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Hobbits
Official Voting Ballot

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Poetry
HobP6: The Lay of Peregrin Took by Llinos
URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1637800/1/

I absolutely love this piece! It is amazing! I specifically requested Llinos to write this song for a story bunny that I asked Baylor to write, because I knew that she would do a fantastic job, and the finished work was even better than I knew it would be. It is of an epic length, which is perfect for the subject matter, which is the tale of the life of a hero, and to an extent, those who love him and journey with him. I longed for something that would have the scope and grandeur of one of the old lays and stories that Sam wondered if others would someday sing and tell about them around the fire, but one especially about Pippin. Though I knew that Llinos is a brilliant poet, this work exceeded my wildest expectations. Each stanza is wonderfully and descriptively constructed and moves the story of the hero, Pippin, along smoothly and the words and cadence are just perfect.

The way that Pippin, and the others in the Fellowship are all referred to as various types of birds throughout is wonderful  Pippin has been named for a peregrine falcon that Merry saw when Pippin was born, and Llinos uses the bird theme for all of the companions. I especially like that the description/type of bird used for Pippin changes during the course of the song as he matures, from a fledgling, to young falcon, little hawk, hawkling, half-grown falcon, stoic eaglet, and last, falcon.

The song tells the story of his life from birth; his battles with ill health as a child, all of his triumphs on the Quest, through his survival after the Battle of the Black Gate, as well as touching upon all of the major events faced by all of the Fellowship, and it fits Baylors universe and the story it was written for perfectly. That cant be easy, to go into another authors universe and write in a way that suits it so perfectly, and I find that very impressive. Every major event in Pippins life is included and in a very natural way, not seeming forced at all, and everyone is written in perfect character. The song is meant to be written by Legolas in the story, and it certainly could have been written by an elf  it is perfect!



Post-WOTR
Hob4-1: A Crate of Lemons by ShireDweller
URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1247016/1/

Rosie not knowing to put sweetening in the lemonade was my favourite moment here!



Post-WOTR
Hob4-3: At the End of His Rope by Lindelea
URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=309

A really enjoyable story about Pippin and his struggles. Another good tale taking place in Lindeleas universe.



Post-WOTR
Hob4-7: Firestorm by Lindelea
URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1322393/1/

There are some really exciting and dramatic moments in this story. Its amazing how Lindelea manages to keep all of the facts straight from story to story, including this one, yet she does. The attention to detail is well done here. As always, everyone is in character, and entertainingly written as per Lindeleas universe. I appreciate the length of the story, as it allows the reader to really become involved in the plot.


Post-WOTR
Hob4-13: Shining Through by Dana
URL: http://dana.rosiesamfrodo.com/writing/fan/st.htm

This is a wonderful story, full of angst, but also full of hope, and love, and belief. I was very impressed at the strength of Pippin in this tale  Merry showed amazing strength of his own, battling the Shadow, lost for three days in the darkness, but Pippin had to be just as strong as well, both emotionally and mentally, and his strengths in these areas are very hobbity indeed. Pippin was the one steadfastly anchoring Merry to light and life here, all on his own, and his loneliness, fear and desperation were great and difficult to bear, yet were bravely kept at bay because it was necessary for him to concentrate on good thoughts, and speak of good things and happy memories, in order to keep Merry from succumbing. Merry when he wakes has no doubts I think about what role Pippin paid in his recovery. I love their relationship here.



Pre-WotR
HobPW1: A Mother's Day by Pearl Took
URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1309496/1/

I think that my favourite part of this was that all the children loved their aunts as though they were another parent. I love that the two families are depicted as being that close. Very sweet and enjoyable.


Pre-WotR
HobPW2: Gandalf and the Seahobbit by Pippinfan1988
URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1382

This was a well-done and fascinating look at some of the other Tooks that Gandalf counted among his friends! It is easy to see reading this where Pippin got his bravery and wanderlust. I loved that Isengar was so similar to Pippin. The cuts back and forth between Isengar and the past, to Pippin and the present, were very nicely done.


Pre-WotR
HobPW7: River Stones by Jeodo Brandybuck
URL: http://www.west-of-the-moon.net/servlet/ReadGenStory?storyID=45

This is fabulous, and a perfect compliment to the authors other stories in this series. One of the things that I admire most about this author is her complex relationships between the four hobbits, Merry, Pippin, Frodo, and Sam. Her characterisations and dialogue for these four especially are very good. She writes the characters with a very clear understanding of the society in which the story takes place. I beta for Jeodo now, and so I know from experience the amount of research and effort that goes into each of her stories. There are notes and references galore when I receive a story from her to work on, and I can tell that the same effort was put into this story. She does her best to be historically accurate, and is absolutely within canon as much as she possibly can be. The plot of this story is entertaining, and it is a very good read. I enjoyed this very much. There is excitement, adventure, and it is a lovely picture of this authors idea of the Shire. I look forward eagerly to all of her stories.



The Lord of the Rings
HobL2: Bedside Chatter by Silvermoon Lady
URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=931


A very nice story. It was interesting to see a story where Pippin and Eomer had some interaction. I liked all of the dialogue here very much! It was a very realistic scene.


The Lord of the Rings
HobL3: Riding the Nightmare by Budgielover
URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1222

Budgie came up with a very clever idea here. I dont recall any other story quite like it. The action is very well written, and all of the characterisations are very well done and fit her universe perfectly.

The conflict that she creates by having Boromirs motives misinterpreted at first adds suspense to the story, and by not revealing the identities of the mysterious enemies for so long she really draws out the tension, building it nicely till the revelation, and then she exchanges that sense of unease and mystery with intense danger and horror to keep us on the edge of our seats.

You can really see the scenes she describes  Aragorns nobility, the abject terror of the others in the presence of such fearsome evil, the palpable fear of and for Pippin and Frodo when they are suspended in the air as hostages by the dead, the action of Boromir diving to save the falling Pippin, Frodos mid-air rescue by the leader of the dead...all described wonderfully. Aragorn shines here as Isildurs Heir, the only one that can possible aid the dead enemy and grant them any sort of freedom. I also really liked Merry overcoming the terror he felt being surrounded by the dead when Frodo and Pippin were in danger. I really admire her Merrys strength of character and his intelligence. The dead were described so vividly, I could see them perfectly as I read!


The Lord of the Rings
HobL4: The Conspiracy of Hobbits by Dreamflower
URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1707

There are many things that I like about this story. First of all it is an entertaining read, and long enough to sink your teeth into. I like Dreamflowers characterisations of the hobbits very much. She has constructed a wonderful universe to showcase her stories, and this is one of my favourites. The situations are very good, and further the plot wonderfully, and all of the dialogue is just right. There are very many nice things that stand out in the story; I liked how Merry, Frodo, and Pippin, before it was understood that they would be going on the adventure together regretted that things werent going exactly how they had always planned it, Merry thinking Pippin would have to be left behind, Pippin upset that Merry would consider leaving him behind, and Frodo thinking that he would have to leave both Merry and Pippin behind. Frodos gift to Folco, Fattys friendship with Folco, as deep in its way as the friendship between Merry and Pippin, Fattys bravery in making the suggestion that he stay behind and impersonate Frodo, a doubly brave gesture as he is terribly afraid of water and has, as Tolkien said, never before crossed the Brandywine Bridge, Fattys first glimpse of Esmeralda, thinking that she looked more like Pippins mother than Merrys&it is attention to character traits and plot points like these that make a story really enjoyable.


The Lord of the Rings
HobL5: Through Shadow by Citrine
URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1897

There are some wonderful moments between the cousins here! Each character is well written, and the dialogue and thoughts for each is spot on.


Hob1: A Partnership in Villainy by Llinos
URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1141429/1/
Rating: G

This is such a sweet story! I really love Llinos version of Shire Yule traditions, and the loyalty and caring between the two cousins even before Merry is made to understand his responsibilities toward Pippin. Both showed very noble traits, as this authors Merry and Pippin always do, and it is no surprise that they grew up so fine as they did in her universe, while still keeping their sense of mischief and fun. I also like that chocolate is considered to be such a strange and foreign delicacy, as I agree it would be quite rare, even nonexistent in the Shire.


Hob2: A Path With No Returning by Citrine
URL: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1794
Rating: G

This is an amazing story of bravery and friendship and duty. I cant recommend it enough. Even though these are OC hobbits, I was as involved and interested as if they were one of the more well known hobbits. I cry every time I read this.


Hob4: Big Enough to be Thain by Llinos
URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1211951/1/
Rating: G

Most authors seem to just take for granted that Pippins father was Thain when he was a child, or that he didnt become Thain until Pippin was 25. The ones that have him Thain when Pippin was a child seldom have a reason for him to already hold the office, and Llinos has come up with a very interesting explanation. I like the reasoning behind Paladin becoming Thain, and Paladins reasoning for sending his own heir to school. I feel very sorry for Pippin here, as he faces something that many children who are small face. Pearl is very well written as the wise older sister, as she is really old enough to act very maternally toward Pippin. I really like that she arranges for Merry, in the role of older brother, to come and help Pippin learn to defend himself, and also to make sure that Pippin learn and understand the importance of fair play. While that is hardly a principle reserved for the aristocracy, here it makes me understand the noble natures and upper class upbringing of these two youngsters. I also like that it was Frodo, and also Sam, who had taught Merry to defend himself. The scenes of Pippin and Merry sparring are lovely, and I like the final fight very much, especially as Paladin was watching and is so very proud of Pippin. Pippin has learned well, and acquits himself honourably. Llinos little Pippin and young Merry are just joys to read about, very much realistically acting young lads.



Hob6: Moonlight on Summer Leaves by Silvermoon Lady
URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=850

A bittersweet story, and I loved that Pippin arranged for Paladin met Legolas before the end, and fulfilled his wish.


Hob7: Of Dwarvish Ale and the Fairer Sex by Ariel
URL: http://www.frodosharem.org/cgi-

An excellent sequel to Of Dwarvish Ale and Battle Scars by Aratlithiel! I loved the inclusion of Gandalf in the hobbits drinking contest, and I never doubted who the winner would be!


Hob8: Recollections by Silvermoon Lady
URL: http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=431
Rating: G

A lovely tale. I enjoyed how so many of Merrys traits had passed on to his granddaughter. It was wonderful to read of their time together, and I could feel the pride that Merry obviously had for her.




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

Poetry
HobPA2: Llinos
The Lay of Peregrin Took

Llinos is a fabulous poet. I am so impressed at the way that she is able to write poetry of any type, just right for its intended purpose. Whether it is an epic lay such as The Lay of Peregrin Took or a very personal poem for a friends birthday, the finished piece never fails to be just exactly right. I was visiting her when the Lay was written, and I will never forget the single-minded creativity and intensity I witnessed when she was working on it, intent on the piece to the exclusion of all else. She knows all of the rules of how many lines, what works and what doesnt, how to inspire a certain feeling. She has a talent and skill that I know I could never master.




HobA4: Ariel
Of Dwarvish Ale and the Fairer Sex

Ariel is better known for very dark pieces, but she also writes wonderful humour!


HobA6: Budgielover
Riding the Nightmare

Budgie has constructed a wonderful universe in which to set her stories, and has some marvelously original ideas and isnt afraid to be a bit different and daring! I also like the characterisations of her Fellowship very much. She always maintains continuity between her stories, so that reading any of her stories is like dropping in to visit a familiar place.



HobA8: Citrine
Through Shadow, A Path With No Returning

I look forward to every story that this talented author writes, and never fail to be impressed and touched by her work, sometimes to the point of tears. Her characters are unforgettable.


HobA9: Dana
Shining Through

Danas Merry and Pippin are fascinating, and so is her writing style.


HobA10: Dreamflower
The Conspiracy of Hobbits

I really enjoy all of Dreamflowers stories. She has a knack for writing in a very hobbity way, and her universe always offers a good, satisfying read!


HobA13: Jeodo Brandybuck
River Stones

A very thorough and painstaking author who really knows her characters, and takes the time necessary to finely craft every word of her enjoyable stories.


HobA16: Lindelea
A Small and Passing Thing; At the End of His Rope; Firestorm; Flames; Going, Going, Gone

I can always count on Lindelea to provide an entertaining tale! I appreciate her prolific habits, and her well constructed, elaborately intertwined stories.


HobA18: Llinos
A Partnership in Villainy, Big Enough to be Thain

Wonderful characterisations, especially Merry and Pippin, and the plot situations she comes up with are always very entertaining. Llinos has the ability to spin a tale that is both entertaining and yet also often has a moral or lesson. She includes lots of details, and is adept at writing a scene so that it appears before the eyes of the reader. Often she adapts personal experiences into events in her stories, and when she does this lends an even greater sense of realism. Her Merry and Pippin have a wonderful relationship, and their motivations and emotions always have a solid basis. She always stays true to their characters and her own LoTR universe.


HobA20: Pearl Took
A Mother's Day

Pearl can always be counted upon to provide a good read, with well written characters and dialogue.


HobA22: Pippinfan1988
Gandalf and the Seahobbit, Irrepresible Pippin

Wonderfully creative ideas, and good story construction. Excellent characterisations.



HobA25: Silvermoon Lady
Bedside Chatter, Moonlight on Summer Leaves, Recollections

I really enjoy this authors ability to get into the minds of her characters.




This category ends on September 30th at 11:59pm Central US time.


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There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for awhile. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach.

Sam, in Mordor, RoTK