City of Ineford

City Administration Building- Reagents Office

When Jacob opened the door he expected to see Dudriks secretary, the Envoy and his guards, and the squad of the Dawn Guard waiting for him. He did not expect to see both Sosa and Cathrine there with guards behind them eyeing the Envoy while his guards were trying to look everywhere at once. If the wrong thing was said or done, blood would flow and whatever reason why the Wood-Elves had reached out, would not matter anymore. "Lord Dudrik, if you would be so kind, can you please show us to a room where the Envoy and I can have a frank discussion." Jacob's voice cut through the tension for the moment. The Wood-Elf Envoy turned with a smile and raised eyebrow and Jacob tried not to laugh.

"Of course, if you would follow me." Dudrik darted out of his office and Jacob gestured for the Wood-Elves to go first.

Jacob turned and eyeballed both women, "I am the one that is supposed to go off half-cocked. Aren't you two supposed to be trained and experienced at diplomacy?" Jacob's statement and question embarrassed both of them. He wasn't stupid enough to exclude them from the discussion though and gestured for them to follow him as he followed the Wood-Elves.

A few minutes later, Jacob, Sosa, and Cathrine were sitting opposite of the Wood-Elf. All the guards had been left outside under strict orders not to start fighting each other for any reason. Jacob studied the Elf, he was probably no older than a couple hundred years based on thae fact he lacked the fine lines on his face that any Elf acquires once they reach 500+. "I apologize for my abruptness at Lord Dudriks office, but I wanted to talk to him alone so I could understand things. Now if you do not mind, I would like to know why you are here and what exactly do you want?" Jacob asked bluntly causing Cathrine to snicker and Sosa to roll her eyes. To make matters worse they both elbowed him causing Jacob to gasp and glare at both.

The Wood-Elf smiled at their antics before talking, "Well openness in Diplomacy might be frowned upon in certain circles. I, on the other hand, find it refreshing at times. I accepted this job having no expectation other then it might be a one-way trip. On the other hand, I am alive and we are sitting down to talk so I consider that a point in your behavior. I was sent here for multiple reasons, first was to confirm or deny the fact that sentient Vampires exist." Jacob just smiled and waited, 'Based on the reaction of Lord Dudrik, you, and these two ladies I am assuming this is true. Second, I was sent to figure out how or why you exist since the Pantheons assured everyone after the last war with your people you had been wiped from existence." Jacob snorted at that statement. The Wood-Elf raised his eyebrow again and waited expectantly for an explanation for Jacobs response.

"Before I explain my response to your statement, I am Jacob Longstrider. What is your name?" Jacob asked the Wood-Elf who sighed before extending his hand for a shake.

"My apologies, I am Oloric of Sylfemel. Ambassador of the Elder Council of Sylfemel. Now, would you sate my curiosity, Sir?" Oloric asked as he sat back after Jacob shook the Elf's hand. It was calloused in the right areas for bows and blades and based on the glyphs woven into the Elf's cloak he was a magic user as well.

"As much as people in this world venerate the gods, they are far from perfect and no matter what Pantheon they are a part of, most are far from good. They act like squabbling teenagers most of the time. The only difference is their abilities and power they wield. Did they lie to perpetuate their cause, of course. They also lied to each other and turned on one another. That discussion is for another time though.' Jacob told Oloric when he got an inquisitive look on his face. 'Fact is the Vampire race still exists. My people are not extinct no matter what the gods said." Jacob finished as he sat back. "How are those girls doing?" Jacob asked before the Ambassador could respond.

"They are doing better than before, our best Mind Mages could not take the memories away but they could suppress what they had gone through and allow them time to come to grips with what they went through. On behalf of them and their families thank you for freeing and returning them." Oloric said and Jacob believed him, from the look on the Elf's face, it was a personal matter to him.

"What happened to them was wrong. Those that are responsible for what happened to them have been held accountable for their actions. You have my word." Jacob told

Oloric studied Jacobs' face and whatever he found there assured him that he was telling the truth, "Moving on. What is most important for my people's conscious is that we determine if you are a threat to the world or not."

Jacob smiled ruefully, "Of course we are. We are living proof that the gods have lied and if they lied once they can and will do so again. For that alone, many will see us as a threat that needs to be neutralized. We are living proof that mortals do not need to bend knees to the gods and they cannot have that. It wasn't enough that they defeated us on the battlefield though, no the needed to punish us for not bowing. For not playing to their whims. Those bastards had to punish my people for their own damn vanity." Jacob spit out. He was close to losing control, his eyes were starting to turn red and talons had grown where his nails had been. Both Sosa and Cathrine placed their hands on him and whispered in his ears to calm him as Oloric studied Jacob and his reaction to the discussion. "I apologize, Ambassador, some things are personal. Morally wrong actions tend to piss me off. I haven't always been the best man, I have compromised myself in more than one way. Once I started down this path when I choose to become what I am, I decided to never go back to being who I was. I would live up to the morals that I hold dear and do my best to help my new people."

Oloric studied him before nodding, "We have all made certain compromises during our lifetimes. I am saddened to say I am sure you will compromise yourself before you have finished helping your people. Now, why don't enlighten me as to what the gods did?"

"They placed a Curse on the Vampire race and they bound the capitol to the furthest reaches of the Underdark. Something out of sight out of mind, but it also prevented them from finding it later. So they are aware of our existence, but they have no idea where we are at. They can't admit their mistake to the Council of Light because then they are admitting to their own flaws. So...what do you do if you are a god in their shoes? Hope we never show up again or they hope we do something foolish so they can take care of us quietly." Jacob told the Elf who considered what Jacob had said. "How about we sign a Non-Aggression treaty with your people as well as stipulate that we will not enter the Evergreen Woods without your permission? Would that settle the minds of your people?"

Alert...

The Empire of Night is offering a Non-Aggression Pact with the City of Sylfemel with the stipulation that the Empire of Night will stay out of the Evergreen Woods.

This offer will expire in 30 Days if the leaders of Sylfemel do not agree to the terms.

Know this, you can only extend one treaty to City, State, or Nation, at a time.

Alert...

Olorics' eyes widened when he read his prompt, "Well, that was more then what I expected. You are certainly an interesting being Jacob Longstrider to be able to offer such without consulting anyone within the Empire of Night. I think the Eldest was correct in thinking we know nothing of the Vampire people. I will confer your offer to the Elder Council of Sylfemel, as well as your story. I truly hope we can keep the peace." The Wood-Elf stood and bowed slightly before leaving the room. Once the Elf left Jacob turned to his two companions, "So you guys want to tell me why you decided to join me here?"

Bloodsoaked Fort

Outer Wall

Tarren looked at the distant group of 6 Drow as they approached. A bit small for a raid, but perfect for infiltration, but since they were in plain sight and the Wraiths of the Dead Legion were only looking at the 6 before them Tarren just assumed what was in front of them was all they had brought. The mindless Undead, led by a Bone Lord had recently joined them since Jacob had wanted to increase the defenses in case the Sisters of the Damned retaliated. So far, nothing had happened and this was the first activity outside the norm the fortress had seen since Jacob had taken control.

"Keep an eye on them and if they turn hostile, kill them," Tarren commanded the Bone Lord and Legionnaire beside him as he descended the steps toward the main gate. He checked to make sure his sword and shield were ready before the doors swung open and he started walking out to meet him. He was distantly aware of his War Parties disapproval about him going alone, but he wasn't going to put anyone else in danger to find out what was going on.

The Drow approached well within bow range before stopping and waiting for Darren to join him, "Are you in charge of the fort? Can you get word to Jacob Longstrider?" the lead Drow asked. Tarren studied the Drow before simply nodding, "Good, get word to Jacob Longstrider that Lord Ranyln Do'und sends word that the Sisters of the Damned are marshaling an army to retake this fortress. They will be here within 2 weeks Human." With that, the Drow turned and led his group back into the Underdark. By the time they had disappeared Tarren had already updated Jacob through Guild chat and curses and whoops of joy filled the channel as everyone was looking forward to a new battle. While others volunteered to act as scouts to see if they could ambush any approaching army coming through the Underdark. Officers immediately squashed any ambush plans. They had no idea of the layout of the tunnels beyond the Bloodsoaked Fort, so they had no idea what approach the army would take. They did ok scouting as long as they stayed within 5 days march of the fort.