Tripsy · 30 January 2026 · Chapter 9999: Extra. The Maiden and the Cousin
Really expressive work belongs in comic format. Paid artist, connect with me! Discord: tripsydraws
Brethren by Ecthelion of the fountain
Reviews (23)
Fimbrethil · 10 June 2025 · Chapter 9999: Ever in Mind
Oh my. What feelings...and it was Fate that Éomer married and probably loved the same and only maiden whom Théodred had seen and perhaps fallen in love with. --Even if she was about 20 years younger than Théodred.
Lindelea · 5 June 2025 · Chapter 9999: Ever in Mind
p.s. I just now remembered that a couple decades ago, I wrote my own Boromir "ghost story", starting immediately after the battle before the Black Gate and finishing in Ithilien. Here's the link if you might be interested: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3065&cid=13460
Lindelea · 5 June 2025 · Chapter 9999: Ever in Mind
The changes, though seeming subtle compared to my memory of the original chapter, do the trick. You've given just enough space to separate the Pelennor temporally from the events that took place on Mount Doom. I'm curious about your other Rohan-centric story, to be sure. However, for my part, if it is set too far in the past (by "too far" I mean beyond reach of the late-Third Age characters I'm familiar with), I might have trouble reading it. I should expect you'd have other readers, though, who share your interests! I've found your writing quite enjoyable. Time constraints over the past two-and-a-half decades have kept me reading and writing pretty much in the Fourth Age and the last few centuries of the Third Age, with a few rare exceptions, such as Fiondil's Elf Academy series. In my current story about Bill the Pony, I mentioned Eorl in passing, but I really know little about him or his culture. In my story about driving the Witch King out of Angmar, I've done a lot of searching for the "princes of Rhovanion" to be able to include them in the Army of the West, but I haven't found much in the way of historical detail to hang my hat on. Another difficulty would be if Gríma features heavily. Even the bare mention of his name (like my writing the name just now) makes me queasy. Actually, that's why I haven't read the other stories you've posted, in case you wondered. The names of the characters in the story summaries mean about as much to me as the names of historical figures I was forced to memorize in school, just names with little context or meaning. I recognize many of them as coming out of the Silmarillon. I know there are quite a few fanfic authors and readers who find inspiration there! More power to them, I say, even as I have no inclination to dip into the Kinslayings or various rebellions. For my part, I read the Sil decades ago (probably in the 1970s) and was never tempted to revisit it as a whole, though I have read a few parts here and there in isolation. I found many of the themes depressing rather than inspiring, but then so much of JRRT's inspiration was based on epics filled with blood and gore and betrayal and tragedy, and not much about triumph or uplifting thoughts to lighten the content. (Believe me, I had my fill of epics in my literature studies. In one class, we read Beowulf in the original language. Fascinating, but I'm glad to have left that story behind.) I even find the tale of Beren and Lúthien depressing, though it has its high points. Added to the time constraints I mentioned earlier, the fact that I've found a haven of sorts in fanfic over the years is another reason that has limited my subject matter area of interest. In JRRT's legendarium, I can't remember much in the way of happy endings. Shoot, even his unfinished snippet set in the Fourth Age after Elessar's death is depressing, and I'm actually glad he didn't write more about the return of Shadow. I think that's probably what keeps me stuck in the late Third Age (I know who's going to win) and the early Fourth Age (such a time of joy and promise and growth and relief, that it might be described as "the calm after the storm"). Maybe it sounds trite, but "happy" (or satisfying or, at worst, bittersweet) endings are what I need in my reading material these days. I'll stop ranting now. Hopefully none of what I've said here will be taken as criticizing others' preferences. Tolkien's world is so broad and deep and rich, there's room for all sorts of us.
Lindelea · 31 May 2025 · Chapter 9999: Extra. The Maiden and the Cousin
Oh, my. You've managed to take a story with a sad ending and add a smile as the last thing the reader will remember when thinking back on the tale. Well done.
Author's reply
Thank you! When I first wrote the epilogue, I was so heartbroken by it that I ended up adding an extra chapter—just to soften the blow a little. And it seems it did the trick! 😄
Lindelea · 31 May 2025 · Chapter 9999: Ever in Mind
Your summary of the last part of the War of the Ring is stately, as if one is reading the historical record. I have one small quibble: the flow of the narrative (without any timing clues) makes the charge of the Rohirrim on the Pelennor sound as if it happened at the same time as the Ring going into the Fire. Reading from one paragraph to the next feels a little like missing the last step when walking down a staircase or stepping off a curb you didn't realize was there as you were walking. I love the description of rebuilt Osgiliath, along with Éomer's perceptions (I can relate to his "stifled" feeling). Hearing that Éowyn anticipates bringing a new life into the world adds a nice note of joy. And hurrah! Éothain survived all the battles that lay between my last glimpse of him and the Black Gate! hahaha, his happiness in love motivating him to push his king in the same direction is so true to life. Lothíriel! I was right! Ah, yes, I will always think of that as Théoden's song, even though Aragorn said it was about Eorl the Young. It feels especially poignant, woven into the narrative here. I found myself tearful as I read from there to the end of the chapter, thinking of too many cut off much too young. And the losses continue to mount in our world. The last line feels fitting, like a proper tribute.
Author's reply
Thanks, as always! I agree the transition needed work—I made a small update and wonder if it reads more smoothly now. 😄 I’m totally open to rephrasing or enriching the description further if it still feels abrupt. And yes, it was Lothíriel! It was implied in the ghost story, but never outright stated. That said, it’s hardly love though—more a moment of recognition. He saw in her what he had once glimpsed in his youth; there was no romantic involvement between them in any real sense. And the losses continue to mount in our world. —That's the saddest part. 😢 For the fanfic, since I’ve written the ghost story, I hope it offers some solace—a second chance, at least in fiction. But in the real world, there is little we can do. :( Author Reply: Also—I’m wondering if there might be interest in my other Rohirrim-centered fic, Dark Horse. It’s a bit longer than this one, so translating it would be another month’s work or so. :)
Lindelea · 30 May 2025 · Chapter 8: The Third Marshal and the Heir to the King - 4
Though obviously canon, this was a difficult chapter to read. *sigh*
Author's reply
Yeah I know 😭
Lindelea · 27 May 2025 · Chapter 7: The Third Marshal and the Heir to the King - 3
others whispered that he was no mere dealer in fireworks, but a mighty wizard, akin to Saruman of Isengard. ...and these, it sounds like, are the wiser and more perceptive heads in the region. While I know Mithrandir deferred to Saruman as the head of the Order (if I'm remembering right; this is off the top of my head), I wonder: was Gandalf always the greater but merely hid his power? (The question arises in my mind because Círdan gave him one of the Three instead of giving it to Saruman.) Or was Saruman the greater until he was corrupted? (Which still raises the question: Why give Narya to Gandalf? I suppose it would be appropriate to give the Ring of Fire to one who is a Servant of the Secret Fire, but I really don't know. I'm not even sure Saruman knew exactly who held the Three, and I'm too tired to go searching for information today.) I regret that Théodred didn't slay Gríma then and there. Things might have been so different.
Author's reply
Ah—that is an interesting question: why did Círdan bestow the Ring of Fire upon Gandalf, and not upon Saruman? My understanding has ever been that the wizards had their own specialties: Gandalf was most skilled in the arts of fire, Radagast in dealings with beasts and birds, and Saruman in crafts and lore. UT further suggests that Círdan’s gift was born of foresight and deep insight, such as the Elves often possess—that Gandalf, in time, would prove the most faithful to his charge. It also notes that Saruman later discovered who bore the Three, and his jealousy of Gandalf was part of the bitter result of that knowledge. As for why none of the faithful men in Rohan struck down Gríma, I believe it is the result—regrettable though it may be—of their honour and decency. Their hands were bound by a sense of justice: to kill without rightful cause or decree would be to fall into the very darkness they strove against. It is the same even in our own days: the good ones are constrained by their own conscience—and that is the very thing which makes them good.
Lindelea · 26 May 2025 · Chapter 6: The Third Marshal and the Heir to the King - 2
Strange, then, that the sickness came with such sudden force. Strange indeed. It sounds like a case of acute poisoning, followed by the application of a remedy and then a course of slow poisoning with an occasional respite. Or perhaps I have read too much Agatha Christie or Roman history. Was it Lothíriel, by chance? This glimpse of Gondor and Boromir through the Riders' eyes was intriguing. *sigh* Théodred's understanding of Éowyn makes his upcoming loss all the more grievous.
Author's reply
As for the initial onset of the illness, I hold no firm opinion—after all, people do fall ill without warning. But I do believe that the lingering malady which followed was the result of slow poisoning, as UT suggests. And, as ever, no spoilers from me :D
Lindelea · 23 May 2025 · Chapter 5: The Third Marshal and the Heir to the King - 1
“Lord Éomer—have you heard? Gríma the leech has returned.” Ew. Not a promising beginning. And where has he been these past two years? I have an uneasy feeling. But Éothain sounds like a valuable asset. astride her grey steed, clad as a Rider and wearing a helm in a vain attempt at disguise—yet unmistakable Hmmm. How is she going to manage to fool people as Dernhelm? It sounds like she needs to work a bit more on the art of disguise. and now your sister, grown into one who will surely outshine all her peers. Truer words were never spoken. Théodred's musings at the end of the chapter brought to mind, oddly enough, Beth from Little Women who did not talk about her dreams and ambitions as her sisters did and later mused to her sister Jo that maybe she was always fated to die at home with her parents rather than marrying or making her way in the world. Perhaps Théodred's lack of interest has something to do with his fate, even though he does not know it? (Don't mind me and my ramblings; it's late, and I'm almost too tired to see straight, much less think straight.)
Author's reply
“And where has he been these past two years? I have an uneasy feeling.” – Yes, that’s exactly the question I intended readers to ask. Where was he? Whom did he meet? How did he spend his time? Ultimately, it points to his falling under Saruman’s influence—but that part won’t be narrated here, since Éomer and Théodred themselves wouldn’t have known. “How is she going to manage to fool people as Dernhelm?” – That’s actually told in my earlier story, Steelsheen, where the same events are told from Éowyn’s perspective. :) “Perhaps Théodred’s lack of interest has something to do with his fate, even though he does not know it?” – That’s a really interesting thought! In my stories, he’s come to believe it had something to do with an encounter he once had with Elves in his youth (a tale to be told in Dark Horse), but I think your suggestion makes a lot of sense too—as a mix of foreboding and unnamed longing. I’ll definitely keep that in mind if I write more Théodred-centric stories!
Lindelea · 21 May 2025 · Chapter 4: The Squire and the Second Marshal - 4
The feeling of slow-growing danger is well done. I'm thinking (this is off the top of my head) that the Uruk are larger than Orcs, and they can also function in daylight, which tends to make Orcs wobbly, if I'm remembering right. Théodred is both a promising heir and an intelligent, effective leader. I also love the humour that breaks through at times. The thought of Éowyn being left behind in Edoras without her two champions is troubling. The scene built around the knighting works well, showing Théodred's wisdom and understanding of tactics, along with Éomer's ability to learn from the past (and understand sound tactics), while also highlighting Éomer's youth. ("I'm taller than you!") Here Théodred was all ready to listen to Éomer discuss how much he still has to learn and how far he still has to go before he can even think about being a Marshal, I should imagine.
Author's reply
Thanks! “The thought of Éowyn being left behind in Edoras without her two champions is troubling.” – At this point in time, Gríma had not yet become a presence in the King’s hall. But yeah, later, it did come to that. :( Fortunately, this story doesn’t dwell too much on that part. “Here Théodred was all ready to listen to Éomer discuss—” – Exactly! He already regarded Éomer as one worthy of counsel. :)
Lindelea · 18 May 2025 · Chapter 3: The Squire and the Second Marshal - 3
It may not be the best time to be reading and reviewing... I just read far simpler than that of the Númenórean realms to the north and south as far simpler than that of the Númenórean relics to the north and south. But then, those proud Gondorian lords and nobles might well be thought of as relics by younger civilisations not so wound about and constrained by custom and tradition and all that. Just as the text goes on to say, right after the bit I (mis)quoted. It sounds as if Éomer is learning invaluable lessons that will help prepare him to be King someday (even though I wouldn't think anybody would be considering that possibility at this moment?). but whenever the Prince’s name arose, the look that crossed the old man’s face suggested anything but fond remembrance of a former star pupil. Hmmm. Sounds like there's a story there. Thereafter, Mordor turned to plunder. Ah, yes. They especially seemed to favour the black horses, as I seem to recall. I got a little confused. Is hair unbraided for Council and braided at other (specific?) times, like when riding or fighting? I suppose that might make sense. And now I'm imagining his golden hair all thick and wavy... Nice. (When I was a young teen, we braided the long hair and beard, wet from swimming, of one of our counselors while he was evidently asleep. He might really have been asleep – he was pretty exhausted from the efforts of the day, hiking and carrying heavy loads. When he woke up and took the braids out, he looked as if he'd stuck a finger in an electrical outlet. Very thick and wavy locks!) I was wondering earlier today if the Mearas are larger (in stature) than typical horses or only grander somehow? I know their speed and stamina is superior because of how fast and far Gandalf travelled on Shadowfax. Lovely chapter. I'm looking forward to reading more when my eyes/brain aren't playing so many tricks on me. Reading is difficult when I have to wrestle rearranged letters back into their proper places.
Author's reply
Thanks! :D “Éomer is learning invaluable lessons that will help prepare him to be King someday” —indeed! The point is that both Théodred and Théoden taught him everything they could, holding nothing back. There was never any mistrust or exclusion; even though no one truly expected him to become King at the time, they never shut him out of matters of rule or responsibility. As for hair braiding—yes, it’s braided for both riding and battle. Tolkien specifically noted that when the three hunters encountered Éomer’s éored, their hair was braided, and the King’s guards wore theirs the same way. It’s practical, too—loose hair would only hinder movement in the saddle or in combat. I’d imagine it’s braided for ceremonial or formal occasions as well (Théoden himself had his white hair braided when he sat in court), though Tolkien didn’t say so outright. :D Regarding the Mearas, their greatest distinction is their longevity (comparable to a human lifespan) and their ability to understand the speech of Men, as noted in Appendix A. They are certainly stronger and nobler than ordinary horses, but I don’t recall any explicit mention of them being significantly larger in size.
Mirkwoodmaiden · 17 May 2025 · Chapter 2: The Squire and the Second Marshal - 2
Ecthelion! "Gríma, as it happened, practised the trade that the Rohirrim loosely named that of a wandering leech. The term was not used in scorn. Much of the Mark still followed a semi-nomadic life and lacked the learned healers or established houses of medicine known in Gondor. When illness came, folk turned to seasoned men of the road—herb-wise and hardened by long years of wandering." I love this idea! Interesting description of Rohirrim life. I love the gap filling idea of Grima and how he wheedled his way into Theoden's inner circle. Wonderful. Thanks! (hugs) Mirkwoodmaiden
Author's reply
Hi! Thanks again! For Gríma, I mentioned my reasoning in the notes of the Éowyn-centered fic Steelsheen: There is very little personal background about Gríma—only that he was a counsellor to the King, and that his father’s name was Gálmód. Drawing on what is given in Unfinished Tales, and the use of the word “leechcraft” in LotR, I chose to make his heritage that of a leech, as was his father’s before him—a role through which he gained easy access to the King’s daily life, and thus rose in time to the position of counsellor. Per Unfinished Tales: “But it may well have been induced or increased by subtle poisons, administered by Gríma.” As the ideal state of such poisoning is not death—for Théodred, a man in his prime, would have been far more difficult to manipulate as King—I believe Gríma would have needed to test his dosage over time to reach this optimal balance. In doing so, the King’s condition would likely have fluctuated, with many ups and downs along the way. My sense of the Rohirrim’s semi-nomadic life comes mainly from the overall impression I gathered from LotR and UT :) I also touched on some of this in another fic of mine, Dark Horse—it’s not yet translated, but I plan to do that once I’ve finished translating this one! :) Best, Ec
Lindelea · 16 May 2025 · Chapter 2: The Squire and the Second Marshal - 2
How embarrassing for all involved! Gríma sounds almost human here; but I wonder if he deliberately set the King's son and nephew up to be humiliated? Was he Saruman's agent by this time, or was this before he was corrupted?
Author's reply
Embarrassing—for sure 😂 There’s clearly a gap in their education… Gríma does appear in this story—inevitably—but he’s not nearly as insufferable as he was in Steelsheen, which is Éowyn centric. That’s mainly because Théodred and Éomer aren’t the ones most affected by him. Their way of handling him is always direct and unflinching; they were never forced to endure his presence long, nor were they trapped in the Golden Hall under his sway. Exactly like Gandalf said, "you had horses, and deeds of arms, and the free fields." I’ll leave it to readers to interpret his true intent in this incident :D But for my part, I intend it that he’s not yet acting as Saruman’s agent at this point in the timeline.
Mirkwoodmaiden · 16 May 2025 · Chapter 1: The Squire and the Second Marshal - 1
Ecthelion! I am really enjoying this! "In time, it left its mark. Even when he reached fifteen or sixteen—an age at which he had begun to draw notice in his own right—whenever he caught a maiden’s coy glance or the flutter of lashes cast his way, his first instinct was still to glance around, half-expecting to find Théodred nearby." LOL Interesting discussion about Eomund. In my story of Eowyn, "Destiny's Child" I also have Eowyn being secretly trained. I love how stories can criss cross sometimes echoing, other times bringing a different intrepretation. Fascinating. Must dash to work! Thanks! MM
Author's reply
Hi! Thanks—I’m really glad you liked it! :D As for Éomund, my interpretation draws entirely from the limited canon in Appendix A. It’s fairly clear there that he had a rash side, which ultimately led to his early death. I imagined that Théoden, for all his love of Théodwyn, would have recognized that—and perhaps held somewhat mixed feelings toward Éomund in a few years that followed. I explore Éowyn’s training more fully in my Éowyn-centric fic Steelsheen (also posted on SoA—it’s completed) :D It shares the same setting and character grounding, and readers may see the same events depicted through different characters' views. In that story, her training began in secret only because Éomer was reluctant—just as this story says—but once the King gave his approval, it became part of her regular life. From my own experience, skills like riding and swordplay take years to build, and for her to fight as she did on the Pelennor, she must have been training long and hard. Thanks again and take care! -Ec
Mirkwoodmaiden · 13 May 2025 · Chapter 0: The Prince and the Marshal-to-be
Ecthelion! I really like this beginning! I love reading and writing stories of Rohan. And I think the bond between the three royal offspring was especially close. I love how you started. In my stories I have made the "Executive decision" :-)) to shave a few years off of Theodred's age because it made an easier line through my stories. I look forward to reading this was he is at his actual age. Must dash off to work! Mirkwoodmaiden
Author's reply
Thanks! Yes, the story follows book canon throughout :D It was inspired by that line from Unfinished Tales, which says that Éomer’s love for Théodred—thirteen years his elder—was second only to his love for Théoden. And as for Théodred—“Let me lie here—to hold the Fords till Éomer comes!” says everything that needs saying. So I wanted to explore the bond behind those words 😊
Lindelea · 12 May 2025 · Chapter 1: The Squire and the Second Marshal - 1
I must say, I choked at the impression of fangirls that arose amid the mists in the back of my brain as I read the first part of this chapter. ...the young women of Edoras greeted his passing with the joy of a festival. Why does that call to mind videos of screaming girls greeting the Beatles as they came off the plane in their first US appearance? (We've been watching documentaries lately, and I guess it shows.) Théodred is insightful as well as easy on the eyes, it seems. Fascinating character, well-conceptualized as seen through Éomer's eyes.
Author's reply
the impression of fangirls - that was exactly what I had in mind when I wrote it 😂 Enough to traumatize Éomer into developing a taste for dark-haired girls (or really, anything but golden-haired ones!). And that’s why, in Till Death Reunites Us, Théodred laughed so hard when he heard the conversation between Gimli and Éomer!
Periantari · 11 May 2025 · Chapter 1: The Squire and the Second Marshal - 1
I like how you filled the gap on who let Eowyn wield a sword in the first place. Also liked that Eomer wanted to know sword-fighting and defending for his country and most importantly to protect his sister. Éomer remembered the warmth in his uncle’s gaze—the tenderness, the care. In that moment, he had almost felt as though Théoden were his own father. Yet this much he knew: though Éomund had indulged Éowyn countless times as well, his bold and battle-hardened father would never have spoken that last, sorrowful wish. I liked how you wrote this. It's so melancholy yet with that recollection most likely it is how it was felt.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I imagine Éomer was old enough to remember Éomund pretty well (on the other hand, Éowyn was only seven, so it's far less likely for her to remember him clearly) and he probably couldn’t help comparing sometimes. Also—from how he’s described in the books, Éomund doesn’t really come across as the considerate type to me. He seems more like someone who’d indulge his daughter without giving it much thought. Really glad to hear that you like my depiction here!
Periantari · 11 May 2025 · Chapter 0: The Prince and the Marshal-to-be
This is an interesting premise and we do rarely see Theodred fics- i look forward to more.
Author's reply
Thanks! And there is definitely more to come! :D
PSW · 11 May 2025 · Chapter 1: The Squire and the Second Marshal - 1
Eomer is young and has had a difficult road - it’s no wonder he has trouble figuring out what to think about some things. It’s good that Theodred and Theoden and good and understanding with him (and with Eowen)…
Author's reply
Yeah, as the book canon states, Théoden treated Éomer and Éowyn as his own son and daughter, and they grew up in Théodred’s company. I imagine there must have been many formative moments, for children who lost their parents at such a young age :'(
UTfrog · 9 May 2025 · Chapter 0: The Prince and the Marshal-to-be
Good beginning
Author's reply
:D Hopefully it remains interesting all the way!
PSW · 8 May 2025 · Chapter 0: The Prince and the Marshal-to-be
I’m looking forward to this story! Especially happy to hear this will be a mostly light hearted tale…. Thx for sharing!
Author's reply
Thank you! The story was originally written in Chinese, and its tone is quite lighthearted. It's tricky to capture that same style in English, but I’ll try anyway! Thankfully, the story itself isn’t dark to begin with.
Lindelea · 8 May 2025 · Chapter 0: The Prince and the Marshal-to-be
Oh! I have really enjoyed seeing Théodred through your eyes in your other stories! This looks like it will be a fun read! (Okay, that's three exclamation points in a row. Let me try for some equanimity now. I think that's the word I want. I'm not sure, though. The word I want has something to do with writing sentences that are properly ended with periods/full stops rather than exclamation marks. It's past time to eat, and my brain is fuzzy from lack of protein. I need to get up and go wandering in search of food.) I'm wondering if Boromir might make an appearance? (Since he and Théodred certainly seemed to be well-acquainted by the time they were ghosts, that is. When did they first meet? If you said, somewhere else, I don't remember.) Looking forward to seeing where you'll be taking these characters. "Light-hearted" is a bonus and always welcome.
Author's reply
Thanks! ❤️ Canon offers little about what kind of man Théodred truly was, so I’ve shaped him from some of his father’s traits—Théoden was more than capable of jest, whether in his state "under influence" or not 😂 And we see a touch of that same playfulness in Éomer as well. Boromir does appear in this story, but only briefly. He and Théodred became acquainted in my other story, Dark Horse. In time, I’ll try to translate that one too!