Chapter 33

Lilith knocked on the door to Gonald’s office getting a quick reply. “Whose there?”

“Lilith of Devine, Dances with Dwarves”

“By Moridin’s beard come in.” He said with a slight chuckle at the odd title.

Opening the door she entered the office seeing a room with many desks and credenzas filled with paperwork of all sorts. Some were drawings of tools or weapons, others were MTO sheets and accounting ledgers. Lilith stood in front of his desk surprised at how organized it was given the sheer volume of paper. All of it was in trays or in neat orderly stacks some turned 90 degrees from the set underneath them.

“Dances with Dwarves? What kind of a title is that?”

“A movie title... sort of.” Lilith quipped.

“Ok, Ok. What’s a movie?” He asked knowing it was probably a mistake.

“It is a form of entertainment where I am from. We take the performance of a play and store it in a box with Illusion magic and play it back for other people to see at different places and times.”

“And your movies have dancing Dwarves?” Gonald asked genuinely.

“Yes one of our greatest movies, called the Wizard of Oz, had dancing Dwarves and even a Dwarven guild master in it.” Lilith wasn’t going to tell him it was the lollipop guild.

“Now you are just pulling my leg.” he asked with a little bit of hope and doubt.

“Yes actually, they weren’t real Dwarves, they were just really short humans.” Lilith said with a slight snicker.

“Get out!” he shouted as he pointed at the door.

“I’m sorry, Gonald I’m sorry. But its a real movie. Look, I can go back to making short jokes if you like.” Lilith said while putting up her hands as an apology.

“Enough jokes. What brings you here today?”

“I wanted to see if I could help with the production of the spears and shields for the new militia equipment.” Lilith asked now with a straight face.

“Yes, Sir Tanel mentioned you would be coming and if it wasn’t for him I really would throw you out. Now, he says you already know how to make the spear shafts so why don’t you try to make 110 more today.”

“That sounds like a tall order.” Lilith said with a single raised eye brow.

“Ya so I am going to lend you a porter and a heavy cart so you can go to the forest and make as many as you can.” He said as he looked up at her expression, just a little too late to see it.

“It isn’t what I had in mind but I am glad to help in any way I can.” Lilith said while holding her hand over her heart and resisting the urge to make more jokes.

“Good, here is the Guild workman certificate. It makes you an honorary guild member for today. Now go to the office to the right as you exit mine, and ask for Gary, he will be your porter for today.

“Thanks Gonald, for putting this together for me on such short notice.” Lilith had failed and another one slipped out. ‘That wasn’t very big of me’ she thought.

“Ok I will see you at the noon worship service. You can give me an update on your progress then. And don’t get lost in the forest with all the other tall trees you sky writing, ceiling puncher.” Gonald said with a thicker Dwarven accent that sounded a bit Scottish to Lilith’s ears.

Taken aback she tried to laugh off his insult giving him a nod in acknowledgment of his efforts before proceeding out his door and into the next one just to the right. Once inside, Lilith saw what looked like a break room. There was a card table with dice and chips on it and a few pieces of breakfast pastries left in a box. There were also three men sitting around said table, who all stopped moving when Lilith opened the door.

“I’m looking for Gary.” Lilith said after regarding the room.

Much to her surprise all three men raised there hands and said “I’m Gary” at the same time. They then all looked at each other with varying expressions while seeming to come to some kind of understanding using facial expressions alone.

Lilith put her hand on her hip shifted her weight to the same side before continuing. “I trust one of you can hitch up a heavy cart and drive it to the forest to retrieve some lumber?”

Again all three of them nodded in unison and stood to start moving towards the door.

“Alright lets go.” Lilith said as she followed them out the door and further out of the building.

Once they were all outside, Gary number one piped up. “We need to head to the stables to collect the horse team and the cart. We can either meet you at the Caravan Gate or you can come with us.”

“I haven’t been to the stables yet so lets go.” Lilith said with noticeable excitement.

Walking briskly the three guild members and one guild member emeritus, quickly made their way to the stables despite the increasing foot traffic. Gary 1 went to procure the yoke while Garys 2 and 3 began to put bridles on the two draft horses. Once the bridles were on, they were led out and brought over to where the yoke was laying on a small dolly.

Lilith noticed the sheer bulk of the horses and especially their hind quarters. For a second they looked oddly familiar. Her mind jumped back to the sight of her own rear end in the mirror and how the buttocks and tails had the same proportions. ‘Ah that's why I smacked it’ Lilith thought to herself. She then noticed all the other horses in the stables. She could see approximately 30 heads sticking out of their stalls. The inquisitive heads of the Cavalry war horses turned with their ears scanning each direction as the four of them made their preparations. It appeared that ten of the horses were out for training. Lilith then went and grabbed Gary number 3 and asked him to put a saddle and bridle on one of the larger war horses so that she could get some riding in. He easily agreed but did seem a little disappointed that she wouldn’t be riding with them in the back.

Once the horse was saddled up Lilith went over to size it up and see its disposition. She expected it to be afraid of her eyes but this horse seemed to be the dumb and friendly type. Perfect for a war horse. She then mounted it with some effort and got accustomed to the reins’ movements before moving the horse at a walk. She steered it out of the stable and over to the heavy cart where the 3 Garys were almost done hooking it up.

“I will meet you outside the Caravan Gate on the main road.” Lilith said loud enough for all of them to hear.

“Ok.” a chorus of three men sounded out.

Lilith gave the animal a double nudge with her heels and it was off at a trot. It had been a while since Lilith had ridden a horse. Luckily they had a pretty good saddle complete with stirrups. The only thing missing was a saddle horn but Lilith thought that was because the cavalry didn’t plan on roping anything. Weaving through the throngs of the morning foot traffic was not the best place to get used to a new vehicle. But luckily the horse had a mind of its own and made its own effort to move without stepping on any towns people. Getting to the main gate Lilith stopped for the gate guard and explained she was on guild business and would be returning the horse later in the day. She was glad that the guards had stopped someone who was riding a war horse who so obviously wasn’t a member of the cavalry. She showed him her papers as well which was all the assurance the guard needed.

Going to the field just across the main road Lilith stopped the horse and left the reins slack. Soon the horse was grazing after it cooled down a little. After about 10 minutes the heavy cart came out the gate and began making its way into the field as Gary number 1 sat at the front. Lilith then led them to a high point on the field where they could plan their course to the forest.

“So what are we doing out here boss?” Gary 1 said as the cart pulled up.

“We need to find some tall hardwood trees so I can make spear shafts out of them. So the trees have to have 20’ of straight wood.”

“I know a place that way that is between a couple hills the trees grow a bit taller there in the low area.” Gary 2 said pointing off a bit to the right.

Lilith could make out a slight dip in the terrain there. She couldn’t be sure from this distance but the tree line did seem to keep the same height. “Sounds good to me.” she said as she turned her horse in that direction.

Lilith brought the war horse up to a trot and then squeezed him with her legs to get him up to a canter and they continued at that pace for some time until the trees grew large in her field of view. This forest was old many of the trees had green moss covering their trunks and there wasn’t much undergrowth to speak of. Looking at one of the larger trees she could see the central trunk was straight for at at least 40’ while the bark was thin and came off in soft strips. It looked just like a bald cypress to Lilith’s eyes and it would be great for making spears.

Getting off the horse she activated the Fabricate spell and began trimming the tree of all its limbs and bark while standing at a safe distance. After half a minute only the heart wood was left. She then began making the 3” x 18’ poles out of the central trunk. She moved the translucent box down the tree carrying the finished poles setting them down in a pile. Lilith then made a second set of poles from the remainder of the tree. In total she got 40 spear shafts from this one old tree that had probably stood for at least 100 years. She then rode a little ways back into the field until she could see the cart to wave them over.

While she waiting she looked further into the woods. The forest appeared like a dark green wall, a foreboding barrier at the edge of the sunny green field of grass. It was mostly shade, the trees competing to gather up as much light as they could. The forest went on endlessly as far as Lilith could see. Its sheer size adding to its sinister mystique.

The cart soon pulled up arriving in the shade of the trees next to the pile of 40 spear shafts. With two people on the cart and two people on the ground. The Poles were handed up 4 at a time and in rapid fashion the cart was a third full of wooden poles.

Lilith then got back on her horse and began looking for the next big cypress tree. She found it not far away this one being even bigger than the last. Just like before she began stripping the limbs using Fabricate. After removing the useless wood it became clear this tree had much more usable lumber than the last. She began making spear shafts out of the top section and got 40 complete. She then moved down to the bottom section and got 50 spear shafts made, all of them the same 3” x 18’.

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With a grand total of 130 spear shafts the cart was looking pretty full at this point. The back 4’ of each pole was hanging out the back of the cart while a piece of rope was tied across the load. It took a good 30 minutes to load all the lumber and Lilith had to call her horse back since she had forgotten to hobble it. Luckily the horse came over without delay. Then the three Garys and Lilith headed back to the guild hall. Lilith took the opportunity to get the war horse up to a full gallop a few times as she dashed away from, and then back to the cart, much to the joy of the 3 Garys on board.

Once they were at the Guild hall and the horse was tied up Lilith knocked on Gonald’s office again and found him still writing in one of his ledgers.

“Yes yes come in what do…. Oh Lilith. Back so soon?”

“I am happy to report that we milled 130 spear shafts and they are currently being unloaded.” She said with a proud smile on her face while standing as tall as she could.

“Well gees, what is Gary going to do for the rest of the day. I can’t have him loafing around with Carl and Van, those guys are a bad influence.”

Lilith tried to ignore the implication of what Gonald just said. “I am going to head back to my room and change before the noon service. I will see you there Gonald.”

“Hey red.” Gonald threw Lilith a coin purse. “I would give you more but we can’t have you getting a big head.”

Lilith caught the bag with her left hand then held up her right hand and rotated it side to side as to say ‘so so’.

Without another word she walked out of the guild hall and back to her war horse who was sill tied off to a post. Gary number 3 offered to take the horse back for her as they were going to be returning the cart anyways. Lilith just responded with a smile and said “That's very kind of you Van.”

His face got a bit confused and then he let out a chuckle and a smile seeing as the gig was up.

Lilith, amused that she had guessed his name right, turned to walk away and back to the castle. She was no sure that Gary number 1 was the real Gary since he had taken charge. Really it was just a coin flip as to whether she was speaking to Van or Carl. Now walking at a brisk pace only using her toes she quickly arrived back at the Ducal Castle and entered guest room three to change out of her armor.

Lilith took her time changing putting on her red and white dress along with her black flats. She had to call a steward over to help her close up the last few buttons on her back. The dress still fit but was tight in the shoulders now. With the clanking of dishes in the background Lilith left her room and made her way to the serving table.

There she ate lunch in the banquet hall alone for the first time in a while. She was feeling proud that she had completed all of the spear shafts but was also disappointed that she hadn’t acquired any new skills that day. With no one else around to worry about scaring, Lilith opened her mouth fully and began eating some of the pork sausages whole. As she emptied her plate in only a matter of moments she began to worry about being called a glutton and what the effects would be if her tail got any bigger. With this in mind she decided against getting a second plate and instead began to make her way out of the castle. Lilith checked her spell energy finding that it was a lot higher than it had been at the beginning of the week. Apparently it grew at the same time as her legs and she also recovered some when only doing mundane tasks. ‘Huh if I take it easy I could be back to full by the end of the day’ Lilith thought. Before leaving she stopped back into her room and retrieved her coin purse that had 5 gp in it then headed out the castle entrance.

After only a short walk Lilith found Sharl and Celeste approaching from the market as they met in front of the temple to Lathander. A crier could be heard calling out the noon service while many people were gathering and entering the temple from almost every direction.

Lilith made sure to approach from an angle where she could see the holy symbol of Lathander on the alter before she walked in, this time without issue. The three of them found a seat near the front and began to greet some of the other worshipers around them. Many of them commenting on Lilith’s dress or how pretty Celeste's hair was.

“You know it really is quite lovely.” Sharl half whispered to Celeste.

“What? Her dress?”

“No your hair.” He said in a deep voice.

Celeste gave Sharl a small backhand to the side, the worlds smallest slight, for flirting with her in church.

Lilith was able to greet and properly thank Hamlin Miles for the first class service she had received at the bank thus far. He as well made sure to thank her for her business. Eventually the pews filled and the music began playing, the doors were closed and Father Theodon came to the front.

Luckily there were much fewer news an announcements this time. Father Theodon announced a few weddings and the continued training and drilling of the militia and how necessary it was to safeguard the town. Lilith was reminded that the militia was a volunteer group and each one of them had normal jobs they performed in the city. The drills for the new tactics and gear using the training spears they already had seemed to have caused some complaints among the militia families.

He then moved on to the main sermon of the day. The music changed, and Father Theodon picked up his scepter to begin speaking. He spoke at length about how much work was needed to go into a successful harvest. How it took labor, rain, sun, and luck to get a bumper crop each year. He then pointed out that the only part of that equation that was under our mortal control were the efforts of our own labor.

“As you can see Lathander puts in his full effort every morning lighting our world, and so too should the efforts of your labors.”

An applause began in the crowd and many people began to rise and clap. Father Theodon eventually raised his hands, one still holding his scepter, to quiet them down.

He then moved into a new slightly different message that was about the costs of improving ones self. His tone grew more serious and he said. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”

Lilith recognized this as another passage from the bible, something from Hebrews. Recognizing it as yet another message Lilith began to try and memorize what he said as she did not know the entire bible by heart.

So she tried to summarize it in her mind. There would be some type of painful discipline but it would yield a righteous harvest and peace. She should strengthen her arms and legs to make level paths for her feet that would eventually help the lame… Those with trouble walking… Also they would be healed.

‘Well if they are going to send me a secret message from my world every week I will have to be sure not to miss a sermon’ Lilith thought to herself. She then asked Hamlin for a pen and paper as discretely as possible. He indulged her so she took down the following notes.

1. There was some type of Painful Discipline coming

2. It would yield a righteous harvest and peace.

3. She needed to strengthen her arms and legs and make level foot paths

4. This would help the lame who couldn’t walk and also heal someone.

It was a lot to take in so Lilith took the page from his note pad and was about to place it in her pocket. She then decided it might fall out given it was so light so she decided to do something she had seen women do with small objects they really didn’t want to lose. She stuffed it in her bra. No one else noticed except Celeste who was watching her closely and gave her an odd look.

It wasn’t much longer and the music changed again. Father Theodon announced the passing of the collection plates and the giving of bread. Lilith said a quick prayer to Lathander asking for continued guidance and then got up to go help Father Theodon with the bread again.

Celeste came forward to help as well, so the two girls split the pieces of bread and began passing it out down the line after receiving the bread from Father Theodon. Just like last time the needy seemed very gracious and accepted the bread in an orderly fashion and with great thanks.

They had finished so fast that much of the congregation was still in the process of leaving the temple, taking their time as they deposited gifts into the collection plates and greeted each other before receiving a parting blessing from a priest standing at the door.

Father Theodon motioned to Lilith for her to come over. Celeste stepped back over to Sharl’s side as they waited for their friend.

“It seems you have gotten some of Lathander’s attention again this week. I hope that message brings you the peace as it was meant to.” He said with a knowing look.

“I made sure to write it down Father and I will reflect on it when I can.” Lilith said as she looked down at him with a nod.

“It is not my place to ask what you are up to, but it has caught Lathander’s eye and I was directed to give you this the next time I saw you.” Father Theodon pulled out a holy symbol of Lathander. It was attached to a chain similar to the one Celeste wore but it seemed slightly different. The luster in the finish seemed brighter than it aught to be given the lighting in the room.

“Oh, thank you Father I was going to inquire about purchasing one of these today but it seems you have saved me the trouble.”

“It also comes with a message from Father Trendel. I memorized it just for the occasion.” Father Theodon cleared his throat before he continued. “He walks with you always and you will never be completely alone. Take this gift with you and as long as you are doing works worthy of his praise you may invoke his name to accomplish those ends.”

Lilith was stunned by this message. She almost didn’t take the holy symbol into her hands as Father Theodon pressed it forward to her but he clasped her hands around it seeing her stunned expression. Lilith finally found a thought that led to coherent speech and said “Am I being ordained into the order of Lathander? Am I being given a mission?”. Lilith looked at Father Theodon expectantly.

“Unofficially yes. Anyone from the order that sees that symbol you carry will know what it means. But Father Trendel’s message did not come with a mission so it seems you are already on one and he simply wishes to lend you aid. Now, come. Turn around so I can put it on you.” He said as he motioned for her to turn around.

Lilith pulled her hair together with her hands and then draped the sum total of it over her right shoulder exposing the back of her neck. She then handed the holy symbol back to Father Theodon and turned away from him. She was a step lower than him as he was closer to the dais. It had a short chain and it rested fully under her chin where she could not see it but it would be clear of most of her clothing and not hanging down in her bosom. Once she heard it clasp and his hands moved away Lilith pulled her hair back behind her shoulders and turned back to Father Theodon.

“Thank you Father. I am sure this will help me on my mission.” Lilith made sure to say this loud enough for Celeste to hear. She then bowed to him and to the large symbol of Lathander on the alter before returning to her friends.

Celeste was bubbling with excitement and immediately pulled on Lilith’s shoulder to get her to bend down so she could see the Holy Symbol. She looked at it closely and then stood back up straight. “Wow you can tell its the real thing a Holy Symbol imbued with the will of Lathander.”

“What? You mean this one is special?” Lilith asked.

Celeste had to remember for a second that her friend was not from around these parts. So she began to explain. “The Symbol of Lathander that I have is just a piece of jewelry. It is an outward expression of my faith and I wear it proudly. But yours is a Holy Symbol of Lathander. It has been blessed with a small piece of his will and it is a conduit between his realm and this one.”

“So he can see me through it?” Lilith asked thinking of this as both a blessing and a burden but really it just meant she would have to be on her best behavior while wearing it.

“Yes and he can even lend you aid if you should need it.” Celeste said with a big smile.

“Ya, I have seen paladins with symbols like that in Waterdeep. That's the real deal.” Sharl said while looking at the symbol.

“I am still a bit overwhelmed by it all but I am sure it will make sense by this evening.”

“Yes if not, we will have to pray together.” Celeste said while reaching for her friends hand.

Lilith took her hand and looked at both Celeste and Sharl. “So where did y'all go for lunch?”

“We went to the Lady Luck and the special was quite good.” Sharl said seeming to brag a little.

“It was lamb, you would have loved it Lils.” She said while giving several quick nods.

“Well since you two had such a nice lunch do you think it would be alright if I borrowed Celeste to do some shopping before we meet for our sword fighting lesson?”

“That's sounds good but I think I will come with you, if its all the same.” Sharl said in an unusually soft tone as if he was asking for permission.

“Suit yourself, but you have to stay out of the changing rooms.” Lilith said as she stuck out her tongue at him.

“Oh, what about a little peak? Come on.” He let out a loud chuckle that filled the now quiet Temple with laughter.

The ushers could now be seen returning to the alter with their collection plates. Again it was a mixture of mostly copper and silver with a few gold pieces seen occasionally.

As they went by, Lilith put in a gold piece and turned back to her friends as she walked backwards towards the door.

Sharl put in a silver as did Celeste and the three of them went out into the sun to go shopping.

“So what do you need to buy?” Celeste asked. As they turned west to go towards the market.

“I want some more commoners clothes and perhaps something a step up from the dark brown and white set that you found for me.”

“Oh yes I guess you don’t technically own that set do you.” Celeste said while bringing a finger to her lips.

“Ya it must be tough starting out with nothing but a suit of armor and a Greatsword.” Sharl said in agreement.

“Luckily I did make 200 gold this week so I think it is time I buy some proper clothes.” Lilith said with a smile and a raised fist held in the direction of the market.

“Oh that makes more sense now.” Sharl said.

“Huh?” asked Lilith

“You putting a gold into the collection plate. Normally only the nobility donate gold. But it seems you have had a good week.” Sharl said with a nod.

“Oh that reminds me I never counted the gold that Gonald gave me today. One second.” Lilith said cheerfully as she reached for her pocket.

“You had better wait to count it till we get inside.” Sharl said.

“Ok so where are we going Celeste?”

“Lets go to Gublin’s it is in the market to the right.”

The three of them proceeded into the large store. It had men's and women's wear for all ages and even had some leather armor pieces for the arms and legs. Lilith quickly found the section for commoner's clothes. It was a large section and was located near the entrance. She picked up three of the large sized sets in 3 colors, maroon, navy blue, and sky blue. Each one was trimmed in white cordage including the waist sash that cinched the bodice into shape. They also took the time to buy some new shoes. Sharl seemed to pay careful attention to Celeste’s legs and helped her put on a few pairs, as Lilith looked for shoes with as small of a heal as she could find in her size.

With all of their new treasure in hand it was time to pay. Lilith found that Gonald had given her 20 gp for her services that morning and spent 12 of it on the new dresses and shoes. Now heading back to the Ducal Castle the group walked slowly as they went, talking about paladins and spells and the types of monsters that come out of the forest. Once they got to guest room 3, Celeste made Sharl wait in the hall as she went in with Lilith to help her hang up her clothes and change out of the red and white dress.

Once it was completely undone Lilith stepped out of the dress and went to the closet to hang it up.

“Holy hells Lilith look at your legs!”

“I know. I told you about this at breakfast.”

“Yes but I never knew. Not in a million years. You look like a horse standing on two legs. Maybe we really should put you on a raw carrot and apple diet.” Celeste barely got that last part out before she bent over laughing.

Lilith rolled her eyes at the laughter but did turn around to poke at her butt with a single finger. Now that she looked at it her tail was now a full 8” longer than before. She just hadn’t noticed, since it was half buried surrounded by two mounds of muscle.

At least she didn’t have to worry about her armor not fitting she thought to herself. Lilith took off her bra and the note fell out. As she bent over to picked it up, Celeste let out another laugh. Lilith placed the note on top of the closet shelf before put on her arming jacket. She then went to the head of her bed and picked up her armor from where she had left it before lunch. Donning it only took a moment as she read out the rune words. Now fully dressed she looked back at Celeste who had finally caught her breath and said to her in a menacing voice. “You laugh now but I will be the one riding you tonight.” Lilith then retrieved her sword and buckled the strap around her shoulder.

As they left the room and greeted Sharl with a nod, Celeste couldn’t let that last comment slide. She had to know what Lilith meant.

“What do you mean, ride me?” She said in a hushed tone.

Lilith just mimed the image of a bird flapping its wings with both of her hands like a shadow puppet.

Celeste looked confused but less angry then she realized what her friend meant and let out a sigh of relief. “Ohhh that's what you meant.”

“You girls are up to something aren’t you.” Sharl said as they walked out of the castle within ear shot of the guards.

Sharl was then punched in the gut by one small hand and one gauntleted hand from each side. Much to his surprise he could feel one of them even through his splint mail armor.

“What ever do you mean Sharl I haven’t the foggiest.” Lilith said her voice dripping with sarcasm and a bit of an unspoken threat.

“Ya ya I get it.” Sharl rubbed his side not because of any lingering pain, he wanted to make sure his armor wasn’t dented. Once he was sure it wasn’t, he spoke up again. “We need to drop by the dry goods store I have a present for you Lils.”

Lilith picked up the pace much to Celeste's dismay. The small girl having to run forward a few steps every so often to keep up. There at the Dry goods store Sharl went to the counter and spoke to a clerk who soon returned with two large wooden greatswords. Sharl took both under his sizable arms and began to walk back to the ladies who had been standing in the entrance.

“I am going to keep these with our other wooden weapons Lils, but if you want to compete in the sword tournament you are welcome to use one.”

“Thanks Sharl, I can’t wait to beat you senseless with this.” She said as she ran a finger across the wood finish.

“Ahhh ya well you won’t have too long to wait. Lets get your lesson started.” Sharl said as he set out for the Drill Field with Celeste and Lilith in tow.