[The X Phial]

Bregand and Carmalita walked through a perfumed garden under the stars. For a long while they said nothing, content to walk side by side. Hesitantly, Bregand reached for her hand and she did not pull away, so they walked on hand in hand. Distant thunder rumbled and the stars were being veiled by clouds when Bregand finally plucked up the courage to speak.

"I..I know we haven't talked much lately, what with the hard riding and then coming to Minas Tirith. I wanted you to know, I wasn't ignoring you or shunning you. I guess I just didn't know what to say. Your past is so much different from mine, and so different from anyone's I have known. I wanted what I said to be right, to keep from hurting you more. I guess now that my silence was worse than anything.

I can't change what happened to you in the past, I can't make it better, and that's all I really want to do. I guess the only thing I can say is, thank you. For trusting me with your story, for showing me your strength, and for being my friend. I have no right to ask for more."

Carmalita opened her mouth as if to speak, but a sudden peal of thunder cut her off and the walkers were suddenly standing in a downpour. They rushed headlong out of the rain where they were immediately met by servants and bundled up to their respective rooms. There would be no chance to talk again that night.

The next morning Bregand woke to find his uniform pressed and clean. He dressed carefully and then found a servant to ask for directions to the Captain's headquarters. He delivered his report quickly and efficiently. Troop movements, the progress of the ongoing fight to reestablish order, and supply levels were the main part, information too sensitive to risk a paper message. Bregand memorized the reply and secured promises of supplies to be shipped.

As he walked back to the mansion he mused that his official work was done. His message had been received. His only duty now lay in going home. He had considered, when the company began their trip, simply leaving them after his message was completed. He assumed they could find another guide in Minas Tirith. Now, however, he knew he could not leave them until the story was all known to him. Of course, he had other reasons not to want to leave the group, but he truly also wanted to help his companions and see the mission through. Besides, he wanted to see the ancient lands of Harad, reportedly so difficult to traverse. He still might have an important role to play.

[ June 06, 2003: Message edited by: The X Phial ]