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Men

Official Voting Ballot



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Gondor

MeG1: A Pale Light Lingering by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1098780/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The old year ends, and Faramir makes the journey from Minas Tirith
to Ithilien.



Gondor

MeG2: Adrift by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1282483/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A spin-off from chapter 12 of 'Captain My Captain' involving the
Steward of Gondor and the Cygnets of Dol Amroth.



Gondor

MeG3: Chance Meetings by Tanaqui

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1401

Rating: R discussion of adult themes/situations - ie prostitution and
intergenerational sexual taboos

Romance Partners: Denethor/OFC and Faramir/OFC

Summary: For the Ruling Steward and his sons, the personal is the political
and private acts can have public consequences. Faramir's odd behaviour on
his return from his first month as Captain of the Ithilien Rangers troubles
Denethor, both as a father and as Ruling Steward. An unexpected meeting in a
place neither thinks to find the other only adds to the tension - and
results in an order that, ten years later, will have significant
consequences in the War of the Ring.



Gondor

MeG4: Choices by Lindelea

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1002

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Beregond's friendship with Pippin, from their first meeting until
their parting.



Gondor

MeG5: Courting The Lady by Celandine Brandybuck

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=362

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: Finduilas/Denethor

Summary: Denethor, Finduilas, and Thorongil [aka Aragorn] - how did Denethor
ever end up married to Finduilas of Dol Amroth?



Gondor

MeG6: Death by Water by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/588202/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A gapfiller set shortly before the events of TTT. Faramir and
Denethor await news of Boromir, and Faramir dreams of water.



Gondor

MeG7: From the Other Riverbank by Dwimordene

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=5

Rating: R mature themes related to homosexuality

Romance Partners: slash

Summary: Gondor on the brink of war is a political crucible. Those who would
dwell in it must learn never to blink, even when old loyalties are in doubt
and faith in the most basic relationships is shaken.



Gondor

MeG8: Hearth Companions by Alawa

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=780

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A woman of Minas Tirith goes about her business in the aftermath of
the Siege of Gondor.



Gondor

MeG9: Homecoming by Nancy Brooke

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=363

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Boromir Returns to Minas Tirith.



Gondor

MeG10: How Many Years? by Marta

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1664

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The road to the hallows above Minas Tirith is travelled only once a
generation, on the coming-of-age of the current steward's oldest son.
Denethor leads Boromir down that scarce-walked path, and Denethor finally
gives Boromir an honest answer to a question he asked as a child.



Gondor

MeG11: I will always be your brother by Avon

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=1960

Rating: PG-13 death and dying mentioned

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Boromir and Faramir's first meeting when Boromir comes home from
his first campaign. There are so many things you can't promise.



Gondor

MeG12: In His Brother's Shadow by Celandine Brandybuck

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=119

Rating: PG-13 discussion of sex and mild adult themes

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A glimpse at Faramir's youth - his first meeting with Gandalf and
his relationship with Boromir. Seventh and last of the Steward's Family
sequence.



Gondor

MeG13: Lady of Silences by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/935836/1/

Rating: PG-13 abusive father (Denethor)

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: In Minas Tirith, Finduilas remembers the sea. Features Boromir,
Faramir, and Denethor. A very bleak vignette.



Gondor

MeG14: Leaves on the Wind by Nancy Brooke

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=269

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Letters from Faramir to Boromir before the last defense of
Osgiliath.



Gondor

MeG15: Possessions by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1285796/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: In the library in Minas Tirith, Gandalf makes a new friend
(Faramir).



Gondor

MeG16: Proof by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1381980/1/

Rating: PG death by hanging

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: How to win friends and influence people. Faramir and the Ithilien
Rangers.



Gondor

MeG17: Reasons by Saralitazie

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=836

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Boromir and Faramir, the night before Boromir leaves for Imladris.



Gondor

MeG18: Requiem by Nancy Brooke

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=49

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: How Boromir and Faramir remember their mother.



Gondor

MeG19: Singer by the shore by Beth Winter

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3435

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: On a dark night in Dol Amroth, Boromir and Faramir meet a singer
who only sings the truth. Denethor's sons are children in this introspective
story.



Gondor

MeG20: Stargazers by Henneth Annun Writers (Altariel, Starlight, Acacea,
Fileg, Chris, Forodwaith)

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1605391/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Who taught Faramir about the constellations? A series of linked
stories about his lessons.



Gondor

MeG21: The Burial of the Dead by Altariel

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=130

Rating: PG-13 Violent implications

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Denethor remembers the dead and the dying - Boromir, Faramir,
Finduilas.



Gondor

MeG22: The King is Dead by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1124984/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Denethor teaches a young Faramir the game of chess.



Gondor

MeG23: Ties of Love by Avon

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2051

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Boromir and Faramir and the ties that bind us. Boromir explains a
Gondorian superstition to Pippin.



Gondor

MeG24: Too Late for Misgivings by Shadow975

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1197684/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The parting of Boromir and Faramir, in which the brothers again
address the question of which of them should go to Imladris.



Gondor

MeG25: Worship by Destina_Fortunato

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=77

Rating: PG mentions consummated relationship

Romance Partners: Aragorn/Boromir

Summary: Every man needs something to believe in. Slash fic.



Incomplete

MeI1: Blackbow by Isabeau of Greenlea

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1333043/1/

Rating: PG-13 some violence

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: How Hethlin became a Ranger of Ithilien.



Incomplete

MeI2: Of One to Me by M. N & E. M. Theis

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1380712/1/

Rating: R violence, graphic descriptions of wounds, much angst

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A fall in Moria sets Legolas and Boromir on a different and very
dangerous road.



Incomplete

MeI3: Orcbrat by The Lauderdale

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1184601/1/

Rating: R Violence, rape, bad language

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Orcs destroyed Maevyn's village. She wants revenge.



Incomplete

MeI4: The Queen's Orc by jodancingtree

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1741

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: He was the Ringbearer's Orc, bound to him by solemn blood-pact, and
he wore the Jewel that Frodo gave him. That was all Aragorn knew of him
until he appeared in Minas Tirith, seeking the Queen whose Jewel he wore.
Was it blessing or curse that he came during the last springtime of
Aragorn's reign?




Poetry

MeP1: An Elegy for Elfhild by Alawa

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1391656/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Theoden after the death of his wife in childbirth.



Poetry

MeP2: Ascension by Fileg

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter_view.cfm?STID=1425&SPOrdinal=1

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A terzanelle that questions the futile nature of waiting for
redemption.



Poetry

MeP3: Darkness Falls by flick

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2575

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A sestina on the death of Boromir. Inspired by both book-verse and
movie-verse.



Poetry

MeP4: Eowyn, my fair one by Dwimordene

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=1233

Rating: PG-13 sexuality (non-explicit)

Romance Partners: Grim/Eowyn, sort of

Summary: A very Bitter (and belated) Valentine's Day poetry challenge. Grima
lets his inner poet loose. Pity the world. And Eowyn, of course.



Poetry

MeP5: Home by Morning by Fileg

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter_view.cfm?STID=1765&SPOrdinal=1

Rating: G

Romance Partners: A Ranger and his partner

Summary: A love poem from the heart of war and a Nursery Rhyme to scare the
daylights out of the little ones when you tuck them in.



Poetry

MeP6: I Ride by RennWench and Alstaria

URL: http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/Stories/R/RennWench/IRide.htm

Rating: PG-13

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Faramir's thoughts as he brings news from Osgiliath to Minas
Tirith.



Poetry

MeP7: Oh, Elessar by Malissa Koebel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1812621/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Poem of Elessar coming to the throne of Gondor after the fall of
Sauron.



Poetry

MeP8: The Hamster by Dwimordene

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter_view.cfm?STID=2423&SPOrdinal=1

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Poe pastiche silliness. Obsession and the care and dealing with
hamsters collide-welcome to Denethor's world.



Post-WOTR

Me4-1: A Kind of Valediction by Altariel

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=585

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A Minas Tirith ghost story. Ten years after the pyre, Faramir is
still haunted by the past.



Post-WOTR

Me4-2: Black Captain by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1307131/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Office politics in Minas Tirith; Aragorn and Faramir.



Post-WOTR

Me4-3: Fair Game by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1488736/1/

Rating: PG violent death

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: In which people go bird-watching and find their courage. Set a
little while after the events of 'A Game of Chess'. Faramir, Eowyn, Eomer,
OCs.



Post-WOTR

Me4-4: Light Lingering by Earmire/Nol

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1605

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Over swordplay, dreams and academics, Faramir, Prince of Ithilien,
makes a new friend.



Post-WOTR

Me4-5: Missing by Firerose

URL: http://www.viragene.com/missing.htm

Rating: PG-13 adult situations implied, language

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The new Steward delves into the past, whilst coming to terms with
the present, and the future.



Post-WOTR

Me4-6: My Dark-haired Love by Avon

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2636

Rating: PG some nudity

Romance Partners: Eowyn/Faramir

Summary: On the night of her wedding to Faramir Eowyn thinks about love and
words.



Post-WOTR

Me4-7: Sufficient by Tanaqui

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2784

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Faramir, Legolas, and a bow of the Galadhrim. The morning after
Aragorn's coronation, two archers find themselves down at the practice
grounds. A few arrows, a lot of words, the start of a friendship, and how
Faramir beings to learn to let go of the things he no longer needs. Mild
angst.



Post-WOTR

Me4-8: The Endless Knot by E.M Theis

URL: http://www.illegiblescroll.net/The%20Endless%20Knot/title.htm

Rating: R violence, much angst.

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Shortly after the Ring is destroyed, a group of warriors travels to
eliminate the remnants of Mordor's forces at the citadel of Minas Morgul.
Led by Eomer, the newly crowned King of the Mark, and by Faramir, Steward of
Gondor, the warriors find more at the Moontower than any expected. The
simple mission turns out to be the trial of Faramir's life, and the attack
on Minas Morgul becomes a struggle to simply survive.



Post-WOTR

Me4-9: The Unsung by Alexcat

URL: http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/Stories/A/Alex/LOTR/Q_Z/U/Unsung.htm

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Aragorn thinks back to how many gave so much.



Me1: A House Divided by Thevina Finduilas

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2549

Rating: R adult sexual situations (not explicit)

Romance Partners: Morwen of Lossarnach/Thengel and Morwen/Aragorn

Summary: A story about the lesser-written, earlier-generation marital
uniting of Gondor and Rohan--a telling of the lives of Morwen of Lossarnach
and Thengel, their family, and those who intersect with it: Ecthelion,
Aragorn, Rangers and Marshals.



Me2: Bindings of Gold by Lyllyn

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=626

Rating: PG adult themes

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The Witch-king reflects on his choice and its consequences.
Vignette.



Me3: Captain, My Captain by Isabeau of Greenlea

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Events in RoTK as experienced by a young Ranger of Ithilien. Main
character is OFC. Faramir is featured prevalently in the first half, the
second half features, among others, Imrahil, the sons of Elrond, Elrond
himself, Eowyn and Eomer, Arwen and Lord Celeborn. Warning--this is a
novel-length story.



Me4: Gift Horses by Jedishampoo

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3266

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: Eowyn/Faramir

Summary: How is Eowyn to get out of the Houses of Healing or escape an
inescapable future in Rohan?



Me5: Kinsmen by Dwimordene

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter_view.cfm?STID=944&SPOrdinal=2

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: Aragorn/f

Summary: From father to son, the line of Isildur has remained unbroken
through long years of toil and peril. Of the names of Chieftains recorded, a
full quarter of them died untimely but were able to pass their title to
their sons. This is a tale of the Dunedain, and of keeping the line alive at
all costs, as seen through the eyes of two mothers.



Me6: Night in Hollin by Nancy Brooke

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=751

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Aragorn discovers something less than orthodox about Boromir's
teaching methods.



Me7: The Believer by Cori Lannam

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/challenge/chapter_view.cfm?NGID=90&STID=2061&SP
Ordinal=11

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Boromir and Aragorn have a little chat about some Gondorian
superstitions..



Me8: The Sickle of the Valar by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1588051

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Denethor listens to a lesson about the stars.



Me9: Thorongil by Eledhwen

URL: http://www.dreamyaspirations.co.uk/thorongil.htm

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Between 2957 and 2980 of the Third Age, Aragorn undertook his great
errantries and journeys. In this time he also served Thengel of Rohan and
Ecthelion of Gondor under the name 'Thorongil' - Eagle of the Star.



Me10: Through A Glass by Altariel

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=273

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Faramir's answer to the challenge question: Eowyn, heroine or
deserter? Gapfiller set during RotK.





AUTHORS (remember to comment on the writer as regards to the category, not
the story, here):



Poetry

MPA1: Alawa

An Elegy for Elfhild



Poetry

MPA2: Dwimordene

Eowyn, my fair one; The Hamster



Poetry

MPA3: Fileg

Ascension, Home By Morning



Poetry

MPA4: flick

Darkness Falls



Poetry

MPA5: Malissa Koebel

Oh, Elessar



Poetry

MPA6: RennWench and Alstaria

I Ride



MA1: Alawa

Hearth Companions



MA2: Alexcat

The Unsung



MA3: Altariel

A Pale Light Lingering, Adrift, Death by Water, Lady of Silences,
Possessions, Proof, The Burial of the Dead, The King is Dead, A Kind of
Valediction, Black Captain, Fair Game, The Sickle of the Valar, Through A
Glass



MA4: Avon

I will always be your brother, Ties of Love, My Dark-haired Love



MA5: Beth Winter

Singer by the shore



MA6: Celandine Brandybuck

Courting the Lady, In His Brother's Shadow



MA7: Cori Lannam

The Believer



MA8: Destina_Fortunato

Worship



MA9: Dwimordene

Kinsmen



MA10: E.M Theis

The Endless Knot



MA11: Earmire/Nol

Light Lingering



MA12: Eledhwen

Thorongil



MA13: Firerose

Missing



MA14: Henneth Annun Writers (Altariel, Starlight, Acacea, Fileg, Chris,
Forodwaith)

Stargazers



MA15: Isabeau of Greenlea

Blackbow; Captain, My Captain



MA16: Jedishampoo

Gift Horses



MA17: jodancingtree

The Queen's Orc



MA18: Lindelea

Choices



MA19: Lyllyn

Bindings of Gold



MA20: M. N & E. M. Theis

Of One to Me



MA21: Marta

How Many Years?



MA22: Nancy Brooke

Homecoming, Leaves on the Wind, Requiem




MA23: Saralitazie

Reasons



MA24: Shadow975

Too Late for Misgivings



MA25: Tanaqui

Chance Meetings, Sufficient



MA26: The Lauderdale



MA27: Thevina Finduilas

A House Divided



This category ends on September 25th at 11:59pm Central US time



--Ainaechoiriel
MEFA Admin and Founder

"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves," Elrond said, "for
it is Windows-compatible, and freeware at that." --H.F.

<http://home.earthlink.net/~ainae/mefa> http://gabrielle.sytes.net/mefa The
Middle-Earth Fanfiction Awards
Blog: <http://www.ainaechoiriel.blogspot.com/>
http://www.ainaechoiriel.blogspot.com





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

----Original Message-----
From: Ainaechoiriel [mailto:mefaadmin@earthlink.net]
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 12:01 AM
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MEFAwards] Men -- Official Voting Ballot



Men

Official Voting Ballot

>Gondor
>MeG12: In His Brother's Shadow by Celandine Brandybuck

Celandine did a lovely job with this one. I think the paragraph where
Faramir thought "I'm in my brother's shadow" was perfect for the ending and
she could have stopped the story right there. But she didn't, and the ending
was just as good. Faramir's feelings here were very realistic.

>Gondor
>MeG21: The Burial of the Dead by Altariel

Beautiful writing, superb job. It galls me that a man could hate his child
like that. But written with realism and skill. Very evocative.

>Gondor
>MeG22: The King is Dead by Altariel

Interesting. Good, not too-blunt, foreshadowing of Denethor's opinions on
Faramir, but also some evidence that he cares for his younger son. Denethor
must have cared for his sons in the past, even though he gets soured by the
palantir in later life, and Faramir suffers for it. Well-written. I enjoyed
this.

>Poetry
>MeP8: The Hamster by Dwimordene

This has got to be one of the funniest poems I have ever read! Heck, it's
one of the funniest things I've ever read or seen and I'm just in awe that
she could keep it going with stanza after stanza, still in the right rhythm
and rhymes. I read this out loud to my supervisor at work and it was so
hard to get through it for all the laughter. Brilliant. Just brilliant!

>Post-WOTR
>Me4-8: The Endless Knot by E.M Theis

This story was tightly plotted and wonderfully described. I could feel the
emotions of the characters, the madness in some of them, the mirth and
concern in others. I would have liked to have seen Faramir's talk with
Legolas at the end, but otherwise I quite enjoyed this story. The chapters
here were fairly short, which is good. I didn't feel the need to read and
drive, so the roads are probably safer. I enjoyed this story quite a bit.



AUTHORS (remember to comment on the writer as regards to the category, not
the story, here):

>Poetry
>MPA2: Dwimordene

It's one thing to write a parody. It's one thing to write a poem. It's one
thing to write a bit of humor. But it's quite something else to write such
a humorous poem parody and carry it on for stanza after stanza without
losing any bit of the humor or the interst of the reader. And Dwimordene
can do it!

>MA3: Altariel

Altariel really is a wonderful author. Especially when she writes Faramir.
But no matter what it is she writes, she writes with grace and feeling and
character. I knew her first from Trek fanfic, and she's just as brilliant
there. TPTB must have thought so, too, as they've published her.

>MA6: Celandine Brandybuck

Celandine is a talented writer. She did a fine job at capturing the
personalities of her characters, Tolkien's characters.

>MA10: E.M Theis

I was surprised to not find the many errors that litter her sister's
otherwise excellent stories. EM's chapters are shorter, which isn't
necessarily a bad thing, and she kept tightly to one man's POV which is not
necessarily an easy task. Her descriptions were wonderful; I felt I could
see the places she described in my mind's eye. Her plotting was
complicated, which is, most often, a good thing, and her characterizations
held even as some of the characters slipped into madness. That certainly
takes some talent.


--Ainaechoiriel
MEFA Admin and Founder

"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves," Elrond said, "for
it is Windows-compatible, and freeware at that." --H.F.

http://gabrielle.sytes.net/mefa The Middle-Earth Fanfiction Awards
Blog: http://www.ainaechoiriel.blogspot.com

> Men
>
> Official Voting Ballot

Gondor
MeG1: A Pale Light Lingering by Altariel

No wonder Faramir's men loved him, he's honest, and yet not pessimistic. Loved
the idea about the light starting with them in Ithilien.



Gondor
MeG4: Choices by Lindelea

Wow! I simply loved this and have recommended it to several others so far. I'm
not usually interested in reading men or hobbits, but the summary interested
me. I was so glad I'd taken the time to read it. I never gave much thought to
what Beregond went through while waiting to find out his fate. Now I won't be
able to imagine anything else, I'm sure. My only piece of criticism is that,
unless it's the difference between UK and US spellings, wagons (from chapter 2,
I believe) only has one 'g'. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Beregond and
Targon through your eyes. Very well done!



Gondor
MeG6: Death by Water by Altariel

Great visual, the tidal wave demolishing Numenor, and tying that to Boromir's
death and seeing him in the boat. Denethor really is one of my least favorite
characters, I always think the absolute worst of him, I'm glad you could find
some humanity left in him, and show how well Faramir understood him, and
respected him, and even loved him. Kind of takes the edge off of my dislike.



Gondor
MeG8: Hearth Companions by Alawa

Wow, emotional and touching but not overly...sticky. I mean, I think you
captured the essence of all those left behind in a battle, and the survivors.
They recognize the sacrifices that were made, and honor them, but know that
they need to get on with their lives, so they do.



Gondor
MeG9: Homecoming by Nancy Brooke

Yes, Boromir comes home, excellent interpretation!



Poetry
MeP6: I Ride by RennWench and Alstaria

I love the whole rhythm of the piece, and Faramir's thoughts. How great it is
that he is big enough to see that Gondor needs a king and that Aragorn is the
right one to be King.



Post-WOTR
Me4-6: My Dark-haired Love by Avon

It's a little strange to think of Eowyn being anything but...confident, even in
Gondor. I suppose everyone has to have a place to be a little non-heroic
though. Nice glimpse of two of my favorites!



Post-WOTR
Me4-7: Sufficient by Tanaqui

I really liked this one. Not overachieving, but sufficient, and that's enough.
Yes, sometimes it takes someone outside our family, or in this case, outside
of our own race, to see positives where we see negatives. Meeting Legolas that
morning was a good thing for Faramir.



Post-WOTR
Me4-9: The Unsung by Alexcat

I always sniffle at this one. I am certain that Aragorn did feel helpless that
could not save those who helped save the world for him and men.



Me5: Kinsmen by Dwimordene

Oh, this is a twist for me. I never thought about it much, but I guess they
would have tried to preserve the line of Isildur. I really never considered
that Halbarad would be Aragorn's son though. Nicely done.



Me6: Night in Hollin by Nancy Brooke

What a nice little moment of time with the fellowship. I loved how you showed
Pippin and Merry already establishing a good relationship with Boromir. And I
would have loved to see them all dancing!




Me10: Through A Glass by Altariel

Great visual, their hands meeting. Amazing how two such broken people can help
make each other whole. Well done.

Here we go again...

> MeG3: Chance Meetings by Tanaqui

For a piece dealing with sexual themes, there was surprisingly little
sex in this piece. (Not that I expected any; your warning suggested
there wouldn't be outright sex.) I'm always amazd by the depth of your
stories, and how real the stories felt. You nailed the reactions
between Denethor and Faramir, and between the other members of the
council as well. I enjoyed this both whilst betaing it and reading it
after it was published. Well done.

> MeG4: Choices by Lindelea

Interesting point of view, here. I had never really thought of
Beregond under the troll, but you present an interesting account of
him here.

> MeG5: Courting the Lady by Celandine Brandybuck

I loved this piece. We don't know much about Finduilas, but she seemed
very reasonable for the period. Imrahil, too, is just how I think
someone his age would have acted, and Thorongil's inner struggle for
whether to claim the kingship felt very real. We all knew the outcome
but you gave us lots of twists along the way.

> MeG7: From the Other Riverbank by Dwimordene

I don't usually read slash, especially not with incestuous pairings,
but this came as close as any I have ever read to making such a
scenario "work". It's so refreshing to see a piece treat the social
implications seriously instead of just brushing them to the side.

> MeG8: Hearth Companions by Alawa

Nice work. It's nice to see an OFC who does not feel at all Sueish but
at least fits nearly seamlessly into the established world.

> MeP4: Eowyn, my fair one by Dwimordene

This was hauntingly beautiful. And so Grima! I can see why Eowyn would
be none-too-happy to attract his attentions.

Gondor

MeG1: A Pale Light Lingering by Altariel

Beautifully written, with that special combination of restraint and
evocativeness that is trademark Altariel. There's a chill in the air
of this story that goes beyond the depths of winter—the men are losing
hope. Faramir may not be named Estel, but he is aptly named
"sufficience". He may not ask the east wind for tidings, but in his
turning tradition on its head, he reminds his company that the sun
still rises, despite it all, and with it, hope. Well done!


Gondor

MeG2: Adrift by Altariel

Although this story is a spin-off from a chapter of "Captain My
Captain", it stands alone quite well. The narrator is a minor
character who is brought to life, along with his siblings and Faramir
with all the sensitivity and nuance I have come to expect of
Altariel's fics.

It depicts a family in the aftermath of war, and the pain and
difficulty of coming to grips with loss, even or perhaps especially
when that loss follows on years of a poor relationship. Nevertheless,
Faramir's grief, gut-wrenching though it is, is quite restrained, and
even understated. Done properly, as it is done here, that very
restraint can treble the impact.

This story to me echoes the real sense of helplessness that confronts
a would-be comforter who realizes that there is no means of bearing
the burden for the other, but only the need and ability to bear with.
Compassionate, moving, and in the end hopeful, this is a powerful
portrayal of the moment of grief and recovery that stays with the reader.



Gondor

MeG5: Courting The Lady by Celandine Brandybuck

This must have been one of the earliest Finduilas/Denethor stories I
ever picked up. It's certainly a change—I think Celandine and I may be
fairly said to represent two different ends of the spectrum when it
comes to Denethor and Finduilas, but I did so love this story for the
epistolary interludes. It was fun to see this stage of their
relationship, and the complications that my favorite Ranger can
introduce into matters just by being present.

Gondor

MeG6: Death by Water by Altariel

My knowledge of T.S. Eliot's poetry is almost wholly a consequence of
this story and its companions. This was the first fic by Altariel that
I read, and I do recall being somewhat late back to my workshift
because of it. This is a story that will leave you feeling raw—it
hurts, but we likes how it hurts, precious.


Gondor

MeG8: Hearth Companions by Alawa

Usually, we find ourselves in sympathy with the shieldmaidens of the
Ardaverse. We crave active women who are seen being active, who force
their way to the forefront of the plot and demand acknowledgment from
the men on traditionally masculine turf. And yet there is always that
risk of anachronism or cliché to such characters. Alawa has chosen the
road less travelled by and given us a fully-realized original female
character who is everything most modern women in industrial countries
are not: a keeper of the hearth, a housekeeper who desires no more
than to hold hall and home in good order and to see its traditions
perpetuated. Winfrith has a delightful voice; the entire story is a
breath of fresh air that is lively, thoughtful, utterly humane and
believable—if ever there were anything that could justify war, it is
the preservation of Winfrith and the ideals of nurturing care and
rootedness, fidelity and love that she embodies.


Gondor

MeG9: Homecoming by Nancy Brooke

A lovely vignette to close out Boromir's tale. It is only right that
he should find his place among the shades of the Stewards, waiting
for... what? Valediction, I suppose, to use a word another of my
favorite ghost stories uses. Lyrical and satisfying.


Gondor

MeG10: How Many Years? by Marta

Ah, context for that notoriously difficult to handle quote: "How many
hundreds of years needs it to make a steward a king, if the king
returns not?" I like the notion of the Steward's Heir swearing his
oath of allegiance over Elendil's hallow, and also I'm intrigued by
the idea of a question that is in itself wise, but which cannot be
asked. I start splitting hairs between prudent and wise—the question,
Boromir, is a prudent one, but silence is the wise course. I think he
always had difficulty with that distinction, and I don't doubt it runs
in the family: already, we see Denethor beginning to suffer under the
burden of enhanced foresight. Nicely done.



Gondor

MeG12: In His Brother's Shadow by Celandine Brandybuck

And another first rendered for me by Celandine—I do believe this was
the first story I'd seen that showed Faramir and Boromir adolescents,
or rather, Faramir as an adolescent and Boromir as a young adult. This
story is light on the foreshadowing of grief to come, which is a nice
break for lovers of the brothers 'Mir. The relationship between
Boromir and Faramir is nicely drawn, and I enjoyed Faramir trying to
find his place in the world. It is certainly a quest we can all empathize


Gondor

MeG13: Lady of Silences by Altariel

Stare long enough into the abyss, and the abyss looks back at you:
controlled, compact, and bleaker than a Chicago winter, this is
probably the *only* fic that can make me believe that Finduilas
committed suicide. Coincidentally, this is also the only author who
can make me believe that Denethor can both love his wife and strike
her; both strike his sons and be a good ruler. The prose cannot, I
think, be faulted; the interpretation is dark, and could easily be
mauled by a less expert pen. But in my opinion, this story treads that
narrow interpretive path that makes the most of the ambiguities of
canonical fact.

Gondor

MeG16: Proof by Altariel

In which Faramir is forced to make a brutal decision in cold blood,
and displays his native gift for seeking responsibility to the point
of self-torture. Being captain of the Rangers in time of war is not
all sweetness and light, nor even victory and defeat—it's a moral
quandary to be faced every day.

Gondor

MeG20: Stargazers by Henneth Annun Writers (Altariel, Starlight, Acacea,
Fileg, Chris, Forodwaith)

This was a delightful set of interludes. Fourth grade astronomy
lessons came back easily, and I enjoyed learning the constellations
anew in Middle-earth. It was lovely to see Adrahil in the limelight
for once, and I enjoyed the various glimpses of Boromir, who is
well-differentiated from his brother. Well done, all of you.


Gondor

MeG21: The Burial of the Dead by Altariel

Another bleak, tightly-woven story, where Owen, Tolkien and Eliot
supply lines and image and atmosphere. With Gondor the never-thriving
backdrop, we watch as Denethor falls from hope to fury to that fearful
contemplative state that marks a soul on the edge of some very
dangerous and final decision. I've always thought Denethor was tied to
Gondor, and we see the barrenness of his existence in the land, which
seemed poisoned somehow even when Finduilas still lived. It'll take
the coming of the king to heal it, but it will be too late for
Denethor. Unflinching and sympathetic at once, and well worth the read.

Gondor

MeG22: The King is Dead by Altariel

You just can't play a nice friendly game of chess with Denethor.
There's always some lesson to learn, even for a young child. But I did
love this glimpse of Faramir and Denethor.


Gondor

MeG23: Ties of Love by Avon


I really enjoyed this short little piece. Lovely tradition, beautiful
language, and a fine answer to a challenge!


Gondor

MeG25: Worship by Destina_Fortunato

If I ever wanted to try to convince someone that Aragorn/Boromir is
plausible, this is the fic I would point that person towards. Written
in a temple, what we have here is a confession at a transitional
moment for Boromir, between past pride and present resolution to have
no more of standing alone. The need for belief wars with the knowledge
that tales are not enough, that reality is always the betrayer of
lofty ideals, and that even evil may not seem so alarming (this part
will make Boromir fans shiver in anticipation, but it was a nicely
handled look at the Ring from Boromir's perspective, and all in a
short paragraph!).

How is it possible for an individual to serve the needs of a proud man
who does not, I think, wish to admit he needs someone to believe in
for purpose, that his own native courage and strength not be rendered
meaningless? This is the central question of this work, I think, and
it is to the author's credit that she treats the relationship between
Aragorn and Boromir in the same manner she treats the Ring: great
things do not always have the appearance of greatness, and love
doesn't come with trumpets to announce it, and yet it is the easiest
thing to attain in the end.

That parallel with the Ring, however, casts a certain doubt on this
fairly understated relationship—the difference between greed and
genuine love is thin, and the author deliberately puts the two next to
each other, leaving me to wonder whether in the end, this
relationship, too, will be shown to be flawed to its core. We're not
given the end of the story, but left simply with the question, which,
I think, makes the story that much more powerful.


Incomplete

MeI1: Blackbow by Isabeau of Greenlea

I have enjoyed the prequel to "Captain My Captain"; Mablung
particularly stands out, although Lorend does get his deserved moment
in the... shade. Always underfoot, that one! The relationship between
Boromir and Faramir is nicely drawn, and for all that Hethlin spends
several chapters speechless, she is a steady and expressive presence,
and it's interesting to watch the Rangers, Faramir, and Boromir as
they attempt to understand their newest and most unusual comrade. I
rather liked that Boromir was the first of the brothers to appreciate
Heth's potential and calling—of course he would, like recognizing
like. I look forward to its continuation.


Poetry

MeP1: An Elegy for Elfhild by Alawa

Beautiful and moving. I only wish I had the discipline to attempt
something this ambitious!


Poetry

MeP5: Home by Morning by Fileg

There's something wonderfully simple about this rhyme, yet it can't
fail, I think, to touch any reader who has ever waited for a loved one
to come home. In fact, it reminds me of a friend's mother, who said
once that when her husband was lurking the depths of the ocean on a
nuclear submarine, that whenever asked how she could stand the
suspense of not knowing whether he was well, she would simply say, "I
have to believe he's going to come up." I can hear the echo of that
faith in this poem.


Post-WOTR

Me4-1: A Kind of Valediction by Altariel

I don't know how many variations I can come up with, but here's
trying: tightly paced, not a word wasted. I remember that when this
first was posted in installments, I was surprised by the twist it
took. I suppose I'd expected the pyre to return to haunt Faramir; I'd
not expected him to be the one passing judgment on his father, or that
it would take the form it did. Denethor, even as a shade, is
himself—proud enough and strong enough to isolate himself, but in
desperate need of others to give him a place and integrate him into
their lives, rather than the reverse. Poor man! Lucky for him, he does
have Faramir, and the line of stewards is made whole once more.

Post-WOTR

Me4-2: Black Captain by Altariel


Ok, I can't resist Aragorn and Faramir. And I loved that last line:
the white overwhelms the black—well done, Aragorn: if you can't beat
the Black Captain, infiltrate his ranks and allow your cannier
opponent to defeat him nicely for you. With any luck, the office
politics will work so well!


Post-WOTR

Me4-3: Fair Game by Altariel

Can I just point to my other reviews? I think this story you
appreciate after you've read at least "A Game of Chess", if not other
stories in the Eliot arc, given that it relies on Faramir's history as
developped there. Just when we think Faramir's settled and adjusted to
his life after the war, and to war fetters, something comes along to
challenge him to regain a part of himself he had thought himself
content to have lost.

But even without that backstory, the original character of Déor is
nicely drawn, and his evolution parallels his uncle's in its way—this
is a family of survivors and it seems that courage breeds true. I
always have difficulty writing children, so I admire others who take
on the challenge that they present. If you've not read Altariel's
other work, I suspect this will make you want to read it.

Post-WOTR

Me4-4: Light Lingering by Earmire/Nol

I liked that Faramir finally got to transmit his own particular
wisdom, which we so often quote and which Nol does as well in this
fic: that it isn't the sword for its sharpness, nor the warrior for
his glory, but only that which they defend that is to be loved. I
liked, too, that Eldarion has his share of wanderlust—it seems only
right, and that in a way, allowing Eldarion to follow it does keep him
close to Aragorn, whom he loves enough to learn the lesson that
Faramir has taught.

Post-WOTR

Me4-9: The Unsung by Alexcat

A nice reminder of the many who fought and fell, and sometimes failed
and fell, but without whom no one man would sit in peace in Middle-earth.


Me3: Captain, My Captain by Isabeau of Greenlea

For me, Hethlin was the first OFC to step into the spotlight of
protagonist and survive the glare. Sometime around January 2002, I had
seen the title pop up a few times on the FF.net listings, and always
thought the title at least recommended a look. Eventually, I read
chapter one and was immediately hooked, and fifty-three chapters and
two years later, I had lost count of the number of rereadings I had
done, the number of times I had laughed over Heth's sparring match
with Éowyn or Lorend's wedding gift or Éomer's language lessons, or
sighed over Imrahil (or Aragorn, let us not forget! I won't even guess
how many times I've gone back to Thorongil in the garden). And no list
of things I like about this story would be complete without mention of
her Celeborn—a gentleman from top to toe, wise, ancient, and very much
an Elf.

Beyond the excellent characterizations and an emotional tone that runs
the gamut without ever feeling forced, this story had a gravity to
it—it felt real, from the ground up to me. Certainly, I have a hard
time now reading Imrahil any other way, and part of the agony of
writing that character stems from trying to thrust Isabeau's Imrahil
aside long enough for anything like an original voice for that
character to come through for me. More than almost any other story of
Isabeau's, I think this voice felt most natural—I rarely ever was
jarred out of Heth's point of view or was aware, while reading, of the
gap between reader and character.

So here's to a marvellous story, one that will certainly last more
than one rainy day. Many thanks for the ride.


Me6: Night in Hollin by Nancy Brooke

This was great fun, I thought, and an unusual way of getting the
Fellowship to interact. Thanks to the ever-present threat of war in
LOTR, one tends to forget that most, if not all, of the Fellowship
would have had some knowledge and ability as dancers, since dancing
has been a large part of most cultures. But we don't often think of it
having a part to play in Middle-earth, particularly for the non-hobbit
characters, and this despite Lúthien's hypnotic dancing that so
quickly seduced Beren.


Me7: The Believer by Cori Lannam

This story had me laughing at poor Boromir, who truly does have the
worst of luck. Cori takes a traditional comic set up and makes it her
own. Of course, one can't help, after one has finished laughing,
thinking that the greatest misfortune still lies ahead for Boromir,
and that even as a child, scoffing at old magic as if one had power
over it was never a good idea....


Me10: Through A Glass by Altariel

This fic left me feeling a bit hollowed out, which is what I imagine
Faramir felt, examining his life from the merciless position of the
outside observer who nonetheless has all the knowledge of inner
weaknesses, real or imagined. The psychic landscape reflected in the
looking glass is all too clearly laid bare and twisted by melancholy.
I'm still not quite sure that the narrative device, which becomes
clear in the last line of the story, works fully, but it's an
interesting play of point of views. As in other stories, so here:
healing does not come in solitude, but in shared suffering and
forgiveness.


AUTHORS (remember to comment on the writer as regards to the category, not
the story, here):



Poetry

MPA1: Alawa

An Elegy for Elfhild

There was a time when Alawa used to say that she wasn't a writer. I'm
fairly certain no one will believe this after reading such a poem. In
general, her poetry has been just lovely and leaves me quite envious
of her skill!

Poetry

MPA3: Fileg

And another author with a talent for verse, among other forms. Home By
Morning is probably my favorite, but I have enjoyed many others; fileg
is never afraid to try another form, it seems, and we all reap the
benefits of her word-play.


MA1: Alawa

Hearth Companions

Going along with my other comment, Alawa once confessed to fear of
dialogue—not that you would ever guess it from reading this. Alawa has
an eye for picking the moments others don't see, and for bringing the
inner landscape of a character to life in a way that is always as
lively as her wording is lovely. Her characers' inner voices are
always very sure and carefully and sympathetically drawn.


MA3: Altariel

I envy Altariel her skill at winnowing away at words until only those
necessary remain. She is indisputably the master of the concise turn
of phrase and the tightly-scripted plot. Her insight and sympathy for
the first family of Gondor are always evident, as is her love for
Eliot (ok, maybe not always but often). As I mentioned before, she is
the only author to date who has managed to convince me that Denethor
could be an abusive spouse and father. It's an easy move to make, and
I've seen some other authors make it in the quest for drama; the way
to success, however, lies in respecting the hiddenness of this sort of
relationship: it is always there, always informing the background of
the Eliot-arc, and yet only rarely glimpsed and that indirectly,
usually by report or a stray memory. There's a fine balance to be
struck when dealing with something as complex as family violence, and
she has managed to find it time and time again, and not only when
dealing with that one interpretation of Denethor. Perhaps it is
Altariel's self-confessed devotion to symmetry, evident in all she
writes, that enables her to find it.

MA11: Earmire/Nol

Nol finds all manner of ways to work in the philosophical, which I
always appreciate. Intelligent writing, and she is canny with her
plotting. Unlike some of us, she doesn't need to write continuous
scenes, but can write in a more episodic style to bring out the
thematic content more clearly. If I could do it so well, I'd be happy.


MA15: Isabeau of Greenlea

Isabeau's ability to characterize along a full continuum of human
emotion is her greatest strength, I think. Situations that would be
ridiculous in other hands work when she writes them, and it's not
surprising that her stories are character-driven. She fears no
original character, whether female or male, and some of her most
memorable moments revolve around them. And although she is capable of
putting the reader through the emotional wringer, she rarely descends
into the realm of bleak, preferring usually to write in just that
touch of hope, nobility, and light for our heroes and heroines. This
means her chapters, however long, always read quickly, and I'm always
wanting more once I finish one.

It's me again, this time with the Men's ballot. I'd apologize again about
the length, but I suspect you wouldn't believe me. Ah well. Here we go!
Stories first, authors second!

---------------------------

Men
Official Voting Ballot

---------------------------

Stories

---------------------------

>>Gondor
>>MeG1: A Pale Light Lingering by Altariel

Itýs a short, quick little story, but there is so much contained within it
that I really donýt know where to start. I think what I like best is how it
keeps its focus. Faramirýs thoughts are many and varied, and they range from
fear that his father might keep him in the city to what strength they might
have to draw upon from the south. But the story never loses track of where
itýs ultimately going, and thatýs into Ithilien where hope begins. It
doesnýt tarry over Denethor and Faramir might think of his father, it
doesnýt linger over the forces of Dol Amroth. It touches upon these briefly,
acknowledges their influence, and then gets to the heart of its message. It
goes to Ithilien, where Faramir gives hope to his men as only Faramir can.
The ease and command of his nature is portrayed with only a few sentences,
but it characterizes him better than an entire page of introspection could.
This is Faramir at his best, and whatýs even better is that itýs a very
unconscious best. I donýt think Faramir fully understands just how good a
leader he is. He knows heýs capable and he knows heýs earned the right to
command, but he doesnýt allow himself to take it any farther than that, and
in my mind, that makes him all the more noble.

>>Gondor
>>MeG4: Choices by Lindelea

Iýve decided that poor Beregond needs far more attention in fanfics,
especially if itýs attention of this caliber. Lindelea takes the meager
details we know about Beregond and uses them to build a complex, loyal,
noble practical character who is willing to accept the consequences of his
actions, even though those actions were taken to save Faramirýs life. Brief
cameos by more prominent canon characters enhance the story, but the real
beauty is in the OCs that surround Beregond. They round out and complete
Beregond, beginning with his friends from the guard as well as the relatives
of the guards he had to kill in order to save Faramir. And thatýs another
thing I really like about this fic. There are consequences to Beregondýs
action aside from breaking the law. He killed, and those men he killed were
men he knew and had families of their own. I love the way Lindelea brings
this into the story. The opening chapter was marvelously told through
flashbacks as well as a very wry battle sense of humor with Beregond and
Targon contemplating life while slowly suffocating beneath a large and
apparently odiferous troll. The final chapter provides a very satisfying
conclusion, and the epilogue made me weep. Brilliant story and brilliant
storytelling to go along with it!

>>Gondor
>>MeG5: Courting The Lady by Celandine Brandybuck

One of the best examples of ensemble characterization. The three main
characters are Denethor, Finduilas, and Aragorn (or Thorongil, in this
case), but a good deal of attention is paid to the other characters
involved, such as Ecthelion, Imrahil, and Adrahil. What I really love about
this fic are the personalities of Denethor, Aragorn, and Imrahil, because
this is a story about them when they were young and you can see the
beginnings of what they will ultimately become. But they havenýt reached it
quite yet. Itýs a wonderful, teasing look at the youth of these characters,
and the strengths that will support them as well as the weaknesses that will
hamper them can all be seen. Denethor is a man just beginning to understand
himself, and when he takes an interest in something, he pursues that
interest perhaps more than he should, something that will get him into
trouble one day. Heýs shrewd, he sees more than other men see, he almost
immediately recognizes Thorongil for the rival that he could become, yet for
all his insight, Denethor has a few painful blind spots, especially with
regards to whatever his current obsession is. Itýs a lovely bit of
foreshadowing. Aragorn is exactly as I would expect Aragorn to be. Heýs
agreeable when necessary, heýs a good commander, he works directly with
almost all the men beneath him as a Ranger should, he recognizes trends and
underpinnings within conversations, and he involves himself in matters that
have the potential to get him into trouble because thatýs what his heart
tells him to do. And Imrahil is positively brilliant. He wishes to learn, he
doesnýt want immediate promotion, heýs almost embarrassingly earnest and
eager to please, but he can also be just as shrewd and insightful as his
costars. He simply doesnýt assert himself the way Denethor and Aragorn do,
which plays into things later in RotK. Very good, very well-researched story
that takes the characters back through time and shows us how their
relationships began.

>>Gondor
>>MeG6: Death by Water by Altariel

Water is a favorite time-honored symbolic device, and Altariel makes good
use of it in this story. Wonderful glimpse into Faramir and Denethor as they
receive news of Boromirýs passing in their own ways. Faramirýs confusion and
dreams of drowning could have been overplayed, but Altariel uses a very
deft, delicate touch with these scenes, and the symbolism of the churning
water lurks just below the surface, never overpowering the story but never
allowing its presence to be forgotten.

>>Gondor
>>MeG9: Homecoming by Nancy Brooke

Creepy. Very, very creepy. This is a wonderful little work that pulls from
Gondorýs troubled history and sets Boromir amongst the fallen. I have yet to
decide whether or not heýs been elevated to a hero, a martyr, or if heýs
still just a casualty in the fight to preserve Gondor, and I think thatýs
the point of this little story. Whatever the result, though, Boromir is
home. And weýre left as readers to wonder what kind of home, which is
exactly the way that this haunting little tale should end. Fabulous work.

>>Gondor
>>MeG18: Requiem by Nancy Brooke

Solemn, heart-felt tale that is as much about mourning as it is about the
differences between Boromir and Faramir. I have a difficult time reading
about youth, especially Boromir and Faramir, but Nancy has made Faramir a
very accessible character for me. Thereýs a slight innocence and impishness
that gives evidence of just how young he is, but heýs already turning into
the wise, thoughtful man that will later lead Ithilien. And the different
ways in which Boromir and Faramir remember Finduilas is fascinating to me.
Boromir remembers her strength and her wisdom, things that he needed from
her, while Faramir remembers her protection and her beauty, which are things
that HE needed. Itýs a very interesting study in contrasts, and very well
done.

>>Gondor
>>MeG19: Singer by the shore by Beth Winter

I love stories that bring Maglor back into the picture, and this one does it
so well. The wisdom, foresight, and complexity of Fýanorýs son is
beautifully portrayed here. Better still are Boromir and Faramir. Already
the differences and the similarities that mark them as adults can be seen
here in their youth. Faramir is willing to see the good in the world, while
Boromir can think of almost except the darkness looming over Gondor. Faramir
is more willing to accept change and the fantastic, but Boromir is more
practical and pragmatic. Beautiful dialogue, beautiful foreshadowing, and
beautiful characterization.

>>Gondor
>>MeG21: The Burial of the Dead by Altariel

Very unnerving look at a rapidly cracking Denethor. The fact that it is so
unnerving means it gets its message across quite well. I almost felt as
thought I was also going crazy. This story is told from Denethorýs
perspective, and it uses quotes from the books as well as flashbacks to take
us on a strange and bizarre journey through Denethorýs mind. The way in
which he remembers things and the order in which these things are remembered
is telling. The final part in which Denethor contemplates that Finduilas
speaks more as one dead than she ever did as one living gave me chills and
says quite a bit about his relationship with her. Very good story that gives
us a glimpse into the mind and heart of one of LotRýs most complex
characters.

>>Gondor
>>MeG22: The King is Dead by Altariel

This is one of my favorite stories involving Faramir and Denethor. Here is a
tale that searches out the things both men share (or in this case, the
things that a man and an eleven-year-old child share) and capitalizes on it.
I love the way their minds work, and I love how Denethor is able to teach
Faramir something through his subtle maneuvering of the game and also of
Faramir himself. Denethorýs methods may be hard to understand for some, but
they work quite well at the chessboard, and it seems that Faramir takes the
message to heart. On a side note, I love the fact that Boromir fled BACK to
the troops for some peace after coming up against Faramir and his newly
acquired chess set. A very quick note, but itýs a wonderful insight into the
brothers and also into the fact that Faramir can sometimes be just as
obsessed over certain things as his father.

>>Gondor
>>MeG23: Ties of Love by Avon

Wonderful story involving a Gondor superstition that expands the culture of
Gondor. We donýt get nearly enough stories that take a good look into some
of the superstitions and old wivesý tales surrounding the groups of people
in Middle-earth. Avon does a superb job here, and I like the idea that it is
Faramir who adheres to this tradition both as a child and as a man. I also
love the idea that pragmatic, practical Boromir still keeps the three red
cords (well, the SIX red cords) and the ending just blew me away. The one
holding him to life was gone, but the other two that tied him to his land
and to Faramir were still there. Lovely ending.

>>Gondor
>>MeG24: Too Late for Misgivings by Shadow975

This is a story that has been done again and again and again, but Shadow975
somehow manages to make it sound fresh and new. How, Iým not sure. I think a
part of it might be due to the role reversal that goes on. Faramir is more
assertive than usual. Weýre told in the books that he is bold, and we see it
here. By contrast, Boromir seems more reserved, and in his words is a wisdom
that usually comes from Faramir. Itýs a good reminder that these are
brothers and they come from the same stock. Boromir might not use his mind
as a scholar, but he does have a mind and itýs a good one. The dream came to
him as well, after all. I love the foreshadowing in this story and how
Boromir has a bit of foresight of his own, especially when it seems that
Faramirýs foresight hasnýt given him anything into the journey beyond
Imladris. Very nice retelling of a familiar story.

>>Poetry
>>MeP1: An Elegy for Elfhild by Alawa

This poem seems to me to be a turning point in Theodenýs life. I love how
Alawa has pulled into this the fact that Theoden was born in Gondor, not
Rohan. And Theoden has been gifted with a love for Gondor and the stonehouse
dwellers that live there. Elfhildýs death is marred by his fears that Gondor
medicine might have been able to save her, but at the same time, Theoden
canýt help but remember that Elfhild loved Rohan best. Heýs at a crossroads
of sorts. The ending of the poem is very much the story of someone settling
into their mourning, and the language is beautiful. Wonderful poem that
keeps in mind the characters, their backgrounds, and the very human feeling
of grief.

>>Poetry
>>MeP2: Ascension by Fileg

The terzanelle is an incredibly difficult form of poetry (for me, anyway)
and Iým always in awe when I find one done well. This terzanelle was done
well, and it blows me away. The form aloneýwow. The advantage of the
terzanelle is that it seems to bring things full circle because the first
and third lines will be repeated in the end, the latter as the last line and
the former two lines above it. Fileg has chosen the perfect lines for this
as Denethor acknowledges the ruin around him and yet seems to absolve
himself of guilt. But at the same time, he doesnýt because he says at one
point that heýs accepted this bargain and takes responsibility. Itýs an
interesting paradox. Another advantage of the terzanelle is that it ties
itself together by forcing other lines to repeat themselves, and if you can
pick the proper words for these lines, the poem becomes even more profound.
The phrase ýan unthanked servant of an absent kingý is one of the best lines
Iýve ever heard used to describe the office of Gondorýs Steward during the
latter half of the Third Age, and this is chosen as the second and fifth
line. Beautiful, beautiful language. The meter is another great aspect of
this poem. It follows the standard iambic pentameter, but itýs not so rigid
as to feel that it has been forced into this meter. It fits, certainly, but
it wouldnýt take much jostling to alter the rhythm, giving a very fluid
feel. Incredible use of the terzanelle, and I really canýt think of any
situation that requires this poem more than Denethorýs last moments.

>>Poetry
>>MeP3: Darkness Falls by flick

I was unfamiliar with the sestina, which made this poem especially
interesting because I got to learn about a new form of poetry. Iým odd that
way. In any case, Iýve found the sestina to be a fascinating device that
will require several weeks to fully process, but what first struck me was
how this would force a reader to look at six different words in many
different ways. And appropriately enough, this poem looks at Boromir, who is
a complicated character and can be seen in many different lights. Iým very
impressed with the ways flick chose to use the various words, and the last
line really hit home as Boromir doesnýt quite trust himself to accept
forgiveness.

>>Poetry
>>MeP4: Eowyn, my fair one by Dwimordene

Iým going to confess right now before saying anything else that this poem
gave me the willies. When I first read it last year, I actually had to leave
the room because I feltýdirty. Thatýs a compliment to Dwimordeneýs writing,
though somewhat backhanded, I suppose. In any case, I donýt want to get any
closer to Wormtongue than this. His obsession with Eowyn gave me chills, his
need to hurt and teach her made me wince, and Iým not even going to touch on
the idea of the sword as a phallic symbol. Iýll get the willies all over
again. A very good poem, but it creeps me out every time I read it.

>>Poetry
>>MeP5: Home by Morning by Fileg

Wonderful poem full of promise. The meter of this poem is nearly flawless,
and the structure is perfect for this type of writing. It combines oaths and
vows with lists of things that might prevent the fulfilling of those
promises, and the poem is structured in such a way as to accommodate both.
Brilliant writing and almost a sing-song rhythm that lulls and comforts.

>>Poetry
>>MeP6: I Ride by RennWench and Alstaria

The real Faramir returns. Forget what the movies did to this poor man and
forget every doubt you ever entertained about him even in the books. This is
Faramir in all his nobility and all his ýsufficiency.ý That word actually
takes on new meaning thanks to this poem. In any case, this is Faramir
unplugged, unedited, and uncut. I love the way this poem punctuates his
motivations, his desires, his goals, and his unswerving devotion. Beautiful
imagery, the refrain ýI rideý kept the pace fast and relentless, and Faramir
is restored to his noble and ýsufficientý glory.

>>Poetry
>>MeP8: The Hamster by Dwimordene

Oh dear. The mental image of Denethor ranting against this hamster and
calling it a ýthing of evilý brought back memories of my sisterýs hamster.
And as I dearly love Poe parodies in whatever form they may take, I loved
this poem. I now have this image as the palantýr being used as an elaborate
hamster ball, and the thought never fails to make me laugh. Poe-horror meets
the cute and cuddly hamster who is named, of all things, Thorongil. Parody
just doesnýt get any better.

>>Post-WOTR
>>Me4-7: Sufficient by Tanaqui

Very good and slightly angsty fic about Faramir just after the king returns.
This Faramir initially seems more in keeping with the movie version than the
book, but elements of the book are clearly there by the end what we have is
an interesting blend of the character. Just as Legolas thinks, it would
require years to fully understand him, but Tanaqui gives us a good glimpse
of this man in his reaction to Legolasýs words and his lingering doubts.

>>Post-WOTR
>>Me4-8: The Endless Knot by E.M Theis

This storyýs title brings to mind images of complex sailorsý knots, and the
story itself lives up to the imagery. Wonderfully twisted tale that winds
itself tighter and tighter until it is felt it can go no further. The
narrative remains firmly in the hands of Faramir, and his impressions and
reactions to those around him are very much colored by his own unique view
of the world as well as the influence of the enemy he comes up against.
Great tale of endurance, perseverance, and the ragged edge of sanity.

>>Me7: The Believer by Cori Lannam

What I love about this story is its lightheartedness. And a glimpse of a
Gondor tradition. Put together, the two are marvelous. But perhaps even more
moving is the fact that the storyýs participants are Boromir and Aragorn,
two unlikely sources of such mirth, especially given the time period.
Nevertheless, Boromirýs sudden paranoia and Aragornýs very dry and somewhat
secretive sense of humor make for a wonderful blend.

-----------------

AUTHORS

-----------------

>>Poetry
>>MPA3: Fileg

Poetry is a difficult genre to master, but Fileg seems to have absolutely no
difficulties with the two poems featured here. The terzanelle, in
particular, astounded me as itýs something that has forever eluded me. But
Fileg pulled it off and gave it one of the best and most appropriate
subjects for that style of poetry. Knowledge of the poemýs requirements and
constraints was evident, and the advantages that the poemýs style offered
were used to their fullest. Given a freer structure, Fileg still maintained
an even, steady meter that fit like a hand in a glove, and together they
formed the basis for something I could envision as a lullaby or a favorite
nursery rhyme, either one. (Who says all lullabies are cheerful? Remember
the one about cradles and tree tops?) Anyway, Iým astounded at Filegýs
ability to manipulate poetry and use it to accentuate the chosen topics.
Wonderful reads!

>>Poetry
>>MPA6: RennWench and Alstaria

Powerful use of poetry and the unique advantages that verse offers over
narrative. In particular, I loved the use of the phrase ýI rideý and how it
was turned into an anthem of sorts for Faramir, who indeed rode. And then we
were given the reasons why. The poem was well paced, beginning slow but then
increasing rapidly in tempo until we were riding right alongside Faramir.
And we moved from the setting in the beginning to the hearts and feelings of
his hearts. ReenWench and Alstaria did a good job of drawing the reader and
then keeping the reader there while they gave us all the reasons why Faramir
was sufficient and why Faramir represented the best that was in the men of
Gondor.

>>MA3: Altariel

I think it is Altarielýs unique gift to paint characters in moments. The
people in Altarielýs stories stay fairly true to whatever emotion they might
be entertaining. Sufficient background is laid to understand the situation,
and the characterization is always addressed so that we are aware of a
characterýs other attributes, but the real story is told within the moment
itself, and thatýs quite a talent. Because it is the moments that make up
life, and Altariel reminds us of that fact with each story. In a moment of
grief, Denethor would remember this. In a moment of admiration and possible
defeat, Denethor would try to do this. In a moment of awkwardness, Faramir
would behave like this. In a moment of despair, Faramir would say this.
Altariel uses the moments to show men as they really were in Middle-earth,
and they say far more about a character than almost anything else could.
Moreover, this use of ýmomentsý in storytelling ensures that the story never
veers far from its intended course, making for exceptionally tight writing
and good overall focus.

>>MA6: Celandine Brandybuck

Celandine has a way of reversing time and taking us back to the moments when
the seeds of greatness as well as the seeds of doom first break through the
surface of a manýs soul. And this is done without ever losing sight of what
will ultimately happen. Essentially, Celandine lays the foundations for the
future and does so with such care and attention to detail that itýs
difficult to imagine that these characters had a beginning that could be any
different from the one weýre presented. The politics, maneuvering, and
second-guessing that always accompanies the upper echelons of men are told
clearly and confidently in Celandineýs stories, and never are we as readers
left feeling as thought something had gone overlooked or missing. Celandine
is a master of tight writing and beautiful story telling.

>>MA18: Lindelea

Flawless characterization of Beregond. Lindelea looks at the events
surrounding Denethorýs death, the Morannon, and the Field of Cormallen, and
then uses these events and Beregondýs reaction to them in order to create a
very memorable character. The OCs are characters in their own right, and
through their interaction with Beregond, we are able to unearth new levels
and facets of his personality. Lindelea basically writes a very long
character sketch and not only makes it work but also makes it highly
enjoyable.

>>MA24: Shadow975

What really sets Shadow974 apart in this category with the entered story is
the ability to tell this particular tale in a new manner. The story involves
Boromir leaving for Imladris with Faramir wondering why itýs the older son
and not the younger who is leaving. Itýs been done time and again in
fanfiction. There are some good version of it out there, but even after a
while, good version begin to sound redundant. This story doesnýt. It takes
the familiar themes and then twists them, giving Faramir the forthrightness
and Boromir the thoughtfulness. And it makes these characterizations work,
which is what really sold me on it. Very good story telling, especially
considering how often this story is told.

------------------------

And you've now reached the end of my ballot. And yet again, it certainly
wasn't that long was it? I know I've got your support, Ainaechoiriel!

Thundera (who is deeply grateful for these awards as they've given me whole
new worlds to explore)

>Gondor
>
>MeG19: Singer by the shore by Beth Winter
>
>A wonderful story with one of my favourite characters in it, Maglor. While
>the primary interest of the story centers where it should with the boys,
>you get a strong sense of the other worldliness of the elf, and the wonder
>the children feel. Also, you get the feeling that as young as they are,
>they know they have had an extraordinary encounter with someone whose
>experiences range back to the elder days.

I can't also but help see a future scene, when Arwen has a conversation with
her husband's steward, and that night is mentioned. I bet her saying, 'oh,
but you are talking of my foster grandfather' would blow Faramir right out
of the water!

>Incomplete
>
>MeI1: Blackbow by Isabeau of Greenlea
>
>This what was missing from 'Captain' if anything was missing. How Hethlin
>became a Ranger, and the tale of how the Rangers found her and healed her.

We see the frightened badly hurt girl survive, and start to trust her new
friends, and to fall in love with Faramir; the beginnings of the Heth we all
loved in 'Captain'

>
>
>
>Incomplete

Me3: Captain, My Captain by Isabeau of Greenlea

What can I say about this very famous story no one else has? I guess this is
the one that makes us all wish we could write such a wonderful OFC as
Hethlin. From seeing her in battle, to how she stands up to the Witch King
when offered the thing she wants the most, to her unrequited love for
Faramir and finally to see her relationship with bratty Elrohir develop,
this story has held me spell-bound from beginning to end.

My favourite scene after several re-reading is the one where Heth is walking
through the Grey Lands, and is found by Elrohir. Her surprise at realising
he's an elf is very funny, especially right in the middle of being rescued

_________________________________________________________________
Find love today with ninemsn personals. Click here:
http://ninemsn.match.com?referrer=hotmailtagline

I have more, but wanted to get this vote in while it was still fresh in my mind.

<<Gondor
<<MeG8: Hearth Companions by Alawa

:-O I was completly blindsided here. When I began to understand what the woman's burdan was, I got gooseflesh. I've never read Alawa's stories before and this morning, I just picked it out of the blue because the summary was interesting. Short and concise. The OC is believable as a woman of her class to just do what needs doing, yet such an undertone makes the dawn of realization of her task almost chilling. Her observation of the Captain, forthright and matter of fact with a bit of curiousity, very believable... A little surprise for me, and a glad one, to find this fic!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "Ainaechoiriel" <mefaadmin@e...>
wrote:

>
> Men
>
> Official Voting Ballot
>
> Gondor
>
> MeG14: Leaves on the Wind by Nancy Brooke
>
>> Great title for a series of letters. They sound realistic –

except I think when Faramir said "Brother I have Failed you"
it was out of character. Sure Faramir is a sensitive guy, but I just
didn't see why he would think himself a failure, given the
circumstances and given he was writing to Boromir. Now if he had
been talking to Denethor, that would be different. Anyway, the five
letters do a good job of disclosing the slowly worsening military
situation. The reader feels for Faramir, whose guesses about the
future are somber
and chilling. I liked it.

> Gondor
>
> MeG22: The King is Dead by Altariel
>
> > A good bit of story telling here. The writer knows her craft. No

extra words. She uses the dialog to good effect. Since it is writing
and not actual conversation, the dialog can't have the verbosity
of natural conversation yet the characters sound as if they are
talking. Also, the dialog reveals the personalities' views on
winning, and does it skillfully.

>
>
>>> Me6: Night in Hollin by Nancy Brooke

The folksy story-telling tone hooked me and kept me reading this
story. It's a look at the Fellowship as they pass through. I did
think it was a little too talky. Dialog exchanges such as "Right
then" "Right when" "Right now" can be pared
back to good effect, but that is intended as a lightweight
criticism. The writer did a good job of showing the relationships of
the Fellowship and of telling us information we did not know about
the culture of Gondor. Enjoyable. Oh, and I figured out where the
sword move came from before the writer told us, which is always fun!

> Me7: The Believer by Cori Lannam

The reader is as mesmerized as Aragorn at Bormoir's recital. You
don't expect him to keep going, and he does. Each mishap piles
on the one before. Boromir is convinced, Aragorn is convinced, and I
was convinced. Humorous. No – practically Monty Pythonesque.

Best regards - Chathol-linn, who hopes she did this right.

>

A correction. Apologies, I pasted "Keepers of the Hearth" comments
into "Hearth Companions"'s comment field. Whoever is categorizing,
I'm sorry!

> Gondor
>
> MeG8: Hearth Companions by Alawa

Alawa's OFC working the field, carting bodies to the pyres does a
lovely job of juxtaposing her previous journeys delivering goods in
her cart with the grim duty of porting the dead to the funeral fires.
Sympathetic and bittersweet look at the aftermath of the fields, and
even if Halbarad STILL DOESN'T GET MENTIONED BY NAME, we know who it
is that Aragorn watches for at the pyre.

Okay, so this goes into the Men Ballot under Hearth Companions, replacing the
comment that was there originally, right? (And that one will show up on the
Rohan Ballot then?)

(Sorry, just want to make sure I do it right :)



--- dwimmer_laik <dwimmer_laik@yahoo.com> wrote:

> A correction. Apologies, I pasted "Keepers of the Hearth" comments
> into "Hearth Companions"'s comment field. Whoever is categorizing,
> I'm sorry!
>
> > Gondor
> >
> > MeG8: Hearth Companions by Alawa
>
> Alawa's OFC working the field, carting bodies to the pyres does a
> lovely job of juxtaposing her previous journeys delivering goods in
> her cart with the grim duty of porting the dead to the funeral fires.
> Sympathetic and bittersweet look at the aftermath of the fields, and
> even if Halbarad STILL DOESN'T GET MENTIONED BY NAME, we know who it
> is that Aragorn watches for at the pyre.
>
>

=====
Larian
larian_elensar@yahoo.com
Keeper of the OEAM archive http://www.ofelvesandmen.com
Archive addy archive@ofelvesandmen.com

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Larian Elensar
<larian_elensar@y...> wrote:

> Okay, so this goes into the Men Ballot under Hearth Companions,

replacing the

> comment that was there originally, right? (And that one will show

up on the

> Rohan Ballot then?)
>

Yup. Exactly. I will change the author comment for Hearth Companions,
too, but since that wasn't a copy-paste, it may take me longer. I'll
let you know when I can think up something suitable.

> (Sorry, just want to make sure I do it right :)

No trouble. Sorry to have made you work harder!

Dwim

yes, that's right. She will repost the comment when Rohan comes up so it
will be counted for the right story.

--Ainaechoiriel
MEFA Admin and Founder

"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves," Elrond said, "for
it is Windows-compatible, and freeware at that." --H.F.

http://gabrielle.sytes.net/mefa The Middle-Earth Fanfiction Awards
Blog: http://www.ainaechoiriel.blogspot.com



-----Original Message-----
From: Larian Elensar [mailto:larian_elensar@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 2:17 PM
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [MEFAwards] Re: Men -- Official Voting Ballot

Okay, so this goes into the Men Ballot under Hearth Companions, replacing
the comment that was there originally, right? (And that one will show up on
the Rohan Ballot then?)

(Sorry, just want to make sure I do it right :)



--- dwimmer_laik <dwimmer_laik@yahoo.com> wrote:

> A correction. Apologies, I pasted "Keepers of the Hearth" comments
> into "Hearth Companions"'s comment field. Whoever is categorizing, I'm
> sorry!
>
> > Gondor
> >
> > MeG8: Hearth Companions by Alawa
>
> Alawa's OFC working the field, carting bodies to the pyres does a
> lovely job of juxtaposing her previous journeys delivering goods in
> her cart with the grim duty of porting the dead to the funeral fires.
> Sympathetic and bittersweet look at the aftermath of the fields, and
> even if Halbarad STILL DOESN'T GET MENTIONED BY NAME, we know who it
> is that Aragorn watches for at the pyre.
>
>

=====
Larian
larian_elensar@yahoo.com
Keeper of the OEAM archive http://www.ofelvesandmen.com Archive addy
archive@ofelvesandmen.com


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No biggie, glad you caught it!


--- dwimmer_laik <dwimmer_laik@yahoo.com> wrote:

> --- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Larian Elensar
> <larian_elensar@y...> wrote:
> > Okay, so this goes into the Men Ballot under Hearth Companions,
> replacing the
> > comment that was there originally, right? (And that one will show
> up on the
> > Rohan Ballot then?)
> >
>
> Yup. Exactly. I will change the author comment for Hearth Companions,
> too, but since that wasn't a copy-paste, it may take me longer. I'll
> let you know when I can think up something suitable.
>
> > (Sorry, just want to make sure I do it right :)
>
> No trouble. Sorry to have made you work harder!
>
> Dwim
>
>
>

Jumping in really fast to clarify something. I'll get out of your hair soon,
I promise!

>>I will change the author comment for Hearth Companions,
>>too, but since that wasn't a copy-paste, it may take me longer. I'll
>>let you know when I can think up something suitable.

So there *will* be a change to Alawa's author comments, too, but it's not
here yet. Your current vote under Alawa is not the correct one. Right?

*scurrying away again*

Thundera

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "Thundera Tiger" <swordofomens@h...>
wrote:

> Jumping in really fast to clarify something. I'll get out of your

hair soon,

> I promise!
>
> >>I will change the author comment for Hearth Companions,
> >>too, but since that wasn't a copy-paste, it may take me longer. I'll
> >>let you know when I can think up something suitable.
>
> So there *will* be a change to Alawa's author comments, too, but

it's not

> here yet. Your current vote under Alawa is not the correct one. Right?
>
> *scurrying away again*

Right. For the moment, the author comments are not to be counted
towards her total, so right now she has no comments from me in the
Men-(non-poetry)-author category. Hopefully, I'll come up with
something soonish...

Dwim, also scampering

Men Ballot - Authors

AUTHORS (remember to comment on the writer as regards to the category, not
the story, here):



Poetry

MPA6: RennWench and Alstaria
I love the tempo and drive that Rennwench and Alstaria used with their piece.
Of course, I've read other stories by Rennwench and I love the rhythm she
employs in all of her pieces. They aren't all poems, but they do have a poetic
quality that's refreshing.



MA2: Alexcat
Alexcat writes with an economy of words but still manages to get her point
across without seeming vague or rushed. I like her writing style.








=====
Larian
larian_elensar@yahoo.com
Keeper of the OEAM archive http://www.ofelvesandmen.com
Archive addy archive@ofelvesandmen.com

Ainaechoiriel <mefaadmin@earthlink.net> wrote:

Men

Official Voting Ballot






Poetry

MeP6: I Ride by RennWench and Alstaria



I love this oneý so much said with so little words. I like the repetitioný when read aloud it reads as more story than poem, which I like also.




Official Keeper of Yorgi's Hard Drive, Nick Maitland's Hands
and the Soldier's Hat.
http://www.ofelvesandmen.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LOTR_Adult_Fiction/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/the_northern_fences
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ofelvesandmenSLASH
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alexs_story_book
http://www.journalfen.net/users/alexcat

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-----Original Message-----
From: Ainaechoiriel [mailto:mefaadmin@earthlink.net]
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 12:01 AM
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MEFAwards] Men -- Official Voting Ballot



Men

Official Voting Ballot

>MeG1: A Pale Light Lingering by Altariel

I think I'd read this before but couldn't remember. Whether I had or not,
I'm glad to have read it again. It gave me chills near the end, when Faramir
changed the speech. Faramir seemed very in character and the phrasing was
at times poetic, as when he thought of Boromir saying his part somewhere...
Faramir, of his family, was the one living closest to the enemy, and yet, it
seemed, he was the one with the most hope, and this showed, even through the
melancholy of the struggle.
Gondor


Gondor
MeG8: Hearth Companions by Alawa

Wow. Can a story be both chilling and heart-warming at the same time? This
one is. The care this cart driver gives to the dead is heart-warming, the
amount of dead chilling. The way the narrator speaks of the fires so
absently, without emotion, and yet, you hear the weariness that has
distanced an emotion that was there. Heart-warming.


MeG9: Homecoming by Nancy Brooke

Wow, sad but poignant little story. The images of all his forebears
standing there, caught in flashback of their lives, and then himself, in a
moment of his death.That really hit me, "arrows protruding from an empty
breast".


MeG10: How Many Years? by Marta

A nice story full of nuance. I liked the tradition and the hallowed area
where Elendil was laid. Also I liked Denethor's answer, whether or not he
meant it (based on your notes). I oculdn't help thinking, however, of
Faramir. No one took him up that road on his 20th birthday, and yet, in the
end, he would be the Steward's heir, and in irony of sorts, the one to
welcome home the king.


MeG11: I will always be your brother by Avon

This story nearly brough a tear to my eye. It was beautiful, a wonderful
picture of the love between these two brothers with just a hint of what
Faramir had to live with when Boromir was away. And the way Boromir looks
at Faramir with surprise at how he's grown...I have a brother 10 years
younger, who was shorter than me when I went to the Czech, and taller when I
returned. :-)



MeG13: Lady of Silences by Altariel

I think I've read this one before as well, but upon reading it again, I
can't say I know which son came to her at the end, and yet it doesn't matter
so much. She loves both her sons so much, to stay in such misery for them.
And so like an abused wife to feel sympathy for the abuser. Altariel got
that right.


MeG15: Possessions by Altariel

I love gap-filler's like this. We know Faramir, from Tolkien, as an adult
mostly, with few hints of his childhood. This story, and other's like it,
bring his childhood to life for us. The hints of the burdens and wisdom
Faramir carried, even then, are not hidden, and yet he is still a boy. And
in this one, we also see Gandalf's kindness and it's neat to think of the
link made by him from this boy in Minas Tirith to Frodo who will meet him so
much later.

MeG16: Proof by Altariel

Very intriguing! I didn't think I'd be interested in such a subject, but it
proved very interesting indeed in such worth hands. When seen first through
the eyes of the old hands, we see a new officer full of inexperience, but as
the story unfolds we see the method in Faramir's madness, which is no
madness at all. Mablung comes round to see it within the story just as we
do reading it. Faramir is an officer, and a good one at that.


MeG18: Requiem by Nancy Brooke

This is a character-driven story where strong characterizations weigh more
heavily than the plot. Not that there isn't plot. It's just not as
important as the dialogue and interaction between these two brothers
remembering their mother.

MeG19: Singer by the shore by Beth Winter

My favorite part was when, separately the boy's asked if the Singer was
speaking a prophecy. "Guesswork," he answered one. "Experience," the
other. And so these two meet a very old Elf and yet it never mentions him
being an Elf. Which is interesting. It would be neat to see what they
think of Legolas in later life after this experience.



MeG23: Ties of Love by Avon

I liked this story and was impressed that Avon made up the tradition. The
flashbacks were just right. As was Pippin's curiosity over Boromir's
geneology. I like the sentiment of Faramir giving Boromir the cords as an
adult.

MeG24: Too Late for Misgivings by Shadow975

Shadow975 captured this moment well, and the reasons for the choice, too.
Each brother defended his position in just the manner I would have thought
they would, and their love for each other showed, and their acknowledgement
of Denethor's love for each (given in far different measures) as well. It
nearly brought a tear to my eye.


MeP4: Eowyn, my fair one by Dwimordene

My, yes, that was quite creepy. I don't doubt that Wormtongue had such
thoughts and wishes toward Eowyn, but I'm quite glad he never got to carry
them out.


MeP5: Home by Morning by Fileg

This was sweet and touching. I wondered who was saying it before I read the
notes at the end. I thought of Boromir and Faramir, though the one never
quite came home. I liked the rhyme and the repeating 2nd and 4th lines but
only in every other stanza.


MeP6: I Ride by RennWench and Alstaria

I liked the repetion of "I ride." The same words each time, but each time
they felt different, and I could feel the turning when the poem turned to
why he rides. It's evokative and yet, I can't find many words to describe
it.


Me4-3: Fair Game by Altariel

The ending seemed a bit odd to me, but in a good way. It's hard to explain.
Anyway, the original chracters were so well drawn, Deor, especially. I
don't know his exact age, but it he seemed just right for an older boy, not
quite old enough to keep up with his brother but older than his youngest
cousin. And no matter what Faramir said about not being good with swords, I
knew he would win.


Me2: Bindings of Gold by Lyllyn

This story humanizes the Witch-King, for awhile. He was human once, which
somehow seems to flea our thoughts of him. Though he craved it and the
power it brought, his Ring enslaved him, corrupted him. Lyllyn captured
this quite well, I think.



Me6: Night in Hollin by Nancy Brooke

This was cute! I'm sure there had to be such quiet moments at least a few
times on the quest. Once the Hobbits had done their dancing, I just knew
Legolas wouldn't be too shy, and that, logically, he'd ask Gandalf to be his
partner.


AUTHORS (remember to comment on the writer as regards to the category, not
the story, here):

Poetry

MPA3: Fileg

Fileg has a hand for poetry. The rhymes and rhythms work and I could see
the pattern in the stanzas without it taking away from what the poetry was
saying.



MA1: Alawa

Alawa has quite a talent. To take something so dismal as carting away
bodies and burning them but also make it heartwarming takes talent. And to
bring an original character to life in so few pages takes a skilled author
and a wonderful sense of character.


MA4: Avon

Avon is a wonderful writer. From what I remember she mostly writes short
stories, for which I'm thankful. ;-) I just don't have the time I used to
have for reading. And I think she writes mostly Men, which she does with
such affinity I feel she knows them. She knows Faramir, and she knows
Boromir, which is perhaps a bit harder.



MA5: Beth Winter

I was very impressed by the particular repetition of "Was that a prophecy?"
and Maglor's replies. That was no accident. It was purposeful and perfect.
Beth's characterizations were well-drawn and Maglor intriguingly complex.


MA9: Dwimordene

Dwimordene is one of my favorite LOTR fan writers. Even if I haven't read
all of her stories. She writes beautifully, poignantly, melogically. She
writes sympathies. I know, that's not the first time you've read that and
it's not the last time you'll read that. ;-)



MA19: Lyllyn

Lyllyn took on a subject I think few people would, especially in the way she
did. Who would think to write the Witch King as a man? Lyllyn did it very
well.


MA21: Marta

As I think of Marta's stories of Men, with my battered memory, I think of
simple moments, or traditions, told with pognancy and importance.



MA22: Nancy Brooke

Nancy has a talent for character-driven stories. Whether having the
Fellowship dance in Hollin or Boromir and Faramir remembering their mother,
her characterizations are strong and feel real.


MA24: Shadow975

I don't know that I've seen a lot of Shadow975's writing, but the
representative we have here in the Men category is enough to tell me that
she si a very good writer, with a real feeling for the characters and a
thorough knowledge of the lore behind her story.



This category ends on September 25th at 11:59pm Central US time



--Ainaechoiriel
MEFA Admin and Founder

"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves," Elrond said, "for
it is Windows-compatible, and freeware at that." --H.F.

<http://home.earthlink.net/~ainae/mefa> http://gabrielle.sytes.net/mefa The
Middle-Earth Fanfiction Awards
Blog: <http://www.ainaechoiriel.blogspot.com/>
http://www.ainaechoiriel.blogspot.com

Sorry to be so late! I hope I estimated the time right.

> Men - Official Voting Ballot

> Gondor



> MeG4: Choices by Lindelea

A story about characters who can still crack jokes when buried beneath
a dead troll is right up my allee. But there's more to it than jokes:
Lindelea manages to write again what I already read in LotR without
sounding as if she was just repeating. Instead she reinvents and
invents new aspects, seen through Beregond's eyes - an interesting
contrast to seeing the White City through Pippin's eyes in the book.
The shifting between the two plot lines - starting with Beregorn
trapped beneath the troll / Beregond meeting Pippin - manages to build
suspense, but not frustrate when the plot line changes again. Also:
Lindelea manages to get the feeling of kindness and otherness of elves
over, and that is very difficult to do (and not often works as well as
it does here).





MeG6: Death by Water by Altariel

I love the very powerful, wonderfully invocative descriptions of
Numenor's end – the beginning of the story throws me right into the
situation of Numenor sinking under and imitates what it must be like
to dream of it. Faramir's relation to his brother and father and the
course of his life are woven into descriptions of the dream.

The Denethor's reactions are described fits in beautifully with
Faramir's character: accepting and without resent, but not without
pain and sometimes pity. The "I am yours to command" is both sad and
sweet, and so are the short periods of understanding between Denethor
and Faramir. The end is perfect, with the mention of the light
flickering at the top of the tower hinting at troubles to come.

> MeG11: I will always be your brother by Avon

I like the way this story brings Boromir's feelings for his brother to
life, and fleshes out the lives of both brothers with events that give
an idea of what growing up was like for them. I especially enjoy the
solemness of Faramir, and how his gift of seeing into the heart of
his brother even at a young age is described by Boromir.
The phrase "to be half of each other" is lovely, and the description
of the horror and confusion of battle as well as the dilemma of
comforting a younger brother without telling him lies is excellently done.

> MeG14: Leaves on the Wind by Nancy Brooke

What I liked best about this story were the contrasting pictures used
to represent Boromir and Faramir: the swordsmen and the archer,
traveling under the sun and under the moon, Anorien and Ithilien....
In the rest of the story, too, the language is beautiful, if a bit to
twisted now and then. Now and then the language stroke me as a bit too
ornate for a fighter (even Faramir), but the content of the letters
and the sense of poetry in the language are in perfectly in character
with Faramir.

> MeG15: Possessions by Altariel

This is a sweet tale of a first meeting between Gandalf and Faramir,
with both characters portrayed beautifully – Faramir careful,
inquisitive and already a bit guarded, Gandalf with a love to show off
a bit and tell stories even when searching for important information
among the record's of Minas Tirith. I especially like the relationship
between Faramir and Denethor: it is already strained, which seems to
have left a mark on Faramir, but Denethor is still able to show some
kindness toward his younger son. This fits in beautifully with the
introduction remark by Gandalf that with the death of his wife, a
grayness begins to hang over Denethor, as well as with the readers'
knowledge of what will happen later on.

> MeG17: Reasons by Saralitazie

The scene described between Boromir and Faramir is sweet, if a bit
lacking in suspense and new developments. What I like a lot about this
story is the effortless, fluent way with words as in phrases like " a
land remembered solely in stories" – the way old-fashioned phrases
flow in without being obvious elements of style, the warm affection
between the brothers and the eery moment when Boromir last looks back
before departing.

> MeG19: Singer by the shore by Beth Winter

This story drew me right from the beginning with it's vivid
description of the two brothers wandering through the night. The
different creatures they imagine in the night – Faramir's elves and
ancient warriors versus Boromir's orcs – are a wonderful way to show
how different they think. All the events – Boromir falling, the
appearance of the Singer, - are written wonderfully expressive and
captivating. I love the characteristics of the brothers and their
relation to each other: Boromir's consciousness of dignity and
unthinking bravery, Faramir's self-assertiveness when it comes to his
knowledge, and the light squabbling between them. Only flaw: the
lyrics of the song loose something of the spell-binding quality of the
rest of the story. Leaving the actual words unspoken and just
describing the images the songs wake in the boys works far better for
me – the last song is just perfect in creating a haunting, sad mood.

> Me5: Kinsmen by Dwimordene

I like the fact that the story included Aragorn's mother Gilraen and
that the author did a very good job of giving an idea of what her life
in Imladris might have been like. The story telling is good, too, but
sadly the premise of Aragorn fathering a son with a woman he's not
married to threw me off.

> Me6: Night in Hollin by Nancy Brooke

The story picks up a scene from the movie and does a great job
building on it: first light and amusing, then with more serious tones
as Aragorn is faced with the difficulties of having lived so many
different lifes, never being quite what people see in him. All the
characters are well done (Frodo's silence, Sam's language, the
bantering of Merry & Pippin and so on), but what I really love is the
way unexpected aspects of Boromir are shown while still keeping him in
character. Apart from that, the way Merry and Pippin are inquisitive
and unable to let a subject go, but without being insufferable, is
charming. The dances are perfectly described and work great to show
how different the members of the Fellowship are, while still having
things in common. Even if I don't know whether the thought of Gimli
dancing or of Aragorn dancing with Boromir is the scarier one.

> Me8: The Sickle of the Valar by Altariel

What a lovely way with words – the way Denethor's loneliness comes
alive really makes me feel for him, no matter how much nastiness he
might show later on in LotR. Somehow this story manages to pull out
different moods and make the scenes come alive: the death of
Finduilas, Denethor sleepless and watching the night, and the hushed
conversation between Faramir and his grandfather. I love the details,
like Denethor's first exasperated reaction to hearing Faramir and
Adrahil, Adrahil's description of elves, and the way things remain
unspoken between Faramir and Adrahil – which is a lot more realistic
than an unlimited heart-to-heart. The end, too, is lovely, and very
cleverly done: not describing Denethor's reaction builds a distance
between him and the reader and stresses his loneliness. The play with
the different meanings of the Sickle – as an instrument of death and
sign of hope – is wonderful.

With just 5 minutes to go, there are still stories I would have liked to
read. Alas, but I barely have time to copy these last few comments and hit
Send.

-----Original Message-----
From: Ainaechoiriel [mailto:mefaadmin@earthlink.net]
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 12:01 AM
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MEFAwards] Men -- Official Voting Ballot



Men

Official Voting Ballot



Gondor

MeG6: Death by Water by Altariel

I believe that, in a way, Alteriel does hear Faramir telling her a story.
And since I've already written her author comment, I have to say that here.
Many first person stories feel a little odd at first when you realize they
are in first person and you are used to third. With this one, I think I was
halfway through it before I realized it was first person. So perfectly did
it flow. Alteriel can write Faramir like no one else I know. And this
shows it.

Me4-1: A Kind of Valediction by Altariel

Wow. I liked once his vision started and that he finally figured out what
they wanted of him: release, confirmation of what they had done. A kind of
validiction, just like the title. And he could tell them that what they
waited for had finally come, that what they had done had saved Gondor in the
end. The king had returned. Well-written and well-told. Bravo.

Me4-7 Sufficient by Tanaquie

I like that at the beginning Faramir doesn't understand Legolas, and, at
the end, Legolas doen't understand Faramir. Heck, I didn't either! But I'm
glad Legolas could give him that little bit of wisdom and optimism.

MA9: Dwimordene
I like that at the beginning Faramir doesn't understand Legolas, and, at the
end, Legolas doen't understand Faramir. Heck, I didn't either! But I'm glad
Legolas could give him that little bit of wisdom and optimism.







!









!
*





And what finally can I say of Dwimordene, in this my last comment in this
year's awards? I have already said that she writes syphonies and I have
less than five mintues to write this and copy it into my ballot! I don't
know that I can even do her justice in here, and I can type fast. Eek. A
wonderful writer who cares very much about her writing and wouldn't suffer a
single typo to remain in even her longest story if once she could find it.
She's one of the best fanfic writers I know and maybe one of the best
writers, hands down. Alas, but I really must get this into a ballot and
posted before the time is up.

Gondor

MeG7: From the Other Riverbank by Dwimordene

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=5

Rating: R mature themes related to homosexuality

Romance Partners: slash

Summary: Gondor on the brink of war is a political crucible. Those who would
dwell in it must learn never to blink, even when old loyalties are in doubt
and faith in the most basic relationships is shaken.



Gondor

MeG8: Hearth Companions by Alawa

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=780

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A woman of Minas Tirith goes about her business in the aftermath of
the Siege of Gondor.



Gondor

MeG9: Homecoming by Nancy Brooke

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=363

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Boromir Returns to Minas Tirith.



Gondor

MeG10: How Many Years? by Marta

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1664

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The road to the hallows above Minas Tirith is travelled only once a
generation, on the coming-of-age of the current steward's oldest son.
Denethor leads Boromir down that scarce-walked path, and Denethor finally
gives Boromir an honest answer to a question he asked as a child.



Gondor

MeG11: I will always be your brother by Avon

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=1960

Rating: PG-13 death and dying mentioned

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Boromir and Faramir's first meeting when Boromir comes home from
his first campaign. There are so many things you can't promise.



Gondor

MeG12: In His Brother's Shadow by Celandine Brandybuck

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=119

Rating: PG-13 discussion of sex and mild adult themes

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A glimpse at Faramir's youth - his first meeting with Gandalf and
his relationship with Boromir. Seventh and last of the Steward's Family
sequence.



Gondor

MeG13: Lady of Silences by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/935836/1/

Rating: PG-13 abusive father (Denethor)

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: In Minas Tirith, Finduilas remembers the sea. Features Boromir,
Faramir, and Denethor. A very bleak vignette.



Gondor

MeG14: Leaves on the Wind by Nancy Brooke

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=269

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Letters from Faramir to Boromir before the last defense of
Osgiliath.



Gondor

MeG15: Possessions by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1285796/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: In the library in Minas Tirith, Gandalf makes a new friend
(Faramir).



Gondor

MeG16: Proof by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1381980/1/

Rating: PG death by hanging

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: How to win friends and influence people. Faramir and the Ithilien
Rangers.



Gondor

MeG17: Reasons by Saralitazie

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=836

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Boromir and Faramir, the night before Boromir leaves for Imladris.



Gondor

MeG18: Requiem by Nancy Brooke

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=49

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: How Boromir and Faramir remember their mother.



Gondor

MeG19: Singer by the shore by Beth Winter

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3435

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: On a dark night in Dol Amroth, Boromir and Faramir meet a singer
who only sings the truth. Denethor's sons are children in this introspective
story.



Gondor

MeG20: Stargazers by Henneth Annun Writers (Altariel, Starlight, Acacea,
Fileg, Chris, Forodwaith)

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1605391/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Who taught Faramir about the constellations? A series of linked
stories about his lessons.



Gondor

MeG21: The Burial of the Dead by Altariel

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=130

Rating: PG-13 Violent implications

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Denethor remembers the dead and the dying - Boromir, Faramir,
Finduilas.



Gondor

MeG22: The King is Dead by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1124984/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Denethor teaches a young Faramir the game of chess.



Gondor

MeG23: Ties of Love by Avon

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2051

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Boromir and Faramir and the ties that bind us. Boromir explains a
Gondorian superstition to Pippin.



Gondor

MeG24: Too Late for Misgivings by Shadow975

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1197684/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The parting of Boromir and Faramir, in which the brothers again
address the question of which of them should go to Imladris.



Gondor

MeG25: Worship by Destina_Fortunato

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=77

Rating: PG mentions consummated relationship

Romance Partners: Aragorn/Boromir

Summary: Every man needs something to believe in. Slash fic.



Incomplete

MeI1: Blackbow by Isabeau of Greenlea

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1333043/1/

Rating: PG-13 some violence

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: How Hethlin became a Ranger of Ithilien.



Incomplete

MeI2: Of One to Me by M. N & E. M. Theis

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1380712/1/

Rating: R violence, graphic descriptions of wounds, much angst

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A fall in Moria sets Legolas and Boromir on a different and very
dangerous road.



Incomplete

MeI3: Orcbrat by The Lauderdale

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1184601/1/

Rating: R Violence, rape, bad language

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Orcs destroyed Maevyn's village. She wants revenge.



Incomplete

MeI4: The Queen's Orc by jodancingtree

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1741

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: He was the Ringbearer's Orc, bound to him by solemn blood-pact, and
he wore the Jewel that Frodo gave him. That was all Aragorn knew of him
until he appeared in Minas Tirith, seeking the Queen whose Jewel he wore.
Was it blessing or curse that he came during the last springtime of
Aragorn's reign?




Poetry

MeP1: An Elegy for Elfhild by Alawa

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1391656/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Theoden after the death of his wife in childbirth.



Poetry

MeP2: Ascension by Fileg

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter_view.cfm?STID=1425&SPOrdinal=1

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A terzanelle that questions the futile nature of waiting for
redemption.



Poetry

MeP3: Darkness Falls by flick

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2575

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A sestina on the death of Boromir. Inspired by both book-verse and
movie-verse.



Poetry

MeP4: Eowyn, my fair one by Dwimordene

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=1233

Rating: PG-13 sexuality (non-explicit)

Romance Partners: Grim/Eowyn, sort of

Summary: A very Bitter (and belated) Valentine's Day poetry challenge. Grima
lets his inner poet loose. Pity the world. And Eowyn, of course.



Poetry

MeP5: Home by Morning by Fileg

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter_view.cfm?STID=1765&SPOrdinal=1

Rating: G

Romance Partners: A Ranger and his partner

Summary: A love poem from the heart of war and a Nursery Rhyme to scare the
daylights out of the little ones when you tuck them in.



Poetry

MeP6: I Ride by RennWench and Alstaria

URL: http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/Stories/R/RennWench/IRide.htm

Rating: PG-13

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Faramir's thoughts as he brings news from Osgiliath to Minas
Tirith.



Poetry

MeP7: Oh, Elessar by Malissa Koebel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1812621/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Poem of Elessar coming to the throne of Gondor after the fall of
Sauron.



Poetry

MeP8: The Hamster by Dwimordene

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter_view.cfm?STID=2423&SPOrdinal=1

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Poe pastiche silliness. Obsession and the care and dealing with
hamsters collide-welcome to Denethor's world.



Post-WOTR

Me4-1: A Kind of Valediction by Altariel

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=585

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A Minas Tirith ghost story. Ten years after the pyre, Faramir is
still haunted by the past.



Post-WOTR

Me4-2: Black Captain by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1307131/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Office politics in Minas Tirith; Aragorn and Faramir.



Post-WOTR

Me4-3: Fair Game by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1488736/1/

Rating: PG violent death

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: In which people go bird-watching and find their courage. Set a
little while after the events of 'A Game of Chess'. Faramir, Eowyn, Eomer,
OCs.



Post-WOTR

Me4-4: Light Lingering by Earmire/Nol

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1605

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Over swordplay, dreams and academics, Faramir, Prince of Ithilien,
makes a new friend.



Post-WOTR

Me4-5: Missing by Firerose

URL: http://www.viragene.com/missing.htm

Rating: PG-13 adult situations implied, language

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The new Steward delves into the past, whilst coming to terms with
the present, and the future.



Post-WOTR

Me4-6: My Dark-haired Love by Avon

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2636

Rating: PG some nudity

Romance Partners: Eowyn/Faramir

Summary: On the night of her wedding to Faramir Eowyn thinks about love and
words.



Post-WOTR

Me4-7: Sufficient by Tanaqui

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2784

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Faramir, Legolas, and a bow of the Galadhrim. The morning after
Aragorn's coronation, two archers find themselves down at the practice
grounds. A few arrows, a lot of words, the start of a friendship, and how
Faramir beings to learn to let go of the things he no longer needs. Mild
angst.



Post-WOTR

Me4-8: The Endless Knot by E.M Theis

URL: http://www.illegiblescroll.net/The%20Endless%20Knot/title.htm

Rating: R violence, much angst.

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Shortly after the Ring is destroyed, a group of warriors travels to
eliminate the remnants of Mordor's forces at the citadel of Minas Morgul.
Led by Eomer, the newly crowned King of the Mark, and by Faramir, Steward of
Gondor, the warriors find more at the Moontower than any expected. The
simple mission turns out to be the trial of Faramir's life, and the attack
on Minas Morgul becomes a struggle to simply survive.



Post-WOTR

Me4-9: The Unsung by Alexcat

URL: http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/Stories/A/Alex/LOTR/Q_Z/U/Unsung.htm

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Aragorn thinks back to how many gave so much.



Me1: A House Divided by Thevina Finduilas

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2549

Rating: R adult sexual situations (not explicit)

Romance Partners: Morwen of Lossarnach/Thengel and Morwen/Aragorn

Summary: A story about the lesser-written, earlier-generation marital
uniting of Gondor and Rohan--a telling of the lives of Morwen of Lossarnach
and Thengel, their family, and those who intersect with it: Ecthelion,
Aragorn, Rangers and Marshals.



Me2: Bindings of Gold by Lyllyn

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=626

Rating: PG adult themes

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The Witch-king reflects on his choice and its consequences.
Vignette.



Me3: Captain, My Captain by Isabeau of Greenlea

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Events in RoTK as experienced by a young Ranger of Ithilien. Main
character is OFC. Faramir is featured prevalently in the first half, the
second half features, among others, Imrahil, the sons of Elrond, Elrond
himself, Eowyn and Eomer, Arwen and Lord Celeborn. Warning--this is a
novel-length story.



Me4: Gift Horses by Jedishampoo

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3266

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: Eowyn/Faramir

Summary: How is Eowyn to get out of the Houses of Healing or escape an
inescapable future in Rohan?



Me5: Kinsmen by Dwimordene

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter_view.cfm?STID=944&SPOrdinal=2

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: Aragorn/f

Summary: From father to son, the line of Isildur has remained unbroken
through long years of toil and peril. Of the names of Chieftains recorded, a
full quarter of them died untimely but were able to pass their title to
their sons. This is a tale of the Dunedain, and of keeping the line alive at
all costs, as seen through the eyes of two mothers.



Me6: Night in Hollin by Nancy Brooke

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=751

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Aragorn discovers something less than orthodox about Boromir's
teaching methods.



Me7: The Believer by Cori Lannam

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/challenge/chapter_view.cfm?NGID=90&STID=2061&SP
Ordinal=11

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Boromir and Aragorn have a little chat about some Gondorian
superstitions..



Me8: The Sickle of the Valar by Altariel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1588051

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Denethor listens to a lesson about the stars.



Me9: Thorongil by Eledhwen

URL: http://www.dreamyaspirations.co.uk/thorongil.htm

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Between 2957 and 2980 of the Third Age, Aragorn undertook his great
errantries and journeys. In this time he also served Thengel of Rohan and
Ecthelion of Gondor under the name 'Thorongil' - Eagle of the Star.



Me10: Through A Glass by Altariel

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=273

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Faramir's answer to the challenge question: Eowyn, heroine or
deserter? Gapfiller set during RotK.





AUTHORS (remember to comment on the writer as regards to the category, not
the story, here):



Poetry

MPA1: Alawa

An Elegy for Elfhild



Poetry

MPA2: Dwimordene

Eowyn, my fair one; The Hamster



Poetry

MPA3: Fileg

Ascension, Home By Morning



Poetry

MPA4: flick

Darkness Falls



Poetry

MPA5: Malissa Koebel

Oh, Elessar



Poetry

MPA6: RennWench and Alstaria

I Ride



MA1: Alawa

Hearth Companions



MA2: Alexcat

The Unsung



MA3: Altariel

A Pale Light Lingering, Adrift, Death by Water, Lady of Silences,
Possessions, Proof, The Burial of the Dead, The King is Dead, A Kind of
Valediction, Black Captain, Fair Game, The Sickle of the Valar, Through A
Glass



MA4: Avon

I will always be your brother, Ties of Love, My Dark-haired Love



MA5: Beth Winter

Singer by the shore



MA6: Celandine Brandybuck

Courting the Lady, In His Brother's Shadow



MA7: Cori Lannam

The Believer



MA8: Destina_Fortunato

Worship



MA9: Dwimordene

Kinsmen



MA10: E.M Theis

The Endless Knot



MA11: Earmire/Nol

Light Lingering



MA12: Eledhwen

Thorongil



MA13: Firerose

Missing



MA14: Henneth Annun Writers (Altariel, Starlight, Acacea, Fileg, Chris,
Forodwaith)

Stargazers



MA15: Isabeau of Greenlea

Blackbow; Captain, My Captain



MA16: Jedishampoo

Gift Horses



MA17: jodancingtree

The Queen's Orc



MA18: Lindelea

Choices



MA19: Lyllyn

Bindings of Gold



MA20: M. N & E. M. Theis

Of One to Me



MA21: Marta

How Many Years?



MA22: Nancy Brooke

Homecoming, Leaves on the Wind, Requiem




MA23: Saralitazie

Reasons



MA24: Shadow975

Too Late for Misgivings



MA25: Tanaqui

Chance Meetings, Sufficient



MA26: The Lauderdale



MA27: Thevina Finduilas

A House Divided



This category ends on September 25th at 11:59pm Central US time



--Ainaechoiriel
MEFA Admin and Founder

"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves," Elrond said, "for
it is Windows-compatible, and freeware at that." --H.F.

<http://home.earthlink.net/~ainae/mefa> http://gabrielle.sytes.net/mefa The
Middle-Earth Fanfiction Awards
Blog: <http://www.ainaechoiriel.blogspot.com/>
http://www.ainaechoiriel.blogspot.com





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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