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The Golden Bell of Greenleaf by lwarren	9 Review(s)
Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 12/28/2006
It was really a good thing Aravir was there to help! Poor Raenor and Erelas, though I guess they were really lucky all in all. I loved Legolas' reaction to Aravir's disobedience. Hehe, now Aravir will have to get used to acting and speaking like a friend. I'm glad very glad about the words Gimli said to him! Well, I believe Calen will have to wait a while longer. ;-) At least he has lost neither a brother nor a father until now. I hope you don't tire of hearing it, but I loved this chapter! g Author Reply: I don't think I realized it when I started this story, but one of the goals has turned out to be developing a friendship between Aravir and Legolas. He really needs a friend who he doesn't have to watch age and eventually die. Aravir, however, has been a tough nut...er, elf to crack! He's very much the Wood-elf and not of the noble Sindarin crowd...he serves his King...he is very much a rule-follower...an incomparable warrior...but stiff, very stiff! Legolas is out to loosen him up some! LOL Calen, meanwhile, is headed for the meeting of a lifetime. Soon, very soon! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story, Tinu! Linda

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/15/2005
This chapter was so engrossing. There I was, really feeling for Erelas and thinking how selfless and brave he was to give his son the best chance of survival by risking his own life and then I read: “Raen closed his eyes and let go of the branch.” Linda!! I was not expecting that… Whew, there’s Aravir. I love the way he knew immediately how Legolas would react and leapt into action himself. He must have been just as shocked as I was when Raenor fell into the water! What followed was… well, picture if you will, me with one hand on the mouse, the other having its nails chewed off. Aravir is such a hero! I love that elf. You made me smile with Raen’s reaction the appearance of the elves. There’s something very endearing about that boy, even when his head hurts! Erelas sounds like he’s in a pretty bad way. I’m still cringing at the thought of his wounds. My heart went out to him as he lay there, not knowing what had happened to his son. Believe it or not, I’d forgotten about the mare there for a moment! She’s doing very well. This situation must indeed have made her very nervous and I just love the way you’re showing her slowly building up the trust in Legolas that Arod has. And speaking of Arod… look who’s here! As ever, he’s showing a lot more wisdom than his flighty elf ;-) My favourite moment in this chapter was Arod explaining Aravir to Legolas. “Do not be angry that love brought us here to you.” sob That’s so lovely. So, I take it horses don’t use people’s names, eh? If I’m not careful, I’ll end up calling Aravir “the other one” too! The reunion between Aravir and Legolas was done so well. I loved the hesitancy mixed with determination on Aravir’s part and Legolas’ delight in surprising him. I think they really needed that moment between them, and I was so glad to see it. Ack! There are people waiting for Erelas and Raenor to return! There are so many twists and turns in this story – which is always a good thing! And you have this uncanny knack of getting me to care about all these characters who keep popping up along the way! :-) Author Reply: Hello! I am so glad I surprised you! :-) Raenor knew his father would sacrifice himself and decided he stood a better chance of surviving (being younger and all!) So the brave lad let go...and almost caused the elven equivalence of a heart attack in Legolas and Aravir, not to mention his father just about fell apart! LOL I see you were gritting your teeth right along with them, Dot! Erelas is hurt pretty bad, tho' the wound pierced clear through and didn't damage any internal organs, it bled a great deal and left fragments of dirt and wood behind. Not good! Yay, Arod! He doesn't hesitate to take Legolas to task when he senses his irritation at being followed. How can you argue with love being the driving force behind their disobedience? You can't, and our dear Prince knows it! (Ah, you caught the way Arod doesn't use names, did you? And neither does the mare! I'm having to think about that - Arod especially would be familiar with the names of those he's been with for the last 12 years...tho' he calls Gimli the "small, loud one" and knows that Aragorn is the unkempt one! ;-) I may leave it as is...just have to be careful and not slip up when writing...) I'm glad their friendship is finally establishing itself, too - Legolas isn't one to stand on ceremony but he needed Aravir to cooperate a little! Yes, there is a rather large, concerned family waiting for Erelas and Raenor to return. I'm so glad you don't find that the new characters detract from the story! They appreciate the kind thoughts, too. LOL And I appreciate the wonderful review, Dot! Thanks! linda

SouthWind	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/7/2005
This is just wonderful! I love your 'detours' - they are part of what make your story so special. I love how Aravir follows Legolas, due to his love/concern for him. And the whole accident/rescue of Erelas and Raenor is so nice - I suppose because, again, you have been able to showcase how love and care for others influences actions/emotions and words. It is just very - heartwarming - for want of a better word. And Arod is still there, supporting/loving and caring for his friend. Sigh -- again, although I want the whole story now, I also never want it to end! A BIG thank you for taking the time to share this story with us. SouthWind PS - Even though I don't have time to post a review after each chapter I will NEVER let one slip past me - I am printing this whole story so I can read it again whenever I get the urge. Thanks again! Author Reply: Hello, Southwind! I am so glad to hear that my 'detours' are not too distracting! It seems like lately they've taken on lives of their own! (Of course, when I try to edit, the elf whispers in my ear that HE knows I really want to print them...so...I do! LOL)Thank you for saying so as it looks like they plan to continue for at least one more chapter! LOL I am so glad that the concern Aravir has for Legolas has come through - he's had a time of reconciling his 'duty' with the friendship he was developing for his Prince. I feel like he'll do an even better job now protecting Legolas, now that he's come to accept that they are friends (and of course, that is exactly what he promised his King - to take care of his son). Don't you love Arod? He's such a practical horse in such a loving way! As for this story never ending...be careful what you wish for, Southwind. When I started this, it originally only had seven chapters! :-) Lots and lots of detours...yesssss, preciousssss...we lovesss the rabbitessss trailssss... ;-) And you are so very welcome! It is encouraging to hear you're enjoying things. Thank you again for taking the time to review! linda P.S. Are you really printing it? sigh That makes my day...really it does! :-)

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/2/2005
I'm only glad Aravir arrived in the nick of time. It was very brave of Raen to sacrifice himself to give his father a chance - but not the world's most sensible action. If Legolas hadn't already grabbed him, chances are he would have thrown himself into the water in an attempt to save his son and they would both have drowned. Instead of which they are recovering in the care of a pair of relieved elves. And at least the crisis made Legolas more receptive to the arrival of Arod and Aravir than he might otherwise have been. And he is doing his best to insist that they are there through friendship rather than duty. I like the lad - he has a good sense of humour, even when his head is hurting more than a little. Poor Calen, though. It's not easy sitting at home and waiting - I hope Legolas and Aravir bring him word soon that his father and brother are safe. Author Reply: Hello, Bodkin! Aravir did arrive in the nick of time. Luckily he was following close enough behind Legolas to help with the rescue. Raenor beat his father to the punch by letting go - not the most sensible action, true. He's lucky Aravir saw him drop into the river. Legolas was so relieved to have some help with things he couldn't really be angry...and Arod pointed out that he and Aravir had disobeyed out of love and concern for their friend. How do you stay angry at that? Raen is a good boy - if still a little green! :-) And Calen is nervously awaiting his father's and brother's return. He is feeling very uneasy and is not certain why. Thank you for the review, Bodkin! linda

Maid of Ithilien	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/1/2005
Another wonderful chapter. I think you do such a good job with your original characters as well as the ones we know and love. They just come to life on the page (or screen). The addition at the end of the brother waiting anxiously at home was just right. Looking forward to the next update! Author Reply: Thank you so much for the review! I'm glad the original characters are halfway enjoyable! They do seem to be popping up everywhere! LOL Calen is definitely anxious, and with good reason. I'll try to alleviate his nervousness by mid-week...I hope! Thanks again for taking the time to review. linda

Eruanneth_Luin	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/31/2005
For an awful moment I was certain the boy was going to drown! Thank goodness Aravir followed after all. Rescued by elves, a happy thought indeed. I loved the acutely intense moment of confrontation between Prince and and his protector, the willingness of both to amend their relationship to one of friends, not mere ruler and ruled. Strange though that the boy did not see in his rescuer the same elvish beauty he saw in Legolas, though the gold certainly would tend to catch the eye quicker. Mine at least. Now all we need is for Aragorn-Strider to show up to make this adventure nor flavorful. Legolas may not be quite so pleased to find that both have disregarded his request. Oh no, the next chapter is not yet posted! I shall await its appearance eagerly. Author Reply: Of course, I could not let Raenor drown. Can you imagine the guilt of two elves if that had happened? It doesn't bear thinking about! LOL So rescue instead, a much happier circumstance, yes indeed. Aravir is having to rething his position in Legolas' life and vice-versa. It's hard when you've spent centuries acting one way and never allowed the thought of friendship to enter into things. So he's having to adjust big time! :-) I thing Raenor recognized the elven beauty of Aravir, but you're right - the gold stood out in his mind! Aragorn, huh? We'll see! He did promise either he or Faramir would come. Next chapter up hopefully by mid-week! (hopehopehope...) Thank you for all the wonderful reviews, eruanneth! linda

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/30/2005
Ah, elves to the rescue. Raen and Erelas cannot be in better hands. I'm glad Legolas and Aravir have come to an understanding - far better to be friends than a lord and his servant. I suppose it will probably take some getting used to for Aravir, but I'm glad that Legolas will not be alone when he confronts his sea-longing demons. I really like the way you portrayed their friendship - so subtle but leaving no doubts as to its strength. Looking forward to more! Author Reply: Yep, it makes me want to go hang on a cliff or some such nonsense! Hi, Manderly! Thank you for reviewing...can you tell it's really early in the morning? LOL I'm really pleased that Aravir is finally coming to his senses and acknowledging his friendship for Legolas. Of all the elves needing to be treated like royalty, Legolas is NOT one! Aravir is kind of whining right now - he's not used to being so casual with the son of his King, but he'll get the hang of it soon. I'm glad the new friendship is coming across! Thanks again for taking the time to review! :-) linda

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/30/2005
Iwarren, I didn't realize you had a story in progress until I saw your name pop up on the opening page. When I started to read it, I also realized that your story is one that a friend mentioned recently as being a good story and one that explores Legolas choosing a new horse. It's absolutely delightful. I started reading last night and finally had to stop to go to bed, but I kept thinking just one more chapter until I couldn't keep my eyes open. I finished the remaining three this morning. You have captured the relationship between elf and horse so well. I love how the elves communicate with the horses. Legolas's relationship with Arod is as strong as any loyal friendship of two-legged creatures. And the introduction of the mare was wonderful. As difficult as it was, Legolas was willing to allow her to go. Seeing her return to save his life when he was attacked and taken by the orcs was thrilling. She still seems a little cautious, but her devotion to Legolas is emerging as is his to her. I sympathize with him when he almost feels like his closeness to her is an act of betrayal to Arod. Fortunately, as hard as it is for Arod to see 'his elf' with another horse, he's a realist! He can no longer carry Legolas as he once did and loves Legolas so much that he only wants for best for him. The 'dream' of the Blessed Realm was lovely. Legolas was able to glimpse the bigger picture and find his place in Arda's song. He's still working on placing everything in order, but he's getting there. I was glad to see that Aravir 'disobeyed'. He's also a loyal friend...and one who would NOT want to tell Thranduil that he had failed in his duty. Can't blame him for that! I've love the whole story, especially seeing Aragorn and Gimil drop in to see the stubborn elf taken care of. The bout of the poison from the orc blade was very well done. Legolas seemed to be fading further and further from his friends, and I could feel the distress as they scrambled to save his life and then as they watched, looking for signs that Legolas would recover. I like the farm folk and town folk you've sprinkled throughout the story. Good people. The river incident was exciting! Hard for Legolas to be angry when Aravir's presence turned out so well. And I love how their relationship is also going through changes. Kind of rattles Aravir's cage, but I think his love and respect for his lord has only grown. I'm so pleased that I found this story. What a wonderful read. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. I couldn't believe it when I ran out of chapters! Thank you for continuing this story. My thoughts are with you. Karen Author Reply: Hello, Karen! I was so excited to see this review - and it covers everything! I'm glad you found the story "delightful"...music to my ears! :-) And it kept you up, too - ah, well, Daeron and friends have been having the same effect on me lately!!! LOL I'm glad you like the horsey aspect of this story...I just love Arod! He's such a loyal, practical horse! And he loves his elf! He wants to know that Legolas has a suitably loving replacement now that he can't carry him any more. The mare has a lot to learn, but she showed her character early on when she pulled her "Lassie-to-the-rescue" stunt! Gimli and Aragorn were really put out with Legolas for not letting them know he was having trouble (Aravir's letter spilled the beans, as it were!). They would move mountains to get to him, I think, if they thought he was in danger ( which he was, sort of!) The "dream" of the Blessed Realm was hard to put into words, but if you think it was ok, then I guess it made sense after all! And I wanted music to play a big part, not only in the sea longing itself, but as a big part of the means to helping Legolas cope as the years go on. Aravir is learning about being friends with a member of the royal family - old habits are hard to break, but he's trying. He and Arod were not about to let Legolas go gallivanting off to the sea without someone along to catch him if another attack struck! The poisoned wound was another place I kind of felt my way through. I'm glad it seemed to work. His friends were frantic, especially when Aragorn figured he would awaken, and he did not. I'm also glad the extra characters are working out...they have just kind of appeared (and taken on lives of their own) and insisted on a part in the story!!! The river incident needed more of something...but I got frustrated after changing it several thousand times, so I just said "to heck with it" and posted anyway!! Legolas is ecstatic that Arod and Aravir decided to ignore his orders - he said he only had one pair of hands and couldn't do everything! Poor elf! And his and Aravir's friendship is shaping up - finally!!!! Stubborn elves! sigh Thank you, Karen, for taking the time to write such a wonderful review. (Oh,tell Daeron I need some humor lessons...I'll be watching for them! :-)) linda

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/29/2005
I was really struck by Arod's plea that Legolas not be angry over what love led them to do. I liked that. It put things in proportion. Author Reply: Arod looks at things very simply...Aravir and he came south (against orders) because they love and care about Legolas. End of discussion. How can you argue with that reasoning? Legolas could not, and he's grateful actually for the help! Thanks for the review, daw! linda

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