Surface- Arathia Basin Region

Empire of Night- Middlebrough

Jacob watched as the various merchants work, it wasn't the same as an auction but it was still damned impressive. Dozens of people talking, competing, or working together. More merchants had shown up this time, but almost half of the Free Cities had not. They all knew the rules now though, any city that allied with the Slavers Union had also been denied admittance into the Greater Harvest Festival. The few cities that tried to get admittance that were openly allied with the Slavers Union, were escorted to the border. They were told as long as they were allied with a group of slavers and allied with Chaos, they would not be welcome.

"So how are things going with the Empire of Night?" Mistress Shims asked as she walked up.

"Busy with one thing after another. How is the merchant business, ma'am?" Jacob asked the High Elf who Jacob was fairly sure was a spy for the High Elf kingdom of Daran'thia.

"It grows more dangerous by the month with the war among the Free Cities and the northern nations. Yet the southwest portion of the continent has become more secure by the day." She replied and Jacob nodded.

"Some of it is the people being stupid or selfish. Enough are being manipulated by Chaos to propagate the turmoil into an all-out war though.' Jacob told her as he started walking around the large group of merchants. Legionnaires of the Thirteenth ringed the meeting and monitored the festival to ensure peoples safety. 'Can I be blunt with you Mistress Shim?" Jacob asked her as they walked.

The High Elf studied Jacob for a moment before nodding, "I think honesty would be best Master Longstrider. How goes the war against the Slavers Union and its allies?" Mistress Shims asked and Jacob nodded his head. He would be honest with her until she proved to be an enemy.

"It has become a stalemate. The Slavers Union is either an ally or it has been suborned by Chaos. The Pirate Lord has raided Anchorhead and we pushed them back for now. Within four weeks, the Empire is going to be flooded Immortals and the Empire will be hosting a tournament soon after that." Jacob told her as they walked through the market.

"Bloodsport, I was thinking better of you!!" Mistress Shims glared at him causing him to laugh at her outrage.

"Immortals only, no Locals will take part in the tournament.' Jacob stated. 'Now what else would you like to know?" Jacob prodded.

"Do you plan on invading the northern nations?" The High Elf asked strait to the point.

"No, I have enough problems as is. The only reason why I would invade the north was if it fell to Chaos or became a completely lawless land and all the nations fell apart. I would rather have those nations intact and rallying the people of the north." Jacob replied as they continued to walk.

Mistress Shims nodded her head, "Is it true the Flaming Anvil Clan is reforming within the Empire?"

Jacob smiled as the thought of the hardy Dwarf clan, over five thousand had come to the Clan leaders call to rally. "Yes, they are. No, they are not part of the Empire, we are just giving them a haven until they have time to reform. If they wish to join the Empire or become a Client State, we will not deny them." Jacob told her.

"Good, what do you know of the nation of the Rolling Sands?" She asked in return.

Jacob snorted, "Nothing, they are a very...closed society. If we ever get any eyes on the inside, it will take time." Jacob told her who nodded.

"Thank you for your honesty King of the Empire of Night. I will not forget it." Shims stated before turning and leaving. Jacob's eyes followed her, both Darren and Ezekial knew what she was and they would watch her, but not interfere.

Underdark- Forelorn Depths Region

Fallen Obsidion Kingdom- Central Hall

Jacob studied the Dwarves as the portal closed behind them. Vognan and Glagor were the first Dwarf Locals to enter the Obsidion Kingdom since it had fallen to the One so long ago. Vognan was openly crying in awe, while Glagor absorbed the scene and the history around them. "What...how...why???" Vognan mumbled out.

"I am sorry I have been keeping this from you, but the Obsidian Kingdom fell to great evil and we had to destroy it before we deemed this place safe enough for anyone to come back," Jacob told the Dwarf as he looked around the great kingdom. The Dead Legion was still present and hunting down any remaining Mind Warped. All the Bone Chimereas had already been moved to a different location.

"Why do you have all the Undead here?" Vognan asked as he studied them.

"They are part of the Dead Legion and they were critical in defeating what had taken over this place. I can honestly say without the Dead Legion, you would not be standing here today." Jacob told the Dwarf who was eyeballing the nearby Undead.

"Thank you for showing this to me King Longstrider, but why are you showing this to me?" Vognan pointedly asked and Jacob smiled. That is what I liked about Dwarves, for the most part, they were blunt and to the point.

"The Dead Legion and the Immortals of the Seekers of the Dawn are finishing up sweeping this week. I know you don't want to live on the surface, I am offering this place to the Burning Anvil and the Thunderhammer Clans as a home. I want your people to reclaim this place." Jacob told the two Dwarves who studied Jacob in return.

"You want the Obsidion Throne to bow to the Throne of Night, don't you?" Glagor asked and Jacob nodded.

"It will take years for this place to be fully restored, with the support of the Empire it will be completed that much sooner. We did not strip it of its history or wealth, it is intact and waiting to be reclaimed by its people. All I ask in return is your allegiance. Can I depend on your people?" Jacob asked them.

"You are asking us to submit to your people," Vognan stated and Jacob shook his head.

"I want you and your people to join the Empire of Night, to be a part of something greater. It is not just Vampires, it is not just the Underdark, the Empire is made up of far more than that. We need people like the Thunderhammers and Flaming Anvils to make sure it thrives and survives. That is what I am asking Vognan." Jacob told the Dwarf.

The Dwarf nodded his head, "I will take this to my clans' Elders, I will support it. I have seen how you treat Glagors people, it has not gone unnoticed by mine. You respect them and do not interfere with clan business. You have also brought out clan together again, you have sheltered and supported us. This has bought a lot of goodwill within the Flaming Anvil Clan, but I cannot decide this on my own. You will have your answer within two days." Vognan stated.

"I think I can speak for my clan, a portion of our people will live here, not all though. My clan has gotten used to living in Eternal Night and are unwilling to give up what they have worked so hard to build." Glagor stated and Jacob smiled as he clapped him on his shoulder.

"They don't have to leave my friend, they are welcome to stay as long as they want. I am just offering this as an alternative place to live with your people. I know some of them are uncomfortable living on the surface." Jacob stated as they walked deeper into the Central Hall.

Underdark- Sweltering Depths Region

Dark Iron Thiag- Outer Reaches

Granite Quarry 2

Ava wiped the sweat from her forehead as she rested against her pick. This was her punishment for what she had done. 'Bastards' she thought as her work crew leader gave her a hard look. "Get off you ass missy, you are here to work, not lollygag." The Dwarf stated as he walked off. Ava glared at his back as she picked up the pick again and started swinging. She had to rest more ofter, the restraint collar she wore reduced her stats by 90%, how could she work without Stamina she mused as she brought the pick down with a spark.

This was all his fault, if he had just accepted the breakup like any other adult she would have been fine. Her plans for the Children of the Light would have come to fruition and she would have brought him into the guild after that. However, he had to go and ruin everything, start the fight in the bar and get the higher-ranked officers asking questions. Then she could not protect him from them and he had followed through with his threat. It had destroyed her, she had been arrested within hours, her guild had turned on her and all her little pawns had been kicked from the Children of the Light as well.

Suddenly explosions rang out, screams and fire were everywhere as creatures attacked the Guards and Prisoners. Ava scrambled away throwing the pickax at one of the creatures that battered it away contemptuously. "Where do you think you are going girl?" a large armored form asked from nearby. A large man clad head to foot in plate armor with a large two-handed sword strapped to his back addressed. The creatures ignored the armored man but two of them broke off from the attack and swarmed her pinning her to the ground.

"What do you want?" Ava asked the man who smiled at her.

"Relax girl, I am your new best friend. I am going to free you and in return, all I want is to know everything you know about Jacob Longstrider." The man gave her a charming smile as he gestured for the creatures to bring her to her feet.

Ava gave the man a coy smile, it had sent more then one man blubbering with it and the man laughed. "Why would you want to know anything about that nobody? You have me sweetie and I am so much better than him." Ava stated as she tried to manipulate him. The armored man laughed so hard he doubled over before looking at her in the eye and all the merriment left his face and eyes.

The man patted her shoulder before grabbing her neck and lifting her off feet. "Listen to me, you stupid little girl. Why would I want an ant when I could have a god. We have a limited amount of time girl, I am going to open a portal. You will go through it and we will continue this discussion. If you do not do exactly as I say I am going to destroy your avatar and the sword on my back can do this girl.' Ava nodded spastically and the man to release her causing her to collapse to her knees as she coughed and tried to regain her breath. 'Good girl, I am Alexi Sunstreaker. Remember my name girl, we are going to have many discussions over the coming days." Alexi called over his shoulder as the two creatures grabbed her and dragged her along behind his armored form.