter 5: “Why am I different?

“But all the same Éowyn suddenly felt alone. She sighed. She hated feeling like this, set apart while life seemed to go by without her“ Oh Éowyn, I think you will feel that increasingly for the next seven years…! Strengthen it as much you can now. That said, when does Wormtongue and Saruman come into the picture in your timeline? When Éomer becomes Marshal and leaves more often for Eastfold?

Shield Maiden of Rohan · 23 August 2025 · Chapter 4: Two Halves that are not whole

They sat there peaceably working on the saddle and Éowyn lost track of all time until she realised with a start that it was time for her daily lessons in cooking. She jumped as if she were on a spring, gave Gamhelm a quick hug and ran up the slope to the Meduseld kitchens. She ran by a horse drinking trough, stuck her hands and quickly rubbed her hands together and tried to smooth back her hair by wetting it down. She had to try look at least presentable for Thilda hoping to fend off another lecture. She slipped in and stood next to Cyneith. Thilda, the cook turned around and saw two where there had been one previously. She looked at Éowyn and sighed, “So kind of you to join us, my lady Éowyn. What excuse you have for us this time?” “Sorry, Thilda, I just lost track of time. I ask that you pardon me.” Thilda pressed her lips together by way of reply and a faint “Mhmmmm!” was heard. “Aye, well.” She held her tongue mindful of the fact that her recalcitrant and unethusiastic student was the beloved niece of the king. “Today it is a basic lamb stew.” [Aha, hemhem, and this is why she does not know how to cook? Lamb stew seems better than whatever she gave Aragorn. I guess you can’t make lamb stew while traveling, if she did know how to make it. When she did give that stew to Aragorn, did she not give stew to everyone else? Or did they all know what it would be like and they passed too? LOL. If they all pass every single time Éowyn might realize what is wrong. As for Aragorn, he is a Ranger, he should be used to eating wierd things. Or did she not actually cook it all the way through?] —Fimbrethil

Shield-Maiden of Rohan · 23 August 2025 · Chapter 3: A Young Heart finds purpose

“Éowyn gave him a big hug. She was feeling much better. “I love you, Gamhelm! I don’t ever want to get married,” She wrinkled her nose at the prospect, “but if I have to, I want it to be someone just like you!” *Cough* I don’t think Faramir is ANYTHING like him. Except they both like her, of course. “I would want someone who I can sit with and talk about horses all day long!” Ummm, sure, Faramir could. Except when he is busy, but then Éowyn will probably be busy too, or not actually want to talk about horses all day long. When you do get married make sure your man has a gentle heart. Tis most important.” Well, Faramir certainly has that. —Fimbrethil

Larner · 23 August 2025 · Chapter 4: Two Halves that are not whole

Not an easy thing to be anything but a hausfrau. I feel her impatience and frustration--it was sewing that was my nightmare. At least her cousin and brother are proud of her, and she is the light of Theoden's eye.

shirebound · 21 August 2025 · Chapter 32: Now cracks a noble heart...

What a momentous and pivotl chapter. Beautifully done. “Oh, My Lady!” Merry looked fierce and happy all at once, “Thank you! Did Strider really say that?” “Aye, he did. He spoke of the stout heart of hobbits. What you lack in stature you make up for in heart and determination.” Merry’s heart warmed to hear such words of praise from one he admired so much. This echoes my favorite line in all of LoTR: "The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards."

Lindelea · 21 August 2025 · Chapter 32: Now cracks a noble heart...

MM! I was just finishing for the evening writing replies to reviews when I saw the new chapter pop up. Hurrah! I couldn't leave it until morning but stayed up to read it. Definitely worth it! Such an ominous chapter title! (Gulp.) Théoden might have had a flash of foresight, rather like Halbarad's quiet acceptance that his death lay beyond that evil door. He sounded philosophical about it all when he told Éomer, "If the war is lost, what good will be my hiding in the hills? And if it is won, what grief will it be, even if I fall, spending my last strength?" as they rode to Dunharrow. Even before the red arrow arrived, he knew battle lay ahead because of the word Gandalf sent to hasten the gathering of the Riders. When Hirgon arrives with Denethor's request, the muster is already well underway. Éowyn recognizes all all-too-familiar feeling in Merry. I love the scene where she shows him the armor she has looked out for him. (I am very glad you did not include the scene from the film where Merry nearly gutted her with a swing of his sword; I'm sure he would have been much too familiar with swords to be so careless after all he'd been through to that point.) The scene between Éowyn and Théoden touched my heart. The slamming of the cage door resonated through the narrative. The end of the scene is heart-rending. Ever ready to protect another. But never herself. I should say that sums things up marvellously. My goodness! I never would have thought of such a conspiracy! It's amazing. (I'm so glad you already told me Háláf will survive. I'm not sure I could bear it if he didn't.) (((hugs))) Lin

Larner · 17 August 2025 · Chapter 3: A Young Heart finds purpose

I rejoice she learns to accept criticism is an important part of the learning.

Larner · 17 August 2025 · Chapter 2: "In my heart this is right!"

Theoden does well to consider the needs and wants even of the dead when deciding how to deal with Eowyn's desires

Lindelea · 14 August 2025 · Chapter 31: Oaths New and Old

MM! I knew at once who the "curly brown mop" was! And yes, as in The action struck her to the heart and stayed, hobbits certainly have a knack for that. Théoden's perceptivity (is that a word?) and leadership (as in when he said, "I am sure both are true") shine forth in this chapter. I love the way you write him and expand on his character, going beyond the limited portrayals of the decrepit victim of Wormtongue's treachery and the old (yet not elderly) Man who rode dutifully to battle and rounding out his character beautifully. Háláf's description and praise of Éowyn brought tears to my eyes. And I'm so glad the King took the opportunity to tell her how proud he was of her and didn't leave it until too late. That there were almost-hobbit-sized furnishings in Merry's room sounds amazing, no matter how sparse they might have been. And now I'll read on to see if there's an explanation... Poor Merry, with his loneliness and worry about his cousins and Sam. It's no wonder that his nerves are on edge. His telling Éowyn about Pippin putting a frog down his shirt sounds eminently hobbity, along with his (characteristically) light talk (I can only imagine how heavy his heart is with sorrow and dread – and probably self-blame that he didn't watch over Pippin well enough to keep his younger cousin safe from the Palantîr). I love how Éowyn immediately picks up on his hidden sadness and sets herself to help in any way she can. And then Merry does the same for Háldemir! Truly he and Éowyn seem to be kindred spirits! (And I think I too would find meeting a myth completely distracting.) This is a wonderful glimpse into a facet of Merry's character: “My mum says it's going to get me a right thumping one of these days. But if I want to know; I ask.” Was it only two weeks ago? rings so true. The tender moment between brother and sister touched my heart. Beautiful, heartfelt ceremony. I love that Éomer lends his badge and honors the young warrior even as he remembers a small boy. Merry's mental comparison of the Strider he knew with the description of Aragorn he hears now is well done. And here is the summons from Gondor! The story continues to gather speed and momentum... (On a personal note, I'm feeling a little better today. Last week was challenging, and then I spent the first half of this week recovering. Even when I wake up feeling back to normal, as I did today, it seems as if I use up my energy too quickly. My pacing app is proving helpful – at the moment, it's actually telling me "Take it easy"! ...so I'd better follow its advice. Drat. I was hoping to do a bit more reading and reviewing and even some writing. Foot by foot, as they say. It seems like a good day to go to bed even before the sun has made her exit and relax with a good book, at least as long as my eyes agree to stay open.) (((hugs))) Lin

shirebound · 10 August 2025 · Chapter 31: Oaths New and Old

What a marvelous and inspiring ceremony for all of them. Wishing to distract him from his sorrows, he started brightly, “Hello! I’m Meriadoc Brandybuck!" Dear Merry! *happy*

Larner · 10 August 2025 · Chapter 1: “I want to be a Shieldmaiden!”

Aha! Just the right decision for Theoden to make for the child of his beloved sister.

Larner · 10 August 2025 · Chapter 0: Author's note

Looking forward to reading this anew. I wish I could get my hands on the hacker. Am still working to restore some of my tales.

Lindelea · 2 August 2025 · Chapter 30: At Twilight...

MM! How lovely that Saelith has grown into the woman Haere has long known and loved! (Does that make sense? I am very distracted at the moment: I have an impatient cat bumping at my leg; she wants me to close the laptop and sit on the couch so she can sleep in my lap.) With every chapter, I am struck anew at the love and respect directed at Éowyn by those around her. The lads are growing up so fast... It was so good to see Merry and hear some of his thoughts, along with seeing Éowyn through his eyes. It is no wonder that he'll come to hold her in the same esteem as the other Rohirrim we've seen in this story, and no wonder that his admiration and respect will later drive him to crawl forward, sick and shaking, to defend her, in the midst of his own terror and despair, against that deadly foe. Again, well done! (((hugs))) Lin