Post by ubiquitous on Sept 3, 2009 14:49:10 GMT 10
Peculiar Pairings Ficathon Spotlight
The Peculiar Pairings competition was ongoing when this article was written, and it was full of amazing stories about characters not often seen on the same pages: Aly/Roald, Thayet/various blond(e)s, George/Neal – lots of possibilities to entertain the mind for months. Not only were the stories plausible, but the pairings in many cases made sense – people shed light on characters we would never think of romantically, but they ultimately made sense.
Here is a sample of some recommended Peculiar Pairings entries:
1.
Title: Unwillingly In Her Snare
By: opalgiril
Rating: PG-13
Category: Tortall
Summary: Raoul sees her for what she is. No one else does. But yet he wound up snared by her, too.
Peculiar Pairing: Raoul/Delia.
Because: This is a fascinating look at Raoul, and a fairly realistic scenario. It also makes one think of Raoul’s line to Kel about not liking the man he became when he was drinking.
Link: Here
2.
Title: Canoodling on Duty
Author: greenie
Rating: R. (I'm not entirely sure if this is right or not, but it's not any more explicit than what Tammy's written in the books.)
Category: Tortall
Summary: Clary and Mattes get themselves out of a tricky situation by pretending to be canoodling while on duty.
Peculiar Pairing: Goodwin/Tunstall
Because: If something’s going to happen between Clary and Mattes, *this* is exactly how it would begin. Very in-character and a wonderful grasp on the lower city vernacular.
Link: Here
3.
Title: Curveballs
Author: cassandra
Rating: PG?
Category: Tortall
Summary: Sometimes, people do the unexpected.
Peculiar Pairing: Kel/Various
Because: Cassandra has a knack for taking a canonical moment and giving the perfect twist so it’s a wonderfully romantic/sexual moment.
Link: Here
4.
Title: Woven Decision
Author: brilyn
Rating: PG
Category: Emelan
Summary: The four discuss the new weave being added to Sandry's life.
Peculiar Pairing: Crane/Sandry
Because: There’s nothing on earth better than a good Emelan fic. The pairing is established in an interesting way, and the dialogue captures the spirit of the characters perfectly.
Link: Here
5.
Title: Ways of Communication
Author: cassandra
Rating: light R
Category: Tortall
Summary: He doesn't wish she was a boy anymore.
Peculiar Pairing: Kel/Wyldon
Because: From the unique addition of Tortallan history to the poetic description of forbidden love, this piece offers a captivating glimpse into a relationship that ended too quickly. Love the pairing or hate it, the decision not to try to explain all the why's here but just to let things happen without shying away or dancing around the truth results in a poignant and bittersweet encounter that isn't easily forgotten.
Link: Here
A Pair of Fics:
6.
Title: Fencing Lessons
Author: peroxidepirate
Rating: R
Category: Tortall
Summary: Charting an unexpected relationship, from beginning to end.
Peculiar Pairing: Alanna/Joren
Because: It's a wonderful example of twist-ending fic which presents unexpected pairings in an amazingly realistic and witty way. The characterization is spot-on and while there's a tragic vulnerability to all the characters that's a refreshing change from their usual stoic strength, the hint of future healing at the end adds just the right amount of sweetness and hope. Amazingly executed and just so entertaining to read.
Link: Here
7.
Title: They Call This Progress?
Author: peroxidepirate
Rating: PG-13
Category: Tortall
Summary: Companion piece to "Fencing Lessons." During the Grand Progress, George and his two youngest children visit Alanna. The Lioness is otherwise occupied, so George ends up spending time with her squire, instead.
Peculiar Pairing: George/Neal
Because: It's a perfect explanation of the other side of "Fencing Lessons", managing to introduce an unlikely pair without it ever feeling forced. The description and flow are so natural that it becomes hard to remember you're not reading canon. A masterful blend of humor and tragedy.
Link: Here
Maybe once we'd have seen it during Smackdown!