A Cat in King Elessar's Court by Agape4Gondor
shirebound · 3 July 2008 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
‘I love you, my King. I have only served you in love.’ He whispered words in the old tongue, the tongue of my mother’s mothers. Peace flooded my being. I'm all weepy now. What a beautiful ending to a unique and marvelous story.
Author's reply
Thank you ever so much. I was so very happy when I completed it about three weeks ago, but now that the last bit is posted, my own heart is saddened... I most appreciate your kind reviews...
Linda Hoyland · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 38: A New Role
I like it how the cat's injuries mirror Frodo's in some respects. Aragorn knows exactly the right thing to say to the dear brave cat to help him get well. Another enjoyable chapter.
Author's reply
I had not thought of that, Linda, but a good thought nevertheless... And yes, Aragorn definitely knows how to speak to a wounded warrior... Very glad you liked this - I will be posting the Epilogue tomorrow. Blessings
Tari · 1 July 2008 · Chapter 38: A New Role
I look at his wounds like a badge of courage. That is what he is, a very courageous cat. I’m so glad he will live to serve the king. He is just another pint-sized soldier. I have never heard of the book of Tobit. It’s not in any of my bibles. Tari
Author's reply
Ah - it's an apocraphyl work... but it's a really neat book! And yes - bless the Cat - he is a pint-sized soldier - but proud of it.
Tari · 1 July 2008 · Chapter 37: Bright As A Jewel
I personally like the liberty you took with Gimli. After all, Alqua wasn’t even in the story. So, I think what you have written helps to bring everything together. I certainly hope the healers can fix the poor cat’s foot. Tari
Author's reply
Ah - thanks Tari - unfortunately - nothing could have saved poor Alqualonde's foot nor his eye.... Glad you approved of the Gimli moment.
Grey Wonderer · 30 June 2008 · Chapter 38: A New Role
I am very glad that Alqualondë did not die. I am sad for the injuries suffered by this wonderful cat but I have a feeling that Aragorn is correct in his thoughts that Alqualondë can overcome these and find a way to serve Gondor and the new King. I shall wait to see what happens next.
Author's reply
Ack! This was the very last chapter, GW... only a small Epilogue left... My most profound thanks for your continued support of this tale....
Larner · 30 June 2008 · Chapter 38: A New Role
Bless him, Gimli, and our Elessar all three! Yes, the poor cat will find he can do far more perhaps than he believes possible.
Author's reply
Yup - with the support of his newfound friends, the Cat should do just fine!
Dreamflower · 30 June 2008 · Chapter 38: A New Role
Oh, the dear Cat! Poor thing! But I know the King has judged him rightly. (And now I am very curious about what the Cat's mother did...) Oh--and I loved Gimli's threats at the beginning! He *is* taken with the Cat, isn't he? *grin*
Author's reply
Ah - perhaps that will be another tale... *back - back - you nasty nuzgul!* I did so enjoy Gimli and the Cat's relationship.... I cannot imagine cats in the mines of the Dwarves... just canaries *giggles* - but I'm sure Gimli was taken with the little creature... stalwart, brave, fierce, loyal - all traits dear to a Dwarf!
shirebound · 30 June 2008 · Chapter 38: A New Role
I love how gently the King is treating him, and yet also giving him new purpose and hope for the future.
Author's reply
Tolkien seemed to think the world of Aragorn... and yes, he treats the Cat with special favor... there is hope for the Cat - and the King... oh, and Faramir too....
Tigger · 30 June 2008 · Chapter 38: A New Role
I've been reading this since day one, but decided to wait until the full story was completed until I left a review. This has been wonderful Agape. I've loved every moment and am so happy Alqua will not only live, but also serve his King. I'd love to see what that Oath of the Cats of Minas Tirith is BTW. :o) This has been such a wonderful story for a Cat lover like me. I loved every moment of this story and seeing how it all turned out from Alqua's POV. Give him a scratch behind the ear for me please? Looking forward to the Epilogue. :o)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed the tale - as I've said before, the Scribe has really enjoyed the telling of it... even though the Cat was sometimes quite put out with the Scribe's way of doing things... I will tell you, though, that we are still friends..... The Cat most heartily accepts the scratch and thanks you! Epilogue will be posted on Thursday... Bless you and thank you for staying with this and for reviewing!
Baggins Babe · 30 June 2008 · Chapter 37: Bright As A Jewel
Oh poor Alqualonde! An eye and a paw! I do hope our beloved Ranger King is able to heal him of most of his hurts. Did he miss the fall of Sauron after all that? He will be upset! And I'm glad Beregond was able to help Pippin. As for the AU of Gimli needing a bit of help - I've always thought it would have been virtually impossible for him to shift a troll single-handed! Incidentally, I have known cats who have had to have a foot or leg amputated and they still climb trees and chase birds afterwards! Hopefully brave Alqualonde will still be able to run around the Citadel.
Author's reply
I don't think the Cat gives a twig about Sauron - he's hurt and badly. He has friends who are suffering too. What's a little villain when there is so much pain around him! Thanks for your support on the Gimli issue.... I have seen maimed animals come back and not only survive, but thrive. I'm hoping it's the same for Alqualonde... after all, he has some pretty impressive friends. Bless you for your review and support....
Larner · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 37: Bright As A Jewel
And the cat leads them indeed to Pippin's resting place! Hooray! And am glad Beregond got to help!
Author's reply
I just knew Beregond, who doesn't appear to have been injured, would want to help 'rescue' Pippin... and I was very glad the Cat was there to help find him... a daunting task with the number of dead - both foe and friend - upon that battlefield!!!
Larner · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 36: The Unthinkable
Ah! Excellent! Love that our Pippin gets a chance to fight first, and rejoices to use the skills taught him by Boromir! Yay!
Author's reply
Yes - I could not leave out Pippin's part in the battle. He did good... And another Yes - he did do Boromir proud... Thank you very much for the review!
Neilia · 28 June 2008 · Chapter 37: Bright As A Jewel
The last two chapters knit together very nicely. Poor kitty. I hope he is not going to lose sight in one eye. :( Happy that kitty's nose still works well. Gimli is such a precious...*sigh*. Wish I could give him a really big hug. Oh well, hugs to the Scribe. Until next time. Love Neilia
Author's reply
Very glad these chapters meshed for you. I'm afraid the Cat has lost his site, but only one eye and only one paw. He'll make due, I'm sure. Thanks for the hugs! Only one chapter and the Epilogue left, I'm sorry to say. I'll miss your hugs! The scribe....
Grey Wonderer · 27 June 2008 · Chapter 37: Bright As A Jewel
I loved this line. (“You will not be dying for you have a Dwarf to help you.) That sounded so exactly like what I expect from Gimli! Alqualondë was very brave in this and I did like the memory of Denethor and his injuries that you put in. It seemed right that Alqualondë would think of him at that point. As to your slight change in canon, I enjoyed it. It is interesting to see these things a new way now and again. I hope Alqualondë's foot will heal properly. Another injured warrior for the healing hands of the King, perhaps?
Author's reply
Oh my, GW.... I'm glad you 'caught' that line - it is a particular favorite of the Scribes... The Cat has lived with the Steward (truly) for at least eighteen years... daily, living and breathing and serving and loving... he would not so easily forget him, even in the midst of pain and terror.... Poor Cat. Another reader suggested Beregond was too modest to let it be known he helped... so that helped assuage my concerns about canon! LOL As for healing - we will see....
Linda Hoyland · 27 June 2008 · Chapter 37: Bright As A Jewel
What a brave cat! I only hope he will recover.I liked the part he played in finding Pippin and Gimli's way of getting some help.I'm glad the cat knows the true worth of both Gandalf and Aragorn.
Author's reply
The Cat thanks you - but it wasn't so much bravery as concern for his friend. The Cat humbly acknowledges his failure to see clearly....
Dreamflower · 27 June 2008 · Chapter 37: Bright As A Jewel
What a relief! Yes, well, considering the sorts of liberties many people take with canon, I think we can excuse this wee bit of AUness! After all, for all we know, Beregond was just too modest to mention his role in helping, and that's why it never got in the Red Book, LOL!
Author's reply
ROTFL - Of course, I should have thought of that. Beregond's modesty. Now I don't feel quite so bad about this wee addition! Thank you for the review and the thought!
shirebound · 27 June 2008 · Chapter 37: Bright As A Jewel
I’ve got him being magnanimous, which I know he would be, and accepting some help from Beregond, if only to assuage the guard’s feelings of guilt that Pip was crushed for his sake. I like that. :)
Author's reply
Thanks! I just love Gimli and I thought of his gracious nature...
Esquire_of_Rohan · 27 June 2008 · Chapter 37: Bright As A Jewel
Very good. I am looking foreward to more.
Author's reply
Unfortunately, not much more left. But I'm glad you are enjoying it to date.
Golden · 27 June 2008 · Chapter 37: Bright As A Jewel
Thats really a great story, that you are writing here. I am so glad that the cat lives and that he could help finding Pippin. Looking forward to more. :) Golden
Author's reply
Ah Golden! I'm so glad you are enjoying this, but there is only one chapter and an Epilogue left..... Perhaps in the future??? The Cat is glad he lives too!
Baggins Babe · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 35: Torn Loyalties
I hope our beloved brave Cat does get the chance to speak with Gandalf and I'm so glad that Alqualonde has given his heart to Aragorn. Now for the battle.........
Author's reply
I hope you've prepared yourself........... it's not pretty!
Baggins Babe · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 36: The Unthinkable
Eeek! A cliff-hanger! Oh I do hope Alqualonde survives, bless him! So brave and so concerned about Pippin, even though he himself has been injured. I hope help comes soon. I wonder what athelas smells like to a cat? Best salmon perhaps...........
Author's reply
Wow - well, if the Cat is alive, then I'm certain he will enjoy salmon-smelling athelas.... LOL Thanks for the reviews!
Tari · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 36: The Unthinkable
Can't you just see the cat jumping on an Orc and trying to scratch its eyes out? What a hoot. I knew Pippin was very brave, but Alqua has proven his worth also. The poor thing got stabbed in the paw trying to save Pippin. My next question is; will the dear, brave cat live to see Middle-earth saved. I sure hope so. He derserves to. Tari
Author's reply
The Cat kindly thanks you for your concern, Tari, and is glad he has proven himself a doughty warrior of Gondor!
shirebound · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 36: The Unthinkable
Ohhh, my heart was in my throat! This is so beautifully described from Alqua's point of view. I cannot die. No one will know where Pippin is How selfless, just like all of his companions.
Author's reply
Thank you ever so much for your kind words. The Cat thanks you also.
Dreamflower · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 36: The Unthinkable
Oh dear! Well, it's not as bad as I feared--at least the Cat did not get troll-squished along with Pippin! But they will be able to recover together... And good for Legolas! Soon Gimli and he will find Pippin, and the Cat as well, I hope!
Author's reply
Keep your fingers crossed, Dreamflower... and thanks for the review!
EDlyn · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 36: The Unthinkable
Oh, poor Alqualonde! I hope that Legolas remembers where Alqualonde is and that no one steps on him. I could really feel the tension and fear and energy of the battle through this whole chapter. Excellent writing, meldenya!
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your kind words. They are most appreciated! Wow... *blushes*