Chapter 48

Beginning of Book 2.

Preamble: The world of Faerun is filled with humans, Elves, Dwarves and Dragons. The upper planes are home to many types of Gods, good, evil and in between. Meanwhile the lower planes are marred by two warring factions, the Demons and the Devils. But on the surface of Faerun along the Sword coast a large scale battle occurred that morning. A battle between 800 Orcs from the High Moors and 140 infantry and cavalry from the town of Daggerford. Each side had spellcasters. The Orcs had a powerful necromancer on their side who died after raising an army of zombies, while the Town had three wizards with a wide range of skills that helped them wind the day. But one of those wizards wasn’t like the others, she was a demon. A demon with a human soul. She possessed a spark of the divine and was working as an agent of Lathander, the god of life and renewed creation. Shortly after her arrival, she assumed the name Lilith and won the title of Defender of Daggerford for her unorthodox but quite effective actions. Even though she was originally a man born in Devine Texas, she now struggled to adjust to her new body and all the intense emotions and new feelings that came with it. Getting used to her existence as a demon was one of her biggest obstacles in this oddly familiar world. She knew that without discipline and guidance she could accidentally injure or kill those around her. But with help from her friends and from Lathander himself, she had managed to make a home here in the town of Daggerford. A growing town of 1400 people. With the grueling battle won, Lilith and her friend Celeste prepared to return to Daggerford having spent the afternoon exploring the wilderness to the East, trying to forget the dangers and horrors they had seen that morning.

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Faerun: The Wild Lands East of Daggerford: On the banks of the Delimbiyr River.

Celeste was currently in the form of a giant eagle. It was the best way to move over vast distances quickly. On her back was her friend Lilith and her two familiars named Noodle One and Noodle Two. As Lilith waved goodbye to the Greenspear family of wood elves Celeste walked across the river they had been playing in to the far bank. The ground here was pitted and rutted with the tracks of some 800 orcs that had marched through the valley following the Delimbiyr River West so they could attack the town of Daggerford without being seen on one of the main roads. Their tracks had flattened brush and compacted the ground making it unlikely that vegetation would regrow there any time soon. However this path did make a good runway and Celeste began running along it flapping her giant wings and taking to the sky in short order. Gaining altitude quickly, she circled over Sarkas Greenspear and his two kids. Celeste tilted her wing as a kind of wave then continued West into the setting sun, toward the town of Daggerford. Following the river they were also following the path that the orcs took. After 15 minutes the path turned away from the river going around a large prominent hill and arriving at the grassy field on the north side of the town. There, Lilith expected to see several carts that the orcs used to carry slaves and supplies but they had all been moved inside the walls during their absence.

Circling a few times over the Farmer’s Gate Celeste came in to land in the grassy field between the Wizard’s Tower and the Ducal Castle. The guards had become so used to her antics as a Giant Eagle that they hardly batted an eye. Even Tom stayed at his post guarding the castle entrance as Lilith slid off the side of her friend landing on the grassy field with two ten foot long cobras wrapped around her neck and shoulders. Lilith cast invisibility on the two snakes and they disappeared, shrouded in the near ethereal plane. Celeste’s Giant Eagle form became less giant as the spell faded and Celeste stood there only 14’ high at the head. Then she brought her head and right wing together and nibbled on her right wrist. This signal caused the enchantment on her to fade and with a puff of golden feathers she returned to her normal form Wizard’s robes and all.

The two ladies began walking inside, Lilith having to coil up her 15’ long tail and push herself as her legs tried to keep up. She had tried walking with her tail kept off the ground but it just weighed too much, the long dense muscles were more than double her mass. It had also made her look ridiculous as she had to bend forward so far to offset the weight. It was much more dignified to stand up straight and deal with the slight slowdown her tail caused. As they passed the guards and made it to the entryway there was a crier waiting to announce people as the banquet hall was now full of guests and music.

“Now entering, The Wizard Celeste Baker accompanied by Lilith of Devine, Defender of Daggerford.” he said in a proud voice.

The two of them entered and walked to guest room three to drop off the two danger noodles that Lilith was carrying. She canceled the invisibility spell to save her magical energy giving them the usual warning about staying hidden.

They then went across the banquet hall having to shake a few hands and wave back as militia and cavalry members thanked them and cheered at their success. But the biggest figures in the room and at the center of the crowd were the two paladins and Dawnbringer Hass. The militia men had brought every type of ale and wine they could find and stacked it on their table but only the two paladins seemed to be drinking. Each had a tankard of wine and they raised them to Lilith and Celeste as they went past. Eventually they made it to the back hall and then turned to the left knocking on the door of the Master Study. The study had been where Sir Tanel ran his secret government while the false duchess was on the throne. Even after the real duchess’s return he had continued to conduct business there as changing offices during a crisis just wasn’t an option.

After they heard a few voices finish a discussion they received the distinctive call of Sir Tanel yelling for them to come in. Lilith and Celeste entered and found a new face standing next to their friend who was well dressed in blue and silver formal wear juxtapose to his brown leather riding boots. Lilith could instantly tell this was a rancher but she couldn’t tell what kind yet.

“Duke Rarington. let me introduce Lilith of Devine, Defender of Daggerford and the Wizard Celeste Baker.”

“This is quite the occasion, meeting a demon, who has been given a formal title. I have heard a lot about you. In fact, you could say that you are the reason I’m here.” the Duke said taking a step forward to shake her hand.

Lilith shook his hand and gave him a polite smile as she looked him over. “I can tell you are rancher but I doubt you are here to sell me livestock.”

“You? No. Him maybe.” the man laughed but not at her.

“Now that you mention it. I am recently out several dozen head of cattle. But that will have to wait for later. Duke Rarington is here as a representative from the Lord’s Alliance. He was initially sent to make sure that some sort of leadership was maintained here while the real Duchess was found. But luckily you solved that problem while he was still on the road.”

“Yes I just arrived last night. I only had time to speak to a few contacts here in town. I heard from the criers and the runners along the road about the orc army on the move and wanted to make sure that the defense of the city was being seen to. Anyways, our mutual friend Mr. Miles brought me to the Drill Field last evening and what I saw left me with no doubt that the defense was in good hands.” The Duke said in a jovial attitude.

“Sharl really does keep those men in good order. I don’t know what we would do without him.” Sir Tanel half bragged.

“So I didn’t approach Sir Tanel until after lunch today to discuss the remaining issues.”

“Yes about the Baroness.” Sir Tanel said as he gritted his teeth.

“I am sorry to say that the Lords Alliance is going to want some assurances that it was indeed a dragon that destroyed Cromm’s Hold and not some type of retribution sent from here.”

“You can’t possibly think we could fight off 800 orcs and a necromancer and then 600 zombies and still have time to Sack a keep all in one day?” Lilith asked seeming a bit nervous.

“Don’t worry this is going to be very informal. We just need to send a force to garrison the keep so that bandits or Lizard folk don’t move in and allow me to inspect it as soon as possible before anything is tampered with or stolen.”

“Duke Rarington has already asked that a relief force be sent down from Waterdeep and it will be here in five days. Till then, we just need to hold the keep and make sure he is able to finish his inspection.”

“And when do ‘WE’ start this little expedition, I assume you are asking both of us to go?”

“Tomorrow morning weather permitting.” the Duke said as he clapped his hands together for effect.

“I can’t make either of you join this expeditionary but since you two are the last ones there before the keep was sacked, you are the best ones able to help Karl sort this mess out.” Sir Tanel said while looking at the two ladies.

“Well there were scorch marks and burnt...anyways the evidence will speak for itself.” Celeste said turning her head away looking at the wall for a moment before looking back.

“I will go but Celeste has a…. previous engagement that she needs to attend tomorrow.” Lilith said stepping forward half a pace.

“I do?” she asked sounding confused.

“Yes you need to find the two wood elf refugees and return them to their home in the morning a brother and sister.” Lilith said, giving Celeste a knowing look. Her friend had seen enough of that burned out keep. She could tell.

“Yes! I do need, to see to that. Regretfully Duke, I won’t be able to join you.” Celeste said in a staccato fashion finishing with a brittle smile.

“That should be acceptable. Now, not to make light of the Dukes business here, but I need to attend to a more serious duty now. If you would like to join me in the banquet hall I will be saying a few words to morn the dead and then giving out honors for the battle. And after that there will be some special food for the festivities.” Sir Tanel said with a wide smile as he began to exit the room.

Lilith, Celeste and Duke Rarington tried to follow but seemed to get into a polite argument about who should go first. After a few movements and pauses Lilith pushed him ahead as she didn’t want to club the nobleman with her tail. Soon they joined the celebratory revelry of the banquet hall each going their separate way. Sir Tanel began by quieting down the music and calling for everyone's attention at the front. Then with a bit of hesitation Lilith went over to stand next to Kevin who was also keeping his mother company. Meanwhile Celeste went to find Sharl but ended up bumping into Wendel first. Seeing as quiet was being called she stood still next to her teacher as Sir Tanel began to speak.

The regent went into a prepared speech, explaining the shear magnitude of their victory as well as how fortunate they were to have the Dawnbringer arrive just in time to save the infantry company as they stood in defense of the Farmer’s Gate. Then in a more solemn tone he recounted the fate of the seven men they had lost and why they could not be brought back to life.

“Through the use of foul magics those that had fallen on that battlefield, both friend and foe, were re-animated as the living dead. This included seven of our own men who had fallen earlier in the battle. I am told by the Dawnbringer himself that this, abominable act, severed the connections between their souls and their bodies. It is a tragic loss but those seven brave men are now with their gods.”

“By Lathander’s light!” the room called out in unison. The sudden noise making Lilith jump with a start causing Kevin to smirk at her. Then the room raised their glasses in honor of the victorious dead. Their names were called out one by one and their friends cheered in turn. Finally Sir Tanel announced a yearly stipend for their families that would last for ten years. Cheers sounded out again as more wine was spilled. With the sad business settled, the regent switched his tone once again asking the band to resume their music.

The band was a singer, flute and drum trio that had an almost patriotic style to Lilith's ears. After a song the hall was quieted again while the actions of the battle were then called out starting with Celeste’s valiant aerial bombing run that resulted in the almost complete annihilation of an orc berserker company. With that the wizard was prompted to come to the front where she receive a decorative ribbon to much applause. It was Green with white and black vertical stripes seeming to be made for a militia dress uniform but Sir Tanel pinned it to her Wizard’s robes all the same.

Next he called out Lilith for using fire magic to cut another Orc company in half and then single-handedly delay the remainder, successfully defending the militia’s left flank. A big cheer went up from the men as Lilith walked and shimmied her way to the front. Sir Tanel presented her with the same ribbon he had given to Celeste but could not find a place to pin it on her plate armor.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

In a vain attempt to be helpful Lilith decided to dismiss her chest armor to reveal her arming jacket underneath thinking that Sir Tanel could attach the pin to that. She said the rune word to dismiss the chest piece but instead of revealing her crimson arming jacket, it instead revealed a white, tight fitting, string bikini top. Lilith heard and saw a much bigger reaction from the militiamen than she expected and looked down wondering if her jacket wasn’t fully buttoned. Now remembering that she had worn the swimsuit that afternoon as her and Celeste had spent it relaxing by the river she quickly reactivated her chest armor and reached out her hand for the ribbon.

Returning to the back wall with her face now beet red, Lilith tried to keep her head high even as an assortment of friendly taunts and jabs came her way. The crowd took a while to quiet down the sounds all blending together until she took her place next to Kevin once again. There he leaned closer asking if she had normally wore that under her armor all along. Taken aback she couldn’t help but laugh playfully punching the side of his armor as she repositioned her tail so it wouldn’t trip anyone.

Next was the recounting of the multiple fire balls that Master Wendel cast to help Lilith in her defense of the militias flanks and he too received the same ribbon pinned to his robes.

Finally, ribbons were given to the two paladins and the cleric that had rescued the militia company from a horde of undead orcish zombies at the end of the battle. Once Sir Tanel had given the last award, Father Theodon came to the front surprising everyone as he had been completely unseen before hand.

The cheery priest gave his usual greeting before he began to tell a cautionary tale. He spoke of the Necromancer that raised the dead and the ever damning consequences that were the fate of all that trusted the demon lord Orcus, ‘who feasted on the souls of his victims and his followers alike’. He then announced that he would be awarding Lilith with a magical ring for her service to the living, having slain such a foul wizard.

“May this ring serve as a reminder that Wisdom cuts away folly just as light cuts away darkness.” He said as he waited for Lilith to come to the front again.

Seeing enough room for her and her 15’ tail, Lilith jumped forward the 30 feet needed and arrived next to Father Theodon in record time. After he recovered from the shock the priest presented her the ring, telling her that it could help protect her mind from outside influences. It was a smooth, gold band with three rubies embedded in it, the central one being twice as large as the others. Lilith dismissed her left gauntlet placing the ring on her middle finger where it resized itself to fit perfectly. A loud cheer went up and she waved to everyone then bowed to Father Theodon before he stepped back behind Sir Tanel as Lilith slowly returned to Kevin’s side this time not blushing from embarasment.

As she moved Lilith noticed that the Duchess wasn’t at the front. She was on the back wall some 15’ to the side of Kevin just standing there in rather plain clothes. She had never seen Lady Morwen so reserved. Normally she liked to be in the thick of things but now, she was literally against the back wall as far from Sir Tanel as she could get.

Diverting away from Kevin she settled near the lady showing off her ring for a second before she leaned in to speek.

“Why aren’t you up there supporting him?” Lilith asked.

“This is his victory. I would only be a distraction.” She said with a knowing look. “I think this shows he is much more capable than I thought he was. Much more than that head strong knight that arrived here five years ago. Anyways I will take the crown again in 17 days, for now he needs this victory. It must have been a hard year for him too.” She smiled at Lilith briefly before she looked down her face showing several emotions rapidly that she didn’t want seen.

“He did seem very happy to see you.”

“I as well. Perhaps more than I wanted to admit.” she demurred again.

“What are you saying mother?” Kevin asked. The adventurer somehow managing to sneak up on them both in the din of the celebration.

“Nothing you need to worry about dear. Its just, your mother isn’t dead after all.”

“I see.” he managed his focus now turning to the regent at the front of the room.

Sir Tanel was once again speaking of someone’s heroic deeds. This time it was Sharl.

He began by explaining the large boisterous mans absence. Apparently Sharl had volunteered for guard duty so that as many of the militia men could attend the celebration as possible. Then Sir Tanel continued to compliment him for his perseverance on drilling the men to a fine razors edge and then leading them into battle to much success.

With that story done the music picked back up. Thinking of something important, Lilith showed her ring to Kevin asking him how she was supposed to attune to it.

“You just hold it in your hand for an hour. Its best to do it before going to bed sometimes items have properties that reset with a rest. Once you are attuned you get any of the passive benefits the magical item has as long as no one else has attuned to it. But you need to be wearing the item to use any active abilities like the circlet of blasting for example.”

“Oh then I will be sure to do that tonight. It seems Lathander gives me things right before I need them.” Lilith said holding her left hand out again to look at the ring.

After a bit longer Lilith heard her name being called from the front causing her to perked up and listen. Looking closer it seemed they had brought out a silver platter with a large domed cover saying it was a special meal just for her.

Curious and hungry as she was Lilith came forward being shown to one of the tables up front where they brought her the platter. Once she was seated the lid was lifted the chef’s arm and the lid blocking her vision for a moment. As he stepped back the room erupted in laughter. Inside she found several dozen raw eggs. It truly was a sight to behold. They were stacked into a pyramid in a large wicker basket just begging for sweet embrace of her throat. Once again aware of her surroundings Lilith looked around sheepishly figuring that someone had noticed the missing eggs but she still didn’t know how they knew it was her. Wendel finally put a hand on her shoulder and said “A few nights ago they had me place a sensor in the pantry and do you know what I saw last night? Eggs floating in the air and disappearing… does that sound familiar?” He asked pointing a finger at the corner of his mouth then tapping it twice.

She suddenly realized she was drooling bringing up a hand to wipe it away. “You caught me. Lilith eater of eggs.” She said loud enough for the whole room to hear.

“Slap her in irons!” One man called out as a cheer went up around the room.

Lilith then began to eat the eggs unabashedly. The white orbs were just as good as they had been the previous night. She was on her third egg before Sir Tanel announced the main course for the feast that evening.

“Despite the rumors, the orcs didn’t get all my cattle. I may have abused my powers as regent bringing some of them inside the walls to a fenced in portion of the commons to keep them safe.”

A few boos rang out across the room in jest.

“I had to, just in case the Orcs put us under siege. But I figured since we have the cows on hand anyways why not use a few for our feast tonight. That way my hands will have fewer to drive out to pasture in the morning.” Sir Tanel said as he made two sharp claps in the direction of the kitchen window.

At his signal the staff began bringing out platter after platter of every cut of beef imaginable. The men started cheering as the plates were distributed to each table as they all began to take their seats many of them shuffling around seeming to want to eat next to members of their own line.

Kevin soon came over sitting across from Lilith who was still working on her eggs. Her nose twitched at the smell of the seared brown meat but even that didn’t stop her progress for more than a second. Egg after egg found its demise as she swallowed them whole crushing them with the muscles in her throat. Each egg tasted like a sugar coated candy as it went down causing her to make some scandalous noises as Kevin watched on in envy. “Now don’t enjoy that too much you will make me jealous.”

Lilith though Kevin might be wishing he could enjoy food as much as her so Lilith thought of what she could do to perhaps make that possible.

Once she settled on something she was sure would do the job, she turned around looking for the Master Wizard while she still held an egg in her hand. “Wendel!” She called finding him only a table away. “I need you to summon up some food for the men.” She insisted in between eggs.

“Sure what do you want me to make?” He asked as Lilith paused holding another egg in front of her contemplatively.

“Onion rings!” Lilith said with a nod. “Lots of them.”

With a few pointed question and a few more eggs Lilith explained the recipe for both onion rings and barbecue sauce to the bemused wizard. Then nodding as he finally understood what she wanted Wendel had the staff bring over an extra table where he produced around 40 lbs of Onion rings and barbecue sauce using the spell [Create Food and Water], filling the table end to end.

After a bit more cheering the militiamen began trying the new food finding it to their liking. Surprisingly the sauce quickly became more popular than the onion rings many of them dipping their meat in it.

Once the rush had died down Kevin retrieved a plate of onion rings and sauce, for both he and Lilith to share. Their steaks arrived while he was up much to their delight.

“Talk about service!” He said as he set down the platter of onion rings in between the platter of steaks and the nearly empty basket of eggs.

Seeming a bit conflicted, Lilith gave up on the basket setting it under the table before she pulled a steak onto the silver platter. With a fork she began lifting a cut, taking mouth sized bites out of it as she used her other hand to hold it steady. After a few more bites she found that she wasn’t hungry any more. Not full yet, she was however feeling much better after her earlier exertions.

After most of the room had finished their meal the music changed to a more jaunty tune fitting for dance and the night went on. Drinking and eating for most Dancing and laughter for others. Given that the company was mostly male the dancing was of a totally different variety than Lilith had ever seen before. It was a mixture of line dancing and posturing that seemed very odd to her. Kevin then explained that it was done at the beginning of a ball to entice ladies to dance with them later.

Sir Tanel finally made his way to Lady Morwen’s side and spoke briefly before they retreated up stairs likely to the dining room for their own meal. Lilith watched as they went to the stairs in the servants wing. She shot a smile at Kevin when he looked at her after having noticed their departure as well. Kevin returned her smile but he soon had other things on his mind. His feet met hers and wrapped around the back of her armored calves. Lilith appreciated the sentiment but this was probably not the best night for it in her mind. She needed to be well rested for her expedition in the morning and Kevin needed to start getting used to some distance between them. She was not going to give in to him just because he was persistent. Nor was she going to allow herself to be led by her own strange desires.

After a few more drinks and the rest of the onion rings, Lilith excused herself kissing Kevin on the top of the head as she pressed him into his seat so that he wouldn’t consider following her. As she got to her room she locked the door and began getting ready for bed. Not at all to her surprise Kevin was soon at her door. The gentleman at least having the courtesy to give her time to change clothes before he came calling.

“Kevin I have to be up early in the morning. We are going to Cromm’s Hold to survey the damage.” Lilith said as she held her new magic ring in her hand. She had already changed into her evening gown as all the rest of her jewelry rest on the dresser.

“I know, it would just be nice to spend a night with you where something weird doesn’t happen.” he lamented, his voice a hushed yell as he tried to converse through the door.

Not wanting the details to be yelled down the hall Lilith opened the door talking in a whisper.

“So you didn’t like it when a 10’ long snake came out of my mouth and landed on your arm last night?”

“No, to be honest. It was actually more disturbing than what happened before the dinner.” He pressed on the door a bit and she let him in. Kevin went to lean on the bed his eyes briefly looking at the ring and bra on the dresser.

“So tell me what am I?” Lilith asked with a serious tone as she crossed her arms over her night gown.

“You’re a Demon and a damned beautiful one at that.”

Her heart skipped a beat but she didn’t let that get to her.

“Oh? Flattery will get you everywhere. Just not tonight.” she said with a coy smile keeping her distance from both him and the bed.

“Fine but do me a favor?” Kevin asked as he stood back up his eyes now focused on only her.

“What?” She asked as several ideas rushed through her head, most of them involving less clothes than she expected.

“Mess up my hair first. I don’t want the guys thinking I came in here for nothing.” He walked closer an apologetic smile on his face.

“Ok, but only if you promise to leave now.” Lilith said as she placed both hands on his head waiting for him to promise.

“Fine, I promise. I will leave.”

Her hands went crazy, mixing his hair up like a salad. Kevin then kissed her on the lips holding her close for about ten seconds until he released her and fell back from his tip toes down to his heals. He then left closing the door behind him leaving Lilith alone with her discordant thoughts. Well almost alone.

“You awake Noodles?” She called out hearing them moving in the closet. The snakes answered cheerfully. They soon came out laying on the bed next to her, each of them coiled in a circle on the far side of the bed close to the window. Lilith then said a prayer before laying down herself. “Dear lord, please give me the wisdom to follow your path and the strength to overcome any obstacles along my way, even the cute ones. In Jesus name I pray, ah men.” She then snapped her fingers snuffing out the candles with Prestidigitation. She then began to hoist her whole body including the 15’ long dark green tail onto the bed. She once again decided to hug it like a body pillow. The feeling of holding on to something roughly her own size was now comforting like something she needed and just didn’t know she had been missing.

Slowly she drifted off to sleep. It had been a long day. A day filled with the near death of her friend. Her own pummeling by orcs and the near decimation of the militia unit. She then thought about the wild lands they had visited, East of Daggerford. The lush forest valley and the family of wood elves she had met. Then there was the fun she had with Celeste in the river. But most of all she remembered the sun glistening over the river as the day drew to a close and that leaf that fell and floated away. With that she drifted into a zen like sleep at peace with the world and her own place in it. She had survived. Her friends had survived and she felt safe and loved.

Then she heard a voice. “He heard you.” it said in a calm and gentle tone she had come to be familiar with.

Suddenly, Lilith was in a waking dream surrounded by nothing. Her existence was shapeless formless in an empty void. Then she saw a point of light ahead of her. Slowly it expanded and curved downward forming a horizon line. Then it grew brighter and from its center came the rising sun. Out of this new day walked a familiar man, his young face was kind and caring, his hair golden and curled at the edges. His clothes were a mixture of white and gold cotton fabrics that fit him perfectly.

The god walked closer and closer his enormous size becoming more apparent with each step. Soon he was standing above Lilith towering over her. Looking up she knew without a doubt she was in the full presence of Lathander. “You have done well my child. You have proven yourself worthy of the power you were given. Your faith in me and in the Teacher, have reflected well upon you. And it is due to your faith that I can offer you the last of the power that we salvaged from the one you know as Maldeval. It will help you on your journey and ensure that you are able to overcome the ‘obstacles’ ahead of you even the ones you find cute.” With a chuckle he held out a radiant orb with his hand. It glowed red like a ball of fire as it drew it closer to her.

Seeing this Lilith spoke out surprising herself as she managed it. “I have been having trouble, adjusting to these gifts. Can you make me more in your image, more human?”

“I am sorry but I have a plan for you and that means that you are needed to be in that body. It is quite powerful you know.”

“I know its just not normal though. I just want to fit in. Its getting hard to wear normal clothes and I scare people some times. Its just. Hard.”

“As hard as today was do you regret any of it?”

Lilith thought back to the battle and everything she had done. Her demonic body and the power within it had helped win the day on several occasions. She had held the left flank. She defeated the necromancer. She even saved Celeste just in the nick of time. She had done all that thanks to her demonic body and the power that Lathander had been feeding her. Now thinking back on his words she realized that there was probably more to come. She hadn’t even been able to see the fullness of his plan yet and she still wanted to be part of it.

“No I don’t regret it and thanks for believing in me and granting me this power. I’m glad I could do what I did.”

“And so you should be.” He said as he moved the red orb of energy closer to her.

“But is there anything you can do to make this easier? Less punishing on the people around me.” Lilith asked thinking how hard it had been on both Celeste and on Kevin.

“I have already done all I can. As I told you my powers revolve around creation, new life and rebirth.”

It then occurred to Lilith what he meant. He was the reason that the Noodle’s had her disposition and some of her knowledge. He couldn’t give them a soul but he could give them as much of her as their minds could carry. For a second Lilith tried to imagine the chaos if actual demons had been summoned by her and she understood the magnitude of the gift she had been given. “I think I understand. I like the Noodles and I will treat them well.”

“I don’t think you understand fully but you will in time.” He said with a smile that illuminated the world.

Lilith didn’t like that smirk. The smirk of a god that still knew something she didn’t. Her eyes grew strained his vestments were so bright. Looking down she could now see the world of Faerun below her spinning, as the continuous dawn moved over it like a wave. Taking several deep breaths she looked back up at the god standing over it all her eyes moving to the burning red orb. She reached out with a hand grasping the orb as he brought it down to her. In an instant it passed into her hand filling her with a numb warmth that seemed to build and build. Slowly she felt the power suffuse her body spreading to every inch of her arms and her tail. The feeling was almost overwhelming as Lilith had to focus on his face to not lose consciousness. The brightness of his face and golden hair still visible as her eyes blinked and her head bobbed as she felt more and more tired by the second.

“The last thing I have for you child, is not a gift but a promise. My light will never again harm you or your companions so long as you remain faithful. Now go, you still have much to do and much to learn.” He said standing back up to his full height.

With those words Lilith began to fall back from Lathander and away from the rising sun. Soon she had slowed and was now stationary above a single part of the world covered by the darkness of night. She felt a warm steady beating in her heart as the warmth washed through her, lulling her back into a peaceful sleep.