Sarasrati
· 25 April 2008
· Chapter 17: Denethor's Fire
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's 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!
Larner
· 25 April 2008
· Chapter 17: Denethor's Fire
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's 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!
Rhyselle
· 24 April 2008
· Chapter 17: Denethor's Fire
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's reply
Thank you Rhyselle - I'm considering issuing a tissue warning for the next chapter...
Grey Wonderer
· 23 April 2008
· Chapter 17: Denethor's Fire
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's 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!
meckinock
· 23 April 2008
· Chapter 17: Denethor's Fire
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's 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 Hoyland
· 23 April 2008
· Chapter 17: Denethor's Fire
I love the cat's loyalty to Faramir. My cats are loyal companions too.
Author's 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.
Dreamflower
· 23 April 2008
· Chapter 17: Denethor's Fire
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's 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!
Tari
· 23 April 2008
· Chapter 17: Denethor's Fire
My question has been answered. The cat will stay with Faramir, but at such a horrible cost. This is beyond sad.
Tari
Author's reply
I'm sorry, Tari - It gets even sadder for a bit - the Cat has yet to grieve... and grieve he must!
Tari
· 23 April 2008
· Chapter 16: The Gift of Numenor
The thought that the Dark Lord would have Denethor and Faramir's bodies torn a part after death is beyond horrible and would prove nothing.
Dear, brave Alqualonde tried to save them. What a cat.
Tari
Author's reply
What Morgoth did to the Elves (if one accepts that story of how Orcs were made from Elves)... what else could one expect? Tea and cookies?
No, dear Tari.... I think the tortures would have been profound. And if Faramir was still alive but in the throes of the Black Breath - what horros he would endure... too much for his father to think on...
Thanks for the review!
shirebound
· 23 April 2008
· Chapter 17: Denethor's Fire
did he think he had failed Boromir since he could not save Boromir’s father?
What an interesting thing to ponder.
Author's 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!
Edlyn
· 22 April 2008
· Chapter 16: The Gift of Numenor
I'm sorry I didn't review the last few chapters (I'm busy with classes, preparing for midterms and moving to a new residence) but I managed to scrape a few minutes to get caught up on the story and see how Alqualonde is doing. I just want to scoop him up in my arms and cuddle him after these chapters. I always felt that Denethor's collapse was one of hte greatest tragedies of the trilogy. It still hurts to see his descent into despair when I re-read ROTK and reading about it from Alqualonde's POV was heart wrenching. You know, it tells you what kind of a man Denethor was when a cat calls him "Master."
An excellent job, meldenya!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Bless you and thank you for squeezing us in!!!
The Cat, however, wishes you to know that he is not just a cat... else you wouldn't be reading this tale - too dull.
Oh my goodness - writing a response to you, dear Edlyn, in the midst of your RW concerns, has woken the Muse who had been asleep this last week. I will try to tell you which chapter you impacted, for I've cut what I wrote here and have pasted it into the tale!
THANK YOU for responding - for taking the time - for you have inspired the Cat and he is MOST grateful... (so is his scribe)
Stefania
· 22 April 2008
· Chapter 13: Unveiling
Faramir jumped when he heard Alqua speak in his mind!
I almost jumped, as well. I did not expect the cat to speak into the mind of Denethor's son, although I certainly think Faramir capable of establishing such a "psychic connection" with this gifted animal. I expected Alqualonde to remain steadfastly loyal to Denethor. However, I do understand that the cat might want to offer a feline farewell, given the dire circumstances.
- Steff
Author's reply
There is loyalty, dear Stefania, and then there is loyalty. The Cat knew Denethor understood. The Cat felt that Denethor could not follow the boy and offer comfort... not in these circumstances. So he 'stood in' for the father. At least, because the Cat is slightly blind when it comes to Denethor - that is his hope.
The cat hopes you had a soft landing if you truly jumped... He offers pillows for the sore part????
Tari
· 22 April 2008
· Chapter 15: Chaos Reigns
"As the day wore on, I would touch Faramir’s face with my paw. Gently I would mew to him, calling with the gift that I had. But he was nowhere to be found."
Awwwwwwwwww. How sweet. You have to love that cat. He's almost human. This was the one bright spot in this sad, sad chapter. How will he ever be able to handle the loss of Denether? I fear it will break his little heart. I hate to think of what might happen to the dear little one. Maybe he'll stay and be there for Faramir. It's just a thought.
Tari
Author's reply
The Cat wishes to refute any 'human' characteristics. He is deeply offended! The scribe, however, giggles. You always seem to put him in his place, Tari!!!
Thanks for always commenting. It is most appreciated.
Linda Hoyland
· 21 April 2008
· Chapter 16: The Gift of Numenor
Poor cat to have to witness all this! Very chilling.
Author's reply
Though there is worse to come, the Cat cannot see, at this moment, beyond what is happening. Pity him indeed!
Pearl Took
· 21 April 2008
· Chapter 16: The Gift of Numenor
Poor Alqualondë, thinking that even Pippin has abandoned him. I wonder how the cat will take what Pippin does?
Author's reply
Alqualonde asks you to remember that he is very fond of Pippin. Though the Hobbit has obviously abandoned him, he fully understands the weakness of two-legged creatures. However, there is another, more treacherous, that will feel the full fury of this feline!
Dreamflower
· 20 April 2008
· Chapter 16: The Gift of Numenor
I agree that Denethor did indeed have the right to the "gift of Numenor". And that his main sin was in trying to take Faramir with him.
But I do question greatly whether he had the right to *exercise* that right at that particular time or in that particular way.
Gandalf says "Authority is not given to you, Steward of Gondor, to order the hour of your death". I don't believe this was negating his right to choose the gift, but to actually *slay* himself. To my understanding, in "choosing the gift", one simply should lie down and offer up one's own spirit--and it would be accepted. And of course, there was the "pride and despair" of trying kill Faramir as well--one could choose only for oneself, and not for another. Also, he was failing in his responsibility to lead the people of Minas Tirith by abandoning them. He refused to believe that all hope was not gone, and though he might have thought that for good reason, it still was despair.
Yet I also think you have a valid interpretation here as well, and you conveyed the horror of poor Alqualonde so well! Poor cat--he doesn't realize that Pippin's not abandoned him, but has gone for help!
I also like the way you emphasize his physical weakness here; I myself had never particularly noticed the part about the servants placing him on the bier that way--it really adds to the pathos and horror of the whole scene! And it had not occurred to me to wonder what the Enemy might do to his body--though I do not doubt that you're quite right in *that* supposition! Poor Denethor!
Author's reply
Hello, Dreamflower,
I do not believe there was sin in Middle-earth. However, it could be argued that it was wrong for Denethor to take Faramir’s choice from him. Three things to consider: the suffering that Denethor has seen over the years, the mutilation by Orcs and such of any who were ‘detained;’ and the Black Breath assailing his people and the tales of the gradual demise of those so afflicted… Even if Denethor had never seen any die of the Black Breath – it is recorded.
Well, it seems to me that he would be correct in assuming Faramir was going to die very soon. Also, once dead, Faramir would be subject to heinous desecration of his body. IF, on the other hand, Faramir still ‘happened’ to be alive – just think of the pain and suffering that he would endure before his life ended at the hands of the Dark Lord. No excuse – of course…. But I can see how he would decide what to do, how to ‘save’ his son.
The odd thing about the bier – and Denethor having to be lain upon it – Gandalf JUMPS upon it to save Faramir… VERY interesting, IMHO.
Thanks for your comments – always appreciated.
Grey Wonderer
· 20 April 2008
· Chapter 2: Assignment
I, personally, have found this story to be very in keeping with canon and very entertaining. I think the manner in which you write Denethor is more than possible. Keep going and don't let ANYONE tell you this is an AU.
Author's reply
Psst - just found your review here. Very sorry I did not reply earlier.
Much needed support from the Grey Wonderer... I hope you forgive the Cat for what's coming up...
And thank you again!!!!!!!!!!!
shirebound
· 20 April 2008
· Chapter 16: The Gift of Numenor
we listened as the sad dripping of the Fountain on the Withered Tree overshadowed the sounds of battle; incredibly soft it was, as if the Tree and the Fountain cried for the fair City of Minas Tirith.
What a poignant and beautifully written image!
Author's reply
Thank you - I just paraphrased Tolkien to a degree... All was silent, save for the rumour of war in the City down below, and they heard the water dripping sadly from the dead branches into the dark pool. ROTK: The Siege of Gondor.
The part about the Tree and Fountain crying was mine... bless you!
I was astounded to read that, even though there was a HUGE battle going on right outside the walls of Minas Tirith - the sounds were soft... soft enough to hear a fountain drip off a tree... *shivers*
meckinock
· 20 April 2008
· Chapter 16: The Gift of Numenor
My heart goes out to the cat. What an awful drama to have to witness and to be helpless to stop it.
Author's reply
I don't think many are put in such a position. Even though Pippin loved the Steward in his own way, he did not 'love' the Steward as the Cat did. Helpless indeed...
He tried, in his own way, to stop it... but to no avail as we know... how horrific to sit on the chest of the one you love and paw at him and try to communicate and be ignored.... and know that he is going to his death....
Grey Wonderer
· 20 April 2008
· Chapter 16: The Gift of Numenor
Oh, the cat must now think that Pippin has abandoned them too. It must all be so hopeless in his mind. I find myself wondering if Alqualondë will try to stop Denethor or join him out of loyality. I know Alqualondë loved the Steward but I don't know how far that will extend. More soon I hope.
Author's reply
One does wonder what such a loyal Cat would do.... And one who deeply loves the Steward....
(He grew old before my very eyes. My heart tore open, spilled its love upon him, but he did not see, did not note. He did not ‘hear’ me.)
This is such an apt description of what happens to those that suffer such a loss. It was all very sad and it must have broken the poor cat's heart. The last lines are so touching.
Author's reply
This had to be the very worst moment in the Cat's life - up till this moment! Yikes - and worse yet to come....
Thank you so much for reading and responding. Most appreciated.
The Cat thanks you too!
Larner
· 20 April 2008
· Chapter 16: The Gift of Numenor
One does wonder if Denethor had received this grace, also; or if he was taking it to himself in his pride and despair. Unfortunately, we will not know ourselves until and unless we find ourselves able to ask him.
Interesting speculations. At least Aragorn retained his wisdom to the end of this life.
Author's reply
It could have been one way or the other, Larner. In our society, it would have been deemed suicide... however, gifts from Eru, IMHO, are not taken back. We can misuse them... and I believe that is what Denethor did with the fire - I deeply believe he had every right to lay down and sleep.
From Unfinished Tales: 'When the days of the Kings came to an end and Gondor was ruled by the Stewards descended from Hurin, the steward of King Minardil, it was held that all the rights and duties of the Kings were theirs "until the Great King returns." But in the matter of the "Tradition of Isildur" they alone were the judges, since it was known only to them. They judged that by the words "an heir of Elendil" Isildur had meant one of the royal line descended from Elendil who had inherited the throne: but that he did not foresee the rule of the Stewards. If then Mardil had exercised the authority of the King in his absence, 54 the heirs of Mardil who had inherited the Stewardship had the same right and duty until a King returned; each Steward therefore had the right to visit the hallow when he would and to admit to it those who came with him, as he thought fit. As for the words "while the Kingdom endures," they said that Gondor remained a "kingdom," ruled by a vice-regent, and that the words must therefore be held to mean "as long as the state of Gondor endures."'
Fiondil
· 20 April 2008
· Chapter 16: The Gift of Numenor
And you accuse me of being an evil cliffhanging author! *grin*
Well, you and I have had this discussion before. I still contend that perhaps even the Elendili (the Faithful) lost the ability to voluntarily return the Gift of Life back to Eru and that Aragorn was granted a special grace to do so as a reward for his faithulness in refusing the Ring and remaining true to his oaths, at least that is how I read his words in Appendix A. At the same time, there really is nothing there that contradicts your own interpretation. I do think that had Denethor merely lain down and died, that would have been his right, but obviously to take Faramir's life as well was wrong and therein lies his sin and the ultimate tragedy of his life.
I sincerely hope Alqualonde survives. Aragorn could certainly use such a faithful servant and Faramir would appreciate being able to talk to someone who knew Denethor as he really was.
Author's reply
Definitely different interpretations - but since the Cat agrees with Denethor - I think I'll abide by his decision :-)
I'd love to talk with you about sin and Middle-earth. I personally don't think there was such a thing...
However - Denethor did usurp Faramir's own ability to chose for himself. YET - what parent, seeing his child dying, would want to leave his body for the horrors of Orcish/Nazgul retribution. I shudder to think (and I will not write what my mind can imagine) of what abominations would be performed on their bodies - as much as they embodied The Dark Lord's hatred of Men and Valar alike.
I do not say it was the right decision, in regards to Faramir, but I can see his 'unstable' minds thoughts on this.
And let's certainly hope the Cat does not take loyalty to the nth degree!
Episcopal Witch
· 17 April 2008
· Chapter 5: Greetings and Salutations
Instant gratification! The Cat meets Pippin *and* gets his ears scratched!
I am having great fun reading the reviews from people who discovered this story before I did, and the author's responses. Somehow I thought right away that the Cat was a "he," but he'd work just as well as a "she" and so I see right away understand why readers had that thought. And of course this cat can cry. He's a Beruthielian cat.
Pippin must have made a huge impression! I get the feeling that the Cat doesn't think that keeping Pippin from telling him could actually hurt Denethor, or the Cat wouldn't do it, because Denethor comes first. It's more that he doesn't want Pippin to tell him things in confidence and then break that confidence.
Author's reply
The Cat has his own moral code. He also has compassion. He would protect Pippin from causing himself needless pain. He already realizes that Pip hasn't much to share... Denethor has already discerned much and shared it with the Cat. Why cause the Hobbit distress? He is, after all, kind.
He thanks you for so astutely discerning his gender.
Episcopal Witch
· 17 April 2008
· Chapter 4: Reports
This chapter settles it; I'm officially in love with the Cat. (I hope he will forgive me for not using a capital "C" in previous reviews.) I'm not surprised to learn from your responses to my reviews (what fun to hear from the author - thanks!) that the Cat is based on actual cats. He's so real!
Hmm...communicating by telepathy? Or does Denethor understand the language of meows?
I have a strong mental image of the Cat nestling in Denethor's arms...this story is casting a poignant light on the Steward. And poor little Cat--if Gondor equals Denethor to him, he's in for a rough time ahead. I hope he makes himself known to Pippin...someone else to scratch him behind the ears....
Author's reply
The Cat officially accepts your love... He will take all offerings - just send them via Agape's addy.
From Unfinished Tales: Queen Beruthiel used the cats as spies in order to learn the secrets that the people of Gondor wanted to keep hidden so that she could have an advantage over them. She was able to speak with her cats or read their minds in order to learn what they had discovered. Unfinished Tales: "The Istari," p. 401-402 note 7 and my fav research site: http://www.tuckborough.net/animals.html
Tolkien says she could 'speak with her cats or read their minds.' I've had the speech part lost over the years; the Cat can read people just because of his long life and experience and 'heightened' mental capacity (his words - not the scribes!) However, Denethor can read the Cat's mind. In a future chapter... the Cat is so 'livid' that his thoughts fly like radio emissions and are picked up by all who are near him!
Scratching is allowed, the Cat says, by readers also... Just stick out your hand....