The blacksmiths clang hammer to anvil, impacting sword. The quartermasters issue equipment in supply tents, keeping steady records. The drill sergeants bark orders at passing soldiers, straining their already hoarse voices. These were the sounds of preparation, the sounds of a living, breathing camp; the sounds of war.
These sounds easily penetrated the central command pavilion, its loose flaps held down by a few stakes did little to muffle outside affairs. An escort rides through the center of the camp, dismounting at the pavilion. A single man enters the tent, identified clearly as The Black Dragon, the Prince Horen.
"A good day to kill, a good day to die..."
The dragon in armor murmurs low, approaching the large table at the center of the tent. The Grand Marshal, Thomas Chivay, bows his head quickly to the Prince, returning his focus to the table, where multiple parchments are strewn about on top of a larger geographical map. His brother stood to one side of the table, wearing the infamous White Rose tabard, sending and receiving a constant stream of messengers, all passing on orders down throughout the massive camp and battle line. Finally, the Grand Marshal spoke, nothing short of a heavy accent coming from his mouth; his rough, finely groomed beard moving with each word.
"Too true yer 'ighness. If the Emperor cannot reach an agreement wiff these Squirrels, then it is up to us - to blood an' iron... An' to be 'onest, I'd prefer the lattah."
He finishes with a chuckle, coining the term that was gaining quick popularity among the camp's rumors and jokes. The Squirrels, they were, small and inferior. Lesser and uncivilized. Cowardly and skittish.
It was Peter's turn to speak now, turning his head to face The Black Dragon.
"Yer 'ighness, we also received word from yer father, the Emperor, an' 'is request 'as been formally met..."
He said, and a simple wave of his hand brought forward a child, carrying a small chest. It was set on the table and opened, the bow bowing respect and turning away. Inside were three items, three new items; new articles of clothing. They were armbands, red as the color of Peter's tabard, and adorning and majestically stitched White Rose at the center. The Prince nodded once, and brought up an armband, fastening it smoothly up his arm, himself standing stoic and silent, as was expected. The Chivays, less refined of course, took little ceremony to slide on their own armbands, the Grand Marshal constantly adjusting it to fit perfectly.
"Welcome to the Rose, yer 'ighness."
A simple nod came from The Black Dragon, and their talks of battle plan commenced. They talk in-depth, making sure to get every detail right, and every plan set to memory. And then, they depart, each going their separate ways to give light to their commanders and pass on orders. The Grand Marshal mounted his horse, heading to the front line, where already the sounds of chants and music played. All along the way he called orders at passing men, most looking up in awe, others in fear, and few in disdain.
The army was ready. They only awaited word.