Oh man, that final line was just so sad. Good thing Amroth is holding her, cause she really does need a hug.

I mean, I get where she's coming from, she's not going to abandon her father, which Amroth obviously would never expect her to do anyway. But the whole thing with her mother committing suicide because he sons were killed, putting herself last to try in some small way to make up for all the devastation that Duihir has gone through. And herself as well, of course. I get the guilt, and that she has no control over it, but it's still very sad. At least Amroth knows she's not rejecting him, when he returns to Dol Amroth, as I assume he'll have to, then he'll at least have that to hold onto.

The first scene was lovely. Imrahil saying goodbye to his daughter. And the scene with Alphros was adorable. So cute that he clearly liked Devoran and thinks of her as his new friend. So nice to see that he's being decisive about things, even if it's not going to be immediately rewarded. I have a feeling that clearly knowing what he wants will help him find a way through the bramble patch that will be getting Devoran to marry him. I hate to think that Duinhir will have to die, since I'm sure that won't produce any reason for her to contemplate doing something that would cause her happiness, so I'll just be patient and see how this unfolds. I did like that Imrahil clearly thinks Devoran is a suitable match, that's always a relief. And I rather loved that Amroth brought provisions with him. Way to think ahead.

I really liked your inclusion of Alhael's decisions, his profiting now that things have stabilized, and his neglect of Duinhir & Devoran. I can't imagine that someone like Amroth would think very kindly of someone that shirked not just their responsibility & duty, but moral obligations as devastation reigned down on Minas Tirith; and especially as he's now profiting with the peace he did nothing to help achieve, as he indicated. Others are doing well, but they also risked much, and deserve the reward for those risks. To see the impoverished nature of Devoran's circumstance has to especially chafe.

Oh, I had meant to mention in my review of the last chapter, I thought it was very interesting that some of the servants seem to have Rhorric sounding names. Wondering if they have some background from the other-side of the mountains, or if perhaps there is a mingling of cultures at this close proximity, even with the physical separation. I did love the surmised back story for Drummer, very realistic.

I am so enjoying this.

I really, really, really, like Devoran. Really do. Very much looking forward to getting to know her.

I loved the part that related to the wedding. Devoran seeing Amroth for the first time and really realizing how handsome he is, but also that he's got good qualities, that he's not just a rake, though he's that too. Very sweet scene you wrote for that. Also, nice seeing the jealousy, something we really didn't see with E & L, who can object to or be catty with a princess if she's being courted by a king? That just fits. But Devoran obviously doesn't come from a wealthy family, or they aren't anymore, though it's an important one. But it was fun to see them wondering what she has that they don't.

The part about Ana was quite interesting. She obviously was still hung up on Amroth, but realized it's unrealistic, and did the practical thing. I think it's probably for the best, since she was never going to marry a prince, but the man she seems to be marrying would be considered a good catch, especially for a young woman that has no family & little money.

Other than that I don't have a whole lot to say, this was a bit of an introductory chapter as far as she goes. Though, her situation is so sad. Realistic, but sad. I will say, she's obviously a very strong & resourceful young woman. I kept thinking of Amroth when she was talking about someone sending them a deer, I'm sure that was on purpose. Not that she's expecting it, but it seems like something he might do.

Drummer is rather adorable as well.

Oh, I loved reading this!

This is getting better and better! Dev is very lovable. I don't think I've ever read anything of yours that had quite this flavor. It feels like a cozy British novel. More, please! :D

aw, you have such an amazing mix of emotions in this chapter, she's so very much in love with amroth but she has such a sad story to tell. i do hope amroth will come to his senses and follow her soon-they are ment to be if i ever say it.

cannot wait for more-write fast!

blacky xox

Aww... this chapter was... perfect. It was very nice. I don't know why I loved it so much. but I did! Very nice story! can't wait to read the rest!

Nela

Love your writing style, it's quite lovely.

I do think though, that Devoran comes across as just a little Mary-Sueish. I'm not certain of her character, yet. But maybe that will come with time.

Oh, so heart-wrenching! No more hugs, and all she can do is hug her father and hold him when she wants nothing more than the same in return. You've got me teary-eyed - for shame!

Great chapter!

- Deandra

But those devils did for him; he will never be the same. ? I think I know what you're saying but it seems like a word or two is missing. ?

Perhaps she felt I should not be I went for my bath the next day, she was different, happier, I think. ? same as above - seems like something's missing ?

Oh that's so sad! Great chapter!

Ugh, so sorry this took so long to get to, crazy week. Though there is some value to letting what I've read ruminate in my brain long enough that what I type becomes coherent!

Even with that, I really have enjoyed the first two chapters. Amroth seems throughly enamored of Devoran. Letting her ride Lady is a significant step so soon after they've met.

The scene with Alphros was absolutely hysterical. Wonderful bit of writing there. I know you've indicated to me in the past that he would be fleshed out in this part of the story, and what you've done is really a fantastic beginning. A wonderfully mischievous little boy, whom everyone adores, but is still a pain in the butt, it somehow seems just perfect. Little boys shouldn't be angels!

I kinda felt sorry for Ana, I do hope she's over her infatuation with Amroth.

I loved both the touches of Devoran meeting Aragorn, and also Éomer having given her father a horse in appreciation for all his people had done during the battle. I had wondered if you were going to have him introduce her to Aragorn & Arwen. It seemed entirely plausible that Aragorn would want to meet her, and I could see Amroth maybe wanting to introduce them anyway, hoping it might impress her. Him trying to keep her away from Erchi was quite amusing.

One touch I really did appreciate was his musing that she was about the same size as Lothíriel, recalling the conversation that the two of them had just a few days prior. Indicating he really has begun to think in terms of Devoran perhaps being the person to fill the void in his life that he's musing over at the beginning of the story. Also, I like the way you've had him being very careful in his dealings with her, so unlike he's been in the past. I do wonder if his summer in The Mark might also have something to do with his changed outlook?

I really loved the intimacy of the turtle scene, and Amroth's stolen kiss. Just a lovely way of ending this chapter/section of the story.

I know you've indicated this will be a very different type of romance, with lots of emotional healing to deal with. But that just makes me all that much more excited, quite honestly. Just like the action parts of 'Choices' was different from what I'd read from you in the past, dealing with emotional angst that has to be healed before the characters can find their happiness is also different. I know that E & L both had to deal with those things, and to some degree they had to do it together, but really their relationship, and meeting, was what made for a final healing. This is very different, and I look forward to seeing how you deal with this different setting/scenario as well.

I also really enjoyed, laughed, at Oríon's practicality, the ship builder's daughter. That seems very appropriate for the setting.

Well done, looking forward to the update, and Devoran's thoughts.

I love the honesty and curiosity of children, and you have captured a young Alphros very well! I look forward to seeing what happens next between Devoran and Amroth. I hope she becomes as smitten as he is!

my goodness you can write so much, so well in a relativly short length of time, you're putting the rest of us to shame.

and it was a great chapter. i love how she's so innocent on some ways and so adventurous in others. you're really writing a lovely character-and just what our wayward amroth needs!

can't wait for her side of the story-looking forward to it,

blacky

I am really enjoying this! Devoran sounds like an interesting lady. Your writing is as good as ever.

Hugs,

Sarah x

Oh, Alphros is priceless! Very enjoyable so far. Thanks!

awesome story! i'm desperately looking forward to updates on this one. be fast!

amroth is one of my favorite characters xD

and i like devoran. she's smart.

update soon!