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I am spreading the word this evening. I spoke with Dreamflower by phone this evening and she send hugs to everyone. She mentioned how sorry she was that she wouldn't get to vote for as many things as she had planned to because she currently has no internet. She does have electricity, water, and phone for those of you that were worried. Also her house is still standing and did not take too much damage so they are able to live in it. She misses everyone on line and hopes to be back voting and posting soon, but until then she wanted me to let all of you know that she is doing fine in spite of everything.
I posted more on my LJ so anyone who would like to is more than welcome to pop over and read. Here is the link.
I have just spoken with Dreamflower by phone! I wanted to let everyone know how she was doing because she had a message or two for her flist as she is having internet withdraw. Below is the link to the post on my LJ. I thought you could spread the word as I suspect that some of the folks on her flist are not on mine but I did want to get her message to all of her friends. Here is the link to my journal entry.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/grey_wonderer/82163.html


Grey_wonderer

MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com wrote:

There are 2 messages in this issue.

Topics in this digest:

1. 74 Reviews 9/10-9/12/05
From: "Ainaechoiriel"
2. 64 Author Reviews 9/10-9/12/2005
From: "Ainaechoiriel"


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 1
Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 00:11:55 -0500
From: "Ainaechoiriel"
Subject: 74 Reviews 9/10-9/12/05

-----------------------------------
Title: Truth Be Told · Author: pearltook1 · Races/Places: Gondor · ID: 852
Reviewer: Ainaechoiriel · 2005-09-10 00:52:51 Score: 3
Some grammatical concernes but they do not detract from the story being
told. Which is a needful one, a gap left by Tolkien. At some point, they
would have told Faramir the story, but he left that telling for us
fanwriters. And this is perhaps one of the best tellings of it I have heard.
Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Dusk-singer · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Books/Time: Gap-Filler · ID:
702
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-10 01:56:59
The very quality that I love most about "Dusk-singer"--its sense of beauty
and mystery--almost makes me reluctant to review it. Some things are best
experienced on a purely aesthetic or visceral level, and some things are
best left unanalyzed and unexplained. What exactly is the nightingale…a
figment of Frodo's delirious imagination? An expression of his indomitable
spirit? A manifestation of Luthien herself, come to bring him comfort and
hope? I don't know, and in fact I think I prefer not to. But I do know that
this is splendid fan fiction...breathtakingly lyrical, deeply moving, and
completely consistent with canon.


-----------------------------------
Title: Adraefan · Author: Aeneid · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 448
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-10 02:11:42
I swore I wasn't going to attempt this monster at this late date in the
awards, but... gah, I am weak of will and so started it anyway after some
intense staring at the URL. Now, ususally, I'm not so much into the "Boromir
lives!" AU scenario; I love him, but he's slated to die, and his death, to
me is integral to the meaning of his character. However, occasionally, the
whim will take me and I will pick up such a story based on reactions from
others in the fandom, if the AU elements are said to be very well handled.
"Adraefan" has been getting some rave reviews for quite some time, and I've
enjoyed reading other works by Aeneid, so I finally broke down.

And lo, the other readers (and the pointer works) were right! The heavenly
chorus that makes the characters playthings of the gods is an excellent way
of playing with that sense of there being a multitude of options, only some
of which are realized—the contingency of events takes on the character of
the whim of the chorus, that can't bear to see Boromir die, but which will
put him through chapters of excruciating moral and physical agony with three
bizarre Elves who feel more elven to me than most elves, strangely enough.
Properly enigmatic and emblematic, I should say. In any case, Aeneid puts
the question of what sort of powers are they that govern so many fates, and
who have surely condemned others to fates as bad as Boromir's, if not worse.
It's one of those unanswerable questions, but it makes for great drama, as
Aeneid proceeds to demonstrate.

In terms of characterization, Boromir is magnificent, Radagast is a joy to
read, and Pippin-! Pippin. I don't usually find Pippin terribly interesting,
particularly in fanfic where he seems so often cast in a childish light, but
here he is successfully both the youngest mischief maker but also the
consummate and wise, and courageous forgiver--it's a thing of beauty.
Speaking of Pippin, the Fellowship members are hard to read because we see
their friendship repeatedly tested, found wanting at times, rejoined, and
then cast down again. We see, in the end, love that does not always require
liking; and liking (or rather, dislike) that painfully betrays what love
demands (sometimes subtley, sometimes obviously), only for friendship to be
reknit again. This is an endurance match: can they outlast Boromir's crisis,
or will they be overthrown by it? Anyone who has had to deal with a relative
or friend who has been incapacitated by grief or dementia will recognize
him- or herself in one of the Fellowship members at some point in this
story. It's agonizing, but it rings true.

Both comic and serious, heart-rending and maddening, "Adraefan" has its own
unique style to it, and a wonderful way with words and poetry. If you've
read Aeneid's "110" or
"Imladris Interpreted", you'll have a sense of what the poetry is like; now
imagine it cleverly integrated into a story as commentary from on high (or
at least, from outside the original story and outside the particular
struggles of Boromir) and you'll have an idea of the style. It gives a
unique form to this story, helping to break us out of the timeframe and
world of the books and displace us into a convincingly alternate universe.

Have I raved enough? Probably so. In closing, do not read this story if you
value your sleep patterns. I was on chapter 28 yesterday, and I made it to
chapter 48 in a feverish reading spree that started sometime around 10:30 at
night yesterday, I'd say. It's 2 in the morning my time as I write this.
Yeah. I thought several times of stopping when I found a break, only to
discover that I couldn't put the thing down because Boromir was breaking my
heart along with everyone else's who ever loved him.

However, if you're less enamored of a good night's sleep or have patience
that I lack, click on the link. I think you'll find you won't regret the
ride.
-----------------------------------
Title: Letters · Author: Breon Briarwood · Genres: Romance: Vignette · ID:
1245
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-10 02:56:27
I love how this clever fic starts out as a sappy, cliché-ridden love letter,
then gradually devolves into haunting Frodo-angst. Wonderful closing lines!
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Style of Ogden Nash · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Humor:
Poetry · ID: 917
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-10 03:12:15
Very charming and clever! I especially liked "Lothlorien"; "Time flies when
you're having fun" is an apt way to describe the strange passage of time
there. And "Go on the lam. But don't forget Sam" is priceless! I'm still
hoping Dreamflower will write a sequel featuring Smaug and Custard the
Dragon!


-----------------------------------
Title: A Circlet of Orange Flowers · Author: LKK · Genres: Humor: Elves ·
ID: 1027
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-10 05:10:00
Very amusing. Very, very amusing. And each voice is so clearly identifiable
- it is remarkably well done. Loved it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Flowers in His hair · Author: LKK · Genres: Humor: Elves · ID: 1028
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-10 05:12:42
It is hardly wise to call the King 'feminine' in his hearing. Revenge must
be expected. And Aragorn will look very pretty in a circlet of flowers. This
must have been difficult to do - since each character is so clear without
the benefit of any extra words. Very entertaining. Very clever.
-----------------------------------
Title: Elf Slash Sarcasm · Author: tyellas · Genres: Humor: Elves · ID: 596
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-10 13:50:47
Every writer of slash involving Elves, Men or indeed just about any species
should run each piece past Tyellas's Sarcasm-O-Meter, and hang their heads
in shame for every phrase they find coinciding - just about every cliche in
the slash book, be it plot (what plot?), OOC-ness, dialogue or excruciating
euphemisms, is mercilessly brought into play here. I've never yet attempted
to write slash, and I like good slash, but I've injured my eyes and brain on
enough of the bad stuff that every time I read this piece I find myself
continually wincing "Ow! Yes, I've read that - and that - and owwww, boy,
have I seen a lot of *those*!..."

The endless descriptions of everyone's clothing, particularly Elrond's
"silken elvish robes of surpassing gorgeousness," (and what the hell are
trapunto trenellations - no, on second thoughts don't tell me, I don't want
to know... ) are spot-on, as are the strings of overdone adjectives, and
particularly the evocation of the myriad Bad!Slashfic massacres of poor old
Legolas - how many "alabaster"s was that? As for "spire of your elfhood",
I'm sorry, the first time I read this piece that very nearly did me serious
physical injury.

The character assassinations are on the button too - how many times have we
all winced through horrifically cliched innocent-yet-saucy Legolas, the
grubby Ranger and the bewildered Boromir? This isn't just fanfic, it's a
public service and should be compulsorily read to all writers of appallingly
cliched slashfic till every one of those tired old phrases is burnt right
out of their lexicon. Oh, and it makes me giggle every time.
-----------------------------------
Title: Weakness of Men · Author: shadow975 · Genres: Movie-verse: Vignette ·
ID: 1014
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-10 14:45:37
This is a powerful and moving portrayal of Aragorn and Boromir's
relationship, which manages to mesh various movie moments with the
book!characters' traits well enough to reconcile some of the OOCness of the
movies' portrayals. I like the idea of Aragorn seeing himself reflected when
he looked at Boromir, seeing both their similarities and differences; all
the imagery around Narsil/Anduril was particularly effective. Beautiful and
very sad.
-----------------------------------
Title: Links · Author: Forodwaith · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General
Drabble · ID: 23
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 16:17:12
This is a fantastic drabble. It's movieverse, which I generally don't like,
but it uses that universe to good effect, invoking my memory of the scene
where Boromir is tempted by the Ring at Caradhras in only a few words. I
also liked the many uses to which it put the concept of a chain; first
something that imprisons, then something that binds together. The idea that
the chain that had carried the Ring (symbolising Frodo's sacrifice I
presumed, now with the Ring gone) is what holds the cloven horn together --
by way of symbolism, what has made Gondor whole again. This was a really
perceptive and well-told moment.
-----------------------------------
Title: Departing · Author: Celandine Brandybuck · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Final Partings · ID: 183
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 16:59:55
This is an interesting story, giving us a glimpse of some key elves (and
Gimli) as they prepare to go to the undying lands. I really liked it because
these aren't the usual suspects whose thoughts we see fanfic investigate.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Last Time · Author: SoundOfHorns · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Final Partings · ID: 1118
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 17:00:15
This is a scarily accurate portrayal of grief. you ahve captured not just
the sadness but the numbing despair very well, looking at how Merry would be
affected by it -- and the kinds of thing people offer as hope that might
ring empty. His fierce protection of Pippin made sense to me.

If this story had a fault, it's that Aragorn seemed too pleading toward the
beginning. It would have had more impact, I think, if Aragorn had been more
commanding at the beginning and later fell into pleading. Still, it's a very
powerful look at Merry's last days, and the impact the hobbits' death might
have had on Aragorn.
-----------------------------------
Title: Clasps and Links · Author: Songspinner · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Friendship · ID: 1222
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 17:00:34
This is a nice moment, illuminating the differences and similarities between
the Shire and Rohan. Good job giving the last two remnants of the house of
Eorl a moment in the sun.
-----------------------------------
Title: Farewell · Author: Elana · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Vignette · ID:
302
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 17:00:53
Lots of stories out there explain Legolas's stay in Middle-earth after
hearing the sea's call through the relationships Legolas had with mortals
still living, most notably Aragorn. This takes it a step further by
considering the call of Middle-earth itself, which I think would also have
been a key struggle. And the thought that the waves sang of a new creation
at the end was very neat. Because a new thing was happening, and using Ulmo
(as the vala most involved in Middle-earth) to announce that was very
fitting.
-----------------------------------
Title: Deific Flame · Author: Bejai · Genres: Drama (includes Angst):
Incomplete · ID: 672
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 17:01:13
This is a very well-told story where the author has taken the tantalizing
fragments Tolkien gives us (largely in secondary sources like "Unfinished
Tales"), and has woven this into a full picture. Nay, not just a picture --
a tapestry, woven with bright colours and yet dulled by the passing years,
its edges perhaps a little frayed but its glory still in tact. Elrond and
Valandil are understated as lords on less-than-friendly terms might be (and
you never forget that they are lords, no matter how personal their
interactions), but this does not undercut the emotional impact of Valandil's
continued searching for Isildur's remains. There is a bitterness to
Valandil's wish to take Narsil's shards to Annuminas; it reminds me of the
slight bitterness I always imagine in Denethor's answer that "in Gondor, ten
thousand years would not suffice (to make a steward a king)." It is the only
politic answer, but you can just feel that it is not what the speaker really
wishes. At least I can.

Regardless, this is a touching story, and all the more beautiful for its
obscurity.

-----------------------------------
Title: Making of Boys · Author: Dwimordene · Races/Places: Gondor: Houses of
Healing · ID: 237
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 17:01:38
I think what I love most about this piece is Ioreth's voice. She is
definitely the chatty comic relief we see in the books, but there's more to
her somehow. More weight. She has a wquiet wisdom that fit a woman of her
station and class. She's also extremely protective of the girls, and has a
maternal connection that I was surprised by how well it worked. Given that
she seems old but still works outside the house suggests to me that she was
never married or is widowed (and if widowed has no living children). The
fact that she is respected says a lot for Gondorian society, that it has
some place (albeit fairly limited) for professional women. And of course I
loved the philosophising, Dwim... but you knew I would like that already.
Nice job on this one.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fever Dreams · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places: Gondor: Houses of
Healing · ID: 397
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 17:02:00
This is an interesting idea: what did Faramir think the *second* time he
woke? Because of course he was ill, and physically exhausted, and feverish,
and posssibly suffering from poison, not to mention the black breath. He'd
be in a very confused state. Faramir's dreams for what a future with the
king on Gondor's throne seemed very fitting for his character. Well done,
Gwynnyd.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strange Meeting · Author: JeannieMac · Races/Places: Gondor: Houses
of Healing · ID: 743
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 17:02:19
This is a really moving tale. In the first part, the pace really met the
quick, almost panicky pace of a nightmare. And Faramir's despair is
tangible, but also very fitting to one suffering from the Black Breath. But
what I think I like most is Aragorn's treatment of Faramir. This is tough
love, but a gentle sort of tough love (if such a thing is possible): we the
reader can tell that Aragorn cares for Faramir, but he doesn't coddle him.
-----------------------------------
Title: Discretion · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Races/Places: Gondor:
Original Characters · ID: 416
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 17:02:46
A powerful look at Boromir comign to terms with his sexuality, and desires
that are all the more troublesome because Godnor looks to him for an heir.
The character of Andrahar was also well drawn. This did a good job of
presenting a pliausible homoerotic scenario within Middle-earth.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Ballad of Isildur and Elendil · Author: Lindelea · Races/Places:
Gondor: Poetry · ID: 460
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 17:03:13
Cute! You've captured a grave moment in history in a matter suitable for
babes.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inheritance · Author: Kielle · Races/Places: Gondor: Historical · ID:
1087
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 17:13:26
I have to admit to not being the best-read member of this fandom. I get the
impression that there's more going on below the surface than I am able to
comprehend. But even what I perceive on the surface, is powerful. Nice job
of taking the dry appendices and introducing family dynamics into them.
-----------------------------------
Title: Seasong · Author: Azalais · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General
Drabble · ID: 149
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 18:20:33
Oh, great moment. It's so nice to think of Legolas in love and finding
contentment beyond the seas -- but even nicer that it's Gimli who goads him
on. It reminded me of the moments at Helm's Deep where they counted their
kills. But it's nice that that competitiveness is finding an outlet in
peacetime.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Seeing Stone · Author: Finch · Races/Places: Gondor: Historical ·
ID: 346
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 20:14:40
This vignette does a good job of giving a birds-eye view of some of several
key moments in Middle-earth. From the sons of Feanor to the kinslaying...
the impersonal nature of this piece really brought out the tragedy of all
the events it commented on.
-----------------------------------
Title: Replacements · Author: Meril · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General
Drabble · ID: 486
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 20:22:55
This drabble does something very interesting by categorising the difference
between elves and men by their clothes. I never would have thought to do
that! I especially liked the comment about "embroidery vs flowing lines" --
it seems so spot on, that men try to elaborate and make things complicated,
whereas elves embrace the simple, natural beauty found in the world.
-----------------------------------
Title: Not Remembered · Author: Cadiliniel · Races/Places: Gondor: Drabble ·
ID: 992
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 20:27:34
It makes sense that some Gondorians would remember the steward and not be so
quick to accept Aragorn. This drabble does a good job of showing that.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Greater Gift · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
General Drabble · ID: 540
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 20:38:25
How neat to think of what Galadriel might have thought about her temptation
by the Ring, after she has been "healed" and is free of the concerns of
being a Ring-bearer. This drabble is full of little hints from canon: the
elanor and the niphredil, the grey rain-curtain, and so on.

It's also neat the different reactions that you have given to Galadriel and
Frodo. Galadriel is anticipating what she has seen before, but she is also
touched by Frodo: no longer worn down by the Ring so much that he can't
appreciate the new adventure.
-----------------------------------
Title: Foreign Customs · Author: Elvenesse · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor Drabble · ID: 329
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-10 21:00:30
I can *so* see the bewildered looks on the faces of the midwives and so on

=== message truncated ===

"You Earth people glorified organized violence for forty centuries. But you imprison those who employ it privately." -- Spock, "Dagger of the Mind", stardate 2715.1


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