sarasrati
· 28 January 2008
· Chapter 4: The Black Cat's Familiar
I just love Faramir interacting with Cirri! That cat is a great character, and you have written Faramir so wonderfully. Can't wait for the next installment!
Also, ew. That soup sounds horrific!
Author's reply
Sarasrati, Larner, and others -
The soup is based on Cioppino, a popular fish soup that my home town of San Francisco claims as its own. The base for Ciopino is tomato broth and our delicious Dungeonnes crabs. However, that type of crab is only found in Northern California, USA. My Minas Tirith concoction had to have other types of seafood, including mussels and clams, neither of which I find particularly appealing. And by the way, Cioppino does stink to high heaven, IMHO, if you happen to make it in your kitchen. The smell is guaranteed to make all the cats in your neighborhood sing and dance.
- Steff
Agape4Gondor
· 28 January 2008
· Chapter 1: A Stranger Calls
Just found this and am delighted. I loved your '13th Birthday' so I'm really looking forward to this. I quickly read the first half of this chapter at work and thought - very nice. I loved the rest... once I was able to finish chapter 1.
As for your disclaimer - very glad you put it in. I do not usually read movie-verse stuff. But since I am forewarned, it makes it easier to 'put aside' nitpicking and just enjoy.
Your portrayal of Denethor, at least in this chapter, is welcome for its lack of attack!
Author's reply
Hi Agape -
I'm glad you're having a look at "Dead Steward's Gift." It is a bit more Movieverse than "13th Birthday," because it assumes that Denethor dies by hurling himself off the Embrasure. So I appreciate your hanging in with me.
Don't worry, you won't find nasty, abusive Denethor in anything I write. I like to think that in his younger days he was an admirable. heroic fellow. I hope to write more about him. Like yourself, I am an unrepentent Steward-ist.
- Steff
Larner
· 28 January 2008
· Chapter 4: The Black Cat's Familiar
Oh, dear! They are interrupted, and she falls. Now, who is she, and what's she doing up there? And that soup does sound awful!
Author's reply
Gotta wait until next chapter to find out about the woman. But here's a hint. The ghostly woman is someone with a very good reason to be in the Observatory. Because "Dead Steward's Gift" is really a comedy/mystery, there is a logical, mundane world explanation for the spookiest stuff.
- Steff
Larner
· 28 January 2008
· Chapter 3: On a Dark and Stormy Night
Aragorn at the door, possibly? Or who else might it be? The guardsman with the extra lantern? And why is Cirri dancing? We wonders, we does.
Author's reply
Hee hee.
Thanks for reading, Larner. Cirri is dancing becaue he senses the arrival of something that would make any self-respecting cat dance. I know my cat would have danced, under the same circumstances.
Larner
· 28 January 2008
· Chapter 2: Legacy of the Anor Stone
Now to find out precisely what's up there!
irene
· 28 January 2008
· Chapter 4: The Black Cat's Familiar
How delightful! I love your prose, your ideas, your everything -- by the way, interesting to know how a mariner from Belfalas would sign ok... it's the international code or was but to put this tiny detail into a story-- that's you! No ghost, of course, but the interest is piqued even more. Why, oh why don't you write much more stories? Yes, I know, to earn a living has priority...
I can somehow imagine how it will go on although I find the bruises on the woman's arms hard to explain. You will do that.
Thank you, thank you!
Irene
Author's reply
Hi Irene -
Thanks for supporting my writing over the years.
The arcing of the torch that the woman uses to signal "all clear" is my invention. It might very well be a real world international standard, but I just meant it to be a Steff-verse plot device. Now the mystery remains, who is this ghostly woman and who is she signaling "all clear" to? Hee hee.
The bruises on the woman's arm have a very logical, real world explanation, which is revealed in the next chapter. She's a mess, poor thing.
- Steff
Edlyn
· 28 January 2008
· Chapter 4: The Black Cat's Familiar
And the pot thickens!
I must say I love Cirri. He reminds me of Mischief-Micah, a large black cat who once owned me for nine years, especially when Cirri tried to climb into the soup pot (Micah attempted to share everything I ate, particularly if it was fish)!
So who is this mysterious woman? I suppose you'll tell us eventually. I am enjoying this story very much and love the descriptions and atmosphere. So I will sit back and pet my current feline familiar (Balian de Meadowburne, an 8 month old Bengal kitten) and consider whether to make fish soup as I wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
I'm sure your realize that in this story the black cat's familiar is Faramir :) . Cirri is as much the sleuth in this story as Faramir, helping his master in the way Carole Nelson Douglass' character Midnight Louie assists his mistress Temple Barr.
Cirri's antics are based on some of my cat ZouZou's pranks, and also on other cat behavior that I've seen. Indeed, I once saw a young cat try to climb a man's leg in a begging frenzy. I don't remember what food the man carried, but that kitten clearly wanted it.
Enjoy your little Bengal cat. A friend of mine has a female Bengal who is quite a character.
- Steff
Linda Hoyland
· 28 January 2008
· Chapter 4: The Black Cat's Familiar
I just loved Ciri in this chapter and could see my Leo in his actions.The humour was truly delightful.
A very scary conclusion leaves me eager to know what happens next.I'm enjoying this story very much.
Author's reply
Hi Linda -
Cirri is Faramir's assistant in his own kitty cat way. The next chapter is the big reveal in which we find out:
o Who the heck is this woman?
o What is she doing in the Observatory?
o Who is she signaling?
o What happenned to the palantir?
I'll try to complete the next chapter in the next week or two.
- Steff
irene
· 7 January 2008
· Chapter 3: On a Dark and Stormy Night
I just returned from Australia and lo! there's a new story from the Steff u
Universe! A delightful read as ever! And this time with a lot of suspense...
So sorry for your cat. I too love cats dearly.
Author's reply
Hi Irene -
Australia, wow! I would love to go there. Maybe someday. I hope you enjoy the rest of "Dead Steward's Gift." It's becoming a mystery ghost story with plenty of comedy so no one gets that scared.
- Steff
Soledad
· 6 January 2008
· Chapter 3: On a Dark and Stormy Night
You are evil! Now I am doomed to bite my nails until the next update about that cliffhanger.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad -
Congratulations on "The Young Knights'" MEFA award. It was a rousing story.
I've started to write the next chapter of "Dead Steward's Gift" by hand. I know what happens next, but telling you here would spoil it for everyone, right?
Thanks for reading this tale.
Linda Hoyland
· 5 January 2008
· Chapter 3: On a Dark and Stormy Night
You have a real gift for creating a chilling atmosphere. As ever I love Cirri.A most enjoyable and gripping read.
Author's reply
Hi Linda and everyone -
I'm greeting you from the keyboard of my brand new laptop! It took awhile, but now I am a Windows user. Thank you for keeping on with the story. I think Cirri is helping me keeping the memory of my own ZouZou alive. So he is very special to me.
Elflingimp
· 4 January 2008
· Chapter 3: On a Dark and Stormy Night
Just wanted you to know I am enjoying this story! Just the right amount of scaryness and mystery! I was scared at the end and wanted to get out of that room too! Help! LOL!
Author's reply
Oh good! I mean, I'm sorry. I didn't realize the story had become that scarey. But I guess it has. Remember that any story that has a black kitten getting himself into all sorts of mischief can't have that terrible an outcome.
- Steff
obsidianj
· 3 January 2008
· Chapter 3: On a Dark and Stormy Night
This gets more and more mysterious. I like the cat, although he is not helping Faramir dispel the ghostly mood. Now I'm curious where the palantir is hidden.
Author's reply
Thanks for reading, obsidianj. Cirri is a wonderful cat, isn't he. I wish he could leap out of my computer and join me. I confess to playing him off against American's prejudices against black cats. So some readers might see Cirri as one of Queen Beruthiel's demon cats come to life. But me, who loves cats, especially black cats, well, I know that Cirri is just a playful youngster. I suspect he will help Faramir in the end. And yes, folks, I do know where the palantir is hidden.
- Steff
Raksha The Demon
· 3 January 2008
· Chapter 3: On a Dark and Stormy Night
The plot isn't just thickening, it's bubbling. What is ailing the cat; and where is the Anor-stone? Creepy message from Denethor, too.
Author's reply
Ah hah! Some of this will be revealed in Chapter 4. I guess I'm going to have to write that chapter soon. Always remember that Cirri is simply a cat behaving as cats do. And the thing that is provoking the cat into a frenzy is definitely bubbling.
Linda Hoyland
· 3 December 2007
· Chapter 2: Legacy of the Anor Stone
A lovely spooky atmosphere.You have me very curious.I must dust off my copy of Unfinished Tales too.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda!
"Unfinished Tales" has lots of gems and some bits that put me to sleep. "The Palantiri" is a must read for anyone who writes Gondor culture. I reread it when i started "Dead Steward's Gift." What a surprise to find out that during the reign of the Kings, it was the Steward's responsibility to view the palantir and tell the king what was happening. So the ruling Stewards had every right to use the palantir, though few had the ability until Denethor.
- Steff
Neilia
· 30 November 2007
· Chapter 2: Legacy of the Anor Stone
Okay! I'm hooked. Very intriging. Will be keeping track to catch the next chapter. I enjoy well-written ghost stories.
Sarasrati
· 29 November 2007
· Chapter 2: Legacy of the Anor Stone
Ooh, creepy... can't wait to find out what it really is up there, ghost or no. One thing I wanted to mention, I think you mean "annals" (meaning historical records) instead of "anals." Otherwise, great chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Sarasrati, Neilia, and all who read these reviews:
The anals of Gondor are no more :) . They have been replaced by the far less amusing annals. I like to write comedy, but this time the joke was on me. Spelling checkers pass both anals and annals.
Linda Hoyland
· 16 November 2007
· Chapter 1: A Stranger Calls
An interesting beginning. As always I love the kitten. I'll be interested to see what you do with the palantir as it was left out of the film.It's creepy enough in the book with the image of the withered hands!
Author's reply
Hi Linda -
This story is indeed a gap filler for the LOTR films, in regard to Denethor's palantir. I had thought about having Faramir discover the Anor stone with the image of withered hands on it at first. Really creepy, but not really appropriate since movie Denethor did not burn with the palantir in his hands.
Isn't the kitty fun :) Sadly, last night I had to say goodbye to my ailing black cat, upon whom Cirri is partly based. ZouZou was female and very feisty, loud mouthed, and fun. So I am dedicating "Dead Steward' Gift" to her memory.
- Steff
Antane
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 1: A Stranger Calls
An interesting beginning. I love Faramir and it would be good, as this story hints, if he knew that his father loved him also as his gentle heart suffered much from that lack. Interesting Denethor would give Faramir the secret of the palantir and not Boromir - and the words Faramir heard sneaking about that day so long ago. I look forward to more.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks for reading Antane.
I'll post the second chapter here after US Thanksgiving. There's a lot more of Faramir's issues with Dad coming.
- Steff
BM
· 14 November 2007
· Chapter 1: A Stranger Calls
This is a absolutely wonderful start! I simply love your characterizations--you bring your characters to vivid life and I find myself emersed deeply into your stories--so deeply, that when I quit reading, I'm a bit startled to find myself sitting at my desk! And the start to this story is no exception. It sounds like a wonderful adventure with tons of suspense, and I can't wait to find out where you are going with this! Not to mention that it's a grand adventure with my favorite character :D I am really looking forward to more of this and hope you can post lots more chapters soon!
Author's reply
Hi BM:
Thanks for your lovely note. Aw shucks, as they used to say in the old West.
I just finished my third chapter, but won't be able to post the second chapter here until after Thanksgiving. The second chapter is already posted on the LOTR Community GFIC yahoo group.
So hang in there. More already exists of "Dead Steward's Gift."
- Steff
Raksha The Demon
· 14 November 2007
· Chapter 1: A Stranger Calls
An intriguing beginning; I'm looking forward to more. Excellent introduction and description of the old, retired Captain; and I loved the attack of the kitty-monster!
Author's reply
Hi Raksha !!
Gotta love those kitty monsters. I suspect you'll enjoy most of this. It's all Faramir, Denethor, and some o.c.s. And I've already written three chapters, so I'm more than halfway finished.
BTW, the story will be scarey but not horrifying. It's G-rated, after all.
Full of kitty antics.
- Steff
Chibi-Kaz
· 14 November 2007
· Chapter 1: A Stranger Calls
Ooo. This is a very interesting start. Since I know that your intent is a creepy story, I'm a little nervous about how "bad" it'll get - I'm not normally a big fan of horror. However, I AM a big fan of you, and Faramir, so I'll stick with it. So, one psychological thriller on the menu.....
Author's reply
Hey Chibi -
You found "Dead Steward's Gift." In regard to how "bad" it will get, well, you'll be surprised. I hope it will be scarey, but never underestimate my inclination toward humor. Heck, "Dead Steward's Gift" has a big, gangly tenth month old black cat as a major character. Some people might find big black cats creepy. The author finds big black cats beautiful and huggable-especially her ancient black cat.
Stay tuned. I hope I can continue to do scarey, funny, and G-rated till the end of the story.
- Steff
Sarasrati
· 13 November 2007
· Chapter 1: A Stranger Calls
I'm an idiot, it says chapter one. Looking forward to the rest!
sarasrati
· 13 November 2007
· Chapter 1: A Stranger Calls
Is this a one-shot, or do you have more chapters? Either way, I love the characterization of Faramir--thoughtful, strong, and with believable emotions. What a creepy letter to receive, too. I like the idea that Denethor would see Faramir as the more likely of his sons to be able to use it, even if he isn't the heir to the Stewardship.
Author's reply
Thanks Sarsrati -
And FYI to everyone. "Dead Steward's Gift" has a second chapter at the LOTR Community GFIC yahoo group and a third under construction. I know what the eventual climax will be, and it shouldn't take more than five chapters at max to end it. So this will be a medium length fic.
- Steff