What Else is Left? [Balthier/Cebrail]

[Balthier]

[Continued from An Odd Reunification/All Legends Start Somewhere]

Balthier whistled to himself as he left the campground where he'd found his brother. He was content with himself; his brother hated him, but nonetheless, he'd found him. Added to that, he'd finally traveled to Sacae, so his journey had other pros.

---

Balthier had easily made the journey back through the pass to Ilia, and as it looked, the dead bodies had been picked up and disposed of. He shrugged as he passed what was there; his mental picture would never leave him.

Balthier returned to the inn from which he came, and nodded to the keeper again. He headed upstairs, back to his room, and flopped on the bed. He sighed heavily, and reached for his quill and paper.


To whom it may concern:

Dearest Cebrail and company, I have located the mysterious being thought to be my brother. I located him on Sacae's border with a scouting group. He seems to be an arrogant man, as I would infer from his behavior, but it is a trait we both share from time to time.

Not that my family matters concern you, but you're the only person I have to call a friend at this point. Ah yes, the unnecessary emotional spits, but it's true. My digressions keep me operable, I suppose I could say.

Anyways, Cebrail, I wish you and your company well. I would return to you, but I have not a clue where you are.

Balthier chuckled, then continued writing.

Well, I suppose I could find out, but it would take a day or two. If I'm welcome, it's high time I found a group of friends to travel with again. My business in Ilia is completely done. I would hope to see you again - soon, if possible.

Farewell, my friend.

Balthier


Balthier folded the paper, stretched out his hand, and brought it downstairs to the messenger in the Inn's foyer. "Cebrail and company, yet again. Same process as last time." He winked at the messenger, and ran back upstairs.

The messenger nodded, gulped, and ran out the door to deliver the letter.

[Cebrail]

To Balthier,

I have recieved your last letter as well my friend. It is good to hear that your journey to Illia was a safe one. You should be happy to know that, upon your departure, we have yet to face any major problems. Also, Edelweiss is well fed and is taken care of. I'm sure that the horse, and the rest of the company, miss you dearly.

I will not trouble you to find our position. We are encamped near the mouth of the river north of Badon. You'd be glad to hear that we have received supplies from Caelin and Badon. We are slowly rebuilding our forces. However, where we go from here, I do not know.

We can discuss such plans upon your return to our company. Until then, I wish you a safe journey.

Cebrail

P.S
Mana is angry at you for leaving without saying goodbye.

~~~

The messenger who had brought him the letters had arrived late in the day. Cebrail had requested he stay and rest. He found him near the dining area and handed him the letter. The messenger would leave once he was ready.

[Balthier]

Balthier arched his neck, scratched it, then rolled it as the messenger approached his table in the tavern. He gave Balthier the note, and he perused it carefully, laughing towards the end.

Then, he set off his meal, and began to immediately write back:

Cebrail,

It's addressed differently this time, and I will make haste to Badon. I shall reunite with you shortly, eh? Good to know my horse is cared for. I shall stay a night here, and rejoin you.

P.S. Inform Mana that all I receive is well-deserved.

He chuckled, and gave the letter to the messenger. He pulled his cape around him, and headed back into the cold night towards the inn.

[Cebrail]

The messenger had arrived again, carrying another letter. Cebrail read through it and smiled. It had only been a fewa days, but Balthier was returning to the group. He began to inform his companions about Balthier's return. After a moment, he began to write his reply.

Balthier

I have told everyone that you will be returning to our little group soon. Everyone is excited about it. I haven't told them the results of your quest to Illia, I did not think it my place to. If you wish, you can tell them upon your return.

We will meet near Badon.

Cebrail

[Balthier]

Balthier read the letter carefully and nodded to himself. He folded it and put it away in his cloak. There was no need to write back, he'd be in Badon soon enough... Tomorrow.