Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

A Cat in King Elessar's Court  by Agape4Gondor 9 Review(s)
SarasratiReviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/25/2008
I very much appreciate the beginning of this chapter--how the cat sees the true Denethor for an instant and then the other, the Denethor driven to madness, takes over. I think it is a perfect description of what happened to the Steward to drive him to this end, and very deeply moving. The line about the failings of his sons, at Amon Hen and Henneth-Annun respectively, is telling both in how much Denethor loves his city and how very far his madness has gone--very few others would have considered it a failing of Faramir to let the Ring go, and if Boromir HAD succeeded, only Denethor would have considered it to be a victory.

And the last lines of course are wonderful--such a loyal cat! I am glad he stayed with Faramir, who will no doubt need him later on.

Author Reply: Loved your take on the Boromir/Faramir thing. It was difficult for me to write because I do not consider Boromir's moment a failing... he was tempted beyond mortal man's ability to fight. IMHO :-)

I got chills when I read your 'if Boromir HAD succeeded' line... too true!

Blessings!

PS - I really am working on 10,000 Years - honestly!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/25/2008
Poor kitty--almost lost all to Denethor's madness! At least it's wise and faithful enough to attach itself to Faramir--who needs a friend!

Author Reply: That's the only reason - IMHO - that the Cat is still living. He has a duty to Denethor that goes beyond the grave - to Denethor's son...... *sobs*

Thanks so much for reviewing!

RhyselleReviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/24/2008
Oh this was so sad.... made me just feel like I was about to weep all the way through the chapter.

I really like this story very much!

Author Reply: Thank you Rhyselle - I'm considering issuing a tissue warning for the next chapter...

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/23/2008
This fits perfectly.: ('If he dies, what do I do with myself? Should I find a fire still burning on the First Cirle and throw myself into it? Faramir is the only reason I did not join Denethor. Someone has to watch for the lad;)The cat had to go on for Faramir. I wondered if this lovely, loyal animal might consider going with Denethor. Now, I can hope that Faramir bonds with the cat. This is such an interesting story. I will be looking forward to more.

Author Reply: I have my suspicions that Alqualonde would have gone with Denethor if not for Faramir - so he now, though he is yet to discover it, owes his life to the Steward's last remaining son.

I'm glad you're waiting for the next - life is good, isn't it!!!

Bless you abundantly!

meckinockReviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/23/2008
Oh, gosh, that was intense. You brought out the cat's grief and horror and helplessness subtly but powerfully. My heart broke for his loss and his horror. Wow. I was glad, though, that Pippin picked him up and carried him out of there. And now he watches Faramir in helpess anguish. I hope that he will be comforted by what happens next.

Author Reply: Gosh, meckinoch... how I wish the pain and horror were over... but the Cat has one more HUGE hurdle to jump... hopefully, there will be someone there to help him.

Thanks ever so much for your review!

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/23/2008
I love the cat's loyalty to Faramir. My cats are loyal companions too.

Author Reply: HIs first loyalty was to Denethor - but this was the son of Denethor - and anyone knows any old cat will respect the family of its master... How much more so for THIS Cat!

Glad your cats are like mine were! Blessings for the review! Most appreciated.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/23/2008
Oh, oh poor kitty! It's clear his heart is broken.

Pippin and I followed, both of us with heads bowed. Mine in sorrow and grief. I wondered why his was. Did he love Denethor? Did he rue his choice to serve him? Or did he think he had failed Boromir since he could not save Boromir’s father?

I do not think that Pippin had yet had time to love Denethor, even if Denethor had displayed a more kindly nature towards him. But he did love Boromir, and Faramir, according to canon, he loved at once. But Pippin had a very large heart, and I think that he was grieved deeply at what happened. I think he would have liked to have loved Boromir's father. And he very well might have thought he had failed Boromir.

I await with interest Alqualonde's reactions to the events that will now follow--will he be too grieved to pay attention to Aragorn? Will he resent one whom he might think of as a usurper? I'm quite curious to see what comes next.

Author Reply: You cannot even imagine what the Muse has conjured! I am astounded myself.

As for Denethor and Pip - there is a delightful moment, when first these two meet, that Denethor has a twinkle in his eye as he listens to the Hobbit. I took that moment and drew from it... for I think that not many could NOT love Pippin - and Pippin would have recognized the twinkle for what it was and reciprocated. There is that last passage when Denethor tries to shoe Pippin away - the Hobbit won't leave and says some mighty powerful stuff. Stuff that comes not from a sense of duty - IMHO - but a sense of love. I think it's the next chapter!

Blessings upon you for your kind review!

TariReviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/23/2008
My question has been answered. The cat will stay with Faramir, but at such a horrible cost. This is beyond sad.

Tari

Author Reply: I'm sorry, Tari - It gets even sadder for a bit - the Cat has yet to grieve... and grieve he must!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/23/2008
did he think he had failed Boromir since he could not save Boromir’s father?

What an interesting thing to ponder.

Author Reply: I think, shirebound, that is the reason why I absolutely adore Tolkien and his world. There is always something to ponder. And not just whether or not to wear a tunic!

Return to Chapter List