Gernam, Urvos, and Nigel were currently approaching the exit to the crypt. While both dwarves were still very nervous around him they slowly started to warm up to him.

"So why choose this cavern of all places." (Nigel)

"Ahh, this cavern is very close to a Vein of Tillium. I figured while I waited I may as well work on my mana reserves." (Gernam)

Nigel and Urvos exchanged a look.

"I've never heard of any Veins of Tillium being anywhere near this place." (Urvos)

"Well that may have to do with the fact that it dried up 300 years ago. A shame really I figured it would have lasted atleast 900 more. However, it's depletion may have been sped up by whatever civilization choose to build itself so close to my sepulcher." (Gernam)

Nigel nodded.

"Well that lines up pretty well with alot of this places history. Those who specialized in earth magic used to flock here in droves. The Consortium's magic academy here used to be very well known. However around 300 years ago the academy's funding was significantly decreased and most of the Professors transferred. We still use alot of the facilities but not as academic buildings. Some of the buildings were turned into taverns, others brothels, and still some became public buildings. Our townhall is located in one of the old auditoriums." (Nigel)

"What a waste. They used it to enhance earth magic. Those fools probably didn't even realize that Vein was attuned to soul magic." (Gernam)

"Soul magic?" (Nigel)

They had finally reached the ascending stairs that led to the crypts exit.

"Ahh I figured it would fall into obscurity. It was seldom practiced even in my day. Most considered it taboo. Though the Arcanist Association put enormous funding into its study. Hence how I came to master it." (Gernam)

As Gernam finished explaining the group of three had just opened the doors. A group of 5 dwarves was waiting right in their path. All heavily armed. A red faced burly dwarf stepped out from the center of the group. He looked over the smaller group of three, but was unable to see Gernam's face.

"See I told you some guards went down there." (Crossbow wielding Female Dwarf)

"Look they brought a human too. Look at that robe, I bet we could get a fortune for that." (Armored Male Dwarf)

A smile broke out on the burly dwarf's face. "

"My friends your luck has run out." (Burly great-axe* wielding dwarf) *Size of a regular human axe.

Both Nigel and Urvos started shaking. These were members of Nulguard a large gang with sects in almost every dwarven city.

"pffft hahaha. Oh my this is simply too good. My dear boy you seem to have the situation reversed." (Gernam)

At that moment the lich reached up and pulled back his hood.

"Your luck has run out." (Gernam)

"Oh I'm talking to Lycan." (Darren)

Tal'gor arched a questioning eyebrow at Darren.

"I'll vouch for that claim." (Lycan)

Tal'gor then fell out of his chair as the wolf suddenly appeared in front of the fire place. His eyes darted from Lycan to Darren very quickly. Suddenly he was on his knees bowing before Lycan.

"You honor me with your presence deity." (Tal'gor)

His face was pale and cold sweat was starting to leak from his pores. Darren arched an eyebrow at Lycan.

"Deity?" (Darren)

"Goddess of wolves." (Lycan)

"And this is why I'm atheist." (Darren)

Tal'gor tensed up at this blatant disrespect towards the Goddess. Though she was not one typically worshiped by most elves the druids revered her as one of the Four Hunters. When he was younger he spent much time training under druids learning the basics of healing magic.

"Show some respect. Do you realize who you are trifling with. Apologize before she ends both of us." (Tal'gor)

Darren simply rolled his eyes.

"I'll talk to my wife however I damn well please." (Darren)

Tal'gor looked at the great wolf who simply nodded in confirmation.

Darren walked over to him and helped him off the floor. Fixing Tal'gor's chair Darren slowly ushered him back into a sitting position.

"I need a drink." (Tal'gor)

"Haha, buddy I haven't even answered your first question, yet." (Darren)

This world? As Tal'gor remembered the first question he came to the realization that the person he just gained custody of was much more than he bargined for.

Tal'gor simply stood up and walked out of the room. The exit was right there. He could run and pretend this never happened. His world view would be unchanged and this could all be a memory. Instead he walked past the door. He walked past one of his maids.

"Master, can I get you anyth...." (Maid)

Tal'gor raised a hand to silence her and kept walking. He reached a set of stairs leading to his wine cellar. Slowly he descended and entered the cellar. He grabbed four bottles and started walking up. He was halfway back before he realized this wasn't enough.

"Stella. Grab me four more of these." (Tal'gor)

The maid saw how many bottles he held. However that wasn't what surprised her. All of these bottles were worth more than she made in a year. She wondered how important the human he brought in earlier must be. Stella said nothing though and simply followed her command.

Tal'gor returned to the room with the bottles. Stella following closely behind, holding a tray with four more bottles and two glasses. She seemed unable to see Lycan. After setting down the tray and filling both glasses. Stella bowed to both Tal'gor and Darren then left the room.

The moment she was out of the room Tal'gor had downed the first glass. Darren reached down and picked up the glass. Expecting this worlds wine to be inferior to his own he gulped. Slowly he took the first sip.

It was the best wine he ever tasted.

"Wow!" (Darren)

Tal'gor was already done with his second glass. After filling a third he nodded to Darren.

"Proceed." (Tal'gor)

Darren nodded and began. Both Tal'gor and Lycan listened intently as he went described his former world. He told them about his worlds entertainment. Video games, movies, and sports. However he said nothing regarding his personal life.

"Your world sounds incredible why did you leave? (Tal'gor)

Incidentally the elf was so absorbed by Darren's tale that he had yet to take a sip form his third glass.

"Because I hated that world. " (Darren)

"Why?" (Lycan)

Darren simply looked at her. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came.

"Not.... not yet."

Lycan was taken aback. All of Darren's arrogance was gone. His eyes were empty as he recalled his reasons.

"I'm personally fine with that. I think that's enough for one day. Stella!!" (Tal'gor)

A moment passed before the maid entered the room.

"Take him to the large guest room. Darren, for now get some sleep there is much to do tomorrow." (Tal'gor)

With a nod the prince left the room. Stella escorted Darren to a room the size of an apartment. After seeing if he needed anything she nodded and left.

Slowly Darren stripped down to his briefs. After laying down under the covers he soon felt a weight on top of him. Lycan in her humanoid form was laying directly on top of him.

"Get off." (Darren)

"You have me for the rest of your life and after get used to it." (Lycan)

Darren was about to argue. However he saw the wisdom in those words. They were bound. He might as well make the most of it. The dark room was silent for a few minutes before Darren suddenly spoke.

"How do you even have weight if you're just a disembodied soul?" (Darren)

"I'm not disembodied, I'm bound to your body and soul. I can interact with you physically with no effort. How ever..." (Lycan)

Lycan reached towards the bed and her hand simply phased through. She then pulled it out and pressed down again this time her hand didn't phase through and she made a small indention.

"..with mana I can interact with the world." (Lycan)

Darren had more question about this world and magic, but decided to hold off. With Lycan laying on top of him he slowly drifted off to sleep.

(Hope fully this long chapter makes up for Monday.)