Tomb of Eternal Night
Palace of Night- Entry Hall
As the disorientation from the teleport faded Jacob realized he was staring at several dozen of the Heart Guard and Dawn Guard on a killing edge. All of them were staring at something behind him so Jacob slowly turned around and noticed a small group of Dwarves standing very still and making no threatening moves. One of the Dwarves immediately got Jacob's attention because he would never forget him. "Stand down!! These Dwarves are guests within my home until I say otherwise.' Jacob called out as he approached the Dwarves that slowly relaxed, 'When I invited you to visit, I expected a little bit of a warning beforehand."
Jacob chuckled as he offered Glagor Ironbreaker his hand and pulled him into a hug. "Its good to see you, but I didn't expect to see you this soon my friend," Jacob told the old Dwarf as he stepped back.
The Dawn Guard and Heart Guard slowly relaxed but a dozen stayed nearby, "Well I did not expect for a portal to dump me and my kin in a damned palace boy. Last time I was in your home, it wasn't near this grand. I suspect things have changed with ya and that you have a wee bit of a story to tell." Glagor replied as he looked around inspecting the Palace of Night.
Jacob considered what to tell the Dwarf, but considering he was in the heart of the Tomb of Eternal Night, he might as well tell the truth. "Why don't you all go get cleaned up and grab some food. I will show Master Ironbreaker around and then to the Dining Hall, I am sure I will interest them in some food and drink. June or Chalxae, if either of you sees Eilome and Cathrine, please send them my way. Thelgrum, can you please take Master Ironbreakers escort to the dining hall while I give him a short tour."
Glagor assured his escort he would be fine as he followed Jacob further into the palace. "So Glagor, what would you like to know?" Jacob asked as they walked slowly a pair of the Heart Guard keeping pace.
"What happened since the last time I was your guest lad? I know you found the gift I left you in Ineford, the whole world knows of it now. What has changed lad?" Glagor Ironbreaker stated as he followed Jacob within the palace.
"Well you know what I am and you know what I represent.' Jacob stated but his face was asking the Dwarf to confirm the truth and with his nod, he continued. 'Well after I returned you to your people but before I came to see you I got married. One of the things that happened during the marriage ceremony was that I was adopted within the Royal family and made the heir to the throne. So when the Queen died recently I was made King and I inherited the Throne of Night."
Jacob told the Dwarf as he walked through the palace and out onto one of the terraces that overlooked the city. "As you can see, my people suffered badly due to war and stagnated. Both the middle and outer city was completely depopulated and many of the buildings were damaged during the fighting or fighting since then. One of the first decisions I made when I became the King was the order to demolish all the old and reconstruct both sections of the Tomb of Eternal Night. I am trying to rejuvenate my people but its a slow process. So...Glagor Ironbreaker, why have you come to my home?"
The Dwarf smiled as he looked down at the city and watched as another building collapsed in itself. While other distant groups worked at raising new homes, stores, bars, and anything else a population would need. "Well lad, I was coming hat in hand but I can see maybe your people might need us just as much as we need you. This is what I and mine need." Someone clearing their throat grabbed their attention, Jacob smiled before signaling her forward.
"Glagor Ironbreaker, Elder and Master Smith of the Thunderhammer Clan, this is Eiloma Silverleaf my Seneschal, friend, and close confidant." Jacob introduced the two although Jacob was sure the Dwarf knew her, he had never been introduced formally. "Eiloma, Master Ironbreaker was just about to inform me of why he had come to our home. Based on what he was saying, he wants to make some sort of arrangement between his clan and us." Jacob told her and she smiled as she pulled out some paper and a pen from her inventory to take notes.
Suddenly a low rumble sounded all around and Jacob could hear the tinkle of gravel as it loosened and fell. "Earthquake?" Jacob asked looking at the Dwarf.
"Yes, but a minor one, back to the task at hand," Glagor responded. Jacob nodded while making a note to talk to the city Engineers to make sure everything was fine.
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30 minutes later Jacob, Eiloma, and Glagor joined his kin in the dining hall after they had finished their tentative discussion. Jacob noticed more and more than the older Dwarf was eyeballing his armor, "Yes Glagor, this is very old and powerful armor. If you wish to inspect it, feel free too do so, I will not be offended." Jacob told the Dwarf who smiled and stepped closer before placing his hands on the breastplate and closing his eyes. After a few moments, the Dwarf sat back in his chair with a thoughtful expression on his face.
"That is a powerfull set of armor, never have I seen it's like. 8 pieces, but something about it is off as if it's waiting for something...I don't understand what though." Glagor stated before picking up his stein and drinking. Jacob could guess what exactly the armor was waiting for after inheriting the Mantle of Divinity from the Blood Lord, but he wasn't about to share that with the Dwarf no matter how much he trusted him.
"Maybe time will reveal its secrets, my friend." Jacob mused as he looked around as others started arriving in the dining hall. It was dinner time so it was time for all the denizens of the palace to eat. "So, how many are in your clan?"
Glagor frowned thinking hard before responding, "Between crafters, warriors, merchants, elders and children around 6,000 total in my clan. All of them would be willing to come and yes they would be willing to earn a home here." Suddenly a portal formed and disgorged Cathrine and a squad of Deathwalkers who immediately joined the line of people waiting for food. Cathrine, however, noticed the guests and sauntered over to her husband.
Jacob smiled as he felt Cathrine emerge from the portal, after a long day it felt good to have her nearby, "Master Glagor Ironbreaker, Elder and Master Smith of the Thunderhammer Clan, it is my pleasure to introduce Cathrine On'tel-Longstrider, my first wife and Star of my life." Jacob stated although the last comment caused her to blush and hip check her husband who had stood to give her a hug and kiss.
Glagor smiled and stood for a moment before bowing toward her, "It is an honor to meet you, lady, although your husbands' description of ya does you no justice. It has been a long time since I have seen one of the Noble Undead, much less a Banshee. It no surprise though that your people would become involved, hopefully, you will keep your husband from making to many mistakes." Glagor finished with a chuckle.
Cathrine smirked before responding, "I try Master Ironbreaker, but it is a full-time job and I have to maintain ties with my own family as well. He has told me of you though and his fondness of your time together, so maybe you can assist me if you spend more time here. Now, why don't you tell me why you have come?" Jacob and the Dwarf shared a smile as Glagor started speaking.
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Fortress of Midnight
Star Forged Smithy of Possibilities
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Glagor looked around as the smiths manned almost every anvil and continued to produce. Glagor had known he had created something special, but he had no idea it could be used to create something so grand one day. Every Master smith worth his hammer could feel the life and worth of any smithy they stepped into, this one was unparalleled except with some of the oldest and most powerful smithies only used by the Dwarves and denied to all outsiders. It was also another reason why the Bronzeskins would cast out his clan.
Their pride, greed, and vanity were the cause of more then one battle within and without Slate Cavern Fortress, if the King ever got his hands on this smithy, the Thunderhammers would never hear the end of it. All the great metals of the earth were on display, but the central anvil made out of pure Star Metal glowed with power. Jacob was currently talking to the Lich, Abraxxus, about moving the smithy, the Lichs laboratory, and the Bone Barracks to the Tomb of Eternal Night. Buildings should not move once built, but apparently, the Lich knew ways to do it.
Putting his kin and this smithy in one city would draw them like moths to a flame though. Once word got out, other Master Smiths would come clamoring to either use the smithy or try to steal it, but Jacob would never allow such a thing. Another reason why he wanted to move it in the first place. "Are you the one who crafted this masterpiece?" a large Orc asked.
Glagor nodded, "Yes, it was my last piece I planned on creating but after seeing what the Lich did with it...Makes me reconsider taking up the hammer again. What's your name?"
"Torgan Urgran, this place is magical and it doesn't allow anything less than the best the crafter can do. It doesn't matter what level your crafting is at, but it expects you to do the best you can.' Torgan responded as he ran his hand along with the central anvil. 'We have only used the central anvil a few times to create special requests from the King, the other anvils are bad enough but the central Anvil is completely brutal. It expects utter perfection and nothing less."
Glagor chuckled, "I am assuming it picked up a little of that from both the Lich and myself Smith Torgan."
"I have no doubt about that my friend. Torgan, I am sorry but we are going to be stealing your smithy and moving it to the Tomb. If you want too, you, your work crew, and your families can be transferred to Eternal Night if you wish it." Jacob told the large Orc who sighed.
"Do I have to answer you now my King?" Torgan responded.
Jacob shook his head immediately, "No, we will not be moving anything until the current work orders for the Legions are completed. So at least another week at most." With that Jacob started walking off, Glagor followed, he had to get back to his clan. They had preparations to make.
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Tomb of Eternal Night
Palace of Night- Master Suite
Jacob silently relaxed after the long ass day between driving off the overeager Goblin tribe, finding a literal killer dungeon, and now a whole clan of Dwarves has come knocking on our door asking for a favor. Suddenly Cathrine entered the bath, "Where are Chalxae and June?" Jacob smiled as he pulled Chalxae up and out of the water with a groan while Eiloma did the same with June.
"I see...' Cathrine stated with an impish grin. 'Don't let me stop you," she stated as she walked closer to Jacob. Eilome immediately gave June a second to grab a breath before shoving her under the water once again then beckoning Chalxae closer.
"Strip and get in here love," Jacob told here and causing her to smile as she slowly started removing her remaining clothing. Her armor would have gone on the stand outside. Jacob thought she was taking too long so he pulled her in while she was still removing her remaining clothes causing her to laugh. "Let me help you with those," Jacob told her as he quickly removed the few pieces left.
"Eager today," Cathrine said as she sat in his lap.
"I missed you and with Sosa gone to her Hold, I don't like being away from you two so much. I understand you both have responsibilities, but I depend on both of you more then you know." Jacob told her as he pulled her in closer for a hug and a gentle kiss on a cheek. Right now, it feels like a calm before the storm. Its a saying from my world." Jacob told her.
Cathrine snorted, "It might be from your 'Earth' but its very accurate love. I understand I am gone a lot, but my family needs me and I have my responsibilities to my people as well. I am also pushing the Nine to formalize an alliance between the Hollowed Tombs and the Empire of Night. I cannot do that while I am here. Now, I have informed the slaver Hassim, was tracked down in the outskirts of Anchorhead. He did not know who was ultimately behind your kidnapping, but he knew the Immortals name that was there, a Level 180 Monk Frank Goldenfist. He and his band are high-level mercenaries. The cost a lot of money, but from what we have figured out, they almost never fail at fulfilling a contract. So it is a good thing he and his group did not take part in your kidnapping. Make me wonder why whoever hired them, did not dispatch them to do the job."
Jacob snorted, "Easy, if your info is right, then I am sure more then one set of eyes is on him and his crew at all times. So a high profile job like kidnapping an Immortal is not something he and his people would due. They would hire outside help, like Faiths crew to do it and if they screw up, they take the fall as well." Cathrine nodded her head in agreement while pondering another thought, but before she could voice it Eiloma screams of pleasure filled the air.
Both June and Chalxae were fingering her as she continued to scream, June was firmly attached to one breast while Chalxae whispered something in the High-Elves ear. Suddenly her screaming cut off and her body sagged as if a puppet had lost its strings. Eiloma continued to mumble as both Drow softly kissed her up and down her neck soothing her after her orgasm. Jacob chuckled, "Ladies if you would be so king please see that my Seneschal is dried and put to bed. It seems you two have exhausted her. If you wish to come back here after, you are more then welcome too." Jacob told them as the slowly walked Eiloma out of the steaming bath.
"I am glad to see your Concubines never tire of each other," Cathrine stated with a smile as she nuzzled Jacobs' neck.
Jacob snorted, "They spend more time with each other than with me. I would be surprised if they tired of each other." He replied as he started to run his fingers up and down the contours of Cathrine's spine.
"Jealous?" Cathrine asked with a smile.
Jacob chuckled, "Of the attention, no. Of the companionship, yeah a little. I have a few people, like you, I can be open with and not worry about being manipulated or having to worry if you want or need something." Cathrine smiled before kissing him deeply and maneuvering to straddle his body.
"Oh, I am manipulating you, just for different ends,' Cathrine said as she slowly sat on Jacob lap as he completely filled her. 'I am sure you are up to my demands though." Bringing a smile to both their faces.