Much though I love the internet (for what would fan fiction be without it?), I must say I do regret the passing of the custom of letter-writing (though I was always terrible and lax at it, myself). It's nice that it still lives on (if only fictionally) between friends and would-be lovers.

As for the other meaning of "to die," I did, indeed, know it, though not from Shakespeare (my knowledge of the Bard is, sadly, not what it should be). I've heard of it through the French phrase "la petite mort," though I can't think now where I encountered it.

But back to the Rohirrim... Eowyn has been my favorite character from my first reading of the books (far too many years ago to admit to readily), and my love for Eomer no doubt comes from my life-long wish that I had an older brother; and I am fascinated that their relationship could be so detailed with such limited screen time. Said limited screen time, however, always makes me want more, and that's why I've enjoyed this series of stories so much. I'm now hoping for a glimpse of the wedding almost as much as the chance for Eomer to see Lothiriel again!

One last thing, and then I'll stop being so wordy (I apologize, by the way): I am a HUGE Loreena McKennitt fan and I love that she inspired this!!

Author's Response: Glad to know I am not the only one familiar with "to die!" lol. I was never grand at letter writing either, but there is something very intimate about it--as long as the letters stay private. You are hardy wordy and this is what I love about this sight! Reveiwers actually offer thoughts and go deeper than just "I am enjoying this.." Because of this site's comments, I added 2 chapters to an already written fic, wrote "The Miller's Daughter" and am now thinking of a major twist that woul require a re-write of at least 2 chapters I already have completed! But I do not mind cause it is fueled by the readers like you! Thank you!! As for Ms. Mckennett, she had inspired MANY on my tales--not just this seriese--and much of my life as of late. One of my Favorites now is the 7 Rejoyces of Mary. Ah, well, time to start my day, get some things done and then work on the re-write....I am so excited about it! After it is posted (some chapters down the road yet) I will share what was origionally intentded. Thank you again! ~G

To be honest, I do not understand the Prince. If he directly saw how Beriedis acted towards Eomer I think it would have been his duty to interfere. It's not a trifle if the guest in a friendly kingdom starts to insult the *king* of all people, and this time her behaviour was beyond the subtle unfriendliness.
If one is accustomed to the court life as she as a chaperone should be, that is not only scandalous, its dangerous, at least for her own status. By now it should have been clear to her how things are standing. Eomer would have had the right to demand her politeness. And if he is too cautious to do it so as not to destroy his chances with Lothiriel it would have been the duty of her father to say something, if only a small "Beriedis, you are overstepping your boundaries." and be done with it.

Even if he is now putting Beriedis in her place quietly, an open apology would be due to a king, more than that: an ally, even one who is thought to be a barbarian (maybe especially then, I would not like to insult someone in their own country when I thought they had not mastered their feelings).

I would so immediately dismiss her if I was Imrahil... ;-)


Please take no offence, i am a very hot tempered person and I understand completely that Imrahil is not. He had probably never really the time with all his duties to see Beriedis for the dolled-up old bag that she is and right now he probably doesn't want to cause a scene. Also he saw it now for the first time and so I am totally aware that my reaction would be far too overdrawn ;-) but hey, that's me: first speaking/acting then regretting :D
And I still think she enriches the story, so do not concern yourself with my rambling!
Hmmmm, I think she would get along quite nicely with Ethelfled, or maybe not, seeing as two harridans rarely got along. But to think they could meet in the future and make each other's life hell ... wouldn't that be something? ;-)

hem, yeah, well ... That all being said: that was a sweet moment between Eomer and Lothiriel, and keeping up correspondence is a great idea. Eomer must be so elated that she applies herself also.

On an afterthought: sorry for that essay! Well, I am going now to read the next chapter...

Author's Response: All good points but I know you already read the next chapter so... let me just say I like your essays and once again, you have cause a bunny! Although this one is a change in what I have already written and involves Beriedis. I'll explain after the fact. Now keep in mind that Writing and a Ride (which is what Eomer has always been) do not necessarily go together--it is a quite a request on her part as Book learning in Rohan comes second (in my opinion) to practical learning. The fact that she is so learned could be intimidatin. Well, on to the next chapter...

That was so sweet. He really is a clever king. And Lothiriel liked it, that is what counts. And this watchdog of hers takes her job a little bit too seriously. I mean, chaperoning is one thing, but making such simple decisions like accepting or not accepting a gift, that is out of her limit. I believe the princess to be old enough to make such decisions on her own. Really, that Beriedis needs a husband herself.

Author's Response: Ah, but she does not over step her bounds! That is just it and that is in part why Lothiriel does not speak out. You will get a better understanding of Beriedis' roll very soon. It really is a diference in cultures and Eomer will have to work carefully lest he insult the princess' upbringing--like Beriedis did Eowyns in the healing halls. While love may be surpreme, he is a king and she the daughter of a Prince who is of Numinorean and elvin desent...they can not escape politics. More soon and with some answers...I hope! ~G

Naughty! Eomer was like a child who is told that he'll get everything he writes into his letter to Santa Claus ... now he only needs to write the letter.

The siblings were also very beautifully portrayed, I hope you know that. I could really see Eomer hiding and bustling with glee in one moment and then being stunned at a careless remark in the next. Quite hilarious, really!

I was a little bit surprised, though, that you gave up the teasing with the Arathea-Eomer-Lothiriel problem so early in the story. I didn't expect you to. But I am certainly not one to object! ;-) I'll welcome everything that helps Eomer-our-most-eligible-bachelor-in-Rohan to get happy rather sooner than later and not have him suffer unnecessarily!

Author's Response: I am trying bery hard to keep eomer and Eowyn's relationship true--you can really see it in te movies. That's what he gets for eaves dropping--but Eowyn did not mean to cut her brother down but only acknowledge his outward personality then give a glimps to his softer side. Since I needed to keep everything in line so to speak, I could not really drapp arathea in more than necessary and while she will be around, by this stage of the story Rohan already know she is not his intedned queen. Now that does not mean smooth sailing just yet... ~G

ok all together, one, two, three: aaaaaaawwwwwwwww!

OK, that done .. wait a moment I have to gather myself .. ok now.
First of all, the behaviour between Eomer and his sister, though she doesn't know he's there, is very good. It fits actually to everything Tolkien himself says about them.

What I thin kEowyn forgot to mention is that her brother is a romantic at heart. I think I know what he plans with that kitten but we'll see. But if Eomer listened carefully to this female bonding, alright not so carefully, it was quite obvious, he might have gotten the point that Lothiriel feels like him. Now he's one step ahead of her, he knows her feelings, she doesn't know his. I am waiting impatiently how you will make Eomer make that clear to her.

Author's Response: Thank you very much! It means a lot that I was able to keep in line with what Tolkien himself says--that is always a goal. I like their interactoin during te movie a lot (I need to go back and re-read the actual books) and use that as inspiration. Eomer has a little plan, HOWEVER, he still has to get past Lady Beriedis and soon you will see excatly how much control she has over Lothiriel's life! After all, Imrahil keeps her around so she cannot be too out of line. ~G

Sweet. Loved the interactions between Aglaril and Gamling!
Now I wonder if our "watchdog" will be suspicious when Lothiriel is so obviously not well rested...

Author's Response: I always like that pairing and Gamling is so much a part of Eomer's life her just had to be involved! The watchdog...Lothiriel knows how to pretend...as long as she doesn't have bags under her eyes! lol

Poor Eomer. Though I hope it's not TOO long until his happy ending.

Author's Response: Oh I fear he will have to wait and be patient! But it will be an interesting adventure for them. ~G

ok, let me sum some things up. Eowyn and Faramir are apparently conspiring over something. Eomer and Lothiriel like each other and Imrahil is not displeased.
That looks ... complicated.I guess it will be funny and I hope there will be some kind of trouble and misunderstanding. I mean, there was before. Why should Eomer get it easy, even if he is the king?

But this was a wonderful chapter with very nice scenes and ideas and all was (as always) destroyed by that woman!! I hate her. Well, not really but she is kind of annoying.

Author's Response: That is fairly accurate although, Inrahil does not dislike Eomer, but he is not looking for a match there. He hired Beriedis to educate his daughter and to pick a suitable suitor. He is a little hand's off and I think I might have to make the more clear in up coming chapters. There will be thier share of issues, but thiss pair has to deal with something no other pairing has has to...a very long distance between them. Dol Amroth is quite remote and there are few opportunities for them to meet. Eomer is now king and cannot just up an take a trip. Since Beriedis does not think Eomer (king that he is) is a suitable match, she will most likely not agree to traveling to Rohan and if she does not go...Lothiriel does not go. But have faith--we already know how it all turns out! ~G

Is it possible the Ladies Beriedis and Ethelfled are related? They certainly seem to be cut from similar cloth. *g*

On a happier note, IMHO, any story where Eowyn (a conscious one, that is) makes an appearance, however brief, is a good one.

Author's Response: The two doo seem very similar however, Lady Berdiedis' motives are at least honorable--she wants the best for Lothiriel and looks to serve her lord as best as she possibly can as a Lady of Dol Amroth. I think she has little experience outside of the coastal region so her opinions are based on an ignorance that might not be uncommon by the people of Southern Gondor--they are located quite apart from everyone else. As for Éowyn, I am glad you enjoy her. She will be popping up here and there I assure you. Thanks for reading and taking the time to review!

I like the way you pick up the idea with Arathea and Eomer being a couple (or not). It is funny that even Lothiriel thinks this because everyone in Rohan did when the new king brought her home with him. It is quite early but I think both of them have an interest in the other which is good. Although I guess you will make them suffer a bit, as all the others did, too. I can't wait to see what will happen next.

Author's Response: I am trying very had to keep all the stories connected and follow the same timeline. Eomer really is well past the time he should be married so it is no wonder that everyone is trying to marry him off now that the war is over AND he is king! Now eomer has suffered quite a bit already so I will not be overly cule, but Lothiriel will have her share trials to get what she wants. I will be posting more hopefully tomorrow. ~G