Chapter 47

As they gained altitude, Lilith could see the shape of the town come into view below her. Its disorganized streets were unusually busy but then again this was no ordinary day. People were lining up to exit the gates while the market was a hive of activity as people took this opportunity to buy provisions for their trip back to their homes in the farm land. Sure it was busy, but it was whole and undamaged. The town looked just as it should, teeming with life and activity, even if it all seemed rather distant from her current perch on an eagle’s back. Celeste circled three times, probably looking at a few things herself with her eagle eyes, before heading East following the river upstream. As they left the walls got smaller in the distance until there was nothing but wilderness around them, the greenish ribbon of water below them the only landmark that mattered. In this area there were no roads, just hills and trees in every direction. The terrain seemed to rise up to meet them as they traveled East. The hills getting bigger and more frequent as they went. A few of the more distant mountains even had a dusting of snow clinging to the shadows between peeks. The Sword Hills were a rugged mix of rocks, scrub brush, and dirt preventing easy land travel to the east of Daggerford. The hilly land didn’t seem to have much value from up here but the forest ahead seemed to hold some promise.

The two snakes around Lilith's neck held firm, their tails twisting into pieces of her armor. They were no longer invisible and seemed to be admiring the view as much as she was. Celeste Dove down as something in the river caught her attention. Soon Lilith saw what she was diving for. There was a large raft made of logs, all bound together with chains, while on top a single person stood guiding it with a pole. He was standing near the back of the raft his face obscured by a wide brimmed straw hat, the large pole occasionally dipping into the water to maintaining its course down the center. Leveling out her dive Celeste coasted on locked wings flying only 50 feet over the water, here shadow going over the raft before she pulled up using her speed to turn right heading south into a small valley. Even as the wind rushed in Lilith’s ears, the man could be heard letting out a panicked yelp, probably thinking a dragon had just flown overhead. Laughing to herself, Lilith wondered if he only knew what had just passed him, would he be any more or less alarmed?

The valley had a carpet of trees that led to the Misty Forest beyond. About half way up the hill side the trees stopped due to the rocky soil, the sheer surfaces having a slight pinkish hue mixed with the gray and black the stone normally had in the area. Celeste landed on one of the hill sides and then walked down to the forest edge. In the bottom of the valley a ways into the forest Lilith could see a stream flowing North, likely meeting up with the Delimbiyr River.

Lilith hopped off and began to walk down hill, towards the stream. The trees here were large and spread out looking to be a very old forest that had never been cut. The dappled sunlight was mostly blocked by the dense canopy leaving only ferns and a few broad leafed plants scattered amongst the loam of the forest floor. Celeste tried to follow her into the forest as well managing for a bit before she became cramped by some trees that were closer together than others. Not wanting to feel claustrophobic, she put her mouth on her right wrist returning to her normal form.

As her friend brushed off a few feathers, Lilith set the Noodle’s down and they began to follow her as the four of them approached the stream, looking at the trees and the plants as they went.

Noodle One went ahead of Lilith deciding to climb a small tree near the water’s edge. His body going around the trunk gripping it as he climbed. Lilith laughed to herself thinking how he resembled a stripe revolving on a barber pole as he went up to overlook their path. Soon he was in the canopy and following different scents on the branches leading him to a nest defended by a bird of some type. It squawked and jumped around him making its protests heard while pecked at his tail, always staying clear of his head. Not knowing what to do Noodle One retreated from his small blue attacker returning to the relative safety of Lilith's shoulder.

Meanwhile Noodle Two was following behind Celeste, staying on the forest floor. The snake stopped to look at his own reflection in the stream before he swam across it to the other side and then back again. Only a bit further back Noodle One was following Celeste as she picked some flowers blooming on the forest floor placing a few in her hair along with the perfunctory golden feather she usually had.

As they walked they passed by trees of various ages and species. The forest seemed to be healthy with only the occasional fallen log making a whole in the canopy where a steady stream of light entered the otherwise dim forest. Sliding over the log Lilith saw three forms duck behind cover on the opposite side of the stream. They were disguised with an illusion to help them blend into the forest. Their skin looked like bark while their hair bore fake leaves and branches. To Lilith’s eyes though she could see their true forms. Beneath the illusions there were three rather normal looking Elves with brown hair and green eyes. The closest one had a bow on his back while the other two, appeared to be carrying nothing but a small satchel each.

“We have some company.” Lilith said directly into Celeste's mind causing her to look in her direction. “Do you have mage armor on?”

Celeste shook her head no not wanting to make any unnecessary noise.

“Then step behind a tree and put it on. The elves are to my left on the other side of the stream.” Lilith again said silently.

Celeste continued forward a few more paces before pausing behind a tree where she took the ten seconds to cast Mage Armor. There was only the uttering of a few magical words before she continued forward her right hand producing a small orb from her robes.

After a few more steps Lilith stopped at a fallen log kicking it so that many bugs scurried around and out from under it.

“Hey Noodles come take a look at this.” She said out loud in a friendly tone. Once they were both looking at the bugs she said “We have some guests watching us from a distance. Stay hidden for now but try to stay where you can see me.” she said in a much softer tone meant only for them.

The two snakes kept their heads low using the log as cover, pressing their bodies against it before nodding at her. Seeing that all her companions now had some for of protection Lilith stepped over the log and then the stream turning to walk directly at the hidden elves. Meanwhile Celeste stayed a ways behind not knowing whether her presence would help or hinder whatever he friend was planning.

Lilith made a good deal of noise with her tail as she both walked and slid through the underbrush but she had no problems moving. With so many things to push off of and no worries about breaking anything she pushed forward at a brisk pace.

Soon she saw the Elves reposition again, moving behind thicker cover as she got within 50’ of them.

“Please make yourself known. I mean you no harm.” she said giving a wave in their general direction.

The Elves all looked a bit panicked at that. The two unarmed ones moved behind the one with the bow as a few whispers were heard on the wind.

They were all behind a thick bush next to a tree the bow still slung on the man’s back. The Elf then pushed the two others behind the tree before he spoke to Lilith. “What are you and what are you doing here in this forest?” the male voice sounded out echoing off the trees.

Lilith could tell he was trying to throw his voice to get her to think he was somewhere else. So she moved forward another 15’ directly towards him. Now a bit closer she smiled and cleared her throat before answering. “My name is Lilith of Devine, Honorary Dawnbringer and this is soon to be my forest. So I am sight seeing. You know inspecting it.”

At this close range she could hear the word Dawnbringer being repeated amongst the Elves. Then she saw one of them peak out from behind the tree before ducking back. The one Elf seemed to grip his fists together gathering his nerves before he spoke again.

“Are you really part of the Order of Lathander?” The Elf asked stepping a bit more out into the open.

Lilith could see him clearly now, he was handsome for an elf. His face had more rugged features while his brown leather armor and deer skin pants had green trim. The armor and pants fit him rather well as if they were made for him rather than bought in a store. His boots however were enchanted in some way, giving off a shimmer as they interacted with the weave. He looked more muscular than you would expect for an Elf but Lilith couldn’t tell if that was because of him or the armor.

“Yes I am an agent and friend of the Order. Now please come out. I can see through your illusions, hiding gives you no advantage.” Lilith said clearly in their direction while inching closer a few steps at a time.

“We are followers of Chauntea, friend of Lathander, please have mercy on us we do not wish to be taken.” The male voice said as he through the bush his eyes trying to make sense of what he saw in front of him. Soon the other two joined him seeming to be just as afraid but hiding it worse or not at all.

“Taken? Taken where?” Lilith asked tilting her head.

“Two of our house went missing yesterday when they went to the river to fetch water. We saw you strangers walking in our forest and assumed you were the culprits and so we were following you in the hopes that you would lead us to our kin.” He said trying to stand his ground while clutching the hilt of a shortsword he had on his hip.

Lilith walked closer and smiled but it seemed to have the opposite effect. The Elves recoiled and stood back away from their cover and from her. “You are wood elves I take it?”

“Yes we have been here for centuries. We live in harmony with the forest and take only what we need” He said as he moved in front of the other two as if to shield them.

“Please calm down. Now what is your name?” Lilith said extending a hand in his direction palm up.

“Its Sarkas, Sarkas Greenspear.” He said keeping his stance paying no heed to her outstretched hand.

“Well Sarkas I don’t want to get your hopes up without cause, but I might know where your kin are currently. I can’t say for certain, but your missing duo, are they a man and a woman with brown hair like yours?”

“Yes Yana and Yin. You saw them! Where?” The man asked his expression changing dramatically.

“If it is them, they are in Daggerford right now. We liberated a group of slaves from an army of Orcs this morning. I remember two wood elves among them, a man and a woman, but that's all I can tell you they were with about 80 others.” As Lilith explained she could see their expressions change to that of hope and glee, but then that look faded as they peered past Lilith.

Celeste had approached walking up to within feet or so from Lilith’s right bringing the two snakes closely behind. The wizard waved with her left hand her right concealing a crystal orb, but didn’t speak as the Elves still seemed really nervous.

The man protecting the others seemed to gather his nerves after realizing something important. His expression changed to one of recognition before he spoke, to Celeste. “Hello, are you a wizard by chance?” Sarkas asked while a faint sign of hope showing on his face.

“Yes actually.” She said with a bit of surprise.

“That would explain the familiars following you, and the robes.” he said sounding a little at ease being able to make sense of at least one of the people in front of him.

“Yes we are out here on a day trip. My name is Celeste and my friend here is in fact a servant of Lathander, we both are in a way.” she said giving the demoness a nod.

The Elves finally seemed to relax. Sarkas took his hand off the hilt of his sword taking a more relaxed stance at the same time. “It seems we are lucky to have been spotted by a civilized pair such as yourselves. Normally when our illusions fail us we don’t last long. As I said before my name is Sarkas and I reside in this valley.”

“And these are?” Lilith asked extending a hand to the two elves behind him.

“My children Sana and Delmar.” He said placing a hand on Sana’s shoulder.

“Hello” Both Lilith and Celeste replied. The two children looked like fully grown adults but Lilith could tell their behavior was very different from that of the man she had been speaking to. ‘Elves are so weird’ Lilith thought to herself.

The kids looked like an Elf mixed with a tree to Celeste's eyes but to Lilith their illusion was easily ignored. The two of them were wearing white and green loose fitting shirts with fitted leather pants that were well suited for traveling in the woods. They were both just shy of 6’ tall Sana being slightly shorter than her brother. Their frames were very lithe and barely showed through the loose shirts. Only the fit of their leather pants gave any real distinction between their two genders. They each waved at Celeste before their eyes hardened at the sight of the two approaching snakes.

Seeing their nervousness both of the Noodles said “Hello” tilting their heads as they tried to get a clear look at the three of them.

This got a big reaction from the kids and they went to hide behind their father again. He however didn’t seem fazed at all. “So did you summon this one as well.” He asked of Celeste while gesturing to Lilith with a hand.

Letting out a small snort Lilith felt a bit offended, as if she was a non person, but she had just met this guy and wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, he could be 400 years old and have several lifetimes worth of knowledge. Also she kinda was a non person, she was a demon and shouldn’t expect everyone to treat her like a person right off the bat. In fact she had insisted that Kevin not treat her as a human just last night. So she focused on calming herself down while Celeste replied. “No, my master summoned her, but she is the one who most likely freed your family members this morning.”

Meanwhile, Lilith worked on controlling herself. Her face which was drawn into a pout finally settled back to a neutral expression as she blinked hard a few times her eyes shifting a bit before settling back on the man.

“I see I see. Sorry I meant no offense she just..ahhh” he stammered for a second looking at a few parts of her before Lilith decided to help him out.

“Its the eyes right? It throws everyone off.” She said as she swung her tail around behind her making a loud rustling noise in the fallen leaves.

Seeing her obvious attempt at humor Sarkas let out a hardy laugh before he stepped forward with his hand extended. “I am sorry for being so wary, you obviously have done us a great service freeing our kin. But I am just a bit concerned. What did you mean when you said this would soon be your forest, surely you don’t mean to take it by force?”

Lilith shook his hand, giving a smile to both him and his children for the second time. “I may have saved the town of Daggerford and Lady Daggerford herself this past week. So she promised me a section of wild land as a reward. This area would be included in that.” Lilith said coiling her tail in closer so she could make herself more comfortable.

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“Well, I guess that explains why you were walking through the valley like you owned the place. You really don’t know how dangerous the woods can be. We have no guard or laws here.” the Elf said as he shook his head slightly.

“That is true, I don’t know anything about the area but I assure you we came well prepared for danger of any kind.” Lilith put a hand to her chin thinking for a moment before she thought of a good way to direct the conversation. “Why don’t we make a trade? You serve us lunch at your house and tell us about this region and I will personally escort your loved ones back to you tomorrow. Assuming they are your loved ones. I cant just give you somebody else's brother and sister.”

Sarkas laughed at that last part. “That is a tempting offer but tell me, what do you plan to do with this territory when it is yours?” he asked crossing his arms across his chest.

The two snakes moved in front of Celeste and scared the children back. They had been trying to approach her to touch her golden hair but retreated when the snakes got closer. Celeste seeing this picked up Noodle One and presented him to Delmar as if he was being handed a harmless twig.

Watching this with a smile Lilith thought about her response for a moment before replying. “I don’t know a lot about this region yet, your input may actually change what I plan to do, but In general I think I would like to connect it to Daggerford using a road of some kind.” Lilith said as she watched Delmar grasp Noodle One and drape him over his arm like a sash. Noodle One soon doubled back and made a few half loops around his arm for stability. He then looked back at the boy, his head bobbing as he talked directly into his mind.

“Hmm…..Then if my input would help I will accept your terms please come this way. Our home isn’t far.”

Giving his kids a few hand gestures they all started heading west to the opposite hill of the valley from were Celeste had landed. Lilith silently followed beside Sarkas while Celeste and the two fully grown kids were a bit farther back playing with both of the Noodles as time permitted. Delmar had found a stick that was made from sassafras root that Noodle One seemed to rather enjoy. The snake rubbed his head against it trying to get more of the scent on him before picking it up in his mouth and bringing it back to the boy so he could throw it ahead of them once again. As they ran too and fro Lilith noticed the children had small satchels on their hips filled with an assortment of herbs and roots. Noodle Two stuck his face into the bag examining each sample by sight and smell as Sana tried to walk. Wanting her leg free she eventually picked him up to carrying him on her shoulder and waist even as his nose found its way back to her bag.

After a short while they reached a part of the forest where the trees were much bigger than the rest. There in the bows of the giant oaks Lilith could see several structures cleverly concealed by illusion magic. Celeste was left wondering why everyone had stopped at these particular trees when she noticed Sarkas disappear into the open area next to one of the larger trunks. She then cast detect invisibility on herself before taking a look around at what she had been missing. With a sigh she pushed her shoulder hard into Lilith’s side. “Why didn’t you tell me about the illusions?”

“What and ruin the surprise?” she said as she followed Sarkas walking up the first curved ramp leading into the multi-roomed wooden house. Behind them the kids were running around now each one carrying a different Noodle. To their credit the two day old and one day old creations asked silent questions into the minds of their wood be kidnappers getting excited laughs and half answers in return. Taking one last look before she went around the far side of the tree she was sure that they would play well and find their way inside once they were tired.

At a doorway of some sort Sarkas invited Celeste and Lilith into one of the larger rooms before he excused himself to prepare some tea and sandwiches. Once he returned the conversation picked up as Lilith asked about the history of the area. With patience and a bit of snark the elf recounted the rise and fall of the old Phalorm kingdom, the expansion of the Orcish tribes that ruled the High Moors and The different kingdoms of the Elves that now lie scattered across the eastern wilds. He then explained the strange circumstances that saw Daggerford out live every other kingdom, survive every disaster and attack only to slowly grow into a regional power. Miraculously it was somehow small enough to not be worth corrupting or conquering and also large enough to defend itself from even major attacks.

Then Lilith more about the current state of the region to the East of Daggerford where they were currently. Thinking to himself first, Sarkas told her about the many families of wood elves in each valley and how they evaded detection using illusion magic as they had seen. He then warned her of the many dragons, goblins and Griffons that resided in the hills to the north. Lastly Sarkas told Lilith a secret. He said that the hillsides that met the river were rich in gold but had never been mined successfully because the river water always filled up the mines due to the porous rock. Celeste and Lilith had long since finished their sandwiches while the Noodles had returned seeming too busy playing with the large children to care about the food.

“Considering what I just told you, I do have one request.” Sarkas said in a calm but serious voice.

“Go ahead.” Lilith said with surprise, still shocked to hear about gold deposits in the land she had been granted.

“I would ask for my family and for my people that you not exploit the forest here. If a road were connected I am afraid a logging camp might be built.” he said with his hands clasp together.

“Do your people have a leader or a government of some sort?” Lilith asked setting down the plate that had once carried a vegetarian sandwich.

“No we don’t, each family uses the land near their homes to the best of their ability and they grow and build new homes as nature allows. Some of us gather medicinal herbs and spices and sell them to the near by towns. We do not hunt like humans we only collect what nature provides. If we need more we put magic into the forest and it blooms in response.”

“Just like the larger trees this house is built on? Was that your doing?” she asked motioning at the walls.

“Yes we have natural magics and some greater magics granted by Chauntea, but they vary from Elf to Elf. Delmar has proven to be quite gifted and has a knack for making things grow and heal.” Sarkas said with some pride.

“You must be very proud.” Lilith said seeing the look in his eyes. But Sarkas soon drew his vision back to Lilith seeking an answer to his question. Seeing this Lilith spoke again. “I will guarantee you that no harm will come to your home or any home of an Elf while I have title over these lands. But there may be need of lumber in this region.”

“That is a better assurance than nothing I suppose.” he said with a nod.

“I know this may seem strange but we manage forests in a very different way where I come from. We have these things called tree farms. They plant trees in a field just like wheat, and cutting them down is made all the easier because they grow in nice even rows and are packed close together.”

“That sounds rather unnatural.”

“It is, but that way we only cut down the tree farms and the natural woods remain intact.”

“I trust that these tree farms would only occupy a small part of this land.” he asked as Lilith gave him a nod.

“Yes, depending on how fast they grow a Tree farm can be harvested every Ten to Fifteen years and the trees are five times more dense than a natural forest.” she explained

Seeing his major fear averted, Sarkas’ demeanor changed a weight seeming to lift from his shoulders “I knew speaking to you would be different. I just didn’t know how different. I’ve never even heard of a tree farm and look where I live. If such a thing is possible it does allay many of my fears of human encroachment.”

The odd term threw her off for a second. ‘human encroachment’ it was a phrase that she hadn’t heard before nor considered. But given that she was in a wood elf’s literal tree house it did make sense that a logging operation would be one of their greatest fears. “Well obviously everyone needs trees for building homes, as well as for furniture and carts. Boats are needed too. Just like you have used magic to solve that need, I think we could use agriculture to do the same.” Lilith said with a smile before adding. “Maybe if we used both together very little of the forest would be needed. Probably just a few plots close to the river. What do you think?”

“I think many an elf would be happy to hear that.” He confirmed with a chuckle. “Now, is there anything else I can tell you or will you be staying here for the night?” Sarkas asked.

Lilith looked out the window but judging by what she could see of the sun it was only 3 o’clock. She then realized he was considering her need to return to Daggerford by foot. She waved away his worries with her hand. “I think we still have time to visit the river before heading back to Daggerford.” Lilith said looking at her friend for confirmation.

To that Celeste simply nodded excitedly.

“Can we go too?” Came from the other room followed by loud footsteps and more pleadings. “You said we couldn’t go to the river any more. How is it that they get to go?” Delmar asked with a dejected expression.

“I thought it was dangerous but it seems that danger has passed us. If you want to go, then go get your river clothes on.” Sarkas said as he picked up the cups and saucers taking them to the near by kitchen.

The two children then ran off, presumably back to their rooms to change. Lilith and Celeste looked at each other marveling at the energy they had. Looking back at the elf she couldn’t help but feel a type of pull as the though of how good of a father Sarkas was and also at how much the children’s moods had improves since they were reassured that their mother would be returning the next day. With that another question popped into her head.

“How old are they?” Lilith asked in a hushed tone like it was a taboo topic.

“Oh Delmar is 42 and Sana just turned 31.”

Both Lilith and Celeste looked at each other again both of them lost for words, ‘elves are so weird’ she thought to herself before the kids and the noodles returned ready for their trip to the river.

The air was a bit cooler as the mid day heat was carried away on a steady breeze. After only a twenty minute walk through the dappled light of the forest they arrived at the banks of the Delimbiyr River. It was moving faster here than it was around Daggerford probably due to it being constricted by the hills on each side. Looking across it, Lilith immediately noticed the torn and trodden soil on the far bank. It looked like 800 orcs and 10 wagons full of people and supplies had traveled through there just the day before.

“What is this what happened to the far bank.” Sarkas asked?

“It looks like the orc army that we defeated this morning traveled through here. That also explains how your family got captured.”

“A force that large? You defeated a force that large? I….I can’t imagine.” he exclaimed with one hand brushing through his brown hair.

“Well we also had our own army and a master wizard to help.” Celeste said as she looked over at the far bank following the wagon tracks with her eyes.

“I see. I see. But why didn’t Yin and Yana try to lose them in the forest. There is no way an army that size would stop just for them.” Sarkas posited.

“They probably didn’t want to lead the Orcs back to you. But this is good news I am even more certain now that I freed them this morning this just confirms it.” Lilith said placing a hand on his shoulder.

“That's right they are in town at an Inn you said.” He smiled back at Lilith as a weight seemed to be lifted from his shoulders.

“And we will bring them back here tomorrow so don’t worry.” Celeste said with a smile that removed all doubt from the Elf’s mind.

“Yes. I will hope so.” He said with a nod as he saw his children begin to run into the water. “Delmar, Sana don’t go in too deep and stay on this side of the river. And don’t go where I can’t see you.” He yelled out in an authoritative tone.

Lilith and Celeste began taking off their clothes setting them on a clean flat rock that was by the river’s edge.

“Don’t touch that armor it will burn you.” Lilith said as she saw Sarkas looking her way.

“Ahh yes.” the elf said as he began to blush a little.

Lilith re-adjusted her white Bikini to make it tighter while her companion’s light blue two piece seemed to need little adjusting the extra fabric seemed to be holding up better.

Celeste had exactly the body you would expect an active nineteen year old to have. She was fit enough that you could see the movement of muscles just under her fair skin but no hard edges could be found. Her thin waist curved in to her mature hips with a delicate grace that the swimsuit helped accentuate.

Lilith on the other hand, seemed to have no end to the ridges and edges between her muscles. Whether it was on her arms or on her legs they each seemed to be toned and populated with the dense tissue that you would expect on a fitness model. She looked otherworldly in that sense as no one else seemed to have that type of definition to their bodies, certainly none of the women she had seen. Lilith flexed her muscles a few times to show them off to Celeste who poked her abs a few times in response.

Soon they were both in the water and swimming against the current to stay in place. Lilith went to find the deepest part of the river but discovered it was only 5’ deep and she could see the bottom from only a foot below the surface. The water was mostly clear due to the rocky terrain but it had hints of silt likely from somewhere upstream. The silt gave the water a slightly green tint matching Lilith's tail almost perfectly.

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Just a few feet away Sarkas watched with some trepidation as his children began to throw the snakes into the river. First it was Sana throwing one of the Noodles. Then the other snake got his turn before Delmar took up the duty because he could ‘throw farther’. Each time the snakes came back and exclaimed out loud how it was just like flying. Puzzled, Sarkas wondered how in the world a snake would have experience flying much less want to experience it again. He gave it some thought but then he shook his head and decided to wade into the waters himself realizing he was missing out on the fun.

With him Sarkas brought a small tree branch standing upstream of Sana he poured magic into it making it blossom with new growth. He then sculpted the leaves as they grew making them shaped like miniature boats about 6” long. He then plucked them and let them float down stream towards his kids as they played with each other and with the two snakes.

Sana began collecting the boats, lining them up on shore. After a while she then began putting small pebbles into each one and setting them adrift destined for the sea some 40 miles away. Delmar then began making even larger boats out of leaves the same way his father had. He was eager to show off in front of the two snakes as they praised him for the show as they rested on the shore.

Looking upstream Sarkas could see Lilith and Celeste flinging arm fulls of water at each other in jest as the two ladies seemed to batter each other in turns. But it soon turned serious as Lilith began using her tail to splash 3’ tidal waves upstream at her small friend. The waves soon topped Celeste’s head and her hair now fully wet made her look like a drowned rabbit for a second and Sarkas couldn’t help but let out a laugh.

His laughter soon ended as the small wizard was replaced by a giant golden bird. Its head was so far out of the water that it was even with the lowest branches on the trees. The giant bird made several screams and clicks at Lilith before it swung a massive wing into the river dousing her in a torrent of green water. Then both he and the eagle looked around for their long tailed friend as she did not return to the surface after the wave passed over her. He didn’t have to wait for long, as after about 20 seconds Lilith appeared behind the eagle, grappling both her legs at the same time with her outstretched arms. The eagle’s face now plastered with a look of disbelief turned sideways as it fell over into the river and replaced by a gigantic splash that doused the canopy causing droplets to fall like rain. Then after a few moments Lilith could be seen, some distance away, slapping the surface of the water with her hands causing it to jump skyward in small jets in celebration as the waterlogged Giant Eagle righted itself and began trudging to shallower water. It too now looked like a giant drowned rabbit, its wings soaked and heavy. Once at the shore it shook itself off sending water flying into the air once again. With the sun behind him, Sarkas could see a rainbow for a second as the sun had gotten lower over his left shoulder to the West. The scene mesmerized him. Something he would never forget. Not in a thousand years.

Once the bird figured out it would take a long time to dry out she returned to her normal form and began casting ice spells at her friend, freezing parts of the river directly to her skin. After getting hit with what looked like an Ice knife Sarkas was stunned as the demon teleported out of the water to begin wrestling with the wizard over a small glass orb. Soon the demon got it out of her friends hand holding it high in victory turning to smile in his direction. Sarkas then got more than he expected as he realized she was no longer wearing her top. Her large breasts moved and shook as she fought with her friend holding the orb up high out of her reach. Sarkas couldn’t look away as Lilith seemed to notice his expression looking down and covering herself with her other hand. Her friend relented for a moment before the demon went back placing the orb with Celeste's clothes. She then began jogging down river back towards him her arm barely containing her modesty as she seemed to be looking at the river.

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Lilith had gotten tired of the ice magic her friend had been firing at her. Even if it didn’t hurt much, the sensation of cold wasn’t pleasant. So she jumped to Celeste’s side and began wresting the orb free from her hand. Once she had it in her grasp Lilith teased her for a bit holding it high when she realized something was missing. Looking down she could see her breasts fully exposed as her top was no where to be seen not even a shred of it was left around her neck.

Quickly, she ran down stream to the waters edge ignoring the elf’s bemused look as she scanned the depths of the river. Going further she passed by the kids giving them an apologetic smile as she went around the line of boat shaped leaves. Upon her departure Delmar exclaim “Oh, no clothes! Mommy is going to be mad at you.” Apparently their mother was the disciplinarian.

Lilith just smiled covering herself with both arms now as she continued to jog looking farther down stream her tail making a deep gouge in the damp river bank as it pushed her along. Soon enough she saw it about 2’ under and 100’ away. Wasting no time she jumped to the shore next to it and then dove in. Her tail made swimming remarkably easy giving her a sudden boost of speed. She just kept her legs still and swung it side to side like an alligator. Soon she had the white garment in hand. Returning to the surface she looked it over noticing that all the pieces were present and undamaged except one of the strings that was cut cleanly as if with a knife. ‘An Ice knife’….. she fumed.

Once she exited the water Lilith use Fabricate to mend the string before putting her top back on. First untying the knot in front, then tying it back together with some tension, so it would hold her weight again. She then stopped to look at the view now that she was away from the others and had a moment to herself. Standing there half submerged she realized this area seemed oddly familiar. Thinking back it seemed to remind her of a part of Texas around New Braunfels on the Comal River. A place she had been many times. There was a water park she had visited with her family almost once a year the thought suddenly making her feel sad even though she was surrounded by beauty. She tried to steady herself wiping away a tear. ‘Whats wrong with me?’ she wondered as she regained her composure. They were some of her favorite memories. She shouldn’t be crying because of them.

Around her the cool air coming off the river was pierced by rays of dappled sun light that lit the mostly clear water with bright green streaks. The trees on the east bank reaching over the river on one side to cover half of it in shade. But as the sun got lower more of the river was being covered in sun the shadows retreating to the east bank where the elves were farther up stream in the distance. The other side covered in rolling hills drew her to look either up or down river as it slowly curved making its way East to West.

She had been so busy. She hadn’t really stopped to asses her situation much. She was in a new world. One she knew a lot about but also one that had its own secrets. She thought it was just a game but there had to be a person from Faerun writing that game back on Earth. For what reasons she could only guess. In her first day she had turned away an orc army, captured a succubus and then escaped a magic circle using the power of prayer to a god otherwise unknown to this world. ‘It has been a bit of a week’ she sighed looking down at her chest as wet droplets fell from her bikini strings into the moving water below.

And she was a woman now. That was a whole other can of worms to unpack. Why wasn’t she panicking. Why did this body seem natural to her. Was it part of the spell or was some part of our psyche just set to accept and tolerate its conditions the longer they persisted. Like a noise or smell that fades into the background. ‘Why have I been crying so much?’ she asked herself a hand going to her face following the still wet paths below her eyes. ‘And why am I even considering that man’s advances?’ she yelled figuratively into her own mind as if the anger was something that needed to be let out. Her fist struck the water as she began to hyperventilate. ‘I should tell him to bugger off…. But he is nice… and nice to me….and charming somehow…..’ “Fuck!” her fist hit the water again.

Her body was definitely affecting her. Like her mind was different than she expected. She wasn’t sexually attracted to him she thought… but emotionally… he definitely filled something she was missing. Something she wanted…. Desperately…. “Fuck”

At least there weren’t any storm clouds left on the horizon. The orc army was routed. The succubus was imprisoned. Everything should be fine now. Her breathing calmed as she tried to keep her mind away from thoughts of the Kevin. Then away from thoughts of the battle earlier today. The violence of the battle was still haunting her. Especially the sight of the zombies biting into Celeste and the way she felt so cold afterwards.

Shaking away the memory her vision turned back to the river as she watched the occasional leaf fall on the surface of the water. There were five points on each leaf and they curled up looking similar to a bear claw as they landed and floated on the surface, soon to be carried off to god knows where. In that moment of beauty, the horrors and violence from that morning seemed very distant. Lilith took a deep breath relishing this new memory from this magical world that she was probably going to have to call home. She then rushed back towards the others, remembering that she owed her friend a trip to the deep part of the river, free of charge in recompense for her torn garment.

After dunking Celeste in the river she decided to give her a piggy back ride as an apology. Her friend holding on to her shoulders from behind as she took them both up stream and down stream at a leisurely pace. Then they spent a few more minutes giving rides to the two kids as well after they saw the bow wave Lilith could generate when she really wanted to pick up speed. Eventually the sun caught her eye as she realized it was getting low. Dinner would be soon and they were expected back at the castle. Reluctantly she began to get dried off using prestidigitation before getting dressed. Once she had all her gear on she called the Noodles over. Meanwhile Celeste had started doing the same.

Still seeing an odd look on his face Lilith tried to comfort the elf promising Sarkas to bring his wife and her brother back the next day. With the young elves arrival she thanked the kids for playing so nicely with her snakes to which they had many words most of which involved some desire to see them again or to borrow them.

“Oh they are yours?” Sarkas asked seeming a bit surprised.

“Yes of course can’t you see the resemblance?” She retorted motioning at her rather large tail.

Sarkas let out a hardy laugh as he gathered his children to his side.

Then Celeste placed her mouth on her right wrist turning back into a Giant Golden Eagle. Lilith cast Enlarge on her friend the two of them hearing a few more gasps and cheers from the Wood Elf family. Then she climbed aboard with a snake on each shoulder turning to face the direction of the setting sun and the town of Daggerford, wondering if that leaf in the river would beat her there.