Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

The Vault of the Dead  by Soledad 2 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/8/2008
It's quite the meeting, I must say. And will Faramir be able to properly farewell his brother now? He obviously needs to do so.

Author Reply: You are a sly one, aren't you? ;)
But you'll have to wait and figure out a little later. Not much later, I promise. This is supposed to be a relatively short tale... for me, anyway.

RugiReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/6/2008
Wonderful! Would it be wrong of me to cheer Faramir for his perfectly balanced and honest assessment of his father's character? I always think that Denethor is treated unfairly. And, honestly, I also loved that the elf mentioned something which I always felt about Elwing and her virtual abandonment of her children. Even if she had the highest and noblest of reasons, it is a bit shady to my mind.

I like that you have written a plausible account of how Faramir might feel towards his family's replacement - I like that you managed to show that he can both fully support the king and accept his new position while also feeling some pain over the change. Revolutions are never comfortable even when you support them whole-heartedly.

I also love that you are working with the elvish side of the Steward's sons - you've captured the other-worldly-ness well. And, for all I love Aragorn, I was happy to see other peoples' special/unique heritage addressed. It's interesting and satisfying.

Also there is something really fun about seeing Gandalf suprised. :)

Author Reply: Thank you. :))

These were questions I've wanted to address for a very long time. I never thought that it would happen in this particular story frame - after all, the whole thing was inspired by my trip to France last summer, where I saw these wonderful little towns, practically carved into living rock, and I began to think about how perfect such a dwelling would be for elusive Dark Elves. (Google for Rocamadour and La Roque Gagéac if you want to get an impression.)

Truth be told, I always thought that both Denethor and Boromir got short shrift - in the Books and in people's opinions. And I could never quite accept that mere birth should have more importance than long years of faithful service. Yes, I know that Aragorn has more than done his part for protecting ME, it's just the principle that has always irked me.

Return to Chapter List