The next morning.

Still buzzed from the ale you'd consumed, you limp back to your tent, climbing into your empty bed without so much as throwing off your clothes. You'd left Vanessa back in Itheria. She was a fine whore, but the poor girl didn't deserve to be dragged off to war. Wasn't like you were lacking for companionship, anyway. And after your hours getting reacquainted with some of your Beathan friends, you weren't sure you would've been able to perform adequately for Vanessa anyway.

Tired, from the road and... other pursuits, you quickly drift off into a dreamless sleep...

-

The noise around your tent jolts to awake scant minutes before dawn. Unsurprisingly, the sound of thousands of warriors mobilizing for battle isn't exactly quiet. Taking a few moments to wash your face, change clothes, and throw on a comfortable cloak to prevent against the early morning frost, you step outside.

Trudging through the camp, you find the leaders of the newly-formed coalition, going over the battle plans once again before assuming the battle formation. You nod to your vassals as you draw close, making a point to ignore Roland. It wouldn't do for your men to see their king favour a seemingly-random sell-sword, a beastfolk at that, over themselves.

The Beathans seemed filled with a steely resolve, understanding that this, the first real battle of the war, is a decisive moment. Eoghan, in particular, looks just about ready to face down Jarl Siggi's forces and reclaim his home, with or without an army at his back.

“Edward.” Donald smiles, embracing you once again. In all his armour, it's a bit more painful than usual, practically drawing the air from your lungs. “I just wanted to say again how grateful we are for your support.”

“Our kingdoms stand as one today.” You assure him, and everyone there.

“Couldn't have put it better myself, brother.” Donald says, clasping your shoulder.

Once the newly-crowned king is done with you, Kara approaches, looking fearsomely resplendent in her well-kept armour.

She wants a kiss before riding off into battle. You oblige her, but can't help but feel a little emasculated by the reversal of the usual norm.

“Come back in one piece.” you whisper to the princess, you arm around her hip, holding her close.

“Like I don't intend to.” Kara scoffs. “You, Edward, had better be ready for me when I do.”

Smirking, remembering what the Beathan had in mind for you, you are perfectly willing to do just that.

Kara pulls back from you and re-joins her brother's forces, the smile you'd brought to her features quickly giving way to determined resolve as they head off.

As the various regiments, mercenaries and war-bands file off, leaving the camp to those unfit for war, the multitude of support personnel armies require, and a smaller reserve ****, you consider your next course of action.

As the Deanian and coalition forces would be clashing downhill from you, there were plenty of reasonably safe spots from which you could observe the fray. Then again, “reasonably safe” was never totally safe, and besides, you could doubtless find some fun, even in the more depopulated Beathan camp...