Hi, so I will simply review this chapter again.

It is still nice and has a lot of different things in it that make me think about what could happen. And I think Eomer gets it right. If Eowyn had had a chaperone, how would the battle have ended? It is good the way it is and I hope he will realize that. But he should't forget the princess over it.

Author's Response: Thank you thank you thank you!!! If you had not commented on "looking" for the rest of the chapter I'd never had realized that half of it was missing and that would have been a bummer given what happens in the chapter. Eomer realizes that things happened as they should have but that does not mean he has to like it--after all, Eowyn did not have to get injured and Theoden did not have to die. He wishes eowyn had had some womanly infuence in her life but not much he can doa about that now.

I almost missed this chapter. Would have been awful, as I really like it. Did you post two at once?

Anyway, some thoughts on this, because you know I like discussing so much ;-)

First: I kinda start a weird love-hate towards Beriedis. Hate, because she is a snake and a dragon and an unfeeling, haughty bastard, to be frankly. Love, because she is in a very grotesque way hilarious ... and dutiful, a trait that I always admire, even if the sense of duty is devoted to something or someone I dislike.
And I say 'grotesque' because standing in the sick chamber of a princess when she herself is not and having the audacity to rant about decorum after a battle in which her kind fought not only for their way of life but for their very existence and worry about *virtue* is nothing but grotesque.
In any way I think she enriches the story and for that she is to be loved. Although I guess if I was Lothiriel's father I would want a woman with more sense for politics to chaperone my daughter (that being said in regard of her view of Aragorn).

Second: Again, you portrayed Eomer and his doubts, fears and regrets beautifully. I guess that moment of dread, that horrific sight of his sister lying there will be haunting him for quite some time. I hope Lothiriel will help him there.

Third and Last: it is strange to see how much Eomer loved Eowyn and yet he still does not realise her need to prove herself. A chaperone would have caged her even more than she had been and made her unhappy. Ahh, but we know Faramir will straighten that out and bring her peace, don't we?
I wonder if he will make an appearance in your story, I'd like that.

Author's Response: I posted this one, but Lady Leia called my attention to its length and I realized that half of it did not post so I reposted it and added the next chapter. Glad you caught it :) Beriedis is an interesting woman. Her job it to make Lothiriel a proper lady since her mother is not there to do it; in some ways Lothiriel might see her as a motherly figure and as such not willing to speak out of turn. The people of Dol Amroth are still very much in touch with their Dúnadan history and I can see how they might view the men of Rohan as below them so there is no way Beriedis would allow Lothiriel to even consider a Rohirrim--king or not. I am glad you see some merit to her and that she adds to the story. I think with 3 sons and a kingdom to rebuild and oversee Imrahil relies heavily on Beriedis to keep things in line with Lothiriel and he trusts her judgment...for now. Re: Éomer--I tried to tap into my relationship with my own brother and how he might react if I lay in a hospital bed--Karl portrayed Éomer so well, with such emotion that is made his part easy---it was Lothiriel that gave me trouble! He loves his sister, knows that she has grown up in a man’s world, but also realizes that she will need to find a husband and most men do not want a wife who can out ride them or match then with a sword! They want a wife who can keep a homestead, keep food on the table, and raise the children. I know it sounds chauvinistic now, but women as equal is a modern notion---HOWEVER, women were greatly respected for their wisdom and knowledge in many ancient societies but a woman offered her guidance in the quiet of the night....not out in the open. As for Faramir...he'll show up. I'll be posting another chapter sometime tomorrow I think. ~G

Alright, that woman needs to be put in place herself! Best if Eomer did it himself, or better yet, Lothiriel. I mean, I know that in Rohan everything is simpler than in Gondor, but the peaople are no less noble, just more ... earthy. When Lothiriel in the end goes to live in Rohan she should take Beriedis with her, that would teach the woman *laughs evilly*

I am sorry, but such ideas always come to my mind when reading and reviewing. I have a whole notebook full with bunnies and bunnies-in-the-make.

Anyway, good chapter, fits to both their characters.

Author's Response: Hmmm...interesting thought! As the story is not finished...who knows. As it is, she will be around until Lothiriel marries as is the tradition of Dol Amroth. Eomer will bid his time as he does not wish to cause trouble and he respects the traditions and cultures of the other lands. She will make things a bit more...complicated that is for sure! ~G

Nice, quite a different beginning, but I like it.
Now I only wonder: do you start with the end to remind us that whatever you're going to do to them, it's going to end good? I'm shuddering :D ... you said you'd be merciful!

Author's Response: Interesting way of seeing it. The truth is that I struggled with this story and how to get it going so, since it is canon and the end is no surprise it seemed like a good place to start. There will be some ups and downs but nothing too bad! *smirk* More tomorrow! ~G