Friends of Nimrodel: Tapestry of Dreams - Discussion

[littlemanpoet]

I like it.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Ditto what Elempi says.

[Formendacil]

Well, I'm not dead... I'm still following things here with interest. And I think I may have come up with a potential character for submission. And this character is a most canonical one indeed.

Bergil, son of Beregond, was at least ten years of age during the War of the Ring, when he befriended Pippin Took. This being the Year 12 of the Fourth Age, Bergil is approximately 24. His father and family having removed to Ithilien with Prince Faramir, Bergil has himself since joined either the Rangers of Ithilien or the Knights of Dol Amroth (not sure which...). His younger brother Borlas (known from the "New Shadow" would probably be in his early-mid teens).

I've two ideas how to work Bergil into this tale: the first would see him as a Ranger of Ithilien, joined to the company in the aftermath of losing their womenfolk. Ravion and Erundil are capable Rangers indeed- but they are Rangers of Arnor, and have no authority in the South. Bergil is assigned to assist by Prince Faramir, who as Steward of Gondor has no intention of seeing such things occur.

Scenario Two sees Bergil as an aspiring Knight of Dol Amroth. He has recently been visiting family and old friends in Emyn Arnen and the city while on leave, and is returning to Dol Amroth to return to his post. On the way he overtakes/is overtaken by the Menfolk, and falls in with them as something of a guide (none of the Elves, Rohirrim, or Arnorian Rangers would have been there before. Raefindan, as Imrazor, is another matter, but after 1000 years, places change).

Anyway, those are the rough thoughts that I've been having thus far. Any thoughts, questions, critiques?

[mark12_30]

lmp likes it. Hey!

Formendacil:



With regard to Bergil: LOVE it.

Knight or ranger? Your choice; ranger seems a bit more natural. It would be nice (also) to have a Knight from Dol Amroth-- maybe an appearance from a relative of Imrahil, or something similar...?

Flimsy the Skinny, nephew of Forlong the Fat?

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by mark12_30

Formendacil:



With regard to Bergil: LOVE it.

Delighted to hear it.

Knight or ranger? Your choice; ranger seems a bit more natural. It would be nice (also) to have a Knight from Dol Amroth-- maybe an appearance from a relative of Imrahil, or something similar...?

Ranger is more natural, I would possibly agree... but with Ravion and Erundil, the company seems Ranger-saturated already- though the differences between Arnorian Ranger and Gondorian Ranger might make for interesting drama. Or it might be enlightening to see the flip side of the Ranger coin: where Ravion is older, experienced, and somewhat troubled, Bergil is younger, brasher, and very confidant (having lived through the Siege of Minas Tirith, I don't see him as being too easily shaken).

As to a relative of Imrahil: there are several canonical possibilties. Imrahil has three "canonical" sons. That is, in a geneology for the House of Dol Amroth originally intended for inclusion in the Appendices, he is given three sons: Elphir, Erchirion, and Amrothos, as well as his daughter Lothíriel, who married Éomer. Also, Imrahil is easily old enough for his elder sons to have fully grown, if young, children.

Also, in addition to his sister Finduilas (who wedded Denethor and was the mother of Boromir and Faramir), Imrahil had another sister (from the same geneology): Ivriniel. Whether she wedded and had any offspring is unknown... though I'd say it's a safe assumption that she did. Her children (since she was the eldest child) would probably be in the Boromir/Faramir age range- so 45-55 (but of Númenorean blood) at the time of this tale would seem likely.

[littlemanpoet]

I find your reasoning that Prince Faramir would not like Arnorian Rangers wandering about Gondor, to be rather persuasive. How have they "gotten away with it" so far? I like the idea of Bergil the Ithilien Ranger, and hope you go with him.

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

I find your reasoning that Prince Faramir would not like Arnorian Rangers wandering about Gondor, to be rather persuasive. How have they "gotten away with it" so far? I like the idea of Bergil the Ithilien Ranger, and hope you go with him.

Well, with two votes in favour- and that of LMP and Mark/Helen both, how can I not choose Ranger?

As regards "gotten away with it?"- I would point out that neither Ravion nor Erundil have been acting as official representatives of the King or the Law at any time. They have drawn on the reputation of Rangers- 'tis true, but not in an exactly official capacity. Also, much of the story has taken place outside the Realm of Gondor- I believe the mouths of the Entwash are considered to be Rohirric territory.

It's only now, with the story returned to Gondor and taking place (for the men) in a specifically Gondorian direction that Gondor would likely be involved. 'tis also likely that the disappearance of the women is making a bigger noise in Minas Tirith than Mellondu's disappearance, and thus attracting the attention of the authorities.

I foresee Bergil being very agreeable, and getting along with people- at first. Once a major decision comes up, then I can see him taking sides- and sticking with them.