Lindelea
· 11 March 2025
· Chapter 20: Once Again to See Through the Darkness
A/N: Finally I find more time to write! My plot bunnies are tenacious and resilient. They really want this story to be finished! :-)) Yay! (throwing confetti)
“I know your face,” he whispered. “Éowyn!” This moment in the film was so perfectly done. It still gives me shivers when I'm reminded of the scene.
You do an amazing job in describing the effects of Gandalf's application of his power.
It's no wonder she became infatuated with Aragorn. He is the embodiment of Hope, which has been missing from her life for too long, leaving an aching void that, someday, Faramir will fill, even though she cannot imagine such a thing just now.
Oh. I am hoping that Hama doesn't suffer the fate I remember from the film. That would be so sad. I really like him.
And the joy of the change is spreading in ripples... now we see it in the armory... and now the cells... (Are there more Riders in the cells awaiting release, I wonder? Or was Éomer the only prisoner at the time? I hope no one was executed during Grima's reign.)
This is such a triumphant, stress-releasing chapter! Wonderful! (((hugs)))
Author's reply
Lindelea!
I have been trying for the last couple days to answer back but Life keeps intervening! LOL
I am really happy that you liked this chapter. (I mean I'm happy when my chapters are liked! :-D) but I worked really hard to reflect what was happening and to show it from Eowyn's point of view. At times what was happening in the chapter Eowyn wasn't there so it was a challenge. Your feeling that hope was following in Eomer's wake was what I was trying to create. so YAY!!
And yes that is why I think Eowyn fell so hard for Aragorn. And her realization that Aragorn will sacrifice himself (or so she thinks) drive her to ride to battle (But that chapter is yet written)
Hama's fate is not in my hands as he rode off with the king, but if we do meet again Hama's fate will not be that of the film. I like him as well!!
So glad this chapter gave you a lift!!
(((hugs)))
MM
Lindelea
· 4 March 2025
· Chapter 19: Hope
but behind the face she knew she must present to the world she was tired, so tired. My heart goes out to her. While I have been wanting to read further in this story, I can't face the chapters between where I left off and this point in the narrative. On seeing the chapter title "Hope", I clicked and skimmed, and I saw that this is the arrival of Gandalf. So while the tension will intensify going forward, at least Grima will be out of the picture. I simply couldn't bear the thought of him lurking in the shadows, stalking Éowyn. The stuff of nightmares.
So now I will go back to the beginning of the chapter and read more slowly and thoroughly.
Her uncle's greeting on her initial arrival brought tears to my eyes. No wonder she loves him so deeply. And of course Uncle always chose her weekly attendants very carefully! It stands to reason. (But that she is unaware of her own effect on the people around her also makes a lot of sense.) And very clear-thinking of her to warn Heruling to hold his tongue and bide his time.
Ah yes, that feeling of freedom that comes with a good, solid gallop. Almost like flying.
(I loved the way the film portrayed Gandalf's entrance to this scene, when Hama, I think it was, told them they had to leave their arms at the door, and the visitors appeared to be a walking arsenal of deadly weapons. Except for Gandalf's staff, the prop of an apparently feeble old man... until...)
Author's reply
Lindelea!
I completely understand about the skipping! Some of those chapters haven't been easy to write. I think that is why my December stories about my birthday and Winter Solstice have centered on a younger, happier Eowyn. I just needed to give her and me a quick dose of happiness.
Hope is literally arriving but Eowyn will still have many conflicting emotions that she will have to sort through until I can get her into the Houses of Healing and Faramir (ahhhh!) :-))
I love film Hama saying "By Order of" and he loads the next words, "Grima Worm tongue," with such contempt and distaste! I Love it!
Also film Gandalf saying "You would not deny an old man of his staff!" with the pseudo weak look on his face. The look on Hama's face "Really, that's what you are going with? And then he's like, "I know you are lying but I don't care because I really hate Grima anyway." LOL! Quite the speaking look!
Erulissé
· 1 March 2025
· Chapter 22: “We Leave at First Light…”
That was awesome!!! I love her stolidity, courage and determination. And I think that Gamhelm is my favorite character! Everyone needs someone like that in their life, who isn’t family but sees their special-ness and is there for them like that. I absolutely love him!
Author's reply
Erulissé!
Thank you for the reading and reviewing! I really tried to show Eowyn leading but also reflect the relationship she has developed with the people. Empathy and Compassion. She is human and so much has happened to her in the last few days, both good and bad that I felt she needed to express to somebody what she was feeling. So of course she opens up to Gamhelm. Big, warm-hearted Gamhelm who has been healing bruises and strains both emotional and physical since she was 8-years old. You are right! I love Gamhelm as well!! Everyone needs someone like him in their corner. And it broke his heart to realise that Eowyn was truly alone now, aside from him! Hence the extra hug and tear dropping for his spirited and resilient daughter!
Thanks for writing! :-)
MM
shirebound
· 27 February 2025
· Chapter 22: “We Leave at First Light…”
I hate that any of this is necessary. That this upheaval is being wrought upon us all. Good people shouldn’t have to think about this. Should not have to make these choices and live with whatever consequences might occur because of them.
I think about that whenever I hear about a hurricane or swift-moving fire or other disaster that changes lives with little to no warning.
Éowyn does a masterful job here. The gap you filled here is equally masterful.
Author's reply
Shirebound!
Thank you for that. It means a great deal to me. I aim to show that Eowyn trying to fulfill the charge that Theoden has laid upon her though her heart repelled and it costing her a great deal to walk toward the cage she has always feared.
(((hugs)))
MM
Author Reply: "her heart repelled" supposed to be "her heart rebelled" Sigh! Damn autocorrect...OK it was actually me but I am not going to full responsibility for my own typing errors. I am sure Autocorrect had something to do with it! LOL!! ;-D
MM
PSW
· 15 February 2025
· Chapter 21: The Glint of Spears Fading in the Distance
It’s hard to have to stay when she so longs to ride with the others, but it is a wonderful gift of faith and loyalty offered by Hama and the people - even if it’s not the post she would have wished…
Author's reply
PSW!
Exactly! Once again duty must take precedence over her dreams. But at least her efforts and care have been recognized by Hama who reminds Theoden by his words and actions.
Thanks so much for reading and writing.
Soon I will have a new chapter!
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 15 February 2025
· Chapter 20: Once Again to See Through the Darkness
Love it! This chapter was always one of my favorite in the books, and I have been waiting for it in this story. Well done - the disbelieving hope really comes through (even though, as you say, it must be coaxed to stay a while). Thx for sharing!
Author's reply
PSW!
Thanks! I am really happy this chapter came across well. I worked really at trying to get it right. It is one of my favourites as well. I tried to pitch the hope at a growing tenor. Eowyn's life of late has been devoid of much hope Sometimes it is difficult to recognise when it is staring you in the face. So happy you are liking it.
Thanks for writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 15 February 2025
· Chapter 19: Hope
Go, Gandalf!
It’s good to know she’s always been surrounded by the best of the riders - though of course one would expect nothing less if Theoden. And her kindness to them serves her well now, as she has gained their loyalty. It’s good to know that Gandalf is here to fix the immediate issues to hand …
Author's reply
PSW!
Yes! Theoden, of course would make sure that she was well protected and yet not stop her from being her caring self. I read somewhere that Eowyn inspires people and she doesn't realize this in herself. I love Gandalf B-slapping Grima in this story. Therapeutic!
Thanks for writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
Erulissé
· 14 February 2025
· Chapter 21: The Glint of Spears Fading in the Distance
I loved this story!!! I’m not gonna lie, I binged this story this afternoon! I absolutely loved it! I can’t wait for her to find happiness. You’ve nailed her personality where I think a lot of authors just make her kinda cold and naive and leave it at that. You’ve given her the complexity and depth that she deserves. I can’t wait to read more!!!
Author's reply
Erulissé!
So happy you liked it! It makes me happy! I also can't wait until she finds Faramir in the Houses of Healing! I am really glad you liked my drawing of her character. We first see her in Two Towers at a really low point. She has just spent almost 5 years watching her uncle slowly fall away from her and come under Grima's thumb. Such a terrible thing and she can do nothing but watch and bear witness to such noisome influence.
But Hama says all love her and she is high hearted. She must have gone among the people of Edoras and came to know them otherwise Hama wouldn't have said that. I have had a lot of funny thinking and extrapolating about Eowyn. She has really always fascinated me. And she is clearly trained as a warrior so it seems hers is a fiery spirit that has been banked and she has been forced to live a life of quiet desperation. It is so much to her.
I will finish this!! The Breach of January 2025 has kinda slowly new writing because I was so busy reposting my old stuff, but "Destiny's Child" is now fully caught up! woo-hoo!
Thanks for reading and writing! :-))
MM
shirebound
· 14 February 2025
· Chapter 21: The Glint of Spears Fading in the Distance
A yearning never to reach fulfillment. But she knew her duty to not send the men forth with such thoughts.
Such nobility, such love. It's wonderful to live these events through Éowyn's eyes.
Author's reply
Shirebound!
Exactly! Even after the long duration of this story and others I never tired of trying to look through Eowyn's eyes!
She WILL be happy!, just not yet!
Thanks!
(((hugs)))
MM
shirebound
· 14 February 2025
· Chapter 20: Once Again to See Through the Darkness
Her uncle’s clear blue eyes that held a smile for her, warming her heart and grey eyes full of latent power and surpassing gentleness. In those eyes she saw beyond this life of duty and despair to one she had dreamed of and worked for
What could be more glorious than a day in which hope dawns, especially in one's heart?
Author's reply
Shirebound!
Exactly! Eowyn sees her uncle regain himself and she meets Aragorn who seems to signify hope not just for her people but for herself. She is happy in this moment.
Thanks for reading and writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
shirebound
· 12 February 2025
· Chapter 19: Hope
She looked up into blue eyes filled with kindness that were so like her mother’s that she burst into tears. She found herself bound up into an all-embracing hug as she poured forth the pain in her young heart.
“Shh! Sh! My sweetling! It will be all be all right! I will make it right. You will see.” Her uncle spoke in a big grumbly voice.
What a lovely and loving memory. It's easy to see why Eówyn never left her uncle's side, no matter what began to happen to him.
Author's reply
Shirebound!
Exactly! There was a strong bond between Eomer, Eowyn and Theoden that is hinted at in LOTR. I have just built upon it! :-)
So hard for her to see the changes upon her uncle but she would not leave!
Thanks for writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 10 February 2025
· Chapter 18: At this darkening hour...
Oh yikes - well, it had to come. Someone as going to break and start accusing Grima at some point. And we know Grima was just waiting for a chance to jump on something like this…
Good chapter, thx for writing!
Author's reply
PSW!
Yup! Eomer just snapped. He suspected what might happen but sometimes even though we know we are pushed past our bounds of endurance! It will start getting better but right now they cannot see that! *sigh*
Thanks for reading and writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 9 February 2025
· Chapter 17: “Give Me Strength”
Poor Theodred … :-(
Things are truly getting desperate, and it’s hard to keep their tongues. Understandable, but not likely to go well for them.
Author's reply
PSW!
No. No it won't. At least not in the short term. These are dark days...
Thanks for writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 9 February 2025
· Chapter 16: The Heart of the White Horse
They’re in such a tough situation. They love their uncle but know they cannot tell him all or trust his close advisor - and therefore they feel they have to hide from him. This is so hard, — especially for people so young who love their uncle as a second father — even if they’ve been trained to their station and their duties.
Author's reply
PSW!
Exactly! They find that they must go against everything they believe to keep whole what they love. Such a terrible time.
Thanks for writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 7 February 2025
· Chapter 15: The Breaking Storm begins with a whisper
Ohhh … 😔 It’s this time already, is it? That makes me sad….
Author's reply
PSW!
Yes! Unfortunately it is... Bad to worse...for only for a time though!
Thanks for writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
Sooo frustrating to just have to stand back and watch such things happen! She and Theodred are grieving for a man who is both gone and not gone, and for the loss of the integrity of their kingdom, and for the trouble of an ally they didn’t assuage. What a terrible time.
Author's reply
PSW!
It certainly is. These chapters have been easy to write but they are a part of Eowyn's journey where she will find unexpected happiness with Faramir. She and Theodred really have a lot to deal with. *sigh*
Thanks for reading and writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
Lindelea
· 3 February 2025
· Chapter 15: The Breaking Storm begins with a whisper
I left off at Chapter 5, and I will come back to this story later, I'm sure. But right now, I need to focus on lighter fare. Youngest Cat fell suddenly ill last night, and I'm dreadfully worried about him. I hope we can get him in at the vet tomorrow, or Wednesday at the latest. So anyhow, I am comfort reading at present. I do look forward to when this story gets beyond the long, dark period in Éowyn's life.
So please keep writing and posting! I'm eagerly anticipating her meeting the hobbits, inviting Merry to ride with her as they sneak off together with the Riders heading to battle, slaying the Witch-king, and being called back to life in the Houses of Healing. (And meeting Faramir and going forward from there, but luckily your other stories I'm reading focus on that time frame, so I don't have to wait to enjoy that part of Éowyn's story!)
Author's reply
Lindelea!
Completely understand. Eowyn's life is a bit of a hard slog at the moment. For lighter fare there is also "Leaving home; Coming Home" when Eowyn and Faramir marry and Eomer and Lothiriel meet.
Hope little kitty is on the mend!
(((hugs))) for you and little kitty!
MM
shirebound
· 1 February 2025
· Chapter 13: Stormcrow
I cannot interpret the decree, I can only follow it.
Sadly, that seems to be what our country is suffering under right now... harmful decrees being dutifully carried out. But I digress! It's a joy to get back into this story which is so masterfully told. Dear Théodred.
Author's reply
Shirebound!
You are so right! And it is so depressing. So I escape into the respite of Tolkien's world.
So happy you are re-enjoying (is that a word?) the story!! The bond between THeodred and Eowyn is strong indeed.
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 31 January 2025
· Chapter 13: Stormcrow
Ah, I know when this is! We’re almost into familiar times now… Always good to see Gandalf. <3
“Theirs was a shared pain, but sometimes even a shared one needed its private moments.” Yes, how very true.
I’m enjoying, thx for writing!
Author's reply
PSW!
So glad you are enjoying it! It is rough going for all in Edoras right now!
Thanks for writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 31 January 2025
· Chapter 12: Helpless
I hate to see things getting so bad. And Grima turning the king against his son! I know it has to happen, from Grima’s POV, but it’s so sad. It’s good that Theodred has Eowen as his eyes and ears in Eudora’s, though he’s just starting to realize that’s needed…
Author's reply
PSW!
Yup! These chapters have been rough to write but in tracing Eowyn's life they are necessary to write and the joy in the later chapters will be that most so knowing what came before.
Glad you are enjoying, thanks for writing.
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 31 January 2025
· Chapter 11: A Smile and Brave Words
Unctuous and oily is a good description of Grima! She is smart to take care not to be alone with him.
Loved the ceremony!!
Author's reply
PSW!
I just saw this! Sorry I never responded earlier! Thanks for writing! Both oily and unctuous are just perfect words for Grima!
I love creating ceremonies and rituals for the different peoples of Middle Earth and making them particular to that people!
Thanks for writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
Lindelea
· 30 January 2025
· Chapter 5: “Why am I different?
Ah, yes, feeling different. Feeling left out. I wonder if there's anyone alive (or who has been alive) who has not experienced such feelings?
You can see a hint of Éowyn's future choice to become a healer in this chapter, as well as in the king's observation: Éowyn never stopped thinking of others even when she was upset.
Looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Lindelea!
Exactly! I think everyone can relate to Eowyn here! And most of the time actually.
Yeah! I had to build up the idea of Eowyn being out among the people and give some background to her declaration to become a healer. Hama says that she is high-hearted and loved by all. To be "loved by all" it only stand to reason that she would be out among the people and have empathy and compassion!
thanks for writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
Lindelea
· 29 January 2025
· Chapter 4: Two Halves that are not whole
“My sister is smirking. That is never a good sign.” A very brotherly sentiment. The archery competition sounded quite real.
I love the song and storytelling time! It sounds so cosy!
Ah, Éowyn, cooking can be quite a valuable skill, and even scouts and warriors benefit from understanding how to combine various edibles and somehow end up with an edible result. But I can sympathise. I'm quite distractible, meaning I have burned too many dishes over the years, not to mention losing track of what I've added and either added something twice (too much salt is not a good thing) or forgot to add something. When I can bring myself to concentrate (and do not get interrupted), the results can sometimes impress even me.
(((hugs))) I am enjoying revisiting these early chapters, even though I know there is darkness to get through before Éowyn's story will brighten once more.
Author's reply
Lindelea!
Yeah! I always want to show the brotherly and sisterly affection playful banter and behaviorthat exist between Eomer and Eowyn.
The Archery competition is a very real combination of competitions from university competitions that I shot in and the longbow competition we had in the renaissance Archery guild at Ren faires while I was a member!
Poor Eowyn! It is a combination of resistance to learning "womanly arts" and really having no skill in cooking. To Aragorn's misfortune in PJ's "Two Towers." LOL. Curiously in my story "The Heir Apparent" Elladan has a similar cooking disability...which gives Elrohir no end of Joy teasing him about. :-))
Yup! Eowyn's life is going to get significantly worse until it gets significantly better.
I think that is why the last two stories, my birthday mathom and my Winter Solstice story are about Eowyn when she was happy growing up!
I think it will probably be at least three chapters till she meets Faramir.
Thanks for writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 25 January 2025
· Chapter 10: Lies Shared and Truths Foretold
The people are so fortunate to have her. But it must be very difficult to watch Theoden’s decline, especially with her brother gone. As long as she just keeps putting one foot in front of the other…
Author's reply
PSW!
Yup! These are the really troublesome years that Eowyn's life is entering that will culminate with her wanting to die in battle on the Pelannor because she thinks there is nothing left for her. As I write these chapters I keep telling myself she will end happily with Faramir! :-D
Writing Theoden's slow decline has been something of a challenge but that is also the fun and challenge of gap filling fanfic!!
Thanks for writing!
((hugs))
MM
Lindelea
· 25 January 2025
· Chapter 3: A Young Heart finds purpose
As a child, I too found comfort in the company of horses. A stables can be immensely calming on the nerves.
Oh! Now I cannot wait until Éowyn first meets Faramir's eyes! Will she recognise, even at that early moment, the kind of man he is?
Secrets whispered to horses are sacrosanct! I love this and agree completely!
I love Théodred as you draw him; he shares a lot of his father's qualities. His little talk with Éowyn is priceless. And "hightailing" – a perfect term for the Rohirrim to use!
Author's reply
Lindelea!
Horses always strike me as very calming as stables as well.
"Oh! Now I cannot wait until Éowyn first meets Faramir's eyes! Will she recognise, even at that early moment, the kind of man he is?"
Neither can I! It is one the ideas that drives me through this portion of Eowyn's story which is heavy and laden with troubles. I keep thinking and reminding myself that she will be happy with Faramir!
I chopped about 7 years off Theodred's age so that in my mind Eowyn could see as an older cousin to be admired but not so old as to be too distant in age. I knew and admired older cousins growing up. Theodred cares and also wants the best for his young cousin!
Thanks!
(((hugs)))
MM