A Cat in King Elessar's Court by Agape4Gondor
Grey Wonderer · 27 May 2008 · Chapter 27: Allegiance
I LOVE this chapter! The soon-to-be-King giving responsibility to his new subject. Alqualondë really does have much to do during Aragorn's absence. I am glad to see Alqualondë finding purpose and peace at this point in time.
Author's reply
Thanks, GW. I'm glad you're glad, but the Cat's joy won't last long... sadly.
Larner · 27 May 2008 · Chapter 27: Allegiance
Peace he at last knows, and his oath is sworn. Now, to serve as he is able while the King is busy with the defense of all of Middle Earth! Excllent!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner! I heard something tonight about all someone wanted was peace. I think the Cat didn't realize he needed it...
Dreamflower · 27 May 2008 · Chapter 27: Allegiance
Oh, that was lovely, to see that Oath, from the Cat to the King--and though he's not yet crowned, the Cat now knows he is indeed, the King! And what an excellent plan for Minas Tirith, to have one who knows the way, and able to help with an evacuation, if things went badly. But now the hardest time--the time of waiting--begins...
Author's reply
LOL - Ah Dreamflower... it would have been the perfect moment, except - the Cat wanted a sword... Can you imagine an oath like this without a sword??? He railed and ranted at me, but I could not figure out how to get him one, nor how he would ever wield it. :-) Waiting sometimes really stinks... but he's got a few friends to fall back upon... ones he doesn't even know yet exist. Should be fun - thanks for staying for the ride!
Dreamflower · 27 May 2008 · Chapter 26: Questions
Poor Alqualonde. These are most certainly questions he does not want to face, poor kitty. But he's going to have to face them now.
Author's reply
He's got a lot of questions to face, Dreamflower... particularly what he's going to have for dinner since rationing is still rampant in MT.... LOL
shirebound · 27 May 2008 · Chapter 27: Allegiance
Awwwww. :)
Author's reply
Me too!
Pearl Took · 27 May 2008 · Chapter 27: Allegiance
A magnificent chapter! I love Alqua swearing his allegiance to Elessar with the full oath, and Elessar giving the full, correct reply. That was wonderful! LOL The King did give the cat a lot to manage, but Alqua is up to the challenge. And I'm glad he is willing to rethink his views on the wizard ;-) Most Excellently Well Done, Agape!!
Author's reply
Thanks! I really must put a disclaimer up at the 'summary' page so that folks don't think I'm stealing the Professor's lines. I'm just sure that most readers here are well-versed in Tolkienesque lines.... Yes - the Cat is busy re-thinking a lot of things... probably thinking too much! Thank you so much for your kind words!!! Many kind and superlative words! *blushes*
Pearl Took · 26 May 2008 · Chapter 26: Questions
Oh my! An extremely intense chapter, and what a final question to leave us with! You are doing so well with keeping this at a strong pace and high interest level. A wonderful, wonderful job, Agape!!!
Author's reply
*blushes* Thanks ever so much - I hate to say this - but I think we're getting close to the end... probably only about ten chapters, tops, to go... I'm interested myself, which has made it pretty easy writing, bless the dear Cat's heart!
Neilia · 25 May 2008 · Chapter 26: Questions
Poor kitty! He is going to have to face the fact that Denethor wasn't himself and that he could not be turned from his intended end. I am glad that the King is so very persistant with our cat. Hugs, Neilia
Author's reply
The Cat thanks you for your concern, however he states that he is well able to take care of himself, with or wihtout a king. The scribe, on the other hand, knows the Cat needs some TLC... and hopefully, quickly! But he's going to run into two very neat characters soon and they will help him... I think!
Larner · 25 May 2008 · Chapter 26: Questions
Poor Kitty, having to bear with the truth--that at the end Denethor's mind was clouded by Sauron's will and his envy toward Aragorn. And I'm glad he and Aragorn can commumicate so. Love the discrete Elves! Heh!
Author's reply
LOL - I don't know how much of the twins we will see... but they are the epitome of discretion... at least for the moment... They realize they must give their brother a little 'room' while he's in the midst of 'becoming' king. Bless you for your compassion for the Cat. He thanks you.
Baggins Babe · 25 May 2008 · Chapter 26: Questions
What a question. I wonder if Denethor would have accepted Aragorn had he not been poisoned by the Palantir. How much of his refusal to do so during his conversation with Gandalf was due to his own pride and Numenorean inheritance and how much was Sauron's doing? I shall have to think long and hard about that one. It seems that Aragorn's natural authority and charisma is having some effect on Alqualonde. I hope the Cat does decide to accept the King. At least he can see that Aragorn feels genuine grief for Denethor.
Author's reply
The Cat, dear friend, is in kind of a pickle. Does he stay in Minas Tirith now that there will be a king on the Throne? Does he stay and serve that king? Does he stay and serve Faramir? Does he 'retire' as he has been serving Gondor for a very long time? So the Cat has his own questions to ponder.... All the Cat knows, when it comes to Denethor, is that he loved him... and served him to the best of his abilities... Any who would say anything against said Steward had best cover their faces! The Cat thanks you for your review... and is heartily sorry that your week-end will be spent pondering. He wishes you well.
Linda Hoyland · 24 May 2008 · Chapter 26: Questions
I am so glad Aragorn has time for the cat and hope eventually they can be friends.
Author's reply
I think that was one thing about Aragorn that I have come to respect... though I had not seen it before... that he took time to go one-on-one with people... Thanks for reviewing!
Grey Wonderer · 24 May 2008 · Chapter 26: Questions
That last question is a very interestin one! Would Denethor have accepted Aragorn? I wonder what Alqualondë will say to that? How can it be answered without considering all that the Dark Lord through the Palentir may have done to Denethor? Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
I think, GW, having the same experiences to a degree as Denethor with the Palantir... well, that has opened his eyes, now that he sees what the Dark Lord used it for... I won't be writing an AU about what would have happened had Denethor not used the stone, but I do wonder....
Grey Wonderer · 24 May 2008 · Chapter 25: A Tent Full of Wonders
That was lovely! I did like the way the realization of what had actually happened to Denethor came to the cat and how he then shared a look with Gandalf, but of them understanding the other. It was also interesting to see the cat's reaction to Aragorn in the rule of King. This story is so filled with entertaining moments!
Author's reply
I know the Cat, when he can let his feelings go, understands... but tell that to his heart as he watched his friend die..... Gondor waited to long for a king... it is a difficult situation, but the Cat has eyes and saw and accepted, I think..... The Cat is grateful that his small little contributions entertain you.
shirebound · 24 May 2008 · Chapter 26: Questions
Denethor’s fate was sealed the moment he took the Palantír into his hands What a difficult thing to hear. Alqua must be feeling that there was something he could have done to save him, but must understand that there wasn't. I hope he can allow himself to be held and comforted soon!
Author's reply
I shivered when I wrote that line... As a lover of Denethor and finding it difficult to look at him with anything other than love, I look upon his motives for using it as self-sacrificing. That he would do anything to save Gondor. As for comfort, I know not how or when... Bless you and thank you for reviewing.
Baggins Babe · 22 May 2008 · Chapter 25: A Tent Full of Wonders
At last the Cat begins to understand. I hope that now he can heal, aided by Faramir, Aragorn and of course the hobbits. Perhaps he was slightly influenced by being in the same room as the palantir. Hopefully he will also realise that Gandalf did not wish for Denethor's death and did what he could to prevent it.
Author's reply
Hi, Baggins Babe, I was wondering whether or not the Cat had succumbed a bit to the Palantir. Nothing is impossible. I don't know if the Cat will ever really accept Gandalf's part in Denethor's death, but he will ponder it long and hard. He is not a stupid cat. Thanks for the review!
Pearl Took · 22 May 2008 · Chapter 25: A Tent Full of Wonders
The light is beginning to find chinks in the cat's walls of defense :-)
Author's reply
Ah yes - and yet other things keep stuffing the blasted holes.... Well - we'll hope that the king's hands will help our little feline...
Pearl Took · 22 May 2008 · Chapter 24: Legacy
Uh oh! That nice Elessar person is with that nasty wizard! I'm curious to see what Alqua will do. On to the next chapter!
Author's reply
It does seem that way - poor Alqualonde is really having a difficult time - the blasted wizard seems to show up at the worst times! Thanks for reviewing...
Pearl Took · 22 May 2008 · Chapter 23: Reality and Relief
A nice light scene. Hopefully Faramir will be able to ease Alqua's horror regarding a King having come to Minas Tirith. No one better for chatter than hobbits . . . and squirrels ;-)
Author's reply
I do so love the Hobbits chatter - I'm sure Alqualonde laughed too! Bless you for the review!
Pearl Took · 22 May 2008 · Chapter 22: Grief Shared
Poor Alqua! I hope he gets some healing himself. Such a sad belief that a good servant should die with his master, but I know it is one that was/is common.
Author's reply
Yes indeed - he should have, in his mind's eye, should have jumped upon the pyre with Denethor - but who would look after Faramir... now the Cat's Steward...
Pearl Took · 22 May 2008 · Chapter 21: Whispers
Poor Faramir! I've always thought that it had to be a terrible thing for him to bear, especially once he was told the whole tale of his father's end. I'm glad Alqua can give him some comfort.
Author's reply
I'm really glad the Cat was with him, too, Pearl... A hideous tale to be told - and poor Faramir weak and sick with the remnants of the Black Breath just sent off....
Pearl Took · 22 May 2008 · Chapter 20: The Hands of a Healer
Hmmm . . . why is the thought of a king so horrible? I can sympathize with Alqua's confusion, it can all be confusing for people who have followed the story from the beginning, let alone coming in in the middle, so-to-speak. I'm so glad Strider, Pippin and yes, Gandalf can hear Alqua speak :-)
Author's reply
Well - you are correct - the story is definitely complex... I'm hoping mine isn't quite as bad :-) As for the king - ah, kin-strife was ever on the lords of Gondor's minds... the cat also felt it and worried.... A true heir - that is the dilemma when the line that the Stewards trusted and served was known to be heir-less. Blessings....
Pearl Took · 22 May 2008 · Chapter 19: A World Turned All Around
I'm so glad Aragorn's healing extends to animals :-) Poor Alqualondë surely needed a deep, undisturbed rest. I hope he will take comfort with Faramir when he awakens. Well done, as always, Agape :-) (sorry I'm behind, I've not had much time for reading the last few weeks and am behind here and at a challenge I was in as well :( I'm hoping to get caught up soon :-) )
Author's reply
First - good luck with the challenge! Second - I'm glad you noticed that Aragorn was healing the Cat with that sleep he put him in. I'm not sure if others did... I think Aragorn would be able to do such a thing! Blessings and thank you for your kind words of encouragement!
Tari · 21 May 2008 · Chapter 25: A Tent Full of Wonders
So, Alqua understands. Good. Although I am sure his coming to understand what happened to Denethor was extremely difficult for him. Tari
Author's reply
Whether or not our dear Cat understands doesn't mean his heart is not broken. Thanks for reviewing!
irene · 21 May 2008 · Chapter 25: A Tent Full of Wonders
The Cat in the hat -- no, in the tent has to endure great sorrows.Since I am no dedicated friend of Aragorn, I hope it will be Faramir to whom the Cat turns. After all, he is the son of the Cat's beloved master and knows himself a little something of the Palantir, therefore everything could stay nicely in the family.
Author's reply
*giggles* - at first I wondered if I had made a mistake in the title!!! We'll have to see... let's keep our fingers crossed! Thanks for reviewing...
Dreamflower · 21 May 2008 · Chapter 25: A Tent Full of Wonders
This Cat is truly a personage of great wisdom and insight. Now he understands the truth--that Denethor's madness was brought on by the Enemy. I loved his observations of how Elessar handled the "Last Debate". It really wasn't much of a debate, there was no question that his will would be done, yet he did not co-erce any of them. They followed his will out of love and respect. And perhaps, now that he understands, Alqualonde will begin to find his own healing.
Author's reply
Hi, Dreamflower *waves frantically* You are absolutely right about the 'last' debate... and it is exactly what the Cat needed to see! AH - everyone wants the Cat to begin healing but there is no time... not yet... for him nor for Faramir nor for Pippin.......