Pearl Took
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Part 3: Gimli
Bravo!! Bravo!!!
These are lovely stories.
Hobbits seem to be so easy to underestimate. I can well imagine Gimli, even after all his father's and cousins tales, still doubting them - especially Merry and Pippin.
Well Done :-)
Author's reply
Thank you, dear!
Well, one reason is, that Hobbits underestimate *themselves*. They tend to be very modest, and to downplay their own real achievements and bravery. It never seems to them that they have done anything remarkable--after all, all they did was stick by family and protect one another and do what they promised to do--isn't that what anybody would do?
Well,yes, if they were hobbits...
SlightlyTookish
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Part 3: Gimli
Lovely! I love how Gimli gradually came to understand Merry and Pippin, and realized that he had underestimated him. But my favorite bit was: Dwarves were by and large a cynical and pessimistic race--but Gimli held on to the thought that they *would* find the two young hobbits. Alive. And well. They *had* to.
To fail was unthinkable…
It's perfectly Gimli!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you thought I had his voice down right. I especially want to do justice to him, after he was treated so shabbily in the movies.
shirebound
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Part 3: Gimli
"...he was modest, and never seemed to take credit for all he did. But he never backed down once he set himself upon a course of action, and he never once considered abandoning the rest of us, though there were many occasions when he would have been far safer to do so. Not,” Gloín had added ruefully, “something that could have been said of the rest of us. We did not always treat him as honorably as he treated us.”
I love that quote about Bilbo!
"I am uncommonly proud to have a chance to see what kind of hobbits the two of you have grown into..."
And I love that quote *by* Bilbo! How wonderful.
Author's reply
Yes, I remember so well the last time I re-read The Hobbit, being particularly struck by the part where Bilbo had finally escaped Gollum and the goblins, and then had made his mind up that he had to go back after the Dwarves, when he overheard Gandalf and the Dwarves talking--and the Dwarves were perfectly fine with *not* going back after *Bilbo*! He doesn't let this knowledge that they were prepared to abandon him (unless Gandalf *forced* them to go back) to affect the way he acted at all. And though, after that, he occasionally got cross and grumbled when he had to rescue *them* yet again, he still goes right ahead and does so.
I can think that Bilbo *would* have been so proud--they had really still been children when last he saw them, and to know they had left everything behind to take care of his Frodo must have touched him greatly!
Kitty
· 18 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Part 2: Legolas
Legolas knows his hobbits quite well, considering his thoughts about how Pippin's behaviour is related to Merry's fate. And it is obvious he esteems every hobbit for his own sake, too. No doubt Legolas is right - they have already crept into his heart.
How nice of Bodkin to allow you to use her ficlet with Pippin and Legolas in Rivendell! It fits very nicely in here. And I love the way you're using the flashbacks to show moments which are particularly connected with the hobbits and their ways of life for the one whose POV it is respectively.
Oh, in some hours I'm off to Norway until next Sunday. So don't think I've abandoned you if I'm not reviewing!
Author's reply
I am sure that much time spent in the cousins' company would reveal how important they all were to one another. And, yes, Legolas does not think of them as "interchangeable generic hobbits". He loves each one as an individual.
It was very nice of her. Knowing how seldom she writes hobbits, I was so very impressed with that fic, and the insight into Pippin's mind, that I couldn't help but just love it to peices! She did a brilliant job!
I hope that you have a safe and fun trip, and will look forward to your reactions when you get home!
Tigger
· 18 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Part 2: Legolas
Wow...Lovely job w/Legolas. I've always felt he would have bonded strongly w/Pippin as well. Both were the youngest in their families, so it stands to reason they would discover themselves kindred spirits. That last thought of his...To make sure Frodo's cousins were safe so he could return them to him, after Frodo left to keep them safe...That is so true and I can see Legolas thinking that.
All there's left is Gimli!! Looking forward to hearing what our Dwarf's thoughts are.
Author's reply
Yes, I feel that Legolas would have had a special relationship with Pippin, as they seem to be kindred spirits in many ways. And I believe that in any thoughts of Merry and Pippin, Frodo also had to figure largely, as he was the main reason Merry and Pippin were in peril, after all.
I shall have Gimli up fairly soon. I hope that you like it as well.
Larner
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Part 2: Legolas
Bless Merry and Pippin for their joint determination not to allow Frodo to fail if they can help it. And these are wonderful memories for the three hungers to hold onto as they seek the two young Hobbits.
Author's reply
No, they wouldn't allow that to happen if they had any way at all to help. They've had their minds made up since they formed their Conspiracy.
I thought each of the three would have some special memory, that would help them to appreciate the two they are seeking.
Grey Wonderer
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Part 2: Legolas
Legolas doesn't often make his way into my own stories as I am a bit nervous about writing Elves but you do a lovely job with him. I enjoyed his thoughts in this.
Author's reply
Well, I'm cautious about Elves in general, but Legolas, well--he was one of the Fellowship, so he's kind of like an honorary hobbit. *grin*
I'm glad you liked his memories!
Mariole
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Part 2: Legolas
This is lovely! I like how the past reminisces are so naturally worked in. I like how Legolas is very interested in learning more about hobbits. :)
Author's reply
Thank you very much!
I was hoping that the memories and flashbacks would seem natural, and not forced, so I'm glad they came across that way.
I think Legolas would have been very fascinated by them (after all who *wouldn't* be, LOL?) they are an amazing race, as well as something rather new to him .
Bodkin
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Part 2: Legolas
I enjoyed seeing Legolas remember his time up a tree with Pippin! He and Pippin seem to have developed a good relationship. I like him appreciating the young hobbit's intelligence and enterprise - and working beyond that to realising that Merry was all right (to a certain definition of all right) if Pippin was able to consider leaving clues.
And Legolas knows that the hobbits may not be big, but they have resources of their own. Mind you, I would have liked to see Pippin with a bow! And perhaps Legolas and Pippin can indulge their musical talents in Cormallen and beyond.
Legolas is right. The younger hobbits not being all right is unthinkable!
Author's reply
Thank you again for allowing me to use your story! I *love* that story immensely, dear!
I do think that would be something that Legolas would have come to know of his small companions--that if Merry had been killed, Pippin would not have had the heart to think of escape, and so, if Pippin was able to do so, then they both were, well, more or less all right.
I'm so glad that you liked this--you really did help to inspire it!!
Pearl Took
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Part 2: Legolas
Yes, our Elf is mischievious as well ;-) I love how you use their hunting skills to bring them together, and Pip's hiding in a tree.
Wonderful!! and I eagerly await dear Gimli's thoughts!
Author's reply
Thanks! Yes, I like the light-hearted mischievous aspect of Elves and of Legolas in particular, that we seldom see in LotR--but we do get his flashes of humor (as when he teased the mortals on Caradhras, for example, or his counting game in Helm's Deep, with Gimli).
And of course, Pip's hiding in a tree was from Bodkin's lovely story! I just adore that story, and was quite sure that Legolas would think about the encounter during the rescue!
I'm glad you're enjoying it!
durins bane 616
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Part 1: Aragorn
*dies*
This broke my heart, especially when Merry, Pippin, and Sam didn't even complain about food because they loved Frodo so much. A wonderful fic, love.
Author's reply
Yes, a hobbit not worrying about missing a meal is a pretty dire thing...
Thank you.
AspenJules
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Part 2: Legolas
Oh this was delightful! I enjoyed the exploration of Legolas' getting acquainted with Merry and Pippin, and especially Pippin. To be honest, I hadn't really thought much about his relationship with those two in particular. I was particularly intrigued by the similarities between Pippin and Legolas, but Pip's especial love of music would have connected with the Elf, along with the mischief of course, which I imagine he might want to keep hidden but is there nonetheless.
This was lovely, Dreamflower, and very Legolas-like, I think. Less of the regrets/doubts/guilt that Aragorn was feeling, and more simply a joyful recounting to himself of who they are, and why he loves them, and why he must help ensure they are rescued, and all right.
I am enjoying this!
Author's reply
I've often had the feeling that Legolas might feel especially close to Pippin, though I know he loved them all four deeply.
I am glad you liked the differences. It is just in the way I see them--Aragorn is a lot like Frodo in the way that he tends to take on all the cares of the world, and to blame himself when things go wrong. Legolas is an Elf, and has a much different perspective on this sort of thing. I think you are right about his motives and thoughts.
shirebound
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Part 2: Legolas
These little ones had left their homeland, so safe and quiet, and had deliberately set forth to meet a danger that had to be unfathomable to them.
“But it’s Frodo. We couldn’t let him go without us
“We couldn’t do without him, really,” said Pippin.
Legolas had nodded. He had noticed that Frodo Baggins had an incredibly bright spirit, brighter than he would ever have expected to encounter in a mortal. And it was clear those who loved him could perceive that, even if they knew not what it was they were perceiving.
Gosh, I'm just loving these thoughts, scenes, and memories. One of my favorite thing about "Quest" stories is the different races learning new and surprising things about one another.
Author's reply
Yes, that's what I love about "Quest" stories as well. For Legolas, hobbits had to be something very new and different--aside from possibly Bilbo, I'm sure he'd never encountered any--they were certainly a novel experience. He would be impressed with their resilience and bravery and cheerful outlooks on life, and fascintated by all the differences between their own lives and his.
SlightlyTookish
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Part 2: Legolas
Ooh, lovely. I loved Legolas' conversation with Merry and Pippin, and how he learned about the Shire, their upbringings, and their families. The friendship between these three is so rarely explored in fanfic, it's wonderful to see it here :)
Author's reply
I think I really love to write Legolas interacting with the hobbits. He must have found himself fascinated with them--so very different from both Elves and Men, their bright and cheery outlooks on life, their close connection to nature, their bravery that was so far beyond their stature--I think that he came to love them all four very dearly!
SlightlyTookish
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Part 1: Aragorn
Ooh, outstanding! I loved Aragorn's guilt and memories of the aftermath of Weathertop. It's so interesting to read about the chase from his perspective.
Author's reply
When I was contemplating this, one of the first things I thought of was how different this desperate chase was from that first desperate flight. And yet one thing was the same--Merry and Pippin would be pushed to the limits of their physical endurance.
I think Aragorn's thoughts *had* to fly often to the friends he was attempting to rescue.
Agape4Gondor
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Part 1: Aragorn
Hi, Dreamflower,
I've not read any of your stories before - but loved the chapter title - so I thought I'd give it a try. Well worth the read!
I loved the fact that you defied PJ and put a stout and long-enduring Dwarf into your tale. I was so angry when I saw the caricature of Gimli in the movie. You have done him proud and exactly as I saw him in Tolkien's book.
Also - I love the introspection. And the fact that Aragorn knew he had pushed the Hobbits almost beyond endurance. One of my favorite scenes in the book is when they leave Moria and Sam and Frodo fall behind - it is heart-wrenching when finally Aragorn sees what he has done. The poor man berates himself soundly. Yet - he still pushes them until he feels they are finally safe.
Great job - looking forward to the next part!
Agape
Author's reply
Why, thank you for taking the time to read this! Since my interest is primarily hobbits, I know that those whose main interests are Men or Elves or Dwarves may not read most of my stuff. I find it perfectly understandable, as I usually only *write* Men, Elves and Dwarves as they relate to Hobbits. I do have quite a few Fellowship stories, but again, the emphasis is usually on the hobbits.
PJ, I am sure, had his reasons for relegating Gimli to comic relief. But, although I appreciate the films, I write book-verse, with imagery and visuals inspired by the movies (which I think were their main strength, rather than scriptwriting). Dwarves were a hardy and strong race, with great endurance. There is no indication, other than the one night when both Gimli and Aragorn needed rest, that he could not keep up with the others. I did think perhaps that he might not be *quite* so swift, but I certainly don't see him huffing and complaining and falling down! And I think, going uphill on rocky terrain, his shorter legs might even be an advantage.
Aragorn I am sure, was often torn between compassion and concern for his smaller companions, and harsh necessity. As a healer, he had to know sometimes that he was pushing their physical limits, and yet their very lives and safety often depended on doing just that very thing. But he has to be very worried now, because he knows the Orcs simply won't care if they run the hobbits into the ground, and he can't be certain as to how well the Orcs will hold to their orders for live captives.
I hope you also will like what I show of Legolas and Gimli's thoughts.
AspenJules
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Part 1: Aragorn
Yes, what did they think about all that time as they ran? It's hard to decide whether the effort and sensations of running all that time would have distracted them from the worry, or the worry would have distracted them from the running! Or did it all combine into one truly miserable experience? Did Legolas think about the hobbits, or was he lost in some Elvish waking dream as he ran to give him strength and to lighten his heart? What would Gimli think of?
I find myself intrigued, and look forward to your development of this. I love the story of the Three Hunters and am happy to see such a talented author doing something to expand it.
Author's reply
Well, as you see, I think that at least a goodly portion of that time they thought of the two friends they had set out to rescue--it would only be natural to think of them and worry about them and remember them.
I hope that you like my take on this so far!
Kitty
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Part 1: Aragorn
Interesting comparison, Dreamflower, and only too true. Even if they didn't do it on purpose, Aragorn and Glorfindel exhausted the three hobbits so very much on the way from Weathertop to Imladris. A Pippin so exhausted that he is not even asking for food is a very serious matter. Well, at least Aragorn had a bit more pity with the poor hobbits than Glorfindel, who was seemingly not very much willed to consider the needs of others than Frodo.
But thinking about it, it is true they didn't really have any choice. If they had been slower, the Nine would've caught up with them much earlier, and without the help of Elrond and Gandalf, who commanded the river to sweep the Nine away, the outcome would've been very different. It doesn't bear too much thinking of *shudders*
Anyway, I'm glad Aragorn realised it, even if a bit belated. It means probably he's appreciating the endurance and bravery of the hobbits even more. And if it spurred him on even more in Rohan to save Merry and Pippin, it was a good thing after all.
That was interesting, and I look forward to know what the other two think during this long hunt through Rohan.
Author's reply
It really was necessary--you are right that they'd not have had much of a chance against the Nine, after all, unless they could get to the Ford! Glorfindel, I think simply did not really have much idea of the endurance of hobbits--although he knows Bilbo, he'd not really have any reason to see him in such circumstances--and the Men he is acquainted with are Dunedain, whose endurance is far more than the average mortals. So he'd mostly be worrying about doing what they needed to do.
And I don't think Aragorn himself understood until right at the end how badly he had pushed them. Hence his guilty feelings.
But I think by now he does appreciate their bravery and their endurance, and now, knowing them better, he is very fond of them as well.
harrowcat
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Part 1: Aragorn
Oh this is great Dreamflower and I am looking forward to the rest. I had never thought about how Aragorn felt about pushing the Hobbits past their endurance. That they did it for him just shows both their fear for Frodo and the trust they had built up in Strider.
Author's reply
I am sure he felt very badly about it. Not that he'd had any choice in the matter--but to one who has such a highly developed sense of protectiveness as Aragorn, it must have felt dreadful to realize he'd endangered them.
Yes, it did show that, didn't it?
Bodkin
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Part 1: Aragorn
Good flashback to exhausted and hungry hobbits. Of course, their stress about Frodo wouldn't have allowed them to be in first class condition even if they had been fed and transported in a pumpkin coach. But I can see why Aragorn is desperate to catch up with Merry and Pippin and do his best to retrieve them.
Author's reply
You do have a point--from Weathertop, the first and last thing on the other hobbits' minds was Frodo, and it had to affect how much endurance they had.
Yes, I thought that the two events really seemed to need juxtaposition--both journeys of desperation, yet in one Aragorn is pursued and in the other he is pursuing. But it seemed to me he might feel a bit guilty over how hard he had been forced to push them before.
Tigger
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Part 1: Aragorn
Wow...Dreamflower, I'm not sure what to say here. Poor Aragorn, I think you put what must have been going through his head perfectly. To have him thinking back on that long trek and, to him seemingly hopeless trip to the Ford, while chasing the Uruk-Hai across Rohan seems very right to me. He would have lingering regrets about how he had to push Merry, Pippin and Sam the way he and Glorfindel did, but what else could they have done? Very, very well done!!
I look forward to Legolas' and Gimli's thoughts. :o)
Author's reply
As you say, what else could they have done? It was, really, just as desperate a journey as this one--and neither Aragorn nor Glorfindel had any good idea of what hobbits were and were not capable of. I am sure that Aragorn had felt very guilty over having had to push the three as hard as they did.
Coming up soon.
Grey Wonderer
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Part 1: Aragorn
I love Aragorn's POV on this. I don't recall having read anything about his search for Merry and Pippin before this. I am looking forward to more of this one. I liked seeing Glorfindel in the story as he should be. I also thought his impatience was interesting since the Hobbits were not yet his friends and his main concern would be Frodo and his safety rather than keeping the three together.
Author's reply
There are so few fics written during TTT, and now having done a couple, I know why--the gaps are too short, and events come together very closely.
But I got to thinking about this the other day: what *were* those three thinking as they were trying to rescue our lads? It would be surprising if they weren't remembering them, and thinking of how fond they were of them.
Glorfindel did not know them yet. And though being one of Elrond's household, he'd know Bilbo, I don't think he really had a good idea of the hobbits' physical limits--he'd rely on Aragorn's knowledge for that. And, as you point out, he'd be much more worried over Frodo than the other three.
Pearl Took
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Part 1: Aragorn
Breathless!! Well done indeed :-)
I'm very much looking forward to Legolas' and Gimli's thoughts.
Author's reply
Thank you! I hope that you will like their thoughts just as much!
PIppinfan1988
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Part 1: Aragorn
Absolutely beautiful!! I was reading right along and when you first hinted of Aragorn pushing the young hobbits on toward Rivendell, I thought, gee, I wish she'd write something about that bit of their journey! And presto! there it was! :-D
I was captured from the first word on, and I SO enjoyed the tale of the younger hobbits forging on for the love of Frodo. Did I imagine it, or was there a bit of hypo-glycemia going on there with Merry and his trembling hands? This is another place where I thought the good Professor cheated our wee friends out of their due reward. ;-)
I'm looking forward to more!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
*grin* I'm so glad I was able to fulfill your wish. Really the part where he thinks about driving them so hard was one of the first parts of this I thought of.
I wasn't aiming *specifically* for hypo-glcemia, but that is one of the effects, as it is for a lack of food, exhaustion, and stress, along with the need to keep going in spite of it all. With a hobbit's metabolism, that could easily be part of the cause.
Next up: Legolas.
Larner
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Part 1: Aragorn
Aha! Able to read and review once more! A delightful respite from computer troubles, although word is my trusty Toshiba is no more!
Alas, there is grief, but still hope. Merry and Pippin have toughened up a good deal, and will survive.
Lovely, lovely scenes here, and beautiful writing to support it.
Author's reply
It's so good that you can read and review again! I hope that all the computer troubles will soon completely be a thing of the past!
They have toughened up a great deal--had a "bit of schooling" as Sam put it, and they are no longer quite so vulnerable as they once were. They *will* survive--but those pursuing them are not privy to all that *we* know, and they are very worried about their "little ones". Those three want their hobbits back, thank you very much.
And thank you very much for the compliments!