Darlin · 6 January 2008 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
I enjoyed this especially the ending epi. I'm not quite the Hobbit fan so the Three Hunters was definitely up my alley.
The Three Hunters by Dreamflower
Reviews (51)
Kitty · 30 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
The three hunters saw all the important points quite soon - their resilience and endurance, their presence of mind and all that. After what happened between Amon Hen and Isengard, I am sure their respect for the hobbits has risen another degree or two. I am still glad their desperate chase was successful, as they would've been devastated if they had been too late. So it was Legolas who was the first to connect the fast healing wounds with the Ent draughts? Of course, he is a Wood Elf, and even if he had not encountered Ents before, I suppose he had to have heard something. And he has to believe in the healing power of trees ;) I think you caught the thoughts of the three pursuers quite well, Dreamflower. That was interesting to read.
Kitty · 30 August 2006 · Chapter 3: Part 3: Gimli
For Gimli the hunt through Rohan must have been more difficult than for the other two, as he had the shortest legs and the heavy armour to carry. It is amazing that they were able to run so very far in so short a time. I can see why he was worried it would be his fault if they didn't catch up with the orcs, though I doubt there was any other dwarf who did anything similar and he will be famous among his people for this. Well, it is easy to underestimate hobbits, I think. They are so small, and even if their faces are these of adults, their size leads one easily to think of them at least as children-like. But everyone who gets to know them a bit more will not make this mistake for long. It made surely some impression on Gimli that Pippin wasn't so upset about the encounter with the Nazgul, but that he thought he would be left behind. It tells a lot about the iron determination behind their lightheartedly behaviour, doesn't it?
sarah · 30 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
I came here from Marigold's recs. Great story! I enjoyed the different povs and especially the way you wrote Gimli. I love the ending with Gimli's question and Pip's talking.
Author's reply
Doesn't Marigold have some wonderful recs? I love her page, as well as her Challenges! She does so much hard work for hobbit fandom, and she's a very sweet person, to boot. And I am also glad that you enjoyed the story and took the time to let me know. If you liked it, you might check out some of the previous recs from Marigold--I do have a few other stories she picked, and there are a whole lot of other good writers as well. You also might like to look at some of the past Challenge stories, too! Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review!
Queen Galadriel · 29 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
Finally I get to read this! I love it, Dreamflower. The Three Hunters are very in character, and I can well imagine each of them remembering and feeling these things. My favourite is Aragorn's though; I just love stories between Weathertop and Rivendell. It would be like him to feel guilty about driving them so, especially now that they are being driven by cruel Orcs with no mercy. But he was right: there was no other way, and they *had* to do it, or they might have been attacked sooner and they almost lost Frodo as it was. Poor Hobbits though. Love can drive one on and lend strength to the weary, but it all catches up with you later. I really like Legolas' memory of talking with them and practising with them. I'm amazed to find that he and Pippin did have more in common than I ever thought. Wow-they really are good with those stones! :) Gimli saw just what he needed to see in that little moment between Bilbo and Merry and Pippin. I remember when I was first introduced to LOTR, I wondered if it was possible for them to be serious, especially Pippin. But Gimli is right: you have to get to know them. And of course the epilogue was great, and very lightening after the angst! :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
There are a lot of really great "Weathertop to Rivendell" stories, but most deal with Frodo himself, and are not concerned with the effects on the three other hobbits--or only the other three in regards to their interactions with Frodo. I thought it would be good to show the others as observed by Strider--as he and Glorfindel felt forced to push them along, he would notice the effects on them. And you are right--it's the "catches up later" part that really drove home to Aragorn how devoted they were to Frodo. Yes--Legolas and Pippin *do* have a good deal in common. And it was Bodkin's lovely story that made me realize they had even more than I had originally thought, LOL! As to the stone-throwing, that is of course, canon. I liked letting Merry show off a bit. Gimli did need to know that when necessary Merry and Pippin could be serious. They are such typical hobbits in the "speaking lightly" department. But he got to see them let their guard down with Bilbo. I'm glad you liked the epilogue! I knew right away I wanted that line, but it was hard to find just the right little gap to fit it into!
Bodkin · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
Gimli is the most likely one to have noticed the unexpected growth spurt! After all - the difference probably isn't that great to a Dunadan and an elf. The three must have been hugely relieved to get the hobbits back largely undamaged - so relieved, probably, that they didn't really notice how they have changed. Yet. Good story!
Author's reply
Exactly! I'm not a proponent of the "4'6" " school of thought--Sam thought they were about three inches taller--which would have been a lot more growth to a hobbit--or a Dwarf--than it would to one of the Taller Races. I think they were relieved in that manner--each notices according to his nature: Aragorn as a healer would have been on the lookout for injury; Legolas would have been intrigued by anamolies to do with time; and Gimli *would* notice the height first. They've yet to notice the other changes, but once they hear the hobbits' story, they will begin to appreciate the new maturity and self-reliance...
Bodkin · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 3: Part 3: Gimli
Yes - easy to underestimate hobbits. Especially these two. But I love the way they have crept into Gimli's heart! Failure here is indeed unthinkable.
Author's reply
Yes, Merry and Pippin have indeed crept into the Dwarf's heart much as they did with the others. A good deal of it is their native Fallohide charm, of course, but a lot of it has to do with their pluck and perseverance and wit and the cheerful face they put on adversity. And of course, the three do not rescue Merry and Pippin, who rescued themselves with a good deal of luck as well as by the aforementioned good qualities. But the Three Hunters also did not fail, for it was their pursuit which led to *them* being in the right places to meet Eomer and the Rohirrim and to find the new and improved Gandalf. If they had *not* chased after their hobbits, none of that would have happened.
Grey Wonderer · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
LOL Gimli's last line about their height! Lovely story all around!
Author's reply
Yes, you know, when I got to thinking of my Epilogue, that was the first line to pop into my head! I'm glad you liked it--it's hard to find gaps in The Two Towers!
Grey Wonderer · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 3: Part 3: Gimli
I may have left you a blank review just now. I was trying to log on and I clicked something and it said that my review had been sent to the author! Imagine my surprise since I had not yet written my review! Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed the way Gimli talked about his own father and Bilbo while recounting his feelings. After all, he had family that had dealt with Hobbits before. I enjoyed his POV very much.
Author's reply
I know. That kind of thing happens to me from time to time. That was exactly why I chose that sort of memory for Gimli--one that involved Bilbo. Bilbo was kind of part of Gimli's own family history, and so it helped in him realizing the truth about Merry and Pippin. I'm glad his POV came across well--I don't write his POV often--I know less of Dwarves than of the other races, so I'm a bit less confident.
Grey_wonderer@yahoo.com · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 3: Part 3: Gimli
TopazTook · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
I love that it is the dwarf who recognizes that they are now taller -- he would be the one to notice, being closer to their level! I also liked the insight into the different thoughts of the Three Hunters -- well done again!
Author's reply
Yes, it did seem that such a thing would stand out more to him--hobbits that had previously been a head shorter, now are aa bit less than half a head shorter, give or take and inch or so. I'm glad you enjoyed their thoughts--thank you! 8-)
Laureleaf · 22 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
That was a lovely story! I like how each wanders through memory of the two young hobbits and finds further resolve! And Gimli's last question had me laugh outright.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! It seemed to me that the two they were seeking would have been much on their minds! And--Gimli *would* notice, wouldn't he? I am glad that you stopped by!
Pearl Took · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
Wonderful, wonderful, Wonderful!!!! Yes, the perfect finish to this tale. Leave it to the other short person to notice they are taller ;-)
Author's reply
Thank you! *blushes* That's exactly it--that's just why I thought Gimli would notice first! LOL!
AspenJules · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
A wonderful winding-up scene! Every voice is so true. I can see Gimli almost grumbling a little about how well they seemed to have fared, but Aragorn noticing the signs of ill-treatment. As a healer, he would notice those things, as well as the signs of wear on Gimli. I love Legolas' take on their condition as being due in part to their time among the Ents. I imagine him being intrigued, and almost the slightest touch envious of the experience they had there. And very astute touch with it being Gimli noticing the change in their height. To the tall Ranger and Elf the relatively slight change in height would not be noticeable, but to the Dwarf, who is much closer in height to them, it would be. Especially as I can see him being proud of being 'taller' than other beings, and anything that might encroach on that unusual advantage ... well, it wouldn't be overlooked. LOL Lovely story all around, Dreamflower. As usual... beautiful job. I just *do* love your explorations of this delightful tale!
Author's reply
Yes, you have really hit the nail on the head with my take on this re-union! That's exactly why I thought he'd notice first--he's closest to them in height, so the difference would be a good deal more obvious to him than to the taller folk! Thank you so much! It's been fun to root around in The Two Towers. That's a relatively unexplored area for me, and I recently decided to rectify that. The only problem is, compared to Fellowship and Return, there are just not enough good sized gaps!
AspenJules · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 3: Part 3: Gimli
I'm sorry... make that Merry and Pippin and *Bilbo*. Lack of sleep does terrible things to the mind... *chuckles tiredly*
Author's reply
Oh, that's all right, I read what you meant and not what you wrote, LOL! Get some rest, dear!
AspenJules · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 3: Part 3: Gimli
Oh Dream.. I loved this one! I will be honest and confess that Gimli has never been one of my favorite characters... but this glimpse of him was truly touching and totally believable. The exchange between Merry and Pippin and Gandalf was exquisitely done, and I especially liked the tie-in with The Hobbit and Gimli and Gloin both underestimating the hobbits of their acquaintance. Lovely chapter. Off to the epilogue!
Author's reply
Gimli can grow on one. In my early readings of LotR, he wasn't particularly a favorite, but now I am quite fond of him. Yes, I think that the whole Matter of the Ring really *began* with The Hobbit, of course. It is one reason that Bilbo is often prominent in my fics, and mentioned sometimes even in fics where he does not appear. He was the first torch-bearer, so to speak, and then he handed off to Frodo. But his actions were pivotal for many reasons--not the least of which, proved just how capable hobbits could be.
harrowcat · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
I was glad to find the rest of this when I got back from my parents Dreamflower. A lovely read before the unpacking and washing! I've put it on my favourites list because I want to come back and savour so many great bits. Aragorn's keen sight for injuries. Gimli's eavesdropping. I just love the ending...... *signs off still listing the bits she enjoyed....*
Author's reply
I am very glad you enjoyed it so much, and I'm flattered that you think it one of your favorites! Thank you very much for reading and reviewing!
Larner · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
At least Gimli is noticing the details here! Oh, bless the Dwarf! And they DO land on their feet, it seems--or at least these two do. If only it had been so easy for Frodo.
Author's reply
*grin* Perhaps it was easier for him, since they were closer to his size, LOL! Well, Frodo had a good bit of "luck" as well (or Chance if Chance you call it) in the way things fell out for the best. Capturing Gollum as a guide, encountering Faramir, the orcs all killing one another in Cirith Ungol, being mistaken for Orc soldiers, etc. The problem was, his task was so much harder, and his circumstances so much more dire, that landing on his feet would have been very nearly impossible, even with all the "luck" in the world. There was just no way for things to be as easy for him, poor dear.
Larner · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 3: Part 3: Gimli
I can certainly see that conversation between Merry, Pippin, and Bilbo. And indeed Gimli has learned these Hobbits have depth not readily visible. This is marvelous.
Author's reply
I thought it was definitely a conversation that would have taken place at some time before they all set out. I think perhaps, once assured that Frodo would live and recover, Merry and Pippin's behavior in Rivendell might have become a bit giddy out of sheer relief. We know that Gandalf had apparently needed to rebuke Pippin more than once--("saying cheerful things" as Pippin put it sarcastically) for being a bit flippant. I'm sure that was a little misleading to Gimli. Not that Dwarves don't have a sense of humor, but he probably thought that was the wrong place and time. But overhearing that conversation made him realize that they did care very much, and that they had a serious purpose behind their light-hearted words in front of others.
Frodo Baggins · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 2: Part 2: Legolas
Wow. This is great, Dreamflower. As usual, of course. I love the way how you had Legolas and Pippin have a special bond. I do think those two Hobbits would be impossible not to love, but a special bond between Legolas and Pippin is really neat. Thanks! Namarie! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Well, Legolas and Pippin have a good deal in common--Pippin's Tookish nature, and his love for music and mischief would have appealed a good deal to a Wood-Elf like Legolas.
SlightlyTookish · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
A lovely end to this story!
Author's reply
Thank you very much!
shirebound · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
Thank you for this lovely story, Dreamflower. It always seemed to me that Aragorn & Co. were a bit less attentive to Merry and Pippin at Isengard than they should have been. It's nice to think that they truly cared, and greatly respected their small friends' resilience, light heartedness, and astounding luck and cleverness.
Author's reply
Well, of course, JRRT was determined to get in all the details of the storming of Isengard, and he rather stinted us a bit on the reunion. But I think that they truly cared, very much so! They were, after all, (and especially Aragorn) entitled to go off with Gandalf and King Theoden and the others to consult with Treebeard, but they chose instead to spend the time with the friends they had set out to rescue, and over whom they had expended so much effort. I think, all along, they had thought they would *have* to rescue Merry and Pippin. To learn that the two of them had actually managed to escape on their own must have really made them respect their small friends even more!
PIppinfan1988 · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: At Isengard
Flotsam and Jetsam is one of my favourite chapters in the book, and this was a great gap-filler! Pippin and Merry's cheerfulness has them all stumped, yet I think Aragorn is the one who can see through the hobbits' culinary shield and down to the scars. Great observations on all parts. :-) LOL, I liked Gimli's: “It is just--do they look *taller* to you?" Thanks for a wonderful story! Pippinfan
Author's reply
It's one of mine, as well. When I was taking part in the "Chapter of the Week" discussions at r.a.b.t/a.f.t, I jumped at the chance to do the chapter summary for that one--I ending up doing "The Road to Isengard" as well, which gave me a rare opportunity to do two chapters back to back. It's a delightful chapter--I have a bunny for another gap-filler set in F&J, if I can just figure out where and how to shoe-horn it in. Aragorn's a healer--his eyes are going at once to look for injuries! *grin* That was the line which I knew from the very start of the fic would be my ending--it just seemed to fit! I am very glad you enjoyed it. It was great fun for me to write a TTT gapfiller!
PIppinfan1988 · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 3: Part 3: Gimli
Well, young Master Pippin had been right. It had taken a horde of Orcs to drag them kicking and screaming away from where their cousin had headed. Wow...very well said! This is exactly what happened. Bless their wee hearts! I liked Gimli's reversal of his initial opinion, and I also admired his determination in finding the lads. I have so enjoyed all three observations of our young hobbits! There is indeed more to them than meets the eye. :-) Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, it was--I don't believe they could have been separated from Frodo in any other way. Although they did not *want* to go to Mordor then, and wished to go along with Boromir's desires to go to Minas Tirith first--they still would have done whatever Frodo decided--unless his decision had been to send them away. Aragorn, I think would have tried to do that, if things had worked out differently--but Merry and Pippin would not have gone along with it. Only the Epilogue is left.
PIppinfan1988 · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 2: Part 2: Legolas
*Gasps!* How did this slip past me??? I easily can see how the youngest hobbits--especially Pippin--captured the heart of Legolas. Both have a healthy respect and love for nature...and marksmanship. Of course, those two charming little devils could capture anybody's heart. ;-) Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, they could. Like Frodo, they have an abundance of Fallohide charm! And Legolas would easily see the ways they had things in common with the Elves. I had fun letting Merry show off with the stone!