The Golden Bell of Greenleaf by lwarren
rick · 2 October 2011 · Chapter 21: Seasons of Change
This is a very good story & I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for writing. I do have a question - Aragorn interrupted. “Ai! Legolas, you are the most exasperating being I have ever met! And that includes wizards, dwarves, and Balrog-slayers!” Ok, what did Glorfindel do to exasperate Aragorn so thoroughly? Sounds like another story to me - I'd love to read it if you ever get it written! Thanks again.
lyncarol333 · 6 January 2007 · Chapter 21: Seasons of Change
Once upon a time i started reading this fic on the aragorn/legolas group (early 2004) i think you posted three chapters then stopped. by this time i had fallen in love with fic, was rather disappointed when you stopped. over the years i wondered what happened to it, and somehow in late 2006 i found that you were posting it here, (and to say i was delighted was an understatment, if i remember correctly i jumped around my apartment like an idiot). this is a truly wonderful story, even if it did make me cry. thankyou for shareing it, and i hope you write more fics soon. i hope you had a lovely christmas and new year. Lyn
Author's reply
Lyn, I almost cried when I got this review from you. I will never forget beginning to post this story with the MC group...and having to stop because my school blocked everyone's emails from any kind of on-line group participation...my disappointment was extreme (it felt as if I had been exiled!). It was quite awhile before I got my courage up to post it here, but I did. I was recently able to rejoin the aragorn-legolas group and am enjoying the interaction once more. That you remembered my story is amazing to me, and I am so glad you enjoyed it! It expanded a LOT from that original idea of 7 or so chapters, as you can see! LOL Thank you, Lyn, you have made my day! I have been waffling-wavering over the next story in this same story arc that I want to post - you have inspired me to get going!!!! Thank you for taking the time to review and I hope that you, too, had a wonderful Christmas and that your New Year will be happy and prosperous! Linda
Silivren Tinu · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 17: The Gift of the Sea
""Ye’ve been the magic in this world. When ye finally leave us completely, we’ll be hard put to preserve the memory of that magic.” He bowed his white head, the sadness apparent. “It is my prayer and hope that we’ll be able to keep a measure of it alive…and my fear that several generations from now, it will be lost.” " *sniff* So very true! I wish I wouldn't be part of one of those "several generations from now"! A world without elves can be a sad thing indeed. Not that they would fit in with the modern world at all. *sigh* Living in Middle-earth, I'd have done everything to convince the elves to stay, too. It seems Legolas and Aravir's roles have been reversed. *g* Now Legolas is the one who copes better with the longing - and of course he immediately had to blame himself for Aravir's plight. *groans* Good that Aragorn was there to talk him out of it! I loved Legolas' realization that the Song is not limited to the blessed Realm and that he is a part of that song whereever he is. I liked him joining into Aravir's song with his own joyful one, and it was sweet to see him take care of Aravir. I also loved Aragorn having to take care of three worried horses. *g* Poor Thalion, now he finally has something to worry about, too. The elves and the horses playing together must have been a sight to behold. *sigh* There was a lot of depth and thoughtfulness in this chapter - I loved it! :)
Author's reply
Hello Tinu! Well, I didn't mean for this chapter to be deep - but...I'm kinda pleased it came out that way! ;-) I was looking for a way for Arador to get his point across that the elves may have kept themselves apart from men, but they had a lot of influence and were still needed. The tidal pool led into his musings on elves and their leaving, so I guess it worked. Legolas, of course, blamed himself for Aravir (he's SO responsible!), but I'm of the belief that nothing ever happens by accident and that Aravir is necessary for Legolas over the next years. As for the horses, they had fun in the surf and are glad you appreciated the picture! :-) Thank you for taking the time to read and review, Almut! I do so enjoy each of them! Linda
Silivren Tinu · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 16: Linhir
Well, that went far better than I expected - apart from the last words! I would definitely count that as a cliffie, too! Oh dear, I hope poor Aravir hasn't fallen prey to the sea-longing as well, but it really sounds like it. I absolutely refuse to let him sail! *grabs elf and ties him to Middle-earth* I liked Thalion's agitation on behalf of the mare! In the beginning of the chapter I was quite worried about Legolas, and I guess I wasn't the only one. ;-) It was so sweet that Legolas was able to think of Raen and Calen and let them ride Arod in spite of his problems. I loved that Aragorn and Aravir were not fooled by Legolas' behaviour at all. "his expression an interesting combination of irritated exasperation and fond worry" - *grins* If you don't mind me running around in your story with a camera I think I'll have to take another snapshot. I liked Aravir sharing that detail about Legolas' hands, though he will probably end up being thrown into a lake because of it. *g* I really would like to go to Linhir on vacation. *SIGH* Poor Arador, I don't think he would survive having Thoron as a neighbour! Your description of the meal really made me HUNGRY! LOL, I loved the "sudden attack of pipe-longing" - comment. I think I have sea-longing now, too. I'd LOVE to be there, it seems to be a wonderful place! And it seems Legolas has finally found his peace. It would be quite reassuring, if I would not have to worry about Aravir now. *grumbles* WOnderful chapter, as usual! :)
Author's reply
Hey Tinu! Our poor Legolas! He may be learning to deal with the sea's call, but I think it will plague him til he sails...just not to the point of fading if he DOESN'T heed the call. Aravir and he will make an interesting pair - but at least neither of them will suffer alone. Aravir and Aragorn - the elf really wants the man to understand Legolas and his attempts to hide his difficulties. Of course, Aragorn knows the elf does this, but Aravir wanted to give him more clues to help him read Legolas even more accurately. (Give up, O Prince, your friends are on to you! LOL) I'm glad you liked Linhir - I wanted it pretty, altho someone pointed out you can't beat the fishy smell in a place like that! *g* Yes, we'll both worry about Aravir...and when he gets back to Ithilien, well, there will be others to give him heck about taking the chance of going near the sea! *vbg* Thank you, my friend, for taking the time again to review. It is very much appreciated! Linda
Silivren Tinu · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 15: See With New Eyes
*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's 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
Silivren Tinu · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 14: The Nature of Hope
HA! Now that's the perfect time for Aragorn to arrive, I've really begun to worry for Erelas! *drags Aragorn from his horse and to Erelas' side* I only hope he will have a better idea how to heal that wound. It seems Aravir and Aragorn have both saved lives by refusing to be left behind. ;-) Legolas' re-awakened sea-longing also makes me glad that Aravir came along - I do not know how he would have been able to cope with having to treat Erelas and coping with the sea-longing... besides, Raen would most probably be dead then. Well, I guess I'll better stop thinking about it. So Thalion is wooing the mare, hm? *g* They will undoubtedly make a beutiful pair, if she's interested. I like the donkey, btw. ;-) Aravir coming back with the entire family in tow was funny - I think it was good for Erelas and Raen to have such normalcy (or the normal madness) around them. As always, I enjoyed how you have the humans interact with the elves, and how they reacted to seeing Aravir and hearing Legolas' song. I would like to hear him sing, too, sea-longing or not. *sigh* Aravir's and the horses' worry for Legolas is sweet. Another wonderful chapter! :) P.S. It seems you've been very busy answering reviews! ;-) You know, we should probably really try to tie the elf up - it's really difficult to think of another way to keep him safe! And you are right, we certainly share the same sense of humour. *g*
Author's reply
Aragorn made quite the entrance, didn't he? Oh well, he IS a king and all...and I'm glad that Aravir disobeyed orders, too - it totally went against his nature...but he never counted on becoming friends with his Prince. I had lots of fun with this human family - they pretty much introduced themselves and insisted on being heard! We will be seeing more of them in the future - and of Thalion's further efforts with the lovely, but unimpressed mare! LOL I try to keep up, Almut, I really do - and you are too kind to review so much. I really do appreciate you! Thanks again!!! Linda
Silivren Tinu · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 13: Finding Common Ground
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's 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
Silivren Tinu · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 12: In Search of the Sea
*huggles Aravir and Aragorn* I really love the both of them! I think it's really the right decision not to obey orders or heed Legolas' wishes this time, if only for the sake of my peace of mind (and theirs). ;-) Poor Aravir, what he has lived through as a child must have been terrible, and it explains his love for Thranduil and his son very well. I liked his memories of Thranduil entrusting Legolas' life to him. “Now I am trusting you with my heart – the life of my son.” - That was so sweet! I was grinning madly when Aravir stumbled across Aragorn before the gates of Minas Tirith. I hope Aragorn will be able to join Aravir - the more, the better. You never know what kind of trouble a certain elf will manage to get into. “I do not understand what the attraction is" - *snorts* Of course, a golden prince on a golden horse is completely unobtrusive. I'm glad Aravir and Arod were able to catch up to him so quickly. ;-) I liked Caldor and the story how Legolas saved his father. It is incredible how many lives Legolas has touched and influenced over time, and all in a positive way. I think his life is more precious to a lot of people than he himself realizes. :) Uh-oh... and there's the trouble! I hope he'll be able to save the two of them, preferably without getting into trouble himself! I enjoyed this chapter from beginning to end! :)
Author's reply
Hello again! You ARE having a marathon reading session today! As for Aravir's past, I would consider him as perhaps a foster son to Thranduil and his queen. He and his sister, cousin, and friends were raised in the palace by the King and Queen long before Legolas was born. He loves Thranduil as a father AND as his liege lord. As for Aragorn, he can't leave right away, but if at all possible, you know he'll follow. (Wasn't that funny about the proposals thrown Legolas' way on the road - I just had to throw that in! LOL) Caldor just kind of snuck in - just another person who Legolas and Aragorn have touched that they might not know about. Yep, here's the trouble...and Almut...mark it down! I wrote an honest-to-gosh, genuine cliffie! *VBG* Glad you enjoyed this chapter - thank you for reviewing! (This is fun - I've been revisiting these chapters along with you all day!) :-) Linda
Silivren Tinu · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 11: The Long Road Home
HE WANTS TO GO TO THE SEA?! Well, I can't blame Aragorn for reacting the way he did - I'd like to grab Legolas and tie him up somewhere myself! *sigh* Well, he probably really needs this, but to have him riding to the sea of all places, ALONE, is somehow not very reassuring. I loved how you described Firien Wood and its mysterious song, and of course I loved Anna! "Pretty", indeed, lol! The scene where she and Legolas meet for the first time was so sweet (I wish I could be her!). I also liked her family very much. Legolas getting his revenge on Aragorn was great as well - the elf is probably a bit too recovered right now for Aragorn's taste! ;-) Anna forcing them to reconciliate was priceless. *g* I also liked Legolas telling Aragorn about his dream. I love the gentle way the two of them treat each other, and Aragorn's ability to understand his friend so well, even if he isn't able to hear Iluvatar's song. Aravir and Arod are obviously as happy about Legolas' decision as I am. *pokes elf* If he dares to run into problems, I will come after him, too! I liked Legolas' thought that Aragorn "sounds just like Adar sometimes". *g* Loved it! :)
Author's reply
"HE WANTS TO GO TO THE SEA?" :-) My reaction exactly! But then, he is a stubborn elf! LOL I, too, fell in love with Anna! She was so much fun to write (and I think I would have reacted in the same way to the 'pretty' elf!) Again, my favorite part was getting back at the King for his teasing (can you say "look out below!"?) and the whole argument between the two friends...along with Anna's refereeing! Legolas finally told Aragorn about his dream - I think he thought this might help Aragorn understand his decision to take a short seaside vacation. HA! You and I are both as excited about this decision as Aravir and Aragorn. (Tell you what, you hold the elf down and I'll tie him up, ok?) Thanks again for taking the time to read and review, Tinu! Linda
Silivren Tinu · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 10: What the Heart Perceives
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's 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
Bodkin · 14 November 2006 · Chapter 21: Seasons of Change
Thranduil has the power to make Legolas feel like a kid skipping class! There have to be some perks to parenthood! I love Thranduil - he has such strength and resilience - and perception and wisdom and generosity of spirit! He will give his son all the support he can - and still let him be himself. And Aravir has an admirer! Fingers crossed she subdues him before too long - he will need all the love he can get. And Alfirin has an admirer too - and he wants to make beautiful foals with her. While Arod enjoys the role of friend and loving uncle. And fingers crossed I know the very wise family who will make a superb liaison between men and elves. And that a certain author feels inspired to write about them soon! Much as I am glad to see this, I don't want the story to be over. More! Please!
Author's reply
I had a lot of fun getting to know Thranduil and how he relates to Legolas. I thought he might be one way...and he turned out entirely different. Strength, resilience, perception...all you said is how I had hoped he would be as a father and a ruler. I'm glad he came across that way! Aravir, I'm afraid, is about to have a revelation of the surprising kind! LOL And I think Thalion is about to get lucky! ;-) As for the new liaison...well, we'll have to see. I have another story about ready to begin posting - shock! I hope you won't wish it to end either! (yes, I'm greedy....) Thank you for all your support, Bodkin. You have always been an encouragement to me, and through your own writing, an inspiration! Linda
Manderly · 13 November 2006 · Chapter 21: Seasons of Change
Oooh, another chapter, and a lovely chapter it was too! I love the scenes between Thranduil and Legolas. I guess no matter how old we grow, we still turn to our parents for guidance and assurance, in the totally unguarded and unconditional way that might not be possible with anybody else that we live with. Must be something to do with the bonding developed through the countless diaper changes. I am glad that Tasarien has come to terms of sorts to her brother's infliction. I guess it was natural for her to blame Legolas for what happened. We all want to strike out at something or somebody when we've been dealt with an unfavourable shock. Coming to an end?! Well, at least you've soften that blow with hints of a sequel. I hope that will really be the case, Linda.
Author's reply
Hello Manderly! I'm so glad you liked the scenes between Thranduil and Legolas. I believe the King is trying to let Legolas find his own way - but he remains that rock of support and love that his son is going to need in the future. As for Tasarien, she has promised her brother to at least quit blaming Legolas for his 'acquiring' of the sea-longing. He (and their cousin) are all the family she has left, so it won't be easy for her, especially if Aravir really starts to suffer from it. I actually have another story just about ready to post - a 'prequel', if you will, that sort of blends into this one. Just a few tweeks, and then the deep breath before the plunge! LOL Thank you for all the kind words you've written, Manderly. I have always looked forward to your reviews (and would like to see the brothers and Thranduil with little Legolas driving them crazy sometime soon) and hope you'll like the new story! Linda
thechevin · 13 November 2006 · Chapter 21: Seasons of Change
I write this with very mixed emotions I loved this chapter, the exchanges between Thranduil and Legolas being a real delight as were Thranduil's conversations with the elves in Ithilien and the consummate way he bends them all to his will On the other hand this is the last chapter, which means I have nothing to look forward to ... except the promise of a sequel! I am already anxiously waiting ... Thank you for this rich tale it has been such a lovely story to follow
Author's reply
I had an interesting time discovering the character of Thranduil here in these last few chapters, thechevin. And like a real King, he just about took over! LOL I'm glad you liked the way he and Legolas relate...I think Legolas is in real need of that unconditional support. There is a sequel...or maybe I should call it a prequel, as it begins well before the War of the Ring and sort of blends into this story. I'm just about ready to let it go...*gulp* Thank you for your kind reviews, thechevin. It is so encouraging to read that there are those who have followed and enjoyed this story. Thanks again! Linda
Maid of Ithilien · 12 November 2006 · Chapter 21: Seasons of Change
This has been a wonderful story! Your characterizations of Legolas and the other canon characters are just right. Thank you for writing it and sharing with us. I look forward to the potential sequel ;)
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed the story and relieved that Legolas and the other canon characters rang true. Sometimes I wondered! :-) I appreciate your kind words - they encourage me enormously (especially when I'm about ready to post that sequel you mentioned! LOL) Thanks again! Linda
daw the minstrel · 12 November 2006 · Chapter 21: Seasons of Change
I'm so glad to see another chapter of this, Linda. As always, I love the relationship between Arod and his people. But I think my favorite part of this is your characterization of Thranduil. He has the, shall we say, firmness he shows in The Hobbit but he also has the wisdom about people that comes from long life. And he has a sense of humor, one that shows up in Legolas of the Fellowship. Nicely done.
Author's reply
I think one of my favorite 'realms' of LotR is the one you created for the Silvan elves and their king, Thranduil. To say you liked my characterization of Thranduil...well, I'm floored. But he was such an interesting character to get to know these last few chapters - and one I really hadn't planned on. I'm glad he developed in a believable way, because I always thought the father of Fellowship Legolas would be a very special elf indeed! I appreciate you taking the time to read and review, daw. It was always so encouraging to read your thoughts about the different chapters. Thank you! Linda
Nieriel Raina · 12 November 2006 · Chapter 21: Seasons of Change
WOO HOO!! I was so happy to see a new chapter! Very nice! So...Aravir has himself an admirer, eh? *grin* I was hoping the King would be doing some match-making for his son! *prods Linda* Oh you know you want to write that... think HEAT... candlelight on skin, shadow moving against the walls.... *leaves bunny tied to Linda* THERE! I don't want it! Great story! You have a gift. I can't wait for the sequel. I hope Thalion gets lucky. They would produce a lovely foal. NiRi
Author's reply
Hi NiRi! Yes, love is blooming in the air in the forests of Ithilien! :-) Aravir doesn't stand a chance! And you and that bunny are dangerous, ya know? *unties bunny and puts him in a nice pen under the computer table* I promise I'll take good care of him, NiRi! *snort - candlelight...snickers* You KNOW Thalion is going to get lucky - I'm hiring you for the midwife! Sequel (er, 'prequel') on the way! Thank you for taking the time to read and review - when I get ready to edit some things, you'll be the one I bother! ;-) Linda
Nieriel Raina · 25 October 2006 · Chapter 20: There Shall Your Heart Dwell Also
AGH! I was writing a review and my computer crashed! EEK! Now I have to start over! Ok... I LOVE this story! Beautifully written, wonderful characters and themes, great plot. Now I have a couple things to share... First, I cannot wait to see Thranduil helping out in Ithilien or to see if Alfirin ever warms up to Thalion! HOWEVER, you need to end THIS story HERE! Your plot has been summed up and the conclusion is PERFECT! To continue from this point would require intro of new plot...unless I missed something along the way. It would seem to me it would be best to end here with a wonderful conclusion to this story, then begin a new story with your same characters...a sequel! But that is simply my opinion. Second, I have a bone to pick with you and all the MC'ers! I know it is common practice to do it. I know it's a beautiful language. However! It really takes away from the story to have to scroll down for translations. It is also a little silly for elves speaking to each other (they would be speaking completely in sindarin anyway) to go from english to elvish IN THE SAME SENTENCE!! GGRRR. This is a big pet peeve of mine and the only downside to this story! We the readers know that elves speaking to each other speak in Sindarin. When they speak in common to non elves, they speak in common with perhaps a few exceptions or phrases...that I could accept...hannon le, mellon nin, Aran Elessar (I can accept that but still don't like it)... but when speaking amongst themselves? Ok...the one that really hit me was when Thranduil was talking to Aravir and he tells him "Now tell me about ion nin". This just doesn't work. Things like this really take away from this wonderful tale rather than enhancing it. I LOVE elvish...don't get me wrong. And I look for ways to include it appropriately (eg. in Never Again from Gimli's POV he can't understand Legolas speaking Sindarin so the reader doesn't need to either) It is a painful process...to give up this usage of elvish! I insisted on Legolas calling Thranduil 'Ada' but other than that I am very careful of such usage and I know my stories are better for it. It just ups the quality of the story to NOT have the elvish in it... honestly, it comes across to me like writers are showing off that they know this other language, rather than complementing the story. but again, this is all my humble (or rather outspoken) opinion... *grin* There is a really interesting web site I'll have to find about the elvish stuff. Made me think twice about it and I went back and changed my stories taking most of the elvish out (there is quite a bit in Never Again but like I said, it is from Gimli's POV) and now I think they are 100 times better. I now use italics to show elvish and the readers like this much better. I am getting to the point that if a story has a lot of elvish in the dialogue unnecessarily, I don't read that story. It's too annoying. Anyway, I hope I have not offended you in any way with this review. Overall I LOVE this story! I can't say enough that I LOVE your writing! I would not wish in any way to discourage you but rather get you thinking about ways to improve. Hope to see some more of your work soon! Keep writing! NiRi
Author's reply
Hey there! Well, you know we talked about this subject off line and that, while I agree and see your point, I will probably still use a few words here and there! LOL I think you are right though about using it too much and having it take away from the overall understanding of the story. But this did not offend...it made me consider why I was using the language and that is not a bad thing! So I will be more careful in the future, and as I go through this story editing the 'horsey' parts (*g*), I will consider my usage and perhaps change some of it. Thank you again for all the reviews you took the time to post, NiRi! I really appreciate it! Linda
Nieriel Raina · 21 October 2006 · Chapter 15: See With New Eyes
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's 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
Nieriel Raina · 19 October 2006 · Chapter 11: The Long Road Home
I am enjoying this story so much! It is very well written and I love your portrayal of Legolas and your other characters, especially Legolas' interaction with the different new mortals he meets. The little girl, Anna was great! Oh...you misspelled elvellon...you have it evellon, it needs an 'l' after the 'e' *grin* Can't wait to read more!! NiRi
Author's reply
Darn it! I'll go correct that asap...thanks NiRi! Wasn't Anna sweet? I had more fun with that little girl and her fascination with the 'pretty' elf! I am glad you are enjoying the story! (*frowns at slow self* Sorry this reply took so long.) Linda
Nieriel Raina · 19 October 2006 · Chapter 8: Safe Havens
I just had to say that I LOVED how Nienna reminded Legolas that she was just the messenger and that there was 'One' greater who deserved his thanks. Very nice... NiRi
Author's reply
Glad you liked that little part, NiRi! :-) I figured if the Valie was going to intervene at any time, it would be at the behest of Eru, as the Valar had very little to do with Middle-earth after they came and defeated Morgoth. Thank you again for an encouraging review! Linda
Nieriel Raina · 19 October 2006 · Chapter 9: Comes a New Day
Ok...so I'm only half thru this chapter, but I have to go to bed & I couldn't go without commenting. I WANNA BE EOLYN!!! *grin* I'm tremendously jealous...I think I will have to open an elf bath.... Brilliant! I loved the modest blushing elf! NiRi
Author's reply
Wasn't that funny? And I wanted to be Eolyn, too!!! She, however, was so much a mother figure here, and I think Legolas needed a little tender loving care after all his trials! Yeah, I really liked Eolyn! :-) And the blushing, modest elf! *g* Thanks, NiRi! Linda
Nieriel Raina · 18 October 2006 · Chapter 7: Out of Time and Mind
Another brilliant chapter. Wonderful visuals of Aman. I love how you pull Sil knowledge into this story and weave it all together. WOW. Only thing I see that is possibly a problem is I've been told elves do NOT get infections. If something remained in the wound like poison or a sliver of arrowhead it might fester and not heal, but they do not suffer bacterial infections like mortals. And fevers from poisons is fanon but I like it! We need someway to torture the Firstborn. *grin* Excellent job and a great story! Niri
Author's reply
Hey NiRi! I'm glad you enjoyed the descriptions of Aman. Had a time getting that the way I wanted! As for the infection, I didn't intend for it to be an infection. It was all about a poisoned sword wound. I'll check back and make sure that it's clear. Thanks for pointing that out...and for taking the time to write so many reviews!!!! Linda
Nieriel Raina · 18 October 2006 · Chapter 6: Lingering Shadow
I am really enjoying this story so far! Very well written. I LOVED your description of the song and how you went into the Simarillion (I am really beginning to enjoy Sil fics). Very nice take on the sea longing as well. I LOVE this. I do worry about the elf, though elves can take much greater hurt than humans and are not easily hurt by poison, so I have hope he will be ok. Your horsey info the last several chapters has been wonderful. I love the body language. It's perfect! NiRi
Author's reply
YAY! I'm so relieved the horses have been handled right, finally! *g* As for the Song and the sea-longing, well, I can only hope I used the right words to describe what I felt. The information in the Silmarillion was so interesting and I love how music was used as a creative force by Eru, and later the the Valar! Thanks again, NiRi, for taking the time to read and review. Linda
Nieriel Raina · 11 October 2006 · Chapter 2: That Which Is Held Dear
Another wonderful chapter Linda! WOO HOO! I am really liking this story. You write beautifully! I LOVE the connection between Legolas & Arod. But I do have another horsey complaint! “The muscle is not torn, my lord,” the stablemaster looked up at the tall elf standing at the gray horse’s head, holding him still. “It would almost be better if it were. Torn muscles seem to mend stronger, somehow.” Whoever told you that needs to be SHOT! torn muscles do NOT heal stronger, in fact they are usually the ones that cause recurring problems along with torn ligaments! Bones heal stronger, but a horse with a broken leg in this time would have been put down. I think it would have been more feasible if Arod HAD torn a muscle or ligament as that would be a more retiring injury. A pulled muscle would heal even in an older horse. Torn muscles even heal well...this injury sounds more like a torn ligament or a bowed tendon. I was a groom for a thoroughbred with a simlilar recurring injury and he ended up being unable to be ridden at 4 years old. But he was a beautiful lawn ornament! But that' just my two cents worth...I used to work in a boarding stable, I'm not a vet. But I will tell you that horses seem to INVENT ways to hurt themselves! *grin* I LOVE this story...can't wait to read more! I love how you write Eomer and his stable master. NiRi
Author's reply
Hey, NiRi,don't shoot the author! *ducks behind a wall...or bush...or barrel* Here's another chapter headed for the chopping block..er..editing table tomorrow! You just keep on complainin' and I'll just keep on buggin' you for the right answers. :-) Again, glad you liked the chapter (most of it anyway *g*). Thank you for the review! Linda
Nieriel Raina · 11 October 2006 · Chapter 1: Arod, Mellon Nin
I am really enjoying this story! Very well written and as a horse lover who has dealt with their injuries, I feel for Legolas having Arod hurt. My only complaint is whoever gave you equine info did NOT know how to treat an injury such as this!! You would NOT use HOT wraps!! No, no he would have had Arod in that stream soaking that leg in COLD water! *shivers* Oh the number of nights I've had to be up every few hours to hose a leg! Horse leg injuries are awful! Perhaps if he had boiled the herbs and then cooled them in the stream before wrapping, that would be more feaible as a liniment might help but the best thing is COLD water soaks for 15 minutes... HOT soaks work great for getting a hoof abssess to drain. Ok...I'm done venting for this chapter! Still very well done story! I'm loving it! NiRi
Author's reply
OK, NiRi. I'm going to edit this chapter tomorrow. And then I'm going to bug you to read it and see if I got it right!!!! :-) I'm glad you still liked the story though! Thanks for taking the time to review! Linda (who has never been around horses in her life...just loved them from afar)