A Cat in King Elessar's Court by Agape4Gondor
shirebound · 16 February 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings and Salutations
LOL, maybe Pippin can teach some of the "rug rats" to treat certain felines with the respect and affection they deserve. :)
Author's reply
I don't think Pip will have the time - matters progress rapidly and he is bound to stand by his new lord, Denethor.
Tari · 3 February 2008 · Chapter 4: Reports
Why couldn't a cat cry? This is Middle-earth. I love this little guy so much he almost makes me want to get a cat. Almost, but not quite. There are no cats like him. I shall have to keep looking for new chapters since SOA doesn't alert us to new posting. I look forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Oh Tari! I'm finding the same yearning.... I can't - the kids wouldn't be able to visit - very allergic!!!! And SoA does send alerts - look around - you'll see how.
Tari · 3 February 2008 · Chapter 3: Surveillance
Three cheers for the cat. I wish he would throw it into the water.
Author's reply
I'll whisper it in his ear next time I go to feed him! Glad you're enjoying this!
Larner · 3 February 2008 · Chapter 4: Reports
There's no question that animals can grieve. They may not think precisely as we do, but we share so many feelings.
Author's reply
My own dog went into such deep mourning when my husband passed away that I had to get another dog to keep her company. So, yes, I believe they have feelings... the tears were the problem. Most folks think that it is because of a piece of dust or dirt or some such in the eye that causes this phenomenon. I'm thinking that perhaps they really 'can' cry. Thanks for the comments.
shirebound · 2 February 2008 · Chapter 4: Reports
I was so relieved that the cat finally got his supper! It's lovely to see his admiration of Pippin and how he communicated it to the Steward.
Author's reply
I loved how Denethor reacted. He seemed, in the book, to be slightly taken with the Took at their interview... I just carried it a little further! And yes - Alqualonde thanks you for your concern where his well-being was at risk. He too was grateful for the feast!
Grey Wonderer · 2 February 2008 · Chapter 4: Reports
I adore cats and I completely approve of tears as a show of emotion for your darling cat. Besides, I have a feeling this is a very unique cat and with cats that's saying much. This line was so true to the breed, (I loved him, in my own way.) And so they do. Denethor is very lucky in his friends.
Author's reply
Ah! Bless you, GW... Denethor needed more friends like Alqualonde to get him through the War of the Rings - which started for Gondor back an age!!!
Inkling · 2 February 2008 · Chapter 4: Reports
This is a fun read, Agape! I like this hard-working feline with a "great knowledge of Middle-earth’s history." And your note on cat tears cracked me up...it's the kind of thing I would have obsessively researched too! (What I really wonder about is the drooling hedgehog!) Well, this is a special cat so why shouldn't he have the gift of tears as well?
Author's reply
I am an inveterate researcher - which somestimes drives me up the wall. Alqualonde was quite content with me just posting that he was led to tears - however, I had to make sure there might be a 'possibility' that cats actually did cry real tears! And the hedgehog... well, you can decide for yourself on that one! Thanks for the comment! Most appreciated.
Stefania · 2 February 2008 · Chapter 3: Surveillance
Wow. Alqualonde has plenty of "catitude." He reminds me of those Egyptian statues of cat gods. I'm curious to see how his story pans out. - Steff
Author's reply
So am I, Steff, so am I. Cats can be very close-mouthed! And I really like the Egyptian reference... reminds me of how Tolkien envisioned Minas Tirith as being slightly Egyptian... Psst - Alqualonde asked me to remind you that 'curiosity killed the cat' - be forewarned!
Linda Hoyland · 1 February 2008 · Chapter 3: Surveillance
I quite agree a cat finds food important!I loved the cat's thoughts on Shadowfax.It is creepy to think a cat could be a spy!
Author's reply
I have been creeped out by Beruthiel and her cats for a long time. I'm glad this one was raised with a little more 'independence' than his ancestors! If you noted - Alqualonde never calls Denethor 'my lord.'
Sarasrati · 30 January 2008 · Chapter 3: Surveillance
Just realized the cat is a 'he.' Whoops. My grandma always says that she thinks of cats as girls and dogs as boys. Guess it rubbed off on me, haha.
Author's reply
No problem - it wasn't until this chapter that I myself found out!
Sarasrati · 30 January 2008 · Chapter 3: Surveillance
I like the way the cat (not even going to try spelling her name...) regards Denethor. Very loyal, but sensible at the same time. She is a very unique and interesting character, and I look forward to reading more of this.
Author's reply
Thanks Sarasrati! Sensible - yes, Algualonde likes that description and thanks you. PS - I will post another chapter of 10,000 soon, it's almost ready....
Larner · 30 January 2008 · Chapter 3: Surveillance
A worthwhile ambition, considering what the Anor Stone did to Denethor son of Ecthelion. I rather like the cat, in spite of its eavesdropping.
Author's reply
Ah - but to the cat, dearest Larner, it is not eavesdropping. It is duty. It is all for Gondor.
Pearl Took · 30 January 2008 · Chapter 3: Surveillance
Ah yes, poor dear Pip does speak too easily, or at least, doesn't realize he tells more than just his words alone. I like that Alqualondë and Shadowfax part as friends and that they each recognize the other's intelligence. She's right about that globe! Wonderful Agape!
Author's reply
Hi, Pearl... still waiting for your next chapter! Been a great ride so far! As for Pip - you and I both know that, even though he tries, those of great wisdom can 'read between the lines' so to speak of this dear Hobbit. And you are right... Alqualonde knows a bit about famous horses and famous globes and which to trust and which not to!
Claudia · 30 January 2008 · Chapter 3: Surveillance
Now this is a really cool idea - Pippin's experience in Minas Tirith through the eyes of a cat! :-))
Author's reply
Thanks, Claudia... with only a hiccup now and again, I think this will be fun!
Dreamflower · 30 January 2008 · Chapter 3: Surveillance
This is fascinating so far! I love getting the POV of the cat, his steadfast loyalty to the Steward--and yet, I think, he does have an idea of what may happen. He's a very wise cat, to hate the palantir. I also love his observations of Pippin--even a cat falls to his Tookish charm! It's amusing that the thing which draws his approval the most is Pippin's hunger! Very feline, indeed!
Author's reply
As unconcerned as some cats can seem, food always brings out the 'cat' in them! LOL He gratefully thanks you for noting his 'wisdom' and his loyalty.
SurgicalSteel · 30 January 2008 · Chapter 3: Surveillance
Sensible cat, wanting to get rid of the palantir.
Author's reply
Don't you just wish someone had done it long ago!!!
shirebound · 30 January 2008 · Chapter 3: Surveillance
It's lovely that the cat 'introduced himself' to Shadowfax. I hope he's eventually able to 'introduce himself' to Pippin, and the other hobbits!
Author's reply
Hello, shirebound, I'm pretty sure Pip and Alqua will be properly introduced... along with perhaps an Elf and a Dwarf and such???
Grey Wonderer · 29 January 2008 · Chapter 3: Surveillance
I like the way Alqualondë met with Shadowfax. Two intelligent beings come to know one another with a few looks and nods. I love the fact that Alqualondë has picked up on the fact that Pippin talks freely too. Very like a cat to know it all. Alqualondë views on Denethor's struggles to save Gondor were well thought out too. Lovely chapter! Beregond would do well to watch his step. Someone is listening.
Author's reply
Hello GW ! Great to hear from you. I could just imagine the two sizing each other up and finally respecting each other! That was such fun to write - though it was only a moment. As for Pippin, throughout the chapter, Minas Tirith, he tries to watch his mouth - however, our cat is pretty knowledgeable of people (Hobbits included) and easily discerns the lay of this one! Thanks for the comment about Denethor - much as I love the Steward, the cat will NOT let me make this a tale about Denethor... Beregond's attitude is noted!
Larner · 21 January 2008 · Chapter 2: Assignment
Interesting spy network Denethor has--a cat and a palantir. Makes for a well-prepared ruler for the nation! Heh!
Author's reply
He needs rugrats too - but I think they'd be too afraid of him! Beruthiel's cats were definitely used as spies... I just thought they'd try to keep that 'strain' of giftedness going!
Pearl Took · 20 January 2008 · Chapter 2: Assignment
Such a wee spy Denethor sends to be his eyes and ears! I'm glad she has the good sense to see things of interest in the Halfling. Cats are so clever ;-) This is a delight, Agape!
Author's reply
Thanks very much, Pearl. It will be interesting to see which way her loyalties will lie... Pip is very easy to fall in love with!
Elea24 · 20 January 2008 · Chapter 2: Assignment
This is a very interesting concept and nicely written. The characterisation and voice of the cat is excellent. I have enjoyed reading this and look forward to more.
Author's reply
Thanks, Elea24 - it seems there might be a few more chapters. The cat hasn't specifically told me yet. You know cats; they like to be mysterious! Thanks for your kind words too!
Linda Hoyland · 20 January 2008 · Chapter 2: Assignment
I like the idea there are still cats with special powers and Numenorean lifespans in M-e! We could indeed learn a lot from cats!
Author's reply
I think Denethor has a shirt that says.... Everything I Know I Learned From My Cat! Glad you like the idea, Linda!
Baggins Babe · 19 January 2008 · Chapter 2: Assignment
As a hopelessly besotted cat-lover, this story is perfect for me. You have her 'essential catness'exactly. She seems facinated by Pippin - perhaps we can introduce her to my hobbity cat, Rufus, the real lord of Bag End!
Author's reply
My daughter was terribly surprised that the cat spoke to me - she thought a dog would have been my preference... but I don't see Denethor with a dog... Say hello to Rufus for me... I doubt he and Alqualonde will ever meet.
Grey Wonderer · 19 January 2008 · Chapter 2: Assignment
Oh, I do like having this from the POV of the darling cat. Alqualondë is very entertaining and very clever I see. I like the observation that Alqualondë makes in this. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thanks GW - I'm looking forward to more too - this tale just jumped out at me :)
Grey Wonderer · 19 January 2008 · Chapter 1: Introductions
Oh, I just love cats and this is a very excellent introduction to what seems to be a very entertaining cat.
Author's reply
Alqualonde sends his regards...