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The Golden Bell of Greenleaf  by lwarren 4 Review(s)
Eruanneth_LuinReviewed Chapter: 18 on 6/5/2006
Oh, such a sad truth; the memory of elves indeed vanished for millennia, until a certain young man from England heard the call from the distant past.

Pristine elves! Now there is an image to delight the eyes. Though I think that in the midst of battle, they may become a bit sullied now and again.

Almost I am severely envious of Raen; riding double with an elf! Would this include hanging on to said elf tightly to avoid losing one’s seat? Be still, silly woman!

How lovely, the care of elves and boys for the beauty that surrounded them. Perhaps our world would be a better place for all if we took time to appreciate the splendor around us.

Such a fitting name for a faithful companion.

EnvinyatarReviewed Chapter: 18 on 2/9/2006
I read the first couple of chapters of this a long time ago, and then lost it. I've just read up to date and I have to congratulate you on a beautiful story. The way you have dealt with Legolas's sea-longing is original and convincing, and both canon and original characters ring true. Above all, I think you capture spirituality in the way Tolkien intended. A number of authors introduce religion in a way that I find jarring, as Tolkien was careful to omit any overt reference to Christianity. Your version is very uplifting and moving while being, to me, utterly true to the books.

I am also captivated by your horses!

Thanks for this story and my sympathy for your loss.

Cheers, Envinyatar

Author Reply: Thank you, Envinyatar, and thank you for a lovely review. I must admit this story has taken paths I never expected, but I have enjoyed following along! LOL And having someone say that I have stayed true to canon (or to the spirit of the books) is such a great compliment! Thank you for taking the time to review - I'm so glad you found the story again!

Linda
(I, too, am captivated by the horses! Arod sends you his regards and wants to know why we are surprised to find the four-footed characters of this story irresistable!)

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 18 on 2/9/2006
I love Calen and Raen - two young men (very young men) who give you hope for the next generation. And their grandfather is adorable. I just love seeing him - the third youngest (and lowest-ranking) there - being paternal and supportive to all. He has great wisdom and self-confidence.

Aravir's wavering as to whether to spray Legolas with sand was a delight - as was Legolas's hope that he would do it! They both need that kind of friend. Loved them taking the boys with them to the field of golden bells. What a glorious moment for them to store.

And Arod - what a horse! Knows when to support and when to stand back. Alfirin is a lovely name for the golden mare - and she and Legolas have definitely bonded. Arod can relax now!

Aragorn is being very patient but he must be relieved. Both Legolas and Aravir are dealing with this quite well - and he must be fairly confident that he is going to be able to get them back in one piece. I love the byplay between him and Legolas. Food fight, indeed! I wonder what the guards think of that!

The whole atmosphere of this chapter is like a seaside holiday - just lovely.

Author Reply: Hello Bodkin! I am going to hate leaving this family of humans behind...hmmmm, will half to work on that! :-) I am glad you found the chapter like a lovely holiday by the sea - that's pretty much what it turned out to be (for me, as well)! Aravir is loosening up some and Legolas is pleased to see it! That friendship will keep both of those seasick elves grounded most of the time.

I've had the mare named since chapter 1 - it only took me 18 chapters to get around to it!!!! Arod is the best - I hated leaving him out of the naming, but he insisted that that's way it should be. Yes, food fights aside, Aragorn is ready to get everyone back to Ithilien and Minas Tirith in one piece. Looks like I'll have to oblige His Highness! Thank you so much for taking the time to review, Bodkin.

Linda

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 18 on 2/7/2006
You do such a nice job showing the ties between elves and the natural world, be it horses or the sea or flowers or the wind. And I like seeing the boys be so reverent toward the same things. They're not elves, but they're not thoughtless clods either. It's a nice balance.

Author Reply: Thank you, daw. I have hoped to describe those ties in this story without going overboard - it's hard sometimes to rein in that enthusiasm and not drown everyone in the drama of it all! Raen and Calen are good boys, raised by a father, mother, and grandfather who have instilled in them a love and reverence for growing things. I do so appreciate you taking the time to review! Thanks again.

linda

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