"Look, I don't like it to be a big deal, I don't even know that much magic. I'm just into it, because I actually feel connected to nature. Plus, I got to meet my friend, Sierra the Nature Spirit. "he said. Spirits of nature were normally passive defenders of their homes. However, Some mages managed to take Nature spirits, and keep them around as friends, or sometimes, allies. "She was in the First staff I made, The 'Sleeping Tree'. I still have it, though I'm reluctant to show you. I promised Sierra I'd protect her."he said.

" Don't." Athena said " Barthy here likes eating spirits." Barthy shrugged " I can't help it I am a demon."

"A Demon Lord tried to eat her before. All that was left of him was ash. She's a Fire-Nature Spirit. "he said, holding out his hand. " Quietus lignum. "he said. The Staff flew into his hand. It was A Yew Staff with the head glowing slightly. Suddenly, a Small spirit flew out. It was in the form of a Little girl. She waved at them.

" She's cute." Lori said examining. Athena stiffened slightly looking at Barthy " I don't eat fire spirits they hurt." he chuckled.

"She dances too. If you could see her dance, you'd be in awe. "he said.

" Cool." Lori grinned Athena felt weird watching them interact but ignored it taking Simons hand.

Mordecai pulled out a piece of coal, and tossed it to Sierra, who caught it. "She's like a little sister to me......crazy, and sometimes reckless, but fun."he said.

" I'm Lori nice to meet you Sierra. That Simon and Athena and the demon is Bartholomew." Lori introduced everyone.

Sierra just smiled at Everyone, then flew by the Demon. She offered him a Lava Cookie. It normally held Spirits inside them

" Thanks." Barthy said clearly surprised. He bite into the cookie and sighed happily.

Barthy's mouth would suddenly explode into flames. While it did taste good, it did have a tendency to do that. They weren't called 'Lava Cookies' for nothing. Sierra was laughing. "What did I tell you?"Mordecai said.

Barthy just chuckled softly. " Athena?" Simon nudged her she had been falling asleep " Come on." he pulled her forward she stumbled he sighed " Well I can't lift you." he frowned " Don't have to arm strength."

Mordecai walked over, and picked Athena up. "God, You guys...."He said. Sierra sat on Lori's shoulder, smiling.

Athena didn't protest just leaned her head against his chest quickly falling asleep. Lori watched a little jealous but she had to admit it looked right.

Sierra hugged lori, smiling. Mordecai laid Athena on her bed, sitting in a chair

Athena stared him " What are you doing?" she asked pulling the blankets over herself.

"Sitting right here, watching you. "he said.

Sierra stood, and jumped off of Lori's shoulder, turning into a Young Girl. She still held the Essense of a spirit, but looked less.....transparent.

" Why?" Athena asked her eyes drifting close.

" Cool." Lori grinned at Sierra " I didn't know spirits could do that."

Sierra smiled. "Spirits are more strange then you humans think. "she said, speaking for the first time.

"because i won't let anything happen to you. "he said.

" Why do you care?" Athena asked her eyes closed know but she wanted to know.

" Well I've never meet a spirit long enough for it to do anything but startle me." Lori sighed softly.

Mordecaj leaned in, and whispered, so only she heard. "I think i love you"

Sierra smiled "you'll learn. Ask me a question."

" What's being a spirit like?" Lori asked starting with a hard one.

" You what!?" Athena's eyes snapped open to stare at him in shock.

"You heard me."he said

"like being a tree."she said

" What's that like?" Lori blinked.

" I'm not sure I did." Athena stared at him " I don't believe you would say that."

"I think im in love with you."he said.

"you grow taller and stronger each day. "He said