Poor Alqualonde - I adore this cat. He is so loyal, and it annoys me when people accuse cats of being selfish. They can be loyal and loving.
Poor Denethor too - he never realised that something originally given by the Elves could be used for evil purposes, but Sauron has managed to instil despair. If only he could have been saved along with the city.
I'm interested to see what our noble feline does next, and how he sees the events which follow.
Author's reply
Dearest Baggins Babe - the Cat wishes to thank you for your well-deserved praise. The scribe snorts!
The cats we had were always the kind you could sit and hold and cry into their fur... as an angst-filled teen, I was almost most grateful for my cat's ministrations!
As for Denethor - it killed me that Gandalf saved Theoden and could not save Denethor - though I know there were other factors involved. Still - I found it most difficult.
I think you will see some startling stuff in Chapter 18. It is a wild ride the Cat is leading us on.
Stefania
· 17 April 2008
· Chapter 10: Daggers
Hi Agape -
What a loyal cat Alqua is. His love and loyalty for Denethor show us a much different perspective of this famous scene than Tolkien (and Jackson's) POV. Alqua might seem to show the unquestioning love of the good servant for his master. But greater yet was Alqua's unconditional love of as "companion animal" (if you will) for his two-legged companion. Not sure if this is what you intended, but this is how I read it. A good take on how we like to think our pets feel about us. I hope my cat loved me like Alqua loves Denethor.
- Steff
Author's reply
It explains more beautifully than I could the relationship between the two. Thank you ever so much. And I do so hope your cat loves you like Denethor's!!!
Episcopal Witch
· 16 April 2008
· Chapter 3: Surveillance
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's 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.
Episcopal Witch
· 16 April 2008
· Chapter 2: Assignment
What an interesting personality you've created! This is definitely a different kind of intelligence--not a human dressed up as a cat. I haven't figured out exactly what standards the cat is holding but he clearly has them, like deciding that he owes Pippin his allegiance.
I wouldn't be surprised if Gandalf is completely aware that the cat is listening.
"If they would only consider sitting in the sun more, drinking warm milk, laying about and watching as the world went by..." A wise cat, indeed.
I'm delighted to see that there are many chapters ahead.
Author's reply
Thanks, Episcopal Witch. I most appreciate your reading and responding.
The Cat is a composite of the cats I have lived with. Though you could cuddle them if you REALLY needed to... most were quite independent. I can just see this little guy and his standoffish ways... except where Denethor is concerned... then, only those who really know him can see there is a brave, warm, loyal heart beating behind the 'imperial' facade.
Stefania
· 16 April 2008
· Chapter 6: Ill News and Foul Memories
Hi Agape -
I've been slow on following along with this story. My hours to devote to fanfic have been few these past two months. So I am glad to see that you've carried on with Alqualonde's story. I keep imagining him as a Siamese cat--sorry, It's just that he is such a dignified, even arrogant character, though I can't see how Gondor would have Siamese cats running around.
Aqualonde is a very cool character, a right feline James Bond. I'm sure that kitty likes his water dish shaken, not stirred :)
- Steff
Author's reply
Well - slow is better than never, Steff... thanks for reviewing! As for the Cat, he likes his food warmed too. I can't see Siamese cats in Gondor... This one is a gentle (you think!) white one, slightly old, still active though!
Hope the RW goes well for you so you can read more! Enjoy!
Linda Hoyland
· 16 April 2008
· Chapter 15: Chaos Reigns
You capture Denethor's despair brilliantly through the eyes of the cat.
Author's reply
Yikes - thank you!
daw the minstrel
· 15 April 2008
· Chapter 15: Chaos Reigns
You put me in mind of a colleague I used to have, who talked about how his dog was, in some ways, better than people at reading emotion and mood. And pets are like that. They don't care if you're lord of the city or a beggar. They sense something in you that matters to them. This cat senses Denethor like that.
Well done, Agape. A great choice of POV.
Author's reply
Oh I love that thought - they don't care if your lord or beggar. I've always loved my cats....
Bless you and thank you for your kind words!
Larner
· 15 April 2008
· Chapter 15: Chaos Reigns
Sauron might not have guessed why the Hobbit had come to the borders of his realm, but he would send waves of despair and loss with the image of him to Denethor when he looked, and the Man could only be expected to interpret the image he saw in terms of his deepest fears.
Now he has become suicidal....
Author's reply
Oh Larner - I really like that phrase and so very appropriate - 'waves of despair' - Yikes so incredibly sad.... and horrific.
Pearl Took
· 15 April 2008
· Chapter 15: Chaos Reigns
No, this man is not Alqualondë's dear master. He is too torn by grief and the bitter end the Stone was allowed to show him. I had never really thought of what it must be like for a devoted pet to have it's owner/master change mentally. This is a fantastic insight! :-)
Author's reply
Ah, Pearl.... it is not fun loving one's master. My own sweet Labrador Retriever mourned so pitifully when my husband, her beloved master, passed away - that after a few month's I had to get her a puppy. That helped the sorrow and grief. And mine too! Silly Dalmation drove us all nuts after that!
Tari
· 15 April 2008
· Chapter 14: The Fate of Faramir
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's 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...............
Dreamflower
· 15 April 2008
· Chapter 15: Chaos Reigns
Poor Alqualonde! His master has despaired, and now the whole city is in despair. It goes to show how much Denethor has relied on the palantir--he can't imagine that the conclusions he draws from what he sees could be incorrect.
It's so sad that it has to continue on into the next part--I dread thinking of what the poor cat will do when he sees that madness take over his beloved master!
Author's reply
I don't think that Denethor could have possibly thought that using the Palantir would be anything but good for Gondor. It was, after all, a gift from the Eldar to the Numenoreans. Before Elves bringing gifts, I suppose :-)
The Cat would like you to know that he plans to immolate himself.... maybe????
The scribs chortles in glee. Good riddance! No, just joking!
Author Reply: Yikes - that should say - BEWARE Elves bearing gifts!
Episcopal Witch
· 14 April 2008
· Chapter 1: Introductions
I just found this story and am very intrigued!
Alqualonde must indeed be a very special cat, a Numenorian cat, if he saw Faramir grow up from childhood.
Author's reply
Well - that is a thought - but the Cat is only twenty - however, that means Faramir was about 16 when the cat was born. Just barely out of diapers to the Cat! LOL So we will let him think that he 'helped' raise Faramir...
meckinock
· 13 April 2008
· Chapter 14: The Fate of Faramir
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's 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 :-)
daw the minstrel
· 13 April 2008
· Chapter 999999: A word from the author
Good for you, Agape. I think you're absolutely dead on.
When I first started writing fanfic, abusive Thranduil was all the rage and reviewers sometimes accused writers of being "wrong" if they showed him any other way. That struck me as profoundly un-Elvish and without canonical backing, but the canon info on him is slim.
Denethor's much trickier to get right than Thranduil because he's a very complex character and there's much more canon to weigh and analyze. You're doing a good job.
Author's reply
Bless you. You know I am an avid fan of your writings and am most humbled by your kind words....
As for Denethor - he is a challenge, but once PJ castigated him, I really took his side. IMHO - he is the underdog.... usurped in his father's love, tricked by a wizard, disrespected by his son, and dried up with his sacrifices... at least in his mind's eye.
Though I do love your Thranduil.... and I'm glad you don't partake in the Thranduil beats his son tales!!! I've seen them and they are about as odious to me as the Denethor beats his son tales!
Again - many thanks for your kind review. It is most appreciated!
Neilia
· 12 April 2008
· Chapter 14: The Fate of Faramir
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's reply
Many thanks!!!
Yes - the cat sees more clearly... but his heart breaks, nonethless.
Larner
· 12 April 2008
· Chapter 14: The Fate of Faramir
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's 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
· 12 April 2008
· Chapter 14: The Fate of Faramir
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's 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
· 12 April 2008
· Chapter 999999: A word from the author
I have to admit, I had never been particularly sympathetic to Denethor (nothing to do with the movies; it dates back to my earliest readings of the books over forty years ago) but in recent years, reading *other* people's interpretations of his character my attitude has mellowed a bit, and I find it easier to allow for a kinder interpretation of the motives for his actions.
Whether one believes in a "harsh" Denethor, or simply a "misunderstood" Denethor, is, as you point out a matter of interpretation. However, I am in full agreement with you on those who portray him as being physically abusive--that's not on! I do not believe that for *any* of those people aligned with the forces of freedom that physical abuse of their children would ever be remotely conceivable as canon. And anyone who believes *that* it is, is stretching the limits of "interpretation" to the breaking point.
This goes not only for Denethor "abusing" his son, but for fics depicting Frodo's guardians "abusing" him, or Thranduil "abusing" a young Legolas. Sorry folks. That's *NOT* just "interpretation" that's flat out slander.
What is canon about Denethor is that he allowed his pride and his fear for Gondor drive him to use a tool of the Enemy. JRRT says he allowed himself to be motivated "politically", rather than by having the good of *all* the West in mind. His lack of faith drove him to the sin of despair, and eventually over the edge into madness.
What is interpretation is how long that process took, when it happened, and what sort of person Denethor might have been before it took place. And all we have to go on for that is that Gandalf deemed him as one who was "high" and "noble".
(And I have to say, I'd not thought about the role Gandalf himself might have played in that process, but given the Wizard's propensity for keeping things to himself at times when it might have been better not to, it's quite possible. Gandalf might have been a Maia, but he was not perfect by any means.)
A question for you that *I've* pondered from time to time: do you think that it is possible that at any time Denethor had any contact at all with Saruman? I'm thinking either prior to, or early on, in his use of the palantir?
Author's reply
You speak wisely in many respects, Dreamflower.
I don't think though, that the Palantir was a 'tool of the Enemy.' In Denethor's mind, as a true descendant of Numenor, it was a gift from the Elves to the Faithful. Denethor, as Steward (I believe), had every right to use it. However, was it a wise decision... hindsight always makes things appear clear, however, for Denethor it seemed the only thing to do. This is an odd area though - for some believe that Denethor began to use it because he was being usurped by Thorongil in his father's affections and used it to gain knowledge so that HE could look good. There is nothing in canon that I see that would support that - but nothing that wouldn't. So I'm not saying anything about that. I believe he might have begun using it immediately after his father died. Perhaps because he didn't feel 'good enough' as Steward because of his father's lack of faith/love for him??? So many questions to ask Tolkien when next we meet!
I'm meeting with two different groups of author friends tonight... one at dinner and one via Skype... I definitely plan to ask them their thoughts on your final question. I have my own thoughts, but I'd like to see what others think too! I'll reply tnen.
Thank you ever so much for the thoughts you give here!
Dreamflower
· 12 April 2008
· Chapter 14: The Fate of Faramir
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's 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
· 12 April 2008
· Chapter 14: The Fate of Faramir
A chilling chapter and very vivid desciption of Gondor's darkest hour.
Author's reply
Thank you. I most pleased that it at least touches a little of the horror of that time!
Linda Hoyland
· 12 April 2008
· Chapter 13: Unveiling
A very moving chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you. The cat could not let Faramir leave without some word of hope!
Pearl Took
· 12 April 2008
· Chapter 14: The Fate of Faramir
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's 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!
Neilia
· 11 April 2008
· Chapter 999999: A word from the author
Yes, I agree with you whole-heartedly. Your Denethor is more canon than many that I have read. Grief is a destroyer...and that terrible palantir was under Sauron's control - not Denethor's. He loved his two sons. He did not rightly know how to express himself to them after their mother died. One parenting is more than difficult. I am awaiting the next chapter. I adore the cat.
Love, Neilia
Author's reply
The Cat thanks you for your adoration as it is fitting.... the scribe smirks!
I don't know if the Palantir was totally under Sauron's control - I think he definitely manipulated it many times, but I think that Denethor still had control over it himself. What Sauron did was 'show' him the Dark Side of things. As I've said before, the Palantiri were gifts from the Elves... Difficult to believe a gift would be turned to evil....
As for his sons, I agree 100% - parenting is incredibly difficult. To have to do it by yourself... and run a HUGE kingdom... and fight a foe that even the Elves could not defeat.... well, we are talking about a real reason for despair... I wonder if Denethor ever thought it might be best if he stayed far from his sons to keep them from that despair?
Hmmmm - now that brings up another thought - because Faramir definitely has NO hope when he's speaking with Frodo... "What hope have we?' said Faramir. "It is long since we had any hope. The sword of Elendil, if it returns indeed, may rekindle it, but I do not think that it will do more than put off the evil day, unless other help unlooked-for also comes, from Elves or Men. For the Enemy increases and we decrease. We are a failing people, a springless autumn.' TTT: Ch. 5: The Window On The West.
edlyn
· 11 April 2008
· Chapter 999999: A word from the author
I personally have had no problem with the portrayal of Denethor in this fic. In fact, I'm very pleased at how very book-based he is and of course I think Alqualonde definitely could have been there during hte events in Minas Tirith. Why not? Despite Beruthial using her cats as spies for nefarious purposes it doesn't mean that the Gondorian people developed a phobia of cats like that which ended up helping to condemn Europe to rat and vermin transmitted plagues in our Middle Ages and early Renaissance. And somehow, Denethor has always seemed to me to be a man who would have a cat as a companion regardless of how many hunting hounds he may have had. The hounds are working animals, whilst a cat who isn' a kitchen or barn cat is a companion and in this case also a spy.
Hugs,
Edlyn
Author's reply
Thanks, Edlyn!
I loved your thoughts on the Europeans and cats - yes, one should definitely keep cats around - if nothing more than for vermin control. When I was very young, we lived in a farm-type suburb of a big city. There were definitely vermin around. We always had what my grandmother called a 'ratter' around the house... blessed wondrous beings who protected us.
Denethor doesn't think the cat protects him... but I think Alqualonde does!
Thanks for your great comments!
Pearl Took
· 11 April 2008
· Chapter 999999: A word from the author
Thank you for all the work on this explanation Agape :-) It does help. I don't necessarily see him as mad through out, just harsh, cold, and unloving. I see him as negatively affected by his use of the palantir, which we know has been going on for awhile, but also by his own life. His father preferring Thorongil to Denethor and the death of Denethor's wife have a lot to do with the man we see in LOTR.
I think many of us never have read between the lines very much where Denethor is concerned and so have not seen the man you and some others see. You are opening my eyes in this regard, but I'm still not sure I can see him as intentionally hiding his loving feelings while acknowledging them to himself.
I will say, I would never have seen the way Faramir's actions could be seen as traitorous and such. I would never have thought to see the actions of the story from Denethor's POV - I think because Tolkien never takes us there. I can see where it would have all looked that way to him and so Faramir would be deserving of much of the cold (and to me), cruel attitude shown by his father saying he did wish Faramir had been in Boromir's place.
All that said, I am now anxious to read more of this story with an intent on my part to see things through other eyes :-)
Hugs,
Pearl
Author's reply
Glad this broadened your perspective, Pearl Took.
I'd just like to say one thing about the thing with Faramir taking Boromir's place. I truly hope you don't think he meant what PJ had him say in the movie - which Faramir does NOT say in the ROTK... Denethor wished more that Boromir had taken Faramir's place - not vice-versa - because Boromir would not have let Frodo go - nor let the Ring go into Mordor. At least, bless him, that's what he thinks! The part that he wishes Faramir was dead instead of Boromir is pure PJ..................... Sometimes I get sooooo angry!