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The Golden Bell of Greenleaf by lwarren	10 Review(s)
Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/29/2006
Arod is such a sweetheart! Oh, my poor elf, this is so sad. sigh It is unfair that the sea-longing causes him to lose the joy in all the things he has loved before. It is mean that he should suffer so for being such a good friend. Did I mention how sweet Arod is? ;-) I like their conversations. And I like it that Legolas longs for Aragorn to be there and provide comfort - I have a feeling that wish will be granted (hurry up, Aragorn!). I really like Arod's protectiveness, and that he lets only Aragorn pass. :) What a rude way of waking poor Legolas (g), but I guess he was so glad to see his friend that he did not mind. sniff To see Legolas like this is heartbreaking. I liked the idea of Legolas talking Gimli through the Paths of the Dead pretending that he was only speaking to Arod. Just what the elf would do, I am glad Gimli saw through it! The part about the creation of the world is what I like best about the Silmarillion, I loved how you integrated it here! "When you are ripped from that perfect dream and thrust back into the real world, having seen and experienced perfection, the world now holds nothing but pain…and longing.” - That's exactly how I see the sea-longing - it is terrible because of its beauty and perfection. Who could be called to a world without pain and sorrow and death, and resist such a call? The sad thing about it is, that the sea-longing could be a blessing, if one follows the call, just the thing Legolas can't do. I like the idea that there is a way to cope with the call, and that Legolas simply has to find it. The ending and Aragorn's plea were so beautiful! sigh I only hope Eru is listening, but it seems he is... This chapter was just wonderful, but also heartbreaking. huggles poor sleeping elf Tinu :) Author Reply: Hello Tinu! I have always been fascinated by the presence of so much music in Tolkien's writings. As this story progressed, I began to think that music might have a big part in it, so I did some reading, starting with the 'Ainulindalie' and I was fascinated with the way water came into being and the fact that Ulmo, of all the Valar, had been taught music by Iluvatar Himself! Well!!! That got me to imagining all kinds of things where music and elves are concerned...especially the Teleri, who loved the ocean and were considered the premier singers of the three kindreds. I don't know how well I am tying it all together in the story, but in my little pea brain, it makes sense! :-) Isn't Arod great? As strong and constant a friend in his own horsey way as Aragorn and Gimli are in theirs! I like that thought! And Legolas needs that extra connection right now when he's having such a hard time communicating his difficulties with his mortal friends. Arod doesn't understand the sea-longing, but that unconditional acceptance and love must be soothing to the elf's frazzled and hurting nerves. Not that Gimli and Aragorn don't love him, too, but he has to TALK to them about things and THAT is where the problem lies, I think. However, I hope the stubborn elf notices that once he does talk to them, he feels better and with all three of them united, he's not alone in this any more. Still, he has to find his way of dealing with it, and Eru does have a way of opening doors if we'll just look for them.... I'm so glad you like this! It is my first loooonnnng story and went well past the 7 chapters I thought it would take (as you can see!) I'm kind of like Legolas is here, just going along and seeing where this is going to take him, and hopefully learning a lot along the way! I so appreciate you taking the time to read and review! Thanks, Tinu! Linda

Eruanneth_Luin	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/30/2005
Never did I think of the sea-longing in quite these terms. Beautifully described! Arod as defender of his chosen master is something that we do sometimes see in animals, though occasionally to their detriment if they keep all aid from reaching him. It was a nice touch that Aragorn rather than Aravir was the first permitted to his side. Again your reference to the difference between the very process of thinking that separates the two peoples reminds us of the wide gulf between humans and elves and even dwarves. Thank you most sincerely for bringing the Ainulindalie and the recounting of the Valar into this tale. Tears filled my eyes in rememberance of my first reading of the Silmarillion and the impact of 'in the beginning'. Legolas describing the sea-longing is exquisite and makes one wish for a glimpse of that enchanted vision. Author Reply: The sea-longing...I find the whole concept just fascinating and so terribly sad in Legolas' case. It would ultimately take the JOY out of him, as Galadriel warned, and those things which made his life on Middle-earth complete would be dead to him, drowned out by the call of his true home. I figured it would become an extremely painful, wrenching experience which at times would just take over (kind of like the flashbacks of post-traumatic stress syndrome, I guess). Arod is very protective of his elf, especially when a crowd of rambunctious humans (plus one dwarf) comes stomping around! Arod knows Aravir - he is the captain of the guard at Ithilien and has been since the beginning...but he also knows that Aragorn is the one Legolas was wishing was there to help him...so Aragorn gets to pass first! Yes, the gulf between different peoples is wide - and Legolas is not so sure he has the words to bridge that gap...but he tries. I am so very glad that you liked the references to the Ainulindalie and the Valar. I just loved the idea that music played such a big part in creation - that Ulmo, the lord of waters received his instruction in music from Eru Himself and for that reason Ulmo's thought, which became water, would hold special significance for the Firstborn (and Secondborn, too). Thank you for mentioning it - I love the SILMARILLION, too! Thank you again for such a thoughtful, kind review, Eruanneth_Luin. linda

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/17/2005
Lovely opening line! Strike, that – the whole opening is beautiful. Excellent chapter. I’m enthralled by your description of the sea-longing. You did such an amazing job in showing how Legolas is now physically affected. It’s almost as though he’s frozen in place because his body is no longer needed as his mind is taken far away, his very soul ripped from him. You broke my heart with that line about his dignity being taken from him. But Arod’s concern for and care of him was so touching. I love the way he knows how shaky and emotional Legolas is feeling and is determined not to let any exuberance displayed by his friends harm him. How frightening, though, for Aragorn and co. to see him like that. I had tears in my eyes at the image of Aragorn cradling him gently. I actually particularly liked the scene between Arod and Aravir. They obviously respect one another and each understands the other’s concern for Legolas. Can I ask a question? When Arod ‘speaks’ to Aravir, can Legolas hear him? The scene with Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn was done so well. Gimli’s character is spot on. I love that his worry for Legolas and desire to help is clear but he falls back into the usual banter and gruff words, belatedly realising just how fragile his friend is feeling. But how good of him to open up a little himself and confess how much he valued Legolas’ attempt at reassurance on the Paths of the Dead. You made me smile with Legolas’ recitation of the creation of the world. I can just see him as an elfling, learning this and impressing his proud parents by remembering it. I think, though, that you’ve given it a greater significance by showing how the earliest history of the elves is still connected to them today. I was particularly impressed by the line “It is said that the Firstborn of Iluvatar can still hear the music of the Creator in the voice of the ocean, and that it causes great longing in them, although they know not what they hunger for.” To me, that sums up perfectly what the sea-longing is. I always thought of it as a call home, something that is stirred in their spirit and makes them seek their true home. All elves know that they are fated to leave Middle-Earth and dwell in Valinor. It’s when they try to resist the summons that it must cause them pain. That’s interesting, that Thranduil would suffer the same thing. There seems to be the suggestion that Legolas may not have the wisdom of ages to know how to deal with it, but it certainly provides a sense of hope if his own father – one of his own blood – can live with this and be content in the forest. And for now he has his friends, who are determined to be by his side, whether he asks them or not. Author Reply: Hello again! Thank you for those kind comments about the opening of this chapter. I wanted the serenity and beauty of the sunrise to really contrast with the jarring sight of Legolas unconscious on the ground. I wanted to somehow show how Legolas' refusal to sail is starting to tear him apart. His "illness" is only growing worse, and he is reaching a point where he cannot handle it anymore and is quite helpless in its grip. So I opted for these sudden "attacks" and hoped they would be halfway believable. :-/ I had to think that a royal prince of the house of Thranduil would be very conscious of his dignity, and to be so reduced to helplessness would start to eat at him. Pity? He would hate that and try to avoid it at all cost, and besides, the elves of Ithilien don't know how to take this "illness" of his. He really has been very isolated (his own fault...silly elf should have called Aragorn or Gimli long ago) and even Aravir is at a loss (hence the letter, finally, to Aragorn). I liked the idea of Arod standing guard over his elf...the ever-loyal friend...and a very insightful horse, he is too, to keep that boisterous crowd away til they calmed down LOL! Your question - hmmmmm. Aravir returned with Legolas from the Greenwood and has known Arod and seen the connection between the two for about twelve years. In my head, the horses recognize those they wish to (you'll see that later with another horse). Aravir is able to talk with Arod if Arod allows it...and I would think Legolas would be aware of any conversation between them, provided he's around. I love Gimli...he's so straightforward and blunt (which of course makes Aragorn want to gag him sometimes)! And he hides that heart of gold under all that blustering! Legolas knows Gimli won't coddle him...see hear, Master Elf, this is the way things are and here is what you should do...! Can't you just see Legolas (about 4 human years old) reciting the names of the Valar for his naneth and adar!? I am so glad that the story of the Creation of Arda and the ties the elves have with the sea made sense (it did to me, but one never knows) and you've chosen my favorite line, too. The sea awakens in them a longing, tho' they are not sure what they long for. Yes, and Thranduil lived as far away from the sea as he could and from what I can tell, seldom left the Greenwood. His age and maturity, and I think that stubborn determination of his, helped him "endure" the call until he felt he had done everything needed to ensure the safety of his people and his trees. Legolas is young, as Arwen suggested he doesn't have the year or experience to deal effectively with something so powerful all on his own. Yes ma'am, Dot, and he's going to need his friends to help him through this, whether he likes it or not! (Bless his stubborn little heart!) :-) I really appreciate you taking the time to write these lovely reviews, Dot! Thanks! linda

Robinscat	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 11/23/2004
This is beautiful. I stumbled on your story and it has touched a chord in my heart. You have expressed the sea longing better than anyone I have read. After the first chapter I was weeping over my key board. I have had a close relationship with my cat, like that you described between Legolas and Arod. It tears my heart. Thank you for sharing your gift. Robin Author Reply: Robin, thank you for the encouraging words. I know Tolkien didn't say much about Arod, but I loved the thought of him taking to Legolas right away in The Two Towers, and then I read this lovely fic by Teanna called The Elvish Way With All Good Beasts and it got me thinking - if elves become very attached to their mounts, how hard would it be to face the horse's mortality? That and my continuing fascination with the sea-longing gave me the idea for this story! I hope you continue to enjoy this, and I'm glad it touched you (tho' I'm sorry you cried!)...Lord knows Legolas and Arod have had me crying in my keyboard (or notebook) a dozen times! :-) linda

Rose Sared	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 8/25/2004
Sorry to be so long getting to review this wonderful chapter (RL truly sucks) - this is such a great tale, so evocative and intricate. I am loving it. Wonderful writing. Rose Author Reply: Thank you, thank you, thank you, RS!! blushes furiously (Yes, RL definitely sucks - I'm dealing with family illness right now, on top of school starting..this little story is my link to sanity, I think! lol) I am glad you are enjoying the story...don't think a thing about reviewing late - I'm just glad to hear from you!

Sivan	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 8/25/2004
Wonderful chapter though. Please update soon... please? I still love what I read, thank you! Keep up the perfect work that you are doing with your fic. Sivan Author Reply: Hello, Sivan! Thank you for the kind words and review! I have updated (sooner than I replied here...SORRY!) I'm glad you're enjoying the story!

Aislynn Crowdaughter	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 8/24/2004
Hi! This is very beautifull! I love the way you paint tzhe friendship between Legolas and Aragorn as well as Legolas and Gimli, and I adore the description of Legolas interaction with Arod. Indeed, that horse is smart! And I love the way Legolas uses the tale of the Ainuindale to tell his friends of the sea longing. The end of this chapter gives hope. I really love this story. Please continue soon! Aislynn Author Reply: I always thought the Lady's warning to Legolas was so sad...just the thought of him losing his joy in the things of Middle-earth that he loved was tragic. For something to take that joy away - well, it would have to be a very strong call, indeed. But he did end up staying until Aragorn' death, which was over 100 years, so somehow he learned to cope! I thank you for the kind review, and I'm glad the friendship of these three is coming through. And you said it...that horse is SMART! lol (I love Arod...he's such a good friend!) Thanks, Aislynn!

Tinnuial	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 8/23/2004
That was absolutely heartrending. I have never read anything describing the sealonging so eloquently. Thank you for enlightening me, Aragorn and Gimli on this most dreadful, little understood elven predicament. Author Reply: I really got caught up in all the connections between Eru and Ulmo and water and music! Then, in the books, Legolas seemed to sing a lot, and was so in touch with his natural surroundings it just seemed the natural way of things to have the sea-longing connected, too. And Tolkien said that the music of the ocean's call was especially compelling, though the Firstborn (and men, too) did not know why. Thanks, Tinnuial. This review is much appreciated! :-)

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 8/23/2004
First, I have to say that I love Teanna's story. I like the parallel between Arod watching over the sick Legolas and the scene earlier in which Legolas watched over the injured Arod. Arod's thoughts and perceptions are wonderful. I smiled when he thought of Eomer's son as a two-legged colt. I want to see Aragorn gag Gimli! Or try to gag him. Yes indeed. That would be entertaining. But then, of course, when the chips are down, Gimli comes through. Legolas's description of the sea longing was heartbreaking. Author Reply: Isn't her story great? I love it, and she was so nice about me bothering her! LOL. Yep, Arod and Legolas look after each other, and Arod has become especially protective. As for Aragorn gagging Gimli...well, he "thought" it, but you'll notice he never acted on the thought! :-) He has some sense of self-preservation, I guess! And Gimli does come through...he is more sensitive and discerning than he wants the elf and man to know about! As for the sea longing, just the concept of it breaks my heart. I'm glad I could convey my interpretation of it somewhat. Thanks for an encouraging review, daw! :-)

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 8/23/2004
I don't know how I missed this before, but I'm glad I found it at last! You've got great characterisations, and this is the first time I've ever seen Arod as an individual character! He's great. Poor Legolas, the sea-longing is very bad - thank goodness Aragorn and Gimli are there to help him. Jay Author Reply: Hi Jay! I'm glad you found it, too! vbg I thought that part in TTT about Legolas and Arod meeting was great...it seems such an "elf-y" thing for him to be able to "talk" to Arod, much like he communicates with his trees. Between that and my fascination with the sea longing right now, we get this story! And I'm glad too, that Aragorn and Gimli came as soon as they heard about what was going on. Thank you for the kind review, Jay.

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