Back at the Tent

You find Ulfric pitched a little out of the way of the main campsite. He's hung the tent with a second sheet, making it large enough to store some equipment inside and with room enough for you both to sleep. As soon as he spots you, he toss you a polishing cloth and instructs you to polish his armour while he goes to the training field.

You get to work and for the first time you really notice how hold his equipment is. You begin to feel really guilty for losing his money back in the town. It was probably most of what he had. You work harder than you ever have, polishing the armour and soon its looking rather presentable. Ulfric returns from training and looks genuinely surprised by your efforts.

"Well, if I'd known you were capable of doing it that well, I'd have worked you twice as hard" he says, though his tone implies that this is a joke. He carefully wraps the pieces of his armor in cloth and retires to the tent. You follow him inside and tend to him. You weren't able to get much, but you managed to get some fresh bread and cured meats. Ulfric trips down to his trousers and lies back on his bed roll, still sweating from the training. He seems nervous.

"Are you ready for the match tomorrow sir?" you ask. He looks up at you and you catch an anxious look before his customary confidence returns. "I'm as ready as I can be Eric. The rest is in gods hands."

"Are you fighting Sir Langley?" you ask. His expression changes to one of intrigue.

"Well, you've certainly been learning a lot in a short time. " he says, with a mixture of approval and annoyance. "No, our match isn't scheduled until the day after, assuming I win the matches before"

"I'm sure you will sir" you say, unable to hide the tone of adoration. In the time you've known him, Ulfric has inspired genuine loyalty in you.

You finish serving Ulfric before having your own small meal. Night has already fallen and the camp grows quiet as the other contestants and their attendants settle down for the night. You roll onto your own bedroll and pull your blanket up, getting ready to sleep before you see Ulfric, awake, staring into space. Clearly the tourney is keeping him up.