Merry_the_Hobbit · 27 August 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter Sixteen: Accident
Wow... I'm not really sure what to say besides... I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!! Keep writing, I am waiting on the edge of my seat.
Masquerade by Elendiari22
Reviews (139)
Shieldmaiden of Rohan · 27 August 2005 · Chapter 15: Chapter Fifteen:To the Alchemy Room
Took me awhile to get around to this, but I'm glad I did. The librarian sounds like a pretty cool guy. And I love how you tied this in with "A Merry War". And nothing wrong with the idea of defecting to Rohan. :D
Bodkin · 15 August 2005 · Chapter 15: Chapter Fifteen:To the Alchemy Room
Now that's what I call a librarian! 'You lads go straight back there and continue your studies.' What a guy! And they found so much more - that was all so intriguing. And 'many of them opened naturally to certain sections' did they? Someone's been here before, lads. Perhaps you need to find out who! Tantalising stuff. But I don't know that I would squeeze through a secret entrance into a hidden room about which no-one knows. Not unless I had a squad of guards waiting outside with a rope. And I was accompanied by Mithrandir. And Elessar. With his sword. I hope your imagination is working overtime! More soon, please.
Author's reply
You know, I really like that librarian. There should be more like him. Yes, they definitely need to take into account the fact that someone has gone through these books before them. Heads will be hitting desks when they realize they've overlooked that. Personally, I wouldn't have gone searching for that room without Aragorn, either! These lads are either really brave or really stupid. Or both. Amazingly, the next chapter is with my beta already. I really need to pick up the pace with the updating, lol. I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Dreamflower · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 15: Chapter Fifteen:To the Alchemy Room
Now this is really a cool chapter! I hope you won't take it wrong--I mean it as a compliment--but this chapter kind of reminds me of the Harry Potter books, when Harry and his friends are going through the library trying to find clues--it's that same breathless search for they don't know what, and any little thing of interest might, or might not, be important. I loved the bit with Legolas butting into their conversation, and the little reminder of "A Merry War". Too funny! I'm so glad to see more of this up!
Author's reply
No worries, I really like the HP books! I'm glad that this fic makes you think of them. :) Legolas is fun to write; I've had a review over at ff.net begging me to include him, so here he is. I'm glad to have it finally updated! I've been at a standstill on this fic for far too long!
macallnilegirl · 11 August 2005 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four: The Secret Room
**************Elen**********************, This story started, let's say warm, now after the chapter I just read it's getting very cold. I agree with Pippin. While you read this story you should drink something HOT. Where did you get the idea for such a story??????????????????? I want to read more!!!!Please. Hope you enjoy my coments, *********************************************************************************************************MaCallnilegirl***************************************
Author's reply
So, I'll make sure to fix you up some hot chocolate next time, okay? You can absolutely read more! There's a lot more coming and I'm nowhere near finished yet. I have no idea where the story came from, especially this chaopter; I just sat down and it wrote itself (as some stories must). I love your comments! I like getting reviews. Happy reading!
Hai Took · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen:The Librarian
Wait! Is alchemy the study of life? Or not dying something like that? I'm sure I will figure it out eventually!
Hai Took · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen:The Librarian
Hm, I know that I know what Alchemy is but I can't remember at the moment! Just that the room has no windows and no doors disturbs me though! The librarian seems to know a bit, but I guess as a good librarian it ought he isn't just handing over the information, although I wish he would just to get it over with! Looking forward to more!
Farawyn · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen:The Librarian
"Do you think she'd let me hug her if I ran at her like that?" Lovely! You had me laughing. And the Librarian was very ... intreaging. Why do I get the feeling that he knows something that we do not? Update very soon! Farawyn P.S. I love your "The Merry War" I always wondered why the hobbits had that much-too-innocent looks on their faces in Rivendell.
Author's reply
Yay for laughter! I was going for a lighter tone with this chapter, and I see it worked. :) Isn't the librarian cool? You get that feeling because he does know something we don't. And I'm sure this plot will be furthered greatly when he tells me what it is! I'm definitely going to be updating quicker! I think you all deserve it! And re: "A Merry War": I'm glad you like it! I'm having so much fun writing light-hearted stuff it's not even funny. ^_^
shirebound · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen:The Librarian
Eowyn found herself being bundled out of the room, pushed by hobbit hands. She glanced back at her brother and fiancé, calling, “I don’t know who it could have been. I’m sorry to disappoint you! Oh, and we owe Bergil some land in the Westfold.” *snicker* Oooh, and a secret Alchemy Room! The plot thickens even further...
Author's reply
Thickening plots are such fun!
Bodkin · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen:The Librarian
'Oh, and we owe Bergil some land in the Westfold.' Now there's a remark that would leave you speechless! I think Aragorn's words of rustic wisdom are very apt here. And they might as well jump on the train, because they don't have a chance of derailing it. The forward motion is now far too inevitable. 'All right, lads, our mission for today (should you choose to accept it) is to comb the Great Library for maps of the abandoned wing.' Very Mission Impossible. Love the humour of this section! I can just see Merry in his Nelson-style hat, splicing the mainbrace - while Pippin and Bergil go for the spotted handkerchief look. And it's great to see the library - and the librarian on his throne - coming into their own! (He is right - some things are best left undisturbed. The trouble is knowing which things they are, because others need daylight to disperse the shadows.) I can just see them all wallowing in ancient gossip - and getting a picture of the demented Belecthor. I hope they find out why he was demented (palanthir again? Or the effects of Alchemy?) because otherwise Faramir will get all neurotic about madness in the family and refuse to marry Eowyn because of his tainted genes, for the sake of the unborn children. Good stuff.
Author's reply
These poor men are being left behind in the dust. Now I wonder if Eomer will be giving Bergil land. :) The hobbits and their good humor are fun to write. After all, they haven't spent the night in a haunted room in a closed section of the citadel, and they've had a good breakfast. Silliness will reign. Wouldn't that be tragic, if Faramir were to go all neurotic? I won't do that to him, but it's a plausible argument. Poor guy. Luckily, they will figure out why Belecthor is demented, sooner than later. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen:The Librarian
Oh my! The lads are really into this now! I love Pippin's matter-of-fact announcement about the girl in red "it was a ghost". He's gone from being really spooked over the idea to being rather blase about it, LOL! And for some reason your descriptions of the library put me in mind of the libraries in Hogwarts and at the University in Ankh-Morpok. Although the librarian does not sound in the least bit like an orangutang.*grin* Seriously though, it was cool to see Pippin getting absorbed in research, and to show Merry cooly tracing the maps. I love the way you are portraying their personalities.
Author's reply
There were two sides to Pippin's comment about the ghost: it's both true, because it *was* a ghost, but it also sounds silly, like someone saying "it's a mystery" to indulge a child. But yes, he is getting pretty blase about teh whole situation! I like big, dusty old libraries. The one at Hogwarts would send me into throws of joy if I were actually able to go to it, lol! I'm really glad you like how I'm portraying the lads. Thanks for reading!
Shieldmaiden of Rohan · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen:The Librarian
Alchemy room? Ooh, that sounds interesting. And I like the librarian. And huzzah for Jack!Merry!! But I think this was my favorite line... “You’re not going to be like everyone else here and tell us to stay out of trouble, are you?” Pippin demanded. “Because I’m fairly certain we will ignore you."
Author's reply
The plot thickens! I'm having lots of fun with this. :) Jack!Merry! is the result of watching PoTC while working on this chapter. I really must stop doing that, lol. Isn't Pippin great? He's dead serious with that statement, and the librarian knows it. I think we'll be seeing more of that man, too. I like him.
Nimloth Bradamante · 12 June 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen: Something Wicked This Way Comes
Woooooow! First I'd like to make it clear that I NEVER read fanfics more than a thousand or so words long. Or if I do, I ABSOLUTELY never read works in progress. That said, I have to admit that this story sucked me in and kept me there. (I'm a sucker for masquerades ever since Phantom of the Opera, I'm afraid). I have loved every minute of this work. You are truly far above the norm for fanfic writers. You write with incredible ease. Your story flows well. You have actually managed to write a plot which is moderately scary, which is unpredictable and 'more'-ish. You simply can't get that with most fanfics. This is the best fanfic I have ever read. I love so much about it. I was mentally 'squee'-ing while Eomer and Lothiriel were getting together. Your portrayal of Arwen makes her seem a little like a mortal but incredibly faithful to the book. You are an Eowyn fan who loves Arwen. GOOD ON YA!!!!! People like you are hard to find. Also I love the way you do slightly AU things, like introducing tea as part of Rivendell life or bringing coffee from Dol Amroth or that whole hilarious affair with Aragorn vs Hobbits at Rivendell: ink in the tea etc. I believe this is what Tolkien may have meant when he talked about other pens exploring his world further. Well, I am hooked and thirsting for more. Pleeeeeeeaaaaaase update soon!!!!!!!
Author's reply
First off, I must thank you for the lovely review! It brought a huge smile to my face. I'm glad I've got you hooked on a WIP, and I'm really happy that you love this story. I'm trying to keep it flowing, and I'm so happy that you think it's working! In all honesty, the Phantom of the Opera is what originally gave me the idea for this, lol. Lothiriel quotes it at one point, if you caught that. Oh, yes, Arwen and Eowyn. I never saw the point in loving one and hating the other. I always imagined them becoming good friends, seeing as they're the two most powerful women in the realm. They're a lot of fun to write, too. This tale was originally hobbit-centric, but the ladies walzed in and took over. :) I'm working on the next chapter right now, and I hope to have it to my beta by this evening. I haven't updated in far too long, bbut life got in the way...I hope you'll like the next chapter! Thank you again for the lovely review!
Hai Took · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen: Something Wicked This Way Comes
At least the room let Eowyn and Arwen out! I was beginning to wonder! More mysteries revealed! Who took the book, or box from the room? I hope we'll find out! I liked hearing of the war between Aragorn and the hobbits, sounds like there is a story there as well. Nice little way to break up the tension! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Mysteries are such fun, and they're surprisingly easy to write. :) The room let the ladies out because they found what they were supposed to, and so could go. More will be coming. The prnak war may be the subject of my next project. It would be a fun fic to write. Thanks for reading!
Dreamflower · 20 May 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen: Something Wicked This Way Comes
I didn't get a chance to review when I read this last night! So: I love it! The plot is thickening very nicely and it looks like almost everyone except Frodo and Sam are in on it now--can they be far behind? And will Frodo go all disapproving and older cousin on Merry and Pippin, or will he want in on the fun? Or maybe both, one after another? My favorite part though was Merry and Pippin recounting the prank war with Strider, and Bergil trying not to giggle. I would love to see some of those anecdotes spun out into their own little fics. (And what on *earth* did Arwen say to Aragorn's black teeth? And when the pranks were going down, were Elladan and Elrohir on their brother's side, or the hobbits'? *snicker*grin*)
Author's reply
Merry and Pippin's prank war is something that has been playing in my head for awhile. I may actually write it, when this one is over. :) Frodo and Sam may get in on the action sooner or later. I've been trying to compress it to as few characters as possible, but it seems that everyone wants in on this one!
Mysterious Jedi · 20 May 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen: Something Wicked This Way Comes
Still looking forward to even more of this story! <>< Saved from sin through Christ, MJ
Author's reply
And it's definitely coming!
Shieldmaiden of Rohan · 20 May 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen: Something Wicked This Way Comes
I think I forgot to review the last chapter because I was in the midst of end-of-semester stuff... sorry. Anyway, great chapter, as always. Love how the plot's thickening with Eomer and Faramir seeing the girl in the window. And I'm also curious about what shut Eowyn and Arwen in there in the first place. (Loved the little fit Eowyn threw, by the way, especially the part about smiting something. Fits perfectly with my conception of her character.) I also loved the discussion of the prank war between the hobbits and Aragorn! Poor Bergil--he didn't stand a chance of not cracking up at the thought of the King with black teeth. And describing it as a "merry war" reminds me of Much Ado About Nothing. :) Hurry up and post again! I want to know about that missing book!
Author's reply
End of semester stuff is entirely understandable. I'll be there in about two weeks, lol. The ghosties wanted Arwen and Eowyn in the room overnight, methinks. It may have something to do with the missing book. *hint hint* Eowyn's fit was fun to write. I like writing hysterics. The prank war just may be my next project, after this dark and creepy thing. I've even got the title. And the "merry war" quote defintely comes from "Much Ado"-it's my favorite Shakespeare play.
Bodkin · 20 May 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen: Something Wicked This Way Comes
Everyone will be in on this soon. Eomer and Faramir now look set to find out what's going on. And the inconsistencies are fascinating. I can't wait for the next chapter! I just loved the image of Arwen and Eowyn scuttling down the corridor and then Arwen attempting to look cool and poised and elven as soon as she was aware that someone was watching. Hilarious. And Bergil - poor kid. How intimidating it must be to be in the presence of the king and have Merry and Pippin treating him like an old buddy. Even though he is. The giggles nearly won - and, actually, at a better time, Aragorn would probably glory in them. (Must find out more about the exchange of tricks. Next project?) What did Finduilas find? What? What? I want to know! Why did it affect her so badly that it's left Aragorn neurotic? Hang on - Finduilas. Her possessions. Yes, it is time for Faramir to join the party if we want to find out all about it. And spirits portend death. I think we need the next chapter soon - you wouldn't want to keep me awake at nights, would you?
Author's reply
I think everyone will be in on it sooner or later. I've tried to keep the characters narrow, but it seems everyone wants to get in on it. Bergil is going to learn that Aragorn is not quite as god-like as he thinks. My bet is that by the time this is over, Bergil is going to be treated as just another hobbit. :) And yes, my next project is almost assuredly the prank war! Faramir is definitely going to be in on this. He already suspects something is up, and Eowyn can't very well pump him for information on Finduilas without explaining why. I don't want to keep you awake at night, so I'll get to work on the next chapter ASAP.
shirebound · 19 May 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen: Something Wicked This Way Comes
"Don’t worry, Bergil, there’s a sort of merry war between good old Strider and us hobbits." I love that idea! Aragorn really does need a good tease or laugh once in awhile. :D
Author's reply
Lol, it could be a series of drabbles or ficlets. That would be fun. :)
Sweet Pea · 4 May 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve: By the Pricking of My Thumbs
Oh my gosh this is so good. What a cliff hanger! Sure it was short, but it was good! Update soon!
Author's reply
Thank you! I seem to be the queen of cliff hangers with the fic; whenever I can't think of what should happen next, I just end the chapter. The next update will be coming soon, I hope!
Anonymous · 4 May 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve: By the Pricking of My Thumbs
You haven't? Hmmm... You should get her book untitled "By the Pricking of My Thumbs" :) P.S. It's a mystery story.
Author's reply
I'll do that. Thanks!
Anonymous · 3 May 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve: By the Pricking of My Thumbs
I love your story. Your doing a great job!! Hmmm... The title sound like one of Agatha Christie's books.
Author's reply
Thanks! I've actually never read Agatha Christie, but maybe I should. :)
Hai Took · 2 May 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve: By the Pricking of My Thumbs
I found this before it got dark! Although not as frightening as previous chapters I still prefer the light of day :) Good of Merry and Pippin to take Bergil in for the night! A good thing that Legolas looked in on them and was able to let Beregon know where his son was! Arwen can be quite adventurous! This is a wonderful way to see her and Eowyns friendship grow! I'm sure being locked in a haunted room might allow them to become good friend even quicker! Looking forward to more, and always hoping to learn more of the riddle you have set!
Author's reply
Fortunately, A&E won't be locked in for long. They just have to do some exploring, and then the nice ghosties will let them out again. ^_^ It's funny, how the hobbits were the original leads in this, and it's since moved on to Eowyn. I'm glad you like it!
Mysterious Jedi · 2 May 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve: By the Pricking of My Thumbs
You're not going to actually go into Morgoth worship are you? That would get a little *too* freaky. But if this is just a ME ghost story, I'll be interested to see more :) <>< Saved from sin through Christ, MJ
Author's reply
Morgoth worship? No, this is just a good old fashioned ghost story. When I refer to "gothic", I mean the horror stories popular in the late 1700s-early 1800s. "The Mysteries of Udolpho" and "The Castle of Ortranto", and such. I'm not encouraging anything untoward here, I promise!
Bodkin · 2 May 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve: By the Pricking of My Thumbs
I'm with Eowyn - go to scary secret places where innocent maidens were starved to death IN DAYLIGHT, Arwen. It's all very well being brave and elven and laughing at the shades of men - but it's easier when you haven't got a dodgy lantern and have thought to wedge the door open and have a big strong - and surly - husband nearby. I love the way the hobbits look after Bergil - (I'll bet Arwen and Eowyn wouldn't have minded some warm spiced milk at that point) - although I hope they left a note for Bergil's mother (thinking ahead) and didn't rely on Legolas popping in to see how they slept. I hope A and E aren't in need of A & E now. I can just picture them sitting in the corner putting straws in their hair. (Why are mad people supposed to put straws in their hair? It must be quite difficult to come by them in some places.) (A & E = Accident and Emergency. Is that Emergency Room? Like ER.)
Author's reply
Arwen is completely insane. If I were Eowyn, I'd have gone and locked myself in my room, and refused to come out until morning. They're definitely going to need some comfort foot after a night spent in that room. A&E indeed-they might pretend to it just to freak Aragorn out, but I think they'll be fine. Accident and Emergency sounds like it would be the Emergency Room. Interesting.