Demilla looked on curiosly as Rhianna presented her case.<br/><br/>There was a long, uncertain pause, and the older woman started laughing, almost wildly. "The test was to train you in persuading someone who has nothing to gain and everything to lose..." She started with a smile.<br/><br/>"Guthum. Your word?"<br/><br/>He shifted around, uncomfortably, then said, "Swordfish."<br/><br/>Demilla offered her hand, as if presenting Guthum to Rhianna, "It's the same as yours, as every one of my apprentices. We all have a thing in common, whether it be hate of the Tythians or just the organization of this family. Loyalty to the cause<em>is</em>important..."<br/><br/>"But you both failed my test." She continued, closing her eyes and smiling as she looked away, "A loyal idiot is as dangerous as a treacherous genius. Rhianna, Guthum... If we are to send you on missions, you must be able to hold your own in this war. If you fail, it puts others at risk."<br/><br/>"However... You<em>have </em>passed a test that Gerund intended to administer himself, A test of loyalty. I'll let him know, and he'll no doubt be curious in<em>your</em>progress, Rhianna." She remarked with a wink.<br/><br/>"But remember." She continued, "You must be both competant<em>and</em>loyal, for our organization needs both to survive. You will eventually need to learn to charm and seduce others, and we will not place our lives in your hands until you have proved yourself capable."<br/><br/>"Come back another time to take your test, for I am tired, and you ruined my little game." She said with a smile. Guthum shrugged, shaking his head.