Fortress of Midnight

Primitive Keep-Personal Quarters

Jacob placed the moaning Eiloma in the bath to let her rest and recover from the morning romp. Due to all his activities, he had not had much time for the High Elf-Vampire so he had made sure to enjoy her company all night after coming back from the Tomb. She was both sore and sated though from all the activities she had enjoyed. Jacob started stripping down when an Alert came through the Guild channel from New Dawn. Jacob cursed as he moved off equipping his armor on the run and summoning his War Party.

15 minutes later he looked at the Gnomes and Trolls that were camped in front of New Dawn, although they had done nothing the Undead watched them intently for any infraction that threatened the fortress or its residents. "So who are they?" Jacob asked Jax.

"Cormin Bronzegear is the head of the group, they have 8 Trolls and I have no idea how that works, but they are one group. He is a nice guy, but he insisted on talking to whoever was in charge. While I am Steward of this fortress, I cannot make decisions like what to do with them." Jax said as he studied the group.

"Well, let's go meet this guy and figure out what he wants," Jacob said as he walked off the wall and out toward the camped group. Cormin was an older Gnome, stubborn and full of pride but he was also desperate to help his people, "They came while most of my people were sleeping. The Twin Claw bastards slaughtered most of my people while they slept before the alarm was finally sounded. Without Gron and his people," the Gnome indicated the Troll, "We would have never managed to fight our way out. We hired them to help with construction efforts, but they were essential in our very survival." Cormin looked haunted as if he could see all those that had died. "We choose a random direction and kept walking until we found this place, without your people's assistance we would be starving and dying right now."

"What exactly are you looking for Master Bronzegear?" Jacob asked him after the Gnome finally went silent.

The Gnome studied Jacob before continuing, "A home and safety Lord for my people and me. We would swear oaths and become your vassals. You would gain access to our knowledge and abilities, I know we are not the best warriors but you won't find better Engineers or Artifactors." Jacob considered the Gnomes request before nodding acceptance. Having them would be a boon and add static defenses for his fortresses.

Darkfang Hold

Chieftans Hall

Sosa read through the reports as her brother walked into her office, "How is the future Lady Longstrider doing today?" Dolbrug asked as he sat down opposite of her earning a glower.

"I am doing fine, the better question is where our dear Uncle got the idea to marry me off like that." Sosa mussed.

"The elders here could see your interactions with him and I am sure you enjoy his company otherwise you would have never agreed to this," Dolbrug responded.

"Now if we could only marry you off, dear brother." Sosa teased him while thinking about her future husband. "What do you think about the other thing he told us?"

Dolbrug sighed, he didn't want to think about it. "It opens us up to threats and might give grounds for someone to challenge you for control of the clan," he responded.

"This clan will belong to me whenever our uncle dies, but that will be a long time from now," Sosa responded as another messenger came in a dropped off what he was carrying.

"When are you going to be heading to Darguun Hold?" Dolbrug asked after he considered her words.

"Tomorrow at the latest, you will be in charge of the Hold while I am gone. Don't go to war with anyone and don't destroy the Hold please." Sosa responded

"You going to see Jacob before or going to wait until the wedding day?" Dolbrug asked while smirking at his sister.

Sosa blushed, "I will see him if I have time before going, but I have so much to do." Dolbrug rolled his eyes before snatching the pen from her hand and staring at her. "Fine, I will go but if you do not finish these reports..."

Tomb of Eternal Night

Palace of Night

Talia was exhausted, lately, that is all she felt, but the future although far from secure was more promising. The Houses were mostly aligned behind her and Jacob, but not all. Ezekial had tasked people to watch those that had not fallen behind the changes she was making. The last thing she thought about before darkness claimed her was what she would do to protect him and the future he represented.

Fortress of Midnight

Taking oaths from 75 Gnomes and 8 Trolls took most of the day, but he was finally back home. Seeing the army fully equipped and running formation drills throughout the cavern was nice, Brox oversaw all the training here and saluted Jacob when he saw him. "How is everything captain? Did everyone get their equipment?" Jacob asked the Orc.

"Everyone has armor issued and the smiths should be finished with the weapons and shields within the next 2 days. Your Seneschal says we have enough supplies to last for the march and a week for a siege. After that, we will have to retreat or find some way to re-supply. Are we going to have any backup?" Brox asked as he studied the soldiers and their movements.

"We are going to try this on our own, our people need to do this and learn to stand on their own. We won't always have allies to depend on and our troops need this experience." Jacob told the Orc who nodded. TIme to talk to that Ranyln Do'und and figure out what the Drow wanted as he pulled the coin out of his inventory and activating the coin.

Alert...

Entering the conference area hosted by Ranyln Do'und, all combat is nullified while in the area.

Alert...

When Jacob opened his eyes he saw a Drow sitting opposite him. They were sitting in a cavern with no entrance or exit, dark light shown down from the ceiling highlighting everything, "You asked for this meeting Ranyln Do'und, what exactly do you want?" Jacob asked the Drow who studied him.

Ranyln smiled, "To put it bluntly, I want to rule my clan, we will be your Vassels if you will assist me in destroying the Council of Damnation. Most of the members will have to be killed, but a few have joined me and are willing to serve you. I assume you plan on conquering Fortress of Baereghel next?" Ranyln asked but all Jacob did was stare right back considering what to tell him.

"If I did?" Jacob asked the Drow.

"I will arrange for the fortress to surrender when you arrive, a cousin of mine is in control of the fortress," Ranyln told him.

"How many slaves do you have control of?" Jacob asked ignoring what the Drow said.

"I command nearly 7,000 combat and non-combat slaves, and my family controls 3 of the remaining fortresses under the control of the SIsters of the Damned," Ranyln told Jacob confused at the question.

"I do not support slavery in any form Ranyln. You think your family or your allies will still support you when they find that out?" Jacob asked him as he stood and walked around the little cavern.

"Nothing in life is easy, I want power and control and I think you are the best way to attain that. Either they will join you or fall. I will swear a binding oath to you so you know that I will not betray you. It can only be done in the flesh though." Ranyln replied.

"I will consider your offer, but I will make no promises," Jacob told the Drow who frowned before Jacob cut the connection.

When Jacob opened his eyes again, he was outside the Fortress of Midnight again and very little time had passed. Brox eyeballed him but didn't say anything and Jacob nodded to the Orc commander before walking toward the entrance of the wall. Cathrine was there smiling, "We have a guest for dinner. We will have it in your private dining room, I already informed Miss Dotts." The Banshee told him as she threw her arms around him and pulled him in for a kiss. Jacob smiled as he kissed his wife before grabbing her ass causing her to smile and to lean into the kiss. "Miss me, husband?"

"Always, having 75 Gnomes and 8 Trolls to our ranks was a slow and boring process, but having those engineers and artifactors is a nice bonus. Who is our guest?" Jacob asked as he grabbed her hand leading her toward their home.

Cathrine smiled, "Your future wife Sosa decided to pay you a visit. I thought it would be better to have a more intimate dinner with you and the women in your life. I know you prefer to eat with everyone, but sometimes it is nice to have a more personal dinner." Cathrine said as she walked along.

"What are you hoping to accomplish with this dinner?" Jacob asked while eyeballing the Banshee. A smile was her only response. "Horny minx!!" Jacob called out causing the Banshee to laugh.