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Msg# 2060

Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by Ainaechoiriel September 21, 2004 - 0:07:23 Topic ID# 2060
Hobbits

Official Voting Ballot



To Vote, hit Reply. Delete the stories/authors you are not commenting on.
For the stories/authors you want to comment on, make sure to keep the top 2
lines of the header information (ex. subcategory, code: Title by Author) and
then comment beneath them.



Drabble

HobD1: A New Season by Alexcat

URL: http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/Stories/A/Alex/LOTR/I_P/N/NewSeason.htm

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Sam begins again.



Drabble

HobD2: Can't Take His Medicine by Marta

URL: http://www.gardenofithilien.net/medicine.html

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Merry is healed orc-fashion as he crosses Rohan.



Drabble

HobD3: Mother Gamgee by Marigold

URL: http://marigoldsredbook.crickhollow.net/fic_mothergamgee.html

Rating: G Discussion of death

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A set of four drabbles from Frodo's pov in which Bell Gamgee
touches his life.



Drabble

HobD4: Resting Places by Marigold

URL: http://marigoldsredbook.crickhollow.net/fic_restingplaces.html

Rating: G Discussion of death

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A group of four themed drabbles, on the final resting places of
Frodo's parents, Merry's sisters, and Sam's mother, Bell.



Drabble

HobD5: Small Hands by Marta

URL: http://www.gardenofithilien.net/smallhands.html

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Boromir sees Bilbo volunteer to take the Ring at the Council of
Elrond.



Drabble

HobD6: Then and Now by Marigold

URL: http://marigoldsredbook.crickhollow.net/fic_thenandnow.html

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A group of themed drabbles, the first drabble in each set takes
place in Pippin's childhood, the second in the set is about a similar theme
to the first, but takes place during the Quest.



Drabble

HobD7: What Do we Get? by Alexcat

URL: http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/Stories/A/Alex/LOTR/Q_Z/W/WhatDoWeGet.htm

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Smeagol wants his present.



Poetry

HobP1: Autumn's Gift by White Gull

URL: http://www.lightindarkplaces.net/WhiteGull.html

Rating: R Sexual pairing

Romance Partners: Frodo/Rose

Summary: Could *you* share the same house with post-quest Frodo Baggins and
not feel this way?



Poetry

HobP2: Furry Little Thief by Pervinca

URL: http://www.geocities.com/pippinsplayground/furry_little_thief.txt

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A little poem about Bilbo's meeting with Smaug, written in the
attempted style of Sam's Troll poem.



Poetry

HobP3: Mad Baggins by Marta

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1809

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A hobbit drinking song about Bilbo's disappearance on his 111th
birthday.



Poetry

HobP4: Old Will Whitfoot by Tanaqui, co-written with Marta

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/challenge/chapter_view.cfm?NGID=169&STID=3258&S
POrdinal=1

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A hobbit drinking song about Will Whitfoot, mayor of the Shire.



Poetry

HobP5: Shire Songbook by Lindelea

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=399

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Songs collected by Peregrin Took, from the Shire and faraway lands.



Poetry

HobP6: The Lay of Peregrin Took by Llinos

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1637800/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Written for Baylor's story Fate and the King's High Falcon. It is
the song that Legolas makes for Pippin after his recovery in Ithilien and is
based on Baylor's story.



Poetry

HobP7: Too Young by Lindelea

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=1468

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Merry's thoughts shortly after arriving in Ithilien.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-1: A Crate of Lemons by ShireDweller

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1247016/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The morning after 'Garden Plot' is full of surprises, when a
special delivery from Gondor arrives at Bag End.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-2: A Small and Passing Thing by Lindelea

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=796

Rating: PG torture (nasty ruffians)

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Sequel to "The Rebel". The Healing of the Shire. Comprising
chapters taken from the latter pages of the Red Book.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-3: At the End of His Rope by Lindelea

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=309

Rating: PG nasty ruffians

Romance Partners: Pippin and Diamond

Summary: Peregrin I, Traveller and Thain, had many difficulties to surmount
in the early years of his Thainship.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-4: Beyond the Havens by jodancingtree

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter_view.cfm?STID=758&SPOrdinal=1

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: At the end of a long life, Sam follows Frodo into the West.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-5: Drunkard of Bag End by jodancingtree

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2383

Rating: PG-13 adult themes, alcohol abuse

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The malevolent voice still lingered in his mind, over a year after
the Ring went into the Fire, till Frodo felt he must be driven mad by it.
Could he buy a few hours of peace, with a bottle of brandy?



Post-WOTR

Hob4-6: Fair Folk At The Free Fair by Snowballjane

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1286101/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Fourth Age, Glorfindel, Elladan, Elrohir and Celeborn visit the
shire and find unexpected ease for their heartaches.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-7: Firestorm by Lindelea

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1322393/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: Pippin/Diamond

Summary: Peregrin Took did not automatically follow his father, Paladin, as
Thain. This is the story of how he proved himself to the rest of the Tooks,
earning the right to be called The Took, and Thain.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-8: Flames by Lindelea

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=156

Rating: PG-13 graphic violence or suggestion in some chapters

Romance Partners: m/f

Summary: From the occupation of the Shire by ruffians, to the instating of
Peregrin I as Thain, events as seen through the eyes of the Tooks.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-9: Garden Plot by ShireDweller

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/784544/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Frodo finds solace while doing some light gardening with Sam at Bag
End.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-10: Linden and Laurel by Ariel & Aralithiel

URL: http://www.bagendwest.net/LL.html

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Sam knew his master had to leave the Shire, knew he could never
have found healing in middle earth, but did Frodo ever become whole in the
West? A tender and mystical tale of how Sam learned, in the end, that he
had.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-11: Reckoning by Aratlithiel

URL: http://www.lightindarkplaces.net/Reckoning.html

Rating: PG So much angst!!!!

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Sam helps Merry and Pippin to understand why Frodo had to cross
over the Sea.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-12: Runaway by Lindelea and Jodancingtree

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=678

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Pippin panics when his young son Faramir goes missing.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-13: Shining Through by Dana

URL: http://dana.rosiesamfrodo.com/writing/fan/st.htm

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: When the darkness returns to haunt Merry, Pippin knows he just
needs light.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-14: What Dreams May Come by katakanadian

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1533920/1/

Rating: PG-13 attempted rape

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Fills in some gaps of Rose, Sam, and Frodo's lives after the
Scouring of the Shire. No slash, no profanity. Some violence.



Pre-WotR

HobPW1: A Mother's Day by Pearl Took

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1309496/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Merry, Pippin, and Pervinca are full of mischief and behaving a bit
oddly-- driving poor Eglantine to the brink of madness.



Pre-WotR

HobPW2: Gandalf and the Seahobbit by Pippinfan1988

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1382

Rating: G a little violence

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Gandalf recollects his days with Pippin and some of the "lesser"
Tooks.



Pre-WotR

HobPW3: Irrepressible Pippin by Pippinfan1988

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1348

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: It's the first warm days of spring, Pippin turns thirteen, and his
tutor is getting on his last nerve..



Pre-WotR

HobPW4: Legacy by Anglachel

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=342

Rating: R exploration of adult themes, graphic portrayal of sexual (slash)
scenes -- not point of story

Romance Partners: Frodo/OCs

Summary: Ten days in Buckland as Bilbo tries to convince his relatives that
Frodo belongs with him. Mature themes in all chapters, descriptions of
sexual activity and violence in later chapters. Significant speculation
about minor LOTR characters, and gap-filling on Shire culture, society,
politics and economics. Bilbo, Frodo, Rory, Gilda.



Pre-WotR

HobPW5: Messing About in Boats by Grey Wonderer

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1785

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Frodo and Merry would like for Sam to try boating on the
Brandywine, but Sam has serious doubts about this idea. Will Sam learn to
enjoying boating or does the 'sinking feeling' that Sam has about all of
this mean anything?



Pre-WOTR

HobPW6: On Merry Yule by Anglachel

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=712

Rating: R exploration of adult themes, graphic portrayal of sexual (slash)
scenes -- not point of story

Romance Partners: Frodo/OCs

Summary: Two weeks in Buckland as Bilbo and Frodo visit during Yule and
attend the Wintermark celebration. Mature themes in almost every chapter,
descriptions of sexual activity and violence in several chapters. Not a
cheerful feel-good holiday story in any way. Sequel to Legacy.



Pre-WotR

HobPW7: River Stones by Jeodo Brandybuck

URL: http://www.west-of-the-moon.net/servlet/ReadGenStory?storyID=45

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Frodo, Sam and Merry take Pippin on his first adventure camping in
the Shire and come across a few adventures that they didn't expect.



Pre-WotR

HobPW8: The Shaping of Samwise by Jodancingtree

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=2010

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: When the time came that Frodo must carry the Ring, Sam would not
let him go alone. But loyalty that deep has to begin somewhere..



The Lord of the Rings

HobL1: Because it's my Birthday by Pervinca

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1301

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Pippin celebrates his 29th birthday in Minas Tirith, introducing
Beregond and Bergil to the hobbit gift-giving tradition. But will Merry -
still recovering from his encounter with the Witch-King - remember his
favourite cousin's birthday?



The Lord of the Rings

HobL2: Bedside Chatter by Silvermoon Lady

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=931

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Standing watch over the wounded at Cormallen, Eomer loses a few
misconceptions and finds a new respect for the smallest warriors among them.



The Lord of the Rings

HobL3: Riding the Nightmare by Budgielover

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1222

Rating: PG scary, graphic

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: On the banks of the Anduin, the surviving members of the Fellowship
of the Ring followed their missing Ring-bearer to a terrible, tragic
ages-old secret.



The Lord of the Rings

HobL4: The Conspiracy of Hobbits by Dreamflower

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1707

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: How the famous conspiracy formed by Frodo's friends came about.



The Lord of the Rings

HobL5: Through Shadow by Citrine

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1897

Rating: PG bit of naughty humor

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Merry and Pippin reunited in Ithilien after the Black Gate. Short
story, mild humor, very light angst.



Hob1: A Partnership in Villainy by Llinos

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1141429/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A Yuletide Story of Merry and Pippin. When the hobbits tasted
chocolate in Baradur during Recaptured - it evoked a certain memory - this
is it.



Hob2: A Path With No Returning by Citrine

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1794

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Two badly wounded hobbits find each other after the Battle of
Fornost.



Hob3: Autumn's Requiem by Aratlithiel and Ariel

URL: http://www.lightindarkplaces.net/ARIndex.html

Rating: R Sexual content

Romance Partners: Frodo/Rose

Summary: A 'what if' Frodo/Rose romance which deals with the nature of
loyalty,love and friendship.



Hob4: Big Enough to be Thain by Llinos

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1211951/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: According to Tolkien's records, Paladin Took was a farmer when
Pippin was born, and did not become Thain until after Ferumbras III died,
and Pippin was 25. This shows a different possibility.



Hob5: Going, Going, Gone by Lindelea

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1333851/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: What might have happened had Frodo not sailed into the uttermost
West.



Hob6: Moonlight on Summer Leaves by Silvermoon Lady

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=850

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A little piece of history, long lost and now told anew, to whisper
to the hearts of the next generation..



Hob7: Of Dwarvish Ale and the Fairer Sex by Ariel

URL:
http://www.frodosharem.org/cgi-bin/stories/display.cgi?id=250&sort=date&cat=
10

Rating: PG-13 sexual innuendo

Romance Partners: m/f

Summary: A barrel of Dwarvish ale loosens the tongues of our hobbit heros.



Hob8: Recollections by Silvermoon Lady

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=431

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: "I didn't know my grandfather long but he so vividly marked my
young memory that I felt I'd known him for ages."



Hob9: Ring around the Merry by Aelfgifu

URL: http://www.geocities.com/aelfgifuemma/RATM.html

Rating: R Violence, adult situations, emotional tormant, very heavy angst,
some slash, 1 chapter with non-con.

Romance Partners: Merry/Pippin but I would not count it as "romance"

Summary: Merry holds the Ringbearer captive at Crickhollow "for the
salvation of the Shire." with baleful results for all. Merry will be
corrupted, Pippin will be conflicted, Frodo will start to break, Sam will
try to save him, and each of the hobbits will be challenged and changed in
unexpected ways.



Hob10: Sam's Garden by Shireling

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1648

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Love expressed through the creation and nurturing of a garden.



Hob11: Sam's Rose by jodancingtree

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=1179

Rating: PG adult themes

Romance Partners: Sam and Rose

Summary: The girl he left behind him -- and came home to. His thoughts go
back to her again and again, even in Mordor. But when they return, can he
make a life with her -- and Frodo?



Hob12: The Cooking Conspiracy by eretria cowritten with Murron

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/835881/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A comedy of errors in which Frodo tries to cook a birthday meal,
Pippin takes a liking to washing things, Merry gets caught wearing a dress,
Sam saves the day, and Lobelia Sackville-Baggins takes the blame.



Hob13: The Farmer's Wife by Nessime

URL: http://www.mikekellner.com/Library/Story_Read_Head.php?STid=25

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: Farmer Maggot & Mrs. Maggot

Summary: A pair of vignettes, recalling one especially eventful day - and
evening.



Hob14: Unfair by Anglachel

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/challenge/chapter.cfm?STID=1556&NGID=44

Rating: G

Romance Partners: Lobelia/Otho

Summary: What is the story behind Lobelia and Otho Sackville-Baggins's
marriage?



Hob15: Weight of Stone by Chris

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=243&cid=907

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A quick look at a harmless superstition.





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



Drabble

HobDA1: Alexcat

A New Season, What Do We Get?



Drabble

HobDA2: Marigold

Mother Gamgee, Resting Places, Then and Now



Drabble

HobDA3: Marta

Can't Take His Medicine, Small Hands



Poetry

HobPA1: Lindelea

Shire Songbook, Too Young



Poetry

HobPA2: Llinos

The Lay of Peregrin Took



Poetry

HobPA3: Marta

Mad Baggins



Poetry

HobPA4: Pervinca

Furry Little Thief



Poetry

HobPA5: Tanaqui, co-written with Marta

Old Will Whitfoot



Poetry

HobPA6: White Gull

Autumn's Gift



HobA1: Aelfgifu

Ring around the Merry



HobA2: Anglachel

Legacy, On Merry Yule, Unfair



HobA3: Aratlithiel

Reckoning



HobA4: Ariel

Of Dwarvish Ale and the Fairer Sex



HobA5: Ariel & Aralithiel

Autumn's Requiem, Linden and Laurel



HobA6: Budgielover

Riding the Nightmare



HobA7: Chris

Weight of Stone



HobA8: Citrine

Through Shadow, A Path With No Returning



HobA9: Dana

Shining Through



HobA10: Dreamflower

The Conspiracy of Hobbits



HobA11: eretria cowritten with Murron

The Cooking Conspiracy



HobA12: Grey Wonderer

Messing About in Boats



HobA13: Jeodo Brandybuck

River Stones



HobA14: Jodancingtree

Beyond the Havens, Drunkard of Bag End, The Shaping of Samwise, Sam's Rose



HobA15: katakanadian

What Dreams May Come



HobA16: Lindelea

A Small and Passing Thing; At the End of His Rope; Firestorm; Flames; Going,
Going, Gone



HobA17: Lindelea and Jodancingtree

Runaway



HobA18: Llinos

A Partnership in Villainy, Big Enough to be Thain



HobA19: Nessime

The Farmer's Wife



HobA20: Pearl Took

A Mother's Day



HobA21: Pervinca

Because it's my Birthday



HobA22: Pippinfan1988

Gandalf and the Seahobbit, Irrepresible Pippin



HobA23: ShireDweller

A Crate of Lemons, Garden Plot



HobA24: Shireling

Sam's Garden



HobA25: Silvermoon Lady

Bedside Chatter, Moonlight on Summer Leaves, Recollections



HobA26: Snowballjane

Fair Folk At The Free Fair



This category ends on September 30th 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]

Msg# 2066

Re: Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by Marta September 21, 2004 - 9:37:09 Topic ID# 2060
> HobD1: A New Season by Alexcat

This was good. I especially liked the line " He had no tasks left to
perform here."; I think that captures the very essence of why Sam
stayed, because he had to "remain whole" for some time so the Red Book
could be recorded. My only suggestion is that the drabble seemed too
broad in its scope for the word limit. This might actually work better
as a *series* of drabbles - maybe three? One when he leaves the Shire,
one when he arrives at the Haven, and one when he reaches Valinor.

> HobP2: Furry Little Thief by Pervinca

Brilliant! I really liked it. My only suggestion is in the first and
last stanza, it might have worked better to have four syllables rather
than just two. But it's an interesting scene, and an interesting way
to investigate it.

> Hob4-5: Drunkard of Bag End by jodancingtree

I liked this one in particular because it was told from so many
different POVs. It was an interesting device. I can see Frodo
struggling with this, after all he went through, and it was nice that
you managed to neither condemn nor condone it.

> HobPW4: Legacy by Anglachel

This is a brilliant piece of writing. Too often longer works taper
out, and a read feel the author almost getting tired before s/he
reaches the end. Not so with Legacy! The plot is strong throughout,
the characterizations consistent, and the conflict real, with a most
unexpected solution. Brava!

I especially liked Anglachel's use of original characters and minor
characters. Rory and Esmerelda, especially, were most enjoyable. Here
are names I've read but haven't really given much thought to, yet they
seemed perfectly hobbity. This Shire is not an easy world to read
about, it's not a comfortable world, but it feels very real. There are
good hobbits and there are bad hobbits, and then of course there are
ordinary ones in between.

I found Bilbo's character particularly convincing, especially if you
think of him more like the character in _The Hobbit_ than in the brief
glimpses we see of him in _The Fellowship of the Ring_ and _The Return
of the King_. Here is a hobbit who has let the Took side of him win
and is now really paying the consequences of it. I hadn't thought much
about how the Shire would have viewed sexual deviancy before I read
this piece, but given the statement in the Prologue that Frodo and
Bilbo were very unusual to live alone as bachelors, I can see
Anglachel's version of the Shire as believable (not necessarily the
*only* acceptable version of sexual mores, but certainly believable).

And I must say, I couldn't stop laughing at Bilbo's comparing Esmie to
an Attercop! Too true, and she was just as perilous. If only Sting
could slice through her webs as easily as it did the Mirkwood spiders'.

Marta

Msg# 2077

Re: Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by Larian Elensar September 21, 2004 - 23:17:36 Topic ID# 2060
Hobbits

Official Voting Ballot




Drabble

HobD1: A New Season by Alexcat

Yes. A new season. Now Sam can be at rest. And he can be whole and find
himself...or a new himself.



Drabble

HobD7: What Do we Get? by Alexcat

I am always amazed when so few words can convey such strong meaning and emotion
and images. You captured Smeagol and Deagol perfectly.


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

Msg# 2100

Re: Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by aelfwina September 23, 2004 - 5:35:09 Topic ID# 2060
----- Original Message -----
From: Ainaechoiriel
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2004 12:06 AM
Subject: [MEFAwards] Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot






Hobbits

Official Voting Ballot



To Vote, hit Reply. Delete the stories/authors you are not commenting on.
For the stories/authors you want to comment on, make sure to keep the top 2
lines of the header information (ex. subcategory, code: Title by Author) and
then comment beneath them.



Drabble

HobD3: Mother Gamgee by Marigold

A very nice tribute to a much neglected minor canon character, I enjoyed contemplating the idea that Sam's mother must have had such an influence on Frodo.



Drabble

HobD4: Resting Places by Marigold

Sweet and melancholy,considering the different ways of mourning.


Poetry

HobP6: The Lay of Peregrin Took by Llinos

Very nice telling of the story of Pippin's life, weaving all the events together from the universe of Baylor, and capturing the essence of them. I especially liked the imagery of Pippin as a bird, the theme repeated throughout.


Post-WOTR

Hob4-2: A Small and Passing Thing by Lindelea

This is one of my favorite stories by this author. She has one of the best takes on Frodo's leaving I have seen, and her depiction of his suffering from congestive heart failure is very accurate. In addition, she came up with a very believable Fredegar Bolger as the secondary character in the story. I really liked her unique use of Saruman as "Sharkey", and the effect he had had on those hobbits he tormented. The way in which his evil machinations are overcome is clever.


Post-WOTR

Hob4-11: Reckoning by Aratlithiel

A masterful story, the angst felt by Merry especially, is palpable. I loved the imagery of the clock, and of how time was perceived. But the best part was Sam's explanation of what had truly happened at Sammath Naur. This use of a theme found in JRRT's Letters was beautiful.




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



Drabble

HobDA1: Alexcat

A New Season, What Do We Get?



Drabble

HobDA2: Marigold

Mother Gamgee, Resting Places, Then and Now



Drabble

HobDA3: Marta

Can't Take His Medicine, Small Hands



Poetry

HobPA1: Lindelea

Shire Songbook, Too Young



Poetry

HobPA2: Llinos

The Lay of Peregrin Took



Poetry

HobPA3: Marta

Mad Baggins



Poetry

HobPA4: Pervinca

Furry Little Thief



Poetry

HobPA5: Tanaqui, co-written with Marta

Old Will Whitfoot



Poetry

HobPA6: White Gull

Autumn's Gift



HobA1: Aelfgifu

Ring around the Merry



HobA2: Anglachel

Legacy, On Merry Yule, Unfair



HobA3: Aratlithiel

Reckoning



HobA4: Ariel

Of Dwarvish Ale and the Fairer Sex



HobA5: Ariel & Aralithiel

Autumn's Requiem, Linden and Laurel



HobA6: Budgielover

Riding the Nightmare



HobA7: Chris

Weight of Stone



HobA8: Citrine

Through Shadow, A Path With No Returning



HobA9: Dana

Shining Through



HobA10: Dreamflower

The Conspiracy of Hobbits



HobA11: eretria cowritten with Murron

The Cooking Conspiracy



HobA12: Grey Wonderer

Messing About in Boats



HobA13: Jeodo Brandybuck

River Stones



HobA14: Jodancingtree

Beyond the Havens, Drunkard of Bag End, The Shaping of Samwise, Sam's Rose



HobA15: katakanadian

What Dreams May Come



HobA16: Lindelea

A Small and Passing Thing; At the End of His Rope; Firestorm; Flames; Going,
Going, Gone



HobA17: Lindelea and Jodancingtree

Runaway



HobA18: Llinos

A Partnership in Villainy, Big Enough to be Thain



HobA19: Nessime

The Farmer's Wife



HobA20: Pearl Took

A Mother's Day



HobA21: Pervinca

Because it's my Birthday



HobA22: Pippinfan1988

Gandalf and the Seahobbit, Irrepresible Pippin



HobA23: ShireDweller

A Crate of Lemons, Garden Plot



HobA24: Shireling

Sam's Garden



HobA25: Silvermoon Lady

Bedside Chatter, Moonlight on Summer Leaves, Recollections



HobA26: Snowballjane

Fair Folk At The Free Fair



This category ends on September 30th 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





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Msg# 2103

Re: Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by Larian Elensar September 23, 2004 - 12:59:27 Topic ID# 2060
Hobbits

Official Voting Ballot


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



Drabble

HobDA1: Alexcat
I've always liked Alexcat's concise way of writing. She still manages to
convey a lot of emotion and action in those few words though.





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

Msg# 2105

Re: Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by arielphf September 23, 2004 - 16:48:22 Topic ID# 2060
Hobbits

Official Voting Ballot




Poetry

HobP1: Autumn's Gift by White Gull

URL: http://www.lightindarkplaces.net/WhiteGull.html

Rating: R Sexual pairing

Romance Partners: Frodo/Rose

Summary: Could *you* share the same house with post-quest Frodo
Baggins and
not feel this way?

*I love the way White Gull handles her poetry – so powerful in a very
hobbity sing-song way. This one is, I think, her best and conveys a
feeling of loss and love that can't help but catch you right in the
throat.




HobP6: The Lay of Peregrin Took by Llinos

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1637800/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Written for Baylor's story Fate and the King's High Falcon.
It is
the song that Legolas makes for Pippin after his recovery in Ithilien
and is
based on Baylor's story.

*I like this song very much. It reads like something Tolkien himself
would have written and fits perfectly into this tale. I know Llinos
was very proud of this piece and she has every right to be.


Hob4-1: A Crate of Lemons by ShireDweller

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1247016/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The morning after 'Garden Plot' is full of surprises, when a
special delivery from Gondor arrives at Bag End.

*This was a very cute observance and the characters were very much
their charming selves. A delightful little side trip into
possibility.


Hob4-5: Drunkard of Bag End by jodancingtree

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2383

Rating: PG-13 adult themes, alcohol abuse

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The malevolent voice still lingered in his mind, over a year
after
the Ring went into the Fire, till Frodo felt he must be driven mad by
it.
Could he buy a few hours of peace, with a bottle of brandy?

*A very good idea in a nicely written tale.


Hob4-7: Firestorm by Lindelea

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1322393/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: Pippin/Diamond

Summary: Peregrin Took did not automatically follow his father,
Paladin, as
Thain. This is the story of how he proved himself to the rest of the
Tooks,
earning the right to be called The Took, and Thain.

*I nice little adventure/action story that is right up my
professional alley (subjectwise). The author presents a fairly
believable premise and executes it with spare, entertaining style.
Another rip-roaring story and an easy read.


Post-WOTR

Hob4-11: Reckoning by Aratlithiel

URL: http://www.lightindarkplaces.net/Reckoning.html

Rating: PG So much angst!!!!

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Sam helps Merry and Pippin to understand why Frodo had to
cross
over the Sea.

*A breathtaking and BRILLIANT take on those Frodo loved but had to
leave behind. This story captures a point I have always held with a
clarity that few other fics have ever been able to achieve. The
characters are perfectly in character, the motivations are well
defended, the story is haunting, true and an incredible tear jerker.
In fact, this one makes me cry every single time with the sheer truth
of it. I cannot recommend any fic of this author's more highly,
though every single one is a classic and stunningly true
representation of the characters. Very definitely well worth the
read.


Post-WOTR

Hob4-14: What Dreams May Come by katakanadian

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1533920/1/

Rating: PG-13 attempted rape

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Fills in some gaps of Rose, Sam, and Frodo's lives after the
Scouring of the Shire. No slash, no profanity. Some violence.

*I have always enjoyed this fic. Some of the images are brilliant
and have stayed with me (and probably will stay with me forever).
Kata makes a wonderful case for Rosie – and her dynamics are
believable. I love these post quest stories and this is one of the
very best.

The Lord of the Rings

HobL2: Bedside Chatter by Silvermoon Lady

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=931

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Standing watch over the wounded at Cormallen, Eomer loses a
few
misconceptions and finds a new respect for the smallest warriors
among them.

*A lovely little study in the trials and tribulations of war, and how
perceptions can change in the face of great trials. I enjoyed this
piece a great deal.

The Lord of the Rings

HobL3: Riding the Nightmare by Budgielover

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1222

Rating: PG scary, graphic

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: On the banks of the Anduin, the surviving members of the
Fellowship
of the Ring followed their missing Ring-bearer to a terrible, tragic
ages-old secret.

*This was sort of an unusual take but an interesting idea about
Aragorn's hold on the dead. It's probably not my favorite Budgie
piece, but it is well done and executed and I must acknowledge it.




Hob6: Moonlight on Summer Leaves by Silvermoon Lady

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=850

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A little piece of history, long lost and now told anew, to
whisper
to the hearts of the next generation..

*I don't know if I can judge this because I beta'ed it, but it surely
is the most tender and mature take on Pippin that I have read. I
love the tenderness between father and son and the lyrical magic that
Silvermoonlady brings to the introduction of Legolas. Masterful
indeed.



Hob8: Recollections by Silvermoon Lady

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=431

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: "I didn't know my grandfather long but he so vividly marked
my
young memory that I felt I'd known him for ages."

*I ADORE this piece. It is possibly my favorite of Silvermoonlady's
works. Her grasp of human (or hobbit) relations is incredible and
she draws you in believably to this completely captivating and
heartbreaking tale. I cannot recommend her work more highly.



Hob9: Ring around the Merry by Aelfgifu

URL: http://www.geocities.com/aelfgifuemma/RATM.html

Rating: R Violence, adult situations, emotional tormant, very heavy
angst,
some slash, 1 chapter with non-con.

Romance Partners: Merry/Pippin but I would not count it as "romance"

Summary: Merry holds the Ringbearer captive at Crickhollow "for the
salvation of the Shire." with baleful results for all. Merry will be
corrupted, Pippin will be conflicted, Frodo will start to break, Sam
will
try to save him, and each of the hobbits will be challenged and
changed in
unexpected ways.

*Again, I am not sure if I should judge this one because I beta it,
but Aelfgifu has one of the most compelling styles in fandom! Typos
aside, you devour her works like candy because they are just SO
readable! If I were to pick one author of my acquaintance who I
think could go on to write professionally and do WELL, it would be
Aelfgifu. She's just such an incredibly entertaining read.

Msg# 2117

Re: Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by Thundera Tiger September 24, 2004 - 13:30:59 Topic ID# 2060
Hey, look at me! I didn't expect to have this finished until Saturday
morning. Ah, see what the glories of procrastination can do. But then, I
suppose that I'll have to actually do something with myself now that I've
got this ballot off... Oh well. As a warning, this is long. It might even be
longer the ballots I had for elves or men. Sorry about that! Anyway, story
votes are first, and author votes follow at the bottom!

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

Hobbits
Official Voting Ballot

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

STORIES

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

>>Drabble
>>HobD4: Resting Places by Marigold

Surprisingly upbeat little drabbles, especially considering what the theme
is. And yet the very fact that they feel optimistic is so innate to the
hobbit character that I canıt imagine it being any other way. I think I like
the drabble about Frodo best, particular his closing line which suggests a
very introspective and insightful mind.


>>Drabble
>>HobD7: What Do we Get? by Alexcat

Blissful innocence meets grim foreboding. I love the title and all that it
carries with it. Very good drabble and wonderful foreboding into what should
have been a happy day.


>>Poetry
>>HobP4: Old Will Whitfoot by Tanaqui, co-written with Marta

I can see hobbits sitting around singing this while drinking. Itıs fast,
upbeat, and has a veryıhobbity feel. Iım not sure how else to describe it.
It strikes me as the sort of thing that hobbits would sing about, and for
some reason, the ending made me smile. Now I just need the right tune to put
it to.


>>Poetry
>>HobP5: Shire Songbook by Lindelea

Sheer brilliance. From the very beginning with the notes of the one who
found the manuscripts to each individual song and accompanying music, this
is a work of art. Some of the songs are short and simple while others are
more thoughtful and complex. I could see the differences voices in the songs
and without looking, I could make a fairly good guess at each songıs author.
Lindelea knows the characters. Their various experiences feed into the
songs. One of my favorites was ıLamp in the Window,ı which is quite clearly
written by Sam. You can feel it pulling from experiences in Mordor, and I
wonder if he wrote it keeping in mind that Merry had been touched by the
Witch-kingıs shadow. It seems to be almost as much about comfort as about
coming home to a loved one. The traditional songs of the Tooks and
Brandybucks were filled with the different aspects of those families. And
then the songs brought back from other lands were stunning. A contrast was
readily apparent between them and the songs made by the hobbits. Wonderful
writing that demonstrates a very solid understanding of both the song styles
and the characters who are creating the songs.


>>Poetry
>>HobP6: The Lay of Peregrin Took by Llinos

Very fitting poem for the story itıs named after. I love how the events of
Pippinıs life as seen by the story and by the poem are traced and always
described using words that can also relate to birds and flight. Such as the
Uruk-hai being described as vultures or Pippin taking Merry beneath his
sheltering wing after the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. The different birds
used to describe various members of the Fellowship fit each character, and
in the end, the little falcon is grown and weıve been privy to the journey.
Very satisfying and very complete poem.


>>Poetry
>>HobP7: Too Young by Lindelea

Free verse can be wonderfully disorienting, and itıs used here to give us a
quick but very deep look at Merryıs mind. Heıs confused and hurting and
fearful, and you can feel it all the way through the poem although he never
really comes out and says it himself. The repetition of the line ıyouıre too
youngı is done extremely well, and I like how Merry includes not only
himself but also Elrond. The poem is short and soon over, but before it ends
it tracks the entire course of Pippinıs journey up to the aftermath of the
Ring War in Ithilien. I love the contrast that Merry includes, specifically
Pippinıs quick thinking that saved them both from the Orcs in Rohan set
against his foolish actions in dropping stones in Moria. Great poem!


>>Post-WOTR
>>Hob4-1: A Crate of Lemons by ShireDweller

I love the idea behind this story! To be honest, Iım a tad curious myself as
to how Aragorn managed to ship lemons to the Shire (Perhaps Gandalf and
Shadowfax could start up a delivery company?) but however he did it, it made
for a beautiful little tale. The hobbits are clearly hobbits, and I love how
this tale is told in the aftermath of the ıGarden Plotı story. Wonderful
sequel, and I was grinning with delight as Frodo managed to one-up BOTH Sam
and Rosie in the kitchen. Fabulous little story.


>>Post-WOTR
>>Hob4-2: A Small and Passing Thing by Lindelea

Great lengthy tale of just what it took to get the Shire back on its feet.
Tolkien hints that it was a somewhat massive undertaking, and Lindelea has
taken him at his word with a very thorough, very enjoyable story. Itıs
interesting to see the differences between the various hobbits, especially
between the four who left the Shire and those who remained. I love the
insight that Merry got from Elrond about how hobbits are meant to live in
innocence, and I love also how their experiences from their travels play
into even the smallest things, such as Samıs efficiency and knowledge when
it comes to packing for long journeys. But I think my favorite character of
all was Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, who had first few chapters all to herself
and continued to remain a presence for a good while after that. What a
spitfire! I loved her attitude, I loved how she used it to help the other
prisoners, and I love how even when she was rescued she still had her pride.
I also thoroughly enjoyed poor Freddy, who never seemed to fully recover
from what happened though he made a good show of it. And I loved how this
endeared him to Frodo and seemed to provide a refuge of sorts. Brilliant
story and very thorough telling of what the Shire went through to get back
on its feet.


>>Post-WOTR
>>Hob4-5: Drunkard of Bag End by jodancingtree

A very intriguing tale, particularly the last chapter. I found it
fascinating to listen to the voice of Bag End itself. But the other parts of
the story were equally good. I think I enjoyed Samıs voice most because it
was so very Sam. Frodoıs voice was clearly Frodoıs with a note of
introspection and a hint of being touched by things that should never touch
a hobbit. Rosie was very much Rosie, and her devotion to both Frodo and Sam
is clearly seen. But Samıeven for hobbits, Sam is singular and unique, and I
enjoyed hearing the tale from his perspective as he comes to grips with what
has happened. Brilliant story.


>>Post-WOTR
>>Hob4-7: Firestorm by Lindelea

I very much enjoyed thisıI wouldnıt call it a coming of age, but Pippin
certainly shows the other Tooks why he is more than ready to be a Thain, and
what I love best is that Pippin is such an unconscious leader. It comes very
naturally to him, especially in a crisis. We saw inklings of this in LotR
when he was captured by the Uruk-hai, and it comes out here as they struggle
to deal with the fires. Everardıs change of heart in the end was very
well-timed. I liked him, despite his occasional hostility, and the fact that
he would admit (publicly, no less) to making a mistake only reinforces my
liking. Great ensemble cast of characters and hats off to Lindelea for
realizing that even the Tooks might think twice about being led by someone
who went off to ıforeign parts.ı


>>Post-WOTR
>>Hob4-8: Flames by Lindelea

If nothing else, this story has given me a wonderful appreciation for the
Tooks. It fits very well with Lindeleaıs other stories from the same time
period and together they form one of the best and most complete pictures of
the Shire during and after the time of the ıruffians.ı But as for the
Tooksıwhat a family. I love how theyıre among the first to react to men
crossing the borders, I low how they buckle down and accept the necessity of
what they need to do, and I love how they recover from it. Itıs clear to me
why the Thain holds such a high position in the Shire and why heıs been a
respected figure throughout the history of Eriador. The Tooks have earned
that respect. Theyıre still hobbits and they still speak lightly when more
meaningful words might serve better, but thereıs also that spark of fire and
determination in them that has led them to become the adventurous family in
the Shire, and Lindelea shows that very well in this story.


>>Post-WOTR
>>Hob4-9: Garden Plot by ShireDweller

As is customary with hobbits in general, there is far more going on behind
the scenes of this story than what is readily apparent. The hobbit ıvoiceı
is perfect, with Rosie and Sam taking on a more rural flavor and Frodo
holding to a more sophisticated speech. Yet all three are definitely
hobbits, and it shows in not only their choice of words and phrases but also
the thoughts behind their words. And it seems that Sam and Rosie have picked
up a few things from Merry and Pippin. Either that or theyıre such a matched
set that they could give even Merry and Pippin lessons. Iım actually
inclined to believe the latter after reading this story. Theyıre certainly a
pair of bookends. Characterization is great on all fronts, especially when
it comes to Rosie, who has a measure of Samıs stubbornness but also seems to
have a better sense of when that stubbornness should back off. In other
words, a very healthy sense of self that mixes wonderfully with her other
traits. The setting for this little tale is perfect as it is indeed Sam who
has more or less taken over, and I canıt think of a more suitable place for
such a story than on his own home turf. Well, technically Frodoıs turf, but
even so, itıs clear that the garden belongs to Sam. Very ıhobbityı tale and
very appropriate for the characters and this particular moment in time.
Looks like Frodo is going to get his turnips whether he likes it or not.


>>Post-WOTR
>>Hob4-10: Linden and Laurel by Ariel & Aralithiel

ıBut do not expect me to wish you health and long life. You shall have
neither.ı I donıt think Iıve heard that phrase used so well in a fic. I love
how itıs repeated now and again at just the right moments. At first, itıs a
tingling warning in the back of Samıs mind. Then it becomes a dark portent
of the future. Then it seems to be a death knell. But though Saruman was
denied the West, Frodo wasnıt, and that seems to have made the difference. I
love the idea of the tree and the fact that the tree is where Frodo came to
Sam. Beautiful metaphors and analogies throughout. A very heartwarming tale.



>>Post-WOTR
>>Hob4-11: Reckoning by Aratlithiel

Wow. Fascinating and unbelievable story. Iım not even sure where to begin. I
suppose I could start with the clock. The clock ticked its way throughout
the story and kept harmony and rhythm with the storyıs changing moods.
Initially it was hope and comfort. Familiarity with old belongings. Then it
changed to something uneasy. Some future foreboding. It changed again to
fear and trepidation, then to anger and resentment, then to wishful
thinking, and finally, in the end, to resolution and endings. As for the
story itself, itıs a wonderful interpretation of the events on Mount Doom
according to Tolkienıs letters. And I love that itıs Sam who figures things
out. I love even more his matter-of-fact way of looking at things. His
comment that you canıt both love someone and wish that things had turned out
differently. Because that would change the person you loved. Itıs a
fascinating line of reasoning that Iım going to need to think about a little
more. Great tale, and great use of the ticking clock.


>>Pre-WotR
>>HobPW8: The Shaping of Samwise by Jodancingtree

Great story about Sam pre-Quest, and I loved how it was tied so closely with
events in the first part of FotR. Samıs an ingenious hobbit if given the
chance, and I love his irrigation pipes. Characterization is very solid
throughout. Bilbo and Frodo are very much themselves, and I love how
something so simple and yet so needed as Frodoıs trust in Sam provided the
impetus for an amazing loyalty that held throughout LotR. Itıs the little
things that a gardener notices, and that comes through clearly in this
story.


>>The Lord of the Rings
>>HobL2: Bedside Chatter by Silvermoon Lady

Beautiful story that shows a surprising amount of depth and insight from
Pippin. Iıve always admired Pippin and itıs my opinion that he doesnıt get
nearly as much credit as he deserves, but that gripe is put to rest here.
His conversation with Eomer is both subdued and optimistic, reassuring and
sobering. Pippin presents an interesting combination of traits, and that
final line of the story really got to me. Itıs something I can easily
imagine Pippin saying at the end of LotR. Perhaps not at the beginning, but
he changed quite a bit during the course of his journeys and this was a
wonderful tribute to that fact. And on another note, I love the storyıs
language. There seems to be this rolling rhythm to the narrative that is
very much reminiscent of the Rohirrim. And as this is told from Eomerıs
perspective, thatıs very appropriate. Wonderfully eloquent and never
overdone, a great bedside moment between Eomer and Pippin.


>>The Lord of the Rings
>>HobL4: The Conspiracy of Hobbits by Dreamflower

Brisk, wonderfully told tale. The pace is fast and the months fly by, which
suited the story quite well. Itıs a story about preparations and last-minute
planning in an effort to avoid being left behind on all accounts. I love how
it began before any of the hobbits knew what a danger the Ring was, and yet
Merry was still suspicious of Frodo. He demonstrates a rather insightful
mind. I loved, too, the characterization of Fatty and poor Folco. Brilliant!
And the comparison between them and Merry and Pippin was great, with the
exception that neither Merry nor Pippin could be viewed as a half-wit. That
Pippin enlists Fattyıs aid to keep him in on the conspiracy just as Merry
enlisted Sam is a great plot point, and when Pippin finally confesses how
much he knows to Merry (almost when itıs too late), the confrontation is
marvelous. Also great is the very wry sense of humor that can be seen
throughout the story. It shows up primarily in errant thoughts and asides,
but it does wonders for the mood. Great gap-filler that details beautifully
just how everybody came to be in on the conspiracy and does an amazing job
of characterization in the process.


>>The Lord of the Rings
>>HobL5: Through Shadow by Citrine

Very touching, very sweet, and blessed with a mercifully light sense of
humor. I suspect Citrine is right; Tolkien probably is rolling in his grave
over Pippinıs comments. But my apologies go out to the good professor
because I found it downright hilarious. And very much in keeping with
Pippinıs cheek. Wonderful story.


>>Hob2: A Path With No Returning by Citrine

Powerful story that echoes another familiar story out of the LotR universe.
Dare I say Frodo and Sam? But their story had a happier ending. This was
beautiful in its sadness. I remember reading about this in the appendix and
in some of Tolkienıs other writings, and I remember reading that none of the
hobbits who left ever returned. So I knew what was coming, feared what was
coming, prepared for what was coming, and still grieved when it happened.
Beautiful tale of love and loyalty in the muddy, rainy aftermath of battle.


>>Hob6: Moonlight on Summer Leaves by Silvermoon Lady

I was stunned by this story. Literally stunned. The message, the imagery,
the words, the tales, the underpinningsıall beautiful and all stunning. I
love how the character are brought into the story gradually, one at a time.
First Paladin, then Faramir, then Pippin, then Diamond gets a cameo, and
finally, Legolas. The story unfolds with slow relish, nursing the tale
behind the tale until it is fully ready, and then shares it with its readers
while we sit in awe and wonder how we didnıt see it coming. The care and
concern that Pippin shows, now tasked with the burden of looking after a
father and a son, is wonderful and I love the maturity and depth he shows.
And I also love his desperation and his unwillingness to let go, which is
very reminiscent of a few events in LotR. The bargain he makes with his
father (a tale for every year if Pippin can produce an elf) made me smile. I
saw Legolas coming before he got there, but his entrance into the story was
still a pleasure. The conversation between elf and dying hobbit said as much
about Paladin as it did about Legolas, and though brief, it managed to
portray the meeting of two very different worlds. The last lines that Pippin
speaks about the silent bow and thrumming harp were an amazing capstone for
the story, and I am deeply indebted to this author for such a remarkable
tale. Thank you!


>>Hob7: Of Dwarvish Ale and the Fairer Sex by Ariel

Absolutely hilarious. The gradual loosening of tongues as they go through
the ale is slow but steady, and then the secrets start coming forth.
Brilliantly told! I love how the beginning involved a rather inebriated
Aragorn and Faramir, and I love the presence of a sleeping Gandalf for the
latter half. The idea that hobbits can drink the Big Folk under the table is
a great one, and I lift my glass to all the Big Folk who try to prove
otherwise. And hereıs to Pippin, who beat the unbeatable Baggins but may not
remember doing it in the morning. Great story!


>>Hob8: Recollections by Silvermoon Lady

Like Silvermoon Ladyıs other stories, this one takes its time in unfolding,
which I enjoy immensely. It never feels rushed, and itıs never too slow.
Itıs like baking bread and watching it rise. You know how good the end will
be but youıre also content to enjoy the middle moments for all theyıre
worth. Back to the story itself, I suspected the identity of the book on the
shelf and was pleased to discover I was right. I also suspected who the
grandfather might be, but when he revealed himself as the hobbit in the
story, I was still pleasantly surprised. The timing and pace of this story
is gorgeous. I loved watching little Eowyn (more on her name in a moment)
unlock the pieces of history, and somehow it made it all new again for me. I
also love Merryıs side commentary about her being too old to take ınoı for
an answer. I imagine this as being a hobbit saying, and there are a few
others littered about that ground the story in its setting but not too many
that it canıt take flight on other adventures. I thought it a lovely
commentary on history that Eowyn was born in a family of boys and taught how
to wield a sword. I enjoyed that repetition of events very much. And the
closing lines with Merry and Pippin off again on an adventure, young and
carefree once more, hit me hard. I love that Merry leaves Eowyn with the
charge to remember. Beautiful story and a wonderful sendoff to Merry and
Pippin as they set off for one last journey.


>>Hob10: Sam's Garden by Shireling

An exceptional tribute to one of the best friendships within LotR. I love
how the title and the first part were misleading in that the evidence didnıt
automatically point to Frodo as the creator of this garden. And thatıs very
appropriate, because this is as much a wonderful surprise for Sam as it is
for readers. They were both Ring-bearers, they were both leaders, and now
they are both gardeners. The circle is complete, the last bond between them
is connected, and the result is endlessly satisfying. Beautiful tale.


>>Hob12: The Cooking Conspiracy by eretria cowritten with Murron

This was a hilarious romp of a tale, and I enjoyed every minute of it. It
was very much a comedy of errors, with people turning up in the most
unlikely places at the most unlikely times, just in time to put Murphyıs law
to good use. Sam does indeed save the day as it is his fast thinking that
prevents events from going even further astray than they already have.
Pippinıs newfound love of washing things is hilarious, and Merryıs enjoyment
of Pippinıs punishment was beautifully in character. I can easily see that
behavior on behalf of my favorite Brandybuck. Outstanding story.


>>Hob14: Unfair by Anglachel

Brilliant short story that drops subtle hints as to what the initial problem
is but never pulls it out in the open until Otho himself does. Iım quite
fascinated by this, actually. Itıs laid out well, putting clues in just the
right places, and it sheds an entirely different light on both Lobelia and
Otho. By the end of the story, I actually liked them. I can see their
familyıs upbringing in both and I wonder if this is what set them at odds
with Bilbo and Frodo, but in spite of it, I really enjoyed watching these
two characters and must sincerely thank Anglachel for opening my eyes to a
whole new world.


>>Hob15: Weight of Stone by Chris

Very few things say as much about a culture as the kind of superstitions
they hold. And I love stories that dip into things like that. This one, for
example, about skipping stones is something I would very much expect out of
the Brandybucks, who are the hobbits most likely to go messing around with
boats and other unnatural devices. And how long you can keep your rock above
water and out of danger is how much luck youıd have. Itıs a very Brandybuck
way of looking at life, and I love the way itıs brought out in this story.

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

AUTHORS

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

>>Poetry
>>HobPA1: Lindelea

Lindelea knows her characters and she knows how to get the most out of them
with various poetic devices. The song book is an amazing collection that
takes various aspects of the Shire puts them into songs (complete with
music) and never loses sight of who or what made that particular song.
Lindeleaıs characterization is flawless, and she is able to characterize
large groups, individuals, and life in general for people within the Shire
and also for people outside of it. I think the types of songs chosen to be
included from cultures outside the Shire is very telling. Theyıre generally
light-hearted, but there are notes of sadness and longing, which reflects
how Pippin and Merry have changed. The other poem that Lindelea has here is
a wonderful example of free verse. She uses its somewhat disorderly
structure to characterize Merry without ever forcing him to say a word on
his own behalf. Powerful command over poetic devices and the characters
portrayed within them.


>>HobA16: Lindelea

Lindelea has undertaken the challenge of filling in the parts that Tolkien
never got around to writing. And she does so admirably. Her pieces on what
happens before, during, and immediately after the Scouring of the Shire
could easily fit within the books. Theyıre detailed, encompass a wide
variety of characters, and they detail the growth and changes that the Shire
goes through. And it DOES change, no matter what the hobbits might try. At
the end, thereıs a feel that maybe things are back on track and that
innocence isnıt fully lost, but even so, there are still those who remember
and their memories can be felt. I love the way she handles how the hobbits
try to resume their lives and how those who went off to ıforeign partsı are
now a bit different from their kin. Great writing that encompasses almost
everything. Incredible mind and skill for picking up the details.


>>HobA23: ShireDweller

ShireDweller has a great feel for what goes on inside a hobbitıs head, and
this feel covers not only thoughts but also the words that express those
thoughts. I believe it was Merry who told Aragorn that hobbits speak lightly
even when times are dark, and ShireDweller understands this concept very
well. The stories that are here for nomination, particularly ıGarden Plot,ı
have an edge of angst in them, but this edge has been all but blunted
because of hobbit nature. Itıs still there and ShireDweller never forgets
the charactersı past experiences, but in the end, these are still hobbits.
Even Frodo, who has suffered most. ShireDweller demonstrates a wonderful
understanding of the hobbit mindset, and earns my profound awe for being
able to work this mindset into the narrative itself. It all flows together
so tightly and every piece is fitted beautifully with the next. And each
character, even though they all share that same unique hobbit perspective,
clearly has his or her own voice and his or her own outlook on things.
Amazing grasp of the characters, the events, and the challenges that still
face them even though theyıve left most of their travels behind.


>>HobA25: Silvermoon Lady

I was very much blown away by Silvermoonıs writing. I hadnıt read any of her
stories until now, and once again, I must express gratitude to these awards
for exposing me to this writing. Itıs beautiful. We all know there are
things going on in a hobbitıs head that are deeper and more profound than
what comes out when they start to speak. Silvermoon has the ability to pull
these thoughts into the open without ever compromising the fact that these
characters are still hobbits. She seizes upon the more reflective side of
their natures and plays it for all its worth. When characters besides
hobbits are brought in, Silvermoon demonstrates an amazing ability to
describe their thoughts and impressions in but a few words. Itıs mind
boggling. Iım still reeling! The stories themselves are quiet, thoughtful,
and paced so smoothly that as a reader I slid in and out of them without
ever truly recognizing that the story had come to an end. Itıs like learning
to ride a bike and never realizing that dad has let go of the seat behind
you. The story just releases you, and you keep peddling without knowing that
itıs not there anymore. And I think a lot of that has to do with the last
lines of these stories. Not a word is wasted anywhere, but especially in the
end, the language becomes a craft of pure genius. The closing words carry an
enormous impact that keeps you thinking and dreaming. Stunning work by a
very talented author!

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

Ta-da! *rubs hands together excitedly* Great fun. I now eagerly await the
next categories.

Thundera

_________________________________________________________________
On the road to retirement? Check out MSN Life Events for advice on how to
get there! http://lifeevents.msn.com/category.aspx?cid=Retirement

Msg# 2140

Re: Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by avonaus September 25, 2004 - 1:06:03 Topic ID# 2060
Hob13: The Farmer's Wife by Nessime

URL: http://www.mikekellner.com/Library/Story_Read_Head.php?STid=25

Nessime really captures both voice and character here of a much
neglected pair of Hobbits. To me it seems far more real than many
similar stories.

Hob15: Weight of Stone by Chris

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=243&cid=907

Poor Merry! I like the way this story has such a sting in the tail.


Avon

Msg# 2173

Re: Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by silvermoonlady1 September 26, 2004 - 20:50:43 Topic ID# 2060
--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "Ainaechoiriel" <mefaadmin@e...>
wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Hobbits
>
Official Voting Ballot


> Drabble
>
> HobD3: Mother Gamgee by Marigold
>
> URL: http://marigoldsredbook.crickhollow.net/fic_mothergamgee.html
>
This was both sweet and true to character and situation; much said
in few words, and with feeling and elegance.


> Drabble
>
> HobD4: Resting Places by Marigold
>
Once again, sweetness that doesn't have that cloying awfulness of
forced or clichéd expression, and the realistic idea that though all
grieve at some time in life, we all do so in our own way and
sincerity and depth of emotion don't always mean tears. Very lovely!
>


> Drabble
>
> HobD7: What Do we Get? by Alexcat
>
That made me smile, the last and prophetic promise "You'll never
guess." Indeed…


> Poetry
>
> HobP1: Autumn's Gift by White Gull
>
Beautiful! Heat-wrenching and in truth amazingly expressed! Lovely
imagery, and well-turned rhyme, not sacrificing feeling or sense for
meter, I am truly impressed and pleased, and crying, gosh-darned it!
Most excellent!


> Poetry
>
> HobP6: The Lay of Peregrin Took by Llinos
>
I loved this the first time I read it, and it has lost nothing in
the many times since! The images are well thought out and well
expressed, and I particularly like the repeating image of Pippin as
a bird is simply too appropriate to deny; so free and needful of the
freedom, and so beautiful when in flight! A wonderful piece!


> Post-WOTR
>
> Hob4-3: At the End of His Rope by Lindelea
>
One of the first multi-chaptered masterpieces I had ever read, this
one drew me right in from the first line and I've been reading (and
writing) ever since! Well put together, imaginative and obviously
researched (which I appreciate to no end). Very enjoyable!


> Post-WOTR
>
> Hob4-11: Reckoning by Aratlithiel
>
You broke my heart, utterly and beautifully, with this piece! There
is no doubt in my mind that this is one of the best, saddest, most
hopeful and wonderful things I've ever read. I wish I could say we
all had to imagine how badly we would want to stop that clock, to
make time give back what it has taken, but it is all too real for us
all, in one way or another, one day or the next.


> Pre-WotR
>
> HobPW1: A Mother's Day by Pearl Took
>
Lovely and sweet, and oh so much fun! You've well captured the
sincerity of these youngsters, and the exasperated love of a mother
in the face of their seemingly wild behavior.


> Hob7: Of Dwarvish Ale and the Fairer Sex by Ariel
>
> URL:
> http://www.frodosharem.org/cgi-bin/stories/display.cgi?
id=250&sort=date&cat=
> 10
>
This was wonderfully funny and well written (not unexpectedly), and
truly enjoyable to read, over and over. There are few things I find
more difficult to write than humor, and this is a wildly good
example of its clever use, without taking the people involved out of
character or the story out of probability. Worth every jot and line!


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


> Drabble
>
> HobDA2: Marigold
>
> Mother Gamgee, Resting Places, Then and Now
>
It takes a particular and careful mind to so successfully paint a
picture in so few words, and so the art of the drabble is one not
easy to master. Marigold has done so, and with a tender and loving
eye and a sure hand for the details that make all the difference.


> Poetry
>
> HobPA2: Llinos
>
> The Lay of Peregrin Took
>
Rhyming any two words or phrases is well within the reach of most of
us, but to do so as skillfully and elegantly over such length as
this author has demonstrated takes true talent and care. A
wonderful tale told in rhyme, sacrificing none of the elements or
images for the sake of meter is a feat not often seen, and so I find
myself in happy awe of this gifted member of our community.


Poetry
>
> HobPA6: White Gull
>
> Autumn's Gift
>
To capture feelings within rhyme without resorting to the syrupy
sweet or overused cliché is a delightful gift, and one that I must
say lives and thrives in the talented hands of this author.


> HobA3: Aratlithiel
>
> Reckoning
>
Masterful, powerful, insightful and inspired are words that come to
mind in regard to this author, and I am in eternal gratitude she has
chosen to share this product of her gift with us all here. In its
content and its expression, this piece demonstrates a sure knowledge
and love for these characters and their story, and more importantly
the inner lives of their hearts and souls; but the step between
perceiving these things and binding them by words to offer to so
affect one's readers is wider than the world's oceans. This is an
author I will be watching, and so should we all; we can expect great
things!


> HobA4: Ariel
>
> Of Dwarvish Ale and the Fairer Sex
>
There's no end of good things I can say about Ariel, especially as a
writer! The care and thought she puts into every word shines
through, and even in joy there is no falseness, no ill-ringing
phrase, to clash with the loving portrayal of such dear friends as
these.



> HobA5: Ariel & Aralithiel
>
> Autumn's Requiem, Linden and Laurel
>
A deadly and potent combination, these ladies could together make a
stone cry and an ice-cube melt!


> HobA16: Lindelea
>
> A Small and Passing Thing; At the End of His Rope; Firestorm;
Flames; Going,
> Going, Gone
>
Prolific, thorough and endlessly enjoyable, I hope this author never
ceases to take us ever further in her explorations of the Shire and
its inhabitants, great and small. To take the small sketch the
Professor left and expand it into such a vibrant world takes a lot
of work, insight and just plain love, and I am glad to be receiving
the pleasure of the end result.

Msg# 2195

Re: Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by whitegull1420 September 27, 2004 - 23:34:25 Topic ID# 2060
--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "Ainaechoiriel" <mefaadmin@e...>
wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Hobbits
>
> Official Voting Ballot
>
>
>
> To Vote, hit Reply. Delete the stories/authors you are not
commenting on.
> For the stories/authors you want to comment on, make sure to keep
the top 2
> lines of the header information (ex. subcategory, code: Title by
Author) and
> then comment beneath them.
>
>
>
> >
>
> Poetry
>
> HobP1: Autumn's Gift by White Gull
>
> URL: http://www.lightindarkplaces.net/WhiteGull.html
>
> Rating: R Sexual pairing
>
> Romance Partners: Frodo/Rose
>
> Summary: Could *you* share the same house with post-quest Frodo
Baggins and
> not feel this way?
>
>
>
> > Hob4-10: Linden and Laurel by Ariel & Aralithiel
>
> URL: http://www.bagendwest.net/LL.html
>
> Rating: G
>
> Romance Partners: n/a
>
> Summary: Sam knew his master had to leave the Shire, knew he could
never
> have found healing in middle earth, but did Frodo ever become
whole in the
> West? A tender and mystical tale of how Sam learned, in the end,
that he
> had.
> This is a beautiful, allegorical view of Sam & Frodo's
relationship after Frodo sailed. The medium of gardening is a
brilliant way to reveal what was in Sam's heart.
>
>

> >
>
> Hob3: Autumn's Requiem by Aratlithiel and Ariel
>
> URL: http://www.lightindarkplaces.net/ARIndex.html
>
> Rating: R Sexual content
>
> Romance Partners: Frodo/Rose
>
> Summary: A 'what if' Frodo/Rose romance which deals with the
nature of
> loyalty,love and friendship.
> This is the most stunning fanfic I've ever read. It takes one to
the pinnacle of delight, then crashes into the most devasting
reality. Rose is "fleshed out" as a character, and Frodo is
perfect. This is a must read if you enjoy filling in the cracks of
canon.
>
>
>>
> Hob7: Of Dwarvish Ale and the Fairer Sex by Ariel
>
> URL:
> http://www.frodosharem.org/cgi-bin/stories/display.cgi?
id=250&sort=date&cat=
> 10
>
> Rating: PG-13 sexual innuendo
>
> Romance Partners: m/f
>
> Summary: A barrel of Dwarvish ale loosens the tongues of our
hobbit heros.
>
> Brilliantly funny, but with layers of nuance. I loved the
reference to Autumn's Requiem, and Sam's reaction. Ariel writes a
Frodo close to "my Frodo," or Frodo as I perceive him, that it's
just about inseparable.
>

Msg# 2251

Re: Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by Ainaechoiriel September 29, 2004 - 21:50:07 Topic ID# 2060
Just in case I don't get to more tomorrow....

-----Original Message-----
From: Ainaechoiriel [mailto:mefaadmin@earthlink.net]
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2004 12:07 AM
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MEFAwards] Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot





Hobbits

Official Voting Ballot


HobD4: Resting Places by Marigold

What stands out to me in this drabble series is the peace and uplifting feel
of it. These are not mournful visits so much as loving remembrances.


HobD6: Then and Now by Marigold

This series was a nice switch between Pippin's childhood and his adulthood.
It shows well his friendship with Merry and the caring they have for each
other.



HobP5: Shire Songbook by Lindelea

Inventive. I liked the notes that accompanied each piece, giving the
provenance.


HobP6: The Lay of Peregrin Took by Llinos

This was a long poem which almost scared me away. I stuck with it though and
enjoyed it. I'm glad it rhymed as I'm worse with free verse. I liked the
symbolism of Pippin being a falcon and loved especially the stanza where he
and Merry woke up the Ents.

Hob4-10: Linden and Laurel by Ariel & Aralithiel

I had not planned on reading many Hobbit stories. Hobbits just aren't my
thing. And I had not planned on reading this one. Not sure why. But I
think it was other comments that got me to open it and see it wasn't so long
and so maybe I'd read it. I sit now with eyes brimming with unspent tears
and yet a little smile. This was beautiful and the characterizations of Sam
and Frodo (thruogh Sam's eyes were perfect), and so hobbity a feeling to all
of it.



HobL1: Because it's my Birthday by Pervinca

Cute story! Though I, for one, would have like to have seen what gift Pippin
would have given Legolas. Yes, I'm an Elf-fan, as if you didn't already
know that. :-) Pippin giving his gifts on his birthday seemed just right.

The Lord of the Rings


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


HobDA2: Marigold

Marigold writes Hobbits very well and hobbity and none of them ordinary.


HobA5: Ariel & Aralithiel

I don't know where one left off and the other began but together they write
beautifully. Linden and Laurel was a wonderful story, even to this
non-Hobbity reader.


HobA21: Pervinca

Pervinca seems to identify well with hobbits and so writes them well. She
handles dialogue quite nicely, too.


This category ends on September 30th 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





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Msg# 2256

Re: Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by Ainaechoiriel September 30, 2004 - 15:53:19 Topic ID# 2060
-----Original Message-----
From: Ainaechoiriel [mailto:mefaadmin@earthlink.net]
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2004 12:07 AM
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MEFAwards] Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot





Hobbits

Official Voting Ballot



To Vote, hit Reply. Delete the stories/authors you are not commenting on.
For the stories/authors you want to comment on, make sure to keep the top 2
lines of the header information (ex. subcategory, code: Title by Author) and
then comment beneath them.


Hob4-11: Reckoning by Aratlithiel

I wasn't sure I agreed with Sam and even after reading Tolkien's answer, I'm
not sure I want to believe. I'd rather Frodo had given in to the ring in
the end. It made him fallible. Still, this story carried that premise and
did it beautifully. It took awhile to work out when the flashbacks were
refering to, but the symbolism of the clock was clear thoughout.


HobL2: Bedside Chatter by Silvermoon Lady

How interesting to have the chatter be between Pippen and Eomer! And yet
sometimes that is the best way. To have two people who don't know each
other very well speak so plainly. Sometimes we hide the truth from those we
love.



HobL3: Riding the Nightmare by Budgielover

This story might have done well in the horror, as it has its scary,
suspenseful moments. I really enjoyed all the interactions of the Company.
Each one got some part in this story showing why each is special or needed.
And the premise turned out to plausible within the time-frame of the quest.


Hob2: A Path With No Returning by Citrine

This is a beautiful, sad story of the Hobbit archers who went to the king's
aid against the Witch-King. With no names to go on, Citrine made two
characters come to life and then leave in death, she filled the battlefield
with the sights and sounds of the dead and her characters' memories with
beauty and peace.


Hob15: Weight of Stone by Chris

I liked best the recollection of his eight-skip day and the luck it brought
him. Chris took a simple action and turned it into a reflection.




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




HobA3: Aratlithiel

Aratlithiel writes with beautiful syntax and woundrous detail.
Interestingly, she chose present tense for her flashbacks. It felt different
to me, but it worked, and worked well.


HobA6: Budgielover

Budgielover did a great job with characterizations. Each member of the
Fellowship seemed right. And she was able to really keep the reader in
suspense until we finally got to see the bad guys. Interesting premise,
well played.



HobA8: Citrine

I think Path is the first I've read of Citrine and her little author's note
at the end doesn't do her justicte. She did a fine job with that little
story, taking an obscure moment in Middle-Earth history and populating it
with the lives and deaths of two little hobbits.




HobA25: Silvermoon Lady

Silvermoon Lady handled the dialogue between her characters naturally and
her characterizations were wonderful.



This category ends on September 30th 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





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Msg# 2605

Re: Hobbits--Official Voting Ballot Posted by bljean@aol.com October 31, 2004 - 21:39:28 Topic ID# 2060
Hobbits

Official Voting Ballot, part 2







Post-WOTR

Hob4-1: A Crate of Lemons by ShireDweller

I'm not sure I've read any of your stories before. What a delight! Makes me
glad for MEFA all over again, introducing me to this treasure-box full of gems.
You set up the situation very plausibly, and Rose's reaction to the lemons
sounds realistic. Good thing Sam saw what was in the packing crate before she
dumped it all in the dustbin! I like your description of Bilbo's old room, and
the adjoining study. (But the study sounds awfully familiar... we have piles of
papers and books strewn about our living quarters as well.) "Second breakfast
along with the first"! ...Laughing out loud, now, at the thought of drinking
unsweetened lemonade. And at the change in Rosie's expression, once Frodo had
"doctored" the drink up nicely. And a poignant ending. Thanks so much. I had a
lovely time.


Post-WOTR

Hob4-4: Beyond the Havens by jodancingtree

Ah, Jo, this was one of the first stories of yours that I read, and it still
has the capability of bringing tears to my eyes. Tolkien was a Christian,
after all, which influenced all aspects of his life, including his writing. Though
there are no explicit religious references in his work, yet his writing is
infused with the faith that was his foundation, and from which so many of the
themes to which our hearts and spirits respond, spring. (Gee, I hope that
sentence wasn't too rambling!) This story speaks of love in so many ways: your love
of the characters, your love of the story, God's love for us, such that He
gave so much in order to secure peace and healing for those who believe in Him. I
know that some would strip all Christian references from LOTR fanfic, saying
that Tolkien deliberately did so, and yet I suspect they know very little of
the Christian faith if they think his work as divorced from his belief about
spiritual things.

Post-WOTR

Hob4-5: Drunkard of Bag End by jodancingtree
I know I read this one as you were writing it and posting it, a chapter at a
time, but I'd forgotten how much I liked it. How I love your description of
Pippin, in the very first chapter! And Frodo's musing on Bilbo, and if he'd ever
forgive him! (And only half-joking, at that.) I love the little details that
are a trademark of your careful work. You immerse me in this world, and I
smell and taste and touch and hear and see as if I were standing, or sitting, or
lying there, a part of it all. "He would throw himself away." A chilling
picture. No wonder he could find no peace, with the memory of the Ring constantly
gnawing at him. The memory of Bilbo again... I can hear his voice, just see him
sitting across from Frodo, instructing him in the fine art of appreciating
Brandy. Bet he always kept some of the Hall's finest on hand. "a bite of green
apple after too much honey"! Just one of the word pictures that enriches your
writing. Ah, I could go on and on, but then this email would be *way* too long.
Suffice it to say that, while this could not be my favourite of your stories
(for "Sam's Rose" holds that honour, even though your Orc keeps trying to nudge
that one out of first place), it shines brightly on its own account.



Post-WOTR

Hob4-6: Fair Folk At The Free Fair by Snowballjane

I've always been a little afraid of Elves (they awe me and I have a great
deal of trouble writing them) but you write them so approachably, and yet clearly
Elves. Your dialogue flows well, your relationships between characters ring
true, and yes, you do have more than a bit of Elf-angst in the story. I read
this quite awhile ago and was glad to reaquaint myself with this tale.


Post-WOTR

Hob4-9: Garden Plot by ShireDweller

Are you a gardener, per chance? Your descriptions are very realistic. Somehow
your stories make me smile even as they bring a lump to my throat. And the
play on words, very subtle indeed! I was nearly to the end of the story before I
realised the hidden meaning of the word "plot"!


Post-WOTR

Hob4-10: Linden and Laurel by Ariel & Aralithiel

Nicely done. The repetition of phrases and the symbolism of the trees are
well-used. The tree-pictures add so much to the story! (But of course it would
stand alone without.) Such writing! Words fail me, and so I fear this review is
but a poor effort. A heart-warming tale that nonetheless leaves the reader
wistful.




Post-WOTR

Hob4-11: Reckoning by Aratlithiel

This is a wrenching story to read, skilfully woven and heart-breaking, yet
not devoid of hope, even healing. Your love for the characters shines through
your writing. The clock ties everything together very nicely, and Merry's
emotions, played off the clock, are well-done.




Post-WOTR

Hob4-13: Shining Through by Dana

Ah, Dana. Reading this over again brings to mind long conversations and
challenges and talking over ideas. You took a pet idea of mine and gave it weight
and depth and life. It always seemed logical to me that Merry might have
anniversaries similar to Frodo's, and that part of the reason he and Pippin removed
to Crickhollow was so that Pippin could help him fight his way back to the
Light. You are a master (mistress?) of mood, and this story shines (no pun
intended) as a sparkling gem amongst your collection.



Pre-WotR

HobPW1: A Mother's Day by Pearl Took
I just love this story. It has so many of those little details that bring
fiction into the realm of reality. I have experienced at first hand the
frustration of having little ones busy about some project that burdens me with so very
much extra work... only to find that they were doing it all for *my* benefit.
Pearl, you obviously know and love your hobbits, and you've given them a Shire
that they'd be sure to feel at home in.


Pre-WotR

HobPW2: Gandalf and the Seahobbit by Pippinfan1988

I had not seen this story before! I'm so glad it was in the "hobbit list" at
the MEFA, for I vowed to myself that I would at least read the hobbit stories
before the deadline, even if I didn't get to all the others until later. So
many stories, so little time! I skimmed this one, and so have no real "meat" to
offer save I like your bright and breezy writing style.


Pre-WotR

HobPW3: Irrepressible Pippin by Pippinfan1988

Lovely story! Your descriptions are so effortless to read, they must be
carefully crafted... I kept grinning wider as I read. I like your hobbits, they
sound very true-to-life.



Pre-WotR

HobPW5: Messing About in Boats by Grey Wonderer

I do love your stories, as you already know, but this one was new to me. Poor
Sam, did he ever have a chance? I like the way you write your hobbits; they
sound very true-to-character to me. And then the tie-in with the Quest--and how
in the world do you manage to get me to guffaw like that, reading about such
a serious thing???



Pre-WotR

HobPW7: River Stones by Jeodo Brandybuck

I could not get this story to load, and am sorry, for I have enjoyed reading
your contributions to Marigold's challenge tales. Is there another place to
find this one?



Pre-WotR

HobPW8: The Shaping of Samwise by Jodancingtree
This comes very close to rivaling "Sam's Rose" on my favourites list. I
remember reading this at the very beginning of my introduction to fanfic, chapter
by chapter as you posted it to a yahoo list. How I'd cheer as each new
installment arrived! Your characters are so well-drawn, believable. I can understand
how Sam might invent some way to irrigate the garden, to encourage his beloved
plants to grow, especially in a drought. Irritable Bilbo is believable: he's
been living under the influence of the Ring now for how many years? And yet he
is still, for the most part, the Bilbo we know and love. Frodo is fully
deserving of Sam's loyalty, and your picture of how he earned Sam's devotion is
completely plausible, so much so that I even referred to it in "The Rebel"--and
thanks for permission to do so.



The Lord of the Rings

HobL1: Because it's my Birthday by Pervinca

Ah, the friendship between Pippin and Beregond, a subject close to my own
heart, and very well drawn in this story. ("you know I hate that name" "that's
why I use it" *snork*) And then the conversation between Pippin and Merry is so
well done, so natural... you have a good touch with dialogue.


The Lord of the Rings

HobL2: Bedside Chatter by Silvermoon Lady

How I love Cormallen stories, and this shines amongst the best. (Dare I hope,
egotistically, I fear, that you might be referring to the poem "Too Young" in
your ending? If not, well, then, we were merely thinking along the same
lines, something that happens often with writers on my favourites' list...)

The Lord of the Rings

HobL3: Riding the Nightmare by Budgielover

Your writing, as always, is jam-packed with action so real that I can "see"
it happening as I read, just as if it were playing on a large movie screen...
and sometimes I'm drawn into the action and I'm "there". I never have a problem
figuring out where a character is in one of your scenes: you always sketch
your action so realistically that I "know" where everyone is (a pet peeve of
mine in reading--if I cannot "place" a character I get twitchy). This is a dark
and gripping tale, and fully up to your usual high standards.


The Lord of the Rings

HobL4: The Conspiracy of Hobbits by Dreamflower

Somehow I missed this story in the MEFA list and so did not get it read
during reading season, or even voting season. However, I do love your writing style
and the characters you write, both canon and OC, and so I have saved the link
for future reading. ...and as you know, I always comment on what I read
(which is probably why I have so little reading time!), so you may look forward to
feedback. At least I hope you look forward to it! LOL


The Lord of the Rings

HobL5: Through Shadow by Citrine

Full of imagery and the little touches that make the reader feel the
"thereness" of the piece. From the very first paragraph, with the ropes of the canvas
shelter creaking like the ship that had carried Merry to Ithilien, you hooked
me. Ah, those little details, like Merry shaking his burnt fingers! And the
description of the simple soldier's meal (though Pippin's portion was mostly
broth). And Merry undressing for bed. And Pippin's record-book bony knees and
cold feet. You said you took some inspiration from "LifeWatch", but what you have
done is added layer upon layer of rich detail to a basic sketch. The cousin's
scrutiny of each other was touching, both noticing signs of wear and tear,
both pretending to sleep so that the other might rest. Just as I'm frowning with
concern, you poke me in the ribs with an elbow with something like: "Merry,"
Pippin said patiently. "I've had an entire troll fall on me! I shan't fall
apart now if you happen to poke me with an elbow." The little bit of risque
humour is soldierly, somehow. I can imagine they'd've been exposed to such, living
with armies as they were. (Well, maybe. Tolkien did say in his Letters that
anything but monogamy--and I do think he meant male plus female equals
completeness--was under Shadow. It's why I write the way I do, in my efforts to stay
within canon. But I don't mean to start a debate on sexuality in M-e. Now look
what you've done! *g*) Well, here's the review I promised you, all those months
ago when you left me so tongue tied I couldn't comment on this story to save
my life. Better late than never.



Hob1: A Partnership in Villainy by Llinos


I resisted reading this story for a long time because of the mention of
chocolate. Isn't that silly? Somehow I just can't fit my brain around "chocolate"
and "Middle-earth" in the same thought--unless it's munching chocolate whilst
reading or writing about Middle-earth. Still, "Recap" is on my list of
favourite stories, so I suppose it was a silly prejudice, really, especially when I
find the story mentions Ferdibrand! (Not necessarily "my" Ferdi, but a mention
just the same! *g*) Five-year-old Pippin makes me think of other little ones I h
ave known. I love Pearl-the-big-sister. Cute tradition, the magic dragon,
which explains why there's snow and how presents come at Yuletide, a chance for
wonder and excitement and incentive to "be good". I also liked the portrayal of
Paladin and Saradoc as wise fathers. ...and your introduction of chocolate
into the story is believable!



Hob2: A Path With No Returning by Citrine
This story brought me to tears, and was part of the inspiration for the
"Bucca" chapters of "Thain", I'll have you know. I read an incredible account of
the hobbits who never returned in a book (yes! a real live book! legal,
published fanfiction! imagine it! how ever did they manage it?) I got from the
library, the title of which escapes me, and that too, played a part. I've been
avoiding it, while writing "Bucca", but have got past the battle scenes in the
draught now and dare to revisit. What, I never reviewed this story? For shame!
Belated, then: Andy's voice is very hobbity, and the battlefield, seen through his
eyes, is a terrible place. I feel his urgency, his dread, his horror, and his
determination to find his master. Your Captain Bersil is brave and true, and
I like his search for the Halflings that had been in his charge. ...my
goodness! (Stated in shock) Bucca of the Marish was at the battle where Angmar was
overthrown! So it is in "Thain" as well! Now I have to wonder if I got that idea
in passing from reading your story, or if it just makes sense that the one
elected to become the first Thain would have done such a thing....




Hob4: Big Enough to be Thain by Llinos


I read this story early on in my introduction to fanfiction, and sadly didn't
get time to re-read it before voting closed. (Busy time, stressful time, and
then illness and injury struck various members of our family...) However, I
have fond memories of this story. Paladin is believable: How important it was to
"get" an heir in olden times! (We were just talking about Ann Boleyn and
Henry VIII this morning, as a matter of fact, and discussing how his desperation
to have a son influenced history.) You can see here the very beginning of
Merry-and-Pippin, and a lovely beginning it is, too.

Hob6: Moonlight on Summer Leaves by Silvermoon Lady

What a lovely story. "every word from those dry lips was like a tiny treasure
from a hidden hoard, all the more precious for knowing that it was finite and
failing fast"--oh, you made me cry, for never again will I hear stories from
a hidden hoard; now I can only pass on what I remember, poor as it may be.
Your prose is poetry, and I love your take on the ancient history of hobbits. And
then you bring in Legolas, and his childhood memory, and shivers run up my
spine. And Peregrin's elegy (don't know if that's the right word) is a perfect
ending to this gem of a tale.

Hob7: Of Dwarvish Ale and the Fairer Sex by Ariel

Well, I loved "Of Dwarvish Ale and Battle Scars", so I thought I'd give this
one a try, and a treat it was, too! I kept chuckling... and chuckling some
more... and chuckling again... and then outright laughter. Your hobbits sound so
in character to me, and all the funnier for it. (You give me a whole new
insight on why hobbits do not go upstairs to bed!) And then... you are able to
bring a lump to my throat, thinking of Frodo's "what might have beens". Reading
on... no barns? Moving right along, I'm with Merry. Frodo's toast was beautiful.
And more laughter, and then... A combat for the ages? (I must admit, the next
thing I half-expected was that they'd all go off looking for a drink of water
for Frodo...)



Hob8: Recollections by Silvermoon Lady

I read this quite awhile ago, and read it again for the MEFA as I could not
remember what it was about. Ah, what a treat. I do love your description of
Merry-the-grandfather. The details you lace your stories with that put the reader
"there": going out to the orchard, Merry's almost casual pulling at bark and
branch, setting things right as an automatic habit, and then settling on an
overturned crate--I can see it. I'm "there". The ending brought tears to my
eyes. Another perfectly balanced tale, skilfully drawn.


Hob10: Sam's Garden by Shireling

O what a lovely surprise! It took me a few blinks to realise who the gardener
was... very nicely done. I do love the way you write. The second chapter was
a nice fulfillment; it was good to see the reunion of the old friends. And the
way you reversed the roles: the gardener becoming the writer and vice versa,
an interesting and touching picture of two good friends, each honouring the
other.


Hob11: Sam's Rose by jodancingtree


This my absolute favourite of Jo's stories. She pulls me into the picture she
weaves with richness of depth and detail: I smell the odours, I feel the
textures, I hear the sounds as well as seeing the picture she lays out before me
like an unending feast. Speaking of feasts! Her hobbits are so very
hobbity--especially the loving attention that goes into her description of their meals.
She makes *me* hungry, just reading, and has influenced my own writing in that
I try to imagine the dishes and garnishes and little added touches when the
storied hobbits eat, instead of just writing that they sat down to supper and
ate!

Her Frodo, and Samwise and Rosie sound just right to my ear, and I love her
portrayal of Merry and Pippin as well. Her OCs are believable and quickly
become "real". I liked Frodo's interest on literacy for hobbits. After all, if he's
going to the trouble to write down the great events that they might not be
forgotten, I can see him being interested in hobbits being able to read them!
Though we know he's fated to go, he will leave a long-lasting legacy behind him.

One part of the story that particularly struck me was the Free Fair at Michel
Delving. This, in particular, is where Jo's descriptive skills are at their
best. I almost felt as if I was there! Another scene that sticks with me was
when Frodo put on his best clothes and his most "Mayorly" manner to persuade
local hobbits to see things his way. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who
hasn't read this story, so I won't give any more detail than that, but I could
just see Frodo's seriousness, his reckless squandering of his waning energies in
his earnest desire to see his ideas come to fruition.

I'm afraid I'm feeling rather incoherent today, so let me just congratulate
you once more, Jo, on a marvellous story.




Hob12: The Cooking Conspiracy by eretria cowritten with Murron

I don't know how I missed this, but I did! I cannot leave much of a review
here, having had only enough time for chapter one, but do be assured I hope to
come back to this story and leave more feedback at ff.net (if all goes
well--however, with "Murphy's Law" staring me in the face at the top of chapter one,
perhaps I'm being too optimistic!)

Hob13: The Farmer's Wife by Nessime

You'd never know that this author doesn't commonly write hobbits; her Farmer
and Mrs. Maggot ring absolutely true. She has taken a couple of minor
characters and breathed life into them, and made you want to know more.


Hob14: Unfair by Anglachel

Very nice story indeed; you don't see much written about Lobelia. I happen to
be of the private opinion that Otho loved her very much, spoilt her rotten,
in fact, gave to her her every desire, which is why she turned out the way she
did. My only quibble would be the use of "men" towards male hobbits; it jars,
somehow.


Hob15: Weight of Stone by Chris

What an incredible take on an old superstition, indeed! I, too, had to look
up the name of the lake you mentioned, though I had my suspicions. Very sneaky,
making me think the Quest was already over with the "people met and dark
places" line... Haven't read anything of yours before, so am happy to make your
acquaintance!


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