Yes, the Lilith is available in the normal forest.
For a hint about character customization, speak to the ghost tree who likes to play dress-up.
Cannot remember off the top of my head where I found 11 or 15, but you cannot obtain 16 until you solve the Lilith and Hydra problems. Both require alchemy recipes.
Painted book isn’t for the library, and a ‘mother can do the ritual’ to conjure a second paint jar.