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Rohan

Official Voting Ballot



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Rh1: Bitter Watches of the Night by Sharpeslass

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1691584/1/

Rating: R Graphic sexual situations, somewhat non-con

Romance Partners: Grima/Eowyn

Summary: Grima finds a way to get what he wants from Eowyn.



Rh2: Complicated Allies by Sun Queen

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/840622/1/

Rating: PG-13 battle violence

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The battle of Helm's Deep from the perspective of an unknown
soldier, and his view of Legolas and Gimli. Proof that racism was alive and
well in Middle Earth. Book-verse.



Rh3: Daughters of Orome by Thevina Finduilas

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=1436

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A story of Rohan, beginning with Eowyn's childhood and continuing
past the War of the Ring, covering around 35 years. Features Eowyn and
Frealas, an OFC who is two years Eowyn's senior. Multiple POVs, action,
drama, some angst and musings on a possible underground shieldmaiden
subculture that might have been revived in Rohan before and during the WR.



Rh4: For the Dark by Forodwaith

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=1571

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Tolkien says that Gleowine, Theoden's minstrel, "made no other
song" after the King's death. What became of him?



Rh5: Gastings Night by Dwimordene

URL: http://www.dwimordenespage.org/index.php?go=7&id=4&chapter=1

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: I present you with a Harrowdale Halloween. Hama learns the meaning
of some old tales..



Rh6: Keepers of the Hearth by Alawa

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2980

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Edoras, 3021, the last year of the Third Age. Tomorrow the Golden
Hall will witness the wedding of Eomer King of the Mark and Lothiriel of Dol
Amroth. For more than thirty years another has kept it safe, but now she
must make ready for the coming of the Queen.



Rh7: Lament for the Unsung Dead by Regina

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2015

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Eowyn broods on Theodred's death and the decline of the House of
Eorl as she helps prepare her cousin's body for burial. Canonical within the
compass of LOTR, but not UT.



Rh8: Myth and Memory by Ainaechoiriel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1256706/1/

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A young door warden of Rohan and his friend observe a certain Elf
on the way to Helm's Deep.



Rh9: Namesake by Ainaechoiriel

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1359677/1/

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A companion piece to author's other story, Myth and Memory. An old
man speaks to his grandchild, remembers a fallen friend.



Rh10: Promises to Keep by Nessime

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=1789

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The Third Marshal of the Riddermark and the Ranger who would be
King meet for the first time on the plains of Rohan. Told from a slightly
different viewpoint.



Rh11: Safe Journey, Brother by AngelsFall

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2621

Rating: PG-13 graphic, portrayal of violence

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: When a twist of fate leaves Eomer horribly wounded, friends and
family gather to support him and each other in a time of need. AU, angst as
well as action; features Eomer, Lothliriel, Elfwine, Eowyn + assorted
friends.





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



RhA1: Ainaechoiriel

Myth and Memory, Namesake



RhA2: Alawa

Keepers of the Hearth



RhA3: AngelsFall

Safe Journey, Brother



RhA4: Dwimordene

Gastings Night



RhA5: Forodwaith

For the Dark



RhA6: Nessime

Promises to Keep



RhA7: Regina

Lament for the Unsung Dead



RhA8: Sharpeslass

Bitter Watches of the Night



RhA9: Sun Queen

Complicated Allies



RhA10: Thevina Finduilas

Daughters of Orome



This category ends on October 5th 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]

Rohan - Marta's votes

> Rh2: Complicated Allies by Sun Queen

This produces a rather unsavoury view of Legolas & Gimli - one I'm not
entirely comfortable with. But the story was well told, and the
characterizations, if different from how I see them, seem plausible
from an Eorling perspective. Well done.

> Rh4: For the Dark by Forodwaith

Oh, I liked this story! Tolkien never mentions a custom like this, but
I can see it given the Rohirric custom. The bond between Theoden and
Gleowine is well-drawn, and Gleowine's grief was convincing. I
especially liked Forodwaith's use of details and the interaction
between Gleowine and the horse. Overall, it was a very nice story.
This was the first time I'd read it, and I wouldn't mind rereading it
some day.

> Rh6: Keepers of the Hearth by Alawa

This is probably one of the most convincing OFCs I've ever read. One
can imagine Winfrith coming from Tolkien's pen quite easily.

> Rh10: Promises to Keep by Nessime

The author says, in her notes, that she could not improve on the
Master's dialog in this scene. That may very well be true, but the
same can't be said for the scene as a whole. As much as I love the
scene in Tolkien's original, seeing it retold from Hasufel's
perspective *does* improve it. In Rohan culture (at least as portrayed
in this story) everyone has a place and a job to do - and this
includes the horses. They are living, thinking parts of the world,
with doubts and fears all their own.

Hasufel's grief at losing Garulf is very real: "Could I have saved
him? To know the answer to that question is something I both long for
and fear." These are not the thoughts of a dumb brute! This unique
perspective, a glimpse of the depth of even the horses, breathed new
breath into a scene I've read a dozen times.

> Rh11: Safe Journey, Brother by AngelsFall

My one qualm with this is how quickly Eomer died. But the interactions
of the different characters is so refreshing I always seem to forget
that nitpick. :-) It's a wonderful story.

> RhA6: Nessime

Nessime clearly loves Middle-earth, but I can't help but think that
the Riddermark has a special place in her heart. Her use of details
and her apt storytelling skills bring the land alive, making men out
of myths. She also has a real skill with minor characters; Edrys and
Gárulf fit right in with how Tolkien described Rohan, and offer us an
interesting glimpse of a fascinating character. No wonder she pulls
the same off with Hasufel!

Marta

Rohan

Official Voting Ballot - Larian

larian_elensar@yahoo.com




Rh2: Complicated Allies by Sun Queen

Wow! That was great. I could *see* the three of them through the soldier's
eyes. Well done!



Rh4: For the Dark by Forodwaith

Touching. Almost had me crying, especially at the part where he leaves the
hall, but says goodbye to no one.



Rh7: Lament for the Unsung Dead by Regina

So little about Theodred in the books, and of course, only a glimpse in the
movie, but yes, I've always been curious about him. Thanks for filling in a
few bits and pieces. I like your image of how he related to Eowyn. Well done.




Rh10: Promises to Keep by Nessime

Nice picture. You kept Hasufel's point of view consistent throughout, not
everyone is able to do that with pieces like this, especially in first person.
Well done.




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

Stories only. Authors for later... hopefully.

Dwim

*****

Rh1: Bitter Watches of the Night by Sharpeslass

This sort of somnabulistic sex, bordering on necrophilia for
Wormtonuge, seems about right, as does his misguided hope Éowyn will
one day bend to him while conscious. Gave me a shiver, certainly!

Rh2: Complicated Allies by Sun Queen

Nice vignette desccription of Legolas and Gimli. I'd dispute the
"racism" bit, as that requires more than recognition of differences, I
think. But well-written nonetheless.

Rh4: For the Dark by Forodwaith

Wonderful and bittersweet story that brings to life a character who
had really no more than a name. Although we anticipate the story's
ending simply by reading the title, Gléowine has in fact faced 'the
dark' before in a way that is, perhaps, more terrifying than dying in
fact. To fall from a warrior to a cripple in a day's time is in a way
to lose the life that he had, and it is to his credit, and to
Théoden's, that they force themselves to face that amputation of
Gléowine's future and to build Gléowine a new life. And Théoden is
well-repaid for his insistance that his friend not surrender to the
dark prematurely, as Gléowine serves him through the long dark of
mental debilitation following Gríma's ascendency. The two repay each
other amply, and part as friends should. I love that although
Gléowine, after Théoden's death, finally follows the old custom, in
Middle-earth, the westward lie the Undying Lands, and so perhaps a
little grace for Gléowine as well, beyond what he has earned for
himself with steadfast service to his king and friend.

Rh6: Keepers of the Hearth by Alawa

Usually, we find ourselves in sympathy with the shieldmaidens of the
Ardaverse. We crave active women who are seen being active, who force
their way to the forefront of the plot and demand acknowledgment from
the men on traditionally masculine turf. And yet there is always that
risk of anachronism or cliché to such characters. Alawa has chosen the
road less travelled by and given us a fully-realized original female
character who is everything most modern women in industrial countries
are not: a keeper of the hearth, a housekeeper who desires no more
than to hold hall and home in good order and to see its traditions
perpetuated. Winfrith has a delightful voice; the entire story is a
breath of fresh air that is lively, thoughtful, utterly humane and
believable—if ever there were anything that could justify war, it is
the preservation of Winfrith and the ideals of nurturing care and
rootedness, fidelity and love that she embodies. We need more
unearthings of the Winfriths of Middle-earth, for as with unearthing
the spirituality of nuns, it's only in trying to see, even through the
idealistic lens, what might have been counted as valuable to women
governed by the gender hierarchy far more fully than most of us, that
we can identify with them.



Rh7: Lament for the Unsung Dead by Regina

Another lovely (if morbid) look into the world of women. Éowyn takes
on the time-honored task of preparing the dead for burial. Théodred of
course gets about three mentions in the entirety of "The Two Towers",
and we never see the effect of his death on Éowyn, but in this fic, we
do see her mourn in the performance of this last duty she is called to
do for her cousin dear as brother, and more than that. Although not
officially, Éowyn acts as the mourner, doing the duty of her brother
and uncle to mourn when they are unable due to spells or absence. But
her devotion outstrips her duties, even, and as we follow Éowyn
through this ritual, we learn just how deeply she fears Gríma's plots,
and the lengths to which she goes, not even on her own behalf, but on
behalf of her kinsmen, who seem rather oblivious to the fact that she
is already putting her life (and her physical integrity) in jeopardy
for them. No wonder it needed so little to make her into
Dernhelm—Dernhelm already lived in Éowyn long before she gave him
shape under a Rider's helmet. Well drawn!


Rh8: Myth and Memory by Ainaechoiriel

There are some serious as well as some fun moments in this story, but
the major point is given in the final line of the fic: that through
the eyes of the OMC, the reader comes to recognize what Middle-earth
will lose when the Elves take ship at the Grey Havens.


Rh9: Namesake by Ainaechoiriel

I liked the theme of this story, of remembering those who fell in the
battles that happen to be not so great as some others, and by
consequence are often forgotten. But those who fought in them and died
in them deserve no less to be honored in memory, and given a certain
lease on life in those of the next generation.


Rh10: Promises to Keep by Nessime

The disguised point of view is always fun to write; my only quibble
would be that because it's a disguise that must cover a definite
difference in, um, 'kind', as it were, the characterization was not as
convincing to me in the end as it might have been. Nevertheless,
well-written. I particularly liked the account of the battle of
Fangorn, and the fact that Éothain has a brief appearance as something
other than a doubting and impatient Thomas.

Me again, with something of a mid-length ballot this time, though it's
probably on the shorter side of mid-length. Stories first and authors follow
at the end.

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

Rohan
Official Voting Ballot

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

STORIES

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

>>Rh2: Complicated Allies by Sun Queen

The description of action in this piece was wonderful, and the description
of the Three Hunters from an outside viewpoint really intrigued me. Caught
up in battle, the elf and dwarf are forced to reveal themselves for who they
really are. They canýt pretend to blend into the world of men anymore or
stand behind Aragorn and let him take the lead. Theyýre forced into action,
and it can no longer be hidden that this is not a fair, reserved man and a
short, bearded man but rather an elf and a dwarf. And the contrast,
especially given the battle, would be unnerving. Interesting take on it.

>>Rh3: Daughters of Orome by Thevina Finduilas

Fascinating tale that skirts around the edges of events in LotR and gives us
not only a back story for Eowyn and other shieldmaidens but also fills in
the gaps within the canon. I very much enjoyed this look into Rohanýs
culture and the journey of both Eowyn and Frealas. It was very much a story
of life in general, and the emotions and fears were very real. Grýma was a
terrifying and foreboding character, Aragornýs cameos were brilliant, and
the solemn Faramir was portrayed with all his various layers.

>>Rh4: For the Dark by Forodwaith

Iým not even sure where to begin my comments for this story, because it
means so much and there is so much to it, despite its short length. The
first person narrative can be an interesting phenomenon because while we get
to know the thoughts of the person speaking, itýs sometimes more difficult
to know the person himself. Others are painted much more vividly through
this narrative. But thatýs not the case here. Gleowine is just as strong a
personality as Theoden, and the portrayal of their friendship is the driving
force behind this story. And it also seems to be the driving force behind
Gleowine, for Theoden is gone and so too are the bright days for Gleowine.
LotR is filled with stories of friendship, from Frodo and Sam to Legolas and
Gimli, and I think that this story could fit right in with those. The
characters are real, the events are beautifully drawn, and the ending is
very much akin to the endings of the other friendship. Great story.

>>Rh5: Gastings Night by Dwimordene

One of my all-time favorite LotR ghost stories. Dwimordene excels at just
about everything she writes, but sheýs really outdone herself here. The
moods of the story deserve a page all their own. There is an eerie feel
throughout, a mood wonderfully set in place by the poems at the beginning
and also by the concept of the day that runs backwards, which is something
that very much intrigues me. But in spite of this eerie feel, there is also
an air of excitement and discovery, mainly on the part of Hýma who has
basically turned into the Rohirric version of ghost hunter. And then there
are moments of friendship and good-natured teasing between Hýma and his
friend Herfrith, who is a great character. Between their banter, we pick up
on the rivalry between Harrowdale and Edoras, which I imagine is encouraged
by the eerie feel of Harrowdale and the contrasting feeling of openness
associated with Edoras. The dialogue sparkles, and lines such as Herfrithýs
comment that the rest of the cousins ýhave souls suited to ride, not to
soarý create so many images in my mind that I have to stop to think about
them before moving ahead with the story. And then thereýs the meat of the
story itself, which is something of a ghost story. Or an unexplained
phenomena story. Either way, itýs downright eerie, and the pacing works well
to bring us closer and closer to Hýmaýs dream and then discovery that it
might not have been a dream after all. Brilliantly told.

>>Rh6: Keepers of the Hearth by Alawa

Perhaps one of the most fleshed-out and enjoyable OCs Iýve ever seen.
Winfrith was a pleasure to get to know and a pleasure to watch throughout
the fic. I loved her reservations regarding this strange bride from Dol
Amroth and how she warmed to her in the end. The cultural notes within this
story are amazing, and I feel as though entire worlds have been opened up
concerning the Rohirrim. The characters of both Eomer and Eowyn were great,
and Eomerýs lightheartedness was very contagious. Well, it was for me.
Perhaps not for Winfrith. Lothýriel was characterized well, and I love her
ability with languages. Great story all around, and the blessing at the end
as the fire returns to the hearth was a perfect note on which to end, but
not nearly as perfect as the last line as Winfrith returns to making sure
that this all goes forth without incident.

>>Rh7: Lament for the Unsung Dead by Regina

I very much enjoy this story. Eowynýs experience with grief is exactly what
I would have expected. She sorrows, but she remembers her duty to her
family. And she remembers, which is more or less all sheýs allowed to do at
this point in the books. Itýs very methodical process, and that is also
something I would expect from Eowyn at this point in her life. Thatýs really
all she has left. The images of childhood and Theodredýs love and comfort
were beautiful, and she finally concludes by thinking on Grýma. Itýs
somewhat of a vengeful turn for her thoughts, and its showcases the strength
and also the helplessness within Eowyn. Very good depiction of the
shieldmaiden caring for her cousins.

>>Rh8: Myth and Memory by Ainaechoiriel

Brilliant tale of a young man who meets a myth and comes to know what it (or
in this case, he) really is. The initial antics of the storyýs speaker and
his friend Yonwin were very amusing to me, and I love his initial
observations of the elf. I think I liked Yonwinýs bumbling best and his
continuing suspicion, especially in light of the speakerýs own thoughts.
That the speaker went along with it all out of both curiosity and a desire
to keep an eye on his friend says much about his personality and also about
his relationship with his friend. For some reason, I find myself thinking of
Merry and Pippin, actually. In any case, the many shades of Legolas are
presented quickly as the story nears its conclusion, and in the end, the
speaker has gained new understanding. The tale of this journey is great, and
the final notes as the speaker realizes the elves are vanishing were
beautiful.

>>Rh9: Namesake by Ainaechoiriel

Short but very fitting tribute to Yonwin, who struck me as someone full of
life, curiosity, and his own ideas about the world. Great follow up to its
predecessor and pitched just right for an older man looking back on life.

>>Rh10: Promises to Keep by Nessime

One of my favorite animal stories in the LotR fandom. I guessed it was one
of the horses when the story began, and mention of a fiery companion led me
to believe it was Hasufel, but the fact that Nessime never specifically
mentioned it was still a powerful device. These are not ordinary horses but
steeds of the Rohirrim, and that is driven home both in the way Hasufel
thinks and in the way that the riders treat him. Itýs not a matter of master
and horse but rather of lord and loyal servant. Great peak into the minds of
Rohanýs horses.

>>Rh11: Safe Journey, Brother by AngelsFall

Wonderful, touching AU of Eomerýs final moments. Itýs been said that you can
tell the nature of a person by the people around them, and that sentiment is
clearly felt and seen within this story. All of the characters are written
well, with no one stealing the spotlight from another. This is not their
story, after all, but Eomerýs. Much of it is told through his friends, but
itýs still about Eomer. Itýs a tricky balancing act on the part of
AngelsFall, and one that is pulled off convincingly. Eomerýs final gift to
his friends was poignant, and Eowynýs parting words were a brilliant
capstone to the story.

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

AUTHORS

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

>>RhA2: Alawa

Alawa managed to create an OC, give her a personality, an objective, and
very real relationships with canon characters. By itself, this is
remarkable, but Alawa also dove into Rohanýs culture, contrasting it with
other cultures as a means of getting more expression, and portraying it for
itself as well. Winfrith finds herself in a changing world, and Alawa never
forgets that, showing how Winfrith adapts little by little. Itýs not the
quick adaptations that the younger members of the story go through, but
rather itýs the slow, considered changes of the elderly. Alawa makes
Winfrith a very memorable character, and paints a wonderfully convincing
picture of Rohirric customs that round out and compliment the culture of the
Horse-lords.

>>RhA4: Dwimordene

Dwimordene is pretty much guaranteed to be good at whatever she chooses to
write. That goes without saying. But spooky stories are a tricky thing, and
this is where Dwimýs talents really shine. She is able to take us into a
legend. We experience the underpinnings of a subculture, including the
differences between those who live down on the plains and those who live in
the shadow of the Door. She takes a canon character, fleshes him out, and
gives him an OC companion who is also remarkably complete. The story is
paced to draw out a dark tale, which is very much in the true spirit of all
spooky stories. They begin with other stories. The end of the tale (bereft
of its two main characters) is nearly as unnerving, and probably gave those
in Harrowdale something to talk about for many years. Dwimordene leads us
through a broad, far-reaching story without ever losing sight of the
characters, the point, or the mood. Ghost stories are difficult to write
without coming off as contrived or using clichý techniques, but Dwimordene
gives us an excellent example of how to convincingly unnerve people and also
hwo to set it within the context of LotR canon. A remarkable achievement.
Considering the author, I canýt say Iým surprised.

>>RhA5: Forodwaith

Forodwaith accomplishes several things with the story ýFor the Dark.ý First
of all, Forodwaith portrays a friendship very much in harmony with LotRýs
other friendships. The bond between Theoden and Gleowine is like the bond
between Frodo and Sam in that there is a difference of stations, but in
spite of this difference, the friendship still burns brightly. Second of
all, glimpses of Rohirric culture can be seen throughout the story, such as
the idea that a man no longer able to support the community should simply
wander away and die. Even the haughtiness of Rohanýs steeds is addressed
when Gleowine sets out to die. Forodwaith manages to paint a very
encompassing picture of not only one of the Rohirrim but also of Rohan and
LotR in general.

>>RhA10: Thevina Finduilas

Thevina gave us a glimpse into Eowynýs world and the lengths she went to in
order to become a shieldmaiden and defend those she loves. Her motivations
and actions were very much in character, and her relationship with her
shieldsister, taking the place of an actual sister, was heartwarming.
Thevina presented a very good portrayal of subculture within Rohan.

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

Yippee! Another ballot in. Bring on the next categories!

Thundera

_________________________________________________________________
Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE!
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And now the authors, huzzah!

However, I find I have a hard time with relating author comments to
*categories*. Which category should I be paying attention to again?
Should I be commenting on how excellently an author portrays Rohirrim
or Rohan per se? On subcategories like 'poetry' or "post-WOTR"? On
incompleteness in the incomplete category? Whatever combination is
appropriate? I want to do this properly, and I realized I was
suffering from some confusion tonight.

Dwim

****

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


RhA1: Ainaechoiriel

Myth and Memory, Namesake

The underlying theme of memory and the obligation to remember are well
brought out by the author, particularly in 'Namesake'. Ainaechoiriel
seems to have an inter-fandom interest in this theme, which is quite a
propos to Arda.

RhA2: Alawa

Keepers of the Hearth

Going along with my other comment, Alawa once confessed to fear of
dialogue—not that you would ever guess it from reading this. Alawa has
an eye for picking the moments others don't see, and for bringing the
inner landscape of a character to life in a way that is always as
lively as her wording is lovely. She has a great sensitivity for the
points of view that are excluded from the grand narratives, whether
those views are those of a jewel-polisher, a keeper of the hearth, or
a Ranger and his lady eclipsed by their son's epic tale. Her
characters' inner voices are always very sure and carefully and
sympathetically drawn, and I really felt Rohan come alive to me in and
through her depiction of Meduseld. If you want a story where you will
feel fully immersed in a character's world, try one of Alawa's stories.


RhA5: Forodwaith

For the Dark

Forodwaith can give us a lifetime in under two thousand words, but the
reader need not fear being stinted on character development, nor that
the themes woven through this story—life, death, hope, loyalty,
friendship, courage, and resolution—are given short shrift. She ably
demonstrates her mastery of non-linear narrative, weaving past and
present together skillfully to tell this tale of two friends, both of
whom need not be ashamed to stand before all the generations past,
despite the fact that both have lived through a period of darkness
when others might have seen them as less than men. Her sensitivity to
the role of shame among the Rohirrim, of coming to terms with what
seem like life failures, and of redemption and dignity allow her to
write with depth. Keep an eye out for other stories by Forodwaith—the
reader will be well rewarded.


RhA6: Nessime

Promises to Keep

Smooth style and a solid sense of Tolkien's favorite themes—love,
duty, vocation, fellowship—are evident in Nessime's story. The author
also demonstrates her skill in breaking open a canonical scene that
has very little space for authors to write in, and in doing so, gives
voice to the bedrock of Rohirric society--the horses of the Riders.

RhA7: Regina

Lament for the Unsung Dead

Regina usually writes hobbits, and she writes them well, but here she
shows that her insight extends to other characters as well. The mood
is terrific—cold, tense, and bleak, with enough foreboding to give the
reader a chill. The characterization is well-drawn and believable, and
in Regina's hands, Meduseld is a dark and claustrophobic reality.

>
> AUTHORS (remember to comment on the writer as regards to the category,
> not the story, here):
>
>
> RhA1: Ainaechoiriel
>
> Myth and Memory, Namesake
>
> The underlying theme of memory and the obligation to remember are well
> brought out by the author, particularly in 'Namesake'. Ainaechoiriel
> seems to have an inter-fandom interest in this theme, which is quite a
> propos

Dah! I mean "apropos".

Ainaechoiriel <mefaadmin@earthlink.net> wrote:
Rohan

Official Voting Ballot


Rh2: Complicated Allies by Sun Queen

Rh2: Complicated Allies by Sun Queen



This fiction is excellent! Itýs one of the best Iýve read about Helmýs deep, full in its description of how terrible it must have been. The description of Legolas and Gimli as terrifying killing machines is wonderful. I donýt think the soldier is sure that their allies are a lot better than their enemies. And it is also nice to read some bookverse Helms Deep though I love movie verse as well.




Rh10: Promises to Keep by Nessime



Rh10: Promises to Keep by Nessime



Bravo! Well met! This is a very well done story. As important as the horses were to the Rohirrim, why wouldnýt a horse know his mission? I was actually very glad that he saw the honor in Aragorn and that he was happy to carry him. I also liked the way Eomer talked to him as if he understood.







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and the Soldier's Hat.
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Numenor
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 line of the header information (ex. code: Title by Author) and then comment beneath them.

(No Subcategories)


N2: Celestial Quartet by Thevina
URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=407
Rating: R sexual scenes
Romance Partners: m/f
Summary: Four vignettes spanning three ages of Middle-earth, multiple geographies and races, and several points of view. What binds them together: the night sky above, whether starry or clouded, and a sparkling gem that resists disappearing into the mists of time.

Comments: This is an intriguing piece with many different layers and equally different players. From Numenor to Hobbiton to Rohan and back to Hobbiton, these assorted and unexpected characters are all woven together by a special jewel and shooting stars. A very intricate story which shows the author's knowledge of Tolkien and also her excellent writing skills.



N6: Every Good and Perfect Gift by Nessime
URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=1757
Rating: G
Romance Partners: n/a
Summary: Tar-Elendil shares a private moment with his daughter Silmarien on the eve of her wedding.

Comments: Yet another deftly woven creation. The gap-filling aspects were well thought out and the use of the Arabeth was also well thought out, both as a means to demonstrate the wisdom of Finrod and the faith of those who understand the Gift of Man, and also as a well-chosen segway for the presentation of the Ring of Barahir. The characterizations are excellent, even of the old nurse who has but a few lines.




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-----Original Message-----
From: Ainaechoiriel [mailto:mefaadmin@earthlink.net]
Sent: Sunday, September 26, 2004 12:01 AM
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MEFAwards] Rohan--Official Voting Ballot

Rohan

Official Voting Ballot




Rh2: Complicated Allies by Sun Queen

A chilling account of one man's observation of Legolas and Gimli at Helm's
Deep. The summary says "racism is still alive" and that shows, but I like
it for what it says about these two. They may be fair or strange to look
at, but they are both fearsome worriors, the likes of which Rohan has
probably never seen before.




Rh4: For the Dark by Forodwaith

That's a sad ending but it certainly explains why he never made another
song. Good story.



Rh5: Gastings Night by Dwimordene

Another comment that will suffer being written with only memory to guide it.
This was definitely a spooky story, but not so terrifying or scary. More
like a Twilight Zone episode. Well done.




Rh10: Promises to Keep by Nessime

Thoughtfully written perspective of a usually overlooked character: Hasufel!
I enjoyed this and really liked his loyalty and understanding of all that
was going on in Rohan and the battle.



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





RhA4: Dwimordene

I'm running out of things to say about Dwimordene. Here she proves she can
write Men other than Aragorn. Just kidding; she's shown that elsewhere as
well. Anyway, she handles an adolescent viewpoint well, and does the
Twilight Zone bit quite well also.



RhA6: Nessime

Not everyone can write the point of view of a horse, but Nessime does it
very well.



RhA9: Sun Queen

Sun Queen wrote a simple, but well-written short story in the perspective of
a Rohirrim soldier who had never seen an Elf or Dwarf.



RhA10: Thevina Finduilas

Daughters of Orome



This category ends on October 5th 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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