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| A Cat in King Elessar's Court by Agape4Gondor | 9 Review(s) |
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| Episcopal Witch | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 5/14/2008 |
| This powerful and aptly named chapter sent me back to rereading the scene in RotK--a scene I will never again be able to read without seeing the Cat's place in it. I count that quite a gain! The opening was unexpected and moving. I can see that happening, the false news being brought to Denethor. And it makes his reaction when Faramir really was mortally wounded even more poignant. "Faramir responded with a deeper cut. That it was his own father who sent Boromir to his death." Yes! Faramir in his quiet way is dealing wounds just as lethally as Denethor. Tolkien's father and son, as opposed to the movie aberrations, are equally matched. "Blow upon blow they delivered upon each other with nary a thought as to the love between them. Sometimes the words spoken in anger; sometimes in quiet accusation." You have so nailed it. I love how the Cat takes Denethor's part completely, both for love and for reason. "And now, the boy’s own actions were such that any father, even if not the lord of this great City, would have to chastise his errant son." Because sending the Ring into the heart of the Enemy's territory was, on the face of it, insane. The Cat helps us see that afresh. Poor Cat and Pippin, both out of their depth and doing their best; I'm glad they have each other! (Favorite reviewer! My goodness--thank you!) Author Reply: Once again your review rocks me! Thank you. I sobbed and struggled over this chapter, for I knew what needed saying, and it needed saying in a small space. I'm glad it worked. Very glad, according to your review. I'm in the midst of another tale and have hit a major roadblock because there is something that needs saying there too, and I can't find the 'exact' words that are needed! *groans in despair* I cannot tell you how proud I am that my chapter brought you back to the Master's own work! That is quite a gain. And something I love about writing LOTR canon fanfic. I have to go back to the book always and it is always an eye-opener, a delight, and a joy! I find little treasurs every time. Glad I could help a wee bit! | |
| Stefania | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/17/2008 |
| Hi Agape - What a loyal cat Alqua is. His love and loyalty for Denethor show us a much different perspective of this famous scene than Tolkien (and Jackson's) POV. Alqua might seem to show the unquestioning love of the good servant for his master. But greater yet was Alqua's unconditional love of as "companion animal" (if you will) for his two-legged companion. Not sure if this is what you intended, but this is how I read it. A good take on how we like to think our pets feel about us. I hope my cat loved me like Alqua loves Denethor. - Steff Author Reply: It explains more beautifully than I could the relationship between the two. Thank you ever so much. And I do so hope your cat loves you like Denethor's!!! | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/3/2008 |
| The confrontation was especially scary through the cat's eyes.I wonder what he thought Faramir did so wrong in the past?Pippin is blessed to have a feline friend. Author Reply: For all of Alqualonde's wisdom, he cannot see that Faramir might have done the right thing when he let Frodo go, which was expressely against Denethor's orders... The very same orders were used in Rohan and eventually ended with Eomer's imprisonment in Meduseld. | |
| Pearl Took | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/31/2008 |
| Very well written as always, Agape! Author Reply: Thank you, as always! | |
| Tari | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/31/2008 |
| The humans may be blind, but the cat is NOT. There must have been times when he wished he could grab them by the shoulders to shake some sense into them. I always find the fragile relationship betwen Denethor and Faramir to be heartbreaking. Tari Author Reply: Thanks for the review, Tari, however, I think most sane cats stay as far away from altercations as is possible. | |
| irene | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/31/2008 |
| I have never read a more clever and enthralling processing of this exchange between Denethor and Faramir. Absolutely great. Author Reply: Thank you ever so much. Your praise is most appreciated. | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/31/2008 |
| (These humans – they are so blind.) Very true indeed in so many cases. Seeing all of this through the eyes of the cat is so interesting. I find myself thinking ahead to future events in this story and wondering how it will unfold for this amazing animal. Author Reply: Thankfully - the cat does not have foresight else he might chose to run away! Thanks for your continued support. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/30/2008 |
| Oh, I grieve with the cat! To see such thoughtless argument and blaming going on among those who are meant to work together against the common foe! Sauron had done his work far too well! Author Reply: Larner! You are soooo right! Suaron definitely has prevailed. At least in this instant. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/30/2008 |
| Such a sad encounter! Yet somehow through a cat's eyes, it gains even more horror and sorrow. Poor Faramir, and poor Denethor! But all the same, and in spite of knowing what's ahead, I was pleased to see it was Pippin and Alqualonde who were drawing what comfort could be found from one another. Author Reply: As brilliant as the cat is, he does not understand any of this... not at this time as his beloved Denethor and Faramir disrespect each other... and no Boromir to help them see their stupidity. I'm sure not what the cat would have done without Pippin and vice versa. Thanks ever so much for reviewing! | |