Even though I've seen you refer to the Core UF fics as your 'crap period', they're still better than anything I've ever managed. 8PI can't recall when I first started reading EPU fics, but it's been a lotta years, and I've enjoyed them all. The early stuff was a fun read, even if they aren't up to your current (awesome) standards. Your ability to take diverse source materials and blend them together seamlessly blows me away time after time.
And the song cues have lead me to some great music too. 8)
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Lead me not to temptation, for I can find it myself.
Norgarth