[Kath]

Grateful to have got off so lightly, Curamir and Nimir were quick to go about their new duties. They made their way down to the weapons room and found all the cloths and polishes they would need to clean the swords. Deciding it would be quicker to make a sort of production line, with Curamir cleaning the swords of any stains and Nimir polishing them to a bright shine, the two set up work areas close together and got down to work.

The task was repetitive and soon became boring, with the only excitement being caused by Curamir, who nearly cut off a finger when the sword he was holding slipped and just missed the hand he had resting on the bench. Still, once they had done a few swords, they knew what they were doing and soon turned to conversation to keep themselves entertained. They began with the usual topics, what the weather was like and how long each of them had been training for a mission such as this and what they thought of the captain. Eventually though they ran out of small talk topics. By this time Curamir was feeling that he knew this new friend reasonably well, having heard most of his family history and events from his past, and felt confident enough to ask the question that had been preying on his mind ever since he had learned that Nimir's father was in the army. Carefully bringing the topic up, Curamir was pleased to find that Nimir seemed able to speak of his father without too much pain and went ahead.

"I hope you don't mind my asking, Nimir, but I'm just curious as to whether your father would ever have known mine? I mean since they would have been in the army at about the same time it might be possible. His name was Ferethor Steele, do you remember your father ever mentioning him?"

He looked at his fellow soldier, but the hopeful expression on his face began to fade when he saw that Nimir was shaking his head.