The Devine Demon {Chapter 91}

Chapter 91

Morning found Kevin stroking her tail again waiting for her to open her eyes.

Lilith looked at him and smiled relishing in the soft sensation for a moment. Soon she realized her coils went over him a few different times making him her defacto hostage. As the morning sun entered the room she blinked at him clearing the haze from her eyes. ‘So nice to have eye lids again and a fiance with such patience.’ she mused to herself as she stretched her arms. Then remembering that she had a date with a goddess, Lilith began to slowly untangle herself from him. Kevin leaned over and Kissed her as she continued to move more of herself off the bed.

“Morning.” he said softly as their eyes focused on each other

“I want to wake up like this every day.” Lilith said as the last of her reached the floor. “Come on lets go. We have a future to build.” She said raising herself up to start the day.

Lilith got dressed putting on her black skirt and then her arming jacket and armor. Finally she put on her sword and satchel leaving her symbol of Lathander behind. Kevin however, was only able to put on half his clothes as she had changed his size while he was undressing the night before. Holding a miniature collared shirt up like it was a children's garment, Kevin gave her an amused look before Lilith canceled the spell causing him to shrink down to match the size of his remaining clothes.

“So what are we doing first today?” He asked continuing to get dressed.

“I am going to go check on what resources we have here in this palace and I think you need to go visit with Karl and negotiate for that land you want. After that I need to corral some cows and visit Pazunia to sell them and try to deter any further surprise guests.”

“Should we meet up for lunch?” He asked with a hopeful look.

“I don’t know, are you up for lunch in Pazunia with a demon and a Goddess?” Lilith asked giving him a half smile as if it were a challenge.

“You don’t scare me. Call me when its time to meet up.” He said as he fastened his belt.

“Ok, but I may have to cast a spell on you so that you will fit in…..Oh ya, I need to put some spells in that ring of yours.” Lilith remarked before she placed her hand on his and chanted the rune words for several spells storing [Mage Armor], [Misty Step] and [Invisibility]. She then showed him how the surface of the ring was no longer smooth silver. Instead the rune words for one of the spells was written across the top and when he turned the ring another set showed.

“So I just speak the activation rune for the ring and the spell that is shone here gets cast?” he asked.

“Yep.” she said with a nod.

“This is going to make Celeste and Wendel real mad. I just skipped 10 years of studying magic with this one little ring.” he said with a grin that showed her how much he liked the gift.

“I don’t think Celeste will mind if it means she doesn’t have to pick you up out of the dirt again. Wendel on the other hand… who knows he may just turn you into a newt.” Lilith said as she shared a laugh with Kevin, half of her not wanting to be apart from him so soon. “Lets go get Bindi we have a busy day ahead of us.” she said realizing how she wanted to spend time with her as well.

Lilith and Kevin went to one of the few guest rooms close to the royal apartment of the palace finding two wide awake Noodles guarding the door. Luckily Bindi was already dressed in the only clothes she had. Lilith gave her the once over with Prestidigitation and made sure both of them had their hair in order. With one final check in the mirror the three of them headed back to Waterdeep with the Noodles in tow.

Arriving in the Tower they found that Celeste was awake and reading a book waiting for them and soon the four of them were heading up stairs for breakfast in the dining hall. Everyone had sausage and pancakes as it was by far the best breakfast they made all week. Everyone except the Noodles who were on a juice only diet.

As they talked over breakfast it was agreed that Bindi and Celeste would be doing magic training and studying the teachings of Lathander while Kevin and Lilith dealt with land issues both planar and extra-planar in origin. The noodles would travel with Lilith of course as she was going to be teleporting most of the time and the two snakes were getting to be too much to carry for anyone else but her.

With their plans made, Lilith and the Noodles returned to her palace while Kevin put on his armor and went to the Royal Court to watch the conclusion of the trial and then negotiate for the Baronesses land after she is stripped of her title.

Once back inside Buckingham Palace Lilith began to search for anything of value; gold coins, gold bars, crown jewels, precious gem stones, all of which caused several pings to light up in the same place on her map. Going inside the Royal quarters there was a staircase that led down below the state room. Behind that were several locked doors that reacted to her touch, unlocking and opening as soon as she made contact with their handles. Finally in a room made of large cut stone she saw a solid metal door with a combination lock. She typed in her pin number for her old bank account and sure enough it opened. ‘Thanks AO’ she said into her mind once again as the vault door opened revealing several carts full of gold bars and gold coins. Then on the shelf inside the vault she saw several necklaces featuring some of the largest diamonds she could imagine. Lilith barely fit in the vault at her increased size so she pulled one of the carts out and began to count the coins in the larger room beyond. The gold bricks were cast with markings indicating they were twenty pounds each and the clear boxes contained 500 gold coins each. Counting it all up there was the equivalent of over 40,000 gold not to mention the value of the necklaces.

‘That’s a lot of dough’ Lilith thought to herself before she continued thinking out loud, “Is this money that old Bafy was saving for a rainy day, or is this just what AO thought a palace should have?”

“It doesn’t look like rain today Ms. Devine.” Noodle One said as he slid about the vault, sniffing the gold bars with his tongue.

Lilith just gave him a knowing look before turning back to the nearest cart.

Deciding she would like to make a withdraw, Lilith picked up two of the boxes and filled up one of her coin sacks with 100 gold giving her 1150 gold total on her person. She then closed the vault and all the other doors as her and the Noodles went back to the Grass Farm where she placed the two containers that held 500 gold each on her night stand. She then went back to the front door of the palace making sure to lock several doors behind her on the way. Looking at the giant edifice from the outside for the first time she marveled at the masonry and its vast width.

It was a bright and sunny day in Bryan, the sun about a hand higher than the trees from where she was standing. Scattered clouds moved overhead carried on a light breeze across a familiar blue sky. ‘I wonder how big this place really is? I might have to find out tomorrow.’ Lilith thought to herself.

Looking down at the noodles she said “What do you think? About time we call a god and get a ride to Pazunia?”

“Is it the same lady from last night? The one with all the extra arms?” Noodle Two asked.

“Yes and her name is Kali. Be sure to call her that when you ask her a question. But please don’t’ ask any questions unless you have to, just stay with me. Ok?” she asked giving the two of them a stern look.

“Yes Ms. Devine.” they both said in unison.

She took a deep breath and then cast Sending while thinking of the dark skinned goddess she had met the previous night. “Hello, Kali I am ready to go to Pazunia I am outside my front door if you would like to join me.”

“Lilith, so good to hear from you. Is it morning already. Hmmm. I will send my avatar there in just a moment then.” The reply came back after only a few moments.

“She should be here soon.” Lilith said to the Noodles as she turned to face away from her Palace allowing her to look at the beautiful green pastures and rolling hills of the landscape in front of her.

Lilith pushed her tail out into an S shape wanting to look more dignified as she had spun herself in a circle a few times as she looked around. She then thought about how uncomfortable she was waiting. ‘I can’t check my cell phone or even tap a foot. This is ridiculous.’ she thought to herself as she had been waiting for a couple minutes. The two noodles also stood tall on her left and right, awaiting their toothy guest.

Then there was a whoosh and a gust of wind as Kali appeared in front of her. She was 14’ tall and dressed just as she was last time except now she had a sword upon her hip and a small pouch that likely had gold coins in it. “Sorry for the wait I had to finish up something in my other realm.” She said looking up at the palace and the clear blue sky beyond. Her dark skin looked less like an ethnicity and more like a purposeful choice to Lilith’s eyes. It was just that it was so dark that even in the daylight she seemed like she was coated in black paint rather than melanistic skin.

“Its alright I was just looking at the view and wondering how far I could go until my realm ends.”

“Quite a ways I would imagine. They didn’t call it the endless maze for nothing you know.” She said with a posed look.

“Then perhaps this place really is as big as Texas. You know my grandfather used to say that once you get out of Texas, you are half way there.” Lilith quipped, hoping for a laugh.

“I wish I could relate, but I travel by foot so rarely that distance doesn’t seem to matter much.” She said with an apologetic look knowing that she had missed the joke.

“Hey, do you think there is any way to protect this palace while I am gone? You know, just in case someone tries to get in through one of the doors or windows in my absence?” She asked with her thumb pointed back at the grand entrance of the palace.

“That is why Demon Lords normally have soldiers and generals to safeguard their realm. If you were to summon a couple hundred of those snakes you could have one guard each and every window and entrance if you wanted. Maybe work them into the architecture some how. I know, They could circle around the window frames and the molding on each door.” She said as she bent down to pat Noodle Two on the head.

“Ya that's exactly what my guests will want to see a palace covered in snakes. What do you think will happen the first time one of them opens a window and they are greeted by a talking snake?”

“An impromptu game of twenty questions I suppose. They are very nice for demons. Aren’t you?” Kali asked as she put a finger under Noodle Two’s chin to give him a scratch.

Lilith watched as the snake slid up one of her four arms and across her shoulders as she lifted him into the air, standing up to her full height.

“Its just not an option. I want to do something today to make the walls more sturdy or even indestructible if I can.” Lilith said as she looked at the front wall of the palace and its many windows and large glass doors.

“Well you could enchant it with a wall of force but it would take a lot of gold. Otherwise you need a gen or a devil to either use a wish or a pact to protect it in the same way. But good luck finding one of them down here.” She said dismissively

“So I just need to learn Wall of Force and then use a pact to protect it? I think I might be able to do that tonight.” she said with a finger across her chin tapping at the side of her lips.

“Wait you know a devil that will help you?” Kali asked, her eyes going wide.

“Its a long story but yes, I know a devil and I have his powers now.” Lilith said with a smug look.

“My aren’t you an interesting one. Now I am especially glad I didn’t kill you last night.” she said placing a hand on Lilith’s shoulder while trying to hold back laughter.

For her part Lilith let out a nervous laugh “Ya, me too.” she managed as Kali gave her a toothy grin.

“So shall we head to Pazunia? It sounded like you wanted to warn the other inhabitants of the Abyss not to come here.” she asked motioning away from the palace with two of her left arms.

“Yes and how am I supposed to do that exactly?” She asked of the dark skinned goddess.

“That's easy you just have to leave a message on the bulletin board. Now come along?”

Lilith quickly turned away from Kali and cast Alarm on the Palace and then returned to grasp one of her many hands. Noodle One then climbed up Lilith’s back and perched on her shoulder looking over at Noodle Two who was getting a ride from the goddess. Kali then cast Teleport causing their surroundings to blur as they moved up rapidly until they came to a stop inside a walled town much like Daggerford. There were of course a few major differences that Lilith quickly spotted. Every building was made of stone not just the walls. The dull gray buildings were large by human standards but they were dwarfed by the perimeter walls that towered over them. The other difference was the abundance of demons and the otherworldly overcast sky.

This town seemed to be primarily a fortification but it was also bustling with activity. Demons and extra planars of every type walked the streets going about their business as if each one of them had a job to do. Lilith then felt something for the first time. It was a sense of unease as she could literally feel that she was surrounded by evil beings in every direction.

Kali began to lead them deeper into the town, to a large building with banners hanging from the roof tops. The banner had many different demonic shapes; wings, claws, horns, tails arranged on a field of red. The Noodles were still resting on their shoulders but hers was covered with red hair as her head moved on a swivel to take in all the new sights. They then entered a large stone building on the edge of a market area and Lilith was glad to see that all the doors and rooms were clearly made for creatures of their height as both of them had plenty of room to spare. The interior was spartan and poorly lit but she could see just fine as they moved past a series of demonic guards who were wearing enchanted armor. Eventually she found herself led to a strange room. It looked small compared to the other rooms only about 30’ in depth and it contained only one object, a bulletin board made of wood and stone.

Entering the room, Lilith could see that the room had a definite beginning, there was a wall on Lilith’s left where the bulletin boar read ‘level 1 Pazunia’ but there was no opposite wall in sight. To her right the bulletin board and the room seemed to go on forever. Lilith’s eyes tried to focus on the surreal sight of the room and the board as the parallel lines converged in the distance. There was no curve like on a planet, the lines were impossibly straight and she could see easily for several miles with no horizon in the way. Blinking a few times her mind struggled to comprehend the size of the room much less how it fit inside the building. As she stood in shock Kali shook her shoulder bringing her back to reality and back to a realm of quantifiable observations.

“Don’t get lost on me.” Kali said as she fixed Lilith with her green eyes. “Some planes walkers look down at the Abyss and can’t look away. They just lean over and fall in.”

“Sorry its just...” She tried to focus her thoughts as she shook the image from her mind. “What is this?”

“This is the bulletin board for communication between Levels of the Abyss. Here is the listing for Pazunia. See it lists the name of the rulers and their territories. This layer has no single Demon Lord but several lesser ones. Here in Broken Reach a succubus rules the town and oversees the shops, restaurants, and entertainment halls. Yes, Red Shroud likes to keep a steady flow of new customers so that she can ‘sample’ as many of them as possible.”

“Interesting, I might have been here before. I think the armor shop where I got this might be here.” Lilith said as she tugged at the edge of her low cut chest plate.

“And as you can see it goes on to level two and level 3. Anyone that rules a town or territory can post on the board for that layer. You simply think of what you want to say and place your hand on the board for your layer and the text is conveyed. Lets go down a ways to the section for layer 600.” Kali said as she turned stepping over Lilith’s tail to start down the length of the board.

Lilith began to follow asking “Does this board go on forever are there an infinite number of Demon Lords?”

“Well, we don’t really know. I can say that no one has found the end to the layers of the Abyss it could be said that their number is an unknowable amount. But there are not that many Demon Lords by comparison. The Layers aren’t occupied much past layer 660. You see the weave gets thinner and thinner the lower you go and demons feed off the weave to survive. Do you know about the great climb?” She asked as they continued moving down the room away from where they came in.

“No, what is that?” Lilith asked as they passed the bulletin board for the 113th layer of the Abyss. Many Demons came into existence in total darkness in the void of the abyss none of them know where just that it was far down. Each of them are born with a hunger and they can feel that the energy they need is above them, up here where the weave is thicker. So they climb passing through every layer of the Abyss as they move. Once they find occupied layers they may choose to swear allegiance to the resident Demon Lord or keep moving up. This layer is the highest layer of the Abyss and they can climb no more. Some join the army here and fight in the blood war, but most work for a Demon Lord on one of the 660 occupied layers.”

“So that's where demons come from.” Lilith said as a wave of understanding swept over her.

“Sort of, its just where some demons come from. Others are created by gods such as myself or by Demon Lords like you.” She said looking at Lilith and then at the two snakes on their shoulders. “But they won’t be making that climb any longer unless they find a portal to bypass your layer.”

“Oh that's right. I guess I should expect a steady influx of cows then. I may have to hire some ranch hands to help collect them all.”

“Don’t worry we will help you gather them Ms. Devine.” Noodle One said with confidence.

“Oh and how would you help her gather cows?” Kali asked looking at the snake on Lilith’s shoulder.

“We can talk to them.” Noodle One said bobbing his head up and down.

“That might work, I doubt they are very strong willed they are just cattle after all.” Lilith said giving a nod to Noodle One as they continued down the endless room passing the board for the 400th layer of the Abyss.

“Lilith do you want to hear a secret that is only whispered amongst the gods?” Kali asked.

“I am not one for gossip but I do love secrets.” She said with rapped attention.

“Some of us think there is another prisoner down there deep in the Abyss. Something so dangerous that it has to be trapped in a place with little to no magic. In fact that thing may be the entire reason for the Abyss and all these demons and Demon Lords are just a cover.”

“Do you think that thing is where all the demons come from? The ones on the great climb?” Lilith asked.

“That is one theory.” She said with a coy smile.

They traveled a bit more in silence as Lilith thought about what her companion had just said. Then they reached it, the bulletin board for the 600th layer of the Abyss.

“It looks empty. Do you know what it used to say?” Lilith asked pointing at the Bulletin board that clearly read ‘Layer 600, The land of Bryan, Ruled by the Lord of Summer’

“I think Bafy used to have something on there that read ‘all are welcome to hunt in his realm but you must bring your own prey’.” She said as she motioned at the board with one of her hands. Lilith sat in thought for a bit her head tilting from side to side and her tail twitching and shifting along the stone floor. Finally she gave Kali a nod moved forward and placed her hand on the board. As she focused, clear embossed letters appeared on the board that read, ‘Danger! All who enter shall not leave. You have been warned!’

Looking over to Kali she asked, “What do you think?”.

“Its simple. I guess it serves its purpose. Now if that's all lets head back to the market. You don’t’ want to be spotted here.” Kali said as she began to walk back towards the entrance where they came in, some 1200 yards away.

“This room and this board who made them?” Lilith asked looking up at the goddess walking in front of her.

“It was created by AO, in fact much of this level is his making. That is why there is no Demon Lord here only lesser ones who rule individual towns like this one, but they gain no extra power from it. This land is neutral territory for demons and it is where their forces gather to fight the Blood War against the devils above.”

“Ok, but why is this building empty? If this is for communicating between layers I would expect to see more demons here reading it.” she posited.

“Oh, once you have made your mark here you can scry on this board any time you like. You can also send a proxy to change any board that you have control of.” Kali said before she stopped and pointed at a bulletin board they had just approached. “Here is my message about my sanctuary.”

There on the board read a section labeled ‘Layer 500, The Crimson Forest, Ruled by The Goddess of Life and Death.’ Then below the message read. ‘Here lie the souls of the tragic dead. In my crimson forest they light the night traveling on soft winds forever adrift in my red paradise. Enter uninvited and you may join their numbers.’

“That sounds interesting. I can’t wait to see it.” Lilith mused

“Yes just let me know and I will bring you and your guests to visit. It has been a while since I have had you as a guest. Was there anything else you wanted to do In Pazunia while I am here to guide you?”

Lilith pondered whether Kali truly understood that she was a different person and that Delvia was gone. But then she realized that she was a goddess and was probably well aware of the difference and that she probably meant it as a joke. So she flashed her a smile and moved up next to her before saying “You mentioned restaurants earlier do you think that some might want to buy beef from me directly or is there a meat distributor in this town?”

“A meat distributor? Is that something that you find in mortal towns? There is something similar here but also completely different. You see, food is not needed by demons they live off of magical energy from the weave. Instead food is a supplement, a luxury. It allows demons to gain power or heal from wounds. It can also be an expression of wealth and power. As such all of the food in this town goes to the town leader and she re-sells it in times of peace to those who wish to buy it while keeping some of the best cuts for herself and her favored guests.” Kali said as they neared the exit of the bulletin board room.

“Is this that Red Shroud you mentioned earlier?”

“Yes a shrewd succubus who specializes in poisons and betrayal. But she can be trusted if you earn her respect. So don’t show any weakness in front of her and follow my lead.” Kali said with a knowing look.

“So we are going to see her next?” Lilith asked as the four of them exited the large building at the edge of the market district.

The sky emanated a dull light like an overcast sky even though there were no clouds. It revealed the bustling streets between gray colored stone buildings that matched the dirt that made up the roads. There were some flying demons overhead that looked to be on a patrol. Their wide circling pattern drew Lilith’s eye to the central spire of the town and the inner wall that protected it.

“Yes, we can head there now unless you had some other business to attend to.”

“No, lets get this over with and then we can meet Kevin for Lunch.” she said with a nod before Kali began walking out of the market while Lilith followed behind her with a noodle on her shoulder.

Lilith and Kali spent the next thirty minutes planning what they were going to do. Kali explaining all the missing information that Lilith would need in order to impersonate Delvia. She had no magic besides being able to teleport 150’. She could produce demons at will and produce very powerful demons if she had a partner. She also was well known for her bad judgment and the ability to turn creatures to stone. Both of which were unusual especially for a Marilith. Then they had to decide on what to tell the succubus about the fall of Baphomet as Devlia’s association with him was well known. With their plans made they put the Noodles down and gave them strict instructions not to speak out loud before they headed for the central spire.

At the entrance to the central keep they were questioned by two Glabrezu who were wearing full plate armor. Kali did most of the talking and explained that they were there for a trade deal that could only be made with Red Shroud. Soon they were ushered in by an Imp who showed them to a waiting area next to a small court room. The room was tall but didn’t have enough floor space leaving Lilith’s tail waiting in the wings while Kali sat on a stone bench.

After what seemed like half an hour they were called into the court where they saw a succubus clothed in thin red material that hid almost nothing. The demon’s wings were outstretched behind her as she leaned back on a padded throne. An incubus stood at her side holding a plate of food while a different imp introduced her next two petitioners.

“Mistress Shroud, the next two petitioners are here about the same matter. They are the Goddess Kali and Delvia Mistwalker.” The imp said proudly as he motioned for them to come forward to where he was flying in the middle of the court.

Standing there side by side, Lilith waited to be spoken to as the barely dressed succubus looked them over her hips shifting in her seat.

“So what has brought the two of you to my court today. You an unwanted god and you a demon best known for her poor decisions. Although I must say, I am surprised you survive the transition of power to this Lord of Summer who defeated Baphomet.”

“It was a terrible battle it seems, Delvia is the only survivor and is now staying in my sanctuary.” Kali said as she looked at Lilith and the two snakes on the floor between them.

“Oh and what can you tell me about this Lilith who killed the Lord of the Hunt?” the succubus asked.

“She was tall, almost forty feet in height, and she carried a sword made of radiant energy. She had golden hair and matching golden eyes and wings that were pure white. The sword cut through anything it touched and she killed all who approached her even Baphomet.”

“Did you hear the words of Lathander during the attack? We know her victory came shortly after his words were heard.”

“Those words were when she appeared. We were trapped, there was only one way out of his palace and she blocked it. That disgustingly bright sword cut mine in half and that was when I decided to leave. I jumped past her and hid in the maze until that too disappeared and was replaced by land similar to the mortal world. With the announcement, I knew my lord was dead, so I called for Kali using a sending stone and she was gracious enough to take me in.”

“So the 600th layer is lost to an agent of Lathander? Well that is going to change some things. This information will be most helpful. Now, what is it that brought you here today?” The town Lord asked with her eye brows raised.

“I have made some new creatures that are very similar to ones found in the mortal plane and I would like to sell them to you. They are quite delicious, especially when properly cooked.” Kali offered.

The succubus rapped her sharp nails on the arm wrest of her throne for a minute and then licked her lips, “Well that is unexpected but I am always looking for a good meal. Do you have some examples of this meat that you would like to sell me?”

“Of course Mistress Shroud.” Kali said before she moved towards the throne to a serving table that was at her side. There she summoned three T-bone steaks just like what she had been served the previous night. The steaks were thick and well seasoned and had a fork and knife already on the plate with them.

Kali stepped back returning to the floor of the court next to Lilith where they both watched the lord of that town cut into the steaks and savor the pink meat for the first time.

Her eyes went wide with surprise as her sharp teeth bit into the piece of steak. Then a wide smile and nod followed as she swallowed the bite and went back for another. After consuming four pieces she placed the utensils down and repositioned herself on her throne. “That is astonishing. They taste like the flesh of the most heroic of men taken in their prime, and you created these creatures yourself?”

“Yes they are similar to ones found on the mortal plane but I altered them so they would appeal more to the demon palette.” Kali said with a toothy grin.

“This will work great in the restaurants here. I will buy ten of these creatures to start. What did you call them?” The succubus asked.

“They are called cows by the mortals and you may contact Delvia to have them delivered. I have given her a teleportation ring so that she may bring them here at your request. Now all we need to discuss is price.”

“Oh this is where the real danger comes. How much do you want Goddess?”

“One hundred gold per cow.” Kali said with a serious look.

“Have you gone mad?”

“No more than usual Mistress. You see each cow can make between 100 and 200 meals. Even at 1 gold a meal you would still stand to make a great deal of money.”

“One gold a meal? Hummm. I think some would pay that but many wouldn’t be able too. The taste it was certainly worth it. The thick muscles and the slight taste of blood…..” The succubus trailed off, her eyes drifting away as she licked her lips looking back at the three steaks on the serving table next to her. “I can do 50 gold I am going to have to train several cooks to prepare the meat just as you have. Not everyone has the powers of a god you know.”

“That is acceptable. Just make sure to construct a pen that is 50’ by 50’ to contain them and Delvia will deliver the cows tomorrow.” Kali said as she turned to Lilith and handed her a stone with a magical rune carved into its face. She then handed a similar stone to Mistress Shroud.

“Thanks would you two care to join me in a drink to celebrate our new business deal? I have some wine that I had brought in from the Underdark.”

Kali turned to Lilith and gave her a worried look but she just nodded back with a look of confidence. “Yes we would be happy to.” Kali said as the succubus began to cut up several more pieces of steak.

The town lord called over a servant and whispered to him before he quickly left only to return with a serving tray and three goblets. Also on the tray was a red bottle of wine the glass heavily tinted a crimson color matching her clothes and her hair. The servant made room on the small table for the tray and began pouring the wine into each of the goblets. The succubus then took up one of the goblets and crossed her perfectly sculpted legs as she held the drink in front of her face concealing a devious smile.

The server brought the tray down the steps to the level of the court, serving the goblets to both Kali and Delvia.

“To business. May we both get rich in equal measure.” the Town Lord said as she drank from her cup.

Kali and Lilith both followed suit. The red liquid was sweet but hid a slight alkaline after taste reminding Lilith of bad tequila. As she finished the cup she could feel a warm sensation travel down her body from head to tail the sensation of pleasure and numbness gripped her mind and then her body. But then just as quickly as it had came, it was gone, leaving her with a smile and a pleasant taste in her mouth.

“Oh that was some delicious poison don’t you think Kali?”

“Yes quite. Do you have any more of that Mistress Shroud? I think it was a love potion mixed with mind control toxin.” Kali asked placing the goblet back onto the silver tray still being held by the servant.

“I don’t know what you mean. I drank the same wine as you.” The succubus said pointing one hand at the other which still held a goblet.

“Yes but from a different cup. Come now, if you wanted attention so badly you should have just asked.” Lilith said as she moved up the steps standing just in front of the town lord making it impossible for her to get out of her throne.

Four of the guards came running up while leveling their halberds at her. With a flick of her tail Lilith sent one of them flying, his chest armor caved in, before he impacted the far wall some 20’ away. The remaining guards continued their advance but then exploded in a shower of blood and bones as a red beam came from three of Kali’s outstretched hands.

The two remaining guards at the entrance stood still not daring to move as Lilith embraced the succubus, lifting her out of her seat and kissing her on the lips. Red Shroud tried to phase into the ethereal to no avail as the magical gauntlets held firm. With a big smile and wet lips Lilith set her back down on the throne. “See you tomorrow. I love your hair by the way.” she said before turning to slide down the steps back to the court and out towards the entrance. The two noodles turning to follow her.

Kali gave the town lord one more wave before she motioned for the guards at the door to step aside. Lilith had never seen demons move that fast in her life. The two Glabrezu in full plate armor jumped five feet to the side in an instant as she slid out and down the stone hall leading to the tower entrance. No sounds could be heard from the court behind them. No screams of vengeance or shock, just the soft trickle of wine being poured into a goblet was heard as the succubus smiled, happy to have been let off with just a kiss.

Once they were outside Kali took a few quick steps to catch up to Lilith. “You kissed her.”

“I know.” Lilith replied

“That wasn’t part of the plan.” She said sounding surprised and excited.

“I was curious.”

“Well how was it?” she asked giving Lilith an expectant look.

“It tingled like a mild electric shock. Very different.” Lilith said as one of her fingers drew across her lips.

“Hmm interesting I always wondered what that would be like to kiss a Succubus. Well all things considered that didn’t go so bad. Where to next?” Kali asked.

The two of them went to the armor shop that Lilith had visited before and looked for a new set of armor for her. Unfortunately nothing they had suited her style. The store owner had recognized her again and told her that he had received payment for the sword she purchased. After a bit of small talk she found out that the armor wasn’t made there but in a different layer of the Abyss. Figuring that she could get the armor made in Waterdeep just as easily, she told Kali that she was ready to go as they left the shop to find an open area in the street. Once they had the Noodles back on their shoulders they teleported back to Buckingham Palace and called Kevin for lunch.

While they waited in the conference room Lilith began to ask Kali about all the spells she knew and specifically about the red beam she had cast at the demons in the town court.

“Oh that? That was Finger of Death. Do you want me to teach it to?” The goddess asked.

“No, I was just wondering what made a mess of those demons like that, but I would like to learn Wall of Force so I can protect this palace.”

“Certainly.” Kali said as she wrote down the rune words for Lilith on a spare sheet of paper.

Lilith began to memorized the spell and then asked her for the rune words to Create Food and Water as well as Hold Monster.

After being patient and giving her several spells Kali decided it was time to get something out of her new friend. “So what will you give me if I promise not to tell Kevin about your little kiss?” Kali teased trying to distract her as she memorized the last spell.

Lilith focused on the paper until she had that spell memorized and then looked up and batted her eyes at the goddess. “I don’t think he is the jealous type, tell him all you want. Besides I doubt there is anything I could give to a goddess that she couldn’t make for herself.”

“Can you give me some of your time then? Just like today? I really did have a good time showing you around Broken Reach.” she asked twirling the enchanted pen with one hand while two others pet Noodle One and Noodle Two who were up on the large table in the center of the room where they were sitting.

“I can’t spend every day in the Abyss. I actually need to spend a lot of time on the mortal plane. But I already said I would bring my family to visit your sanctuary and I am sure we can plan something else after that.”

“So this won’t be the last I see of Delvia Mistwalker?” She asked with a coy smile.

“Ha ha. But really if you want to see me just come here or join me on the mortal plane. You are no demon you can go where you please.” Lilith said tilting her head slightly.

“I think I would stand out a bit, even if I do make myself their height.” Kali lamented

“Then we can put some illusion magic on you. Which ones do you know?” She asked gesturing towards her with one hand.

“I don’t know any illusion magic actually. It is outside my portfolio.” The goddess admitted.

“Hmm then I will go learn some in Waterdeep and teach you something for a change. I happen to be on good terms with Blackstaff Tower.” Lilith said with no small amount of pride in her voice.

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