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| A Cat in King Elessar's Court by Agape4Gondor | 11 Review(s) |
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| Episcopal Witch | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/30/2008 |
| “That the Hobbit should think his family’s history could hold a candle to mine, but I like the imp and I will put pride aside, for a moment.” If the Cat learns more about Hobbits, perhaps he will be startled by their knowledge of the tiniest details of their family trees! And I suppose the purring and nestling is all JUST a smokescreen, hmmm? The Cat’s clear-sighted yet subtle perceptions are casting such a revealing on this oft-told tale from RotK. Even though I knew that Faramir was going to make it, I felt the Cat’s fear. Love the image of Pippin yelling and the Cat hissing at the Nazgul! (Have just had a ridiculous image of the Cat at Eowyn’s side on the Pelennor field arching his back at the Witch King—-Alqualonde is “no man,” too! Impossible but appealing. I hope that Alqualonde is going to end up nestling by Faramir’s side in the Houses of Healing, next to all that’s left of his beloved Steward....maybe there is some Rohirric ear-scratching in his future....) I’m glad that Alqualonde is bonding with Pippin. As I look at the chapter titles coming up, I know he’s going to need it. (It’s getting harder and harder to ration myself to small doses of Cat.) The worse events get, the more the Cat himself seems to be becoming aware of how truly he does love Denethor. “I must be with him when he hears the news; I must.” The more I read this story, the more I wish, like you, Agape, that the fate of the tragic Steward could have been different. Author Reply: I’m glad you’re a wee bit behind – it makes me go back and ‘enjoy’ the story again, for I am just a listener like yourself. ‘And I suppose the purring and nestling is all JUST a smokescreen, hmmm?’ Ah – you’ve caught on. I won’t tell the Cat. ‘I felt the Cat’s fear.’ Bless you, that just gives me chills! Oh – didn’t you just love Pip and the Cat! Weren’t they a team? Bless their little hearts – it would be fun to stand next to them and watch! (psst – don’t go giving the muse any ideas about the Cat taking on a Nazgul!) THE CAT wants you to know that it is not such a ‘ridiculous image’ and that, if he wanted to, he could have gone down to the battlefield and done some serious damage! The scribe laughs behind the Cat’s back!!! Rohirric ear-scratching – I hear a contented sigh in the background. I think the Cat could well imagine that! :-) ‘The more I read this story, the more I wish, like you, Agape, that the fate of the tragic Steward could have been different.’ OK – so now you are my favorite reviewer! Thank you – beyond words! | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/28/2008 |
| Reading about the fight with the Nazgul from the cat's point of view was like hearing about it for the first time.I love the way he is so concerned with his dignity,so like a cat! Author Reply: Alqualonde's back is still sore from that little manuever... after all, he's twenty years old - old for a cat! But he could't help himself! | |
| Halrohir | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/27/2008 |
| Hello! I have just spent an enjoyable evening reading this wonderful work. I am so impressed! You kept very faithful to canon, and made the story your own. I admire your talent, and I'd like to thank you. I can only hope that this is not complete, and might I expect more tales (tails!) from our enigmatic Alqualonde? Again, Thank You, HALROHIR Author Reply: Oh my dearest Halrohir... if you happen to check out any of my other tales, most are HUGELY long - in fact, probably of the type that are whispered about (don't read - too long!)..... There will be a few more chapters - at the least though Alqualonde has already told me the ending chapter... but there will be a few in between. Bless you *blushes furiously* for the beautiful compliment... | |
| Baggins Babe | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/24/2008 |
| Unfortunately some people still believe cats are somehow evil and would prefer to attach a curse to the cat's name. Poor thing, with those terrible cries of the Nazgl in his sensitive ears. He really is lovely, and loyal and clever - as they are. I'm the hopeless slave of several cats, including three small kittens at the moment. Author Reply: Oh my gosh, Baggins Babe - I had forgotten that fact. And that they were used as witch's companions and such! *shivers* Very, very interesting. The cat offers his apologies that you should be surrounded by commoners! He really is atrocious, isn't he? :0 | |
| Tari | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/24/2008 |
| I know the situation is hidious, but I can't help smiling when reading about Alquaonde. I'm sure if he could speak, he would be giving orders. I can picture him standing on the top of the wall, back arched, fur standing on end, hissing at the nazgul. I can't help myself. I find that thought to be hilarious. He is too cute. Tari Author Reply: I was too engrossed in the direness of the situation but you are correct - he would have been an intesting sight! Thanks for bringing that to my attention - once in awhile I have to laugh at the cat. Don't tell him, please, else we'll not finish this tale! | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/23/2008 |
| Oh poor kitty, assaulted by the cries of the Ringwraiths. I was fascinated by the double meaning of Alqualonde's name. That is so like something JRRT himself often did with his languages. (Remember how Orthanc had two meanings?) A very nice touch! But now we are getting closer to the dark side of the story... Author Reply: I hate it when the muse gives you something and then doesn't provide the details. I knew the cat's name was Alqualonde - but had no clue as to why Denethor named him thus. I am honored that you felt my explanation was so close to Tolkien's way of thinking. WOW *blushes at such high praise* | |
| Pearl Took | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/23/2008 |
| Breathless and exciting! Very interesting about Alqualondë's name meaning Swanhaven - but also carrying the idea of a curse. Such a wonderful, creative idea for a story and so very well written. This is a gem, Agape! Author Reply: *blushes* Thank you so much, Pearl. Most appreciate your enthusiasm. As does the cat. It's funny what people will think. Denethor knew, when he decided upon the name, that his people would look to the darker side of the name. He looked to the lighter side - to the beauty of the swans and the serenity of the Havens. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/23/2008 |
| I called out too, hissing at the beasts as if I could lend some magic to the wizard’s own. The beasts flew off and Faramir was saved. How descriptively you bring us into the cat's thoughts and heart, and especially the love he holds for his city and steward. Author Reply: Thanks, shirebound! I definitely like the cat's courage - but I think Pip helped with that too. | |
| Fiondil | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/23/2008 |
| Ah, the board is set and the pieces are moving. Soon will come the end one way or another for our feline hero. I hope he chooses to remain even after Denethor dies. He's too neat a character to die yet. I wonder how many lives he's used up already? I'm sure Aragorn can use him for his own purposes, or maybe Faramir. Looking forward to the next installment. Author Reply: Odd that you should mention Alqualonde's future. I wrote the ending chapter while sitting on the plane to Florida. Just came - I love it when the muse writes clearly! IMHO - it is a beautiful moment between a cat and his master... Ah! Now who is his master since he does not consider Denethor his master???? | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/23/2008 |
| Alqualondë is just a wonderful cat all around. And I could see Pippin holding tightly to the animal for comfort when the fell beasts flew over. Animals are such comfort in times of stress. As I have said before, I am really enjoying this. Author Reply: I'm so glad you're enjoying this, GW. Unfortunately, the cat was not too happy with this chapter. Pip had a stranglehold on him and the cat found it difficult to breath. He will, eventually, forgive Pip - - - :-) | |