Pearl Took · 31 March 2008 · Chapter 10: Daggers
Very well written as always, Agape!
Author's reply
Thank you, as always!
A Cat in King Elessar's Court by Agape4Gondor
Reviews (386)
Tari · 31 March 2008 · Chapter 10: Daggers
The humans may be blind, but the cat is NOT. There must have been times when he wished he could grab them by the shoulders to shake some sense into them. I always find the fragile relationship betwen Denethor and Faramir to be heartbreaking. Tari
Author's reply
Thanks for the review, Tari, however, I think most sane cats stay as far away from altercations as is possible.
irene · 31 March 2008 · Chapter 10: Daggers
I have never read a more clever and enthralling processing of this exchange between Denethor and Faramir. Absolutely great.
Author's reply
Thank you ever so much. Your praise is most appreciated.
Grey Wonderer · 31 March 2008 · Chapter 10: Daggers
(These humans – they are so blind.) Very true indeed in so many cases. Seeing all of this through the eyes of the cat is so interesting. I find myself thinking ahead to future events in this story and wondering how it will unfold for this amazing animal.
Author's reply
Thankfully - the cat does not have foresight else he might chose to run away! Thanks for your continued support.
Larner · 30 March 2008 · Chapter 10: Daggers
Oh, I grieve with the cat! To see such thoughtless argument and blaming going on among those who are meant to work together against the common foe! Sauron had done his work far too well!
Author's reply
Larner! You are soooo right! Suaron definitely has prevailed. At least in this instant.
Dreamflower · 30 March 2008 · Chapter 10: Daggers
Such a sad encounter! Yet somehow through a cat's eyes, it gains even more horror and sorrow. Poor Faramir, and poor Denethor! But all the same, and in spite of knowing what's ahead, I was pleased to see it was Pippin and Alqualonde who were drawing what comfort could be found from one another.
Author's reply
As brilliant as the cat is, he does not understand any of this... not at this time as his beloved Denethor and Faramir disrespect each other... and no Boromir to help them see their stupidity. I'm sure not what the cat would have done without Pippin and vice versa. Thanks ever so much for reviewing!
Linda Hoyland · 28 March 2008 · Chapter 9: Saved
Reading about the fight with the Nazgul from the cat's point of view was like hearing about it for the first time.I love the way he is so concerned with his dignity,so like a cat!
Author's reply
Alqualonde's back is still sore from that little manuever... after all, he's twenty years old - old for a cat! But he could't help himself!
Halrohir · 27 March 2008 · Chapter 9: Saved
Hello! I have just spent an enjoyable evening reading this wonderful work. I am so impressed! You kept very faithful to canon, and made the story your own. I admire your talent, and I'd like to thank you. I can only hope that this is not complete, and might I expect more tales (tails!) from our enigmatic Alqualonde? Again, Thank You, HALROHIR
Author's reply
Oh my dearest Halrohir... if you happen to check out any of my other tales, most are HUGELY long - in fact, probably of the type that are whispered about (don't read - too long!)..... There will be a few more chapters - at the least though Alqualonde has already told me the ending chapter... but there will be a few in between. Bless you *blushes furiously* for the beautiful compliment...
Baggins Babe · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 9: Saved
Unfortunately some people still believe cats are somehow evil and would prefer to attach a curse to the cat's name. Poor thing, with those terrible cries of the Nazgl in his sensitive ears. He really is lovely, and loyal and clever - as they are. I'm the hopeless slave of several cats, including three small kittens at the moment.
Author's reply
Oh my gosh, Baggins Babe - I had forgotten that fact. And that they were used as witch's companions and such! *shivers* Very, very interesting. The cat offers his apologies that you should be surrounded by commoners! He really is atrocious, isn't he? :0
Tari · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 9: Saved
I know the situation is hidious, but I can't help smiling when reading about Alquaonde. I'm sure if he could speak, he would be giving orders. I can picture him standing on the top of the wall, back arched, fur standing on end, hissing at the nazgul. I can't help myself. I find that thought to be hilarious. He is too cute. Tari
Author's reply
I was too engrossed in the direness of the situation but you are correct - he would have been an intesting sight! Thanks for bringing that to my attention - once in awhile I have to laugh at the cat. Don't tell him, please, else we'll not finish this tale!
Dreamflower · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 9: Saved
Oh poor kitty, assaulted by the cries of the Ringwraiths. I was fascinated by the double meaning of Alqualonde's name. That is so like something JRRT himself often did with his languages. (Remember how Orthanc had two meanings?) A very nice touch! But now we are getting closer to the dark side of the story...
Author's reply
I hate it when the muse gives you something and then doesn't provide the details. I knew the cat's name was Alqualonde - but had no clue as to why Denethor named him thus. I am honored that you felt my explanation was so close to Tolkien's way of thinking. WOW *blushes at such high praise*
Pearl Took · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 9: Saved
Breathless and exciting! Very interesting about Alqualondë's name meaning Swanhaven - but also carrying the idea of a curse. Such a wonderful, creative idea for a story and so very well written. This is a gem, Agape!
Author's reply
*blushes* Thank you so much, Pearl. Most appreciate your enthusiasm. As does the cat. It's funny what people will think. Denethor knew, when he decided upon the name, that his people would look to the darker side of the name. He looked to the lighter side - to the beauty of the swans and the serenity of the Havens.
shirebound · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 9: Saved
I called out too, hissing at the beasts as if I could lend some magic to the wizard’s own. The beasts flew off and Faramir was saved. How descriptively you bring us into the cat's thoughts and heart, and especially the love he holds for his city and steward.
Author's reply
Thanks, shirebound! I definitely like the cat's courage - but I think Pip helped with that too.
Fiondil · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 9: Saved
Ah, the board is set and the pieces are moving. Soon will come the end one way or another for our feline hero. I hope he chooses to remain even after Denethor dies. He's too neat a character to die yet. I wonder how many lives he's used up already? I'm sure Aragorn can use him for his own purposes, or maybe Faramir. Looking forward to the next installment.
Author's reply
Odd that you should mention Alqualonde's future. I wrote the ending chapter while sitting on the plane to Florida. Just came - I love it when the muse writes clearly! IMHO - it is a beautiful moment between a cat and his master... Ah! Now who is his master since he does not consider Denethor his master????
Grey Wonderer · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 9: Saved
Alqualondë is just a wonderful cat all around. And I could see Pippin holding tightly to the animal for comfort when the fell beasts flew over. Animals are such comfort in times of stress. As I have said before, I am really enjoying this.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you're enjoying this, GW. Unfortunately, the cat was not too happy with this chapter. Pip had a stranglehold on him and the cat found it difficult to breath. He will, eventually, forgive Pip - - - :-)
Larner · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 9: Saved
On, the White Rider! Yes, reason to rejoice that Gandalf is within the city!
Author's reply
Odd that you should say that, Larner. Gandalf was not in the City at the time. At least according to the chapter: Siege of Minas Tirith in ROTK. Gandalf left the City sometime right before the noon meal. He was coming from the north when Faramir and his men were attacked. Coming from, perhaps, the North Gate. Really makes me wonder what he was up too... The cat wonders too!
Tari · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 8: Livery
So, the cat has premonitions too. As I read this, the cat in Sabrina the Teen Age Witch popped into my head. Only he could talk. If this cat talked, people would lose their grip. I can just see them evacuating at warp speed. What a sight that would be. Have fun in Florida. Tari
Author's reply
Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww - the cat has decided he will never speak with you again.... Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww - Sabrina the Witch............
Linda Hoyland · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 8: Livery
I'm loving this unique story.You have the cat's personality spot on,especially its hopes of a tasty meal!I've 5 cats and have never seen one cry,but accept a magical cat would>I like the way you are showing the cat gradually realise that Denethor is not the sole fount of wisdom.You depicted the divided loyalties and attempts to warn Pippin well.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda... the cat is not speaking at the moment. He's a little miffed that you said Denethor is not he sole fount of wisdom.... But I think you might have something there! :-) Psst - thanks for the wondrous compliment too!
Pearl Took · 10 March 2008 · Chapter 8: Livery
"I preened myself, knowing that it was my recommendations of the Hobbit’s good qualities that swayed Denethor into making Peregrin his esquire." He is such a wise cat! Peregrin does have good qualities :-) Perhaps a small change of heart towards Gandalf? This is such a delight to read, Agape!
Author's reply
The cat wishes to thank you for the approbation. He bids you temper your enthusiasm.... What a cat! Good grief. The scribe is delirious at your enthusiasm! Keep it coming!!!
Pearl Took · 10 March 2008 · Chapter 7: An Unexpected Chat
I hope Alqualondë learns that the wizard isn't such a bad sort after all :-) I'm glad he is willing to keep an eye on Pippin as well. So good, Agape!!
Author's reply
Right now, the cat is more concerned for his Steward... and a certain Hobbit. But he will keep an out out for the wizard... looking for shadiness and perhaps finding quality.....
Larner · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 8: Livery
Ah, our Peregrin as esquire, and the cat approves!
Author's reply
I was very happy with the esquire livery that Pip wore in the movie! And of course the cat approved - wasn't it the cat's idea in the first place??? ROTFL
SurgicalSteel · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 8: Livery
A sensible cat, to recognize that Pippin needs a bit of comfort so far from home.
Author's reply
I certainly hope the cat finds him and quickly. Well, once he's filled his stomach that is. No matter the fondness for Pip, the cat still must take care of his own needs first. What if something untoward were to happen and he without a full stomach? Nay, it is right and fitting that he takes care of himself first so that he can then care for Pippin.
Dreamflower · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 8: Livery
Aw...poor Pip. It's got to be so hard for him right now; short rations, no other hobbits to keep him company, and worry for Frodo, Merry and his other friend topmost in his head. I'm glad that he has a wise cat keeping an eye on him.
Author's reply
I love the spot in the books where we can see the weight of the world fall upon Pippin's shoulders. And it's not the mail that does it... it is the gloom that filled the air, emanating from Mordor. Poor Pip. The cat won't leave him out of his sight for long...
Grey Wonderer · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 8: Livery
I like the cat's thinking. He *is* concerned for the hobbit but Denethor is his first thought. It is he that the cat is loyal to and remains so. I also like how, in spite of his special powers, he is thinking about that salmon just like all cats would. Another lovely chapter!
Author's reply
*giggles* - that's why he is so drawn to Pip - kindred spirits when it comes to food! The cat thanks you for commenting upon his loyalty. He is proud of it.
shirebound · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 8: Livery
I had told him about the Hobbit’s response early this morning to the meager fare. It always did my heart good to see the Steward given obeisance for supernatural qualities How fascinating. I love these little details. And how heartbreaking, too, that Lord Denethor's only friend and confidante is this most perceptive cat.
Author's reply
That really is sad, isn't it? But a good cat, a compassionate cat, is hard to find. Denethor's really lucky. And the cat obviously loves him!