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| The Golden Bell of Greenleaf by lwarren | 176 Review(s) |
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| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/21/2004 |
| Poor Legolas - and Arod. They dominate a chapter in which they do not even appear. I think one of the things that makes Tolkien's world so interesting and such an opportunity for those who wish to delve into it, is that it is not a neatly packaged one. The possible 'happy ever after' was ignored and the story taken on into the scouring of the Shire and the sailing of the Ringbearers and that left so many stories, most of them sad tales of endurance, division and loss. Legolas's life is one of them - not returning to his home, the loss of mortal friends, the pain of the sea-longing. But then, Arwen's story is, I think, one that is usually ignored in the rose-coloured fluff of romantic love. And, actually, I don't think anyone is left with an easy ride. Even Arod, which brings us back to your story. Wouldn't Arod probably prefer to return to Ithilien with Legolas? Live in a pleasant meadow and see his friend each day? It's an appealing image to think of him running free with the herds, but you can't go back - not even as a horse. He'll be miserable - one of those old soldiers who is always telling those around him about the old days, and 'when I was with Legolas. . .' Author Reply: Ah, Bodkin! You are too perceptive! :-) Perhaps Arod will grab one of those elfbraids he likes to tug on and hang on to it until Legolas starts to think a little more clearly! (I've kind of worried that Legolas would come across as rather dumb about that, but he is so preoccupied with some other things, it hasn't crossed his mind!) And you are so right about the 'sad tales of endurance, division, and loss'...Elrond is another who faces all manner of loss, and Arwen, although I like to think she was happy with her choice. Still, as the time approached for Aragorn's death, can you imagine what she went through? (The doubt...and fear of one who was immortal now having to face that which was once unthinkable!) Too, too sad! In the meantime, have patience with Legolas...and thank you for the review! They mean a great deal! | |
| Tinnuial | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/20/2004 |
| The cavalry has come to the rescue!!! Somehow I don't think Legolas would like being compared to a flower at all LOL...Eomer is most astute. *sigh* Poor lad...I think Legolas is rather overlooked in the story of the Ring War, disregarding the screaming fangirls... yet he sacrificed so very much for the sake of comradeship, and a world his people could no longer linger in. There are so few *good* stories like this one that actually deal with what his suffering might have been like in those 120 years of Aragorn's reign, delaying his departure that he might be with his mortal friends to the end. Thank you for bringing light to this oft glossed over part of LOTR... I look forward to the next update! :) Author Reply: Legolas a flower...and he's been compared to one twice now! I see a pattern here... Thank you so much for those kind words...all the reviews have been most encouraging! I think to stay he must have suffered a great deal. As I was reading about the connection of Ulmo (who created water) and the fact that he had been trained by Iluvatar Himself in music, and later he taught the Teleri of the sea...well, the fact that the sea-longing sings to the elves just made it seem logical that such a call would be powerful indeed. (And potentially destructive if not heeded). Now if I can just convey that in the story....Thank you again for the review, Tinnuial! | |
| songspinner | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/20/2004 |
| Smart Aragorn, going as Strider. A nice insight into the friendship and into a character who has "far too many names". The bit with Hallas was cute, by the way. I also like the friendship between the two Kings - that's mentioned in the Appendix to ROTK, but there isn't any detail. Waiting for the next bit... Author Reply: No, the King would not be received with the same openness as the ranger that Legolas knows so well, and Aragorn is not about to do anything right now that might create a distance between his friend and him. (I liked that kid in the movie...it might not be book-verse, but it stands to reason that all able to fight would be pressed into service for that battle...and knowing Aragorn, he probably would keep up with Hallas' life.) Yep, Aragorn and Eomer are pretty good friends now! Next bit coming up soon, as I am actually several chapters ahead of myself! :-) | |
| Manderly | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/20/2004 |
| Ah, Legolas is surrounded by friends, but will it be enough? Or will it remind him even more of their mortality and their eventual passing? I really find it interesting the bond that you have developed between Legolas and Arod. The prospect of losing Arod must be so painful for Legolas. Things are looking pretty bleak for our elf. Author Reply: Legolas will find his friends comforting...to a point. And I just love the horse! (Can you tell?) *g* Things could not get much worse in Legolas' eyes. He is set to lose the one friend who accepts him unconditionally, and "bleak" is a good word to describe his outlook right now. Thanks for reviewing, Manderly! | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/20/2004 |
| I'm glad Gimli is there. If anyone knows about 'stubborn,' it's Gimli. I'm very interested in sea longing. I don't think Tolkien tells us nearly enough about it and fanfic authors all seem to have different interpretations. But Galadriel's rhyme has always broken my heart. He has lived in joy under the trees and that will not happen again. What could be worse? It's parallel to Frodo really, who did very brave things for the sake of the Shire and then was too damaged to live there anymore. Author Reply: Yes, I love Gimli! He's not one to put up with elven hard heads! You're interested in the sea longing, too? I know what you mean. Galadriel's rhyme is heartbreaking - for a wood elf to lose that joy he's always had in the forest...I cannot think of a worse thing to happen. And you're right...so many interpretations of the form the call takes. I have always pictured it as a very powerful compulsion indeed, to literally take away an elf's joy in Ennor. | |
| Rose Sared | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/20/2004 |
Awww, have I missed something, why doesn't Eomer sent for Gimli - he would help. So sad, so good. Rose Author Reply: No, but I have missed something, obviously! :-( Can you tell I don't have access to a computer where I can reply regularly to these reviews? And I appreciate them so much, too! Thank you, RS...I won't say just you wait for the dwarf's appearance, cos by now he's there! (DRAT!) Anyway, thank you for reviewing! | |
| songspinner | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/19/2004 |
| This is beautifully written so far...your characterization of Legolas and Eomer, especially is quite good, I think. And the horse, also. Poor Arod... One bit I thought very well done in particular was Legolas' explanation of why Arod is so important to him. That gave a lot of depth to your Legolas and reminded me of why I loved the cat I had for 12 years or so - she didn't judge and was always there when I needed her. Author Reply: Thank you for the kind review, songspinner! I think Eomer and Legolas are pretty good friends, but Eomer still is not quite sure how one deals with an elf, sometimes! As for Arod, he has trusted Legolas through some very tough situations, and now that Legolas is dealing with some serious issues, he'll be there for him! I'm really glad that part came across...one can never be sure! | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/19/2004 |
| You do a really nice job of showing the communion between Elf and horse, lwarren. The scene in the stable at the end reminds me of a colleague who once told me that he had long studied his dog and concluded that in many ways the dog was more sensitive and responsive than people were. And of course, an elf, in touch with nature, would be even more connected. Author Reply: Thank you, daw! :-) That review means a lot! I think at this point in time, Legolas is leaning on that close connection with the only one he feels like will not judge him. | |
| Manderly | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/19/2004 |
| I think immortality is a curse more than a blessing. It must be so painful to see all those dear to you leaving you one by one. I would not wish that on anyone. As Legolas has said, Arod is more than a friend, having gone through so much with him. And it must be even harder for elves to comprehend (dare I say the nasty word?) death as it is not something that they experience on a common basis. Excellent writing! Author Reply: Yes, and I think Legolas is having a hard time with the whole concept, for more than just the obvious reason. Also, having to watch that slow disintergration brought on by age is so hard, and he still has to go through it with his human friends...he blames himself for the injury...the sea is calling...the poor elf is just a basket case right now! Thank you for such a kind review, Manderly! | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/19/2004 |
| Poor Legolas. He can't spend the next several months sitting in the stable - he needs air and sunshine and trees, or he will become even more depressed than he is at the moment. Eomer and Lothiriel are being very patient. It's a good thing the Rohirrim rate horses somewhat higher than people. I don't think Elfwine will sit back so patiently and wait for Legolas to come to him. Maybe he will help. Author Reply: He is depressed, isn't he? (and not thinking too clearly either!) Lots of issues eating at him right now. As for Elfwine, nine-year-olds are not known for their patience, and he is no exception! LOL Thank you for reading and reviewing, Bodkin! | |