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The Golden Bell of Greenleaf  by lwarren 6 Review(s)
Silivren TinuReviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/28/2006
Here I am again, looking forward to reading lots of wonderful chapters! :)

I can understand Legolas so well, I really hate good-byes, too. Perhaps I have some Elvish blood in me, after all. ;-) "If ye don’t want me and this girl of mine draped all over ye sobbin’ our hearts out, ye’ll say goodbye, give us both a hug, and promise we’ll be seein’ ya again sometime." - I loved that! I was very glad that Aragorn was there to cheer Legolas up, I was beginning to fear for the elf. This chapter shows very well how hard it must be for an immortal elf to be friends with mortals, whom he will all lose to death one day. *sigh*

“Is it not strange that there are people we meet that our hearts instantly recognize…who become dear to us in a matter of hours, and for no apparent reason?” - My absolute favourite sentence in the entire chapter! I love the idea that some people are instantly recognized by our heart, it is also a perfect description of the friendship between Aragorn and Legolas.

I'm glad Elfwine was finally able to accept Legolas' departure, he might have caused the elf a lot of pain. A wonderful chapter, but I didn't expect anything else. ;-)

Author Reply: Hey Tinu! I have been reading your reviews from today and am constantly surprised at how you point out all the parts that I am particularly fond of. We do tend to share the same sense of humor, don't we? The leave-taking from Eolyn and her daughter is a good example. And you have it just right - this was a chapter full of 'good-byes' and Legolas was not happy about it at all.

Yes, I think Legolas is going to meet people that his heart will automatically recognize for the rest of his life. Elfwine is a good kid - he'll bug his parents until they take him for that visit! Thank you for taking the time to review; I am so glad to hear from you again. :-)

Linda

Eruanneth_LuinReviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/31/2005
Chapter 10

Okay, yes I cried at the departure from the settlement and the sorrow of Eolyn and Laelith. The Eldar have that effect on some of us mortals. That Legolas felt bereavement as well was equally moving .

Everyone is picking on the elf! No wonder he likes to go off alone.

Every time the song comes in, I am astonished at your depth of insight in describing the indescribable.

Namarië almost seems like a foul word when used to mean ‘we may never meet again’, and in the case of elves with mortals it may well be fact. It is good to know that Elfwine will see Legolas again; he has a true friend-hearted feeling for the tall elf.


Author Reply: This whole chapter seemed to be a series of goodbyes for Legolas and he was getting heartily sick of the word, as well as finding it terribly sad. He said to Aragorn that nothing was certain where mortals were concerned (Aragorn had said he'd see Eolyn and daughter again), and that is very true. By the time he would see them again so much might change for them, while he would stay relatively the same. I'm glad the song is still coming through - and you're right, I feel totally incapable of describing the indescribable (but I'll keep trying.)

Elfwine is determined to see Legolas and sleep in that flet! He'll make sure that it happens! LOL Thank you for another great review!

linda

DotReviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/28/2005
This was a rather sad chapter :-( Wonderfully written as always, though.

I love the thought that so many gathered to bid farewell to the group. They obviously took an injured elf into their hearts as well as homes. I really felt for him when he had say good-bye to Eolyn and Laelith. And for them too. No matter what she says, Eolyn probably doesn’t really believe that she’ll see this elven prince again. I love the fact that even here she was the one trying to provide the comfort.

I actually felt so afraid for a moment when Aragorn sees the despair set in again in Legolas’ eyes. But he certainly knew how to draw him out of his misery!! It seems childish taunts of “I know something you don’t know” still work!! It is a good idea to have Eolyn and her daughter come and work for Eomer and Lothiriel. They might not want to, of course, but it sounds perfect for them and I’d be interested to know if they ever do.

I really loved the moment between Legolas and Arod where the horse reassures Legolas of their lasting bond. I’m glad that Arod obviously only wants the best for his elf, and feels happy at the developing relationship between him and the mare rather than feeling left out.

Legolas’ humility in learning of the Great Song is wonderful to see too. I love that he’s so open to learning and acknowledges that he has a long way to go before he achieves wisdom.

I don’t know if I said it before, but I really like your Lothiriel. She really seems to care for Legolas and I love how perceptive she is of his emotions and how her own elvish blood means that she senses that more has taken place than what she’s been told.

The part about Legolas training the mare ( I wish she had a name, btw!) was fascinating. I know absolutely nothing about horses so it was really interesting. They seem to be making great progress. I was really moved by the almost throwaway remark that he wouldn’t teach her to fight in battle. It seems so wrong for such a creature to have to do anything like that, doesn’t it?

Poor Elfwine! I felt so sorry for him when I saw his disappointment that Legolas would be leaving.

My favourite part of this chapter has to be the farewell between Legolas and Gimli. I love that they are able to keep up their usual banter but can still be honest with each other. Gimli’s concern for his friend and perception of his mood was really touching.

At least Legolas and Elfwine are friends again and Elfwine has been cheered up with by the prospect of visiting all his friends.

I’m sad to be leaving Rohan behind, but I can’t wait to see where you lead us next! :-)


Author Reply: Dot! I'm sorry I'm taking so long to reply to your great reviews. Please bear with me and know I appreciate them so much...and did you notice I'm working backwards? *sigh*

This chapter was a long series of goodbyes for Legolas and he did not like it one bit...starting with Eolyn and Lalith. It upset him more than he ever imagined possible, and Aragorn was afraid he might slip back into the despair of previous days. Yes, teasing taunts of "I know something you don't" still work...boys will be boys, and Kings and Princes are no different, I guess. Besides, Aragorn knows exactly how to tick Legolas off completely! :-)

Arod is so understanding...he seems to realize more than Legolas somehow of how different things will be when they get home. He wants to be sure that the bond between Legolas and the mare will develop, which means he'll need to reassure the elf that everything's ok, you're not hurting my feelings, this is the way things have to be...

Legolas is learning a great deal about the Song...he didn't realize before how much he had missed. Now that he's really listening, he's hearing all manner of new music!

Lothiriel is an understanding person, I think. It seems to me, with her background, that she would be sensitive to things others might miss. I'm glad you like the way I see her.

Dot! The mare WILL get a name (actually, she was supposed to several chapters ago but it looks like it's going to take a little longer. Patience, precioussss...the lovely mare will get a name when her pretty elf finds one he likessssss! :-)

So you noticed that Legolas will not teach the mare combat tactics...you're very perceptive. He doesn't want to have to be the one teach her about war. I can't say that I blame him.

Elfwine was really disappointed that Legolas was leaving and our elf had no clue how to deal with him! Poor elf! Disappointed 9-year-olds are no fun! But he finds a way to get back in Elfwine's good graces...and Lothiriel lends an motherly helping hand, so all's well that ends well! :-)

Gimli and Legolas - you can gauge their caring for each other by the level of insults they throw back and forth! I love them both and the way they worry about the other...heaven forbid they should actually come right out and say it!

Elfwine will see Legolas again and sleep in that flet...Eomer had better watch out or he'll be up a tree, too! Now we start for home! Maybe! Thank you for such entertaining, thoughtful reviews, Dot!

linda

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/20/2005
Goodbyes to mortals must be hard for an elf - such a short time changes them so much. In a way, bidding goodbye to Elfwine must be hardest, for more than a few months will see him change so much. But I look forward to seeing Elfwine and Legolas in a tree in Ithilien. I wonder if Eomer will manage it, or whether he will fake injury to escape doing something so un-Rohirric.

But at least his relationship with his beautiful horsie is going well - and Arod is acting like a benevolent uncle and nurturing their friendship.

I'm glad Legolas is developing an ear tuned to the song of the plains of Rohan - he will be happier for finding his link to them.

I'm glad the story isn't finished - I look forward to what comes next.

Author Reply: I have to confess when I wrote this, I got to thinking about how an elf's concept of time is just so different from a mortal's. He says "See ya later" and "later" turns into several years! And you are right, mortals change so quickly, especially the youngsters. For Legolas, who is somewhat sensitive right now, goodbyes just don't sit well with him. Legolas and Elfwine and the flet - I'm definitely going to look into that one! LOL (Eomer, tho', was NOT amused!)

The pretty horsie (mare) is going to get a name...I thought it would happen 2 chapters ago, but things just wouldn't cooperate! :-) Arod wants things to go smoothly, I guess, and it was his insistence that Legolas get a new mount that convinced the elf, so he's helping out as much as possible. (I liked that - Arod, the benevolent uncle!)

The Song and Legolas' ability to hear the different parts is important, yessss!
I'm glad you're enjoying the story, Bodkin. That's so encouraging! Thanks!


ManderlyReviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/18/2005
Ah, you are back with this story. I am so glad.

So many wonderful little details in this chapter, and too many sad good-byes, but at least there were also promises of visits in the near future. I was beginning to worry for Legolas as to how he would handle all these farewells. He's still rather delicate, isn't he?

I really love the way you handle the horses in this story. They are characters by themselves and sometimes I forget that they are four-legged beings.

The interaction betwee Legolas and each of the other characters are also delightful, especially Elfwine. Will we see him sleeping with Legolas in a flet (with the obliging Eomer cursing steadily through the night), or is that for another story?

Author Reply: Hi, Manderly. Yes, this poor story is getting sadly neglected because of school! I'm hoping things will get better - this update came a little bit sooner than the last (ha! some, not much!) All things considered, I'd rather be writing.... :-)

Yes, goodbye to Eolyn and goodbye to Elfwine and goodbye to Gimli...too many and he's just kind of getting his feet under him after all the previous trouble. But I think he's stronger now than before, and as you say, there are visits in the future, too. I didn't want him wimpy, ya know? But I could see the sadness and sea-longing weighing on him so heavily that he just kind of lost himself for a time...but he's better and will become even stronger as time goes on (I hope!)

I have really come to love the horses, too. I really have to watch it that they don't get too out of hand. Arod and Legolas have been together for a long time (for Arod anyway) so their communication with each other is more evident than the mare's with Legolas (besides, she's really young compared to Arod, too - LOL - just learning to "talk" to strange two-legged creatures!)

Yeah, Elfwine turned up and took over! LOL Everyone needs an 8-9 year old that absolutely idolizes them...my son had the little brother of his girlfriend that just loved him, and my son did lots of stuff with him too. The flet? It opens up realms of possibilities, doesn't it? Probably not in this story... though, I thank you for that plot bunny! :-)...and thank you for the kind words, Manderly!!!

linda

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/18/2005
Ooh, an update in a story I like and had missed! Good.

I like the idea that Legolas is learning more of the Great Song. A few years ago, I moved from a woodsy area to the prairies and I've felt like a displaced person for much of the time since, so I know how he feels. It takes time to learn to see (or hear) a new kind of beauty.

I really like your Elfwine. I was hoping to see more of him. I laughed when Eomer muttered that he didn't think he'd be sleeping in a flet.

Author Reply: Hi, daw! I have had a time updating lately because of school...this time was a little better (yeah, a very teensy little!).

I suppose a Wood-elf would be so familiar with the song of the trees that to be removed from his familiar environment would be very grating...even traumatic to a degree (depending on how sensitive to the song he was). Displaced...yes, a good word for how Legolas felt on the plains with few trees in sight for days on end. But with his experience in his "dream" he has realized there is more to it than he ever thought, and he's actually hearing a different part (like the different instruments/harmonies in an orchestra...sometimes you can't hear the individual parts and they're just as beautiful as the more obvious melody). I'm glad our elf is broadening his outlook - it will help balance the sea's song which still has a strong call for him.

Yep, Elfwine turned out to be a neat kid. I think he idolizes Legolas so much because he's so different from his own people...you know, the elf is totally "cool"...rides without tacking up, he hears and talks to his horses, and besides all that, he's kind and he's pretty good with kids. Eomer in the flet...must really think about exploring that further! :-) Thank you for the kind review, daw! (really great story you've started, btw!)

linda

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