The rest of the night passed without any further incidents of a deathly nature and so the sun started to peek over the mountains, though at this point it mostly missed the valley itself.  The Onyx Empire representatives were quite worried when one of their scouts never returned, and his body was nowhere to be seen.  The White Rock Confederacy was similarly displeased upon learning of the fate of the ranger.  Both sides started to grow the seeds of paranoia about their hosts.

Paranoia aside, they both had a job to do, to win this war.  At the moment there were still castle guards down the center of the grounds but that was soon to change.  There was one final bit of business to do before the guards would retreat to the inner castle to ensure the defense of the Castle Grimm residents.

Princess Esmerelda made her way over to the White Rock Confederacy 'headquarters' with a certain green armored knight by her side.  The White Rock soldiers and merchants quickly made way for the young noblewoman.  Today she wore a frilly white gown with light-pink lace, white elbow length gloves, and light-pink heels that were usually covered by her dress but poked out when she walked.  The gown itself so no doubt quite expensive but modest, though even completely covered she could not exactly hide her well-endowed chest.

[b]"Good-morning representatives of the White Rock Confederacy.  Once again I humbly ask you to do your best in the upcoming war.  Our fates are now interwined together and I hope that we can reach a mutual and beneficial relationship with each other."[/b]  The young lady curtsied to the assembled group and more than a few could not help but feel a slight tug on their heartstrings.

Meanwhile the green knight appeared to be searching through the crowd for a particular face.

[b]"As you no doubt know, soon the guards will be recalled and battle will commence.  I pray to the Supreme Dragon that you will emerge victorious in the days ahead.  It is a pity one of your own met his maker last night and I am sorry for your loss."[/b] At this there were a few disgruntled comments from some of the mercenaries but the wealthy merchants quickly shut them up.

[b]"A tragedy that your first casualty would be by the hands of Castle Grimm but I would like to point out that while Castle Grimm is neutral, quite a few of its members are more than willing to lend a hand to your efforts.  While you fight I'll be working behind the scenes with my contacts to try and set up some meetings that would benefit us both."[/b]  Lady Esmerelda drew a silk white handkerchief from her sleeve to show to the gathered members.

[b]"When I decide to send a direct contact to you, you will be able to recognize them being from me as they will be wearing this handkerchief on their left arm.  Hopefully this will allow me to help even when I am occupied with internal matters."[/b]  After waving it a bit more, she put it away and continued to speak.

[b]"Well it should be any moment now."[/b]  As soon as she finished, what sounded like a loud ram's horn resounded throughout the castle grounds and the Castle Guards left their posts to head into the inner castle.

[b]"May the dragons provide you victory!"[/b]  She gave a small little fist bump into the air which caused a few confederates to chuckle.  But soon everyone was sporting serious faces as they realized the war had officially started.