Jacob strode among the dead and dying, June, Chalxae, and Thelgrum shadowed him as wondered the battlefield. "Mylord what are your orders?" Captain Thorgron Shadowsteel called out to Jacob.

"Look for our wounded and dead, I will not leave them here. Make sure all the enemy dead have been looted but leave the bodies, Mistress Oakleaf said she will take care of the bodies. Any of their wounded we will take as well but ours have a priority. I want a finale tally on what our casualties are, how many we captured, and what we captured as well. They would have had a supply train even for a small army like this. I will be here for a while Captain, get our boys home. The reinforcements from Blood Haven can take care of any cleanup." with that Captain Shadowsteel and Stonebreaker bowed and left him to his thoughts.

Jacob was exhausted, he had pop-ups to go through and still had to talk to the Grove Mistress and once the dead had been accounted for he would head home. Until then, he had a responsibility to stay. Jacob made his way over to where the wounded were being stabilized before being sent back to the Fortress. All the healers either were running low on Mana or had exhausted their supplies. Jacob flagged Snaggletooth over to him as removed a pitcher from his inventory. "Hold this." Jacob told the exhausted Shaman as he sliced his wrist and bleed into the container. Jacob watched as the pitcher fill up and his health drain steadily away. Once his health hit 10% Jacob clamped his hand on the wound. "Put some in every open wound you can and only the worst can drink, I hope this will help." with that Jacob strode away from the healer and toward the Heart of the Grove.

Jigibs and his work crew were back at work building a Level 1 Logging Camp. Jacob waved the Foreman over "Jigibs, your people are doing well. I wanted you to know, that I am thankful that you came to our aid at the end of the battle. I know you didn't have to, so thank you." he told the Goblin.

"Jacob, you are a good leader, but you are putting too much of your heart into your people. The Underdark will destroy you if you are not careful." Jigibs told the concerned Vampire.

Jacob nodded before he responded, "You are probably right Jigibs but if I let go, I will lose myself to the monster and no one would like that." with that Jacob headed further into the Grove.

Andria Oakleaf, Mistress of the Dark Oak Grove of Midnight, strode among the tree stumps. Each one she touched she whispered something and new growth took root where nothing remained. Two Treants shadowed her as she walked through the cut trees, silent guardians awaiting her command or to defend her in case of attack. "Mylord has decided to join me in my walk among my trees. With three shadows I see, all looking worried. For you I wonder, or are they worried about what you are becoming...hmm so many things to consider. I must thank you mylord for another wonderful gift, first you gave me a Mana Well, now you give me all those corpses of your enemies. This grove will grow strong on the bodies of our enemies." Andria said without looking toward the newcomers.

"I am sorry Andria, but it has been a long day, and I am not in the mood for games. Please tell me why you wished to speak to me?" Jacob said.

Andria looked at Jacob, first in anger then understanding "Young lord, today you have learned a hard lesson all rulers must learn. You cannot protect your people from death. You can run from it, you can fight it, but in the end Thanatos will collect his due. Due not let this consumes you, learn, accept, and move on. Now I know you and yours paid a high price to protect me while I Bonded with the Grove, in addition to the regular benefits you and your village will receive, Pan has decided to bless your village as well. He also wanted you informed that he had no part in the Curse, and he is not against you freeing your people from it." Andria spoke as she walked closer to the exhausted vampire.

"I know you are not in the mood for fun or playful banter but I do require a kiss and I expect a better one then that chaste one that you gave me." Andria whispered in Jacobs ear then kissed his cheek. Jacob had heard enough and strode off, Andria signaled the two Drow to wait as Jacob and Thelgrum walked back toward the battlefield. After Andria talked for a few moments the Drow nodded and ran after the retreating Lord. Andria continued to stare after the Vampire wondering if today's events had sent him down the dark path or if the light still called to him.

Shigna and Fenwyn joined Jacob as he made his way to the bloody entrance, he knew that this wasn't the last time he would see a battlefield, he also knew that this might be the smallest battle he would go through, but he would never get used to it. The carts were already taking the dead and wounded back toward home, all of them heavily guarded by the reinforcements they had received. No more would die today. Jacob finally put Moonlight back in the Dragonhide sheath, it was covered in blood just like the rest of him. His shield was dented and in need of repair. Jacob decided to check his notifications, he would check on what equipment he had acquired later.

Quest Complete: Protect the Grove

Description: For two days you fought against waves of monsters and on the third an Army of enemies arrived not only trying to destroy the Grove, but your new home as well. Not only did you defeat this army, you utterly crushed it. Due to killing and/or capturing all your enemies you will recieve a bonus for protecting the Grove.

Rewards: Production of the Dark Oak Grove of Midnight will be doubled, Pans Blessing is now upon your village and its people, Friend of the Forest Blessing upon you and yours, Keep Ability Unlocked Summon Treant Defenders

Pans Blessing: Increases production of Crops and Herbs by 10%, increases the liklyhood that rare Herbs will be harvested by your village or grown

Friend of the Forest: Wild Animals will not attack you/your villagers on sight, they might even come to you/your villagers aid (Does not apply to Beast Monsters or World Bosses that are Beast Types)

Keep Ability Unlocked: Summon Treant Defenders

Description: The very trees will fight for you and you people now, never underestimate their silent strength. (Summon 4 Treants (Your level +5) to fight by your side for 5 minutes, Can only be used during battle or siege within the lands claimed by the Fortress of Midnight, Cooldown 24 Hours)

Jacob smiled a little bit at the blessing and the new ability, all the experience they racked up through the battles also jumped Jacob and his War Party 2 levels over the last couple days. Two more prompts awaited him

The Primordial Power of Balance witnessed your battle against the forcess of the SIsters of the Damned and taken notice of both your acts and that of Thelgrum (See Bonded about his reward).

Keep Ability Unlocked: Last Stand

Description: When you are on the edge of defeat and all hope is lost make your stand. Increases Armor Rating of all defenders by 10%, Increases Health Regeneration of all Defenders by 50%, Increases stamina and mana regeneration by 20% for 1 Minute (Can only be used during battle or siege within the lands claimed by the Fortress of Midnight, cooldown 24 Hours)

"Mylord, we have 8 confirmed dead among the Tomb Guard and your own Guard, 8 critically wounded, and 9 walking wounded. 5 dead, and 25 Walking wounded among the Reinforcements. Captain Oren plans on camping within the cavern outside the Fortress with his men. We have managed to capture 40 of the enemy, of those captured 3 are the Elite Drow Warriors and 4 Acolytes of the former leader. One of those Elite Drow was the Swordmaster. The only thing we got so far is the name of the Swordmaster Tathlyn Hune, and the Noble that commanded the army Lady Nendra Dyrr. We have the supply train as well, which is a good amount of food, armor and arms, and some money." Captain Shadowsteel reported.

Jacob nodded "How much of that will I owe to the Queen, Captain Oren?" Jacob asked the quiet Duergar. The Commander of the relief force was quiet, calmly considering the young noble before he responded "Due to this being an attack on your lands, 1/4 will be owed to the Tomb of Eternal Night and the prisoners fate will be decided by you alone." Jacob nodded in acknowledgment to what the Duergar said. Both Captain quietly looked on.

"Captain Oren I would appreciate if you would keep a detachment of men to make sure the construction crew gets back safe to the Fortress. The prisoners will be turned over with the 1/4 that is owed to the Crown. In my current state I cannot dispense proper justice. I would appreciate if word was given to the crown that I want any information the captives give up about the Sisters of the Damned. Captain Shadowsteel since we have recovered all of our people, it is time for us to go home. We will erect a Funeral Pyre for the fallen, Captain Shadowsteel can you make sure Seneschal is aware that I want this done and preparations made. Captain Oren you and yours are invited if you wish to attend, we will honor you fallen as well." with that Jacob strode away from the bloody battlefield.

Alert...Your keep has recieved 150 Gold from the Battle of the Dark Oak Grove of Midnight, other spoils are unlisted due to your lack of Armory or Barracks

Jacob sat in the darkness next to someone who was supposed to be an enemy, that Jacob didn't hate and had put a lot on the line to help. "Are you ok lad. I can smell sweat and blood coming off you. You still have armor on as well, heard you clanking coming in here. From the lack of guards on my door, I assume you had a battle and your silence suggests a nasty one." the Old Dwarf stated.

"Yes sir, we had a nasty battle against the Sisters of the Damned. We had a grove claimed by a Dryad and on the last day of the Siege, those damn bastards sent a slave army against my people to kill us all and destroy everything I am trying to build here. We lost people, my people. I have seen people die in battle before sir, but I have never lost anyone that I really cared about. People that depended on me and I feel like I let them down. I know that I will lose more, it's going to happen. How can I accept that?" Jacob asked the Dwarf.

"Lad, you are not a God. You cannot stop death. It is a fact, no matter how long you live, we will all die. True Immortality only resides with the Gods. Accept that fact even if your people do not die in battle, they will die of old age, or accident, or of illness, something will kill them. Accept that and move on lad.... Now moving on to other things, you asked me that riddle the Drow left on the door. The response you need to give is Dumathoin, be damned careful though. With the Drow, you will never get what you expect. Now get out of here, I can hear some of your people out there waiting outside my room. I am sure they are worried about you." Jacob bid the Dwarf goodbye before heading out.

Outside the Dwarfs door stood all his War Party and Eiloma. All of them looked like crap, tired, and beaten down. "You all need baths, if you are going to the Funeral Pyre later formal wear is required. We will honor the dead and thank them for keeping us among the living. Get some food and some clean clothes. Get your armor to the Torgan or Stognog for repairs. Thelgrum I have it on good authority the Primordial power of Balance wants a word with you, I would suggest you do not keep it waiting."

Before Jacob was done Eilome was grabbing his face and looking at his eyes and studying him before snapping out orders. "Chalxae, please go get a tankard of warm blood and bring it to Lord Longstriders room, the rest of you heard his orders now get to it. Mylord, please follow me." Eiloma led/dragged him to his room.

Eilome pointed to a blanket laid out on the floor "Your armor, shield, and sword will go there. Once it is cleaned they can go back on your armor stand. Strip now while I run you a bath."

Jacob wasn't sure if she was acting like a mother or wife, but she had definitely crossed lines, nothing new there for his Household though. "Yes Mother!" Jacob tried to quip at the High Elf

"Don't you dare start that now mylord. Snaggletooth and Thorgron told me what you did during and after the battle. What were you thinking letting that Drow stab you in the chest. Then if that wasn't bad enough, you gave the Gift to the wounded after the battle. I approve of what you did, but you could have lost yourself to the Bloodlust doing that and could have killed more of your people. You would not have forgiven yourself if you had." Eilome reponded to his attempted quip.

Jacob was naked at that point looking for a towel or robe when Chalxae walked in with a pitcher and cup. The Drow looked at Jacob but didn't comment just poured the cup full and gave it to him. Jacob continued to stare at the Drow who just stared back and waited.

Eilome of course walked back into the main room at that point and saw the two looking at each other, "Your bath is ready mylord, I have a towel in there as well." Jacob now stood between both women, neither one commented on his being naked or joked about it.

Odd but due to what had happened that day was welcome. "Thank you Chalxae for the blood. I needed it more then I thought. Eilome thank you for making the bath and reminding me of my greater responsibilities. Can you make sure dinner is prepared for those that can or will eat." with that Jacob downed the cup of blood and grabbed the pitcher and walked to the bath to soak out the blood and sweat of the day. He still had responsibilities to attend to later.

Jacob finished his conversation with Magrum and headed toward where the Pyre was going to be lit. Upon it lay the bodies of 13 that had died during the battle, soon Shigna would light the wood on fire and consume the bodies of the dead in flames. All the inhabitants of the Fortress that did not have other duties were present in silent witness to their sacrifice. Oren with a Lieutenant and two of his Sergeants would stand watch over their dead, most of his troops watched the prisoners or recovered from their wounds. Suddenly he wasn't walking alone "Well Lord Longstrider, your first battle is done. The butchers bill is not to bad, only 13 living added to the ranks of the dead." Mikeal told Jacob.

Jacob hissed and whirled on the Deathwalker, his talons failed to either pierce or grab the Assassin as he danced back. "I am not in the mood for vague threats or riddles Deathwalker. I will not have you dishonor the fallen with your presence. If you are here to bear witness, stay silent and respectful of the dead. Otherwise, leave." Jacob spit out.

"Peace, I have not come to kill or dishonor your dead. I come with a question for you and then I will leave. I do not expect a response, think on the question and next time I see you I want your response." Jacob nodded and the Deathwalker continued "The question is simple, your response though...the question is 'Why did they die?' that is what Noble Unread want to know." with that Shadows surrounded the Deathwalker, and he disappeared from sight.

Jacob took a deep breath and gained control of his Vampiric side before turning back toward the Pyre and his people. Jacob nodded to Eilome who cast a spell to amplify his voice so everyone within the Cavern would hear his words. "For those who have come to bear witness, thank you for coming. For those who cannot be here due to wounds or duty, I am sure your hearts are here...We are not here to talk about 13 dead, we are here to talk about how they lived. Warriors all, people who were soldiers of the Tomb Guard or newly recruited to my guard. They trained and fought for our people so that we could live free. They fought for our way of life. They did not have to become soldiers, they could have been farmers, masons, an Engineer, they could have done anything they wanted, but they choose to put their lives on the line for all of us, and they choose to make the ultimate sacrifice for their people. I will never forget them or what they fought for, I will live my life to the fullest and I hope you will embrace the lives you were all given by their sacrifice. Know this, every day I live, I will always remember what they did for me. I will never forget them." Jacob nodded to Shigna who quickly cast a spell and Fire quickly spread over the bodies and wood. Weapons and Armor had been forbidden at the Pyre yet 12 Guards stood nearby facing the entrance of the cavern, they would stand silent sentinels as long as the Pyre burned. Silently the group broke up and headed either toward the Fortress of Midnight or toward the Guard camp nearby.

"Sir, you are right. Balance has made an offer to become my Patron. I was given enough time to stay for the Pyre, but if I want any chance at regaining my abilities to their full strength I need to leave now." Thelgrum told Jacob. Jacob just looked at the Dwarf before nodding and wishing the Dwarf luck on his journey. Thelgrum quickly turned and walked off, a silvery portal opened before him and the Dwarf walked through with no hesitation. The portal snapped shut as if it was never there.

Jacob stood and watched the flames as they continued to burn before turning and walking toward the Fortress. Eiloma joined him shortly "What are your plans for the rest of the night mylord?"

Jacob continued to walk as he responded "Officially I am going to bed, but I am going back to my world. I have to talk to some people. People who I trust that I am trying to get here sooner rather then later. Eiloma we are on a clock, sooner rather then later other Immortals are going to become aware of the Tomb of Eternal Night and that the Vampire race is still alive. When that happens, it will only be a matter of time before we get more Immortals here. We need to get as much as this Fortress as we can complete, and we need to become stronger. I also need to found a Guild that I intend to base from this Fortress. As soon as our guest is physically prepared to leave, we are going to take an expedition to the City of Ineford to drop him off with his people and to recruit more for the Guard. Hopefully I will be bringing more Immortal back with me on that trip. Let Magrum and Torgan I am offering them the official spots as Mason and Smith of this Fortress and my Bond and I need a response from them as soon as possible. Tomorrow, I need to talk to June, Chalxae, and you first thing in the morning. I have an offer for all three of you that I want you all to consider." with that food for thought Jacob closed his door striped out of the formal clothing and lay down.