PSW
· 24 January 2025
· Chapter 9: A Seed of Worry is Planted
Oh yikes. I had never really thought about Grimes’s first days as counselor - how confusing it must have been to have him just suddenly be in such a favored role. Very concerning…
Author's reply
PSW!
Yup!! I had to work in these chapters to let Grima's influence grow slowly over Theoden. It was not afait accompli all at once. It happened gradually and with no explanation really given. You'll have to tell me if I achieve showing gradual control or not. Off to reading more of Beyond Imladris!
Thanks again!
((hugs))
MM
PSW
· 24 January 2025
· Chapter 8: “It Shall be done!”
She definitely is one who is able to take charge and have others follow her. This is a good trait for one in the royal line - to be respected and decisive in times of crisis. I’m sure her training helped her develop some of that, though I’m sure some comes naturally…
Author's reply
PSW!
I thought about Hama's words to Theoden in Two Towers when he says that Eowyn is "High-hearted and loved by all. It had to be that she frequently was out among the people and had the common touch and concern.
They follow her bidding not just because of who she is but because they know her as one who cares for them.
Thanks again for writing!
((hugs))
MM
Lindelea
· 24 January 2025
· Chapter 2: "In my heart this is right!"
Oh! Théoden is such a wise and noble soul. I love his concern for his nephew's feelings, as well as his logical explanation and plan for taking action to try to minimise hurtful gossip.
So archery is an acceptable pursuit for noblewomen? Fascinating! (Somewhere I picked up that noblewomen hunted with hawks, but women archers is a new idea to me even though I excelled at archery and target shooting in summer camp – nothing fancy like a compound bow, just the basics; one of my fond memories since I was never good at sports in general.)
Author's reply
Lindelea!
Theoden sees Eowyn at ten very unhappy and he knows she needs some purpose in life. He also knows that Eomer at 14 needs to be treated as the man he is becoming. He wanted to protect them and also allow them to grow as the best of parents try to.
Archery! It was considered a sport for ladies. And... Great minds think alike apparently. The first time I shot a long bow I fell in love. I don't get a chance to shoot too much these days, unfortunately. I like either long bow or recurve I am not much for Compound bows.
Thanks for writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 23 January 2025
· Chapter 7: Forgiveness begins
Honestly, I feel like Theoden was the one that took charge in the beginning, and he really should have made sure they had this talk before it could possibly have become an issue. That said - he does love her and wanted what was best for her. And it would be a hard conversation to have. We shall see where she intends to go from here…
Thx for writing!
Author's reply
PSW!
Exactly! Sometimes we don't make decisions rationally especially concerning those we love. Theoden acted out of love and like all parents he doesn't have all the answers. He acted because his ten year old daughter (or as well as) was lost and hurting. He sought to give her purpose and direction and it worked wonderfully. Yes Hell is being paid now but Eowyn also begins to understand something of herself and how to forgive.
Thanks for writing. It means a lot to me! :-)
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 23 January 2025
· Chapter 6: The Reckoning
No matter how happy for your friends, it’s always a bit hard when they start a different life together - especially if they will we moving. You will still be friends but it will never be the same.
Of course, she’s got other things to think about at this point. Good luck, gentlemen…..
Author's reply
PSW!
Yeah! It is hard when everything in your life continues to impress upon you how different you are. And then to return to what you love and have the rug pulled from under. It is shattering. And that is what Eowyn is dealing with.
Thanks for writing!
(((hugs)))
MM
PSW
· 22 January 2025
· Chapter 5: “Why am I different?
“ If one of them so much as touched her, he would be forced to geld him, and he would hate to harm one of his own people.” Ha… :-D
It is hard to feel left out. She’s just not in the same place as everyone else, and that’s okay. She has a kind heart and a desire to help others - right now that’s a good place for her focus even if she doesn’t see it.
Author's reply
PSW!
Thanks for reading and writing! It is never easy to feel as if you don't fit in, especially for Eowyn in the times she growing up in and her station in life. She took on the responsibility of tending to the less fortunate out of a need she saw but it will allow her to grow into the person she will become along with training.
((hugs))
MM
PSW
· 21 January 2025
· Chapter 4: Two Halves that are not whole
You know … it is important to know how to cook…. It’s good that she has her training, but it’s also good that she is learning important things she doesn’t necessarily like, too. We can’t spend all our time only doing what we want (unfortunately). This will be a growth opportunity for her as well!
Author's reply
PSW!
You are so right! But Eowyn is a stubborn little thing. And as we see in Two Towers when she offers Aragorn stew she didn't really apply herself to the art of cooking like she did with archery or swordsmanship! Or possibly she did and is just culinarily challenged! LOL Thanks for reading and writing once again!
((hugs))
MM
PSW
· 21 January 2025
· Chapter 3: A Young Heart finds purpose
‘… secrets whispered to one’s horse were sacrosanct…’ I love that - it seems a very likely part of their culture.
So glad Theodred is handling this as he is - it is all well and good to say you want to train, but then you actually have to do it. She is growing in mind and spirit as well as skill.
Author's reply
PSW!
I thought about it and it very much seems like something that would be part of their culture. :-)
About Theodred, exactly. Full real training was required. Anything less and Eowyn would possibly notice and feel worse. This way as you say she grows and discovers really what she can do, gaining confidence along the way!! Now she also knows that Theodred respects her enough to take the training seriously.
Thanks so much for reading and writing!
((hugs))
MM
Lindelea
· 21 January 2025
· Chapter 1: “I want to be a Shieldmaiden!”
I had forgot that only peasants were shieldmaidens. Re-reading this first chapter is a good reminder.
I love Éomer's and Théoden's protective attitude. Nobody had to die that day! (snork) But how my heart lurched when Éomer promised he'd always be there to protect his little sister.
I have always been somewhat dyslexic when it comes to needlecrafts. Oh, I've done my share of sewing and embroidery and cross-stitch and knitting and crochet. But it never came easy. And in my younger years, I was such a tomboy. Sneaking horseback rides, climbing trees, digging forts, building snow forts and engaging in snowball fights, etc. I can definitely empathise with young Éowyn.
I cannot remember if the secrecy means that Éomer won't know about the training either? At least for a while?
Author's reply
Lindelea!
Yeah!! And from what I read about Tolkien's thoughts shieldmaidens, some conflicting but some of what I read said that only peasants could be shieldmaidens and I choose that as a good starting point and shape to my story!
I did love Theoden's reaction, "Nobody had to die that day because he would hate to hurt one of his own people!" LOL! Theoden is a tad overprotective) :-)
Yes it is secretive, in chapter 2 Theoden speaks to both Theodred and Eomer about training Eowyn.
Thanks for the re-read!
(((hugs)))
MM
Author Reply: And yeah! I was a tomboy as well. Climbing trees playing in mud etc. I can relate to Eowyn!!
SIDE NOTE: the tropical storm due to hit the UK has been named Storm Eowyn!!
LOL!
(((hugs)))
MM
Lindelea
· 21 January 2025
· Chapter 0: Author's note
I am so glad to see you reposting this. I don't remember what chapter I was on, so I will start from the beginning again. (That should be no problem. I like re-reading stories that I have already enjoyed.)
(((hugs))) my friend. Be well.
Author's reply
Lindelea!
Yeah!!! And the Breach of January 2025... not a headache you needed.
(((hugs)))
MM
Author Reply: Also I've decided to re-post my missing stories one at a time, a couple of chapters at a time!
((hugs)) :-)
MM
PSW
· 20 January 2025
· Chapter 2: "In my heart this is right!"
Ah yes - it’s good that Theoden is careful of Eomer’s feelings as well in all of this - that young man is going through a difficult time as well…
Author's reply
PSW!
Yes definitely! Theoden loves them both but knows that Eomer needs different things from him. Theoden always remembers that!
Thanks for writing!
((hugs))
MM
PSW
· 20 January 2025
· Chapter 1: “I want to be a Shieldmaiden!”
Darn needlework …. :-P
It’s so hard for her right now - her parents and her home are gone, she’s the new girl in town, and she is different. That’s a perfect storm right there. It’s good that she has such an understanding family that loves her and will help her through these growing pains.
Thx for writing!
Author's reply
PSW!
thanks for writing! Exactly, it is often so hard on the new girl especially with girls like Saelith. We've all known them. I think Eowyn had to have a strong family life to grow as she did. Thanks again and I hope you enjoy the rest of the story.
((hugs))
MM