I took some time to think about what you said and I guess you are right. Considering that she would never have had the choice other peredhil had, it was probably for the best not to tell her. Must have been hard though, to see her grow up and then to leave her.

You know, it would make for a very good side story. If one day you'd want to examine that path, I would very much like to read it (assuming that you won't do it in this series, as it is about the Rohirrim...)

And about the upcoming twists and turns: I see that I should take you seriously when you threaten me with revenge ;-)

Author's Response: Never thought about a side story...actually most of the women in the serise could have one...hmmm...it's a thought and who know. But for now I am struggling with Eomer's tale and seem to have hit a wall. Good thing I still have one more story to post before his! Revenge? Me? never...but I do LOVE angst and cliffies!

COULD SOMEONE PLEEEEASE TAKE THEIR HEADS AND BUMP THEM TOGETHER? Maybe the jolt would put it all into the right perspective ... ;-)
*Grumbling-muttering-cursing*

Still ... *loved* the chapter and despite my little temper-tantrum I do understand why Elfhelm and Arathea act that way, so don't worry ;-)

Instead: keep going, I'm waiting here for more ...

Author's Response: I will be posting more later today...and you are not the only one who wants to do some "bumping"! Doubt can be a powerful force when it comes to matters of the heart...lots of ups and downs and a bit of peace in the middle. Was happy to hear from you; I love to see your thoughts!! ~G

And who is this *child*
Ah, that was rich! She must be three times as old ... or at least 2 1/2...

Must say, I've been waiting for something like this to occur, was wondering how long she'd go undisturbed, she must have been in Rohan for quite some time now?

... it should get rather interesting from now on!

Author's Response: She is about 2x as old as Ethelfled. Of course something had to through a wrench into everything. As for time frame (I was just going over my time line) Thea has been in Rohan for about 1 month at this time. She arrived in July and it is heading towards Sept. The bumps and surprises have only just started...

hmm ... that went better than I thought but then again, she was not yet alone with another member of the court...

And I assume this is only the beginning of her problems?

... aside from that: I love it that Erestor is mentioned every now and then, just love him!

Author's Response: I am glad to hear you like Erestor...he is a favorite of mine, also. As for her problems...oh just wait!

hihi, I simply love Aldhere; don't even know why, really, but I had the sudden image of Elder Gutknecht from the movie corpse bride, just with a little bit more skin ;-)
Ahem ... well, anyway. Another image that invaded my mind: she is going to end like Arwen: whoever catches her heart will die when she is still rather young from the outside, leaving her alone once more. Now I'm depressed...

Still I'm somewhat looking forward to meeting Aglaril again. I must confess that I liked her better than Arathea. But don't think that I didn't like or enjoy the chapter, just that Aglaril and Gamling are my personal favorites of yours ;-) The chapter in itself was well written again, I like the way you are portraying the people of Rohan.

Hoping for more soon and I'm always glad to review...

Author's Response: lol! Great image! He is a kindly old man and will show up again. No need to be depressed...at least not for a long time! Arwen had not choice when she passed, only that it would happen after Aragorn--it almost seemed like a punishment. It's a little different for the Dunadine (don't want to spoil anything) Thea is a little more out there...less tangible because she is a dunadan and related to Aragorn. I hope in time she might grow on you or at least you continue to enjoy the tale. I will be interested to see how you like my next fic in the series and like I said, Aglaril will show up again in a little fic about her and Gamilings continued relationship and when I finally get to the Eomer fic (which is number 4 and the last in the series).

Well, I'm starting to think I should do some research about the history of Rohan, the name Grimbold seems totally unfamiliar to me. I'm beginning to get confused...
But worry not, that is not so hard to accomplish with me ;-)
Either way I like Elfhelm, though I'm not so sure if he'd be good match for Arathea. He still behaves like a teenager, and she is older than Aragorn ;-)
I'm rooting for Grimbold (though still completely ignorant of who that is).
And I'd like her befriending Gamling's wife, that would be the perfect friendship ... just a humble wish ;-)

And by the way, can it be that you have a new email address? I tried to contact you on OEAM but got a Delivery unsuccessful notification...

Author's Response: Don't want you to feel lost:( Here is a link that will help (you can check on all the Rohirrim here)--just keep in mind that I did stray from canon (the Into to Blacksmith's Daughter explaines it). http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Grimbold You can also see Elfhelm's image on his page (will help to know his physical appearance later in the fic) As for Elfhelm, He is in his mid 40's and a jovial man (especially in light of all the suffering and war--kinda kept him sane) He is fun loveing, but to not cross him or look to do harm to Rohan for he is a formble warrior, loyal and honorable. Thea, although she is a 98 years old Dunadan, has really never found her place in the world and lived. She too has a youthful spirit and much uncertainty. Grimbold is a fine man, noble and honorable. As for relationships...you will have to wait and see. Although it will not happen in this story...Arathea and Gamlings beloved, Aglaril(they are not married yet) will meet and become friends. I like your the way you post a time lime and I have one but it is filled with spoilers so I don't post it. Perhaps I should break it down a bit and periodically post it. I am sorry about the mail fail--I did have to change e-mails and gave the wrong one to OEAM. I sent them over a message to chnge it. Does that mean you have read some of my other things? Lots of slash although I have another neat het not yet archived but on my live journal. I will do another post soon :) and thanks again! ~G

Eomer really behaves like a big brother ... I have two.
But giving Arathea the rooms of his sister - even if only fr some time - will probably only spur on the rumours :D
Ah well, as king Eomer should probably get used to rumours, at least for a while...
Just came to my mind: she must have felt uncomfortable in Imladris, when she is so attracted to a culture - from the architecture to the people - so different from it, which is kind of sad...
Anyway, a good chapter nonetheless ;-) and I hope you continue since I will take a break

Author's Response: Yah, I have one too and he's awesome. As for rumors...well, they can cause all kinds of trouble *mwahh-hahaha* Thea was old enough when she came to Imladris to have memories of her own village and life before but she was also old enough to understand the importance of everything going on and focused on Aragorn. Still, she came from a simple life of a Ranger's village (as Arathorn was already in hiding) and Rohan reminds her of home. I had a friend once call me the Queen of Melancholy and the title fits--I may like happy endings, but there is always a touch of angst/sorrow in my writing. Yes, I will continue as the bunnies abound, and I will patiently wait for you to take a little break (had to do that myself at times) I hope you will still shoot a comment my way :) they make me smile!

Awwwwwww, I so wanted them to get together. Ah, well, after what I did to the characters in my story, I can hardly complain ;-)

Poor Thea, the only home she ever knew will be no more in a few years, after all the elves sailed... but why couldn't she now be with Aragorn for some time, or go to Ithilien with Legolas and help in the rebuilding, surely she would feel more comortable there, being remembered of her elven home...

Loved that chapter, though. Still have some more questions, so... keep going ;-)

Author's Response: All very good questions and most will be answered as time goes on (I hope) I will say that she did not want to stay with Aragorn because of the circumstances of her illegitimate birth and because some could argue her right to the throne as her mother was older than Arathorn and such plus, she does wish to be treated as the king's cousin. I did want to tease a little about a possible pairing between them, but no, Eomer shall remain alone for the time. More soon I promise :)