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Adventure

Official Voting Ballot



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Pre-LOTR

AP1: Betrayal by Cassia and Sio

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1078024/1/

Rating: PG-13 violence; tense situations

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: After a long absence, Legolas is finally returning home to
Mirkwood. But what will he and Aragorn find when they get there? Trouble
more severe than either of them could have ever guessed is stirring in the
Wood-elves realm and treachery beyond imagining. The resulting struggle may
be more than either the elf or the ranger can handle... and if they can't,
then not only they, but all of Mirkwood is doomed.



Pre-LOTR

AP2: Black Breath by Cassia and Sio

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/995542/1/

Rating: PG-13 violence; tense situations

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: When tragedy strikes, the last thing Legolas wants to do is leave
Rivendell and his friends... but when he does, what will he encounter? And
will Aragorn be able to save him from it before the elf prince loses more
than just his life?



Pre-LOTR

AP3: Change of Heart, Change of Mind by Cassia and Sio

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/761260/1/

Rating: PG-13 minor violence; tense situations

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Aragorn and Legolas are beginning to become friends, but not
everyone in Mirkwood looks kindly on this, or upon they young human ranger.
When Legolas' life is threatened, Aragorn is the one person available who
knows how to save him, but will the others listen to him before it is too
late?



Pre-LOTR

AP4: Elflings by CC

URL: http://www.angelfire.com/wv/night/elflings.html

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Elladan and Elrohir try to prove that they are old enough to leave
the house by themselves.



Pre-LOTR

AP5: Exile by Cassia and Sio

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/773753/1/

Rating: PG-13 violence; tense situations

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: When Aragorn is accused of murder, he and Legolas risk everything,
including their lives, to discover the truth. But just how much will justice
end up costing?



Pre-LOTR

AP6: First Meetings by Siobhan

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/742784/1/

Rating: PG-13 violence

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Aragorn and Legolas meet for the first time. Aragorn is in his
early twenties and nearly gets killed when he ignores his adopted father's
good advice. Legolas finds him, but must fight the demons of his past in
order to help the young human.



Pre-LOTR

AP7: Icicle Cream by Khylea

URL: http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/Stories/K/Khylea/IcicleCream.htm

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: First snowy day in Rivendell, the twins want icicle cream.



Pre-LOTR

AP8: Mistaken Identity by Cassia and Sio

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/916415/1/

Rating: PG-13 violence; tense situations

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A dark elf with a burning hatred for men is terrorizing the
countryside around Rivendell. Unfortunately, that elf bears a striking
resemblance to Prince Legolas. An innocent visit from Mirkwood to Rivendell
lands Legolas in more trouble than he bargained for, but he is not the only
one, because when the dark elf's deadly designs become focused on Aragorn,
everyone finds themselves in danger.



Pre-LOTR

AP9: Return by Cassia and Sio

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/810392/1/

Rating: PG-13 violence; tense situations

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Legolas and Aragorn venture into the Mines of Moria to help Balin,
only to get more than they bargained for. Meanwhile, Mirkwood is falling
into darkness. Her only hope ends up resting in the hands of the two people
she has scorned, and Legolas & Aragorn will risk more than their lives to
save her.



Pre-LOTR

AP10: Vilya by Cassia and Sio

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/959866/1/

Rating: PG-13 violence; tense situations

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: A devastating earthquake rocks Rivendell and the surrounding areas,
leaving chaos and heartbreak in its wake. With Elrond on the brink of death,
Aragorn runs away, convinced that he is responsible. Legolas must try to
find him before the disaster can claim his life as well. Angry townspeople,
a flooding river and the forces of nature conspire against them all, leaving
no one unscathed. The waters are rising, Rivendell is about to be washed
away, and the one person who could save her lies dying.



A1: Adventurers Together by Lasse-lanta

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/839285/1/

Rating: PG-13

Romance Partners: Glorfindel/OFC

Summary: The adventures of Glorfindel and his companion from the Last
Alliance to the Fourth Age.



A2: Bitten by Legorfilinde

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1504859/1/

Rating: PG-13 violence

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Aragorn must travel to distant Rhun and what he finds there is much
more than he could ever imagine. When he fails to return, it is left to
Legolas to search for him and bring him home. But is he too late?



A3: Braid by Khylea

URL: http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/Stories/K/Khylea/Braid.htm

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: On the outskirts of Mordor, Aragorn reminisces while braiding an
injured Legolas' hair.



A4: Fireside Tales by Legorfilinde

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1446414/1/

Rating: PG-13 some violence

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Legolas and Aragorn share little known tales of their lives with
one another in this series of fireside tales.



A5: Forgotten Allies by JMac

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=51

Rating: R graphic violence

Romance Partners: Legolas/f

Summary: Legolas, Gandalf, Elrond and his sons return during WW2 to aid
Aragorn's descendents against the coming darkness and to retrieve a source
of power long forgotten.



A6: Hope Rekindled by Marta

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/challenge/chapter_view.cfm?NGID=177&STID=3367&S
POrdinal=3

Rating: PG somewhat graphic violence

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Imrahil's experiences near the end of the Battle of the Pelennor
Fields.



A7: One Of Them by Khylea

URL: http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/Stories/K/Khylea/OneOfThem.htm

Rating: PG references to violence

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Before the battle at Helm's Deep, Legolas thinks about his "They
cannot win this fight" comment to Aragorn. Legolas' POV.



A8: She Gave Me Three by Khylea

URL: http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/Stories/K/Khylea/SheGaveMeThree.htm

Rating: PG implied violence; battles

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: When Legolas' bowstring is broken after the Battle of Helm's Deep,
Gimli gives him a very special gift.



A9: The Patient by Scribe

URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=60

Rating: PG-13

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: When Doctor Aaron Stone is asked to conduct a psychiatric
examination of a patient with severe schizophrenic delusions, he finds
himself becoming the key to unlocking a mystery that alters everything he
knows of the world and his own past.



A10: The Rebel by Lindelea

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=790

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: The day after the battle Frodo rode to Michel Delving and released
the prisoners from the Lockholes. One of the first that they found was poor
Fredegar Bolger, Fatty no longer. He had been taken when the ruffians smoked
out a band of rebels that he led from their hidings up in the Brockenbores
by the hills of Scary.--"The Grey Havens"



A11: To Save a Hobbit by Khylea

URL: http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/Stories/K/Khylea/ToSaveAHobbit.htm

Rating: PG

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: What exactly did Elrond do to save Frodo from the Witchking?



A12: Wind and Fire by Adi

URL:
http://www.henneth-annun.net/challenge/chapter_view.cfm?NGID=177&STID=3367&S
POrdinal=5

Rating: G

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Shadowfax bears Gandalf through Minas Tirith.



A13: With Hope by Melina

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1799329/1/

Rating: PG somewhat graphic violence

Romance Partners: n/a

Summary: Halbarad faces his destiny on the Pelennor fields.



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



AA1: Adi

Wind and Fire



AA2: Cassia and Sio

Betrayal, Black Breath, Change of Heart, Change of Mind, Exile, Mistaken
Identity, Return, Vilya



AA3: CC

Elflings



AA4: JMac

Forgotten Allies



AA5: Khylea

Icicle Cream, Braid, One Of Them, She Gave Me Three, To Save a Hobbit



AA6: Lasse-lanta

Adventurers Together



AA7: Legorfilinde

Bitten, Fireside Tales



AA8: Lindelea

The Rebel



AA9: Marta

Hope Rekindled



AA10: Melina

With Hope



AA11: Scribe

The Patient



AA12: Siobhan

First Meetings



This category ends October 10th at 11:59pm Central US.

--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]

Here are my votes:

> A3: Braid by Khylea
>
> URL: http://www.ofelvesandmen.com/Stories/K/Khylea/Braid.htm

This is a very touching story and very well written. I enjoy
Khylea's writing style very much. Her interaction between Aragorn
and Legolas is also very believable.

>
> A9: The Patient by Scribe
>
> URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=60

This was one of the first fanfiction stories I read and I loved it.
The plot was very unique and the story extremely well written.
There was wonderful humor throughout as well as drama.

And the Authors:

> AA5: Khylea
>
> Icicle Cream, Braid, One Of Them, She Gave Me Three, To Save a

Hobbit

I always enjoy any story writtten by Khylea. Her style is very
smooth, well versed and always interesting.

>
>>
> AA11: Scribe
>
> The Patient
> I wanted to vote for this author because this particular story

still remains with me. The writing was very clear, humorous and
held the reader's interest.


Legorfilinde

Adventure
Official Voting Ballot

Larian Elensar larian_elensar@yahoo.com


Pre-LOTR
AP4: Elflings by CC

Oh, Elladan is certainly a kid. "He said to wait for a moment." That sounds
exactly lika little boy! I do like the relationship between the twins, it
seems so right and natural. I guess maybe that's because they are twins. I
also liked Celebrian and even felt a bit sorry for her since she obviously
knows that Elrond cares for her, but will never love her totally. And the end,
I guess you can never dampen the mischievous spirits of the youngsters! I'm
sure they'll find more adventures and trouble in no time!



Pre-LOTR
AP7: Icicle Cream by Khylea

Oh yes! I think you've hit with the twins! They are charming and cute without
being overly saccharine. They also do not whine as a lot of authors make them
do, especially as youngsters. This is one of my favorite stories of yours.



A1: Adventurers Together by Lasse-lanta

At first, I thought maybe it was Gil-Galad's daughter, which really interested
me, and even though it wasn't, I still wanted to know what happened to her.
I'm fond of Celeborn, so I'm glad he left Arda with the twins to go to Valinor.
Oh, and every balrog-slayer needs a child to keep him humble!



A3: Braid by Khylea

Khylea, I do so like your light hearted style! It's nice to think that Aragorn
and Legolas could share a moment like that where they laugh and remember good
things, even at Mordor's front gate. Well done.



A7: One Of Them by Khylea

I thought that was a bit out of character for Legolas as well, to be that
negative, but your story explains it very well. Certainly makes sense to me,
anyway!



A8: She Gave Me Three by Khylea

I wondered, too, what happened after Helm's Deep and the ride back to Edoras.
Again, I think you filled in the gap nicely with this story. Well done.



A11: To Save a Hobbit by Khylea

Now this is a new thing for me. Imagining Elrond actually doing battle with
the Witch King for Frodo's and his own, souls. I like it. Talk about bedside
manner! *grin*



A12: Wind and Fire by Adi

Wise Shadowfax! Good vignette. Although now I'm wondering what happened to
Shadowfax after Gandalf left for the west. Have to go look it up!



A13: With Hope by Melina

Oh. That passage in the book almost always made me tear up...about Halbarad,
never coming again to the North. Well done.




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

AA3: CC
I like CC's Elfling arcs, she doesn't rush things to hurry up and finish the
stories. It's nice to read a story where the author has the patience to let it
develop.


AA5: Khylea
I like all of Khylea's stories in this category. They're short, but really
show a lot of emotion and/or action. She shows us a bit of each character's
personality in each fiction.




This category ends October 10th at 11:59pm Central US.


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

Me again! *blinks as the vote counters runs for cover* Hey! My ballots
aren't that long!



Adventure
Official Voting Ballot

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

STORIES

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

>>Pre-LOTR
>>AP4: Elflings by CC

Fun little story of misadventure. I enjoyed Elrohirýs very pragmatic
approach to life, and his realization that if Elladan went back out again,
he would follow no matter how foolish it seemed. A somewhat mature attitude
for someone so young, but I think it worked.

>>A6: Hope Rekindled by Marta

Great vignette linking the moment Imrahil assumed command in Minas Tirith to
the moment he discovered that Eowyn was still alive. Itýs a short tale, but
it squeezes quite a bit in. There is hope in the beginning as Imrahil
realizes that Rohan has arrived, but Gandalfýs words about an enemy within
the Citadel cut that hope down. Hope is still there, but itýs flagging, and
it flags even more when Imrahil steps out onto the Pelennor. I love the idea
of empty words being replaced by action, and I like the thought that Imrahil
doesnýt count his kills. Itýs an interesting contrast to Legolas and Gimli
in Helmýs Deep. And then come the Rohirrim, bearing the king, and the title
earns its keep with Imrahilýs realization that Eowyn is breathing. It seems
a small thing in the midst of the battle, but it gives Imrahil hope, and
that was shown very well in this story.

>>A7: One Of Them by Khylea

Good expansion of a scene in the movie. Khylea doesnýt simply parrot what
was said and done but expands upon it, eventually leading us into a new
scene in which Legolas is alone with his thoughts and his memories. The
realization of tension and the eventual realization of hope are very well
portrayed.

>>A9: The Patient by Scribe

ýThe Patientý is easily one of my favorite LotR fics, and has been for quite
some time. Future fics that involve the modern world are difficult to pull
off well, but Scribe seems to thrive on the challenge that such stories
involve. Culture shocks and basic communication problems are all addressed,
things that are often overlooked in other fics. The idea that Legolas,
Elrohir, and Elladan canýt communicate with those around them is brilliant,
and it works very well to establish initial complications. I love the
character of Eve, who has taken the fire and rebellion of Arwen to the next
level, but my favorite reincarnation of an LotR character is probably Dr.
Aaron Stone. He has many of Aragornýs gentler traits, but he lacks the rough
edge that years as a Ranger created in his former self. Gandalf as was an
interesting character, too, and I loved the slow unraveling of what happened
to him and why he could remember some things with frightening clarity but
was completely at a loss when it came to other things. Well, for that
matter, the slow unraveling of who he really was served as a great plot
device. The elves were brilliant, and Legolasýs sudden love of soda made me
laugh. But perhaps the best part of this fic is the way the plot moves. It
speeds up when necessary, slows down to give the illusion of a breather, and
then roars back into action. And itýs the action that really makes this
story tick, because thereýs plenty of it and itýs told very, very, very
well. The combination of Middle-earth battle techniques and modern day
weaponry was exhilarating, and when used in the hands of one of LotRýs most
talented authors, it became an exciting,
impossible-to-set-aside-until-finished journey.

>>A10: The Rebel by Lindelea

Lindelea writes excellent hobbit stories, and I consider this to be one of
the best. I love the respect and admiration that other hobbits have come to
give Fredegar, and through the flashbacks, we see just how much Freddy has
changed in order to deserve that respect. There are many hints of his
courageous side in the flashbacks, but they come out in full force when the
ruffians start making trouble. I cheered when the other hobbits covered for
him, and I cheered even more at the bravery going on behind the scenes, such
as Rosie managing to give water to the prisoners. It would be easy for this
story to descend into a mindless slog across the Shire toward the Lockholes,
but it keeps its focus, it draws the reader in through vivid flashbacks, and
the small moments of courage from ordinary hobbits shine all the more in the
dreary situation. Last but not least, I love the fact that Frodo immediately
understands why Freddy wants to stay in the rain. Very nice touch, and a
reminder that Freddy wasnýt the only hobbit to suffer.

>>A12: Wind and Fire by Adi

Wow. I hadnýt read this story until the MEFAwards, and Iým very glad that it
was nominated. This is a very powerful look into the mind of Shadowfax, and
a very sophisticated look it is. Shadowfax values the simple things. He
values wind and rain and grass. And in these priorities, he is very much a
horse. But he is also one of the Mearas, and he understands that there are
things beyond the wind and the rain and the grass, and that somehow, his
actions will play into a much larger picture. He knows there are greater
things at work and he knows that Gandalf is working on behalf of these
greater things. I like his musings on the questions of the other horses when
they wonder what war will accomplish in the end. And though Shadowfax might
agree with them to an extent, he can also glimpse something bigger at work.
Very simple and yet profound observations from my favorite horse, and in the
end, his motivation encompasses what each of us desire at heart: the freedom
to run where we choose.

>>A13: With Hope by Melina

I love the character of Halbarad, and this story does him justice. Set in
the midst of action and the terrible battle of the Pelennor Fields, this is
a surprisingly quiet little vignette. It starts out in Halbaradýs head as he
tries to keep Aragorn in his sights, which is great way to begin any
Halbarad characterization, and then moves into the actual battle. The action
is quick and soon over, but the consequences are not. I very much appreciate
the storyýs assertion that Aragorn realizes he has other duties and cannot
keep Halbarad from death. He lets him go because for all that Halbarad is
worth to Aragorn, he is still only one man on a battlefield. Heartwrenching
tale, but one with a glimmer of hope and satisfaction in the end.

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

AUTHORS

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

>>AA11: Scribe

I donýt think I can say enough about Scribe. As an action writer, I would go
so far as to say that she has no equal. Most of her stories include a
healthy dollop of action, but it never gets old and she always finds a new
way to portray battles. Sometimes she sticks with a single viewpoint and
other times she hops around from perspective to perspective, never losing
the thread of the narrative but giving us a glimpse as to all facets of
whatever battle sheýs describing. And battles arenýt the only action she
does well. She also excels at chase scenes, which sounds strange as chase
scenes usually only work on the big screen. But Scribeýs gift for words and
pacing brings them alive in her stories. She has a firm handle on her
characters, and in her modern stories, those characters who are
reincarnations of former individuals are a unique blend of new
characteristics and old tendencies. Scribe is one of the best ensemble
writers out there, able to give each character his or her due and still move
the story forward. Her ability to switch into an omniscient narrative during
key moments of action is an amazing talent that is used sparingly, but when
it does come into play, it fleshes out the action so well that readers are
left to wonder how action could be written any other way. Exciting, epic,
and creative stories are Scribeýs forte, and nobody does them better than
she does.

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

Ta-da! That's all for now!

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

A2: Bitten by Legorfilinde

URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1504859/1/


I enjoyed this story thoroughly. It was creatively written and shows
great imagination. The friendship between Legolas and Aragorn was
wonderfully portrayed. It was so well done that it drew me in and I
was unable to stop reading until I found out what happened. I find
myself unable to adequately express how much I enjoyed reading this
story. Legorfilinde's style and clarity of writing are a delight. I
certainly look forward to reading anything else she may write.

Amebrindra

AA7: Legorfilinde

Bitten, Fireside Tales


Legorfilinde has been my favorite author since I read Hidden which
was not her first story, but it was the first story I had read
authored by her. I was amazed, and remain amazed, at her ability to
transport me into her stories.

She has a scope of imagination which continually astounds me with
her ability to create incredibly believable, completely original
situations with well known, well loved characters. Her portrayal of
Legolas and Aragorn have redefined these characters for me in an
wonderfully positive way. In writing Bitten and Fireside Tales she
brought to life a wealth of past experiences for them which adds
depth and meaning to their friendship.

Every time I read one of her stories I am treated to a movie in my
mind. This is not something that happens often for me, but with her
wonderful style of writing...it happens every time.

Amebrindra

Adventure
Official Voting Ballot

A2: Bitten by Legorfilinde
Plausible quest (to find the blue wizards), steady pacing, and
charming dialogue make this piece easy to read and enjoy. The baddies
were intriguing as well, and the sense of adventure and mystery was
palpable (maybe because you gave us the details like provisioning,
etc.).

A5: Forgotten Allies by JMac
This is not the first time I've read this story, of course, but every
time I re-read it, I'm struck overwhelmingly by the professionalism
and fluidity of the writing. Truly, this story could be printed and
sold. Setting, movement, plot, and characterisation are all right on.
I think the thing that sets this story apart from so much LoTRfic,
however, is the sleek dialogue. JMac has mastered that show-not-tell
writing proverb and woven a compelling tale that never gets bogged
down in overdescription or verbose language. So, on a stylistic basis
alone, the story shines. But then there's Elrohir. Wow, just wow. I
know some readers might be creeped by that piece of the plot, but I
found it incredibly touching and a true what-if exploration of what
it is to be an elf. Never in this story did I make the mistake of
believing that elves were simply very pretty humans. JMac has set
them apart, made them magical ... and made them tragic. I think
Tolkien would like that.

A6: Hope Rekindled by Marta
This piece is short but succulent. For a while after reading it, I
wished you'd rewritten the whole story from his point of view. His
narrative voice was that strong.

A9: The Patient by Scribe
I can't really say enough about this story. Usually, I avoid reading
lengthy multichapter fics because they tend to go on and on and have
no point. However, this one definitely has a point. It even has a
plot! And a story arc! Holy cow: it has a beginning, middle, and end!
It has humour and car chases and coca-cola abuse and target practice
with elves. It has the best characterisation of Gandalf I've ever
read outside of Tolkien, hands down. It has moments of gut-wrenching
romance that are neither trite nor overdone. It even has an Arwen
that is spunky and spirited and not in the least dull (as Tolkien's
original was, in my opinion). It's written in real English, the kind
of English that makes me want to to keep on reading instead of
falling asleep at two in the morning. In fact, despite the length of
the story, never once did my eyes glaze over, never once did I just
wish for a scene to be over. Even the seeminly insignificant details
had meaning (like marshmallows, for instance). And the twist at the
end was solid enough to support a film version. In fact, the whole
thing flowed so smoothly and cinematically, it would translate easily
to film, I think.

A10: The Rebel by Lindelea
URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=790
The dialogue was stark and uncomfortable, several times making me
wince. The torment of imprisonment, contrasted so baldly with those
warm and inviting and hobbity flashbacks, evoked all the feelings I
think you were going for: horror, anger, emptiness, and furious hope.
Gorgeous writing.

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

AA4: JMac
Forgotten Allies
JMac is one of the most consistently superb authors in ficdom. I just
wish I could convince her, once and for all, of her fantasticness.

AA8: Lindelea
The Rebel
I hadn't read Lindelea before the MEFAs (in fact, I'm fairly new to
reading hobbit-based fic). But if this piece is representative of her
storytelling talent overall, I'm anxious to read more of her work.

AA11: Scribe
The Patient
I've told Scribe this before: her talents are wasted on a free-
publishing market like fic. She ought to be getting paid for this
stuff. She's that good. When I'm introducing people who've never read
fanfic before and want to know what it's all about, Scribe is one of
the authors I point them to, an example of the representative best in
fic.

Adventure

Official Voting Ballot



Pre-LOTR

AP7: Icicle Cream by Khylea



Anything with the twins is good for me. I love this one. It reminds me of the excitement of a first snow for all kids and the snow cream that my mother used to make. It was sweet and nostalgic, a fiction that made me sit the smile on my face after I had finished.



A3: Braid by Khylea



This one had me crying like a baby. It was so sweet and yet so sad. Even the flashback brought a tear to my eye. I too think Elrond is such a tragic figure in LOTR. He loses so much and his called upon to sacrifice so much. This fiction shows it in such a lovely way. I really like the way Khylea made Aragorn his SON and not just another human.



A4: Fireside Tales by Legorfilinde
Oh, I enjoyed those. Each one was steeped in lore that we know with as added adventure that we donýt. Especially the last one! I can imagine little tiny Legolas with his toy dagger! Each tale is different and each one has its own tone. My favorite parts were the times that a melancholy Legolas smiled. The quiet friendship and trust between the two of them is lovely.



A6: Hope Rekindled by Marta



A moving depiction of the battle and its warriors. It reminded me of the children and old men who fought at Helmýs Deep. Imrahil did not have an enviable task yet he did itý and for a city not even his own. I especially liked the part at the end when he found the maiden lived yet. It seemed indeed to be hope rekindled.



A7: One Of Them by Khylea



This fiction is just beautiful, even if it is a first oneý it is a moving story told around movie verse. I loved the Helms Deep scenes and I have to say they are captured here with much feeling. To have Legolas admit much shame and despair that his people did not come to fight. My favorite part is the swell of hope when Legolas hears the elf horn.



A8: She Gave Me Three by Khylea

Ack! More tears. This story actually reminded me a bit of the gift of the magiý though only one side. Galadrielýs hair was Gimliýs most precious gift and he gave it to Legolas, surely signifying that he was indeed an elf friend. I loved the way he acted as if it didnýt matter to him at all. You know, I have wondered about the burial of the bodies at the Deepý because the customs of men did not seem to be burning any but orcs and I think a mass grave would have been the only answer.



A11: To Save a Hobbit by Khylea



I also always wondered what sort of elvish medicine that Elrond used to heal Frodo. This story is a wonderful and imaginative filling in of that gap. Again I love the way you weave a story around movie verse so beautifully.








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

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

-----Original Message-----
From: Ainaechoiriel [mailto:mefaadmin@earthlink.net]
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 12:22 AM
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MEFAwards] Adventure--Official Voting Ballot





Adventure

Official Voting Ballot


AP1: Betrayal by Cassia and Sio

Cassia and Siobhan are a guilty pleasure. I have admitted to being a torture
fic fan, so yes, I do love to see my favorite characters beat up. And these
two come through in story after story! I was very glad to read this one
after Exile and Return as Legolas needed to return home, but even then,
there's danger waiting. Twists and turns and lots of angst. Good
entertainment for those of us who like this sort of thing!

AP2: Black Breath by Cassia and Sio

Another good story from Cassia and Siobhan! These two are the champs of
angst/humor/adventure all rolled into one. Black Breath is just as
entertaining as their whole series! What poor Legolas has to go through!


AP3: Change of Heart, Change of Mind by Cassia and Sio

Cassia and Sio deliver up yet another entertaining, angst-filled story. And
some of the angst this time comes right from Legolas's friends.


AP5: Exile by Cassia and Sio

I was very glad to be able to read Betrayal so soon after this one. This
one wounded me. No happy ending. Not even an "up". No, Legolas is exiled
along with Aragorn. No loopholes, no nothing. He's out. And Thranduil is
broken-hearted for having to do it. Nearly had me in tears!


AP6: First Meetings by Siobhan

Siobhan delivers up a nice story with this one. And I was glad to see that
Legolas's sufferings in Dorilyn hadn't gone away completely. I've lived
through trauma myself enough to know that it doesn't just go away. But it
does heal, and it's good to see him heal. And the teasing at the end was
funny.


AP8: Mistaken Identity by Cassia and Sio

Oh this one was quite a ride! Poor Legolas, getting mistaken for a
murderous Elf and tortured for it to boot, only to end up having his
torturers be on the good-guy side. And he, in the end, has to deal with his
dopple-ganger.



AP9: Return by Cassia and Sio

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and was very glad to see the heart-break
end. For now, anyway. ;-) I know with these two writers, there will always
be more! I look forward to these stories, even though I'm about 10 behind!


AP10: Vilya by Cassia and Sio

I liked that this time Legolas was not hurt too badly in this one. Though I
am a torture-fic fan, sometimes the characters just need a break! So it's
good you gave the prince one. Elrond took up the slack in this one, and
everyone else gets a lot of angsting, for which Cassia and Siobhan are
masters!




A5: Forgotten Allies by JMac

This was a well-written story bringing LOTR and WWII together without any
hocus-pocus. Instead, it was just the passage of time, which Elves and a
Wizard can weather. I didn't even mind the romance that slipped in toward
the end. And that's saying a lot, coming from me. The history in this one
is pretty good, too, something I care a lot about.


A13: With Hope by Melina

Good characterization of Halbarad there at the end. You got a few tears out
of me with that one.


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



AA2: Cassia and Sio

Cassia and Siobhan are dangerous. Especially when writing together. These
two just keep coming up with story after story, danger after danger for our
intrepid duo, and then even having the levity to have the character's joke
about it. These guys are a fun read, entertaining thoughout. But don't
mistake that. They also show a knowledge of the lore, even if they write in
what one may consider AU. They do angst like nobody's business and always
mix it in with adventure and drama and a touch of humor.


AA4: JMac

Jmac did a good job of weaving the LOTR characters, the immortals anyway,
into the fabric of a plot set in WWII. She kept it humble, too, which is a
sign of maturity. No one tried to assassinate Hitler or anything. No, she
kept the plot relevent to both WWII and LOTR. Nice job.


AA10: Melina

Melina took on a challenge and gave a beloved but rather minor character a
fitting end.



AA12: Siobhan

Siobhan without Cassia is just as good as with, or as Cassia without
Siobhan. She seems the quieter of two, as Cassia does the postings and
such, but she's proven she can write solo, too, and write well. Adventurous,
tragic, and funny, all at once.



This category ends October 10th at 11:59pm Central US.

--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/>
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