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The Golden Bell of Greenleaf by lwarren	10 Review(s)
Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 12/29/2006
breathes a sigh of relief I knew Aragorn would save him! I had to read that without looking, I would definitely be the wrong person to become a healer. g I'm quite happy for Erelas, Arador and Laurelin. I had to chuckle at Legolas 'grabbing' Aragorn just after the man had dismounted, the elf was obviously just as impatient as I was. ;-) I like how warmly and lovingly Aragorn treats them all, he's really the perfect healer. “Jarrod, should you hear a loud splash, be prepared to come fish one of us out of the lake!” - LOL, Aragorn obviously expected the conversation to take a turn for the worse! I loved your description of the lake and the stars and the horses and Legolas lying in the grass with Aragorn sitting beside him - it's so peaceful. sigh I also loved their conversation - it is wonderful that Legolas is finally able to confide in his friends and talk about his perceived 'weakness'. It was a VERY good thing that they came after him. “I understand, AT LAST, that I need help." - gasp thud Sorry, I fainted. Did he REALLY say that?! faints again Hm, I think I'll throw something at that infuriating elf, too. throws pillow Weak, indeed! shakes head LOL, I liked Erelas' way of waking up! In his place, I would have almost fainted as well. g Hm, I can't help noticing that somehow Legolas tends to end up receiving the full attention of the FEMALE children. Hehe. Elena is so sweet with her flowers for Aragorn and Legolas, though I'm beginning to believe that someone will end up in the lake after all. ;-) I also liked the conversation between Legolas and Arador. It makes a lot of sense that they all have some Elvish blood in them, and I think it was a good thing for Legolas to talk about the sea-longing and his dream and hear Arador's thoughts about it. I'm also glad that Aravir knows about the dream now, too. Poor Aragorn - he must be so happy to be awoken like that, and for hearing such news. g "the King of Gondor looking up at him like a rumpled, disgruntled owl." - LOL, I loved that description! Can I take a snapshot? giggle I have a feeling poor Aragorn won't sleep too well for the rest of the night. LOVED it! :) Author Reply: This was a fun chapter to write, after the tension of the previous two - and I like it when Aragorn gets his healing act going...the hands of the King are the hands of a healer...I LOVE that! Of course, then there's his elf friend to deal with..that stubborn fellow! But Legolas is coming to some deep understanding about himself here - he can't do this alone and he's NOT alone! Arador will provide some deeper insight still later on - he's a very astute man, is Arador! Aragorn the owl - such an endearing picture! LOL I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, Tinu - thank you again for taking the time to let me know your thoughts! Linda

Nieriel Raina	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/21/2006
I adore this story! You are a very talented writer, my friend! I'm very impressed with the plot, details and emotions portrayed. I'm especially amused at poor Thalion! grin The mare ignoring him is priceless! I love it! Still reading... NiRi Author Reply: Hey! Glad you are liking this 'little' story! g As for poor Thalion, you know as well as I do that the poor horse will probably 'get lucky' in the future (if I should ever find the time to help him out...only look how long it took me to reply to your review! Whew!). Thank you for reading and reviewing so faithfully. You know, as well as I, how encouraging reviews are! :-) Linda

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/22/2005
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to review. I finally slew that pile of ironing today! This was a delightful chapter. If I didn't know that you're a teacher, I'd think you had surgical experience. You did a very nice job of describing Aragorn's skill with his ME scalpel. He even sterilized it in the flame. I don't guess they knew about germs, but it's always seemed to me that simply being clean was common sense. Somewhere along the way, someone must have figured this out. If anyone did, surely Elrond knew and Aragorn learned healing at his knee. Seeing Aragorn take precautions made me feel better anyway. Your Aragorn comes across as kingly and kind. He seemed to set the pace for this chapter. Everything was calm and under control. The king was as much a tonic for everyone as he was a physical healer. Even Legolas was glad to see him despite the fact that Aragorn did not follow Legolas's directions to allow him to go on alone. Fortunately, Legolas recognized Erelas's need for Aragorn's healing abilities and he accepted that he also needed his friend. Very nice. The ending where Arador told Legolas his story was something of a surprise, but this revelation gave me the sense of things coming full circle. It made sense. Sort of the 'it's a small world' kind of thing. I love how you've written this human family. The personalities are distinct and feel very real. I can even see the differences in their culture compared to the culture that Aragorn is used to in Minis Tirith. That's a nice touch. Arador was certainly perceptive about Legolas. He's a kind and gentle man who simply wants to help. There are more ways to offer healing than a poultice. I like the way you've brought all these people together and I like the bond that's formed between them. Indeed, they are all a part of the whole. I get the feeling that you're winding this story down. I hope there's a few more chapters to go. I've enjoyed it so much that I hate to think about it ending, but at least I know I can come back and reread it. So, carry on. I'm really looking forward to the next chapter. Karen Author Reply: Hello Karen! Ironing? Ick. Almost as bad as a forest full of big, ugly spiders...and have you noticed how a pile of ironing takes on a life of its own and MULTIPLIES? shudders Glad you defeated the evil, tho'. :-) "If I didn't know you're a teacher, I would think you had surgical experience." LOL Well, thank you! :-) That really has me grinning, Karen! Yes, you know how teachers are - combination nurse, counselor, nana, ada, good cop, bad cop, and now surgeon! grins foolishly As for Aragorn and germs - hmmmm, I didn't think about him sterilizing the knife and that it might be out of place (and time). I guess as a writer of LOTR fanfiction, I'm a product of all the other stories and descriptions I've read of Imladris with plumbing and everything. And I suppose Elrond, being a very clean elf, would insist on cleanliness when dealing with illness and injury. He taught Aragorn well...yes, he did! :-) Aragorn did kind of take over here, didn't he? I like you see him as calm and in control. He arrived at a rather chaotic time for everyone else and had to get everyone calmed down! Legolas, I think, got over his irritation with his nosey friends when Aravir showed up. And with Erelas so ill, he was so glad to see Aragorn he just conveniently overlooked everything else! Thank you so much for commenting on the differences between the family here and what Aragorn normally sees in Minas Tirith, and I'm glad their personalities are coming out more clearly. I've gotten rather fond of this bunch of humans myself! So, their background surprised you? Good! And Legolas is finding out how small the world really is as he travels on...full circle...I like that! As for the story winding down, yes, you are right...two more chapters(I think...but who knows!) or possibly three. But I have to tell you, Karen, the initial plan had this story only going 7 chapters! So who knows? Certainly I do not! I'm glad you are still enjoying it, though. Thank you so much for taking the time to review, Karen, especially after that traumatic battle with the ironing! linda

eliza61	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/20/2005
What a tender, lovely story. You're writing is great, all the characters emotions come across strongly & vividly. Your supporting characters are really interesting. I like the way that they contribute to my leggy's well-being. He seems to be learning from every one around him. It's funny how even though the elves are thousands of years older than the grandfather he still manages to teach them some thing. Looking forward to the next update. Eliza Author Reply: Hello, Eliza! Thank you so much for the very kind review. I am so pleased and encouraged when I read that someone finds the characters in my story interesting, and that the emotions come through! "I like the way they contribute to my leggy's well-being." He's so endearing, you know? (Of course you do - what a silly question! LOL) I just see him as being a caring elf, one who made a difficult decision to stay in Ennor in spite of the sea's call, and all for the love of a friend. His caring attitude invites others to care for him in return. Legolas is indeed learning a lot during this story, and not all the lessons have been easy. And it seems lately that everyone he meets has something to impart to him. Arador, in particular, is a wise old man with a strong, discerning nature. I like to think he sees the "big picture", while Legolas is rather focused in on his own pain and longing. You're never too old to learn, I guess! :-) Thank you again for taking the time to review, Eliza. linda

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/20/2005
Hey there. Great chapter. Even if I was wincing for a lot of it! Giant splinter? Ouch! Aragorn is excellent in the way he remains so calm and manages to be soothing even while cutting into Erelas. I also like the way he gets Arador and Laurelin involved so they can feel they have done something and at the same time keeps them busy enough that they aren’t focusing on their anxiety. You sound very knowledgeable about all this healing stuff, Linda. Did you research it all, make it up, or know it already? I was rather glad to see more than just the astonishingly useful athelas involved!! My heart went out to Arador when he allowed himself to think of all that might have happened had Aragorn not turned up. I like the way Aragorn speaks to him so firmly, knowing that’s really the only way to get through to him. Gentle words of comfort were unlikely to even register with him. “Well, I had the advantage of growing up amongst elves who delighted in racing through the trees.” LOL. Not an image I associate with Imladris but one I’m quite happy to dwell on ;-) I could have told them that tea is the answer to everything. It wouldn’t even have to be dosed with anything if they had some chocolate :-) I was a little worried about Raenor. I’ve become very fond of him! I had to laugh at Aragorn’s surprise to hear who was responsible for the stitches! And it’s great to see the twins together. Methinks Aravir is becoming quite attached. I thought the little conversation between Aragorn and Aravir was very touching. Their concern for Legolas is wonderful but it’s also good to see the same worries anyone would have: “Was he angry, Aravir?”!! I love the fact that it’s Arod’s decision whether or not Aragorn will get a chance to speak to Legolas! Dead right. I absolutely adore the moment where Aragorn silently begs “Please…please let me have the right answers for him.” sigh That nearly broke my heart. I felt quite bad for Legolas in his realisation that the sea-longing had merely changed, not disappeared. But his strength is amazing and I’m so, so glad that he’s finally decided that he can’t do this alone. Besides, I like this gang too much for you to split them up again! “The next day became one of celebration, for Erelas awoke complaining loudly about his stitches and his poor, starved self.” ROTFL! Men! They’re all the same. I’m glad to see him starting to recover, though. Elena and Lissiriel are wonderful now that they’ve overcome any shyness. They’ll be in love with Legolas for ever after all he’s doing for them! Oh, how I loved the scene between Arador and Legolas. They seem to have a gift for being able to comfort one another. “We’re part of a whole, ye know,” Arador whispered. “Part of the elves…distantly, yet still a part.” Aha! I figured. The story is fascinating, although tinged with a sense of sadness that so many great love stories have. I can’t tell you how much I love the idea that it’s Arador who makes Legolas see not only the great need for Legolas to remain with Aragorn but that his strength and ability to stay is due to Iluvatar himself. It adds a wonderful dimension to the importance of Elessar’s reign and, of course, to the friendship between them too. I’m delighted that Aravir finally knows the full story too. Oh, and Arador could be the perfect person to have along for Legolas. He’s wonderfully perceptive. “Legolas grinned at the sight of the King of Gondor looking up at him like a rumpled, disgruntled owl.” LOL! That has to be one of the best images in fanfic! Marvellous chapter. I hope your class of killer squirrels will be getting their holidays soon so that teacher can focus on more important things… Right, back to work for me… ;-) Author Reply: Dot! Hello! Gee, did I make you cringe? sighs with satisfaction and salutes Mission accomplished! :-) No, seriously, if it got that reaction from you then I actually got the picture across I was aiming for. Erelas was in a pretty bad way! So, you liked Dr. Aragorn? He needed Laurelin and Arador halfway calm so they could help him out. Since they were healers, I could see him talking his way through the procedure to keep their attention on him, and not on what he was doing. "You sound very knowledgeable about this healing stuff..." Naaaah. I have a basic knowledge gleaned from my childhood and my children's younger years! (and numerouns trips to the doctor) :-) I once had a thorn driven into my heel that eventually worked its way out the other side of my foot - it was the weirdest thing I ever saw...I was lucky it didn't get infected like Erelas' wound did. As for the herbs and plants, I found this cool website on the historical uses of herbs and plants in medicine. It had all kinds of plants listed, along with the ailments they were used to treat, what part of the plant was used, where they grew, when they were harvested...all kinds of stuff. I figured Aragorn was a well-rounded healer with knowledge of all medicinal plants, compliments of Elrond. While he might use athelas a great deal, I could see him using other stuff, too. LOL to the tea and chocolate!! The cure-alls for everything that ails you! As for the tree racing elves in Imladris...I guess I was thinking of visitors from Lothlorien or Lasgalen...I suppose Imladris elves were too civilized! ;-) You mentioned a lot of my favorite parts - Raen and Aravir's obvious care for the twins (he likes kids - he practically helped raise his little sister and the other elflings that survived his settlement's attack). Arod continues to guard his elf, and Aravir is more at ease with Aragorn, isn't he? He's learning to lighten up! g Erelas is just like every other sick man - whiney! LOL Meeting the King gave him a start! Elena and Lissiriel will indeed remember Legolas with heartfelt sighs and giggles for years to come! (smart girls!) Yes, the call of the sea has changed. In some ways, this new song is more dangerous - more beguiling, like a Siren's song, instead of so demanding as it was at first. I struggled with that elven connection to Arador's family for about two weeks. I wanted it believable, but wasn't quite sure how to go about it. I'm glad you liked it - I remember another review where you were going "hmmmmmm, I wonder?"...about that family. :-) Arador is very insightful and will prove a valuable companion for this little trip. And LOL is right to the sight of the King as a disgruntled owl! My class...you know, I had them tamed for awhile...but alas, all good things must come to an end! Four more days and then I can breathe! (and concentrate on this story!) Thank you for a wonderful, comprehensive review, Dot! linda

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/20/2005
Blow it. Spelt écureuils wrong. Too early in the morning. Author Reply: I tried blowing on this, Bodkin. I still don't know what it means (spelled right or not!). So, translate...please? linda

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/19/2005
Ah, les ecureils meutriers. They do cause problems. I am in awe of a school year that ends in May. We go on until July. Late July. And then the government - who would like schools to exist as childminders for working mothers and ensure that teenagers are kept off the streets - is always going on about how bad it is for children to have a long summer holiday of 5-6 weeks. And our kids tend to start school at 4. (Of course, private schools have shorter terms - and no-one seems to worry about that.) Enough on the subject. Loooovvvely chapter. Gorgeous interactions. The worry over Erelas. (Just as well that Aragorn turned up then with his healer hat on.) The information about healing. (Birch leaves? Really? I never knew that. And comfrey. So it's not just the magic athelas.) The whole family are delightful - remotely elven too. That would explain a lot. Do they tend to marry in their extended family? That would keep the bloodlines strong over the thousand years or so. (I reckon that the natural tendency of nobles to marry nobles is what kept the Numenorean strain strong in Gondor - and also the elven line of Dol Amroth. The whole social system is probably a mass of sixth cousins marrying. There's probably a whole department in Minas Tirith University keeping track of who is legally allowed to marry whom.) I found the operating really interesting and very well-done. And Aragorn is so reassuring and warm and teaching as he goes. A credit to Elrond. The humour adds to the feeling of relaxation. I like Jarrod - he is clearly concerned about Aragorn and glad to see him feeling better about this. (It's a charismatic leader who can make soldiers and chance met families care about him.) And Aravir and he clearly have something in common that makes them friends - their care of a certain prince. The Horse Protection Squad. Magic. And Arod decided to let Aragorn through - once he knew his place in the scheme of things. I like the viewpoint that Legolas is helped to stay because he is needed - and have you somehow been reading the Reflection that isn't published yet? Because I think that you might recognise an echo of a sentiment expressed here! Arador is very perceptive. He will make a good companion on this journey. I'm looking forward to finding out how Legolas deals with the sea. And to more about Arador's family. Excellent chapter. Author Reply: Oh Bodkin! You poor thing! School until the end of July? (Where are you?) I would perish (no, actually, I would retire!) We also tried the year-round school thing and do you know who didn't like it? The parents! Seems it interferes with vacation time! I am assuming your "les ecureils meutriers" has something to do with my class of murderous tree rats! (I'm not feeling very charitable towards the little darlings right now!) As for government interference, I think they should TEACH in a classroom before they pass these laws...it might broaden their outlook on some things. 'Nough said! :-) Thank you so much for the very kind words about the chapter! As for the use of birch leaves (and bark)... when Legolas was hurt, I thought I'd better look up some stuff besides the willow recipe and found this neat website on the historical uses of herbs and plants in medicine. I was surprised to find birch and oak trees mentioned (excited, too). I figured a well-taught healer such as Aragorn would make use of whatever he could, as well as his favorite, athelas. I always thought that it was in the King's hands that the true power of the athelas plant was released...he could make use of other plants as well...maybe! :-/ But he is a credit to Elrond...and making the procedure with Erelas a learning time kept Laurelin and Arador halfway calm! I'm glad that Jarrod and Aravir are starting to come through more as characters. Jarrod has a story somewhere...I'll have to look for it! As for the Horse Protection Squad (lol) - aren't they great? Arod is his usual cautious, protective self where Legolas is concerned! Oooohhh! Have I hit on something in a Reflection to come? I can't wait to read it! When, Bodkin, when? :-) You are right, Arador will prove very helpful on the little sojourn to come. He's very insightful! You know, we just might make it to the sea in the next chapter! LOL Thank you again for the review, Bodkin. linda

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/19/2005
I love how noble Aragorn is here among these people of his who live so simply and are of such a distinguished descent. Wealth and standing don't seem to matter. And now we see these people helping Legolas in return. I also like your deeper explanation of why it's important for Legolas to stay for Aragorn. That's a good question when you think of it. Author Reply: Hey, daw! Aragorn in the books always came across as such a noble character. I couldn't see him treating his people differently based on where or how they lived. He just seems too kind for that (at least, to me!) I suppose all his years in the wilderness as a Ranger would make him immune to the trappings of wealth and standing, tho' he's seen and lived both (as a Ranger and at Imladris)...good training for a King, it seems! As for Legolas staying, I tend to lean heavily on the friendship aspect of the elf and the King's relationship. So little was revealed about it in the books...I just like to think that they would both give up a great deal for each other. And Aragorn had quite a job ahead of him in reunifying the two realms - a HUGE job, plus dealing with all the consequences to Middle-earth caused by Sauron's existence over the past ages. He will need all the help and support he can get - someone constant in his life (he will live longer than most of his mortal friends from the War) he can go to for encouragement, advice, or just to use as a sounding board. So, Legolas is 'helped out' with his problem in order to stay for the hundred and twenty-odd years that Aragorn is King. (It makes sense when I think it...but when I try to verbalize it, well....) ;-) This is a LOOOONNNGGG reply - but your observations were very thought-provoking. Thank you for taking the time to review, daw! (Still working on that 'fundraiser' for Mr./Mrs. daw's trip to Hawaii, especially since you sent Flower Face to see her Daeradar, bless you...LOL) linda

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/19/2005
Oh goody, another chapter! I've heard of many reasons for delays in posting, but killer squirrels? Did they chew through the computer wires? Amazing how a little splinter can almost take a life. I am glad Aragon got here in time to help Erelas. If anything had happened to Erelas, Arador would be overwhelmed with guilt. I can imagine Erelas' shock when he finally wakes up and realizes that he has been tended to by the king, no less. I am so glad that Legolas is now agreeable to having his friends with him and admits that he does need their help. I like the scene between the lovely king and the pretty elf. I can clearly picture the pretty elf, but "lovey" king? Hmm, will take some pretty liberal imagination. So they are off to the sea now. Looking forward to that. Please don't keep us waiting too long. Author Reply: Hello, Manderly! Let me explain about said "killer squirrels"...I teach a room full of wiggly, giggly, squirrel-ly third graders. We have six days of school left, tho' for this bunch, school was 'out' two weeks ago! LOL It has been absolutely crazy! But I escaped! Yay! I had a friend who had a rose thorn in her hand and within a week had blood poisoning - her mother told us that the doctor said thorns were the worst for that sort of infection. Now, I didn't look it up or anything, but I remembered that time even now, years later, and decided to use something similar for Erelas' injury. It had to be quick and toxic and hard for Arador and Laurelin to spot at first...and you're right, guilt would have almost destroyed Arador if anything had happened to his son. (I imagine Legolas would have shouldered some of that guilt, too, since he initially cared for the man.) Manderly!!!! You don't think Aragorn is 'lovely'? ;-) He is King now, and I'll bet he cleans up real nice...picture the crown of blue flowers! sigh Besides, Legolas had to tease him somehow to get back at Aragorn for all the 'pretty' remarks. Seems to me the King is just asking for another skin of water to be dumped on his head! LOL I promise (I hope) that the next chapter will appear more quickly, now that school is almost out and I'll have some time to actually sit down and concentrate on the story! Thank you for taking the time to review! (Keep trying to imagine that 'lovely' King...) linda

Ninna	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/19/2005
Yay! An update! I just discovered this story a couple of weeks ago and it was so good I read straight through and then sought out "Through The Years" and read it, too. Lovely writing, just lovely...I so enjoy your evocative way with words. You have a great talent. Now I will try to wait patiently for the next update...no pressure, just eager for more! Author Reply: Why thank you so much, Ninna! I am so glad you found the stories and enjoyed them. That really means a great deal to me. As for 'talent', well, let's say I'm working on it... and having a lot of fun doing it! :-) Again, I appreciate you taking the time to review and encourage. Hopefully, the next chapter will come more quickly than this one did (school and a snag in the story sigh). Thanks again. linda

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