Kevin sat down and opened a menu. Bruce's Burgers and Bar was one of the few affordable places left in the city that was not owned by a brand name, chain store, or corporation. It is family owned and operated, and they are damned proud of it. Bruces caters to a diverse crowd and as long as you didn't start any fights, you could do as you pleased. On Thursday and Fridays, you could watch sports from the week, and they would have games of pool with a tournament that went on for the last week of every month. Sundays were dedicated to football, but they always had Blackrock TV showing of any Wars, Raids, PVP tournaments, and gag reals from Fate Online. Hey, even gamers needed a day off to kick back and relax.

Keven had sent a text letting his friends know he was there and needed to blow off some stress and needed to talk and organize now. All had responded and were on the way. Marc had not gotten back about if his friends could make it to his Fortress yet, but considering what they had said right before all this started, he was sure they would be ok. Kevin ordered a BBQ burger, Onion rings a pitcher of beer while he waited for his friends. Kevin and Jared were the first to show and immediately started in on the food and beer. Bree and Jordan followed within 10 minutes with another pitcher from the bar.

After sitting eating, drinking, and enjoying their time together Jordan finally cut to the chase "So Kevin, as much as we enjoy your company and the food here. You are the one that gets dragged out. What's up?"

Kevin grimaced before responding, "It was a long day. Third day under siege and it got really bad at the end. We won in the end, got some really nice goodies, but the price. I lost 8 people and I wanted some normalcy after that. I know it's going to get worse...way worse before its gets better, but I needed you guys and I needed to kick back and relax for a bit." Everyone nodded in understanding. All had been in battles or raids. All of them had lost people they had known, and they shared that feeling of wanting to be normal.

"When you became who you are in Fate, a lot more burdens were placed on your shoulder. We will be there emotionally and soon we will be there physically. You won't be alone for much longer. Hopefully the next time you get into a battle we will be there, just don't go to war with anybody and that should help you with not getting into any more fights." Jared said as his friends nodded.

Kevin checked his comm, Marc had texted him "The color is green. If your friends can get to where you are, you can recruit them and have them join your faction. Good luck." Kevin smiled and let everyone know. With Kevin having to make the run to the City of Ineford in 12 in-game days, they could transfer everyone then. Time compression would make meeting up a hassle, but they would do it.

"Shit, that Daniel Combes. Fucking asshole. Kevin just ignore whatever he says, don't give him anything." Matt said when he saw a guys walking their way. He was followed closely by two oversized thugs that had seen too many gyms and fights.

"Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in. Two Grim Reapers, a Sword of the Light, and a Shadow Dagger walk into a bar. Sounds like a bad joke, but you are the punch line. We got four people from top 10 Guilds and a nobody. You, are an anomaly." Daniel stated as he looked at the 5 friends.

"What can I say, I am careful to who I commit my loyalty too. I don't sell out Ambercrombie." Kevin responded to Daniels assessment of him and his friends. What could he say, Kevin didn't like judgmental people that picked on his friends. Matt threw an onion ring at him while Jared snickered at him.

Daniel smirked at the poor joke before ignoring Kevin "I was also wondering what your guilds think of the new promotional video that Blackrock and Fate have put out. Titan analysts are already working on it but it reveals almost nothing. If you Guilds would be willing to work with us, we all might benefit from what is coming. We won't have to go to war over what is coming."

Kevin froze at both the fact at the mention of a new promo and that Daniel was a Titan "What promo video are you talking about?" Kevin asked the overbearing uninvited guest.

Daniel slowly considered Kevin as if he was wondering if he was serious or trying to joke again. Everyone else either sighed or rolled their eyes at his foolishness. "Blackrock and Fate, released a new promo that is appearing on their channel at the top and bottom if every hour. Not much information is shown except the date in 20 days. All of you consider what I am offering, the Titans won't keep this offer open forever. I have some friends that work at Blackrock, no one knows what is coming and the few that have a hint are scared of what Blackrock will do to them if they say anything. They only told me more will be revealed as the date for the full trailer date approaches. Once the trailer is released, all bets will be off." with that Daniel and his stooges walked away.

"Seriously, did you have to call him both Ambercrombie and a sellout in one joke. Dude, you are killing me over here." Jared laughed. Kevin just smiled while he worried. He had 20 days before the big reveal. 60 days after that the gates would be open and a flood of players would enter the Tomb. Within 5 minutes the promo showed, it showed a black screen with black rock. The camera slowly panned back from the rock when it suddenly jumped and cracked as if something had hit it. Then the Blackrock and Fate logos faded in with the date from 20 days from now. "Whatever happens, I hope your friend Marc can keep a lid on it." Jared continued.

Kevin nodded before responding. "I know, I will give him a heads up, so he can make sure the lid is secure. Remember 12 game days, I will send you the location 1 game day ahead of time. Just you 4 to start then we can bring in more people. Do not miss the window Jarred and make sure you get these guys there as well." with that Kevin stood and left. No one saw as Daniel took several pictures of Kevin, for some reason the nobody bothered the Titan.

Kevin had to get back, he had responsibilities and Kevin wasn't going to run or hide from them.

Jacob opened his eyes and considered everything he had to do. The Fortress was still quiet but if Jacob strained his hearing he could hear as the Tomb Guard camp came awake. They had to march back to Blood Haven and still transport the prisoners to the Tomb of Eternal Night. Jacob had to contact the Queen today and let her know about the battle and the prisoners he was about to dump in her lap. He also needed to check on the equipment he had recieved from the battle, he needed to talk to Eilome, Chalxae, and June also. Get the goodies out of the way, then take care of responsibilites.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Lolth Shadow Solder Armor Set

Level: Epic

Properties: Armor Rating +120

Properties: Increases Dexterity 20, Agility is increased by 25

Properties: Increases all Rogue and Assassin Skill and Ability Damage by 10%

Properties: The Bearer of this Armor upon being struck has a 10% chance to slip into Shadows and the attacker has a chance to be cursed by Lolth to recieve 10% more damage from stealth attacks and from poison.

Requirments: Drow, Level 23, 45 Dexterity, 40 Agility

Durability: 150/150

Description: This armor was forged by Drow Armorers for the Assassins of Lolth. Some of the most deadly and destructive warriors of the 8 Houses.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Blade of House Dyrr

Level: Epic

Damage: 40-55

Properties: Increases Strength 10, Increase Constitution 10, Increase Agility 10

Properties: Increases wielders chance to dodge attacks by 10%

Properties: Upon striking a target, 15% chance the target will be poisened and will suffer 10% increased damage from all sources for 1 minute and health regerenaration will decrease by 50% for 5 Minutes

Properties: Upon striking target, 10% chance to cause 100 Bleeding damage over 10 seconds

Requirments: Drow, Level 20, 35 Strength, 35 Constituion, 35 Agility

Durability: 130/175

Description: This is the Swordmasters Blade of the Fallen House Dyrr. It signifies the wielder commands all Warriors of House Dyrr.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Head of Lady Nendra Dyrr

Description: The severed head was taken after the Battle of the Dark Oak Grove of Midnight. It isn't just a severed head, it signifies your victory over your enemy and can serve mutliple purposes.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Broken Banner of the Sisters of the Damned

Description: The Broken banner was taken from the dead and defeted foes at the Battle of the Dark Oak Grove of Midnight, it signifies your victory over your enemy and can serve mutliple purposes.

The armor would go the Chalxae when she was strong enough. The blade would go into the secret area and when an Armory was built it would be stored there. He would talk to Eiloma ad Jigibs about the head and banner, maybe they knew what to do with them. The banner reminded Jacob still did not have a banner for his House. He would make a run to the Tomb before he had to head to City of Ineford, maybe someone there would have an idea about what he should have for his Motif.

Time to get to work, Jacob got up and threw on some regular clothing. No armor for now, everything that happened today would be at the fortress. As he put away the Sword, Head, and Banner into his hidden storage space Jacob pulled out the communication coin. "Is the Queen available to speak?" Jacob asked, awaiting the response.

"I apologize Lord Longstrider, but the Queen is unavailable at this point. Do you wish to leave a message for her." was the response Jacob received from the other end. Even in a world with Magic, we still have to leave Voice Mails for people.

"Yes, please inform the Queen we engaged in battle with a small army of Sisters of the Damned and defeated them. We suffered 13 Dead, but captured 40 of the enemy that will be back at the Tomb within a day or two. I wish to know of any knowledge that can be gleaned from the prisoners. Also, I would ask for advice from the Queen, Captain Isiah Timmilian, or Sgt Shadowstrider. I need a Motif for my House and I have no idea what I should use." Jacob felt foolish for the last part of the message but symbols were powerful as they were more then just something to look at.

"The message will be relayed, we will contact you by the Coin when we have a response. Be careful with the Sisters, they are powerful in their own way." with that the coin stopped vibrating and went dormant. Jacob placed it in his inventory, closed and sealed the hidden cache and left his office. Time for breakfast and to get things rolling for the day.

Jacob strode out into the main part of the hall, tables and seats were still being placed out. Food was being prepared and placed on tables without chairs for buffet style eating. The only fixture was the Throne upon the Dias, a constant and silent strength of the Fortress. Most of the people moved about in a daze either from the morning or from the events yesterday. Jacob had been able to escape a couple hours to burn off some steam, but they were stuck here in this harsh reality. Jacob felt guilty for being able to escape, he should have stayed. So he did the only he could, he started helping either by moving tables, chairs or food. He followed the directions of the cook who quickly put him to work. "I have never seen you before...You got a build of a Warrior. You one of them new Guards the Lord hired??" The old Gnome asked.

"I am a Warrior Ma'am." Jacob answered while keeping his eyes down. Jacob just wanted to help without disturbing the people.

"Well, I am Miss Dots. Cook for this mad house. What happened yesterday was far from the normal of this place. It is usually pretty quiet, but we do have a lot of construction going on so do not be surprised if that scoundrel Captain Thornton Shadowsteel sends you to help Master Jigibs with construction." Miss Dots responded.

"Where is my DAM COFFEE. I will kill for some coffee right now." Eilome called out over the hall.

Jacob stared at his Seneschal, she wasn't in her normal clothing, it was her sleepwear. Not very revealing but defiantly hinted at what lay beneath, following her was June and Chalxae. Neither Drow wore much more then the High Elf, although the Rogue wore far shorter night gown. "Don't even think about it lad. Those women have all been claimed by the Lord Longstreet himself. Full-Bloods like him are expected to marry multiple wives and have many children to continue their Blood line. Why are you almost dropping that tray, don't you want to be hired by the Lord, don't screw up like that. Now if you touch any of them, if they don't kill you, he will. Heard he went blade to blade with the Drow Swordmaster yesterday and defeated him in combat. You ain't got a chance in the Abyss with them hunny." Miss Dotts commented.

To say Jacob was stunned speechless by the Gnomes comments, he had no idea if what she said was true or not. He would talk to the Queen and figure out exactly what his duties were even if he had to drag her out of a meeting with the court. "No Ma'am, I am not trying to cause problems. Just surprised ma'am. I will just go help put the chairs and tables ma'am where they are supposed to be." Before Jacob could sneak away the cook gave him a tray with coffee, cups, milk, and sugar.

"Now none of that hunny. Just remember what I told you, you take that tray over there and make sure they get their drinks. The Seneschal is a touch moody until she gets her coffee in the morning. Miss Freath might look like she doesn't have much on but if you talk to her, she has a dagger and will cut you with it. Miss Moonshadow though is a bit nicer though. Now get, remember don't get handsy with the lords women, just serve and get out of there." with that Gnome pushed him toward the three grumpy women.

None of the women even tried to look at him, all were busy eating or talking quietly to one another. As he walked away Eiloma called out to the cook "Miss Dotts, that one has a cute ass. You should have him serve coffee more often." Jacob just blushed and refused to look back as he but the tray down near the cook and hurrying over to help finish putting the tables and chairs out.

"Miss Silverleaf, that one belongs to Captain Shadowsteel. He saw us and decided to help before the duties took him away for the day." Miss Dotts responded.

"Hmm, then maybe I should spend more time with the Guardsman and...inspect their training." Eiloma responded which caused the two Drow to giggle. All three of them joking now, what would Jacob do with them.

Miss Dotts smiled and chuckled as well before responding "Something tells me, they wouldn't get much training done with you three distracting them. Now, when should we expect the Lord Longstrider up an about. Growing young Full-Blood needs his food and company to make sure his day goes well, after yesterday he probably needs good company."

"I will go get him, I am sure he will blush and stutter the way I am dressed now." Chalxae said as she got up and headed back toward the rooms. The view from behind her made getting up early worth it.

"Guardsman, you go and get your Captain and brothers. It is time to eat, and I am sure he wants all of you to eat before you get on with training." Miss Dotts ordered while giving him a hard stare. Right, no eyeballing the eye candy because they belong to the Lord Longstrider. Jacob wondered if Thelgrum would return today, or if he would need more time. Jacob should have asked the Paladin before he went away in the portal but it was to late now.

As Jacob approached the area claimed by Thorgron Shadowsteel as the future Guards Barracks and training area, he saw 6 guards going through the training paces with Thorgron calling out various positions and critiquing his men. The seventh set apart and looked like shit. From the occasional ball of air or fire he threw at wall nearby, he was the groups local healer/mage. "Keep your dam shields up. Mason died yesterday because he didn't keep his shield up and took a damn spear in the throat. Learn from his mistake. What do you want runt? Want to join the guard?" Thorgron asked without even looking at who he was talking to.

"Excuse me Captain. Miss Dotts sent me to inform you that breakfast is ready and you and your men should head up for warm food." Jacob responded trying to obscure his voice. He didn't need to try Thorgron never even turned just nodded his

"This is why we need a barracks so training isn't interrupted. We could have eaten already and continued training. Now we got to stop and then start again." Thornton muttered out before raising his voice "You heard that boys. Breakfast is ready, rack your shields and weapons then get your asses to the Hall and grab some grub. If I beat anyone back here you will run to the tunnel and back with full gear 10 times. MOVE IT!! You too lad, tell the cook we will be up shortly."

Time for him to sneak back in grab his sword and food, the few people that would notice him would ignore him. He was just another worker with these clothes and nothing that Jacob Longstrider wore or carried, maybe doing this more would often help him keep his eye on the more common things going on at the Fortress.

"So mylord you slept in late. Late night?" Eilome asked as Jacob ate his food. All three women had changed into more proper ware now that Lord Longstrider was present. He had enjoyed the view, but he had responsibilities today.

"Yes, I was with some other Immortals that I plan on bringing here and adding to our House. Whenever we make the run to the City of Ineford to recruit and drop off the house Guest, they should be there to meet us. Also Seneschal, I have heard reports of you how should I put this...harassing the new guard recruits. I would appreciate if you would not do that too much. I am trying to keep them here on payment alone not on the basis they will have a chance to bed my Seneschal. I would take that personnel and have to dismiss them. Is that understood miss Silverleaf?" Jacob responded.

Everyone at the table was laughing at both the comment and the surprised look on the High Elfs face as Jacob continued. "Chalxae, from what I have heard you are just as bad if not worse. Walking around the hall half naked, tempting and teasing the workers, men and women both then threatening them with a hidden dagger. How is it that you hide a dagger while wearing so little?" with that Jacob went back to eating while his companions continued to laugh, joke, and eat. "Thorgon, as soon as the Smithy is completed we will be building the Barracks based on what Jigibs recommended, soon we will have a proper place to train all the new recruits. Shigna, can you continue to assist with construction. Snaggletooth and Mug if you have had enough rest can you please continue to oversee the healers of the wounded. You three, we have a serious discussion after you are done with breakfast. I will be in my office."

When Eilome, Chalxae, and June entered Jacobs office none could hear who he was talking to or what his response was due to him using the Coin to communicate with the Queen Talia. The discussion had been enlightening and embarrassing to the Lord, but much of what had been hidden was not revealed. Talia had also designed and commissioned a banner, several drapes, and tabard that would be worn by his guards and him at formal occasions. He would talk to Thorgron about that later, right now he had more important things to deal with.

The High Elf was flanked by a Drow on either side. "Ladies do you know why I called you here?" he asked as his eyes raked each of them. His face and tone gave nothing away. All of them were nervous for various reasons, but all were determined to see this conversation through. "When the Queen made me, the first Full-Blood in over 2000 years, she charged me with creating a new House and breaking the Curse. That was it. The number of Bonded I have in my House have steadily increased. I do not have any Vampires in my House besides myself. Today I am offering you all the gift that was given to me. To become more then you are, if you decline the offer will not be made again but your place here is secure. You are all family to me and I cannot imagine my life without any of you in it. So you have today to decide what you want ladies. I trust all of you with my life and House, I hope I have earned the same from all of you. I expect a response by the end..."Before Jacob could finish all three agreed.

Ability Unlocked: Awakening

Description: As a Full-Blood you have an ability to create more Vampires, lesser but still Vampires. Awakening them will increase the beings natural abilities but also increase their raw speed and strength. Know this, once the ability is triggered it cannot be stopped and the Vampire will always be bound to you and your House. The Awakened will take 1 hour to change the subject and will require both blood and food to recover and finish the transformation. 5/5 (Cost 10% of your Base Health, Cooldown 10 Minutes, No more then 5 times in one 24 Hour Period) Know this, this ability will change and become stronger as you become stronger as a Full-Blood.

"Ok, I can change all of you today. We need to do some things to prepare. We need food and blood prepared for all of you. You have all seen me eat when I am REALLY HUNGRY. Three times as that and 3 pitchers of warmed blood. Another thing, change into something completely comfortable, believe me if its armor or clothing that is confining or uncomfortable you will want to rip it off and you might do just that. Another thing, you will all have to learn how to fight again. You will be both physically stronger but also faster. We will take some time to train and get you used to your natural abilities. Get Miss Dotts on it and once you guys are comfortable come get me, and we can begin.