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> RmFE2: Knight's Service/Later by Tanaqui

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1901

I really like this story. It's light but not fluffy. The image of
Pippin being so concerned for Faramir was very cute, and I can see
this kind of relationship developing between them in the months after
Pippin returned from Cormallen. And the hobbits' constant appetites
was very in-character. As Éowyn put it, "Do they never stop eating?" I
can see them causing a revolt among the kitchen staff very easily.

Then we get to the more adult scenes. This story maintains a good
balance of how much detail to reveal, making this quite possibly the
most tasteful (and therefore, in my opinion, best) erotica I've ever
read. But what really steals the show are the character moments. When
Éomer and Lothíriel showed up I nearly cracked up. Negotiating with
Dol Amroth indeed!

In short, the characterizations were well done, the plot interesting,
and the writing superb. It all combines for a very enjoyable piece
(though I do prefer it split into two parts).

> RmFE5: The Influence of Kindred Desires by Tanaqui

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1674

Here Tanaqui continues her arc of stories about Faramir's and Éowyn's
relationship, and one can see them growing together as they heal from
their psychological and physical wounds. We see that here: their
wounds are healing, but the hurt lingers. I cannot imagine that, if
Tanaqui had changed a few proper nouns, I can see this story as
involving any other lead couple: the characterizations are distinct
and oh-so-Tolkien.

As enjoyable as the private ceremonies were, for me the truly
fascinating part was the more public ones. (Though that image of
Faramir's "paying homage" is quite titillating.) Aragorn of course
stole the show, and his interaction with Faramir was spot on. And I
had to laugh at Faramir's embarrassment when discussing his "plight"
with Elphir - and at his increased confidence later, when Elphir
reminds him of the conversation. The many ceremonies were touching,
but they also rung true: the ceremonies had a touch of historical
realism, and the political implications of the match were clearly
felt, everything from the need for a marriage by proxy to Hild, to the
Rangers' not providing the honour guard, to the concession that the
Rohirric ceremony would be conducted in the common tongue.

I can very well see this as a story out of canon, if Tolkien had
recorded the Fourth Age (except of course, Tolkien being Tolkien, he
would have "faded to black" a lot sooner!) - the characterizations,
little details, and historical realism are just so thoroughly planned
out.

> RmG3: Simple Gifts by Thevina Finduilas

URL: http://www.libraryofmoria.com/unnamedcanon/simplegifts.txt

Interesting story - very sensual, and a nice OC.

> RmHob1: A Little Night Music by Ariel

URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1710

I especially liked seeing how Sam and Rosie were getting on several
years after the Ring War. Your characterization of Rosie was
convincing, sweet but not saccharine. She seemed like an adult who had
been through a lot and knew what she wanted, but she still remained a
hobbit. It was also nice to see a romance from the female POV,
something you don't often get even in het. But what really made this
piece were the little details, especially at the beginning. Well done.

> RmP5: Love me, Urgren by Werecat

URL: http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3165

I like this. Orcs are indeed a misunderstood race. Here you give them
depth, without glossing over what makes them so orcsy.

> Rm5: Quickening by Tyellas

URL: http://www.ansereg.com/quickening.htm

I'll give Tyellas props for originality here! This was funny and yet
very realistic - the horses stayed true to how I imagine them, as did
the elves and half-elves. I liked it.

Marta