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| A Cat in King Elessar's Court by Agape4Gondor | 8 Review(s) |
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| Tari | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/15/2008 |
| So, even Alqualonde felt the blackness. I thought it was amusing that even though he felt the horror of what was happening and wanted to be there to support Denethor, he didn’t hesitate to take the time to catch a couple of mice to eat. His ability to converse with other animals was a nice touch too. The love and loyalty shown by Alqualonde to Denethor is exemplary. That he would willing die for his master says a lot about him. I hope it doesn't come to that. Tari Author Reply: The Cat would like you to know that he knows well how to take care of himself! He, however, thanks you for your concern. He also wonders if you might have a bowl of nice cream available? He understands if that is not possible... He, however, bristles at the thought that you believed he might not give himself for Denethor... There is no other road to travel............... | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/13/2008 |
| I love the idea of Denethor having a cat. He really seems like a cat person. And he's such a very lonely person, and a misunderstood one (in his own mind, anyway). He's so hard on himself and everyone around him that he needs that non-judgmental, unconditional love that Alqualonde obviously has for him. And what a unique perspective on the events of ROTK. It's very touching to see how loyal Alqualonde is to him, even as he deteriorates mentally. How sad for the cat to be able to do nothing to help him except be by his side. Author Reply: Unfortunately, as we all know, Alqua will lose his beloved Denethor... but he has a wizard to tackle soon.... There is no fury like the fury of a cat... It will be interesting, to say the least! Bless you for your kind remarks! PS - the Cat wishes you to know that - if he was able to lift a sword in Denethor's defense, he would have. However, the smithies of Gondor seemed to have a problem with forging such an intrument for paws such as his. The scribe smirks :-) | |
| Neilia | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/12/2008 |
| Perhaps the cat embodies how we would feel if we had such a close and yet impartial perspective. He sees more clearly. And yes, this Denethor is real. I am enjoying this tale very much. Hugs, Neilia Author Reply: Many thanks!!! Yes - the cat sees more clearly... but his heart breaks, nonethless. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/12/2008 |
| And sure of its victory, the Enemy is unaware of the old road, hidden by years of disuse, along which the Rohirrim will flank them; and none realizes the portents of a small spy found in Cirith Ungol. Now, small Swan, comfort these as you can. Unfortunately Denethor has lost his faith, seeking surer knowledge, though he knows the Palantir is sullied by the Liar; just a little more hope and he might have survived.... Author Reply: OH! I love that thought, Larner. I am so caught up in what is happening over in Minas Tirith - that I totally forgot what is happening on the road to Mordor. Perhaps that is Denethor's problem too - tunnel vision! The Palantiri were gift from the Elves... I can't see Denethor thinking anything negative about them... I think this might be one of the reasons why he so willingly believed all that the stone showed him. Which is a hideous thought, but well within Sauron's history of nasty ways. Take a gift and despoil it. Quoting Treebeard from TTT: Chapter 4: Treebeard: 'There is no curse in Elvish, Entish, or the tongues of Men bad enough for such treachery.' | |
| Fiondil | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/12/2008 |
| A terrible chapter (in the best sense of the word). It must have been nerve-wracking to be forced to stand by and be unable to do anything to help. Denethor's despair and the losing hope of the city is clearly palable. Very well written, especially when we are seeing all this through the cat's eyes. Author Reply: Thank you, Fiondil. No one can truly capture the horror of these last two days of Denethor's life... I am grateful to think I might have at least touched an edge of it... | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/12/2008 |
| This is so sad. You've done a brilliant job conveying the despair and agony of the city under siege, and of Denethor under a personal siege. Sadly, he's penned himself in, and away from hope. He's given up, weakened by his struggles with the palantir. It's so horrible that the very thing Denethor *thought* was giving him an edge for Gondor against the Enemy was nothing more than another of the Enemy's traps. Every time he uses it, it leaches away a little more of his hope, and yet as each thing he's seen in it comes "true", it bolsters his belief in its infallibility. It truly is very much like the Ring in its seduction. And poor Alqualonde having to watch his beloved master deteriorate! Author Reply: The Palantiri were gifts from the Elves... and Denethor, being a descendant of the Faithful of Numenor, would only have seen it as gift. Sauron really used the tool well and knew what he was doing. Treebeard states it well in Ch. 4 of TTT. 'There is no curse in Elvish, Entish, or the tongues of Men bad enough for such treachery.' As for Alqualonde - I really don't know how he is going to survive this! | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/12/2008 |
| A chilling chapter and very vivid desciption of Gondor's darkest hour. Author Reply: Thank you. I most pleased that it at least touches a little of the horror of that time! | |
| Pearl Took | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/12/2008 |
| A powerful and well written chapter, Agape. Very edge of the seat. And more insights into Denethor, which I so badly need. Again, thank you for showing Denethor to me. Poor Alqualondë. It is horrible to watch loved ones suffer. I'm so glad Pippin is able to comfort her a little, though he is needing comfort himself and it glad she is there for him. Author Reply: With this kind of horror - little can comfort anyone. Though Pip is trying to comfort Algualonde, the cat would rather be next to his master... Though all attempts at comfort in that direction are lost in the total grief Denethor is experiencing.... Many thanks for continuing to read and respond! | |