From the white background walked four figures. Athes, Carthus, Hethara, and Koranum. Hethara looked the same as the first time he had meet her. A large imposing women of obsidian skin, and ember eyes wearing a smith’s apron.

Carthus wore a purple tailored suit with a crimson velvet tie. His shoes however were a set of worn traveling boots. Athes looked as pale as he always did his black robe of shadow obscuring his body.

Koranum had traded in her flowing dress for a set of comfortable plain working clothes. A cotton shirt, with denim jeans. ‘She probably saw that in my mind and had someone make it for her.’ James thought. Hethara looked at Jacob and smiled before turning her attention to the couple that had just arrived.

Jacob could not hear what they were saying thought they were no more then 10 feet from him. He suspected he was not meant to know the contents of that conversation, and so he would leave it be.

While Hethara was talking to Calista and Hellen, the three other gods approached Jacob, Archival, and Thomas. The three kept casting glances at Thomas. Under their gazes he did not wither, he stood taller and prouder than Jacob had ever seen him stand. He was happy for him.

The first to speak was Athes, “Welcome my child!” He said with outstretched arms. Jacob simply smiled as he approached, he extended his hand toward Athes, sparking a look of confusion for a moment upon the gods face. The moment passed and almost reluctantly Athes shook Jacob’s hand.

“Thank you for helping me out of that tight spot but there is something I would like to discuss with you.” Athes smiled a genuinely warm smile, “As have I.” Their hands dropped to their sides as Athes continued, “I would like to make you my champion.” Jacob’s thought were immediately derailed.

“I know you like me but isn’t that a bit much?” Jacob asked his voice hinting at concern. “Nonsense! You are the first person to pique my interest like this in centuries, how could I not make you my champion. You are one of my children now after all.”

Koranum chimed in, “I would like to object to that, and ask you to decline his offer.” At her words Athes head immediately turned 120 degrees giving her a death stare, his body remaining locked in its position. “He is my child, not yours! I will do as I see fit to!” the vampire god said in a low but frightening voice.

Koranum took a step back wary of what Athes would do next. Upon seeing the fear n her eyes, Athes smiled and his head turned back to face Jacob. His vibrant blue eyes almost piercing his soul. “About that…would you accept a compromise?” The vampires head tilted in confusion.

“What is there to compromise on? My offer is more than generous!” the god proclaimed as his head returned to its previous position. Carthus walked up behind Athes and placed a hand upon his shoulder. Faster than even his own eyes could perceive it there was a blur of motion.

Jacob had literally blinked and missed the entire movement, now seeing that Athes was holding his hand just short of Carthus’ neck. “We have an agreement; you can’t hurt us of him.” Carthus stated plainly, his poker face perfectly hiding any emotion he felt.

Athes’ hand slowly returned to his side, “I apologize. I am not used to being touched for purposes that are not intended to kill me.” Athes stated as he returned to looking forward at Jacob. Carthus also looked at Jacob and spoke, “As you can see, we have come to settle a few matters of great import. Not the least of which is your current… situation.”

Carthus had to pause before he finished that sentence his eyes finding those of Athes having turned to gaze at him. He turned his eyes back to Jacob, hoping that Athes would stop staring at him.

“I will accept you proposition…” Athes raised his arms in jubilation, as the eyes of the other gods all fell on him, “On a condition.” His celebration cut short by those words. The vampires face became stern and unreadable. “What is your…condition?” The vampire despite his unreadable expression let his annoyance slip into his voice.

“Have you ever heard of a Dhampir?” The vampire gods’ eyes narrowed, “You best tread carefully here, oh child of mine!” Spoke Athes through gritted teeth. “I will be your champion but only if I can be a Dhampir.” The vampire god closed his vibrant blue eyes and began to shake as he balled his fists. Jacob began to back away.

Carthus, Koranum, and Hethara looked on in confusion, “What is a Dhampir?” Koranum asked, but before he could respond Athes cut in. “An abomination that should never have existed!” The other gods turned to Athes for a moment before returning their attentions to Jacob.

“A Dhampir is the child of a full vampire and a mortal creature, like a human, dwarf, elf, so on.” Koranum and Athes looked upon Jacob with disgust. Carthus’ face as unreadable as stone, and Hethara simply blinked as she realized his reasons.

Koranum spoke her face formed into a scowl, “Why would any sane person have a child with a vampire?” Jacob and Athes looked at Koranum with looks of annoyance, “For one they are often attractive, and by extension charming. Second.” Instead of speaking Jacob simply patted his chest over his still heart, mimicking its beating.

There was a moment of confusion, and then the realization of his meaning hit her like a ton of bricks. Jacobs arm returned to his side as he turned to Athes. "I have to refuse your offer then; I cannot be the person you want if I am undead. I cannot be the lover she deserves as I am now."

The vampire god froze, his mind stuck in conflict between his desire for Jacob to be his champion as a vampire, and for him to remain the person that so sparked his interest.