Novels2Search
Blood and Honor
Chapter 281- Diplomacy...I Don't Need no stinking Diplomacy

Chapter 281- Diplomacy...I Don't Need no stinking Diplomacy

Real World...

North American Alliance- Greater New York Conglomerate

Black Spire

"Kevin, Miss Jackson is at the door. Shall I allow her access?" Juno asked causing Jacob to groan as he continued his shower.

"Let her cool her heels until I get out of the shower. If it's that important she will wait." Kevin told Juno as he continued to shower. Suddenly the water turned cold and causing Kevin to scream and jump out of the former hot shower cursing the industrious A.I.

"It seems you have run out of hot water Kevin, perhaps you should get dressed and answer your door," Juno replied dryly. Kevin quickly gained control of his frustration as he threw on some clothing quickly so he could face Hayley and whatever problems she was bringing.

Kevin went to the front door and hit the release, "Yes Hayley how can I help you?" Kevin asked as he waited for the girl to respond.

"I just came to say thank you once again and apologize for Karen. She is the one who responded to your call the other day." Hayley responded sheepishly.

Kevin nodded his head in understanding, "I assume she is one of the few real friends you have?' Kevin asked her and Hayley nodded her head. 'Good, keep her close. How are you doing today?" Kevin asked as he indicated her to enter his apartment if she wanted. Hayley smiled a little and followed Kevin quickly as he went into his kitchen to finish getting his food ready.

"Thank you for inviting me in. I am doing better, but I think it will be a while before a go out again with anyone." Hayley responded.

Jacob nodded in understanding, "Take your time and take it at your own pace. You can always join an online community and go out in VR if that is what you want." Kevin told her as pulled out some chicken from the oven and started preparing some vegetables and fruit.

Hayley frowned, "Online gaming isn't my thing." Jacob laughed as he cut up an apple.

"I said VR, there are online VR communities with regular worlds just like Earth. You don't have to play any online games if you do not want too." Kevin told her as he threw the sliced apple in a bowl before moving onto strawberries.

Hayley gave him a small smile as she stole a strawberry. "My 'friends' are not into VR. So if I joined a community, I would be alone." She stated before she started eating the strawberry.

"Well, make new friends online. You have to start at someplace. I am sure you didn't always have your current friends." Kevin stated as he started slicing a couple of bananas before coating the whole fruit salad with some sugar before mixing it.

"Easy for you to say, you have a close-knit group of friends in both places.' Hayley responded as she finished eating her strawberry. Jacob sliced a little bit of chicken off a breast before shoving it into Hayley surprised face and then mouth. The girl quickly chewed it considering its taste before nodding and smiling at Kevin. 'Good. What is it?"

"Spicy teriyaki chicken, fresh fruit, and steamed carrots and green beans. Since you insisted on coming over, you are eating." Kevin stated as he started pulling out utensils, plates, and cups not giving the girl a chance to disagree and leave. Hayley scoffed but at Kevin's glare she shut up and quickly started to pile food on her plate.

----------------------------------------

Fate Online...

Surface- Wind Swept Hills Region

Nation of Duran'thia- City of Elleshara

Lost Estates

Ava stumbled out of the Dungeon, after nearly being in the Dungeon for a whole day she is finally free. Her robes were singed, her staff was cracked in more than one place, and she had more than one open wound, and several De-Buffs, but she was alive and had succeeded in clearing the Dungeon.

Alert...

You have gained...7 Levels (Current Level 15)

You have 21 Stat Points available to use

The Following Skills have increased...

Unarmed Combat +1

Dagger(s) +1

Staff +1

Light Armor +2

Arcane Bolt +3

Arcane Beam +2

Arcane Blast +3

Arcane Shield +1

Fire Bolt +2

Flurry +2

Haste +2

Stone Skin +2

Dual Cast +2

Meditation +3

(See your Character Sheet for more details)

Alert...

Alert...

For clearing Loranan Proving Grounds you have received...

Boots of Loranan's Wisdom

Loranan Signet Ring

Alert...

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Boots of Loranan's Wisdom (Set Item: 1 of 3)

Level: Legendary-Scalable

Armor Rating: +25

Properties: Increase Intelligence and Wisdom by (Level X.25)

Properties: Increase Mana Regeneration by (Level X.25)

Properties: Increase Spell damage by (Level X.25)

Properties: Increase movement speed by 15%

Properties: Perseverance of the Loranan Family (Require 3 Pieces)

Requirement: Loranan Family, Level 10, Intelligence and Wisdom 10

Durability: 200/200

Description: The Loranan family was at one time known for their War Magi and Necromancers. They became so popular that as soon as the children of this family could control Mana, they were given armor to augment their abilities and start training immediately. The Boots of Loranan's Wisdom is part of one such set that was lost after the Fall. The belt and gloves finish up the set.

Name: Loranan Signet Ring

Level: Elite-Scalable

Properties: Increase Intelligence and Wisdom by (Level X.25)

Properties: Decrease basic Spell Costs by 25%

Properties: Increase Spell damage by (Level X.25)

Properties: Increase Critical Hit Chance by 1%

Requirement: Loranan Family, Level 10

Durability: 200/200

Description: This signet ring has been handed down from one Loranan to another since before the Return. It is crafted from Platinum, Gold, Silver, True Silver, and has an emerald inset within it and although it's financial worth is immense, only a Loranan can unlock its true potential.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Combat/Armor Proficiencies...

Name: Unarmed Combat

Level: 4 (65% Progression to next Level)

Description: It does not matter if you are using feet, legs, hands, arms, or your forehead, anything can be a weapon in a fight.

Benefit 1: Increase Base Damage by 5

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

Name: Dagger(s)

Level: 5 (25% Progression to next Level)

Description: Daggers are wonderful for gutting animals out in the wild, or that annoying drunk that cannot carry a tune in a bucket. Just don't go all Jack the Ripper on us, please.

Benefit 1: Increase Base Damage by 6

Benefit 2: Increase Critical Hit Chance by 1% with Dagger(s)

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Name: Staff

Level: 5 (60% Progression to next Level)

Description: No, I am not compensating. If you feel that way, please come closer and compare sizes.

Benefit 1: Increase Base Damage by 6

Benefit 2: Increase Critical Hit Chance by 1% with Staves

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Name: Light Armor

Level: 5 (15% Progression to next Level)

Description: Robes or leather, as long as it's not metal.

Benefit 1: Increase Base Armor by 6 (Per Piece)

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Combat Skills...

Name: Arcane Bolt

Level: 9 (10% Progression to next Level)

Description: Oh, look, Sparkles...OW OW OW

Damage: Intelligence X2

Cast Time: Instant

Benefit 1: 10% Chance to cause Mana Sickness (Can Stack up to 3 Times)

Range: 15 Feet

Cost: 100 Mana

Cooldown: N/A

Name: Arcane Beam

Level: 5 (75% Progression to next Level)

Description: UNLIMITED...MAGICAL...POWER!!!! Oh crap I ran out of Mana

Damage: Intelligence X4

Cast Time: Instant

Range: 7 Feet

Cost: 200 Mana Per Second

Cooldown: 1 Minute

Name: Arcane Blast

Level: 8 (10% Progression to next Level)

Description: BOOM BABY!! Oh crap, I singed my eyebrows again.

Damage: Intelligence X3

Cast Time: 5 Seconds

Area of Effect: 13 Feet

Range: 15 Feet

Requires: two hands

Cost: 300 Mana

Cooldown: 1 Minute

Name: Arcane Shield

Level: 7 (15% Progression to next Level)

Description: Can't touch this..da dum a dum, Can't touch this

Cast Time: Instant

Benefit 1: Block Damage up to (Intelligence X3)

Benefit 2: 5% Chance to reflect Hostile spell back towards the attacker

Cost: 150 Mana Per Second

Restriction: Can Block only Magical Attacks

Cooldown: 3 Seconds

Name: Fire Bolt (Fire)

Level: 8 (50% Progression to next Level)

Description: Fire...FIRE!!!

Damage: Intelligence X2

Cast Time: 3 Seconds

Benefit 1: 10% Chance to cause Burning Affliction (Can Stack up to 3 Times)

Range: 15 Feet

Cost: 100 Mana

Cooldown: 4 Seconds

Name: Flurry (Ice/Water)

Level: 7 (60% Progression to next Level)

Description: NO!! I do not make ice cubes or snow cones!! STOP ASKING!!!

Damage: Intelligence X3

Cast Time: 5 Seconds

Benefit 1: 10% Chance to cause Numb (Can Stack up to 3 Times)

Range: 10 Feet

Cost: 150 Mana

Cooldown: 10 Seconds

Name: Haste (Air)

Level: 5 (75% Progression to next Level)

Description: Float like a...leaf, butterfly, something that floats...A BUBBLE!!

Cast Time: 5 Seconds

Benefit 1: Increase Movement Speed by 10%

Duration: 5 Minutes

Restriction: Single Target

Cost: 100 Mana

Cooldown: 10 Minutes

Name: Stone Skin (Earth)

Level: 4 (25% Progression to next Level)

Description: No, your skin isn't grainy.... it's, umm...yeah it's grainy.

Cast Time: 10 Seconds

Benefit 1: Increase Armor Rating by 50 (Per Armor Piece)

Duration: 30 Minutes

Restriction: Single Target

Cost: 150 Mana

Cooldown: 10 Minutes

Name: Dual Cast

Level: 6 (60% Progression to next Level)

Description: More bang for your buck

Benefit 1: Double damage

Benefit 2: Increase Mana Cost of base Spell by 250%

Restriction: 1 Handed Spell Only

Cost: Passive, N/A

Cooldown: N/A

Non-Combat Skills...

Name: Meditation

Level: 7 (20% to Next Level)

Description: Be zen and expand your mind.

Benefit 1: Increase Mana Regeneration by 150%

Benefit 2: Increase Health Regeneration by 150%

Requirement: Must be out of Combat for at least ten seconds

Ava dismissed the information as she popped open a portal scroll and stepped through into Elleshara.

----------------------------------------

Surface- Valley of Origins Region

Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night

Palace of Night

Jacob reappeared in bed next to Cathrine. Gloria was on her other side cuddling up to the Banshee. Jacob gently untangled the two women and pulled his wife closer to him as he gently placed his hand on her stomach to feel the life there. Cathrine murmured in her sleep as she moved closer too him causing Jacob to smile as he felt and heard their heartbeats. There was a couple of hours of daylight left before he had to get up and get back to his duties, but for now, he had his wife and unborn child.

Three hours later Jacob woke again to see Cathrine hovering over him studying him. "Yes?" Jacob askes as he returned her stare.

"Did you check out your 'technology' that allows you to come here?" Cathrine asks.

Jacob sighed as he pulled her closer for a kiss before responding, "Yes I did. It's fine. Whatever is happening involves the Mantle within me. Now since you are awake, are you ready for breakfast?" Jacob asked as his fingers run up and down her spine causing the Banshee to squirm atop of him.

Twenty minutes later, Jacob, Cathrine, Lilly, Rose, and Lady Nisa Stovrelzide were sitting down for breakfast. The Succubus and Angel continued to pointedly ignore each other despite sitting less than five feet from each other. "So, Lady Nisa, what ends does the Mage-King have for the Empire of Night?" Jacob prompted her.

The woman frowned slightly, "I am sorry, but I don't understand."

Jacob gave her an indulgent smile, "Your king did not send you here to observe our games and have breakfast with me. He sent you here for a reason. What is it?" Jacob replies as he drank some tea before he continued to devour his meal. Cathrine rolled her eyes at his less than diplomatic approach to the situation, but with everything going on he would rather be blunt and cut through all the bull shit.

Nisa places her fork down and gives Jacob a considering look, "A Non-Aggression treaty for starters and a chance of trade in the future." Nisa stated before taking a drink of her tea.

Jacob nodded, "What borders would the Mage-King want to be respected by our citizens and forces?" Jacob asked as he continued to eat slowly. Nisa smiles as they start to get down into the nitty-gritty part of negotiations.