Friends of Nimrodel: Tapestry of Dreams - Discussion

[mark12_30]

Ah! Good to see you, Orual! Hooray!

Metatarsals??? Uh Oh. Lord, please heal them...

Immy... Stay tuned! :returns Calvin Grin:

[littlemanpoet]

It's funny, I'll give you that, but......

I'm only just slightly put out. Mellonin's loaded "thank you" had all the earmarks of a major blowout that could really have made things fun, and you guys get all gooey and kissy face make up. What is this? Ravion's thoughts were quite apt, to start with, but Mellonin's nonverbals were all negative. What pulled that piece of fluff reply out of Ravion? Come on! Show Ravion's spleen! Have him get all upbraided that he's trying his hardest, never mind that he's not at all satisfied with his lack of achievement, but he's not about to tell Mellonin that out of sheer shame..... and he says something really offputting about her ungratefulness, which sets her off with an "of all the nerve, here I just thanked him for everything he's done, and he up and tells me I'm ungrateful! What Mordor pit did he crawl out of!"

I do like how Ravion's head must be spinning, wondering where all Mellonin's spleen is coming from, and why she's being so mad at him for doing well. Hee hee! But I just thought I'd make a suggestion or two.

And so forth. Come on, guys, lets not be squeamish.

And I'll give some thought to Tharonwe. Busy day today. Tomorrow should offer more time.

[mark12_30]

Golly, lmp, you're bloodthirsty.

.... it sounds like fun....

I was currently planning on keeping the tension up between Mellonin and Ravion for as long as possible, delaying any significant exchange of warm feelings until the end of the story, and keeping them on edge and guessing... With Ædegard and Argeleafa on the Rohan side we've got plenty of romance going on. (Yeah, lmp, who are you calling gooey kissy face!?!?!?!?) *cough*

We could just let it stew as is for a while, with resentful signals flashing back and forth. Or Ravion could stalk over and detonate. Or he could try and be nice and she could detonate, and he detonate in return... Or... oh, there are lots of possibilities. Let's keep them at war, though. Even if it ends up being a one-sided war...

Meanwhile, I think Aeron and Mellonin will draw blood shortly.

[littlemanpoet]

Um, who is Freawine? I'm lost on that one. Should I remember that? Sorry I am, because I don't.

[Nurumaiel]

littlemanpoet, Freawine was in the first post for Ædegard, but now that you mention it Helen wrote that post.

Helen, could you help out with this?

[mark12_30]

Sure, be right back...

(This is great. Gooey, honey-sweet-love in Rohan-- bloody catfighting at the Entwash. Talk about contrast! Whee!)

lmp-- post nineteen. First page. He's the older soldier (rider) who makes Ædegard stop and oil the saddle, etc.

[mark12_30]

Orual and/ or lmp-- feel free to beak up the fight before we kill each other.

[Imladris]

*gasp*....but we're having too much fun.... Plus, it'd be an awesome plot twist.....but I like my Aeron...

*cough* Above post was more in jest than anything else.

*scurries off to get one more Aeron fight post*

Cheers,
imladris

[Imladris]

I hate to be a real pain in the neck but when the fight is over, will the parties meet on this day game time? Or...am I just confused again?

[mark12_30]

Aeron &c are midday Dec 22. They are slighly north of the middle of the Entwash Delta. By evening of Dec 23 they should be nearing the last stream, or have crossed it, and be out of the delta.

Meanwhile: the evening of Dec 22, 100 miles north of Rauros Falls-- Amroth sends his wild broadcast and then finally dreams in earnest, reaching for Nimrodel, sensing Nimrodel's madness again (as he used to before Erebemlin started guarding his dreams).

Swamp-elf-Tharonwe will pick up on that, since it's a bit of a "broadcast", and presumably turn Amroth's dreams into Very Nasty Swamp-Elf-nightmares.

(Amroth will wake up an Emotional Wreck. I'm sure he'd appreciate some singing from Bella and Argeleafa, and maybe a cheerful tune from Liornung.)

Erebemlin, Amroth, and Taitheneb will realize that Somebody is meddling, the three of them will pay much closer attention the next night (23rd-- they'll be 50 miles north of Rauros by then) and they will mentally nab Tharonwe the Swamp Elf.

They will ride like thunder through the East Emnet (Westward around the falls) and *straight* into the swamp, confront Tharonwe, and eventually take him captive.

Tharonwe-Swampy lets on that there is A Redhaired Man who knows about Mithrellas.

They then hunt down Ravion's group.

Then we are all one big happy family!



EDIT: Immy, were you thinking of Orual's other ranger? (name escapes me) he's supposed to show up soon, and push Mellonin over the edge again.

[Imladris]

No, I wasn't...

I think....that somebody needs to point out that it was Gwyllion who attacked Aeron...since the ranger has told him to shut up.

Cheerio,
Imladris

[mark12_30]

Rotten, naughty Gwyllion. Of course Mellonin was entirely innocent in the whole affair.

[Imladris]

*gasp* Mellonin I mean...

Well, stupid Gwyllion forsaking her brother like that....

[Orual]

Heh, yeah, Ravion does have certain...prejudices...

Post up, in other news. Sorry I've been a little spotty with posting lately.

[mark12_30]

Orual: I love it.

Ravion for the wilds, Raefindan for worldly wisdom?

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Hey guys,

I brought the Rohan group to the morning of Dec 23. If anyone wanted something posted before that, just let me know and I can edit.

Bellyn feels very bad for Amroth!

-Aylwen

[mark12_30]

Thanks, Aylwen!

I'm off to read your post.



"...Some people can swim in the sea of knowledge all day, and not get wet at all."

[mark12_30]

Immy: Wow. Aeron is in rare form!

[Imladris]

Rare form? What do you mean?

*is pleased about the "wow" though*

[mark12_30]

It was the "You are dead to me" ... whamo.

She oughta smack him. But then, maybe it's better she doesn't; humility is a terrible thing to grow into.

[Imladris]

Well....still....he is upset. After all, the Ravion does have his prejudices....and Gwyllion already feels a bit guilty for calling him a monster....

[alaklondewen]

I'm sorry...I've been thinking of this post all day, and I just didn't get it posted before Helen posted. Helen or Aylwen, would either of you insert this post into yours (Beginning of Helen's last, or the end of Aylwen's last)?

~*~*~*~
Morning of Dec. 23 ~ Erebemlin and Taitheneb

"I hope we are not a burden to his journey."

The young woman looked to the elves with sincere, child-like eyes. Erebemlin tipped his head to one side and studied her mortal face. He had not paid the humans much attention thus far, yet he did not think of them as burdens. Rather, he thought nothing of them. The elder had never cared much for the ways of Men. They acted too quickly, were too emotional, and did not pause long enough to see the true beauty of creation. Now this young pleasant looking woman sat before him with concern lining her small features…concern for his king.

Erebemlin had always thrown himself completely and utterly into his duty. Little attention had he ever paid to personal relationships that went beyond loyalty to his king and land.

Taitheneb, on the other hand, felt a twinge of sorrow at the thought of the young Bellyn considering herself a burden. He too tipped his head as he studied her pretty face, although, instead of the curiosity seen in Erebemlin’s eyes, the younger elf’s eyes twinkled and small creases formed at their corners. “Nay, my lady. You have been no burden.”

Bellyn looked away with her face newly flushed, and Taitheneb continued. “Your songs have been a comfort to Lord Amroth, and just look at the young man beside you.” Nethwador looked up, and his eyes darted from the elf’s face to Bellyn’s and back again. “Much of the eagerness to learn and be civil has been inspired by you, lady. Nay, you are not a burden…you are a blessing.”

[mark12_30]

posted! Thanks-- love the contrast between the two elves.

[mark12_30]

Aylwen: lovely song; it doesn't sound familiar...?



Now for a response to Bella's generous heart...

[mark12_30]

Entwash Delta folk: Does anyone have anything to add to Dec 22 before I push it through some nightmares to the 23rd?

As an aside I was wondering: Dec 25 is approaching; shall we mark it in any way? (TOlkien had the company set out from Rivendell on that day.)

Another aside: Orual, lmp, and Immy-- perhaps you can team up in pursuing Aeron's transition to manhood?

Schedule stuff FYI:
I will be on (family and business) travel from Saturday til Wednesday.
Vacation (on an island with no electricity) second week in August. (Please, God, may my husband also have the time off, and come with!)

Hopefully I will also disappear for several weekends! Something in me still thinks it's April or perhaps May. Burdened with deadlines and deliveries, the sweet summer is passing quickly-- and I have not enjoyed it as I should. I live 20 minutes from the ocean and have not yet wet my feet in it. I do believe Tollers would chide.

[littlemanpoet]

Um, uh, yike.

Nothing like requesting that I step outside my comfort zone!

I've only tried to guide one person into impending manhood, which is me, and I don't think I'm done yet, at age 44!

What on earth do you have in mind?

Me personally, I want to send Raefindan into the fray and request that Ravion tie the little tyrant's hands behind his back, after which Raefindan would happily serve as personal escort back to a jail cell in Minas Tirith. Hmmm..... maybe it would make a good threat... on ... his way ... to manhood ....

I may get another chance or two to post, but a certain online writers' group is having their first annual conference this weekend, and I'm going. I don't know if I'll have a chance to post between Friday and Monday.

[Imladris]

Well, having Aeron growing up into manhood is going to be a lot more difficult if

Me personally, I want to send Raefindan into the fray and request that Ravion tie the little tyrant's hands behind his back, after which Raefindan would happily serve as personal escort back to a jail cell in Minas Tirith. Hmmm..... maybe it would make a good threat... on ... his way ... to manhood ....

I think you are all coming down awful hard on Aeron. Think about it: His mother died giving birth to little Gwyll, his dad left them therebye leaving him around the age of nine to care for his little sister all by himself.

Then he comes into you guys. There he meets Ravion, a ranger. Now, according to what Aeron has heard of rangers, they're good and honest. Now, Ravion, to Aeron's mind, has not lived up to that image. In fact, Ravion did a horrid thing when he said that Aeron had started the fight.

Aeron also feels that Gwyllion has deserted him. Betrayed him by calling him monster and stuff....

As for the crying and assuming people are dead, Aeron has had to live like that. He has learned that crying won't help you. He has learned that it is better to assume the worst. So, in effect, he's not making fun of Mellonin...he's not trying to hurt her. He's trying to help her. And punishing him for that, attacking him for that is a step backwards. You can't really blame him for acting the way he's acting right now.

For those of you who have read The Outsiders and That Was Then This Is Now by S.E Hinton can compare Aeron to like....Ponyboy, Soda, and Dallas I think. Hardened Greasers. That's what Aeron is basically. A greaser who has seen a lot of pain.

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks for the clarification, Imladris.

Do please remember that Ravion, Raefindan, and the rest, don't know all this about Aeron, and we're going to do our best to make our characters react within the nature of who they are. Which is one reason why Raefindan hasn't done anything drastic yet, even if LMP wants to make him do so!

So Raefindan is going to act toward Aeron the way Raefindan would, in the context of how Aeron acts, and of who Raefindan is. I'll tell ya this much - it's hard! Raefindan is more honorable, day in and day out, than I know how to be, I dare say, So it's a challenge to write him realistically, which is why I'm using Tapestry to practice him.

I'll have to think really hard about how Raefindan would handle the kind of challenge Aeron presents.

LMP

[Imladris]

No, I understand that they don't know this about him, which is why I put that post on teh Discussion Thread. I was, however, getting a little nervous at the tendancy to think him selfish and a little tyrant...

Cheers,
Imladris

[mark12_30]

On the nitpicky side since Orual seems a bit scarce:

Grond is "The Hammer of the Underworld" and refers to (1) Morgoth's mace and (2) the battering ram used against the gates of Minas Tirith.

Gond means "Stone" and is Ravion's personal joke about his own horse ("Dumb as a stone", which Gond is obviously not, but Ravion sees some humor in it.)

Regarding Transitions To Manhood: I'm not asking for a CGI transmogrification; one step at a time. Although big steps are nice. Perhaps a revelation a la Eustace Clarence Scrubb?

Eventually Mellonin will realize that she is a manipulative, controlling b*tch, but not yet. She has a ways to go, and Ravion is in for a LOT more torment in the meantime.

[littlemanpoet]

No prob, Imladris. Raefindan will stay in character - but that does not exclude me from thinking that Aeron is a selfish little tyrant.

Helen: Manipulative, controlling b*tch?! Are you kidding? I've met some. Mellonin doesn't come close! You'll have to make her a lot less sympathetic if that's what you're aiming for.

[mark12_30]

MCB: Oh, it's nothing conscious or intentional... But her little brother's willing compliance, helpful nature and generous heart have spoiled her rotten.

Besides, a fully certifiable American Manipulative Contolling B*tch would not last very long as a servant girl in Minas Tirith. She's mild, as they go. She *does* have a conscience... which will ache all the more when she finally gets a good look at herself.

(edit: perhaps 'petulant spoiled daddy's little girl' is a little hearer the amrk, but she hasn't been home for five years... anyway I think you get my drift.)

[Imladris]

Lmp, I'm so sorry for being a pain, but you haven't quite gotten Aeron right.

In his profile thing, he doesn't anger easily but he also keeps a mask of reckless arrogance on his face and he's sarcastic. He's also an excellent liar and doesn't betray his emotions, as you yourself said once when we chatted.

So, Raefindan can't insinuate that Aeron is easily angered and that he is tormented by self guilt and loathing because Aeron doesn't show that because he doesn't get angered easily and because he doesn't betray his emotions. I think this is the first time he has become really angry and then because he was attacked.

And about the statement about the fire. Aeron would have ignored it because he's putting pretty much everyone on ignore right now (yes, I have not shown that but I'm telling ya'll now) and he's hiding within himself. He's being, in a word, an excellent liar: not betraying his emotions.

Also when you say that he is a coward, he would have slouched forwards, glanced at Raefindan, and said something along the lines of, "So I suppose the definition of cowards is --" and he would have then gone on to list the things he has done to help them, such as going after Ravion for Raefindan, admitting to the merchant that it was he who had stolen the necklace, that he would have gone to jail instead of abandoning his sister, and helping with the water monster. Then he would have added something like, "So that is the definition of a coward. Thank you for your enlightenment" or something to that effect.

Why does Raefindan think that Aeron has a problem against women? He is impatient with them for their sentimentality, yes, but he has never mentioned that to anyone.


If I have not portrayed Aeron as stated above, please tell me...

[mark12_30]

Why does Raefindan think that Aeron has a problem against women? He is impatient with them for their sentimentality, yes, but he has never mentioned that to anyone.

Well, he's snerked "Women!" a couple of times. It's visible in other words.

[littlemanpoet]

Imladris, how about editing my last Raefindan post as you like, post it on the discussion board, and I'll revise my post accordingly (with whatever necessary discussion to work out any wrinkles). Okay?

[Imladris]

Fine by me. Still, sorry about being such a pain....

As night fell, Raefindan sat next to Aeron before the fire. Ravion sat across form Raefindan; Gwyllion sat to Aeron's right. To Raefindan's left sat Mellonin, and between her and Ravion snuggled Jorje, close enough to the fire to feel its warmth, not so close as to get his tail snagged by an errant cinder.

Raefindan breathed deep and sighed. "Ah, the night smells fresh, does it not?"

He glanced at Aeron, who turned away.

Raefindan shrugged. "You're putting us on ignore, Aeron. Quite a cowardly act, avoiding us like that.

Aeron's eyes flickered to Raefindan's face.

Poking the fire with a stick, he went on, "Well, it's like this. Thieves are by nature cowards-"

Aeron hunched forward, and said, "Who are you calling a coward!"

"Now, now, calm yourself, Aeron. Sit back down and I shall explain how it must be so."

Aeron glared at him while the fire sent ten flickers skyward. Then he sat back down, his heated eyes following the reaching tongues. "Must be so," he sneered. "Tell me how it must be so, oh wise Raefindan. I had not realized that cowards would go to jail before abandoning their sisters, admit to an angry merchant that he stole a necklace (a confession which saved a ranger's supposed good anme), and who helped battle a Kraken." He stopped, assumed a grave expression, and said solemnly, "Thank you for clarifying the meaning of a coward."

[Raefindan obliged with a lightness to match the rising smoke. While he spoke, Ravion's eyes came up from his contemplation of the flames. His brow rose higher and higher.

"As I was saying, thieves are by nature cowards, preferring to sneak around and cause loss and heartache among others rather than do honest work for an honest wage."

Mellonin faced Raefindan, tilting her head, a look of mild suspicion on her face.

"To mask such cowardice," Raefindan continued, "especially from themselves, thieves must be easily roused to anger, seeing injustice, or weakness, in others all the more because their guilt eats at them for all the wrong they've caused their innocent victims. Not only do thieves sneak about, but they dare not face their own guilt, which is yet another form of cowardice. Hemmed in by their own self-loathing, they are more easily angered than the honest and brave."

Aeron looked sourly at Raefindan, who had used many words he had never heard before; but he had picked up Raefindan's meaning well enough, and was incensed. But to show it would prove the red haird man right. It was infuriating! Aeron suddenly found himself in a trap as airtight as any jail cell.]

"So, little thief," Raefindan continued offhand-like, "whom I know not as well as I thought, I pray you, tell me where you got such odd notions about women."

Aeron's head pulled back, as if he were trying to avoid a left hook that had come from a direction he had not anticipated.
~~~~~~~~~
The paragraphs in brackets I do no know what to do with, as lmp knows Raefindan better than me. *grin*

DOes this help? And again, my most sincere apologies.

[Orual]

Sorry for the disappearance, guys! Unexpected stage managing gig plus crazy rehearsal equals me being gone for two days...I'm back, though, and going straight to the game thread.

[Nurumaiel]

Good day to all!

I will be gone on a retreat from July 23rd - 26th. I will be home on the 25th, but I'll need time to unpack, etc., besides the fact that our bus won't be coming in to the home front until nine or ten at night.

I'll be back for a few days then, but from the last weekend of July to early August I will be gone visiting friends. The exact dates for this trip have not been worked out yet, I fear.

I will be completely free after that until late August, but in those later days I will have computer access and I will still be free; not completely.

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks for putting in all the effort, Immy, but having had a weekend to let things moulder in this excuse for a mind, it's hit me that that post was just not in character at all for Raefindan. It was more me in a snide mood. Sorry. It will be revised, drastically, and I'll let all of you know when it is. I don't have time to do it right now because of a need for sleep, but by the end of tomorrow, I hope.

[Imladris]

No need to apologize Lmp. I understand how these things happen.