Educational experience

After a while, the three of you get cleaned up and dressed. Sarah gets back to work, though she has a big grin on her face the whole time. You and Ferra aid however you can, although mostly you stay out of the way as Sarah works. As for Lilith, she seems lethargic, sated on the love and lust you just provided her. Interestingly, she seems much more agreeable this way, volunteering information to aid Sarah.

You learn a few interesting things about the armor. Sarah declares it almost impenetrable, capable of deflecting all but the strongest of weapons, although the impact could still hurt you. However, that protection is much weaker over the gaps between the armor pieces. A normal weapon would likely still fail to harm you, but any sort of magical one would be able to slip through.

The other abilities are powerful, but draining. You can use stored energy for bursts of strength and speed, or to enhance your magical ability. However, doing that will weaken Lilith, and so weaken the protection. It will stay weaker until she is ‘fed’ again.

There’s more, but Sarah can’t dig deeper without a lot more time. However, she also tells you that the stronger the power the armor uses, the more it will force Lilith to attempt to corrupt you.

You shake your head. “You mean it’s not the armor forcing me to do things, it would be Lilith?”

Even Lilith seems surprised. Wait. Explain that, hellhound. What do you mean, force me?

Sarah points to a line of runes around the gem set into the breastplate. “These are command runes, but directed inward. I would assume that this gem is where you are imprisoned. I can’t interpret all of this, but there’s definitely a compulsion being laid on Lilith.”

You furrow your brow. “Could we smash that gem and free her?”

Sarah shakes her head. “The layers of magical protection laid over the gem are stronger than any I’ve seen. I have no idea how you could affect the gem in any way.”

Yes, that’s where I am. And why would I want your help? I’m fine where I am!

Ferra nods. “So, it is a succubus charm, compelled by magic.”

Sarah smiles. “And greatly enhanced. I’m amazed that Nicholas can withstand it, honestly. But there’s a lot more hidden here. I’ve only scratched the surface.”

Why would I help you? So you fed me. Gee, thanks. Not like it was a huge inconvenience or anything.

You chuckle. “Now I wonder, Lilith, how much of that is you, and how much is the compulsion?”

Ferra shakes her head. “A better question occurs to me, master. What was she like before the armor?”

What?

Sarah looks at you. “That is a good question. How much do you remember from before you were imprisoned, Lilith?”

W-what? There is no…I can’t…no! Shut up! I don’t need to answer your stupid questions!

Both Ferra and Sarah open their mouths to speak, but you raise a hand to stop them. “No, that’s fine, Lilith. You’re right. You don’t need to, and it’s clearly an uncomfortable subject.”

You share a glance with Sarah, who seems concerned about Lilith’s reticence, but doesn’t say anything more. Instead, she simply shrugs and changes the subject.

“I don’t really understand why we needed this, though. As powerful as it is, it seems dangerous.”

The door to the forge swings open, and Nadia walks in. “Because I can draw on the power as well.”

You blink in surprise as she walks in. She’s definitely looking a bit disheveled, and the smile on her face tells you that she had a good time with Alex and Cassie. You do have a question for her, however.

“Hi, Nadia. Looks like you had some fun. How did you find us?”

The faerie smiles at you. “I had a lot of fun, thank you, master. Those two are…enthusiastic. As to how I found you, I followed the bond. It’s strongest with you, master, so I always know where you are.”

Sarah shakes her head. “That’s fine, but how can you draw on the armor’s power?”

Nadia gestures towards you. “Again, through the bond. I can draw on everyone’s powers through master. Well, everyone bonded to him, that is. So I can draw on the armors power, but only a bit, since it’s bonded to him only in a magical way.”

Spoilsport. And here I thought we had something special.

She smiles. “The stronger the bond, the more I can get from it. I could almost feel what was happening in here. It made for an interesting experience with Cassie and Alex. And my bond to them has grown as a result.”

Ferra cocks her head slightly. “So, the closer you grow with us, the more you can draw upon? Including sensation? Would that get distracting?”

Nadia shrugs. “If I let it, yes. I can shut it out if I need to, but we were already doing essentially the same thing anyway. It makes for a rather intense experience!”

Faeries are such fun. At least this one knows a good time when she feels it!

You roll your eyes at Lilith’s comment, and the others giggle. Nadia, who can clearly hear the voice, simply shrugs. “Somebody’s jealous.”

Hmph.

You shake your head. “Regardless, I think we’re done here for now. We should go rest up, we’ll be busy soon.”

Nadia laughs. “Alex and Cassie are sleeping already. And I believe you will find that Melora is headed home as well.”

You nod. “Sounds good. We can go relax.”

Ferra winks at you. “And maybe work on building bonds with Nadia.”

The girls all laugh, and you chuckle. “You’re insatiable, Ferra.”

The golem girl smiles at you.