Chapter 43

Kevin held the door open waiting for Lilith to pass by before closing them with a thunk. Inside his mother was seated at the head of the table and had begun eating some bread with a type of fruit jam while she waited. Seeing her dinner guests, Lady Morwen quickly set her food aside in order to stand and greet them.

“How nice of you to join us Lilith, thanks for coming.” Lady Morwen said as she walked across the room to meet her half way.

“Kevin invited me, but I take it this was your idea.” she said giving the Duchess a hug.

“Yes. I wanted to get to know you better, you know in a less formal setting.” She pushed away from Lilith and then began to look at what her guest was holding.

“Oh, these are for you. I made them to help support me rather than having to wear a corset. They work great even when running or riding a horse.” Lilith said motioning at her own chest before handing over the two bras. “I can show you how to put them on some time later.”

“Oh thank you dear. I do spend some time on horseback training with the cavalry. I am sure this will help. Now please have a seat. Selna, please bring out the first course when it is ready.” Lady Morwen said returning to stand next to her chair.

Lilith moved to the chair on the Duchess’s right side while Kevin went around to her left. The two nobles waited for their guest to sit but she stopped short of the high backed wooden chair not sure how to sit in it as she couldn’t turn it sideways since it had arms as well. Kevin grumbled something to himself as he came back around looking like he was about to add another victim to his furniture kill count. Seeing this, Lilith pushed him away before he could do anything rash. She then cast Fabricate on the chair separating the top and bottom half while adding a set of holes and wooden dowels so that it could be reassembled just as easily. With that done she used the spell to lift the top half into her hands handing it to Kevin. Before he could say a word she lifted her tail sitting down on the newly renovated ottoman looking rather pleased with herself.

“Oh, that works too.” Kevin said as he took the top half of the chair setting it down against the wall.

“I am so sorry. I should have remembered.” Lady Morwen said as she took her seat.

“Ya, they have benches down stairs so it hasn’t really been an issue. So what are we having tonight? It smells delicious.”

“Roasted ribeye followed by fire grilled quail stuffed with goats cheese.” she said smiling at the mention of quail.

“Oh you know how I love quail.” Kevin said with a smile.

“Yes dear. I figured it would be good to have one of your favorites and welcome you back to the castle. I have been hearing how poorly that impostor treated you and Sir Tanel this past year.” Lady Morwen said shaking her head left and right.

“It wasn’t pleasant hearing you berate me and strip me of my duties…. I mean I know that wasn’t you it just hurt deeply at the time.” Kevin said looking down at the folded napkin and silverware before him.

Lilith clenched a fist wanting to punch that Succubus in the gut again. But then remembered this was a dinner and it should be more up beat than this. “Well on the bright side you did get to travel the sword coast.”

“Yes that was an interesting experience in its own right, especially Baldur’s Gate and the Misty Forest.”

“What was so interesting about a forest?” the Duchess asked.

“Well, The miners guild had me clear out an old gold mine there that had been taken over by goblins. But I don’t think they have started operating it again yet. Heck they might never use it but at least there aren’t goblins any more.” he said taking a sip of wine.

“How many goblins were there?” Lilith asked also picking up a small ornate glass to take a sip.

“About twenty but I took them on a few at a time in different parts of the mine. The trick was not to let them sound an alarm while checking for traps at the same time.” he said with a smile seeming to be glad the topic had changed.

“How about you Lilith? Do you plan to stay here in Daggerford or go out to seek a life of adventure? You seem to like that sort of thing.” The Duchess asked leaning forward slightly.

“I am serving Lathander at the moment. It wasn’t the call to service I was expecting but I am happy to serve as he has been very kind to me.”

“Oh how so? I thought you were unhappy with your, ahhh... condition.” Kevin asked.

“Well from what he has shown me, I believe Lathander is the creator of my world as well as this one. So I have my world and my life to thank him for. But also it seems he has helped guide me to be with friends like Wendel and Celeste and even Kevin.”

“So you count my son among your blessings? I don’t quite know how to feel about that? I mean I am thankful for all you have done especially for me and my town but you aren’t… human.”

“That is something she is very aware of mother.” Kevin said raising his voice slightly

“And why are you defending her?” She asked with a start.

“I can’t believe you would bring that up. But anyways you don’t need to worry, Lilith and I have come to an understanding.” He said settling back into his chair.

“And what would that be?”

“That is between us, but she made me a bit more aware of what she is and what duties lie ahead of me. You have to understand, I thought the chances of me ever leading the people of Daggerford were done and over until the events of this week, and I am still coming to grips with it.” he said extending a hand in his mother’s direction.

“That's right, you will lead this town one day. After I have served all that I can.” She said with some pride looking at Kevin.

With only a slight squeak, a door opened leading to the kitchen interrupting their moment as four maids came out, each holding a tray. One went to Lady Morwen and Keven while two came over to Lilith. Each of them delivered a large plate with a 2” thick ribeye that looked to be seared to perfection. The two steaks in front of Lilith were covered in butter, mushrooms, and chives with a small serving of green beans on he side.

“And I am sure he will be a brave and fair Duke.” Lilith said as she began to cut up her large steak with obvious enthusiasm.

“Here here!” Lady Morwen called out as she took her first bite.

They continued eating only occasionally talking about mundane things until the first course was finished. Then the conversation got more serious again as Lady Morwen returned to the subject of her divine mission.

“So what do you think Lathander called you here to do? Why has he brought you here?” She asked.

“Besides protecting this town from orcs and imprisoning the false Duchess?” Lilith asked as she took a drink of water.

“And rescuing Mother from Cromm’s Hold.” Kevin added.

“I don’t know. But there seems to be plenty of need for me here, especially considering the army marching on the town as we speak.”

“Assuming we are victorious tomorrow what will you do then?” Lady Morwen asked in a serious tone.

“I will try and learn some more spells and maybe Kevin can teach me some of his sword skills. They were really impressive today. Aside from that I think in a few days a Cleric of Lathander will be here and I am sure he will have lots to teach me.”

“Why? What are you thinking Mother?” Kevin asked seeing some tell on her face that only he could pick up on.

“I was thinking about the reward for Lilith due to her efforts and her station here as Defender of Daggerford. It just wouldn’t be fair to ask you to defend something without having a stake in it. So I was thinking of granting you ownership of a large piece of wild land.”

Lilith seemed to almost choke on her wine at that proposition. Recovering with only a couple coughs. She managed to reply “That would be very kind of you ma’am.” her voice still not steady she decided to take another sip of wine raising her glass in a mock toast.

“Its not much we have no subjects there currently. The land I would like to grant you title of is part of the Misty Forest and the Sword Hills, the area east of Gillian Hills. The area south of the Delimbiyr river that runs from here to the High Moors. It is a wild piece of land but you could do with it what you will.” she continued with more enthusiasm seeing Lilith’s reaction.

“I don’t know what to say…... except thank you!”

“I have never been to that area we will have to scout it out when we have time.” Kevin suggested as the second course was brought out.

The second course was stuffed quail and Kevin seemed to revel in it. Lilith noticed he ate every bit as he had ignored half of his steak earlier. With the meal drawing to a close Kevin made a request.

“Mother I was wondering if we could use the Master Bath this evening? We are both quite weary from the day’s events.”

“Well it is the largest bath we have but…. both of you?” she asked with a bit of suspicion.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

“It was Lilith’s idea. I think she needs help scrubbing part of her tail and you wouldn’t want me to be seen doing that in one of the guest baths. Would you?” Kevin explained with his eyes half closed expecting the worst.

“No we don’t want any rumors to spread. Fine then, just this once.”

“That's very kind of you ma’am” Lilith said wiping her hands with a napkin.

Lady Morwen fixed her guest with a firm gaze. Here eyes piercing her like two lances making it clear that some line was not to be crossed. “I remember the first thing you did when you found me in that dungeon was to clean me with your magic. So consider this a favor in kind.” With a tilt of her head she changed her focus inspecting her own hands to begin cleaning them.

Lilith gave her a nod in response before reaching for her wine glass again.

After a bit more conversation and with both of their glasses emptied, Kevin and Lilith excused themselves bowing to the Duchess before heading to the Master Bath. It too was on the second floor, only a few doors down from the dining room. It was a large room with an exterior window that faced east to catch the morning sun. But even then in the evening, the interior was illuminated in an orange light from the clouds outside tinted in the warm color by the setting sun. The walls held a system of enchanted pipes that fed in hot water as needed while steam rose from the water in soft streams. The floor was white and black marble that was smooth and angled so water would rain back into the large basin. It was more of a small pool than a bath to be honest but to Lilith’s eyes it was a small slice of heaven.

After getting undressed the weary demoness walked over to the edge stepping in letting her tail follow along the smooth marble surface. The water level rose and overflowed going out a drain to the exterior wall as she entered submerging herself. Kevin got in next watching with rapped attention as she made herself comfortable on the built in underwater seating. Taking a seat opposite of her, he leaned back against the edge of bath his muscular arms resting on the marble floor just outside of the 5’ deep pool of water.

Lilith dunked her head in to wet her hair and then shook it out sending droplets across the bath. Seeing how that didn’t work, she instead started twisting it to wring out the water to much greater effect. Next she brought the end of her tail around and began cleaning out her cloaca.

“What are you doing?” Kevin asked

“Well its dirty you said so yourself!” She replied not at all happy with the task at hand.

She made sure to give Kevin a few harsh looks as he watched with a rather confused face not sure whether he should be aroused or disgusted.

Soon she felt completely clean letting out a sigh of relief as she too leaned back against the edge of the bath letting her body relax fully. After they sat in silence for a minute or two she decided to trying to swim around the bath in different ways. Kevin just watched her and laughed to himself occasionally. Eventually Lilith grew tired of her impromptu exercises, instead ramming herself into Kevin’s side before hugging his arm bringing it into her chest.

“I had no idea there was a pool in this castle thanks for letting me use it.”

“I don’t know what a pool is but this is a bath.” he said swinging one hand, testing the warm water.

“Then I am going to build a pool outside after this is all over. I think Celeste would like it too.” She said as she sat next to him properly releasing his arm and guiding his hand to her thigh.

“You can’t have that many people naked together it wouldn’t work out well. The women would be taken advantage of.” Kevin said patting her leg firmly as if he was scolding her.

“No no. You wear special clothes just for swimming. Kind of like that bra I wear except for both top and bottom.”

“Well that might be interesting. But what do you do in this pool.” he asked

“You swim and play ball sports or dive off into a deep end from a high perch. It can be a lot of fun.” She said while miming some of the activities.

“And they do this in your world? It is common?”

“Yes even some commoners have a pool in their backyard. Almost as big as this one just deeper.” She explained.

“Were you a commoner or a noble where you came from?” Kevin asked with renewed interest.

“It is hard to say. We did away with titles and monarchies. Anyone could own land it was just a matter of money. I rented a house but I had a good amount of money saved up to buy one in the future.” Lilith said regretting the money she had left behind in the other world.

“So that would make you like a small business owner, so middle class?” Kevin said with a finger to his chin in thought.

“Yes most of our people could be considered middle class.”

“How is that possible? How could over half the population be middle class who did all the work?” He said seeming a bit perplexed.

“That's a complicated issue but we had technology to make it so that one person could do the work of ten. So we needed fewer laborers.” Lilith explained tilting he head towards his.

“Technology?”

“Yes its something we used in place of magic.” Lilith looked down at the water and swooshed her tail around making ripples.

She then went on for another thirty minutes, explaining vehicles and appliances, before they both felt tired of the water and got out. Drying off in the Master Bath Lounge Keven asked about his next concern.

“So where do you want to sleep tonight?” Kevin asked as he tried not to stare at Lilith who was only wearing a towel around her chest.

“They need me for the battle in the morning, so I had better stay in my room tonight. But you are welcome to join me I may even sleep better.” She said tilting her head in his direction.

“I could be persuaded.” He said with a sly smile.

“Good, now help me get this dress back on.”

Lilith put on her white and red dress again, with his help. They then headed back to her room. Kevin however didn’t walk with her. Instead he stayed back entering her room a minute later. Once inside they sat on the bed talking for a bit longer as he seemed fascinated by her world. She told him of her home state of Texas and how awesome it was and how much she missed it. Kevin couldn’t understand how one province could be so big and have such varied terrain but he took her word for it all the same. Soon Lilith decided to take off her dress and Holy symbol putting nothing else on in their place. Even her bra went to the floor being pushed under the bed after he dress was hung up neatly. Likewise, Kevin stripped down to his underwear as the two of them started to spoon and talk. They discussed Kevin’s father and his death on a diplomatic trip to Baldur’s Gate. Not wanting him to dwell on that Lilith changed the subject talking about her plans for the fight tomorrow and how it was her job to hold the left flank. Kevin then made a commitment and spoke of it in earnest.

“I think you know this but I don’t have an official role in this battle. But I need to be out there. If I don’t fight for my people, how could I ever lead them?”

“I wish the leaders in my world were willing to fight for us like that. Instead they just gather wealth for themselves and their family members.” She said with a type of disgust reserved for insects.

“I’m serious. I am going to fight, but I am still a little afraid.” Kevin said raising his head above Lilith’s shoulder to try and look at her face.

“You? Afraid? Why?” Lilith turned to look at him to gague his mood finding that he was serious and dour again.

“It doesn’t matter how much skill I have with a blade. If I get surrounded it is all over.” He said trying to keep his voice down even with the strain in his voice.

“That is why the soldiers fight as a unit. And why I will be guarding heir left flank. So that they don’t get surrounded.” Lilith said still not knowing what he was getting at.

“I haven’t trained enough to carry one of those long spears and I don’t think I would be much use on a horse. I am a little out of practice.” he admitted.

Lilith thought for a second then she asked. “Then do me a favor?”

“What?”

“Stay with Sharl. Protect him during the battle. I am sure he will try something stupid if he sees his men being killed. Stop him or protect him I don’t care. Just make sure you both live.” Lilith asked, looking him in the eyes with her neck fully turned.

“You really do care about him huh?” Kevin asked seeming a little curious.

“uhh ya.. him…” Lilith said stumbling over her words.

“Oh what aren’t you telling me?”

“Nothing. Just promise. Can you do that for me?” She asked giving him a stern look.

“Yes I will stay by his side and make sure he doesn’t leave the formation.” Kevin said with a nod before he relaxed his head again resting on one of the pillows.

“Good, now lets get some rest. We have have a big day tomorrow.” Lilith rolled back over to her right side closing her eyes.

With his arms draped over her chest one hand clasping her round parts firmly Lilith felt more comfortable and more secure than she had since arriving in Faerun. She soon fell asleep and began dreaming of the upcoming battle. There she saw the militia, all in formation. Their armor catching the morning light as they stood in perfect rows. There was also the orc army arrayed against them, but they seemed smaller than she remembered. They were only 4’ tall and made a high pitched war cry sounding like angry toddlers as they charged. Then as they moved the orcs jumped and bounced through the air like bouncy balls across the field before they were impaled on the long spears still held high above the waiting militia.

Then suddenly Lilith awoke to a loud noise. The sound of tearing paper filled the room, the sound much louder as if it came from a rip in reality itself. She had head this particular noise once before but it still surprised her. Now wide awake, she rolled onto her back. Her flailing arm waking Kevin who sat up immediately confused by the unnatural sound. He struggled to see as all the candles had been put out only the dim moon light entering the guest room through a gap in the curtains. Then the tearing noise stopped but was replaced by a moving mass which only Lilith could feel writhing in her stomach.

“What was that Lils?” Kevin asked thinking the commotion was over.

But she couldn’t answer. She could only breathe in, not out. The mass continued to move and squirm in circles, searching, until it finally found an open path starting to push up her throat and out of her mouth. Once again she felt a long smooth form push out from her lips as a new form coil up on the bed landing on Kevin’s hand. Lilith gagged and coughed for a few seconds then finally found her voice again.

“Kevin….ahh cah… Stay still.” She said still having trouble speaking.

Lilith focused her senses on the cobra. With her eyes she could see it clearly as if it was day light. With the intensity of her emotions her eyes glowed brighter than ever illuminating the smooth dark form of the snake finally allowing her partner to see their new guest.

Kevin reacted, quickly pulling his arm away while scooting to the far side of the bed giving them space.

Lilith still focused on the snake with all of her senses tried to clear her throat again but felt her voice stick. Never the less she spoke to him. “Tell me your name, snake.” But her lips did not move nor did she utter a sound. It was only after she did it that she realized the strangeness of what she had done.

“My true name is Bizanta but you may call me whatever you wish.” The snake said into her mind as well.

Meanwhile, Kevin had gotten off the far side of the bed his bare feet finding the broken pieces of the night stand. Brushing some of the wood from his feet he now had a good idea how it had ended up broken the previous night.

This one hadn’t complimented her like the previous one had. Maybe that was because it couldn’t see her Lilith thought. So she snapped a finger, lighting the nearest candelabra with prestidigitation.

“You shall be known as Noodle Two and I command you to never bite or harm any living person.” Lilith said again the words communicated telepathically.

“I shall do as you say oh round one.” The snake said, his cowled head bobbing as he spoke still making no audible noise.

Confused, Lilith looked at her nude body that was now illuminated by the candle light trying to recognize what the cobra had meant. Then she thought ‘oh ya they are rather round’ as she looked down at her breasts and her trembling hands. Taking a deep breath she steadied her nerves, cleared her throat. One more deep breath and a shaky smile she finally managed to speak actual words. “It is night time and I need my rest. Please go sleep in the closet. I will bring you a friend to keep you company in just a moment.”

“I will do as you say magnificent one.” The snake replied in kind before it began moving like a river of shadow down to the foot of the bed. There it paused turning to face Kevin as his movement caught its eye. “Good night.” It said out loud with only a slight lisp.

‘Uhhh good night?” Kevin managed as he waved at the snake now retreating to the closet. Soon regained his composure leaning across the bed with both of his hands on the comforter he asked. “Were you talking to him? I saw your heads bobbing up and down but I didn’t hear anything.”

“Oh ya, I think I was talking to him telepathically. I ah…. named him Noodle Two.” She replied holding one hand to her head as if to recall the strange sensation. She could talk into someone’s mind now? How did that happen? Was it some sort of innate magic like her teleporting?

“So you are naming them that way in case you have many of them… Wait how many are you going to make?”

Lilith’s face went pale as she remembered the spell she had been trying to get rid of. Quickly checking her codex she looked for it searching several folders but it wasn’t there. It was gone. Even so she continued to check just to be sure as she found no other spells were in progress. “Oh thank god it worked.”

“What worked?” He asked.

“I got rid of the spell that was making those. So it looks like it will be just the two of them.”

“Well two kids is enough for anyone to handle.” Kevin said with a smile as he slid his feet against the floor trying to rid his feet of the last of the wooden debris.

“Shutup! That's going to cost you.” Lilith warned grabbing Kevin’s wrists pulling him closer until he was by her side again. With a bit of force she pushed his arms into the soft bed as she shifted a leg up and over him till she was straddling his waist. She then put her head down to his chest her long tough pushed out like a fleshy dagger. Without a sound she licked him all the way up to his neck stopping just under his jaw. Her strong tongue leaving a clear trail of saliva marking its travels. ‘Damn it. Now I’m hungry again’ Lilith thought as she looked into his confused then annoyed face.

“Ah come on.” Kevin complained as he freed a hand to wipe the saliva off him and onto the bed covers.

“I will be right back. I’m going to go get Noodle One.” Lilith said as she rolled to the side sliding off both him and the bed at the same time. Rather than get dressed she just cast greater invisibility on herself before stepping into the hallway her tail still holding the door open.

Walking over to guest room number two, Lilith didn’t hear a sound nor see Noodle One when she poked her head in. “Hey Noodle. Come on out so I can see you.” she called quietly.

“Yes Ms. Devine I am here.” The snake said as he came out from under the bed standing up 2’ tall in the middle of the room.

“I made a new friend for you he is in the closet back in my room. You can talk with him for a few minutes but then I need you to be quiet and go to sleep. I named him Noodle Two.” She said in a calm manner using her mind.

“Oh you give me a new friend. I am so thankful Ms. Devine.” he answered in kind moving a bit closer.

“Well don’t wait around, go meet him. I will be there shortly.” Lilith said with a smile even though she was still invisible.

Noodle One lowered his head slithering to the door and around the corner as she held it open for him. Behind her she watched as he went down the hall. Lilith soon followed watching his tail go under the door of Room three. She then walked and slid to the kitchen entering it and then the pantry beyond. She didn’t bother with any other food this time. She went straight for the eggs. There was a basket full of them which she began eating one at a time. The taste was like a hard candy made out of sugar while the crunch they made stirred some primal satisfaction in her heart she didn’t know existed. Disconnected from time space and all reason soon there was only a third of the basket left causing her to pout at the realization. Not wanting to completely empty their egg supply she decided to look for the next best thing. Near by, hanging in the meat locker she found a series of sausage links about 5’ long. Still feeling hungry she picked up the whole length and began swallowing it whole. Down it went gone in 30 seconds there was nothing left no mess or evidence of her pilfering. Unfortunately she wasn’t completely sated, simply less hungry than when she began. With a frown she decided that would have to do for tonight as she a bit guilty over eating the uncooked food. ‘Its not that bad. It was made to be eaten anyways.’ she told herself.

Eventually, Lilith returned to her room finding Kevin with his ear pressed to her closet door, obviously listening in on the two danger noodles.

“Hear anything salacious?” Lilith asked as she canceled the spell on herself and closed the door.

“No, they exchanged names then went silent.” Kevin said as he stepped away from the closet mirror with a shrug.

“Come on. I am going to turn the candles off.” Lilith said with a gesture, inviting him back to bed.

With open arms he returned to her side wiping a bit of drool from the corner of her face before he hopped into bed pulling the covers to the side for her. Lilith gave him a smirk and began pulling her tail up onto the bed to join him. Soon she was situated as the little spoon again even though she was much bigger than him. Kevin rolled her hair into a tangle, draping it over her left shoulder so it wouldn’t be in his face. Wanting to feel more secure Lilith moved his hand from her ribs over to her breast before squeezing both of them in a playful fashion. Soon they lay still falling back to sleep for the second time that evening.

As she slept Lilith had another dream this one much different than the one before. She was back in the kitchen eating eggs except Kevin was there with her, handing them to her from a basket that never emptied. Oddly he seemed to enjoy the task, feeding her bringing him some type of joy she couldn’t understand. Soon the dream faded her mind resting comfortably for the rest of the night.