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A Cat in King Elessar's Court  by Agape4Gondor 13 Review(s)
Episcopal WitchReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/16/2008
Now I think I see—personal loyalty to Denethor, and through Denethor to Gondor, and that’s utter and complete. “Beregond questioned the Steward, and I will have no part in that.” Yet slinking around and using tricks as means to an end are also honorable, and why wouldn’t they be to a cat? Not amoral but a different morality.

My gosh, has the cat actually witnessed Denethor’s encounters with the palantir? If so, a very brave cat! And I like the hint that the cat doesn’t take Faramir’s side but Denethor’s. I've loved Faramir ever since I first read LOTR, but the further along I get in parenthood the more complexities I see in the relationship that Tolkien so deftly drew for us.

A totally fresh viewpoint for the familiar events!


Author Reply: Thank you very much. I am surprised at how well the Cat is perceived. He can do and say things that others would not be able to. It is a mark of his character, methinks.

And yes, thank you, spying is morally necessary in times of great evil. One must protect the homefront, ya da ya da ya da.... As much as he loves Gondor, the homefront is truly Denethor.

The Cat, on occassion, has been known to 'take' another's side if that side is true... however, you don't mess with Denethor and Faramir is definitely messing with Denethor... at least in this cat's POV.

TariReviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/3/2008
Three cheers for the cat. I wish he would throw it into the water.

Author Reply: I'll whisper it in his ear next time I go to feed him! Glad you're enjoying this!

StefaniaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/2/2008
Wow. Alqualonde has plenty of "catitude." He reminds me of those Egyptian statues of cat gods. I'm curious to see how his story pans out.

- Steff

Author Reply: So am I, Steff, so am I. Cats can be very close-mouthed! And I really like the Egyptian reference... reminds me of how Tolkien envisioned Minas Tirith as being slightly Egyptian...

Psst - Alqualonde asked me to remind you that 'curiosity killed the cat' - be forewarned!

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/1/2008
I quite agree a cat finds food important!I loved the cat's thoughts on Shadowfax.It is creepy to think a cat could be a spy!

Author Reply: I have been creeped out by Beruthiel and her cats for a long time. I'm glad this one was raised with a little more 'independence' than his ancestors! If you noted - Alqualonde never calls Denethor 'my lord.'

SarasratiReviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/30/2008
Just realized the cat is a 'he.' Whoops.

My grandma always says that she thinks of cats as girls and dogs as boys. Guess it rubbed off on me, haha.

Author Reply: No problem - it wasn't until this chapter that I myself found out!

SarasratiReviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/30/2008
I like the way the cat (not even going to try spelling her name...) regards Denethor. Very loyal, but sensible at the same time. She is a very unique and interesting character, and I look forward to reading more of this.

Author Reply: Thanks Sarasrati! Sensible - yes, Algualonde likes that description and thanks you.

PS - I will post another chapter of 10,000 soon, it's almost ready....

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/30/2008
A worthwhile ambition, considering what the Anor Stone did to Denethor son of Ecthelion. I rather like the cat, in spite of its eavesdropping.

Author Reply: Ah - but to the cat, dearest Larner, it is not eavesdropping. It is duty. It is all for Gondor.

Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/30/2008
Ah yes, poor dear Pip does speak too easily, or at least, doesn't realize he tells more than just his words alone.

I like that Alqualondë and Shadowfax part as friends and that they each recognize the other's intelligence.

She's right about that globe!

Wonderful Agape!

Author Reply: Hi, Pearl... still waiting for your next chapter! Been a great ride so far!

As for Pip - you and I both know that, even though he tries, those of great wisdom can 'read between the lines' so to speak of this dear Hobbit.

And you are right... Alqualonde knows a bit about famous horses and famous globes and which to trust and which not to!

ClaudiaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/30/2008
Now this is a really cool idea - Pippin's experience in Minas Tirith through the eyes of a cat! :-))

Author Reply: Thanks, Claudia... with only a hiccup now and again, I think this will be fun!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/30/2008
This is fascinating so far! I love getting the POV of the cat, his steadfast loyalty to the Steward--and yet, I think, he does have an idea of what may happen. He's a very wise cat, to hate the palantir.

I also love his observations of Pippin--even a cat falls to his Tookish charm! It's amusing that the thing which draws his approval the most is Pippin's hunger! Very feline, indeed!

Author Reply: As unconcerned as some cats can seem, food always brings out the 'cat' in them! LOL

He gratefully thanks you for noting his 'wisdom' and his loyalty.

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