#tholcred

While I wait to go into work, I figured I'd do another Character Lore post, this time focusing on the Dad of the Year, Tholcred! His backstory has been rattling around in my head with various bits and pieces, so I figured it was about time I stitched them all together!

Born in South Ithilien not far from the Mound of the Twins, Tholcred's family were upstanding members of a small village known for fishing and hunting in the more arid landscape. Their closeness with the border of Harondor had them semi-frequently trading with the denizens of the deserted and desolate landscape, and it was from them that Tholcred grandfather learnt the art of falconry.

This knowledge was taught to his son, who, in turn, coached Tholcred. The people of the Vavahos Tribe frequently used falcons for hunting, and this became invaluable to Tholcred's family and village, as it provided them with more meats and furs to trade. From a young age Tholcred was obsessed with the beautiful raptors under his father's care, and most of his days were spent with the birds, flying, hunting, training, and feeding them.

It was during the height of summer that his village was attacked by orcs. Many of his friends perished, while buildings were destroyed and livelihoods snatched away in an instance. It wasn't the soldiers of Gondor that came to their aid, but their friends across the river, from Harondor, that managed to prevent the attack from becoming a slaughter.

With their village in ruins, there was very little choice left to the villagers, but to disband. Many headed south into Harondor, while others headed west to Pelargir or Linhir, but Tholcred's mother had family in Minas Tirith, so that was their obvious destination. Packing up their belongings and the scant few birds that had survived, they began the trip north.

Moving to Minas Tirith was... distressing. The realisation that their home, somewhere that should be safe, was anything but, jarred teen Tholcred's view of the world, shaking it up so thoroughly that his usually curious nature became more guarded, wary of creating any lasting bonds. His father was quick to make himself known as a falconer, with excellent equipment and great knowledge, it was through this networking, that he was eventually picked up on by Steward Ecthelion, and offered a role of the Citadel's falconer.

Surrounded by gentry, Tholcred became fairly shy and reserved, incredibly polite and always apologetic for getting in the way or speaking out of turn. He claims that his impeccable manners came from his Mother, but truthfully, Tholcred is simply a very conscientious man, always aware of how words can have as much impact as actions. As such, he takes great care not to upset or antagonise others, especially those of significant rank above him.

This politeness, and willing to bend to others requests, did garner him a bit of a reputation for being a push over. It would, however, be foolish to assume that he can be manipulated or bullied, as Tholcred has a few tricks up his sleeve.

This is thanks to joining the Rangers of Ithilien around the age of eighteen, Tholcred took it upon himself to apply as his family having come from those lands meant he had a strong connection to them, and a willingness to see the scourge of orcs cleansed from its lands. After succeeding through the Ranger Trials, he garnered a place in their ranks, and spent the next three years working alongside them. However, after two years, something started to become apparent.

Tholcred's aim with the bow started to waver, his long distance vision was becoming weaker, and this, paired with shortness of breath and tightness of chest, soon started to put himself and his pack of Rangers at risk. It was a hard day, when Tholcred realised he needed to leave the Rangers ranks.

Being discharged from the Rangers was both a blessing and a curse. It removed Tholcred from the direct line of fire, it meant he could return to working alongside his beloved birds, but it also meant that he felt... powerless. Unable to help in battle. Hearing second or third hand news of his fellow Rangers slowly being killed off. It was galling, being unable to help and confined to the city.

Throwing himself into working with the falcons helped somewhat. He'd always taken great joy in watching their flight, in learning the birds personalities, in escorting hunts and educating curious Lord and Ladies. While he was still lowborn, he slowly built up rapport with a few of the Lords, even having brief conversations with Steward Ecthelion once or twice!

It was during one of these hunts, for Princess Finduilas' 30th birthday, that Tholcred found himself coaching a wary young woman in the art of falconry. Her blond hair and blue eyes were unusual within Gondor, and Tholcred would very much be lying to claim he didn't have ulterior motived. But truthfully, he just wished to know her name.

Rhysnaur...

(Ya boi's SMITTEN)

Fortunately, it wasn't the last time he got to meet the unusual Lady and Rider of Rohan, and Tholcred did his best to build up the courage to court her. Unfortunately, with Rhysnaur joining the surprise attack on Umbar, Tholcred had to curb his intentions, and wait patiently for her inevitable return. Of which he had no doubt that she would return.

Fortunately for him, she did return, and she did accept his offer of courting. Now the pair are in their seventies, and are the parents of Rhymenel and Rhosynel, and the even prouder grandparents of Wennarhys and Faelrhys. It's needless to say, that Tholcred was utterly delighted when Rhosynel shared his interest in falcons, and did his utmost to help her raise the little Limroval chick which would become Ilmara.