Ahnasha nodded in agreement with Fendros. "That is true, both of us have been devoted to him for many years. Still, maybe there is something more to it? It's pretty clear this war was brewing long before we started fighting it. It was one of Vile's minions that killed the previous Champion, after all. Hircine might have put our pack together intentionally for that reason. Of course, there were other packs that were competing for the same title. It could have been that he formed a few potential packs for it."

By this point, Kaleeth was mostly finished with her breakfast. Leaps had started wandering around, occasionally eyeing the meals of those sitting around the fire, and had currently settled down with his head resting in Kaleeth's lap. "Of everyone in the pack, I think I'm the only one that Hircine didn't guide them to." Kaleeth added. "Honestly, I don't think I was meant to be a part of it."

---

Peiter's sleep had been much more calm that night than Sabine's, so it was her movement that awoke him. Letting out a yawn, he only just managed to hear her mention the possibility they had slept in. A few of his joints cracked as he sat up, and he was of course groggy overall, but Sabine's words at least gave him a clear train of thought. From behind her, Peiter wrapped his arms around Sabine's chest and leaned forward, resting his head affectionately on her shoulder. "We...might have slept a bit late, but I doubt we slept in all the way to noon. Gallus would already be beating down this door if we had. We don't have too much to get ready anyway, since we packed away most of what we would need yesterday. We just need to get our clothes, weapons, and maybe...go wash these blankets. As a courtesy. Hopefully, we'll have enough time to check on La'khay's painting. She might have those last touch-ups finished."