Reviews of The Vault of the Dead

Violin Ghost · 16 January 2008 · Chapter 6: Brother, 'Tis Good to See You Again!

Hmm. This was a good, evocative chapter, but I don't quite agree with your Faramir saying that he never loved Minas Tirith quite as much as Boromir did. He did love Minas Tirith, loved it with all his heart, and fought for the day that he could see it rebuilt, instead of reduced in the Shadow. At least, that's how I always interpreted his words to Frodo in the book. :) Anyway, nice one! :)

Author's reply

Well, interpretation is a subjective thing, isn't it? ;) Glad you liked the story nonetheless.

Larner · 15 January 2008 · Chapter 9: Epilogue

A gentle telling of the end of this tale, and am glad Faramir told Aragorn at the last. And it is pleasing to think that perhaps a few of the dark Elves might remain among us, as well as the great angels of the Creation, even if some of the lesser ones devoted to Melkor might also remain among us.

Author's reply

I'm very happy that you liked the story, even in its current, edited version. Thanks for reading and reviewing, it's almost a delight to walk with you. :) Author Reply: Always. I meant *always* a delight. English is a difficult language. :(

Larner · 15 January 2008 · Chapter 8: And When Have You Become the Voice of Discord?

Interesting to look at the Valar from this point of view. I enjoy the names given those who stayed behind, with whom these once were paired. And one of the Istari was a female, eh? Interesting!

Author's reply

Well, as you know, they were all supposed to be males. But from Alatar to Alatariel it's is only a small step, and I just couldn't resist. She has quite a history in my mind, some of which might be revealed in later chapters of "Emissary of the Mark".

SurgicalSteel · 15 January 2008 · Chapter 999999: Author's notes

I found this a really interesting concept, although it ended a bit abruptly - which may reflect editing to meet this site's guidelines. Do you have links to where one might find the unedited version of the story? Googling 'Tolkien FanFiction archive' returns about a zillion and three results.

Author's reply

I'm glad that you liked it. The full story is here: http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Head.php?STid=911 Although the only thing missing is a secondary plotline.

Larner · 12 January 2008 · Chapter 7: The Ties of Kinship Go Back a Long Way

Ah--a time of marveling, of awakening to the hidden treasures of the world! Lovely!

Author's reply

I always had a soft spot for the Moriquendi who did not run away when things became uncomfortable in Midde-earth. So I thought I would give him something none of those high-nosed Eldar had. *g*

Larner · 12 January 2008 · Chapter 6: Brother, 'Tis Good to See You Again!

A blessed chance to fare well each the other, and to accept that the world has indeed changed. I've often wondered what it might have been like had Boromir not died--how he would have dealt with the King Returned, however much he respected him as a guide and fellow warrior; as rival.... Thought-provoking.

Author's reply

Thanks. That is a question I've often pondered about, too. For, logically, had Boromir not died, Denethor might not have succumbed to madness, and a Denethor with his wits halfway about him would have given Aragorn a hard time - at the latest when the War was won. One day, I might write an AU, describing just that. *g*

Elena Tiriel · 11 January 2008 · Chapter 6: Brother, 'Tis Good to See You Again!

Wow! What a fascinating story! I love your mysterious Avari, and their hidden city. And I am glad that Faramir got to say good-bye to his brother. Will be interesting to see who Gandalf and Legolas are to meet. Well done, Soledad! - Barbara

Author's reply

Thank you. :) This story came to me completely unexpected, which is the reason why I was able to write so fast; it practically wrote itself. I expect two more chapters and then it will be hopefully completed.

Elflingimp · 11 January 2008 · Chapter 6: Brother, 'Tis Good to See You Again!

Just wanted you to know I am enjoying your story, it's very different and mysterious I am curious who it is that Legolas is visiting?

Author's reply

Thank you. :) I'll try to lift the veil from the secret during the weekend, if the muse cooperates.

Larner · 10 January 2008 · Chapter 5: The Length that the Dead Have to Go

Faramir's expectations are being turned upside-down, aren't they? And now they are being separated so as to each see his expected current--resident? Heh! Very interesting!

Author's reply

Yep, the time is short, if they want to be in Edoras for Théoden's burial in time. I think all will experience a mild shock, soon. ;))

eliza61 · 10 January 2008 · Chapter 5: The Length that the Dead Have to Go

Wow, Great story Soledad, I love a good mystery. I think I'm with Faramir...talking with the dead takes some time to get use too. I really like your dark elves. Post again soon, I'm dying (no pun intended) to know who Faramir & Legolas are going to meet. Eliza

Author's reply

Thanks. :) I'll do my best to satisfy your curiosity. I'm just trying to separate all those ideas swirring around inside my head.

Violin Ghost · 10 January 2008 · Chapter 4: A Sacred Place Between Wood and Stone

This is one of the most interesting stories I've read in a long time -- the plot just draws me in. I admit that your perception of Faramir differs from mine, but I think yours works excellently for this story. The idea of Legolas' hair changing color with the seasons is an interesting concept as well. I'm looking forward to the next chapter! :)

Author's reply

Thanks. :)) I was inspired to write something very different, for a change. I think we all have our own perception of Faramir, and they often differ. But that is not wrong, as long as we can tolerate those differences, right? ;) The changing hair colour of the Wood-Elves is an idea I've come up with a very long time ago. Since then, I got so attached to it that I'd have a hard time to write them differently. I assumed that Legolas inherited that trait from his mother.

Larner · 10 January 2008 · Chapter 4: A Sacred Place Between Wood and Stone

Ah, but he does get to deal with stairs, doesn't he? Alas, Gandalf--you'll do well enough! Heh! I like the greeting and the descriptions of the hidden enclave. Now, to meet those who remain here.

Author's reply

Makes you wonder whether it was really such a good idea to arrive to Middle-earth in the disguise of old Men, eh? *g* Meeting with the inhabitants in the next part. I promise.

Larner · 8 January 2008 · Chapter 3: And What, Brother, Do You Make Of This?

A most interesting event here! And love your visuals for Faramir, although I suspect I will continue to write him as Dunedain dark hair and grey eyes till the end, but with a deceptively mild expression that hides a will of steel for those rare times when he sets it. And it's interesting to see these lesser Valar included in the tales. Well done.

Author's reply

Oh, I used to think of Faramir the same way for *decades* - for a very long time, he was my absolute favourite. Before the movies came. I couldn't even *think* of him for years afterwards. But now that I have my nice, new visuals, I might be able to write more Faramir fic in the future. I'm glad you still like the story. I came upon the lesser Valar by accident, and I found them too intresting to leave them forgotten.

Larner · 8 January 2008 · Chapter 2: You Shall Send Us the Dreamer

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's 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.

Larner · 8 January 2008 · Chapter 1: Death is a Powerful Experience

Interesting beginning. Seeing his body in the Elven boat must have been a bit of a shock! Poor Boromir!

Author's reply

And all he wanted was to see his own mirror image - life can really suck sometimes, even if you are dead. *g*

Rugi · 6 January 2008 · Chapter 2: You Shall Send Us the Dreamer

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's 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.

mistry89 · 5 January 2008 · Chapter 1: Death is a Powerful Experience

Sorry, I worded it badly - I realise he isn't alive :)

mistry89 · 5 January 2008 · Chapter 1: Death is a Powerful Experience

This looks really "different" - I've never been a fan of Boromir!lives (although I'm sure there are some clever workarounds that convince the reader), but you have dealt with that beautifully :) Thank you - TT and ROTK from a such a view is an enticing one. Looking forward to more. Cheers :)

Author's reply

Well, he's not exactly "alive", you know - that trick I pulled in "Seal On My Heart"... or am about to pull anyway. I hope the rest won't disappoint you very much, as the story picks up the events again *after* the dramatic showdown. Sorry. *blinks sheepishly*

Reviews (18)