Grey Wonderer
· 24 June 2008
· Chapter 36: The Unthinkable
I was just checking on site and found a new chapter of your wonderful story. The poor, dear cat! I do hope that he doesn't die. I know what happens to Pippin so I am less worried that you might decide to kill him but what about the cat? Ah, cliff hanger. I guess I will have to be brave and hope.
Author's reply
Sorry - cliffhangers happen sometimes. Only a couple chapters left. We'll see what the fates allow.
Thanks so much for the review. Always appreciated!
Tari
· 23 June 2008
· Chapter 35: Torn Loyalties
And now comes the end of all days. Dear Alqua is right in the middle of the battle. All he needs is a little suit of armor. I can’t wait to see what roll he plays in the final battle itself.
I shall sorely miss this story when it finally ends.
Tari
Author's reply
It is getting very close to the end, Tari... very sorry to say myself, for I have most enjoyed meeting and 'living with' the Cat for a time. Stalwart, brave and indomitable... Bless his little heart. Don't tell him I said that!
shirebound
· 22 June 2008
· Chapter 35: Torn Loyalties
Yes, each step and event and decision of Elessar would show our cat that the new King is worthy of all honor and respect (and love). I'm on the edge of my seat now! *bites nails*
Author's reply
Bless his little heart! The Scribe is surprised at the level of love that has swept over the Cat - but remembers that Elessar truly looks quite a bit like Denethor - and so, perhaps, his heart is already swayed a bit by this 'twin' of his beloved Master. It is not fully taken after this long and difficult march.
I've suggested nail-biting remedies to others. You should look into that!
Thank you 10,000 times for the review!
Author Reply: Whoops - it should read - it is NOW fully taken... dratted keyboard!
Grey Wonderer
· 21 June 2008
· Chapter 35: Torn Loyalties
(“I was just wishing Merry were here. But you are most welcome, beloved Alqualondë. “Do you know, I understand poor Denethor a little better. We might die together, Merry and I, but why not? Well, since he is not here and you are, we fight.” His brow furrowed. “I hope he’ll find an easier end. But now, I must do my part.”) Love how you've worked this in and made it fit. Now, I am so very worried about Alqualonde. I find myself wondering if a cat, even one such as Alqualonde, can survive having a troll fall on top of him. Unless perhaps with cat-like quickness Alqualonde gets out of the way? I shall be anxious for the next part of this. So many worries.
Author's reply
I will be posting shortly, GW. The story is complete; I just have found it more mannerly to not post everyday....
I most appreciate your approval of the 'fitting in' of the quote. I had never noticed this one before *blushes in shame* but absolutely loved it. One nice thing about writing is tha the Scribe learns so much and is delighted to share her discoveries with the Cat's readers.
The Cat regrets your anxiety, but hopes all will be well, in the end.
eiluj
· 21 June 2008
· Chapter 35: Torn Loyalties
"A trap, neatly set, and we the mice!" -- The cat's-eye view!
I'm looking forward to seeing Alqualondë's role in the battle.
In case you didn't consult Fonstad's Atlas of Middle-earth, I can tell you that she doesn't say anything about Legolas and Gimli's location during the battle. Considering the Three Hunters and the long journey from Dunharrow to the Pelennor, I think it's most likely Legolas and Gimli stayed with Aragorn and the Dúnedain for the Morannon battle.
As far as Gandalf letting Pippin go off with the Tower Guard: There would certainly be a strategic advantage for Gandalf to be near Aragorn during the battle, so I can understand why Tolkien placed him there. I think Tolkien put Pippin on the *other* hill so it would be easier and more logical for Aragorn & co. to lose track of Pip. More angst that way! And since Legolas and Gimli had *no idea* where Pippin was (other than that he'd started the battle on the western hill somewhere) it makes sense for them to have been with Aragorn on the eastern hill.
"2) The words of Merry to Alqualondë" -- I think you mean "Pippin"?
Author's reply
He's probably a tad hungry, by now, eiluj! It's been a long trip and cream is probably hard to come by. However, he is a warrior, unbeknownst to him, and will survive the hunger, at least.
I've looked just about everywhere AND I've even written to folks at research and other boards and no one seems to know... The Cat swears he knew the location of each of them, so I took him at his word. Ever have I found him - honest. I would also like to heartily thank you for catching the slip. I have changed it. The Scribe.
Pearl Took
· 21 June 2008
· Chapter 35: Torn Loyalties
Most Excellently Well Done, Agape!
The tension and terror of the moments are in full force. Again Alqua has a lot to deal with but does so with good grace. I'm glad he has seen the "other face" of Gandalf :-) I always found it poignant that Pippin could understand Denethor's despair at this point.
Author's reply
As often as I've read the book, I had not remembered seeing this quote before. It did my heart, as a lover of Denethor, very good to see it. Bless dearest Pippin's heart!
Thank you for your kind review... The Cat is pleased that you are terrified. He does so love to weave a tight tale!
The Scribe apologizes, as always.
Dreamflower
· 21 June 2008
· Chapter 35: Torn Loyalties
Oh dear! Oh dear! I find myself dreadfully worried about Alqualonde! There he is, right next to Pippin, and we all know what's going to happen to Pippin. If the Cat is next to him--oh, that's too dreadful to think about! *frets*bites fingernails*
Author's reply
I'm sorry - it is not going to be a nice happy battle... I'll be posting on Tuesday.... if that helps at all - perhaps you could put some of that anti-nail-biting liquid on your fingers until then???
The Cat wishes to tell you that he is of the line of Beruthiel's and has survived a lot before this..........
Larner
· 21 June 2008
· Chapter 35: Torn Loyalties
Ah, well done. In my version Pippin takes himself to the other hill, upset because he believes Frodo is captured and undergoing torture, and wanting to give himself distance for the moment from the rest of the Fellowship. It was a curious situation, Pippin fighting on the other slag-hill in the original. Either way, it works, I think. And to have Aragorn send the cat to defend his smallest Guardsman! Heh! Wonderful!
Author's reply
Thanks for the kind words, Larner. I'm glad it works for you. As I said, I've searched about everywhere AND even asked opinions at a couple boards. Had to decide for myself... I'm very glad Aragorn sent the cat to Pippin's side though.
Linda Hoyland
· 20 June 2008
· Chapter 34: Farewells
Poor cat, what a heartrending farewell to the City, which we hope will be not a final one.A lovely touch that Aragorn wanted him to ride with him.
Author's reply
Thanks so much. I really couldn't see the Cat riding in a cart the whole way - and there was no way he could walk it!
I appreciate the kind words about the farewell....
Grey Wonderer
· 19 June 2008
· Chapter 34: Farewells
I enjoyed the cat's words about his City. That was one of my favorite things about Boromir, his pride in Minas Tirith. I am glad to see that the cat has this also. It was very sad indeed, the leaving of the City, but I enjoyed the bit with Aragorn and the horse.
Author's reply
It broke poor Alqualonde's heart to leave the City - especially since he had no great hope of returning. And yes! I agree about Boroomir - he loved Minas Tirith dearly... Glad you enjoyed the horse... and Aragorn.
Blessings to you for your kind words!
Tari
· 19 June 2008
· Chapter 34: Farewells
What an honor Elessar bestowed upon Alqua by placing the cat on his horse in front of him. Alqua would be in the midst of the battle in the place of his beloved Denethor. So, in a way, Denethor will be there too. At least that's how it seems to me.
Tari
Author's reply
My goodness, Tari, that is a truly lovely thought. I hope the Cat feels it too!
Esquire_of_Rohan
· 19 June 2008
· Chapter 34: Farewells
Very good! I am really enjoying this.
Author's reply
Very, very glad you are still reading and enjoying!
Pearl Took
· 19 June 2008
· Chapter 34: Farewells
I was very much drawn into Alqua's leave-taking of Minas Tirith. I'm glad he felt joy at his King's offer to "Come. Ride with me."
I think you are right that their saddles would not have the saddle horn on the pommel. That was added to aid in roping cattle on the open ranges of the North American west. The Spanish came up with them.
http://petcaretips.net/history-horse-saddle.html
Author's reply
It was extremely difficult for the Cat to leave 'his' City - but his sense of duty was too great - he will find his heart again, perhaps???
Bless you for the review!
Fiondil
· 19 June 2008
· Chapter 34: Farewells
And so Alqualondë goes off to the Morannon, believing, as they all did, that he was going to his death (and of course some of them were). A terribly difficult time for both those leaving and those left behind. I'm not sure for whom I feel the sorriest. Glad the Cat got to ride with ELessar (wish I could *grin*).
Author's reply
*giggles* It would really be not only an honor, but a joy to ride with Aragorn! Wow.... the Cat, I hope, realizes the depths of this gift. The Scribe does!
Larner
· 19 June 2008
· Chapter 34: Farewells
Ah, so in your story Aragorn is riding Brego rather than Roheryn, then? Interesting.
Author's reply
Thank you ever so much for catching the slip - I have changed it so that our beloved Ranger/King is riding Roheryn!
Bless you!
Neilia
· 18 June 2008
· Chapter 34: Farewells
Oh, thrill! Our kitty should have been riding with the King all the time, I think. As for the King's question...very clever way to pull the heart of the cat out of despair. I think you are right about the pommel, too. Hugs to the Scribe for listening so well to the kitty's tale.
Author's reply
The Cat thanks you, but the King had other things on his mind as they left Minas Tirith... at least he finally came to his senses and commandeered the Cat...
Thanks for the Hugs - right back at you, as always!
Dreamflower
· 18 June 2008
· Chapter 34: Farewells
This was so poignant--poor Merry, Faramir and Bergil.
I liked Alqualonde's musings on his city, and his memories of the Steward and his sons looking out over the escarpment; it was beautifully descriptive.
And you are quite right about the saddles:
http://www.americanmilitarysaddle.com/medieval.html
Author's reply
*giggles* - I had hoped so - I really couldn't see the cat sitting comfortably with a horn on the saddle.
Thank you for your kind words about my descriptions... I usually do not spend time on descriptive phrases... my mind and heart are focused on feelings... but the Cat wanted them written.
Larner
· 18 June 2008
· Chapter 33: A Case Stated
Ah--and what a charge that is! And love the revelations that he's watched over Denethor's younger son for him, and of Boromir's concern for his brother's safety!
Now--does he help lead Gimli to the proper troll? I HOPE so! Heh!
Author's reply
Ah ha! We'll see what happens at the Black Gate....
As for watching over Faramir - yes, it was a given... for both father and brother.... though Boromir never knew.... sadly.
Tari
· 17 June 2008
· Chapter 33: A Case Stated
He thinks he can scare Mûmakil! ROFL. How priceless. He must have eaten too many mice. This is too cute. The little guy wants to go into battle. Bless his heart, which is bigger than his size. But then, who would pay attention to a little cat. He could be a definite asset, especially for Pippin.
I have just decided that this would make a wonderful movie. I wonder what PJ would do with it.
Tari
Author's reply
*giggles* reminds me more of a Disney movie - but I think I would prefer PJ's treatment - as would the Cat....
And he best be careful of where he's stepping - Mumakil are BIG....
Again thank you so much for your review!
Baggins Babe
· 16 June 2008
· Chapter 33: A Case Stated
Brave Alqualonde! Though I'm glad he didn't sneak out and disobey the King. He has Elessar's approval, even if he did laugh at the thought of the Cat scaring mumakil. I love the thought of him running ahead, although I hope he gets a lift!
Bows to Alqualonde.
Author's reply
LOL - I hope he 'gets a lift' too! And he is very brave... I kind of like the little thing - please don't tell him!
His sense of duty was such that, if he had disobeyed, I don't think he could have lived with himself... then again... torn - poor Cat.
Linda Hoyland
· 15 June 2008
· Chapter 33: A Case Stated
The brave noble cat determined to march to the Black Gate!
Author's reply
Well - I think he is really hoping for a ride..........
meckinock
· 15 June 2008
· Chapter 33: A Case Stated
So Alqualonde is going to the Black Gate! Go kitty!
Author's reply
Yup - and with Elessar's approval.
Pearl Took
· 15 June 2008
· Chapter 33: A Case Stated
Wonderful! Pippin shall have a friend and comforter :-) And I like Alqua saying he will run ahead and look about for the enemy and such. Well done, Alqualondë!
Author's reply
Thanks, Pearl.... He will run ahead and help good old Mablung and the Rangers - perhaps.......
The Cat thanks you!
Sarasrati
· 15 June 2008
· Chapter 33: A Case Stated
Mythbusters proved that elephants are, if not actually afraid, at least nervous around mice and will go out of their way to go around them. I'm pretty sure that Alqua could scare a Mumakil, if a little mouse can do it! And if you actually had him do that, I am pretty sure I would laugh forever.
Author's reply
Well, laughing aside, I do love Mythbusters and it's good to know that a mouse can cause some discomfort. The Cat is hoping to do more than that, if he runs into one of the beasties...
He is quite distressed that he was inside during the rampage on the Pelennor and never saw one.
Neilia
· 15 June 2008
· Chapter 33: A Case Stated
Well, our cat did it...he convinced his king to let him go to the Black Gate with them. I hope all goes well...I know he is telling the tale, so he doesn't die...but injury? *shiver* Good chapter. Hugs to the Scribe.
Author's reply
We'll see what happens when a stalwart Cat meets a Troll....