Nightfall had come, and the festivities were in full swing. The Duke watched above from his bedroom window as the people enjoyed themselves, he then looked out beyond the walls, and into the darkness where the enemy rested. The Duke's mind was elsewhere however, lost in memories of happier times, back when his wife, the Duchess Livana still lived. 

He sighed as he took a step back and closed his window. Shortly there was a knock on his door, and the Duke answered. The visitor was a short and uninteresting looking man, dressed in the same manner as the rest of the servants and serfs that worked within the castle, [color=a187be][b]"Ah Morgan, what news do you bring?"[/b][/color] he asked the man. 

[b]"I apologise for the lateness your grace, but I have recieved word of curious individuals, garbed in robes. I do not know of their intentions, but one of my eyes & ears caught wind of a few words spoken by them, it is assumed they may be allies with the orks."[/b] Morgan spoke as he handed the report to the Duke. 

[color=a187be][b]"I see."[/b][/color] said the Duke as he took in this information, [color=a187be][b]"This is most disturbing indeed. For now however, keep a close eye on these individuals, and inform me as soon as they move. Oh and please do deliver this information to Lord Balthazar, if he himself has not already gathered this information."[/b][/color] he finished. 

Morgan bowed in understanding [b]"Of course your grace, I will do as you wish."[/b] and the man hastily left with purpose. 

The Duke then closed the door and sat on his bed. He let out a tired sigh, [color=a187be][b]"My dear Livana, how I wish for your guidence once more. You always knew how to handle these unsavoury situations."[/b][/color] he said before readying himself to retire for the night. 

------- 

Some time before the end of the event, Rudolph accepted that he'd had enough to drink and it was time to call it a night.
With a bid goodnight to his comrades, he made his way back to the barracks.
Fullar joined him on the walk, both slightly intoxicated, but stable. 

Away from the crowded area, the evening had a slight chill to it. The streets weren't busy, as most of the attention was at the event, so the way ahead was technically clear besides the odd patrol making their rounds. 

[color=8493ca][b]"D-Did you hear about Brauer?"[/b][/color] asked Rudolph with hand on head as a headache began to develop. [color=6ecff6][b]"Yea, poor bastard. His mother will be on her own now, and she struggles as is."[/b][/color] Fullar replied saddened at the thought, [color=6ecff6][b]"I'll go visit her at the end of this on his behalf."[/b][/color] he continued. 

Next to the entrance to the barracks, the two men noticed the drunken and sleeping form of Captain Haart, several empty bottles lay around him, and he was sat upon a chair that seemed to barely support his large frame. [color=6ecff6][b]"Evening Captain."[/b][/color] said Fullar without even looking at the man before heading in, the Captain barely stirred, the man was too busy snoring away. Rudolph simply shook his head and chuckled as he walked past. 

The barracks seemed quiet, which was pleasent for Rudolph's ever worsening headache. [color=6ecff6][b]"Right, i'm off to bed then. See you in the morn'."[/b][/color] Fullar waved to his friend before heading up the stairs. Rudolph sat for a moment and drew a pitcher of water, and took his time with the drink. [color=8493ca][b]"I'm getting too old for this."[/b][/color] he said to himself under his breath. He sat alone for about a half hour before he could barely keep his eyes open, then surrendered himself to his bed.