The Devine Demon {Chapter 65}

Now back in her room Lilith stored her old sword in the closet and sheathed the new adamantine Greatsword on her back. Only Feldin was in the lounge area of the floor as Amon put up the cart and took a break to attend to some personal business. Lilith then went over to see how Celeste and the noodles were doing in her room. Celeste had already marked her books with several notes and pages and the Noodles were sitting on her bed talking to each other silently. The only clue to their ongoing conversation was the head bobbing and the tail twitching that Lilith recognized as a story being told.

Celeste, seeing Lilith approach looked up from the book with an excited expression, “Look it says right here. Violence should be the last option used only when all others have been exhausted. But this does not mean to tuck tail and run. While running is advisable when fighting is the same as dying. Fighting to protect ones life and livelihood and the life and livelihood of others is a righteous cause that should be taken up by every believer.” Celeste said as she pointed at a chapter in The Book of Harmony. “What do you think it means by livelihood?” she asked looking up at her red haired friend.

“Perhaps it is your means of survival. Like your cart and horse if you were on the road, or your shop stall and inventory if you were in a city.” Lilith surmised.

“So some form of material loss that you couldn’t recover from? I know a few shop owners here in town that keep a crossbow under the counter. I even saw one of them pull it out and point it at a customer who was threatening to burn his shop down with an oil lantern.” Celeste recalled.

“What did you do?” Lilith asked with a bit of curiosity.

“I stayed clear so I wouldn’t get in the way of the store owner as he chased the guy out of the shop and down the street.” Celeste said with a nod and a hesitant laugh.

“Which book is this in?”

“The Book of Harmony. It has very few rules but it explains the meaning of a lot of different concepts. It starts with Self actualization then self Defense and then Self Education and so on ending with Self Worth. You should start reading it Lilith you will like it.” Celeste said pointing at the book and her many bookmarks.

“I will get started on my reading tomorrow, for now I have to go clear my name.”

“Oh is it time for that already? Do you want me to come?” she asked closing the book but keeping a hand on it.

“They have your statement from just after you flew over the keep. I think the most important parts will be Duke Rarington’s statement and those of the Baroness.” Lilith admitted as the Noodles stopped their conversation to listen to the two girls.

“So, you want me to stay here and keep reading?” Celeste asked with a side eyed look.

“Well you could go spy on Wendel and see how his dinner is going. Or you could use sending to interrupt him a few times while you watch him from the street.” Lilith said with a mischievous grin.

“Oh I would, but I want live to see tomorrow. No I think I will go visit my parents and maybe take them for a flight over the ocean at sun set. It should be pretty here too.” Celeste said as she rested her cheek on her hand.

“So that is what you did with Sharl last night?” Lilith asked with a knowing look.

“Ya it was really romantic and we also walked on the beach barefoot in the water. But flying is so much fun I want to show that to my mom and dad.” Celeste said with a smile.

“I understand have a good visit. I’ll see you when you get back. I assume you are going to have dinner with them too.” Lilith asked as she started to point her body towards her room.

“Yes I am. Oh, would it be ok if I borrowed one of the Noodles to help translate?”

“Sure, Noodle One do you want to go with Celeste?”

“To fly again? Yes that would be great fun.”

“Good Noodle Two you are with me lets go.” Lilith said as she moved back to her room to pick up the box and chain.

“Where are we going?” the snake asked.

“To Prison.” Lilith said in an excited tone.

“Oh boy!….. Wait prison?” Noodle Two asked.

“Don’t worry I doubt they have a prison cell that could hold either you or I. We will be taking the turtle to prison.” she said with a nod

“Oh boy!….. Wait a turtle?” he asked sounding even more confused than last time.

Lilith then called Bindi using Sending before she left and asked what she had been doing that day.

“We went horse back riding and it was great. And then we went running and tree climbing.” the reply came back sounding like she was still excited from the day’s events.

Satisfied that Bindi wasn’t sulking or giving Keven too much trouble Lilith went with Brother Feldin to find Amon in the Tower of Strength with the shackle and a box in hand. Feldin then went into the tower leaving Lilith to wait on the first floor as many Paladins came in and out at a rapid pace. Lilith spoke to the clerk at the front desk and learned that this was where the Paladin’s were quartered. After only ten minutes the two Brothers came back down and they set out on their way to the Royal Prison. There was no royal family in Waterdeep but there was an Open Lord. This person was the face of the city government and served as an executive while decisions of law were decided by the Hidden Lords a council of six who kept their identities hidden or so she had been told. Celeste was proud of her home town and spoke fondly of the current open lord Laeral Silverhand.

Lilith was escorted by Brother Amon and brother Feldin who made her leave her snake behind. They moved on foot and on tail down the Street of Silks to a large imposing square building just across the from Piergeiron’s Palace. The Royal Prison had four guards outside and two more on the roof. Then across the street there were horse mounted guards who patrolled the palace perimeter. To Lilith is seemed quite clear that anyone trying to leave the Prison on foot would have a very tough time.

These guards seemed a lot less nervous than the ones she had met this morning. They seemed to look her over much the way that the priests and clerics did as if they were matching her to a description. Then Lilith remembered that there had probably been a shift change at mid day and these guards would have received a briefing on her presence.

Feeling a lot better about her odds of not having weapons drawn on her for a second time that day, Lilith followed Amon into the prison while Brother Feldin held the door for her tail. Lilith went up to the guard at the desk and set the box down at her side. The chain making a rattling noise as it slid off the lid.

She cringed for a second and waited for he manacles to finish falling to the floor. “Lilith of Devine here to see Duke Rarington, it is in regards to the fate of Cromm’s Hold.”

“Oh right he was just here ten minutes ago, along with the prosecutor. They said I would know you when I saw you and he wasn’t kidding. What kind of a curse does that to a lady?” The Sargent asked motioning at Lilith’s general direction.

“Magic Jar, I imagine.” Lilith replied flippantly.

“Huh?” he asked not understanding.

“What?” Lilith asked not seeing the point to his question.

“Never mind, they are on the second floor in the prosecutors office.” The Sargent said before he stood up and looked past Lilith, “Cotton, please show Ms. Devine here up to Mr. Gray’s office.” He called out in a commanding voice.

“Sure thing.” The guard said as he began to walk to a set of stairs at the end of the hall. “This way ma’am.” he called out over his shoulder.

“Would you mind waiting here guys this building looks kind of cramped.” Lilith said as she snaked down the corridor her tail hitting both walls as she moved.

“If you like, are you sure there isn’t a problem?” Amon asked.

“No problem, the Duke has had all day to explain things. I am sure they just want their prisoner.” Lilith called back now halfway down the hall.

“Prisoner?” Cotton asked giving Lilith an odd look as if he didn’t expect her to fit into a cell much less stay in one given how she was escorted by two paladins.

Reading his expression Lilith quickly added, “Don’t worry she is in the box.” Lilith said as she rapped her fingers on the wooden container.

Cotton gave the box a look and then led her up the stairs. He jogged up the steep steps and then waited patiently at the top. After she joined him on the second floor he went half way down the hall and knocked on an office to the right. He then opened the door and leaned in to announce her. Lilith of course could only move about a third of her body into the small office but inside she found Duke Rarington who promptly introduced her to Prosecutor Gray. Lilith set the box and the shackle down at her side again and shook the prosecutors hand.

“I am glad you made it Ms. Devine. The Duke speaks highly of you and says that you brought a prisoner for us today.” He said in a confident, practice tone.

“Yes she is in the box, I also brought the shackles that were used to imprison the Duchess of Daggerford for the past year. We pulled them free from the wall in Cromm’s Hold and the prisoner is Lady Cromm herself.” Lilith said with a bit of excitement that she failed to contain.

“I have told all this to the prosecutor already Lilith, but we have had a slight change of plans. Instead of putting her in a cell we want to put her in the break room and see if we can get some more information out of her.” He said as he gave Lilith and apologetic look.

“You had me scared there for a second Karl, but why the break room?” she asked as she felt Cotton struggle to walk by her tail as it slid from side to side in the only corridor that led back to the stairs.

“Well you offered to take her to a safe house when you were trying to get information out of her back in that cellar so I figured lets set her up and put her in a safe house and see what she will admit to.” Duke Rarington explained as if it was the most logical course of action.

“So you have a room all set up to look like a safe house?” she asked.

“Yes we have the room all set up. Jugs of wine. Jars full of preserved food and a few coin purses filled with copper. It will look like something she would expect. Just talk to her get her to admit something, see what she was giving them in return and find out if she had any accomplices in her family. Is that possbile?” Mr. Gray asked.

“Sounds simple. So where is this break room?”

“Well can you show me the prisoner first?” He asked as he stood up to look at the box that Lilith brought in.

Lilith picked up the box and the shackle and placed both on his desk. She then opened the lid and picked up the turtle statue inside. “This is her. I can cast Greater Restoration on her when we are ready.”

“Heh you’re right Karl that does look much easier to transport.” The two men then shared a laugh that Lilith declined to join in on. Once he had settled down Mr. Gray spoke up again. “Just go down the hall. Cotton should be standing next to the break room he is going to be one of our other witnesses.”

Lilith then moved over her own body and slid back along her length towards the guard who was standing in front of a nondescript wooden door. He then opened it as Lilith approached revealing a 10’ x 10’ room filed with four chairs a table and a lot of food and drink. Once again Lilith couldn’t get her full body into the room but she was quite sure that it would only put Lady Cromm more at ease if she felt like she wasn’t trapped. So Lilith left half her body outside the door and placed the turtle on a chair. She then called out the rune words [Do] [Ra] [Go] [Set] and cast Greater Restoration on the turtle.

In only an instant the statue glowed and changed shape growing into the gaunt and still well dressed figure of Lady Cromm. “What is this? What am I? Did you?” She asked looking at Lilith and the room around her where she saw clean brick walls, a wooden floor and food preserves in abundance. It was an obvious improvement over being trapped in a cellar and she soon realized this as Lilith gave her a knowing look. “Am I safe here?” she finally asked.

“Of course you are. This is the safe house I spoke of remember?” Lilith said in a flat tone making sure not to act like a human.

“Yes but why did you smash his Symbol? Orcus will never forgive you for that.”

“Because he asked me to. We couldn’t leave any evidence now could we?” she suggested while holding her nose in the air pretending like the Baroness was beneath her.

“No I suppose you couldn’t but you could have brought it with us yes it was just a small box you could have brought it.”

“Now I won’t tell you how to do your job so stop telling me how to do mine. You are safe and Orcus still seems to have plans for you no matter how much those dragons interfere.” Lilith said with a bit of anger in her voice letting her teeth show in the process.

“Yes I was close so close. He was going to make me young again he said he would. I only have one more year to go.”

“One more year for what? I must know my role in all of this.” Lilith insisted lowering herself down to Lady Cromm’s level and looking her in the eyes.

“I don’t know what your role is demon but Pencheska has been sending souls to Orcus and he said I would have my reward in two years time. But all that is over now. That Succubus was captured and imprisoned by Sir Tanel who named himself the new regent of Daggerford. Now where am I? Is this Waterdeep?” She asked as she bit her lip and gripped her hands in frustration.

“Yes how did you know?” Lilith asked as she looked down at the Baroness pretending to be impressed.

“I figured it would be a good place to hide. So many streets and old buildings but this one seems quite new.”

“Yes its a warehouse that hasn’t been filled yet. The owner doesn’t know you are here and the workers won’t care if one small room is used.” Lilith explained as she struggled to come up with that explanation.

“Is this money for me?” She asked motioning at the coin purses on the shelves to her right.

“Its not much but its enough for some new clothes if you should need them.” Lilith said as she positioned herself so that the Duchess couldn’t make it out the door if she tried. “Now I must be going do you want me to give your son a message?” Lilith asked as she pretended to be bored and eager to move on.

“My son why would you contact him? The fool wouldn’t know what to do at the sight of you. No, I will contact him myself when I have need of him. Thank you I will tell Orcus of your loyalty when I speak to him next.”

“Then is there anyone you would like me to contact for you before I return to the Abyss?” Lilith asked as she moved her upper body towards the door.

“Yes you should contact the warlock in the hills, tell him to stir up the giants if he hasn’t already. I want that town wiped from the map.” she sneared.

“And by what name do you know this warlock?

“He goes by the name of Joker. You see he laughs a lot. And he has a big toothy grin.” The Baroness explained.

Lilith turned back and smiled at her as big as she could.

“Yes just like that you must have met him before.” she said in her old strained voice.

“Who do you think gave him that smile.” Lilith said as she worked her tongue around the edge of her mouth.

The Baroness then let out an evil laugh. It was high pitched and haunting. It even made Lilith’s skin crawl.

Not wanting to give away the game, Lilith laughed along too as she continued to smile with all of her long sharp teeth showing. It felt good as she had been hiding them for the past week, she just wished she had better company to laugh with. Lilith let her laughter fade then turned to leave for the second time.

“Demon you never told me your name. How will I tell Orcus of your hospitality if you do not share it with me?”

“You may call me Delvia just as he does. Ma’am.” Lilith said politely as she moved over herself and went out the door.

Cotton then pushed the door shut as she left in the opposite direction going around Mr. Gray and Karl who both had their backs to the wall of the break room. The prosecutor gave Cotton a nod and he pulled a set of manacles from his belt and opened the door. The two of them went in and told Lady Cromm of her arrest for treason. Much to their displeasure the screeching and crying began almost immediately.

“Unhand me. No! You can’t do this to me! Do you know who I am?” She screamed.

“Yes. You are under arrest and shall be know as a traitor to this kingdom for the rest of your life. Now gag her I have heard enough of her wailing.” he said but the wailing continued.

“I shall not die I shall be reborn as his servant you cannot kill me. Orcus is my lord and…” Her voice now muffled continued to mumble unintelligible babble. Then she emerged from the room, her hands clasped behind her back and a cloth now in her mouth held in by a bandanna tied around her head.

Her eyes grew wider as she saw Lilith and Duke Rarington standing in the hall. Down the stairs she went being pushed by the guard. Lilith went over to the stairwell as the prosecutor followed Cotton down. Lilith saw them go down below the first floor to the basement where the cells were likely located before she lost sight of them. Soon even their footsteps faded and Lilith turned back to look at Duke Rarington.

Karl broke out in laughter at this point followed shortly by Lilith. “Do you know who I am?” he said mockingly, shaking a fist in the air.

“I know I can’t believe she actually said it.” Lilith managed in between fits of laughter. The two of them went back down the hall to the prosecutor’s office. Karl sat inside in the same chair as when Lilith first came in while she had to go further down the hall and double back leaving the door way clear. With just her upper body leaning in their conversation continued. Lilith joking about how she wanted to be there for the execution just in case she really did come back from the dead and the Duke saying how he wasn’t sure she was still even alive given how skeletal she looked. Lilith then began to tell him about the Cathedral and how she got to speak with the avatar of Lathander.

Walking back down the 30’ of hallway, the prosecutor flashed her a smile for some reason as he was walking back to his office. Lilith then became conscious of how she was smiling from ear to ear as she spoke of her experiences that day. She really had enjoyed her time with Father Trendel and the Brothers and was suddenly feeling a bit less home sick.

“Well she is secure and we have a trial date set it is in four days so please both of you don’t leave town.” Mr. Gray said as he sat down at his desk and pulled out a folder.

“Of course, it sounds like Lilith is going to be here for a while anyways she is training as a cleric at the Spires.” Karl insisted before he changed tone. “Now it sounded like Lady Cromm’s son isn’t involved but he has obviously made false accusations against Lilith and I would like to see them put to an end.” Duke Rarington said with a small bit of outrage in his voice.

“From the sound of it I suppose you won’t be short on character witnesses.” Mr. Gray said with a raised eyebrow.

“I was hoping I could count on Karl for that, but if you would like the regent of Daggerford or a Master Wizard present for the trial I might be able to arrange it.” Lilith said as her head was tilted to the side mimicking him.

“That may not be necessary if everything goes well. I am going to make an offer to Mr. Voss that he can’t refuse. I will offer to overlook his false accusations if he relinquishes his claim to the Cromm Barony. I expect him to accept the offer but what do you want to do if he doesn’t?” The prosecutor said looking back at Duke Rarington.

“We should move forward with an evidence hearing while Lady Cromm is still alive. We use a Zone of Truth and get her to say in court exactly what destroyed her keep and what she conspired to do to the town of Daggerford. With her confession we take the property into the custody of the Lord’s Alliance and we will distribute it from there.”

“What will you do with the property once you have it?” Lilith asked.

“Well, having a separate Barony so close to the Duchy of Daggerford doesn’t seem to have work out so well. It led to jealousy and a successful coup using a demon of all things. So we would like to combine the two lands under a common banner.” Karl said as he adjusted his boots.

“Wait you are going to give it to Lady Morwen? That is perfect.” Lilith exclaimed.

“That is the plan at least, assuming Weston Voss takes the offer or the judge agrees that the family is to disgraced to retain their title.” he confirmed.

“Well as long as the testimony is give before anything happens with the property I don’t see it affecting the trial.” Mr. Gray stated in a flat tone.

“Lady Morwen’s statement was given almost seven days ago, she names Lady Cromm specifically.” Lilith said giving him a confused look.

“Yes that and her admissions today are all we really need. It is just something we have to look out for as a prosecutor. While it is good that victims sometimes get restitution when possible we don’t want financial gain to serve as an incentive for false testimony or even exaggerated testimony.” he said as he continued to make notes in the folder.

“I understand and don’t worry I won’t tell anyone about the plans. My lips are sealed.” Lilith smiled at the prosecutor but inside she couldn’t wait to tell Kevin.

“Lilith you should probably have someone write up a formal letter as a character witness and send it in to Mr Gray here. It may give him some leverage for his conversation tomorrow.” Karl suggested as he put on his tricorn hat and prepared to leave.

“I will, in fact Brother Amon is down stairs. He witnessed me destroy a servant of Orcus, so it should be an interesting letter.” Lilith said with no small amount of pride in her voice.

“Well good luck I have to report to the council this evening and I need to grab a bite to eat before then.” Karl said as he stood and moved towards the door.

“See you around Karl and thanks for your help.” Lilith said while pulling her body back and out of the room leaving the hallway to the stairs clear.

“No no my dear demon thank you!” Karl called out as he walked down the hall back to the stairs.

“Yes you made a convincing conspirator in there with Lady Cromm. Have you ever done that before?” Mr. Gray asked now seeming to be a bit eager to speak to Lilith some more.

“I have never conspired for anything evil but I did convince the Succubus Pencheska that I was going to help her kill a wizard only a few minutes before I tore her wings off.”

“What really?” Mr. Gray asked in astonishment.

“No, I only tore one of them off the other one was just broken.” Lilith said with a sly smile as she began heading towards the stairs. She was now moving around without an escort for the first time since she arrived in Waterdeep and she felt as if a weight was lifted from her shoulders.

But then she got down to the bottom of the stairs and saw the two paladins waiting for her and she felt as if the weight was back. Lilith just took in a deep breath that caused her body to rise and fall before she moved forward to greet her shiny protectors.

“So how did it go? That took a bit longer than we were expecting.” Amon asked as Lilith slid past the front desk.

“Ya we were worried they were going to try and slap you in irons.” Feldin said as he stood up from the bench in the waiting area his sword making a slapping noise against his leg plates as he stood.

“For what stealing eggs?” Lilith retorted.

“I hear that was quite a few eggs you know.” Feldin said in jest.

Lilith then regaled them with her acting prowess and the hilarity when the bitch was finally taken away in cuffs.

“Oh so that's what that noise was. We heard the screaming from down here. But what was with all the laughing that preceded it?” Amon asked as his posture relaxed some.

“Damn I almost forgot there is a warlock of some kind hidden in the hills east of Cromm’s hold. I think the giants were trying to retreat to him when I shot them in the back with….. with lightning. He goes by the name of Joker and he was the one who stirred up those Stone Giants.”

“How does that explain the maniacal laughter we heard?” Amon asked as he crossed his arms.

“Oh Lady Cromm said that he liked to laugh a lot so I joined her in a fit of evil laughter. It is quite liberating you should try it some time.” Lilith said before she gave the two paladins a toothy grin.

“I will have to take your word for it. Now are we done here? Can we go get some dinner?”

“No I need you to write a letter attesting to my good character. Maybe even mention how I killed a devote of Orcus in defense of the town of Daggerford. You know the stuff a judge might like.” She suggested.

“Sure that won’t take but a minute.” Brother Amon said as he went over to the front desk. He asked and received some paper and an ink well and quill. After about five minutes he had a long letter written and he then bothered the Sargent again for some sealing wax. Lilith heated the wax for him using prestidigitation and he pressed his ring into the wax completing the document. Lilith then took the letter and handed it to Cotton who was back at his post in the waiting room and asked him to give it to Mr. Gray. He smiled and nodded before heading down the hall and up the stairs. With their second errand done for the day the group began to head back to the spires but Lilith stopped them along the way.

“Please Amon let me treat you both to dinner I would like to go somewhere nice.”

“I guess we can, what kind of place did you have in mind?” he asked after stopping his forward progress and turning to face her.

“Wherever you think a Master Wizard and a Vicemage would go.” Lilith said with a knowing look.

Lilith explained how she wanted to go somewhere nice but wouldn’t mind if they happened to bump into Master Wendel on his ‘date’.

“Ok, I know a place where they might go but it would be rather rude of us to show up there fully armed and armored.”

“Then we can go by the Spires on our way. Right?”

“Yes its not far its right down the hill in fact.” Amon said with a sigh

“Come on this will be fun.” Lilith insisted as her tail stirred up some dust from the road.

“I am actually curious what that pompous Wizard is up to aren’t you Brother?” Feldin asked looking at his senior side eyed.

“Ok but you two need to be on your best behavior.” Amon said pointing at both Lilith and Feldin

“I promise not to lick anyone dad.” Lilith said sarcastically.

“And I promise not to smite anyone Brother.”

After Amon rolled his eyes a few times they continued up The Street of Silks and then Traders’s Way. After a 20 minute walk they were back at their tower as the sun was beginning to go down. The two brothers went to change while Lilith went to the Tower of Rest and down to the basement after they agreed to meet back at the entrance in ten minutes.

There in her room Lilith found a rather anxious Noodle Two sitting on her bed. He had been stuck there the entire afternoon while Noodle One was likely having the time of his life flying with Celeste. Lilith didn’t say a word nor did he. He just stared as she got changed and then cast invisibility on him. She then picked him up and wrapped him around her neck and gave him a pat on the head as an apology. She was now wearing her sun dress, her rings, her Holy Symbol of Lathander and an invisible snake who still hadn’t spoken to her.

But that didn’t last long as he soon asked where they were going while Lilith made slow progress up the narrow stairs.

“We are going to a fancy restaurant and I will order a plate just for you. Lilith then remembered that her coin purse was in her satchel and not in her bra and she headed back down to retrieve it. She gave the purse to Noodle two to hold and he soon had a death grip on it with his tail. The purse was now invisible but she could hear the 20 gold jingle as she moved back up the stairs.

Lilith arrived last, meeting the two paladins at the entrance to the Tower of Rest before heading across and out the courtyard. They then went the short distance West and turned left heading to the sea side and a restaurant called Silavene’s.

The restuaraunt was low and wide and resembled a ranch style house with a patio on all sides that kept the inside well shaded and cool. There were large windows to let in plenty of light and the setting sun could be clearly seen to the west over the ocean. The host greeted them gladly but looked a bit uncomfortable as Lilith insisted on speaking to her and asked for a table for four. After a brief delay the host returned saying that there was no seating for them inside but that the patio would have room. Lilith knew this was probably the best choice from the host’s perspective but she would have almost no chance of spotting Wendel if she was outside. Lilith agreed to the outdoor seating though as she really did want to thank the two brothers for being her escorts that day.

They then moved through the restaurant in a single file line with Lilith at the rear. The two Brothers were dressed in their traveling clothes which consisted of dress shirts covered by a leather vest and canvas pants. They both had their swords on their hips but brought no other weapons or armor. Lilith was wearing her blue sundress with the floral print that she had altered using Fabricate so that it no longer had a tail hole. It went down to where her knees would be and felt light and comfortable. The group got a fair bit of looks as it went past and Lilith scanned the room for Wendel but didn’t see him.

Once at their table outside Lilith found that she could in fact sit in the oversized wooden chair they brought for her and she complimented the hostess for finding it so quickly. Lilith took the coin purse from Noodle Two and placed it on the table she then picked him up and set him in the empty chair next to Amon.

“Wait did you bring one of the snakes?” Amon asked

“Well you didn’t let him come to the prison earlier, so of course I brought him.” Lilith complained.

“So you are buying him dinner too?” Feldin asked thinking that the fancy dinner was wasted on him.

“I may just eat most of it for all you know.” she said crossing her arms. “Can you read the menu Noodle?”

“Yes let me open it.” the invisible snake started saying before he grabbed the menu with his mouth and turned the page. “Yes this page has the chicken!”

Soon the three of them had wine but Lilith asked for four glasses of water. Once the water was brought out the waitress took their orders and then their conversation could resume.

“So what did you think of Father Trendel.” Amon asked looking at the demon across the table from him.

“He is much more personable than I thought the leader of the Order of Lathander would be. And humble, he didn’t even use his title.” Lilith said as she took a sip of wine.

“Yes he thinks the term Morninglord should be reserved for Lathander himself. Even if he serves as his voice here.” Amon said taking a drink of water.

Noodle Two then took a drink of water as well. Amon took notice as the ice cubes moved. Seeing that this restaurant had actual ice cubes Lilith decided to ask about them. “So how do they make Ice cubes here These look like they were purpose made for drinks.”

“They have these metal trays that they fill with water and they set them in an insulated box we call an Ice box that has a cold mass inside of it.” Feldin explaned.

“Whats a cold mass?” Lilith asked seeing that this was something specific to this world.

“It is a block of Metal that has been enchanted to keep cold at a constant temperature. They use some set above freezing to keep most foods fresh and others are set below freezing for the purposes of making ice.” Amon explained. “But they are very expensive and only last about a year.”

“Don’t they have something similar on your world?” Feldin asked.

“Yes but ours don’t use magic they use electricity. And everyone has them even in their homes.” She explained as she played with the ice in her glass suddenly remembering how much she missed certain things from Earth.

There was a path in front of the restaurant patio that people walked on as it overlooked the sea. The sun was setting and bright rays of light entered the patio from that direction illuminating Lilith and her dress completely. Lilith decided to start waving at some of the couples as they walked along the path and to her surprise most of them waved back. This continued for a few minutes until she realized they couldn’t see her tail as it sat in a shadow created by the hand rail lining the patio. But she kept waving and enjoyed the smiles of the people as they passed. Amon and Feldin were talking amongst themselves mostly agreeing that they were lucky to have been able to teleport back as a four or five day journey by horse was not a fun endeavor. Finally Noodle Two couldn’t resist and began asking the paladins if they could take him with them the next time they went out on horse back.

“Maybe little one it depends?” Amon warned.

“Depends on what?” Noodle two asked.

“Depends on the horse.” he said with a knowing look at the invisible serpent.

Then their food came out, two plates of T-Bone steaks with carrots and peas served in a garlic sauce for the two paladins. While Lilith had several different types of fish not knowing what each one corresponded to in this world. Then there was the plate of grilled chicken seasoned with an apple and spice rub.

Lilith began by pulling some pieces of the chicken into bite size chunks as it was cooked to the point where it almost fell of the bone. She then noticed that she didn’t have to wait for it to cool as temperature was not an issue for her.

“Watch out Noodle it could still be hot so better test it with your nose first.” she warned.

The two paladins were focused on cutting up their steaks as the snake made several pieces of chicken disappear after he tested them with his tongue.

“It is not too hot it is jussssst right.” Noodle Two said in his own unique accent.

The night went on and she even treated the paladins to desert. They then discussed their plans for the next day which involved some strength training and arms practice followed by their duties escorting Lilith. She still balked at the thought of needing not one but two baby sitters but then she remembered her encounter with the gate guards that morning. It seemed like the rest of the guards might have some vague description of her by now but it was better safe than sorry when it came to nervous guards. Then Amon reminded her that she also had to worry about other paladins and adventurers in this town.

Lilith paid 5 gold for the four meals and thought it was money well spent as the paladins and her familiar all seemed to be in a good mood. Even she was feeling satisfied at the prompt service and the spectacular sunset over the ocean. Lilith then gave her coin purse back to Noodle Two and asked him to hold onto it for safe keeping as he was already wrapped around her neck now that both paladins were standing and patting their stomachs with contentment.

“Yes Ms. Devine” he said out loud as the coin purse disappeared.

“Lilith I have to say I was worried when Father Trendel gave me this assignment. I got a junior paladin to break in and assigned to protect a demon. I was worried for a bit, even more so as we raced towards a battlefield after riding all night. But now It seems like I am on vacation.” Amon said as they went back through the restaurant.

“I can’t treat us like this every night of course but I figured I should thank you both for getting me here safely and indulging in my whims every once in a while.” Lilith said cheerfully as the group went out the doors and into the night, only the fain light of lanterns illuminating the hillside path in front of them.

“What like going across town to make a new sword. I am still surprised you found real adamantine like that. The Dawnbringer did a good job finding that for you with Lathander’s help of course.”

“Yes I am starting to understand the difference between arcane and divine spells. They really do rely on a higher power.” She said in a serious tone she seldom used.

“That is why we have to strive to be faithful. That doesn’t mean to live think and breath for Lathander every second of ever day. Just be sure your actions are something you can be proud of.” Amon said as he led the group up the path and back to the Cathedral

They hadn’t seen Wendel and Lilith was sure he was probably heading back to Daggerford by now but she decided to contact him when she got back to the tower. It was only a ten minute ‘walk’ for Lilith as she teleported through the rod iron fencing around the Cathedral and its courtyard. She looked back with a mischievous smile as she left Brothers Amon and Feldin on the outside looking in.

“Night guys.” she said as she snaked her way into the Tower of Rest and down to the basement. She then canceled the spell on Noodle Two and checked Celeste’s room for her but neither she nor Noodle One were anywhere to be seen.

Lilith sat down and contacted Celeste first using sending “Hey Celeste we are done for the day and I am back in my room. Where are you?

She only had to wait a moment as Celeste sent a reply after only ten seconds. “I am at home. I decided to sleep in my own bed tonight. I will be back in the morning with Noodle One. He is fine.”

Lilith smiled to herself glad that Celeste was getting some joy out of being back in her home town. She then called Wendel wanting to see if he would talk about how his dinner / discussion / date went with the Vicemage.

Lilith cast Sending again and focused on Wendel but she couldn’t connect to him. She then cast Scrying to see if she could locate him that way and also got nothing. Both spells failed to connect to him. Lilith could only think of a couple of causes for this. Either he was in a place in Waterdeep that was warded against Scrying and Sending or He was in Daggerford in a place that was warded in a similar fashion. That probably meant his room back in the tower. Having no reason to think he was in trouble Lilith began reading the first book she had been given. She opened The Book of Life to the first page and began reading.