Dreamflower
· 15 June 2008
· Chapter 33: A Case Stated
Oh, YAY! He gets to go, and to go with Pippin, and all without having to break his oath!
Just goes to show that a wise Cat can accomplish much! He was very persuasive!
I was amused at his claim he could frighten mumakil--I could just see him chasing mice in the direction of the Southron's camps, LOL! It would be an excellent strategy--I'd like to see Aragorn take him up on it! What consternation that would cause among the enemy!
Author's reply
Yay indeed! The oath was kept and that, in the scribe's mind, was most important... the Cat, try as he might, thought he could break it without too much guilt, but I am glad Elessar realized and saved him from oath-breaking. Blessed King!
As for the mumakil - glad you noticed that - the scribe was ROTFL when the Cat told Elessar that - but I had to run to another room before I let the laughter fall. No need to antagonize the Cat before the story ends!!!!
Thank you so much for reviewing!
shirebound
· 15 June 2008
· Chapter 33: A Case Stated
They do not need me. In fact, Pippin will need me more.
Awwww. Elessar is so wise. Indeed, "small hands" (or paws) are often needed in the most unlikely places.
Author's reply
Isn't that the truth, shirebound? Though Pippin has not entered the story as much as I would have wished, I believe all know of the great friendship that has developed between the Cat and the Hobbit...
Thanks for your review!
harrowcat
· 15 June 2008
· Chapter 33: A Case Stated
Oh I am so glad that 'our Cat' is going without the need for deceit.
Author's reply
Me too - I really struggled over this - there was precedence.. Merry and Eowyn... but the Cat was so torn with duty versus need.... I'm very glad he struggled so hard with the dilemma... I would have thought less of him....
And I was so very grateful that Elessar saw the Cat's need and answered... perhaps he understood better, as Gandalf did at the Council, that those who are deemed 'smaller' might very well hold the fate of the M-e in their hands (paws)....
Blessings and thanks for the review!
Grey Wonderer
· 15 June 2008
· Chapter 33: A Case Stated
Alqualondë is to watch over Pippin? Oh dear. Now I'm really worried because I know full well exactly where Pippin winds up in all of this. I'm very worried about Alqualondë now. I hope there's more soon.
Author's reply
I am so glad you caught that GW - I was a little discomfitted when I heard where Aragorn wanted Alqualonde.... Not a good place to be at that battle!
Thanks ever so much for reviewing!
Grey Wonderer
· 15 June 2008
· Chapter 32: A Different Path
I love the way the cat moves Merry and Faramir from feeling helpless to seeing something important that both can and must do. It did give me a shudder to think of Faramir inheriting the palantir! There's an AU plot that would be chilling to consider.
Author's reply
Ah - even though the Palantir is in the House of the Stewards and supposedly only shows - well, you know what.... I could see someone, in good faith, trying to use it to see the outcome in the battle that their friends are heading to. Very, very glad that thought is now shoved aside!
Many thanks for your kind words!
Grey Wonderer
· 15 June 2008
· Chapter 31: The Tunnels of Mindolluin
(“I do not understand all this, Alqualondë. Are you planning on going somewhere? Will you not be here to help me?”) That's the question, isn't it? What is Alqualonde planning? This is so sad because it all sounds so hopeless. No matter what is planned they all expect it to end in death.
Author's reply
I think of the war zones in so many places in our world... and often think of the depths of grief and despair that must assail these peoples... At least the bulk of Gondor's people are away - thanks to Denethor's foresight!
I think often of Faramir's lack of hope at HA... very difficult times indeed, even with the King returned!
Thanks again for reviewing! Most appreciated.
Pearl Took
· 13 June 2008
· Chapter 32: A Different Path
Ah! Smart move, distracting the Hobbits :-) I'm glad Faramir now has an inkling of how dangerous the palatir was and would have the sense not to try using it.
Author's reply
I think Aragorn will be able to help him with discernment about the Palantir...
But I'm pretty sure Faramir is well aware of the dangers... too aware, sadly!
Tari
· 13 June 2008
· Chapter 32: A Different Path
It saddens my heart to think that Merry sees himself as failure. I see him as a hero. He and Faramir will just have to comfort each other as the battle rages. There is no way either one could help. In fact, I think they would be a hinderance.
Tari
Author's reply
In the book, Aragorn tells Merry that Pip will have a hard time surpassing Merry's courageous stand... I'm not sure if Merry would have quite believed him with the grief that the Hobbit carried in his heart...
Hmmm - hindrance? I don't think anyone could call one of the Hobbits a hindrance. Remember - Elrond himself thought Merry & Pippin should not go... yet, Middle-earth would not have been the same IMHO if they hadn't.
shirebound
· 13 June 2008
· Chapter 32: A Different Path
How heartbreaking for Merry to be always "left behind", as he sees it. He doesn't realize the magnitude of all he's accomplished. Not yet.
Author's reply
Aragorn and Faramir and a host of others will see that Merry, in the end, realizes his part in saving Middle-earth... though the Hobbit will take it with humility.
Thanks for reviewing!
Larner
· 12 June 2008
· Chapter 32: A Different Path
Ah--such a wise kitty!
Author's reply
*giggles*
The Cat humbly bows at your homage..........
eiluj
· 12 June 2008
· Chapter 32: A Different Path
Clever of Alqua to further Faramir and Merry's acquaintance.
I'm looking forward to seeing how you will manage Alqua sneaking out with the army, and then in the battle.
Author's reply
Poor thing! He felt terrible for Merry, for he knew how hard it must be to be left behind... and yet, his love for Faramir demanded that he make sure the Steward was cared for - in friendship.
Ah - the Cat states he would never sneak.... that is left for slimy creatures like the one Faramir spoke of who was at that very moment, leading poor Frodo into the clutches of *shudders*................
Linda Hoyland
· 11 June 2008
· Chapter 31: The Tunnels of Mindolluin
The poor cat needs a mate and lots of lovely kittens!
The plan seems plausible.Thank Goodness it was not needed.
I guess the cat will now follow Aragorn whereever he leads?
Author's reply
It is interesting to see that the Cat never even considered finding a mate until after Denethor died... in fact, more than interesting - sad.
I'm glad the tunnels seem plausible. I cannot believe that the Gondorian builders of Minas Tirith would have been as foolish as Eorl... I still can't believe he built Aldburg without an escape route!!! No back door.
I personally cannot believe the Cat will be like Merry and Eowyn... to much discipline after all these years. He could not disobey his King, I think, if he tried. Might be tempted..........
Larner
· 11 June 2008
· Chapter 31: The Tunnels of Mindolluin
This does sound ominous. But at least there is a plan in hand. I'm only glad the plan wasn't needed.
Author's reply
Yes, Larner, since this tale is NOT an AU - the plan wasn't needed... but who knows, further down the road they might have used the tunnels for other things...
Thanks for reviewing!
Tar
· 11 June 2008
· Chapter 29: A Slip of the Tongue
This story is so real to me that I can actually picture Alqua putting his paw to his mouth and then both paws over his head. He's really having a problem keeping things secret. I find myself wanting to comfort him.
Tari
Author's reply
Bless you, Tari... sorry for the late response to this review! I most appreciate your comments!
Tari
· 11 June 2008
· Chapter 28: Comrades Found
A bowl of cream within reach and a beard in the way. LOL.
The list of those who know Alqua talks is lenghtening.
Tari
Author's reply
Hi, late responding - forgive me! The Scribe was horrified at how many were learning the Cat talks... but the Cat doesn't seem to have a care in the world... at least not a care for the Scribe.... long-suffering Scribe!!!!
Neilia
· 10 June 2008
· Chapter 31: The Tunnels of Mindolluin
Huh? I am as confused as Hurin. Is our dear cat going with his King to die at the black gates? *chewing on lip...more like worrying it* Please don't take long to post the next chapter...not that the cat will tell us all. :D Hugs to the scribe, Neilia
Author's reply
Oh Neila.... I've finished the entire tale - yeah! whoopie! hooray!
But can only post as fast as the board moves... I can't post continuously, much as you and I would want me tooo....
So much still to come - but really only about 8 chapters left!
Hugs right back at you and 10,000 thanks for each and every hug!!! The scribe.
Dreamflower
· 10 June 2008
· Chapter 31: The Tunnels of Mindolluin
Uh-oh!
Is that Cat planning to sneak off after the Army? *shakes head*
Well, he has Merry's example, and Eowyn's. But that's not going to be easy to pull off...
Author's reply
There is precedent - and believe me - the Cat seriously considered it... but - what of his oaths....
Tari
· 10 June 2008
· Chapter 31: The Tunnels of Mindolluin
Such gloom and doom. If only Alqua had the gift of foresight, he would know that Elessar will live and see Gondor restored. Their plans remind me of the evacuation of Gondolin.
And, where pray tell is the cat off to. Will he follow the king?
Author's reply
Gloom and doom is right. Even Faramir is affected and Merry!
I'm flattered that our little tale reminds you of such an incredible moment in the Sil....
Pearl Took
· 10 June 2008
· Chapter 31: The Tunnels of Mindolluin
Very mysterious indeed!
I'm sure that many felt there was no hope - I'm sure even Aragorn and Gandalf. But I think they also refused to give in to despair entirely. I hope Alqua can do the same.
Hmmm . . . your muse needs to find a mate for Alqua. Shame it can't be a Shire cat as I'm sure a touch of the Shire would only enhance his line :-)
Very good cliff hanger and I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter!
Author's reply
I have gone with the ‘sense’ of hopeless that Faramir has spoken of twice in the LOTR books. Despair? Nay!
1) "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." (The Window on the West).
2) "It is a hard doom and a hopeless errand, Frodo son of Drogo. I do not hope to see you again on any other day under this Sun. But you shall go now with my blessing upon you, and upon all your pÉople." (The Forbidden Pool).
As for a mate…. Hmmm…..
Thanks so much for the review! We are coming close to the end…
Pearl Took
· 7 June 2008
· Chapter 30: The Whole World Will Know
LOL! Poor Hurin! obviously a shock that was too much for him to bear! LOL
I'm glad the hobbits were making Alqua smile.
"They were telling of how Pippin had found poor Merry in the streets of Minas Tirith, dazed and lost; told the tale as if Merry had been on a picnic by the banks of the Anduin. Hobbits are odd creatures indeed."
Very odd creatures, but then, to most of us, so is a cat who can "talk".
Wonderful, Agape!
Author's reply
I had to giggle when he dropped his drink. I hadn't expected that. The Cat really has no patience with stupidity... which I think is why he is so fond of Pippin - he sees the intelligence and courage that lie under the frivolity that colors the Hobbit.
I'm not sure if the Cat will appreciate being called 'odd' so I won't tell him.
Thanks ever so much for the review!
Pearl Took
· 7 June 2008
· Chapter 29: A Slip of the Tongue
Bad me, behind again . . .
A wonderful chapter! I love Alqua feeling overwhelmed at times by Pippin's enthusiasm, and his thinking if Boromir and Faramir as he watches the hobbits wrestling. Quick thinking on his part as well to go get Merry to tell Eowyn's tale.
Author's reply
I can so seeing this quiet, dignified Cat just sitting with his mouth open half the time as Pippin talks... Bless him.
Sometimes, tales told by those who have actually seen the events is much better than a second-hand witness.
Thank you, as ever, for your review!
shirebound
· 7 June 2008
· Chapter 30: The Whole World Will Know
but the laughter of the Hobbits quickly brought me to smile. They were telling of how Pippin had found poor Merry in the streets of Minas Tirith, dazed and lost; told the tale as if Merry had been on a picnic by the banks of the Anduin.
That's a lovely way to describe the hobbits' 'light speech in the face of disaster'.
Author's reply
I will tell you this much, shirebound, it was a difficult thing to sit and listen to - even if told in a 'lighter' vein... for both Faramir and the Cat knew the horrors that lie behind Merry's speech.
Bless you and thank you for the review!
Larner
· 7 June 2008
· Chapter 30: The Whole World Will Know
What a shock for Hurin! Poor man--a bit overwhelming to the system, obviously!
And love Merry and Pippin telling stories on Faramir's bed.
Author's reply
Wasn't that fun, Larner! I can just see the two of them, with poor Alqualonde trying to find a spot for himself, and Faramir probably having to curl up his legs so they wouldn't sit on him!
Poor Hurin indeed... silly man... here he was, Warden of the Keys to Denethor, and not having one idea of what exactly the Cat was!
Thanks for the review!
Dreamflower
· 7 June 2008
· Chapter 30: The Whole World Will Know
Uh-oh. What is the Cat up to now? Poor Hurin--this is a bit much for him! He's going to think he's lost his ever-loving mind! Poor man!
Author's reply
It's nice to see someone else, besides Denethor, losing his mind :-)
Poor Hurin will recover... after all, he is Numenorean!
Thanks for the review!
Fiondil
· 7 June 2008
· Chapter 30: The Whole World Will Know
Poor Húrin. I think I would faint too if an animal started speaking to me. On the other hand, Alqualondë was Denethor's familiar so it shouldn't have surprised the Man. Still, I hope he stops acting the babbling idiot and actually listens to what the Cat has to say. I want to hear it too. LOL
Author's reply
LOL - about time the Warden was surprised... I have often wondered where on earth the silly man was during Denethor's taking Faramir to the House of the Stewards. He should have been there and tried to stop the Steward.
I know that later on, he was out on the battlefield... *Heavy sigh*
I think he'll come around... and accept the Cat.
Thanks for reviewing - the Cat notes your anxious waiting and will comply.