DS Match Fic: I Am a Man Upon the Land

[thady.livejournal.com]

Title: I Am a Man Upon the Land
Author: to be revealed
Pairing: Fraser/Kowalski
Rating: PG-13
Length: 13,000 words
Why I'm reccing this fic:

There are many ways a story can impress me. This one does it at first glance through its language. It has enough poetry to be lyrical and enough prose to not be flowery. It flows and ebbs, and I was so captivated I didn't know I was reading. I slipped into Fraser's head.
Fraser is so very much himself. His longing and need is clearly visible without becoming overbearing, I could practically taste it. I love how he views Ray, how we see him through Fraser's eyes.

But then there is the story itself, the plot. Interesting take on an old theme, with the touch of due South to make it specific, and not just generic. I loved its pacing and the slow and steady build-up. And I loved how Fraser and Ray's story was interwoven with the story of the selky.

The sled passed over the snow with a near-silent whoosh, though an enthusiastic yip broke the stillness from time to time. The pace was slow and easy, since Ray was still learning. Fraser followed on his skis, keeping one eye on nine cheerfully wagging tails and the other on Ray. Critically, he gauged his partner's balance, his handling of the bulky sled, the shouted orders that directed the dogs along a safe and accurate path. Ray stood loose-limbed and relaxed, radiating a confidence it had taken only days to develop.
A confidence Fraser was sorely lacking, though of an entirely different type and for completely different reasons.

I Am a Man Upon the Land