Gwenbur Tinumir

Background

Gwenbur Bronwyn Tinumir (born Swiftsword, previously Felethil) was born late in the Third Age on the date of September the first to Thedobul and Gwenryn of the Upbourn Village, Rohan. She had a fairly regular childhood, spending most of her time outdoors on the plains or beside the Snowbourn river. She adored her mother, but had a strained relationship with her father for as long as she could remember. Gwenbur had an older brother, sadly he died in infancy.

Gwenbur took a keen interest in arms at a young age. Thedobul was a blacksmith. Instead of playing with dolls like most other girls she grew up with, she trained to use a blade. In her early teens, she learned how to play the lute. She then decided she wanted to be a minstrel.

During her teenage years, Gwenbur yearned to travel. She would often dream of visiting new places after hearing stories from soldiers. Her father dismissed such ideas, wishing her to eventually settle down with a Rohirrim man and wed. Gwenbur, however, did not share her father's sentiments. This caused a bigger rift between the two, eventually turning into a full-blown row - and Gwenbur's departure of the Riddermark at the tender age of seventeen.

For a year she travelled, most of the time alone. In this time she matured dramatically and became very independant. Her vocation of a minstrel changed to that of a warrior, possibly due to wishing to prove herself to her family - especially the father she had such a difficult relationship with.

Gwenbur eventually reached Bree, where she made some good friends. Her closest friend is Elamplas; captain of the Rivendell guard and adviser to Lord Elrond. She discovered a locally based eored of the Riddermark, which she promptly was recruited to. After a time, she felt the Riders were not her calling. She resigned and joined her friends Ferabor and Rionir in The Defenders of the Free People. From then on she made a vow to help protect all Free Peoples from any dangers that arise.

Shockwaves were to come into Gwenbur's life when she found out that her father, Thedobul, did not sire her. It was an off-chance meeting in The Prancing Pony inn with a Rohirrim named Erolamir that let the cat out of the bag. The man recognised her name immediately and spoke of her mother Gwenryn. It was soon confirmed by Gwenryn to be true. It turned out Gwenbur's mother had a relationship with Erolamir in their teens. They had met two years prior when Erolamir trained Gwenryn to be a hunter. Alas; after two years, the friends could not hold in their feelings for one another. One night they were lost in a glade, resulting in Gwenbur's debut to the world nine months later. Despite this revelation, Gwenbur has desired to be a part of Erolamir's life. She now aknowledges him as her true father and even changed her last name to his. They are now very close.

Gwenbur was married to an Elf; Telfaras Tinumir of Mirkwood, Dirgon of The Malledhrim. They lived together in Pel-e-Maenas, Falathlorn. The couple first met in Celondim. Gwenbur was taking a break from her duties as a Rider while Telfaras was in search of another person, Halgilad (Daernaer). Gwenbur approached the Elf when it seemed like he was lost. They had light conversation, when it was soon discovered Gwenbur knew Telfaras' friend. She updated him of Halgilad's situation and walked with him for a time. They got caught in a rain shower, much to Telfaras' delight and Gwenbur's dismay. She ran for cover under some trees, not wishing to spoil her best dress. Telfaras followed her and they laughed at the predicament. They looked into each other's eyes for a moment, it was then it hit her. Something clicked, something she had not felt before. She would eventually find out that Telfaras felt the very same feeling.

For what seemed a long time, the two tried to hold their feelings in for one another. Gwenbur was a mortal, Telfaras an Elf. Their love was rare, forbidden to many. They became good friends and would meet often to speak of their lives. It was in Gwenbur's former Shuckton home in Bree where the two gave in and shared their first kiss, declaring their love for one another.

Nothing became of their love for a while, until Telfaras met with Gwenbur once again in Celondim. He spoke to her, saying he had finally chosen the path he wished to take in life. He got down on one knee and produced a beautiful silver ring that used to belong to his mother. He asked for Gwenbur's hand in marriage. She accepted with no hesitation. They were married by Telfaras' Tur, Andarne in Falathlorn in front of their friends and kinsmen.

While their pairing had been of strong debate to many due to their races, they loved each other deeply and firmly made a decision to be together for the rest of their days. Unfortunately life was cruel to them. Telfaras was taken from Gwenbur when he was away in Mirkwood fighting against the orcs that infested his homeland. He was shot in the heart by an arrow, dying within seconds. He lived just long enough to have one of his comrades send his wife a letter containing his last words, along with his family ring and leaf brooch.

Gwenbur is in mourning. She intends to travel to the Mirk-eaves to visit her husband's grave, and to aid all she can ridding his homeland of the evil that resides there. She has made a vow that she will not rest until Mirkwood is restored to its former glory. Telfaras will always be in her heart, for he was her true love.