**Chapter 3: Camp Routines and Gossip**
Night fell over the Whispering Woods, and the two groups settled into their respective camps. As the stars shone brightly above, tensions and secrets began to surface between the competitors.
### **Dawnguard Camp**
Located in a clearing lit by golden torches, **Hardy**'s camp was organized and disciplined. The tents were arranged in a circle, symbolizing unity, and a central fire kept the group warm.
**Hardy** led with a firm but fair hand. He had divided the tasks among the members:
- **Drew** and **Strong** were responsible for gathering firewood and keeping the campfire burning.
- **Belor** and **Katherine** took care of the food, preparing simple but nutritious meals.
- **Grayrock** set up a stone barrier around the camp for protection.
- **Goldwine** and **Malbeth** patrolled the surroundings, keeping alert for any threats.
- **Ingemar** and **Calley** explored the area in search of resources.
#### **Gossip and Tensions**
During dinner, **Katherine** sang a soft melody, calming the group. **Calley**, however, seemed restless.
— *Does anyone else think Hardy is being... too controlling?* — she whispered to **Ingemar**, as she jumped from side to side.
The sea dragon replied calmly:
— *He is our leader. Trust him... for now.*
Meanwhile, **Goldwine** and **Malbeth** talked in low voices.
— *I saw something strange today...* — said the golden eagle. — *I think someone is hiding secrets.*
The wise owl tilted his head, his eyes shining with interest.
— *Keep an eye out. Information is power.*
### **Shadows of Ambition Camp**
**Glenda's** camp was more chaotic, but strategically positioned in a shadowy area protected by tall trees. The tents were arranged in an irregular fashion, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the group.
**Glenda** had shrewdly delegated tasks, ensuring that each person felt their worth:
- **Drake** and **Mydrede** kept the campfire going, using their abilities to create a mystical flame.
- **Leerstrom** and **Katun** patrolled the surroundings, disappearing into the shadows.
- **Cromdor** and **Kroft** gathered resources, such as fruit and water.
- **Towerfall** and **Selise** were setting traps around the camp.
- **Greycastle** and **Glenda** were planning strategies for the next challenge.
#### **Gossip and Intrigue**
As the group gathered around the campfire, **Leerstrom** smirked.
— *Has anyone noticed how Hardy is trying to be the "perfect hero"?* — he scoffed. — *Pathetic.*
**Drake** exhaled a breath of fire, agreeing.
— *They're predictable. We're... not.*
**Glenda** watched everything with watchful eyes. She knew that keeping the group together would be a challenge, but she also saw opportunities in the tensions.
— *Be careful what you say...* — she whispered to **Mydrede**. — *No one here can be trusted completely.*
The serpent nodded silently.
### **The Groups' Routine**
Both groups maintained similar routines, but with different focuses:
- **Guardians of the Dawn** began their day with a stretching ritual led by **Calley**, followed by a strategy meeting with **Hardy**.
- **Shadows of Ambition** preferred one-on-one training sessions, with **Glenda** observing and offering occasional advice.
At night, while the Guardians shared stories around the campfire, the Shadows dispersed, each looking after their own interests.
### **The First Sign of Betrayal**
At dawn, **Goldwine** spotted a slender figure moving in the shadows near the Shadows' camp. It was **Leerstrom**, who appeared to be carrying something.
— *What is he up to?* — thought the eagle, deciding to investigate further the next day.
Meanwhile, **Glenda** received a mysterious message left in her tent:
— *Be careful of those around you... not everyone is what they seem.*
She kept the note, without revealing anything to the group.
**END OF CHAPTER 3**
*(Next: The Haunted Forest Challenge and the First Elimination!)*