He is perfect for her, got to love him! And Frearid, too. I think I didn't quite change my opinion, he is my favorite in this story. BUT noone surpasses ELDER GUTKNECHT ;-)

I would be curious as to the fate of the advisor though... I am not sure if you are going to include that in the following chapter, but I wondered how hard the Rohirrim in your story would punish such a crime.

Author's Response: I was going to 'deal' with the advisor in this fic, but that would have made things drag and I am kinda trying to keep this within Tolkien's timeline (and I was trying to avoiding epic length stories) I may still do a little one shot just to give him his just deserts...I do not believe it to be a capital offense, but it will not be just a slap on the hand. I'll have to think about that. As it is I am struggling with getting Éomer’s story written and that needs to be done so this series can be complete.

Sweet. Those two teasers ;-)

But at least they now start to show their affections more openly now. I didn't think though that Erkenbrand would have gone to Cynwen for advise, but it seems a reasonable enough choice...

And again: nice how the stories overlap!

Author's Response: Thanks! I am trying to keep them all tied together...the stories...not the characters! lol He needed to go to some one who knew about these things and would not judge or gossip or make him feel stupid. I think he felt close to Lady Cynwen since they talked after Ealwyn was beat. A woman know what a woman wants...plus it worked out well since they both sought advice from the same person--in some ways she was given leave to meddle, and trust me...she did...very well! I will be posting more tonight (need to proof and fix what came back from my beta) As a side note....Hesgar's story is coming along nicely and should be ready for my Beta before the end of the weekend! ~G

That did please me :-), thank you very much!
Such a beautiful description of her appearance. It somehow made me remember a scene from the musical Rebecca which is based on Hitchcock's Rebecca. Right before the masquerade ball when she dresses up and sings (roughly translated):

Stardust in my hair.
Fairy tail or true?
I look at me and can't believe it.
This woman in the mirror is that truly me?

Just that here, there is no rude awakening... ;-)

And then: that was so typically Elfhelm, made me smile actually. It's also nice to have all three couples together now and see them interact so warmly. I never really expected them to know each other in the end, yet alone be so close friends.

Eomer has a wicked sense of humor (that I like very much ;-) ) and he couldn't have known how his joke would be regarded, so it's not really his fault and he handled the situation very well I think.

Now everything seems to come out all right and Erkenbrand and Ealwyn are getting comfortable with their growing affection, finally. The trip together did some good then and I guess Cynwen will be mightily pleased ;-)

~ Massanie ~

PS: if Hesgar's story is finished now, does that mean that I can be nasty again to anyone I like in my story because you can't harm my favorite anymore? ;-)

Author's Response: I really wanted the stories to entertwine...glad it is working. Elfhelm is Elfhelm and that will never change. As for Hesgar...his tale might be written, but is not yet posted AND Eomer still has his story and well, woundn't want any kind of an accident, now would we? You just make Erestor better (and give him some loving?) and all will be well... ~G

A very sweet and very fitting ending. I liked the grave-scene, considering how much she adored and missed her father. He'd probably be proud of her ... which makes me pondering the question again about where the Secondborn go after death. It's just so reassuring for the elves to have Mandos, such a comfortable thought. Oh damn, I'm getting somewhat wistful again, sorry ... ;-)

I guess it will still take a while until all the scars of the past will fade into nothingness for Ealwyn, but she's on her way.

;-) And now Aglaril, Gamling, Arathea and Elfhelm can come for the next wedding. And Eomer is probably going to sulk a little bit more. God, I wish him happy.

But now I'm looking forward to my favorite finding the mind-blowing joy in his life just as he deserves! And mind you, I'm not settling for less ;-)

Author's Response: Glad you like the ending. it is my belief that the secondborn (as is evident by Theoden's comments about going to the table/halls of his forfathers) beleive in a spiritual realm of some sort. Therefore, Ealwyn might feel that her father can "see" her from the otherside and Erkenbrand was in fact asking for her betrothal before her father. I did leave this open (for a wedding or such) but I do not plan on returning to this tale at this time---still have to finish Eomer's and I have a sequel to an evish slash that has been sitting for a year or more. So, You will have to just image the rest although when all the stories in this series are done, I will have a one chapter culmination of how they all come together so to speak. I hope you will not be disappointed with Hesgar's tale. As it was not part of the original plan (as he is not canon) it is really a little aside to this end of this tale. However, I think it fits perfectly with who Hesgar is...off to start posting! see you there... ~G

I like the miller. I really do. Yes, he is overly protective, but he knows that the day will come, when his *little flower* grows up and he accepts that. He is stubborn, but not too stubborn to accept help or to reconsider an opinion he has had for ages.

Great chapter!

...Just thinking: I would have loved to hear Frearid's comment (or see his grin) when Hesgar asked him to keep an eye out for her ;-). While Hesgar probably tried to reason that she is an underage girl in need of protection, I think Frearid would have known it was more than that. I can imagine his smirk and Hesgar's grumbled response ;-) priceless...

Author's Response: Thank you. I tried to make the Miller a believable Dad and even the most protective Dad know deep down that his little girl will grow up. If he's done his job, she might just find a decent husband. I think given what Hesgar has been through Frearid might cut him a little slack, but I am sure there were pleanty of snickers and open jaws as Hesgar 'worked' for the miller! Only one more chapter and maybe an epilogue left. Just got the first chapter's of Eomer's story back from my beta :)

Yeah I did. First thing I wondered: how the heck did you notice him? Must be the difference between those favouring the Firstborn and those favouring the Secondborn. Whenever I see the camera wandering over the soldiers standing there, my eyes are trained to theelves :D

Handsome guy, though; must be the only man looking confidant and almost happy when facing superior forces of Orcs and other monsters. how does he do that? Must have been some kind of madness ... but then, it would be a rather fitting kind of behaviour for Hesgar, wouldn't it?

And I am really honoured that this story kinda sprouted from my obsessive eulogies about his person ;-)
But maybe you would have devoted him a little tale of his own given time and space. I like to think so

Author's Response: Oh trust me! I noticed the elves first--this is after all my first attempt at human writing. All my other stuff is elf and slash! What I remember is the look of awe and (like you said) confidence on his face. It is like he thinks they now have a chance. The image came after the character though--when I decided to give him a fic, I went looking for an image. If it were not for you Hesgar would not have a fic. I had intended to only have 4 stories (canon males with OFC) but your thoughts and comments inspired me. So, thank you my dear muse :) ~G

Ah yes. Pride. It can very suddenly and unexpectedly turn out to be your greatest enemy. And her father is a very proud man, so I am glad that he accepted the help in the end. For a moment I thought he wouldn't. He seems to be rather bitter and set in his ways. But then again, a father is entitled to some protectiveness, isn't he?

And Lilium: "just got warm"? uh-huh...

And thanks for taking the time and writing this story, I think it is very well done and I love the idea of seeing him happy with a sweet lady like her.

Author's Response: You are very welcome. I enjoyed this one. The miller is set in his ways and the only think sometimes more protective than a father is a brother; the miller's sister had her heart broken by a rider...and now one is sniffing around his daughter...Oh I'd say is is very wary! Now what was Lilium supposed to say to a 5 year old? "I got horny"? yah, in this story our dear rider knows who he wants and the girl wants him...now they just have to get Da okay with it...oh, and she needs to come of age before anything physical happens. So sweat....*snort* ~G

Ah, so I see you still like to play with the image of Arathea and Eomer (I still think they would have been good for another. But hey, who am I to object Arathea *and* Eomer get to be happy in the end?)

And Erestor would certainly have been proud of his daughter. Graceful and ever in control even when - compared to him - she is so young. But the image of Erestor came to my mind: how he would have reacted to hearing Beriedis' characterisation of the Rohirrim and how he would have squelched her in such a way that noone would later be able to accuse him of discourtesy. He would choke her with words, silence her with wit and knowledge always with a small smile or a smirk that would clearly tell her of his superiority ... *sigh*, I love him ;-)

But I'm drifting off again. Nice chapter!
I think living with Eomer will in the end be a salvation for Lothiriel. Getting away from the expectations of the court in Gondor, being able to live more carefree...

Author's Response: I keep going back to the other stories to keep everything chronological order and like to connect them somehow. Arathea is going to be one connection. I love your description of how Erestor would handle Beriedis! lol it's perfect. The interesting thing is that at this point...Thea does not even know Erestor is her father. Well, a few more snippets and then things will flow a bit more smoothly...plot wise, not story wise. For all the good Lady Beriedis means, it will make things hard for Lothiriel for quite some time and Éomer miserable but he is a smart boy...he'll work around her.

oh, how I *love* Elrohír. Diplomatic yet mischievous... I am glad though they didn't send Elladan. That would have been something!

Beriedis will get a heart attack one day, I'm almost sure, poor lady. She's jumping to conclusions rather quickly, doesn't she?
I wonder what Lothiriel's brother would have to say to Beriedis meddling with his love life! I would think that in contrast to Lothiriel they would be self-confident enough to rebel...

Hey: what does a chaperone do if their charge is married? Will they simply try to take on another child to care for (most likely case, isn't it?) or will they be provided for by the family of their last charge or maybe join the household to further help the one they cared for?

Nice chapter, I wonder what Aragorn is going to say to his foster-family's scheming...

Author's Response: Yah, Elladan is often portrayed as more impaulsive and brash than his brother. I assure you Beriedis will not have a heart attack (though many may be hoping) Amrothos would chuckle at her comment and remind her that his father is alive and well so he has no need for her services. Now as to what happens, all your suggestions are very good. My initial thought had been that they would be free to pursue what every they wished although many might have remained on hand to help over see the nobles house or nanny for the children. Beriedis' fate will be revealed later. Aragorn would not really be thrilled and would rather not now as he does not want a national/political incident! I pretty sure he will be rolling his eyes when he finally catches on.

huh, now I feel I should apologize for the last comment. Didn't I say something about me speaking first and regretting later? yeah well... *sigh* ... I'm sorry!
I thought of deleting the comment and writing a new one but I think the first reaction, the honest reaction of a reader is of greatest importance for an author, so I'll leave it...

With the explanation Faramir gives, the behavior of Imrahil, Lothiriel and even Beriedis are rather understandable and realistic. Looking back in history we can always see examples of societies who think themselves superior. So much the more surprising that Lothiriel turned out the way she did, not adapting her chaperone's opinions.

Enough of that for now: I was so smiling over Eomer's letter. He made himself quite vulnerable, telling her so openly about his feelings. But what actually made me smile was that I don't think that this made him uncomfortable. I think it needs a very strong personality to be able to show one's weakness and be self-confident at the same time. Most eligible bachelor of Rohan. Ha! Imrahil should be overjoyed that Lothiriel caught his attention! ... sorry, that were my fingers moving of their own volition again ;-)

Author's Response: I am SO happy you did not delete the other comment! That is what I try to do with my writing...evoke reactions and then, justify it all. Therefore there is no need to appologize. While Lothiriel has Lady Beriedis (who I might add really is not old) she does have 3 brothers who love her and help buffer. Well, you will have to wait for my little plot change and who knows...maybe I'll change my mind again and keep it as is...but I think I like the new direction and twist...more soon! ~G