Fire · 5 June 2006 · Chapter 21: Chapter Twenty-one: Found
Just found this story today and I love it. You've really thought about it a lot, it's got so many details. I find it absolutly intrigueing. Keep writing please.
Masquerade by Elendiari22
Reviews (139)
Dreamflower · 4 June 2006 · Chapter 21: Chapter Twenty-one: Found
Wow! You've certainly explained a lot in this chapter, while still leaving a good deal of mystery yet to go! Poor Alatarial, what a horrid fate! I found myself sniffling, and at the same time furious with her father for being so cruel. But if they can finish the destruction of the mirrors then she will, at last be free! (And has it *really* been two years? are you sure? It doesn't seem that long...)
vampfan30 · 4 June 2006 · Chapter 21: Chapter Twenty-one: Found
hey, an update! read this story at the very beginning at the year when I finally stepped into the techy world by actually getting a computer! I started reading LOTR fanfic immediately & this was one of the first ones: needless to say, it was well worth the wait for a new chapter, for the intrigue still comes across as completely fresh. Love this story.... ^_^
Bodkin · 12 March 2006 · Chapter 20: Chapter Twenty: Now is Past
I'm with Arwen! You had indeed better tell us! Sooner rather than later. Things seem to be unravelling rather well - I hope there are no hiccups ahead. Aragorn and Arwen could definitely do with getting rid of their predecessors' ghosts before setting up housekeeping in the Royal Apartments. They don't want their offspring running around a la Pippin and Merry, being affected by magic mirrors. Bad as it was, Alatariel had a preferable fate to being placed in the care of that nasty Seregon. Death is one thing - corruption is another, and it sounds as if Seregon was about as corrupt as a Nazgul. Looking forward to discovering more.
Author's reply
Something I'm rather embarressed about is the fact that this chapter was ready to go a week ago, and then suddenly I had a score of papers to write for school and I forgot to post it. Luckily, I have an idea what will be happening next and I'm looking forward to writing it soon! Death would be preferable to Seregon, who definitely was as corrupt as a Nazgul. More is coming soon, I hope!
demeter d · 11 March 2006 · Chapter 20: Chapter Twenty: Now is Past
Welcome back. isn't it frustrating how "real life" gets in the way if time with our favorite stories? Best of luck to you with your schoolwork, and i hope your health is better. This being a lot of dialogue does not make it any less an exciting chapter that unfolds secrets and moves the story along. I will be anxiously waiting for you to decide what comes next!
Author's reply
Real life can be such a bum sometimes. I guess it's just a part of "growing up". I think I know what's going to come next-at least I've got a vague idea-but finding the time to sit down and write it will be a challenge. But it will hopefully be up soon!
Merry_the_Hobbit · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 20: Chapter Twenty: Now is Past
Eeewww! Creepy... shivers all over. Commendable job! Keep it up ;)
Author's reply
Thank you! I'll do my best.
Nimloth Bradamante · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 19: Chapter Nineteen: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Oo! It continues! And now we're getting some answers. Write more as soon as possible, please! Just a side note--I love the characters, you don't have a vendetta against any of them (most fanfic writers hate either Arwen, or Eowyn, or Faramir, or Boromir, or SOMEONE) and you give them all lovely personalities. My one criticism is made reluctantly. Much as I love the character you give everyone, it is only one character. Makes them a little hard to distinguish. No, it's not so bad as I've made it sound; they are by no means perfectly identical, but they just don't seem to be sufficiently different. However, that doesn't stop me loving the story and wanting more NOW. I love the Eowyn/Faramir bits, the Eomer/Lothiriel bits, the Aragorn/Arwen bits, the Eowyn/Arwen friendship. Much fun. And Frodo not characterised as a saintly/whiny/weak/nonentity type character. Thank you.
demeter d · 3 January 2006 · Chapter 19: Chapter Nineteen: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Ohhh, well done! I can imagine writing this in the middle of a stormy night would be, shall we say, a bit disturbing!Wonderful plot turn. Your villans just get nastier all of the time. Now, I wonder how much the Lord Captain and the rescueing party knew about what Findiulas had been up to in that wing? And how much can our curious Hobbits get out of him? I am enjoying this, very much.
Author's reply
Thank you! Yes, my villains are definitely making their evils known. And a certain Thorongil will be answering some questions, methinks. The next update should be coming soon.
Bodkin · 3 January 2006 · Chapter 19: Chapter Nineteen: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
I'm not surprised this managed to keep you awake! Very spooky. But the sort of story that needs to be taken out into the light of day. Particularly when you happen to have powerful elves and a wizard around to be helpful. I hope you are in full flow with this - because I really want to know what the Librarian is revealing and hear what the diary contained. I think they should go and tell Aragorn NOW! On a lighter note, I'm glad that Faramir (the man of words) was rendered speechless by the vision of Eowyn as dressed up by Arwen. And that Eomer and Lothiriel seem to be taking a remarkable amount of interest in discovering astronomy.
Author's reply
I think I'm in full flow with this, because I've finally figured out what has to happen before it can end! Everything's come together in my head, finally, and now I just have to write it down. As soon as the Librarian tells the rest of his story, they'll probably go straight to Aragorn. Hee, Faramir! And Eomer and Lothiriel, as well. This fic needs some humor to lighten things up. Glad you like it!
Dreamflower · 2 January 2006 · Chapter 19: Chapter Nineteen: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
OOoooh, yesss!! I can see how you managed to creep yourself out! This is *seriously* creepy! *whoosh* It takes me back to the mood you created in your very first chapter, of something ominous and dire both having happened and about to happen.
Author's reply
Let me tell you, I didn't get to bed until two because I was so jumpy. And I managed to scare myself silly by catching my own reflection in the mirror behind me. It was not my night. :)
Bodkin · 2 January 2006 · Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen: Looking for Answers
You have me very interested in this Librarian. Why would Gandalf send Merry and Pippin to him for information? When he could perfectly well tell them stuff himself. Could it be the natural mystique of a wizard that compels him to be obscure? I like Pippin's simple questioning method. And Eowyn is definitely being sensible in choosing Arwen as her diary-reading partner. You can't be nearly 3000 and not have developed a pretty strong resistance to the nasties of life. And keeping Aragorn in the next room mightn't be a bad idea either. On the party front - Arwen sounds to have done a very good job on sprucing up the Shieldmaiden. I imagine Faramir being most appreciative. And I love Arwen's dislike and rejection of some of Gondor's most hidebound customs. She and Aragorn will have to be careful not to overturn too many customs too quickly, but some of them are quite definitely overdue for the chop. (And even if Faramir wants to hang on to a few for old times' sake, he won't get much encouragement from Eowyn!) Superb line:- "And we do not go gallivanting off, as you put it. We go on educational detours.” Delightful.
Author's reply
Well, the Librarian stared out as a marginal character, and then Gandalf decided to be obscure and keep sending them back to him. Which actually works out quite well, I've found. Arwen and Eowyn will be reading the diary in the next chapter, and they will definitely have aragorn within shouting distance, just for comfort. As for the customs, they're likely just going to slowly and surely break each one, not making a big deal about it. Faramir won't be getting much encouragement over any weird ones sticking around, but he'll live. :) Hee, I'm glad you liked that line. It makes me laugh, too. Thanks!
Baggins Babe · 1 January 2006 · Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen: Looking for Answers
Well, I wonder why Gandalf is being so guarded - he is definitely being 'close' here, isn't he? I really hope you update soon, as I'm on the edge of my seat wondering what they are all about to discover. As for all those rules in Gondor - hooray for Aragorn! The sooner such things are thrown out the better. I really do wonder what Finduilas may have discovered....... You are building the tension beautifully and I never realised how threatening Minas Tirith and the Citadel could seem. Oh, and I loved Aragorn's remark about Frodo bawling him out! :-))
Author's reply
A lot of stories are about to follow, and hopefully some answers puzzled out. The traditions bit is my own opinion leaking through, I'm afraid. I've recently read a lot of fics where characters had to put up with traditions that are more Medieval than Tolkien, such as having the court witness a wedding night (!!!!), and other stuff of that ilk. But it does work for this story, making everything seem not so straight out Good or Evil. Luckily Aragorn, having been raised by elves and being aware of a higher purpose in life, will do away with a lot of things in his regency.
demeter d · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen: Looking for Answers
Ohh! welcome back after so long..Now you move the story forward a page, only to leave us with yet another cliff-hanger! Anxiously awaiting!
Author's reply
More is coming, and hopefully soon! I've finally figured out the drama, which ishalf the reason I was taking so long to update.
Dreamflower · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen: Looking for Answers
Now, what's Gandalf up to? Obviously he *could* have answered at least some of Merry's questions--there seems to be some reason he wants them to find out for themselves. And is the Librarian more than just a Librarian? I wonder...
Author's reply
Oh, Gandalf could definiely have answered some questions, but I get the feeling that he is enjoying being enigmatic. And the Librarian knows more on the matter than even Gandalf, so he's a good man to turn to.
shirebound · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen: Looking for Answers
"And we do not go gallivanting off, as you put it. We go on educational detours.” I think that's one of my favorite lines ever! What fun. :D
Author's reply
Ah, hobbits trying to justify themselves. It's fun. :)
Lyn · 24 November 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen:The Librarian
Alas! Such a classic story as this one should be marred by a colloquial bit of dialect rather than the highest standard of English. Confused? Not surprising. I refer to the verb To Sneak, which, until recently, had always been: sneak, sneaked, has sneaked. A regular verb, one that does not deviate. Old dictionaries are quite definite on this; new ones in America are vacillating and some are accepting the change. The current "word", "snuck" (like a virus with RNA) is duplicating itself in the most rampant manner. Most properly, it belongs to the dialect spoken by country folk of the hills in South Missouri or the Appalachians in the East of the United States. As in, "Deer Fred, I snuck into yer yard to git m'dog. If'n you wanna go huntin' agin, give a holler. Ain't in any hurry." Should you revise the story and substitute "sneaked" for snuck, no one, absolutely NO ONE will complain. Sorry, but the word snuck, while becoming popular and rather ubiquitous, stands out like wearing high heels while climbing a mountain or an onion growing in a prize rose garden. This IS a classic story, in my opinion. As such, it deserves the very best in terms of vocabulary.
Merry_the_Hobbit · 22 November 2005 · Chapter 17: Chapter Seventeen: Finduilas
oooooo. Cool, I like this chapter a lot! You have to keep writing though, I need more information. :)
Author's reply
Will do! Although it would be nice if Finduilas started talking to me! :)
Bodkin · 22 November 2005 · Chapter 17: Chapter Seventeen: Finduilas
Eowyn is very good for Faramir - he needs someone with her enthusiasm to remind him of his own worth. And talking of his mother and remembering happier days - when his father was rather more amiable - can only be good for him. But what did Finduilas find that drove her into depression? (Don't read that black book on your own, Eowyn! Find a hobbit or two. Or a Gandalf.) Although I don't think she is at as much risk. The Shadow has been driven out, she is young and in love - that should armour her against whatever she might find. I like the collection of mumakil. But I can't see Eowyn enjoying The Midnight Embrace much. Too much mush and not enough sword-play. But you never know! Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
You're right, Eowyn is very good for Faramir. She's from a naturally cheerful people, so she can experience joy easier than the Gondorians can, I think. THat's how I see it, anyway. :) Ah, the black book. Yes, Eowyn will need to induce a hobbit pile and find the wizard before she reads it. But she's a smart, strong girl, and like you said she is well-armored against depression. She'll be okay. Honestly? The mumakil come from "The Secret Garden", which I was reading when I wrote this scene. And The Midnight Embrace is waaay too smushy for Eowyn, but maybe she'll like it. Who knows? ^_^
Dreamflower · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 17: Chapter Seventeen: Finduilas
What a sweet conversation between Eowyn and Faramir! I'm so glad he has some happy memories of his mother, and such a pleasant room to remember her in. This is a nice interlude in between all the mystery and intrigue! I wonder what could be in the little black book? And yes--we *do* want more of this story, and have not tired of waiting. At least speaking for myself! Look forward to more--I *hope* it's not so long, but if it is, I'll still be here.
Author's reply
Happy memories are important, especially for Faramir. The poor man needs some happy memories! The black book. Hmm... :) I'm glad you'll still be reading! This story is getting so crazy that I don't know how it's ever going to end!
Shieldmaiden of Rohan · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 17: Chapter Seventeen: Finduilas
I still want the story! And you're better than I am... my muse has completely abandoned my fic, it seems. I've barely worked on it in about a month and a half. I loved the interaction between Faramir and Eowyn in this one. I can see them interacting just like that, and it was very sweet. I also love that Eowyn tricked Faramir into letting her snoop around. :D So what's the book? Is it her journal or something? :)
Author's reply
Well, considering I last updated in late August...my muse has been on hiatus, too. This muse, at least, I've another poking me to write another long story. You've hit the nail on the head. Now the question is, whose journal? ;) Thanks for reading! I hope the next updae will come sooner!
Hai Took · 2 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter Sixteen: Accident
I don't know how I managed to miss TWO chapters! Well Merry and Pippin and Bergil certainly got themselves into more trouble! Of course I didn't expect much less than that. At least Aragorn has agreed to let them alone about exploring as long as they have himself or Gandalf with them. It doesn't seem like Gandalf will be too keen to explore some of this or let others explore it. What might he know? I think these people should just be giving over the answers! But then the story wouldn't be nearly as suspenseful would it? Looking forward to more!
Bodkin · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter Sixteen: Accident
Aragorn is acknowledging himself beaten, then. He knows his limits! If Arwen is determined to investigate, then so be it. And Gandalf is giving hints and cryptic clues. I don't know about elves saying yea and nay. They can't beat wizards. Poor Bergil - I think he's absolutely horrified at the hobbits being so familiar with that mythical figure, THE KING. And then to find that the king is quite understanding about the impossibility of a 10 year old boy resisting the charm and influence of hobbits of 28 and 36. Mind you, Frodo seems to have mastered the art of terrorising his cousins. Probably just as well, really, considering the amount of time he has had to deal with them, together with their general unmanageability. Good stuff. I'm looking forward to more.
Shieldmaiden of Rohan · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter Sixteen: Accident
Ooh, I was wondering when Eowyn was going to get back in on this. And I'm still quite curious to see what Denethor and Finduillas have to do with Alatariel and her story, since it keeps coming up. And poor Pippin! I'm glad he's ok.
Dreamflower · 27 August 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter Sixteen: Accident
Duh. I meant "The Road to *ISENGARD*! Sorry! My fingers got ahead of my brain.
Dreamflower · 27 August 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter Sixteen: Accident
This is getting stranger and stranger. Obviously, both Gandalf and Aragorn know more about the empty rooms and what happened than they are letting on--it would seem logical that the easiest way to put and end to the hobbits' and ladies' curiousity would simply be to *tell* them...so what there is to tell must be very mysterious indeed if they are not doing that. That said, I adored the humor in this. There were so *many* lovely lines: “Bizarre,” Pippin announced finally. “Absolutely batty. Belecthor was quite obviously mad as a fish.” “I see no argument there. And we thought that Frodo was odd,” muttered Merry. “The Ringbearer?” squawked Bergil, looking thoroughly shocked at the comparison of the ultimate hero to a mad steward. Absolutely bang on character for all three: Pip's irreverence about the old Steward, Merry's casual and cousinly irreverence about Frodo, and Bergil's reverent shock at the comparison, LOL! Merry gave him a small grin. “I don’t think that would work, Strider. Queen Arwen would just take it away from you while you were asleep and give it to us.” Merry may have been a bit late getting *into* this conspiracy, but he is thoroughly and completely into it now, and exploiting every advantage! “Why?” Merry asked nervously. He did not like that look on anybody’s face; it could only mean one thing. “Because I think you are about to get the talking-down of your life, Meriadoc,” the King replied, and beckoned to the door, which Frodo had just silently passed through. The Ringbearer was swelling like a bullfrog, and Merry inwardly groaned. “I’ll leave you alone,” Aragorn said, stepping quickly towards the door. “Come, Bergil.” And here comes Frodo, in full senior cousin mode to give Merry what-for and make him feel like a faunt in the process! I love that you did not even show it--just Merry's reaction to it. It made it so much more dire! *grin* And then we get some more hints about "A Merry War", which I love seeing--I do love when one fic references another. And finally, all of Gandalf's mysterious warnings to Eowyn. When I was doing a summary of "The Road to Edoras", I mention that Gandalf can be extremely irritating at time the way he withholds information, and doles it out in cryptic hints. I think you have captured that aspect of his personality perfectly here! Looking forward now to more updates--never satisfied, are we? 8-D