Underdark- Unending Abyss Region
Eternal Night- Upper City
Shadow's Fall Keep

"Well, what was the ambush all about?" I asked Talia before taking a sip of the tea in front of me.

Talia grimaced, "It's internal politics, even with the current situation, the various Houses will still make moves. You see our society is loosely based on the Human nobility model. All Elders are automatically considered nobility within our society, but not all of the nobility are Elders. After the war, many of the Houses were wiped out or their leadership died in the fighting.' Talia explained and I glanced at Drax and the Orc gave me a slight nod. 'The Houses are also broken into two distinct parts, the original nine Houses led by my House Lightsbane that was said to be founded by the First, and all the other Houses founded after Eternal Night was claimed by our people." the Queen explained.

"I assume the original Houses are loyal to you and it is the younger Houses causing problems?" I asked and she gave a small nod.

"While there is discontent among the High Houses, the original Houses, they would never act so overtly.' Talia explained as I absorbed the information as quickly as I could. 'No unity is what we need right now and the High Houses agree that much with me, so they will do nothing to undercut me. Attacking you, even with Thralls, is seen as such an act. Ezekiel is trying to find out which of the Lower Houses was behind it, but it will take time." Talia replied and I accepted her response, but why would they be worried about me entering the political arena? I was still missing something, I just didn't know what.

"Ok, that explains some things, but does not explain why they would be worried about me entering Vampire politics? I am a nobody and have been awake and a Vampire for a very short time. It's laughable they think I am a threat" I told her and she looked away.

"I am thinking of appointing you to one of the vacant positions within the Court. I have not decided one way or the other yet, but I am considering it.' she replied and I frowned but accepted her response. 'Now if you will excuse me, I have to get going." the other Vampire stated before rising and leaving quickly, Isiah on her heels like a hound or dog, but since he was a personal bodyguard I wasn't surprised.

As soon as the door was closed June pipped up, "You know she was lying, right?" the Drow asked and I snorted in amusement.

I looked at her, a smile playing across my face. "Want to tell me water is wet also?" I asked her and a confused look flashed across her face. 'Yes, I know she was lying, but about what and why, I don't know. Drax, got any input here?" I asked the Orc causing him to shift uncomfortable with the question or subject, I was unsure.

"House politics, Thralls are usually protected and hidden from such events.' Drax responded clearly troubled. 'If Thralls were used to send a message, then I have no doubt it was one of the younger Houses. They are uncouth, unrefined, and not the best example of your Race and therefore none of them have been elevated to a High House since their inspection." Drax replied, his discomfort growing as the words continued to spill from his lips.

"Wonderful...Well, I got a few things to deal with today. I need to track down some books from the City Planners office and I need to go get some better armor. Finally, I can Enthrall one more person today, do either one of you have a recommendation?" I asked them and June shook her head while Drax nodded his head and relaxed as he was talking about something he was comfortable speaking about.

"You need someone willing to fight, correct?' the Orc asked and I nodded my head. 'How would you feel like having a Pyromancer join your ranks?" the Orc asked and I shrugged my shoulders.

"As they understand the dangers and won't run away, I have no problem with a Pyromancer. Go grab him and we will talk and see if the Pyromancer is a good fit.' I told the Orc causing him to smile. 'June you are welcome to come along or stay behind. It is up to you, until I get done talking to Draxs friend I won't be going anywhere." I told her and I noticed the Orc glare at the Drow causing her to fidget.

"I will be in my room. When you decide to go, I will come. Happy?" she asked the Orc causing Drax to snort in amusement before dragging her off as he headed for the door. I brought up my Interface and panned over to the General Skill Trees. I had unlocked the Heavy Armor Skill, so I had access to the Skill Tree. With the weight and constant drain upon my Stamina while in combat, I was interested in negating some of the disadvantages if possible. I also needed more offensive power, which I currently lacked so Bladed Weapons Skill Tree was also on my list.

None of the General Skill Trees were very large, but they did provide some key benefits. The base ability for heavy armor was called Walking Mountain which reduced the weight of heavy armor while increasing the wearers' Attack and Movement Speed for every piece of heavy armor worn. It was also the only ability I could unlock at the moment so I invested one Skill Point into it before switching over to the Bladed Weapons Skill Tree.

Like the Heavy Armor Skill Tree, I had unlocked access to only the most basic Skill, Tactical Blow. It boosted both damage and critical hit chance, with only the minimal cost of twenty Stamina. Beyond that were two other Abilities I wanted, but until my Bladed Weapons Skill increased they were still locked to me, Tactical Blow got a Skill Point and I panned over to the Harbinger Skill Tree.

The Class Skill Tree was broken into four main branches, one dedicated totally to Passives that boosted all of my Regenerations, none of them would get more than one Skill Point though. I had a branch dedicated to supporting spells, boosting defenses, damage, and Attributes. The third branch boosted a Harbinger's ability to tank and their ability to survive the heat of battle. The fourth branch was all offensive spells.

After some thought and reading of the various skills available to unlock, each of them got one Skill Point and Shadow Bolt earned another Skill Point as well before I closed the Harbinger Skill Tree as I reviewed the new information from all my new Abilities and Skills.

It was a nice diverse set of Skills and I still had one Skill Point left and all twenty of my Attribute Points banked waiting for me. I switched to my Character Sheet and dumped my Attribute Points into Vitality, Constitution, Strength, and Spirit, spreading them evenly across the board and reviewed my current information, and made sure the information included my equipment boosts despite it being in my wardrobe, armor stand, and weapons stand.

Not bad for a Level twelve newbie, considering most of my armor was common except for my new armor Oren had given me. Between my new armor, Moonlight, and a few rings I had from my Ranger days, boosted my Attributes enough to give me an edge at my current level against equivalent enemies. My one glaring vulnerability was my Resistance to Light-based magic. My new Shadow Aura Skill would negate it, but it would require a constant Spirit to keep it active. I dismissed the information and went to gather my gear that needed repairs, I still had time before the city went to sleep and things had to be done despite my fears and worries.