Bregdys was born to an unmarried scullery maid at the Mumak & Keep, who went by the name Cadwen. She never knew who her father was, and neither did her mother -- Cadwen often called their short, singular affair "her worst mistake," and Bregdys bore the label by extension. When Bregdys was ten years old, Cadwen married the head cook at the Keep. He was a proud man, completely uninterested in raising another man's child. He seldom spoke to Bregdys, and when he did it was little more than an icy greeting or the shout of an order in the Keep's kitchen. Bregdys learned early on that it was better to avoid the man altogether than to risk getting on his bad side. It didn't matter. Someday she would be Someone, and Cadwen would be proud for once, and her husband would regret disowning his wife's bastard.

After Cadwen's marriage, the woman no longer had to work to support herself. Bregdys was hired as a scullery maid in her place while she continued with her life, growing estranged from her Mistake and raising a legitimate family. Bregdys became self reliant, and spent most of her time either working or loitering around the fighting pit at the Shield. She grew improperly fond of the sport, and over the next eight years she formed a bit of a gambling habit. It was there that she learned how to throw a punch, and it was there that she won her sword. It was a greatsword, nearly her height once she was fullgrown, and incredibly heavy. It made her feel legendary, but it didn't make her happy. She couldn't even lift it all the way, much less use it... As the years went by, she learnt her way around poultices and slings. The men in the Pit couldn't fight if they never healed, and she figured it was a better use of her time than gambling away her wages. She found that mint numbs, basil soothes, and sometimes a strong brandy is the best medicine. But none of her concoctions quelled her desire for greatness. She was going to become Someone. Bards would write songs in her praise. It was only a matter of time.

As she grew older, Bregdys realized that greatness of that degree was something no one of her position would ever be able to grasp. She grew resigned to her place in life. Ambition took to the back burner as employment became increasingly imperative, and the pride of a legendary future suddenly looked lackluster when compared to a warm mug of ale. Her dealings with the fighting pits continued as she switched to working for the Splintered Shield, but it seemed that as soon as she accepted her lot in life, someone had to disrupt her peace of mind.

Bastards don’t blush at Lieutenants, and although for a while she had herself fooled by blind hope and possibility, this is a lesson that Bregdys has lately taken to heart. Having paid off her debts, and forced her infatuations as far down within her as possible, she has found herself burdened by heartbreak and apprehension. It was reckless of her to believe that she could go somewhere in her life--reckless to abandon the truths she had always known. Now, as she returns to her place of employ within the barracks, Bregdys must force herself stick to her resolve; henceforth, survival must always take precedence over matters of the heart. But the question stands: is she be able to resist them?

Five years have passed since Bregdys came into the Garrison's employ, and while they have been largely peaceful, trouble stirs on the horizon. As her twenty-sixth birthday swiftly approaches, her five year long relationship with Captain Eglanion still burns as strong and steady as the calm before a storm. But when ash falls from the sky, and news of Osgiliath's defeat leaves the city dreading the worst, she must at last reconcile with the feelings she has been avoiding, and finally choose between her love of the Captain, and the good of Minas Tirith.

Artist Credits:
1. h1fey
2. sharandula
3. avvart
4. jjpivo 
5. Gycinn