Feurii had been cleaning her armor and sharpening her swords when she heard a knock at her door. She wondered who would be knocking since she had made too few friends since coming to Atlantis. In truth she made more enemies than anything else which thoroughly confused her as she thought everyone was here to fight the demons.

"Just a minute," Feurii shouted as she donned her armor and sheathed her sword just in case the caller was an enemy.

Dalnim had proved true when he told her of the mercenaries and killers who murdered for fun, fortune and maybe both. Perhaps there were killers who truly hated the demons and wanted to save Atlantis but blood lust proved too delicious a taste and too much to bear for some. Feurii was developing a hunger for the blood lust too.

Feurii carefully opened the door. Shock swept through Feurii like a bolt of lightning as she stared into the eyes of her caller.

"DALNIM!," shouted Feurii as she ran into his arms and tears began rolling down her cheeks.

"There, there child," Dalnim spoke soothingly as he gently stroked her hair. "I`m here and everything is fine, just fine, dear child."

"I`m so embarrassed, Dalnim. I do not behave as a strong warrior crying like a baby".

" Warriors have tears to, Feurii," Dalnim gently crooned. "Never be ashamed that you experience emotions. That is what makes you human. ...And it is a strong warrior who can feel joy, laughter, empathy and even the pain which causes you to cry, sweet god daughter."

"Oh my goddess, where are my manners?" Feurii cried feeling a little embarrassed. "Come in, come in. You must be weary and hungry. Sit at the table and I will prepare a hearty meal for you and a refreshing cup of mead to stay your thirst."

"You would do all that for me? You would prepare a meal in your armor?" Dalnim asked.

"Forgive me, master Dalnim. When you knocked on the door I wanted to be prepared in case it was an enemy. But now that I think about it, when has an enemy ever knocked?" she questioned and then laughed.

"It`s good you keep your guard up. Be aware at all times, especially when you think you are safe and at ease."

"Now, let me look at you." Dalnim`s bright, intelligent eyes studied his young, female, warrior apprentice. "What have we here?" If I had not known and loved you since you were in your mother`s womb I would have failed to recognize you. Purple hair in new style, fine armor, a sword on your thigh and another on your back... But something else is different. What is it?" Dalnim studied her more intensely. "It`s your eyes! You look FIERCE! My sweet, gentle, miner`s daughter has become a fierce warrior indeed!".

Feurii bowed her head in humility. "I am no warrior, Dalnim."

"STOP! You said the same at our last meeting. I understand why you said it back then but now? Oh Feurii, you are a warrior.

You were a warrior before you got here and began your training." Dalnim was not angry. He wanted only to get his point across to her and for her to believe him.

Feurii confessed, "I am not strong as the others. There are such powerful warriors and mages that stories are sung about their victorious feats!"

"Aye and one day you too will have songs sung about you too. You are a young warrior, Feurii. You are still training. BUT I see how much you have changed already in just a few short months. Remember when I told you I would be watching you the very night you left your home to come here? I have kept my promise and I see your victories and your defeats. It is o.k.

I see how much anger and hatred for those demons you have. I have watched your skill grow. You fight as if you have no fear of death. You get lost in a trance. You strike the enemy so skillfully and swiftly they die standing on their feet long before they hit the ground. You are beautiful to behold while engaged in battle. It is a performance so graceful I tear up with pride."

Feurii felt enormous strength enter her when she heard Dalnim speak those words. Feurii laughed. Of course Dalnim was right. He was always right. At least when it came to her. "Oh Dalnim, you encourage me greatly. Thank you." Feurii bowed before Dalnim as a show of respect.

Dalnim said, "Remember the Eudemons I told you about that night? That they are Atlantis` boon from the gods?"

"Yes, I remember. I had no idea what you were talking about but they are the best thing to happen to Atlantis. Although I read in a scroll that when the Eudemons came the gods and goddesses disappeared. Is it true?"

Dalnim had a look a pure mischief in his eyes. "I cannot say. But some of the scientists have found out much while others are pure buffoons."

"Well, I LOVE my Eudemons. They are wonderful and loyal and beautiful..." Feurii hung her head and quietly confessed, "But I`m always watching out for better Eudemons. Am I wrong to want the best when the ones I have have been so loyal and faithful beside me in battle?"

"No Feurii. Eudemons know why they are here. They would gladly go if you found a better, stronger Eudemon to fight by your side. They have been sent here to serve you and to help rid Atlantis of those grotesque, evil demons. They know their purpose. They have no pride when it comes to fighting evil. And that is their pride."