Return to the Valley Contests.

Making one brief stop at the Unholy Spring, you and Donald reunite with Daena, say your farewells and decide to leave for the camp down south with what daylight that remains.

Your absence, already longer than expected, from the Contests would definitely have been noticed by now. The longer you were both away, the more chance there was of some form of political brouhaha

"Majesty, you've returned." Sritti observes, standing from her seat around a blazing fire as you travel over to warm your bones.

"Perceptive of you." You note, unable to resist.

"Well, I am a scout, majesty." Sritti smiles, your attempted teasing sailing straight over her head. "Did your investigation bear fruit?"

"Alas, no." You lie. "W-while I don't doubt you may have heard singing, Donald and I were unable to ascertain any such noise."

The pair of you had decided to tell no one of what you had discovered to the north. Safer, that way, Donald had decided. You'd went along with it, albeit for less... benevolent reasons.

Bidding the scout farewell (and slyly promising to give her another taste of royal cock should your paths ever cross again) you join your companions at the mouth of the cave, and begin your journey south.

-

You ride with Donald and Daena for the rest of the day, and most of the next. By the time the three of you dismount and make to creep back into the camp, the sun is rather low in the sky.

As before, Daena takes the horses, leaving you and Donald alone.

"Well, my friend. It's certainly been an... eventful adventure we've been on." Donald notes, clasping your shoulder. "In more ways than one. Again, you've my apologies, for the mortal danger."

"N-nothing like a little **** or enslavement to quicken the pulse." You respond, meriting a quick chuckle from the Beathan.

"You're a brave one, Edward." the warrior prince smiles. "And here I thought all Itherians were soft and weak. Anyway, I shall leave you to your affairs, and your bed. I'm sure you'll have plenty'a folk about to talk your ear off!"

And with that, Donald leaves. Sleepily, you limp towards your tent. You'll have a glass of wine, sink into your bed, perhaps plough Vanessa once or twice, and then rest, you think to yourself.