Things had been changed to say the least. The world felt bleaker for some reason, if that was because of my situation or because it was a new world too me. Physically the world seemed no different, I could see trees and animals, but no people from the cave I emerged from. I needed to get back to the Valley of Origins and salvage what I could there, the mountains to my west were the Obsidion Mountain Range. They were still tall, proud, and white-capped with snow. I didn't know the Obsidion Kingdoms' current outlook on Vampires, so for now I would avoid the Dwarven kingdom. 

So I headed north, it would take me weeks to skirt the mountains, but it might be safer than trying to go under them. For the next two hours, I walked through dense forest, and based on the few ruins I found, this land had once been farmland based on the silos, wagon tracks in the dirt roads, but had been abandoned for some time. The locations I ran across offered no new gear or food, but I did find a canteen and clean water source, and a small bag of silver, with a few uncut gems. Enough to keep me fed for a while if the prices of things hadn't changed too much. 

Two hours of walking down the dirt road finally dumped me out on a cobblestone road. It was big enough for two wagons or carts to pass each other, and I recognized the design. It was built by the Empire, but based on the ware on it, it hadn't serviced in a long time yet it was still somewhat intact. Parts of it were overgrown with grass or showing the earth beneath it due to damage or erosion, but it led north to south, I looked to the south and the road gently curved to the east, deeper into the Dark Lands. I headed northwards.

At least the weather hadn't changed, it was warm but not overly hot so I assumed it was late spring in Ithea currently. Part of me wanted to sprint the whole way, but I had no supplies or blood, given time I would be crippled with Debuffs if I didn't find a village or town. Four hours later the sun started to set but I finally came upon a village, based on the information of the World Map it was called Honor's Stand. Based on the layout I could tell it had been a Legion camp at one time, but now it had been repurposed by the people that had settled here. 

The guards at the village gates eyed me with amusement on their faces. "Did you get robbed on the road traveler?" the older [Village Guard] tag appeared above the man then disappeared unprompted. 

He was Human based on his looks and his smell though, "Something like that sir. I don't have much coin, just a few Silver Marks. Can you point me to anyone that has some cheap footwear and inn?" I asked the man and he gave me an understanding smile as he patted me on the back as his partner laughed outright. 

"Go to the Falcon's Rest, take the main road to the village square, can't miss it, traveler. Tell old Molly that Guard James sent you and she will get you both. Welcome to Honor's Stand." James told me as he ushered me through the open gates. As the other guard snickered for some reason other than my appearance. 

I followed the road that turned from paved to a dirt track as the village was built parallel to the main road. More than one amused villager eyed me as I walked through the village. I caught more than one incredulous look thrown my way, but I ignored them as I walked the street and took in the sights around me. It was a small bustling community and I had seen a few farming fields nearby to provide food for the locals and perhaps to trade with. Surprisingly I didn't find even one temple or church, but I did see a couple of men and women wearing tabards with sunburst embolized on it. 

Then I saw the square and realized why there were no temples, there was an altar built in the center of the village, and based on the icons around it, the altar was dedicated to Demeter. I didn't approach it too closely because I could feel the power radiating off of it like heat, and being a god now, I had no idea what would happen if I approached another god's altar or touched it, So I respectfully left it alone. 

"It's just an Altar to Demeter traveler, nothing special." I looked over to see the High Elf studying me from my bare feet to my threadbare and fading clothing. 

"Yes ma'am.' I told her as I studied her and the two-story building behind her with a sign hanging from it of a bird perched on a tree limb. [Falcon's Rest] appeared as I studied it. 'Are you Molly?" I asked her causing her frown to deepen as she studied my face, but the shaggy hair and beard obscured most of my facial features. 

"Yes, I assume you are the traveler James recommended to come here?' I nodded my head as she grimaced and sniffed. 'You are in desperate need of a bath and new clothing. If you got it, give me three Silver Marks and you will get food, bed, bath, and some basic clothing to replace everything, including boots." she offered as she studied me and I shrugged as I pulled the prescribed coins from my Inventory and offered them to her. 

She counted them and nodded as she gestured for me to follow her. "We are going to the side door, once you have bathed, then you are more than welcome to come to the common room. You smell like you haven't bathed in a year." Molly called over her shoulder and fir the first time since I woke up I felt some amusement. It had been close to a thousand years, but who is counting I thought. 

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"The road has been rough on me. I haven't been able to get a bath in a while." I told her and she grunted.

"Well the Falcon's Rest is built on the foundation of an old Bath House, so we have hot water for baths. So enjoy one, and I will make certain your new clothing is brought up to your room, and your old clothes will be destroyed," she replied with a grimace of distaste. It had been fine clothing at one time, probably silk based on how it felt to him, which is the only reason why it was somewhat intact. 

"As I said, it has been a difficult journey. Thank you for accommodating me and getting me basic clothing ma'am." I told her and she looked at me and my hair before snorting.

"Your welcome. I would also recommend a hair cut and shave. However, that is up too you.' Milly replied as she gestured towards the open door. 'It's not much, but its a comfortable bed and the bath works. Enjoy." Molly stated before walking off. I immediately stripped off all my clothing not fully recognizing the man in the mirror. There was a hardness to the eyes and face I did not have there before. The black hair was still there, but it was tinged with both red and grey. The grey I understood, but the red was new. 

My green eyes were at least the same, there was very little red to them, for now. As the hunger for blood grew, so would the red tinge, but for now, I was completely fine. Until I found the remains of what had been the Empire of Night I would have to be careful with my feeding habits. I had no idea how the current world viewed Vampires, if it was anything like after the War of Unification, the Vampires would be feared and hated. 

Thirty minutes later I finally got out of the hot water, thoroughly scrubbed and a thousand years of dust, dirt, and filth washed off. A set of linen clothing waited for me, nothing special, without even armor but it was dry and clean. The boots were comfortable and were worn in, but would stand up to travel. Yet a brutal knife capped the collection of items, it had no additional bonuses, but it was hard steel I could put into any enemies.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Weapon Name: Orc Gutting Knife

Weapon Type: Bladed Weapon, Steel Dagger

Class: Common

Base Damage: 5

I inspected it for flaws, while it was a crude weapon, it had no pitting or cracks within it. Nothing that would cause it to break after a few blows. I quickly belted the weapon on and made my way down the stairs to join Molly and whoever else was present. Surprisingly the common room only had a few patrons but the High Elf smiled and waved me over as she saw me and lead me through the back again to a small area behind the inn. 

A chair was set up and a woman was waiting, tapping her foot but stopped as she studied my hair then giggled. "Oh...by the gods you are long overdue for a hair cut and shave sir. Please sit down and I will take care of you. Go ahead Molly, I promise to take care of him and return him to you...better groomed." she replied as she studied me. 

I gave her a timid smile earning a snort of amusement as Molly went back into the Inn. "I am Daisy, sorry for not introducing myself before.' the little Gnome stated as she patted the chair and I sat down as she got to work. 'What's your name sweetie?" she asked as she went to work. 

"Umm...its Kevin, Daisy.' I managed to get out. I had no idea if this world remembered me or what they would think. So better to use my name from Earth for now. 'Please leave the hair shoulder length, and the facial hair, cut it short but leave some of it there." I told her and the Gnome smiled at me as she got to work. 

Thirty minutes later Daisy was inspecting her work when Molly rejoined us. The High Elf studied the Gnome's work and nodded her head in approval of what she had done. "Well, you no longer look like a man that has been living in the wild for too long, that is for certain. Daisy who don't you go inside, I would like a moment alone with my guest. We will be in shortly.' Molly told her and Daisy rolled her eyes as she left us alone. 'I destroyed your old clothing, but I checked it out before I did. That was well-made clothing, top of the line anywhere. Built to last a very long time. However, what caught my attention was the blood-red dragon emblem on the breast matched by another embroidered in silver threading but it had been damaged so it wasn't complete. Why do you have clothing from the time when the Empire of Night was prominent in these lands? Why do you bare the symbols of the Empire on your clothing? Who are you?" I gave her a steady look, trying to figure out what I could tell her.

"You can call me Kevin. That was my name at one time, long ago.' I told her and I felt something brush up against my mind. I snatched her up by the throat and slammed her against the wall. 'Do not do that!!" I told her causing her to flinch in surprise. 

Whatever she had been doing stopped immediately, "My apologies, but you are both telling the truth and lying at the same time, which should be impossible." I laughed as I let her go and studied her and decided to go with a partial truth.

"I am impossible, something that should not exist yet I do. You have my word though, I am no threat to you or the people of Honor's Stand. Now if you will excuse me, but it has been a very long time since I have eaten anything and I am starving. Then I am going to bed if you are so worried about where I will be. Good evening Molly." I gave her a slight bow as I turned and left the stunned High Elf.