Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

A Cat in King Elessar's Court  by Agape4Gondor 8 Review(s)
Baggins BabeReviewed Chapter: 35 on 6/24/2008
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 Reply: I hope you've prepared yourself........... it's not pretty!

TariReviewed Chapter: 35 on 6/23/2008
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 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!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 35 on 6/22/2008
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 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 WondererReviewed Chapter: 35 on 6/21/2008
(“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 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.

eilujReviewed Chapter: 35 on 6/21/2008
"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 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 TookReviewed Chapter: 35 on 6/21/2008
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 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.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 35 on 6/21/2008
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 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..........

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 35 on 6/21/2008
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 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.

Return to Chapter List