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!

Hilarious, cause so true ... Why is it that men always seem so hyper when a pretty woman enters the set? (I'm studying informatics, so there are roughly 3 women on 20 men, and it always seems like this when another unknown XX-carrier comes in.)

... good chapter! I just wished, Eomer wouldn't always end up alone (hint, hint!) ... And I, too, am glad to review ;-)

Author's Response: Thank heavens for a reasonable and honorable man like Gamling (something to be said for older men!) As for Eomer--I have not forgotten him although his story shall be told last, #4 in the Series (although I wrote the first lines today). Eomer needs time to get settled before a woman comes along and complicates his life! More really soon :) ~G

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

Hmmm, she really sounds desperate to flee the White City, wonder why...

Anyway, very well written again! Waiting for more, though...

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!

I am beginning to see what you meant with Arathea's youthful spirit and yeah ... I am beginning to think that *maybe* Grimbold wouldn't be the best choice for her ... *grumbling*.

Humph! And I begin to appreciate her contradictoriness (you have such nice words in English...): shy and cheeky.

And as you seem to like my random thoughts ;-) It's such a good thing that Elfhelm and Gamling, Grimbold and Erkenbrand are self-confident or they would have serious problems with her being around twice as old as they are... maybe a lot of men would have difficulties in such a relationship. Should be an interesting moment when she tells them...

And don't worry about unanswered questions, it's much more fun to read the answers presented in a wonderful piece of prosa!

Well done!

Author's Response: I suppose this is not a spoiler at this point, but Grimbold is married--I only mentioed his children during his intro to her at the dinner (you will meet his wife in the next story and I think you will ike them both then). Thea is reserved yet when in a comfortable setting very spirited. It will be interesting as at this point, they see her as just a woman maybe in her 30's. The men are all over 40 except Erkenbrand who is about Eomers age which is about 28ish. One could argue that maybe Gambling know as he was closest to she and Eomer when they were talking--just cause he was whistling does not mean he was not listening ;) Thanks again for you kindness. I am truely flattered. More really soon cause the story really takes off ~G now!

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

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).

Now it comes to a head ... just let me sum this up :
a morning grouch of a king confronted with a slightly stunted sense for matters of the court confronted with a full-grown love-scandal surrounding a brother in arms, a sister in heart and a harpy ... in everything. And all that before finishing breakfast.

Sounds like a lot of fun! At least reading it was a lot of fun for me, eagerly waiting for more!

Author's Response: Awesome sum-up! Hit the nail on the head. Tomorrow you can see what will transpire in the Throne room...needless to say, all hell will break lose! Glad you enjoyed reading 'Eomer's and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day'... no really it is a book! Okay, so it's Alexander and not Eomer but the title still fits! ~G

What I thought? stubbornness is the scourge for mankind...

I loved Gamling's idea though ;-) - locking them in a room together. A small room with nothing but each other to occupy them with.
If they haven't smashed each other's heads after a day or two, they will probably have resolved their relationship problems.

Hmmm ... I am returning Aldhere to you just in case ;-), maybe his experience can help Arathea and Elfhelm to sort things out ...

Nice chapter though, keep it up!

Author's Response: Gamling is a very wise man...of course it took him over 10 years to approach his desire so he really cannot give elfhelm too much grief. and you may hold on to Master Aldhere for, although it would have been a neat thing for him to interfere, his part in this tale is done--sorry. Nowm I am off to post the next little part......hope you like ;) ~G