"Shira... Shira!"

Shira opened her eyes to Anne's voice and nudging hand. It was not yet dawn.

"Do we always start this early?" Shira rubbed the back of her neck. She had fallen asleep without bothering about her bedroll, and the ground had left her sore after the night's sleep.

Anne deftly tied her bedroll and stood, her weight on her good foot. "Word is that two of the enemy's army's joined up and returned on the offensive. Battle as soon as everyone can get out there."

Shira glanced at the spot she had seen Kyle last night. He tied his roll sloppily, shoved it into his pack, and caught Shira's eyes. His hair was tousled and his eyes run-through with red, but his narrowed gaze was sharp. He smiled, his eyes still narrow, almost smirking.

"Morning, Shira."

"Morning, Kyle."

Kyle almost whispered to Shira, as if his words were only for her. "Battle, eh?"

Shira did not reply.

Kyle still smirked. "Those damn soldiers that don't kill me today are gonna be fucking sorry." He spat on the ground and slung his pack onto his shoulders. Shira followed him with her eyes as he strode away.