Fandom: THE LORD OF THE RINGS
Pairing: Thranduil/Galion
Length: 5,200ish words
Author on LJ: jael_the_scribe
Author Website: more fic at the LJ linked above
Why this must be read:
Lest you think Galion is an OC, he WAS mentioned in The Hobbit as the elf that fell asleep while drinking with the guard captain, thus allowing Bilbo to steal the jail keys and release the dwarves. :D

Anyway! This is a story set during the War of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, on the battle plain of Dagorlad before the gates of Mordor, where many Silvan elves fell in what would become the Dead Marshes. Prince Thranduil of Greenwood the Great takes a warrior's comfort in what is freely offered by his squire, Galion. This is a fascinating exploration of the characters, as well as the precursor and aftermath of the battle.

The Rose in the Fisted Glove by Jael the Scribe

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Renfield Turnbull/Ray Vecchio
Length: 1605 words
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: N/A

Why this must be read: An oldie from 1999, but a goodie, I fully admit to reccing this because it's my OTP. But even aside that, Pixie Nolan weaves together a story in answer to a challenge, which ends up with Renfield, Ray, a fern, a screwdriver and an arrest. Not only is it a bit spicy, it's adorable as well; the story's not terribly long, but it's a great read if you want a grin... or have some very nice mental images to take you on your merry way.

A Cop, a Mountie, and a Fern by PixieNolan

Fandom: INCEPTION
Title: The Cat and the Fiddle
Pairing: Arthur/Eames
Length: 10,000
Author on LJ: cthonical
Author Website: masterlist on author's LJ; AO3 profile


Fandom: INCEPTION
Title: Cat and the Fiddle (The Kitty In The Middle Remix)
Pairing: Arthur/Eames
Length: 10,000 - ish?
Author on LJ: gloriamundi
Author Website: author's AO3 profile

Why these must be read: Ah, Inception fandom. Inception fandom really, really, really loves its creature fic. We've been enjoying the prolonged surge of alpha/omega and knotting fics for a while, like other fandoms. Before that, tentacle fic was all the rage, and we've a plethora of vampires, succubi, and other supernatural beings. But through it all, one kink has reigned supreme, and that kink is: Catboy!Arthur.

Who can say why catboys and Inception fandom go together like really cheesy musical numbers? Is it because Arthur's brusque and aloof yet gravity-defying personality are so catlike already? Is it because he just looks adorable with cat ears and a tail? Is it because Eames already has the pet names stored up, so giving him an actual pet!Arthur to play with is the next natural step?

It could be all of these things, or a combination thereof. But mostly, as you will see in this ridiculously endearing fic in which smitten!Eames studies feline body language and woos irritable!Arthur with fish, it's because it's hot. So. So. So. So. Hot. :D

Bonus: this fic was remixed by gloriamundi as an incredible piece called Kitty In The Middle, and, folks, this is not just a remix, it's a choose your own adventure computer game. Yes. That's right. It's an interactive catboy!Arthur computer game. This fandom, man. This fandom. ♥

( The fur really *is* as soft as it looks. )

The Cat and the Fiddle by Cthonical; Kitty In The Middle (Remix) by Gloriamundi

Fandom: MERLIN
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Length: 2,100 words
Author on LJ: giselleslash
Author Website: LJ Masterlist and AO3
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: It is the eve of Agravaine’s execution and Merlin can’t bear the thought of one more person lying to Arthur.

Another lovely example of my Merlin fic of choice, reveal!fic. This one is just so full of understanding, compassion, and trust. And definitely a star spot to set it in the timeline. The night before Agravaine's execution, one of the men Arthur trusted the most, Merlin decides he can't keep any more secrets from Merlin and reveals his biggest one of all. The sheer weight of trust and love between these two just makes it stick out. It feels like most anything could be thrown between these two men and they would overcome it with their feelings for each other intact. A lovely addition to the body of reveal!fics in Merlin fandom.

The Weight of Truth

Here’s a really interesting fic about sanity… or the lack thereof. Gatchaman has triumphed, and Berg Katse is being held in ISO prison. But who has really taken whom prisoner?

Fandom: Gatchaman
Pairing: None
Characters: Berg Katse, Dr. Nambu, various minor characters.
Length: 2895 words
Author on LJ: alara_r
Author Website: Alara Rogers on the Gatchaman Fanfic Archive, Alara Rogers’ Happy Happy Mostly Text Website.
Why this must be read: This is another dark!fic. Sanity is a tenuous thing.

( St Helena was where Napoleon died in exile. )

St. Helena

Enjoy! :D

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Subject: Title by Author (Rating)

Fandom: YOUR FANDOM
Pairing: (no abbreviations, please)
Author on LJ: (if applicable)
Author Website: (author's fics, if available)
Why this must be read:

Emphasis should be on fics that you feel are especially outstanding and accessible examples of your fandom, e.g. it plays on a repeated theme in the show, it's a fandom or a personal favourite, it was a controversial fic, it's good smut. Whatever.

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[Poll #1842871]

Note that previously retired fandoms will not be resurrected (but can always be recced in the "Small/Miscellaneous" category). Make your vote count!

Fandom: BANDOM
Pairing: None
Length: 1026
Author on LJ: lalejandra on Dreamwidth
Author Website: Archive Of Our Own
Why this must be read:

After my last post, how could I not put up this rec? :D It's a five times fic, but it's amusing and cute and full of Tom Conrad, who doesn't get enough love.

( Excerpt Here )

Seriously, Tom is not a werewolf

Fandom: NCIS
Pairing: gen, with non-explicit Tony/OFC mentioned
Length: long
Author on LJ: blackchaps
Author website/archives: unknown
Why this must be read: Okay, this story will not be for everyone. It features non-con elements (not overly explicit) and some violence. Some may consider the story to feature kink, most notably puppy play, though it's very clearly not portrayed as part of kinky play between two consenting adults, so I'm reluctant to label it as such.

Basically, to sum it up, Tony is forced into puppy play by a girl friend, sold to a kennel and then saved by Gibbs. But it's so much more than this! What I love so much about this story is the psychological aftermath of a Tony who has been kidnapped and basically brainwashed. Gibbs doesn't get the whole puppy mindset but grudgingly helps Tony anyway, allowing Tony to escape into the puppyspace he clearly still needs. The story is gen, and not even overly father-son, but it shows the strong (platonic) love Gibbs has for Tony, how he instinctively knows what's best for the younger man and helping him heal by accepting the, shall we say, quirks and offering his support in his typical Gibbs-like way.

As a wonderful bonus, Abby is totally awesome and kick-ass in this story.

(A Good Dog - Part 1)

(A Good Dog - Part 2)

Fandom: INCEPTION
Title: Weltschmerz - R
Pairing: Arthur/Eames
Length: 14,614
Author on LJ: cobweb_diamond
Author Website: masterlist on author's LJ
Why this must be read: For Arthur in this fic, the ability to take any shape your subconscious desires can pose a few significant logistical difficulties. As excellent as he is at keeping Eames from getting too close to his secret, when the bullets start flying, keeping his own heart safe might prove another issue altogether. cobweb_diamond is amazing at writing fast-paced, adrenalin-filled adventures that seem epic without ever feeling too weighty or somber, and her deft, action-centric style feels perfect for this kind of story, for an Arthur who's too used to being reckless, to taking great risks, except in the one area that matters most. Rarely has a felt dealt so honestly with transgender identity issues while also managing to be so much fun.


( Arthur supposes that this is how Eames does professional distance. )

Weltschmerz