Reviews (19)

Marethiel · 23 January 2009 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

Aragorn Elessar Telcontar, High King of Gondor and Arnor, was not amused. He gave the mithril and gold gates of the Halls of Mandos one last pounding and then stopped and stepped back, his posture one of defiance and anger. "Damn you, Legolas!" he fairly screamed. "You come back here you... you... impossible elf, you!" "Tsk, tsk, Estel. Such language." Aragorn stopped his ranting and felt a frisson of something that was less than fear but more than joy coursing through his body and slowly turned around. Standing behind him was a Being, taller than he. ....**Snip! of some wonderful descriptive language**... He was smiling, though that didn’t necessarily assure the Mortal standing there with his mouth open. Slowly, Aragorn found himself on his knees before the Lord of Mandos. "It’s been a while, hasn’t it, son?" Námo said genially. "I think the last time was with Wídfara... or was that the time before?... I forget." His smile turned even more wicked than when he’d been speaking to Maranwë and the Lord of Mandos had the pleasure of seeing the King of Gondor and Arnor start sweating. Which, come to think about it, was a neat trick when said king was here in fëa only. "Oh do get up, Estel," Námo continued with mock impatience, gesturing for the Mortal to rise. "I really don’t have time for all this, you know." Holy Cow... I am awed... your imagination is truly something else! And the imagery, the characterization. Good Lord. When I grow up into a real writer I want to be just like you! Thank you SO much for this; this was such fun and such a wonderful tale. ~Marethiel

dreamingkat · 4 April 2008 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

quite amusing and a welcome laugh on day home sick.

Lindale · 22 February 2008 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

This is an amazing story, a very very good idea, I can't describe it. >>Námo’s eyes narrowed. "Yes, Thranduil," he said darkly and Aragorn found himself shivering in spite of himself. "Always a force to be reckoned with," Námo added. I was snickering at this becasue I was thinking of Thranduil and what his reaction would be like... that would be a very intresting story. Lindale

JastaElf · 2 February 2008 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

There are just not enough words in ALL the worlds to describe how wonderful this story is. This is brilliantly written, the characterizations are perfect, I continue to love and adore your Valar/Belain, and there are so many brilliant turns of phrase (particularly the ones about Luthien looking out of Aragorn's eyes... and the line "He’s demanding his elf back."...) that I would simply have to paste the whole tale in here to relate them all. Which... I won't do. You so totally rock, and so does your writing. Now... you KNOW you have to write a tale explaining this, because I have GOT to know: Námo’s eyes narrowed. "Yes, Thranduil," he said darkly and Aragorn found himself shivering in spite of himself. "Always a force to be reckoned with," Námo added. Anyway, SUPERB tale, thank you SO much!!

Ces · 30 January 2008 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

I found this story by accident and am so glad I did! What an excellent story. From the very first sentence it held my attention. I laughed and I cried. What true friendship Aragorn and Legolas have. It seems as though even Namo is just the teeniest bit....not afraid....not quite intimitated.....but not wanting to incur the wrath of Thranduil regarding the death of his son?! I'm going to go and read all of your stories. I love the way you write the Valar and Namo is quickly becoming a favorite. Thank you for a lovely story! Ces

obsidianj · 13 January 2008 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

Lovely story. Playing chess with a vala. It had to be a rigged game, otherwise the valar would lose their seemingly godlike reputation. But it still took courage from Aragorn to issue the challenge and then go through with it. I loved the behind the scenes commentary from the other valar.

PeppyPower · 2 January 2008 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

I'm late, I know. But, as Cal said, I'm a very happy girl these days. You know how much I love this fic, Fiondil. But I was very alarmed when I read that there were some people actually thinking this FUNNY *insert shocked expression*. I cried. A lot. I admit I was snickering at "He is demanding his Elf back". That'd be so Aragorn. But in the end, I couldn't even read further - there was a never-ending river of tears streaming down my face. Alena (OBs manager) sent me some new pictures and autographs and we had this fic printed and sent it in return. Orlando (who's not REALLY into fanfiction at all, lol) read the first chapters of EI and I guess he will like this one, too. Thanks again, this means a lot to me. Nina

Linda Hoyland · 30 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

A haunting and beautiful story.I'm not a Legolas fan, but I loved Aragorn's loyalty and devotion here.

Grumpy · 29 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

Great story, enjoyed reading it. A little glipse of Namo and the Valar. I can just see Aragorn at the gates demanding his elf back.

Tigger · 29 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

Wow!! This is wonderful Flondil!! I did snicker at the way Legolas died though. Can't you imagine that conversation between Aragorn and Thranduil? I am so very sorry My Lord, but it is my solemn duty to inform you, your son Legolas died bravely in battle. But how did my son die? Ummm....Ah...Uh huh...Yeah....He was skewered on a tree branch... HE WAS WHAT!?! :oD Completely and totally enjoyed this. Especially the conversation between Namo and the rest of the Valar and certain Maiar too. Will have to print this one out for my binder I take to medical appts. Thanks again for the great story!! :o)

Calenlass · 29 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

I've poked holes in leaves in before with a stick... But never did I imagine that something like this could happen. o.o It was shocking to read. Will Legolas ever live this down, I wonder? *grin* Such a wonderful Yule fic. Nina is one lucky person this Christmas! ~Cal

Nieriel Raina · 29 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

I don't know what else to say that I haven't aleady told you. I so loved this fic. The concept was ingenius, Námo charming as ever, Aragorn determined as ever, and Legolas was naked! What more could a woman want? *grin* While chess is not my game at all, I really enjoyed this story. I love how you fit it into Middle-earth so seamlessly. The way the story is also told in flashback as the game is being played allows the story to flow and draw the reader along. And of course, my favorite part: Legolas...killed...by a tree... *smile* Sorry this took me so long. I'm having trouble staying online for more than a few minutes at a time. I hope to get all caught up soon, and the lap top will be fixed next week. YAY! Until then, take care! And keep writing! *hugs* NiRi

Baggins Babe · 28 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

I'm with Edlyn - 'He's demanding his elf back' is probably the funniest line in the story! Only Aragorn would have the nerve to show up and demand anything of Lord Namo. I love your take on Namo by the way - he is a very sympathetic character really and I enjoy his 'conversations' with the rest of the Valar. I'm glad he allowed Legolas to return and be healed, and well done to Glorfindel for arriving at the right time - and dressed like the Spirit of Yule as well! Even Asfaloth got in on the act.

Edlyn · 27 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

"He's demanding his elf back." For some reason that line just struck me a hysterically funny, it's still making me laugh. Maybe it's because I can hear Maranwë's voice as he says it. In fact he entire exchange between Námo and Maranwë at the beginning is priceless. It certainly took a lot of guts (courage? stupidity?) for Aragorn to challenge Lord Námo. I love the King of the Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor but I think this definitely beats out challenging Sauron at the Black Gate by a light-year. And as usual I love the descriptions of how Lord of Mandos has chosen to clothe himself. Námo's comment (and what he /didn't/ say regarding Thranduil was intriguing. There might even be a plot bunny in there somewhere...hmmm. Oh, right. Back to the review. Ooh, shades of Orpheus and Eurydice there (pardon the pun). I was hoping that Aragorn wouldn't make the same mistake Orpheus made on the way out of Hades. Secretary? Lord Námo has a secretary? Why wasn't I informed that there was such a job position? It has to be much more interesting than working as a secretary in the math department. Well, if the current one quits because of the interference to Lord Námo's schedule, I'll definitely submit my resume! I don't know much more about chess than the rules of how the pieces are allowed to move but the game was fascinating and I did go an look up the Immortals game as mentioned in your author's notes. Wow! I think you picked the best possible game for Námo and Aragorn to play. The commentary by the other Valar and Maiar was wonderful. For some reason when I read Tulkas' words I kept hearing them in the voice of Brian Blessed. One day I might be able to identify the voices I hear in my head when reading the other Valar; if I do I'll send my vocal cast list for your amusement. And as promised by Námo, Legolas was healed and who better than Glorfindel! At first I thought about a Victorian St. Nicholas when I read the description but then when I read about the wreath he wore on his head, the image went to the Ghost of Christmas Present from A Christmas Carol. And Glorfindel certainly was the agent of the Valar in giving Aragorn a wonderful Yule present...his best friend back. That's all I have for now but I'll probably come up with more allusions and connections when I re-read the story again. Great work and a very fun read. (There's something in regards to warrior braids and the lack thereof that is nagging at me but I can't put what I want to say in words right now. I'll let you know what it is once I can convince my brain to open its thesaurus) Hugs, Edlyn

Tira · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

heehee...a wood elf...skewered on a tree...hahaha...oh my...

Kitty · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

It may have been very bold, to put it mildly, to follow Legolas to the Gates, but I can’t help but feel touched that Aragorn even challenged Lord Námo to get his friend back. Can’t decide if Námo was more wicked here or indulgent in playing with Aragorn in this way. Either way, it was very amusing, as were the silent communications between the Valar during the game. But I am so glad he sent Legolas back; Aragorn would have been eaten by his guilt if Legolas did not survive. And sending Glorfindel to sing a Song of Power was just perfect. At least this time he did not melt his sword and vanish – he’s improved since the Tournament *grin* Thank you, that was another great story!

Larner · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

I play chess, although I've never been good at the notation. My problem is that I can see the game, plan the necessary moves ahead, but as the game progresses I tend to skip ahead in the game, doing move three instead of move two, or move five instead if move three. I drive myself crazy. One time I was playing the best player in the chess club, and for once my mind was actually staying at the level of the play. When I got him into checkmate he was shocked--he'd gotten so accustomed to me skipping ahead in my moves he'd let his own mind wander from the game at hand, intending to focus only when I made the mistake he was certain, from experience, I would do. He sat looking at the board for minutes after I called mate before he admitted I'd actually beat him. As I said regarding the filet crocheting--this tendency of my mind to skip steps tends to work to my own detriment; it's part of the reason I do almost all my writing any more on the computer, as I can correct my errors before committing to print--or MOST of them, that is. I still can't believe I let Niphrodel slip by me the other day! Gads--this brain of mine can play me so falsely! Lovely story, and one I can see. That the rest of the Valar were sitting there invisible to mortal sight was marvelous. And the choice of the game played was, of course, PERFECT! Poor Legolas--will he ever live down skewering himself on a tree? Oh, I did note "peaking" when you mean "peeking." This one creeps constantly into my own writing for some reason. I must have posted at least four stories where I had to correct this particular homonym after I posted!

Ainu Laire · 25 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

What a brilliant little oneshot. The thought of Aragorn's fea screaming up at the doors of Mandos is truly an amusing image, to say the least. I loved the whole premise of the situation, and the game itself- I did not understand the moves until I looked it up online. Wow, what a game. Loved the last line, too. Hope you had a very merry Christmas.

Nikara · 25 December 2007 · Chapter 1: Playing Chess With Lord Námo

Awesome. In many, many ways. This was a very satisfying story. I loved getting to see Glorfindel do some of the things he was trained to during his time in Elf Interrupted. It seems that his control over the song of power is improving :) I absolutely loved the interaction between Namo and Estel. Very well played. Also, the side conversations were fun. A very good story. Thanks for such a nice Christmas gift!