Chapter 37

The group of seven proceeded out of the tower and began moving south on Hill Road. They were largely unnoticed but there seemed to be a group of people lined up in front of the Temple to Lathander. The two guardsmen were leading up front while Sharl walked next to Lady Morwen.

Lilith in the back as she was having trouble keeping up. Instead of walking she was jumped forward 30’ at a time landing about ten feet behind Sharl who was having trouble keeping a straight face at the odd sight. “Lilith something is different about you did you change your hair?” he asked stifling a laugh as his head swung around to track her new position.

“My hair is a mess Sharl.” Lilith said bluntly.

“Well if its not the hair is it a new armored skirt?” Sharl lets out an audible laugh as he saw Lilith pause her slow movement to look down at her skirt.

She then jumps just in front and to the left of Sharl. “You sure are having a good time for someone who smells like roasted pig with applesauce glazing.” She said while maintaining eye contact and raising an eye brow.

“I beg your pardon?” he asked with a bit of confusion while the Duchess laughed.

Lilith just licked her lips while staring at him some more before she finally looked forward again with a smile. “Its no laughing matter. Do you have any idea how heavy this tail is?”

“No but maybe we can get a horse cart to rest it on. But I don’t think they will let you bring it inside.”

“I said its not funny I am so going to hit you with it the next time we have sword practice.”

“Hey Lils I think you got taller too.” Celeste added.

Lilith looked down at Sharl the next time she jumped forward. Then she remembered that he had been close to her height just the day before Now she was a good 4” above him.

“Crap maybe I do need one of those carts. I could make some money on the side hauling loads.” Lilith said with a sigh as she realized Sharl was trying to cheer her up, not just poking fun at her.

As they made the left turn both sides of the Duke’s Way were lined with citizens and a few of the militiamen. But also there in front of the Temple was Father Theodon and another priest standing in front of a few pages and ushers. Thinking about the opportunity Lilith jumped up to Lady Morwen before she took her hand gently to bring her to a stop.

“What is it Lilith” Lady Morwen said as she stopped and turned to face her.

“Would you like to join me inside the temple for a quick prayer before we go into the keep?” Lilith said as she motioned a hand towards the single open door and Father Theodon standing before it.

The Duchess turned towards the temple seeing a look of recognition on Father Theodon’s kind face. Missing him and the familiar site of the temple she decided it would be a welcome detour. “That’s not a bad Idea. Sharl, could we give thanks To Lathander before we proceed.” She said as she looked to the guards who had also stopped at the sound of Lilith’s suggestion.

The guards remained at the entrance to the temple as Father Theodon led Lady Morwen and Lilith into the worship hall and down the main isle. Sharl followed sword on his hip a good 10 paces back giving her tail a wide berth.

As they walked Lilith couldn’t help but look at Lady Morwen in profile. She was smiling as she looked at different parts of the temple an odd expression on her face like she wasn’t really there. It was like she was looking at her own memories playing back as they walked. Eventually as they got closer to the altar she looked up at the ceiling and the circular opening above it. Lilith then looked at the marble pedestal and the large Holy Symbol of Lathander that sat upon it. The intricate golden work of art seemed to have a distinctive magical aura around it now. Lilith blinked a few times wondering if anyone else saw that or just her.

Once they were before the altar Father Theodon stopped and stood next to the Duchess saying “It has been far to long my lady just over a year in fact since you have graced us with your presence.”

“I am sorry Father Theo, unfortunately Baroness Cromm demanded my company for so long. I must say it is good to be back and I suspect I have Lathander to thank for that.” She then bowed her head and clasped her hands before saying a silent prayer.

Lilith then did the same. Asking Lathander for Guidance on what to do about the side effects of his gift. She knew it was a result of her body developing through its life cycle, changing as it grew in power. But that didn’t make it any easier to deal with. As she prayed for some reason her thoughts turned to the message she had received from Lathander just a day before.

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.

‘Well he sure hit the nail on the head with that one.’ Lilith thought to herself. What she was going through was certainly painful to endure but it would help her develop some type of discipline she would need later. Her legs had certainly become stronger but still she had no way of moving quickly or gracefully. Thinking to her self she let out a disappointed sigh. She hadn’t expected to be the one to fall lame. But then again she was quite sure she knew who had been healed.

Lathander was 4 for 4 on this one she thought. Lilith was now determined to practice her careful movements and improve on a daily basis. She didn’t want to crush anyone after all. She was certainly strong enough that it could happen if she wasn’t careful. This was definitely going to be a new skill for her to learn, like learning to ride a bike or drive a car. She just needed to do it safely without knocking anyone over or flinging them across a room. Which led her to her current situation. How in the heck was she going to turn around without knocking something or someone out of place.

When the Duchess was done praying, Father Theodon placed a hand on her shoulder and said “I will be sure to tell the order who was responsible for preventing such a prominent lady from attending our worship services. You were dearly missed.”

With a pat on the hand, Father Theodon led the Duchess back out of the Temple while Sharl stood next to Lilith wondering what was keeping her.

“Move Sharl. I need to turn around.” She said in a hushed voice.

Stepping back in between the first row of pews he stood wondering what he was about to see.

Lilith turned 90 degrees to her right and moved forward with two small steps, her tail following undulating a foot at a time to push itself forward. She then turned another 90 degrees now facing the entrance but her tail couldn’t follow her on such a tight turn as it was now pushing in two opposing directions. So she leaned forward as if pulling on a heavy chain dragging herself forward until she was past the pinch point between the pews and most straight again. Now able to go forward her tail undulated again pushing her forward as she took small measured steps. Once she was all in a line she jumped forward landing just behind Lady Morwen and Father Theodon. Sharl quickly catching up as he muttered something to himself.

Walking down the few steps of the temple they turned to the right going up the Duke’s Way, the procession found its self surrounded by many more towns people. They were lining the streets in an orderly fashion probably thanks to the direction of the guards and militia. They were now looking more and more like a crowd as more and more people heard the shouts of “The Duchess is back!” Then there was a cheer from the crowd, as Lady Morwen bowed to Father Theodon first and then to the people of Daggerford.

The guards then made way as they moved towards the keep in earnest. Lilith jumping forward periodically to keep pace with Sharl and the Duchess.

The castle entrance guards, Tom included, stood to the side placing a clenched fist on their chests in salute as the procession went by. Their own guards however paused briefly as they went through the entryway shifting to follow Sharl as he and the Duches now led the procession. Sharl then slowed at the start of the main hall extending his arm for Lady Morwen to grasp. The two of them then walked forward, arm in arm, into the main hall before entering the banquet hall.

There inside the large well lit room was Sir Tanel, The Duchess’s brother, and an assortment of aides and pages, lined up in a row on the left. Opposite them on the right were many of the guild leaders and local business owners including Hamlin and Gonald. Some twenty people were present in total and when the Duchess reached the beginning of this corridor of people she stopped as if she was waiting for something.

“Announcing the return of Lady Morwen Daggerford, Duchess of Daggerford.” Sharl said in a commanding voice.

Without hesitation the gathering began to clap and cheer including Lilith and Celeste. Two people immediately began leaving the line and walking at an even pace to greet the Duchess. Unsurprisingly it was her brother Maldwyn and Sir Tanel.

Maldwyn hugged her first kissing her on both cheeks as she released Sharl’s arm to hug her brother fully. It was then Sir Tanel’s turn but he was stopped short. Instead the Duchess pointed at the Daggerford crown on his head with a slightly puzzled look before she greeted him with a big hug. She was only a little shorter than him, perhaps around 5’-8” but had obviously lost weight since her appearance was slightly different than the false Duchess. Her face more gaunt and her shoulders and arms a bit slim. But she had been moving with grace and strength ever since her near death experience the previous night. Even now she hugged Sir Tanel with enough force that he could not pull away when he tried the first time. Finally she released him and held both his hands and smiled directly at him. Lilith knew from their talk in her room that he had deep feelings for her. Now seeing the look on Lady Morwen’s face Lilith was glad to see that she returned the sentiment as well. Then Lady Morwen began speaking asking many questions of the two of them.

“Why aren’t you wearing the crown Maldwyn?” she asked.

“That would have been a step backwards Morwen, a Regent seemed like a much better choice as we had every intention of finding you.”

“Lilith told me that she came to find me at your request Anthony is this true?”

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“I suppose I did ask her for help even if I didn’t say so specifically. She has been a good friend to this town and to me, despite how she looks.” Sir Tanel had to look at Lilith again just to make sure his eyes weren’t playing tricks on him. “To be honest we were waiting for a cleric from Waterdeep to arrive before mounting a proper rescue. He is due to arrive in four or five days now.” Sir Tanel said still holding both her hands.

“Well she did a splendid job rescuing me the only problem seemed to be my own heart nearly quit during all the excitement. But I am fine now by the grace of Lathander.” She said giving his hands a squeeze to show not only how happy she was but also that she wasn’t feeling weak in the slightest. “Now Maldwyn, tell me, where is my son? Where is Kevin?”

“He was discharged from all of his duties within the keep and Militia by the false Duchess ma’am. In hindsight I believe she was afraid of him and wanted him sent away.” her brother explained.

“He has been working as an adventurer protecting travelers and merchants and doing quite a good job so I have heard. In fact we saw him just two nights ago at a party at the Lady Luck, I am sure he will be here, as soon as he hears the good news.” Sir Tanel said with a smile.

Hearing that Kevin was the Duchess’s son made Lilith blush instantly. She had almost given herself away to the heir to the kingdom and only a small bit of strength had prevented her complete and total embarrassment. Thinking back to the way that the table broke Lilith had her doubts, it was entirely possible he let her win. The back 3’ of her tail began thrashing back and forth as she felt it hit an armored boot with a clank. Quickly regaining her composure she turned to Celeste and squeezed her shoulder with her right hand to get her attention. She then mouthed the word ‘Kevin’ to her and Celeste simply shrugged. Well even if she didn’t know Wendel probably did, she thought.

The three of them Morwen, Maldwyn and Sir Tanel them proceeded out of the banquet hall and into the court room where the throne of Daggerford lie. Only Sharl and Wendel proceeded. Wendel asking everyone else to begin the festivities as matters of state were settled.

With that Gonald went over to stand on a bench He called three men over by name and asked them to send news to each of the major guilds in town. Next he addressed the band.

“Well don’t just stand there. Play something happy we have a lot to celebrate this day. Our Lady has returned to us alive and with a smile!”

A great cheer went up as many of the guests began to talk to each other about the news while some left to go spread the news. The hall soon felt half as full as it had a moment before but then a steady stream of guests began coming in. The doors to the court were now closed and guarded as Celeste began to answer some of the many questions being asked of her. Some brave guild members were asking Lilith questions as well. The fact that the two of them had entered with the Duchess not being lost on them.

Listening to Celeste for guidance Lilith could hear here saying that she couldn’t speak on the matter she could only say that yes that was the real Lady Morwen.

Lilith tried to do the same but eventually let slip that yes both her and Celeste knew it was the real Lady Morwen because they had rescued her. This led to many cheers and many followup questions that Celeste insisted they couldn’t answer. Addend on to all this attention was the constant stepping and tripping of people over her tail as the room became more crowded. Eventually she found herself backing up towards the guest hall, where her and Celeste retreated to her room.

Once inside, with the door shut, it was much quieter. Lilith leaned against her bed while Celeste sat on it fully jumping and bouncing on the quilted surface.

“Show off.” Lilith scoffed as Celeste rolled her eyes but didn’t give a verbal response.

Instead the two of them shared a moment of silence both of them unaccustomed to that much attention.

Finally after a minute Lilith asked her friend a question.

“So why couldn’t we talk about the rescue and who had her held prisoner?”

“Lilith, what just happened is big. Like really big. Probably the most momentous occasion this town has seen in decades. Do you know what that means?”

“Umm… No.”

“Ya neither do I. So its probably best that we let Sir Tanel handle this.”

“Sure. Its probably for the best. At least we don’t have to worry about a power struggle between them.” Lilith said sounding a bit optimistic.

“What do you mean?”

“Sir Tanel has feelings for the Duchess and judging by the look she was giving him, I think she feels the same. I was surprised actually. She seems to keep her emotions to herself mostly.”

“Oh I was wondering what that was about. I thought she was just glad to be rescued and was thankful to him. Sir Tanel was never close to the false Duchess in fact he was running a secret government out of his study. But when did you hear about their romance? You haven’t even been here a ten day.”

“He spoke to me of it two nights ago, he was almost crying after he saw her in chains in that scrying orb. He was in love with her for some time but thought he had fallen out of her favor once the false Duchess turned on him.” Lilith said as she looked over her own bed wondering if she could even fit on it.

“He was crying? So that's why you did it? For Sir Tanel?” She asked looking up at Lilith.

Lilith nodded with a smile “But don’t forget we saw her in chains too when we scryed on her in the tower. I couldn’t let either of them suffer like that. Could you?”

“No.” Celeste said, shaking her head vigorously. Her golden hair shaking wildly to match.

“Can you hold oh for a second I need to call someone” Lilith asked while extending a hand to Celeste.

“Sure” she replied, laying back onto the bed with a thump.

Lilith then spoke the rune words for Sending closing her eyes as she thought of Kevin Demura, the young adventurer with black hair that had a single silver streak in it.

“Hello Kevin, I rescued your mother from Cromm’s Hold last evening. She is safe here in the castle and is asking for you.” Lilith said in a deliberately even tone in her mind.

“She is safe? Here? I Don’t know what to say. I will be there immediately. Thank you!”

With his reply the spell faded and Lilith opened her eyes.

She didn’t really know why she felt compelled to tell him. Maybe she just liked giving good news ‘Yes that has to be it. Its not like I was looking for an excuse to talk to him again.’ “Ha Haha ha”. Noticing that Celeste was now staring at her while she felt her cheeks flush Lilith tried to explain. “I had to let Kevin know. Wendel is probably... busy with other things.” she said to Celeste but also to convince herself.

Feeling a bit better and now detecting the smell of wine Lilith decided to move to the door. As she did her tail which had been on the floor the whole time pushed against the bed post closest to the her, turning the bed pushing it away from the center of the room. Celeste followed, hopping over her tail as the two of them tried to make it to the table where Gonald was singing and passing out cups of wine.

His singing was atrocious of course. Dwarves not being known for their singing voices. In fact Lilith was rather sure that if he wasn’t handing out wine someone would have asked him to shut up by now.

Trying to walk a bit faster Lilith quickly found herself bumping into people and striking them inadvertently with her tail. Some stepping out of the way while others cried out wondering what had hit them. Soon she decided to stop and move to the wall not wanting to actually clobber anyone with her misbehaving tail.

Celeste said she would go ahead and get a cup for her. Luckily Gonald had stopped singing about this time. Lilith was now lined up against the wall farthest from the wine where most of the revelry was occurring.

She was seriously worried about knocking someone over or worse, breaking someones leg. She couldn’t figure out why her tail would move from side to side without her control so she decided to test it out now that she had some space and a solid stone wall to stand against. Cautiously she leaned left towards her tail which was strung out in a line against the wall. It pushed back against her keeping her upright despite her efforts. She then leaned away from It and it tensed up again holding her at a 45 degree angle even when she tried to lean further. ‘Eat your heart out Michael Jackson’ She thought to herself.

Now standing back up she head the first few notes as a band started playing a jaunty tune. Soon people were began to dance as the towns people made room in the middle of the banquet hall. Celeste returned with three mugs in hand. They were larger than the cups she saw being handed out earlier.

“Gonald poured these just for us. He made a point to say ‘he knows you are a big drinker’ for some reason.” Celeste just shook her head as if she was unamused by their antics as she handed over the two tankards and took a sip fro her own.

Then countinued to talk and drink for a bit. Celeste pointing out some of the other guildmasters as they were taking turns on the dance floors. Most of them were married like Gonald though his wife wasn’t in attendance this morning.

Once they had emptied their mugs Celeste tugged on her hand pulling her towards the dance floor but Lilith just shook her head no with a slight frown.

Celeste released her hand clasping it to her mouth as she let out a grimace and inhaled a breath of air. “I’m sorry.. I forgot.”

“Oh I probably would have forgotten too if I didn’t have this 500 lb reminder.” Lilith said with a laugh.

Celeste’s face soon returned to its chipper self as Lilith egged her on “Go, dance, but save some energy for Sharl when he gets back.” she said with a shooing motion.

With a nod Celeste skipped off deciding to try to dance with Gonald as the music continued at an upbeat pace.

Now alone, Lilith brought her hands up to try and rub the tension out of her face and forehead. All the smells of food were overwhelming. Every person smelled of a different delicious dish. Broiled trout with lemon, Shrimp scampi with garlic butter, Even bar-b-q brisket oh god that was Gonald. Gonald smelled like one of Lilith’s favorite foods from back home!!! ‘How is that even possible?’ This was going to be so awkward. She wiped a spout of drool from the side of her mouth deciding to go back to her room. She felt so odd, so out of control. She was drooling! Just down the guest hall she could see her room. It would have to be her sanctuary from the onslaught of forbidden food that surrounded her.

Closing the door behind her, Lilith quickly took off her armor and her arming jacket as they smelled of people as well. Turning to the mirror she realized she was now completely naked as she hadn’t been wearing a bra or underwear when she set out on her ‘scouting mission’. After all she really didn’t need them when she was wearing her armor and she was probably never going to need panties again. Looking down at her waist to see became curious about her body as some things seemed to be missing. Between her legs It was just a flat section of green scales that began halfway between her Navel and where her groin would be. Instead there was just the flat lighter green belly scales that continued into her monstrously large snake like tail. Lilith vaguely remembered a Demon that looked like this but couldn’t help but wonder if she was now part Yantee as well. ‘God I hope my face doesn’t change’ She thought to herself looking back up at her reflection in relief. ‘No still relatively human, except for the eyes’.

Slowly, Lilith walked over to the mirror her hand on her face tracing the shape of her right cheek. Then she did the usual. She stood up on her toes and then dropped back onto her heals watching her chest bounce in the mirror. She then spun around looking at her body in profile and the strange way her tail almost seemed to swallow her hips. The way it attached didn’t seem very natural but luckily her legs still had a full range of movement. Feeling slightly disgusted at what she was seeing, Lilith decided try to rest to calm her nerves. “Bah what a day. And it isn’t even noon yet.”

She moved slowly back over to her bed before grabbing the end to pull it back into its spot square to the wall and int the center. She looked at it carefully for a second measuring its size against her own body and the 13’ long tail attached. Finally she chose to lay down diagonally across it as it was the best way for her to fit after climbing halfway across and falling face first on the comfortable covers. Even laying flat she heard the sound of herself sliding back. The weight of her tail was slowly pulling her off the mattress but stopped once more of it was resting on the ground. Still not comfortable she grabbed the far edge of the bed with her hands and began pulling the rest of her tail over her left side fully onto the bed. Soon it was coiled over her left hip and then across her bed and back up, the rest of it resting across her back. The weight of it felt like having a person sitting on her shoulders. ‘This still isn’t comfortable. But at least I am fully on the bed.’ she thought.

So Lilith rolled onto her right side and lifted her left leg swinging it over her tail so that she was now straddling it. It then came up to her head where she shifted it under her cheek and it wrapped down across her shoulder blades down to the small of her back where she could feel the tip twitching slightly with her mood. She was now hugging it like a body pillow her breasts pressed against the smooth bottom scales was a new and slightly calming sensation. It felt warm but it didn’t have much sensitivity. Still it was odd to hug something so large and feel it from both sides. Contemplating it more she poked her tail with a finger noticing that it felt like poking the muscular portion of her calf. It felt like organic armor over dense muscle. Still she was comfortable now surrounded by her tail which was surrounded by her arms. She had it locked in her embrace as it twitching less and less as her thoughts wandered.

‘I’m never going to dance again, or ride a horse.’ she lamented. ‘I probably weight 700 lbs now. I’m a fatty’ she said with a laugh. ‘oh my god I ate so much this morning what if it gets bigger?’ She shook her head to banish the thought.

Laying comfortably she decided to check her spells. She now had seven pages of them so there must have been a few new additions. She moved through the folders with her eyes looking for just the new ones. There she could see [Summon Fiend], [Flesh to Stone], [Chain Lightning] and [Disintegrate].

The odd thing was that she couldn’t read the rune words for Summon Fiend. It was covered with a magical circle that was growing slightly larger every so often, as if it was currently busy. Lilith wasn’t sure what to make of this. Didn’t Lathander choose her spells? Or maybe he only chose the ones he had control over. Looking at the icon it was half way full. Some time that evening it would either be off some type of cool down or it might complete casting, perhaps at around midnight she thought.

Just then she heard a knock as Celeste poked her head into the room. “Lilith, oh there you are.”

“Come in and lock the door.” Lilith called out as she waited for the sound of the door shutting. She then began to move her tail. She pushed it over the foot of the bed where it landed on a chest that was beyond the foot board. It wasn’t that comfortable but her tail had proven to be very tough and flexible.

Celeste then walked over to her with a look of pity for her naked and troubled friend. Lilith held out her arms as if she wanted a hug. Her friend soon obliged laying on the bed next to her and embraced her pulling Lilith’s head to her chest. “What’s wrong why did you leave?” she asked her chin surrounded by crimson red hair.

“I was just so overwhelmed by all the smells. I was even drooling. It felt so wrong. So I came back here to rest and check a few things.” Lilith said in a soft voice with a slight pout.

“Oh I didn’t even think about that. It must be real overpowering. I remember how it was when I was turned into an eagle that first time. The smell of fish was so strong I had to check it out and taste it.”

“Ya its kinda disturbing when its people though. I don’t want to eat people. Why do you have to smell so good?” Lilith said with noticeable frustration.

“I don’t know. I would go roll around in the mud if that would help.” Celeste suggested, pulling Lilith’s head in again.

Lilith turned her head and felt her nose and cheek push against her bosom. It was soft, warm and comforting. The smell of honey baked ham was all around her now but at least it was a familiar scent. She then turned her head up it so she was looking at Celeste. “It probably wouldn’t matter anyways. Mud might be the demon equivalent of black pepper.” Lilith said as she let out a smile and a laugh.

Seeing her laugh Celeste pushed her away to arms length so that they could laugh together at the absurdity of the whole situation. Resting there for a second she soon remembered the reason she had come to get Lilith. “They are making an announcement in a few minutes come on.”

“I’ll stay here just tell me what they say later.” Lilith said as she covered her face with both her hands.

“No. I’m not going to let you sit in here and sulk. Come on I will help you get dressed.” Celeste said as she began walking to the closet.

Lilith couldn’t help but smile at Celeste’s enthusiasm. It had to be more infectious than the flu, and no one was immune. Lilith got up to her feet before realizing her tail was wrapped around the bed post. Wanting to be free of it, she lifted the heft of it over the 4 foot high post of polished wood and continued to the closet to put on the Navy Blue Commoners clothes they had bought the other day. But first a bra and a quick cleaning with prestidigitation. With Celeste's help she was soon clean and dressed. She then put on a pair of her new shoes and combed out her hair. Feeling refreshed, Lilith exited her room with Celeste by her side as they went back to the banquet hall.