Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search
swiss replica watches replica watches uk Replica Rolex DateJust Watches

Catmint  by annmarwalk 5 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/4/2006
We've tried to plant catnip here, but the cats keep eating the plants before they can truly get established.

But the idea that this cat would inspire Eowyn in her healing is a joyful one, I find.

Author Reply: A cat, and a garden, are just what she needed to sit down, take a deep breath, and rethink her plans for the future. Then her future walked up softly on little cat feet and said hello! How could she resist? *smile*

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/1/2006
A lovely distraction for a sad Shieldmaiden. And a reminder that not everything needs to be serious, sober and suffering. A good moment for a certain young Steward to appear.

Author Reply: Yes, it was a perfect moment for Faramir, wasn't it? Pale sunshine, droning bees, warmth and relaxation - his arrival fits perfectly into that comfortable setting; and she'll remember it well.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/30/2006
Just delightful.You certainly have captured the essence of cats beautifully.I loved the contrast between those of Rohan and Gondor.I hope it isFaramir who has joined her though it would be years before they meet again.

Author Reply: Thank you for your kind words! Yes, those are Faramir's soft footfalls and quiet voice that return Eowyn from her catlike trance - but what a lovely way to brought back!

BranwynReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/29/2006
This such a peaceful scene, and I love how the cat reminds Eowyn to enjoy the simple pleasures of the present. Her surprise at the cat's drug-induced frenzy is understandable--they do act like they have lost their minds when they smell catnip! Those cats in Edoras are probably very busy; what with the stables full of hay and the thatched roofs, there would be a plague of vermin. Much less work to do in a stone city, I would think. Very nice ficlet about the calming and healing effect of plants and animals. And what a pleasant surprise at the end when Faramir walks in.

Author Reply: Eowyn was possibly familiar with catnip (though I don't know what other uses it has, other than intoxicating cats); but the lovely nepeta mussini might have been new to her. Actually, the whole experience of just sitting doing nothing was probably very new to her - she had a household to run, a semi-invalid to care for; and a long, dreary life to look forward to. Pale sunlight, a fragrant garden, and no chores would have been just what the doctor ordered! And Faramir would have been the icing on the cake.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/29/2006
This really brought a smile to my face! Yes, those healers know that it's not just medicines and poultices that help their patients... especially *this* patient. And that last line is just perfect.

Author Reply: Thank you so much for reading and commenting! The original story was all about Eowyn and the cat; like Professor Tolkien himself, I was quite surprised when Faramir came striding up out of nowhere to make himself at home in the story. Now, of course, I see how perfectly he fits in; so who would I have been to argue?

Return to Chapter List