sophinisba | Merlin and LotR recs and links

So even though Merlin is my favorite character on the show and most of my favorite fics are from his POV, I totally adored Pastimes & Lifestyles by

netgirl_y2k, an AU in which he never comes to Camelot and so Morgana has to take over his job of protecting Arthur from various monsters and sorcerers. The fic has a lovely light tone, great characterization, plot, and a satisfying Gwen/Morgana romance.

thefuturequeen is hosting its second Gwen Battle with prompts open until August 5.

Merlin Big Bang fics will go up at

boxofmagic on August 5th!!!

We're about to close up the Lórien challenge at

lotr_fic_recs, putting up a new challenge (something Lotrippy, I think) over the weekend.

Someone at

lotrips_finders is asking for favorite long Frodo/Sam fics. Maybe you can help them out.