e cant count on the idea that shell be standing there waiting when we go through.  We have to plan for the possibility that well have to go track her down.
	Triana nodded in agreement.  So this changes the plans a little.
	He blew out his breath.  Well have to leave as fast as possible.  Tomorrow, maybe.  We cant let them get any further ahead of us.
	Well, youll have to find someone else to care for Fireflash, father, Jula said adamantly.  If Kimmies in trouble, Im going to help find her.
	No, youre staying here, Tarrin ordered bluntly.
	Why? she demanded hotly.  Im an adult, father!  I can take care of myself!
	Because Tara and Rina will need you, he told her bluntly.  Their mothers missing, and their fathers going after her.  They need someone thats family to be around them, and youre it.  Theyre still just cubs, Jula, even if theyre in the Tower.  I want you to take Fireflash and go to the Tower and take care of them.
	But
	But nothing! Triana snapped.  Tarrin makes sense.  You know Taras going to get violent when she finds out.  Do you want her running loose in the Tower without someone there who can calm her down?  Do you want your sisters to be alone?  I have my paws full with Jasana, girl, I cant take on any more responsibility.  Think!
	Jula might occasionally cross swords with her father, but she wasnt stupid enough to challenge Triana.  She lowered her eyes and slumped her shoulders, displaying her surrender to the powerful Were-cat matriarchs will.  Alright, she sighed.  But I dont like it.
	Hate it all you want, but you will do it, Triana said in a voice that absolutely raked Julas defiance right out of her.
	Yes, Triana, she said meekly.
	Cub, take us back.  We have to tell the others what happened.

	Taras reaction was predictably hostile.  What? she screamed after Tarrin rather tersely and briefly explained what theyd found out.  Everyone in the room, however, didnt look at Tara.  They were all watching Tarrin.  Tarrin still had his wings out, and the play of color and light within them betrayed the simmering anger inside him just as much as his stiff body language and flat eyes.  Tarrin was angry, and everyone in the room took quiet note of that fact so as not to set him off.
	Sit down, Tarrin said in a low hiss at his adolescent cub, who gave him a startled look and immediately put her backside back in the chair that was one of many surrounding a large table that Triana had Conjured for this meeting.  All of his friends were there, as well as Kallan and Kaila, Andos and Ariana, and Alexis Firehair.
	Why in the world would Kimmie do that! Tiella objected.  Couldnt she have just used magic to save them?
	Wizard magic doesnt work the same way as ours, Keritanima told her.  The stronger the spell, usually the longer it takes to cast it.  Shed have had to hold back an avalanche, Tiella.  I dont think they would have had the time, even if she had a spell capable of it.
	Oh, she said, biting her lip and flushing.
	Trying to figure out why is pointless, Triana snorted.  Thats in the past, and it doesnt matter.  What matters now is getting her back.
	That leaves Kimmie alone with Phandebrass, Azakar said.  We should leave as soon as we can, but we might be too late.  Kimmie may have already killed him by now.
	Sarraya laughed.  Kimmies a lot more tolerant of that dingbat than we are, Zak.
	We leave as soon as we can, Tarrin told them in a grim manner.  I wont abandon Allia immediately after she gave birth, so
	You have met Kor, deshida, she said simply.  And Kimmie and Phandebrass need you to go to them as quickly as possible.
	Tarrin gave her a single look, filled with all his indecision and anxiety.  He was worried for Kimmie, desperately worried, and concerned about Phandebrass.  But, on the other hand, he was leaving Tara and Rina without any parents at all, only Jula, and he was abandoning her before he had a chance to get to know his new nephew, before she recovered from the birth.  He felt that he was abandoning part of his family to rescue another.  But her look was filled with understanding and resolve.  Her eyes told him that he had to go, he had to find Kimmie and Phandebrass, and that she would not be angry with him for leaving.  She understood his tenuous position, having loyalties and obligations which were now directly confronting one another, and she was gracious enough to free him of his obligations to her.
	How are we going to find them? Ulger asked.  Theyve had a months head start.
	Oh, Im sure me and Tarrin can pick up the trail, Haley said dismissively.  Im a passingly good tracker, and I know Tarrins good.  His father was a Ranger.
	Im taking Forge, Tarrin announced.  Hes better than both of us.
	Ah, dear one, do you think it wise to take a Hellhound on this journey?  If the locals of that other world have any experience with Demon-kin, they will react to us in a hostile manner.
	Tarrin affixed Dolanna with a flat stare, but Dolanna was one of the very few around him who had absolutely no fear of his temper.  I am afraid I must insist, she said in a strong voice, her eyes steady.  The Hellhound could pose a greater potential risk than an asset.
	It will be fine, Tarrin, Haley told him. Im a good tracker.  And in my wolf form, Im just as good a tracker as Forge would be.
	Tarrin considered a challenge of wills against Dolanna, but that part of him who perceived her as a dominant crumbled under the weight of that idea, and he succumbed to her with a single, eloquent nod.  Had Haley not assured him of his tracking prowess, he probably would have challenged Dolanna on that point, however.
	You need one of us along, Andos told them.  An aerial scout could prove invaluable.
	I can take care of that, Andos, he said, jerking a thumb over his shoulder at one of his fiery wings.
	They stand out, my friend, Andos laughed.  Our wings are much less flamboyant.
	Without even moving a muscle, Tarrins wings went from their usual bright reds, oranges, and yellows to a dark, cool blue, nearly matching the color of the sky.  Hows this? he asked.  Then, to everyones amazement, they turned snow white, the color of clouds.  Or this?
	Thats quite a trick there, my friend, Andos laughed.  Ive never seen you do it.
	There are lots of things youve never seen me do, Andos, he answered curtly.
	Andos gave him a curious look, but said nothing more.
	I believe we should limit the, ah exotic membership of our party, Dolanna said.  Miranda might be hard to hide if that world has no Wikuni, but a voluminous robe and cloak with a deep hood will do if the needs demand it.  The Were-kin can hide behind a human form.  But an Aeradallas wings would be impossible to conceal, even under the largest cloak.
	You do have a point, mistress Dolanna, Andos said with a nod.
	Tarrin gave his friend an impressed look.  Obviously, Dolanna had put a great deal of thought and planning into this journey, thinking of things that Tarrin had considered as well, but had dismissed more readily than she had.
	We should leave in the morning, Dolanna instructed.  But there are many things left to do, I fear.  Some of us will not be sleeping tonight.  She turned to Ulger.  How fast can the Knights put together a pack train for seven people, carrying everything that we might need for a protracted journey into territory where we might not be able to resupply?
	Theyll be done before you brew a cup of tea, Dolanna, he grinned.
	I know that Tarrin has also prepared a few pack animals.  You need to go get them and take them to the Knights.
	Just the packs, he answered.  I havent bought the horses yet.
	Speaking of money, wed better put in a supply, if it turns out me and Tarrin cant Conjure there, Haley said.  But not our coin.  We should go with gold and silver nuggets, and some gems.  Generic stuff that we can sell.
	I have already prepared for that, Haley, Dolanna told him.  I have a large case at the Tower filled with gold nuggets, gold dust, and assorted cut gems.
	Always one step ahead of me, he said with a smile.
	Each of us have things we would like to take.  I suggest we all return to our homes and prepare them immediately.
	Mines in a saddlepack sitting by my front door, Haley chuckled.
	Mines in my room at Tarrins house, Miranda grinned.  We kinda figured wed be leaving immediately after we got back from here, so we just got it ready early.
	Well, I feel unprepared, Ulger laughed.
	You always are, Azakar murmured.
	Tarrin crossed his arms, feeling a little better.  Dolannas steady wisdom had calmed him somewhat, and he was silently overjoyed she was going with him.  She always seemed to know what to do, even when he didnt.  Though he was a powerful Sorcerer, Druid, Wizard, Priest, even god, he was still only twenty-six years old, and lacked some of the experience that his older friends possessed.
	What should we pack, Dolanna? Azakar asked.
	Just take what you took when we explored the Wikuna interior, she answered.  This journey is very nearly the same as that one was.
	Oh.  Thatll be easy, then.
	With Allias permission, we should begin, Dolanna said.  I apologize for cutting this joyous event short, my friend.
	That is quite alright, Dolanna, Allia said.  I am safe.  Kimmie may not be.  She is who is important here.
	Theres only one thing wrong here, Camara Tal grunted.
	What?
	Im not going, she growled.
	Can we go momma? Shal asked her in Amazon.  Me and poppa can go with you!
	No, Shal, she answered.  And I told you to speak Sulasian.  Not everyone here understands our language.
	How do you think I feel? Sarraya said hotly.  I dont have anything holding me back, but I cant go either!  And I want to!!!
	Only your slow, agonizing death, Haley murmured lightly.  Maybe we should let her come, Tarrin, he said with a sly look.
	The Faerie gave him a withering look, then snapped her fingers.  From over his head, a huge bucket appeared, then it flipped over in midair and drenched the Were-wolf with a torrent of icy water.  Haley spluttered a little, then he laughed and used his Druidic magic to make the water disappear.
	They wouldnt be ready for you anyway, Camara, Miranda said with a wicked little smile.  Being introduced to woman of your, ah, staggering qualities.
	If she were a smaller woman, shed be staggering, Ulger snickered.
	Camara fixed him with a cool look, pointing at her very large bosom.  At least I was graced by Neme with something impressive.  Too bad your god gave you such a small
	Children! Dolanna said sharply.  I know that some are disappointed that prior obligations prevent them from going, but let us not start snipping at one another.  We have much to do, and we must hurry.  We cannot let Kimmie and Phandebrass get any further ahead of us than they are now.
	Sorry, Dolanna, Camara said without any hint of remorse.
	Hes going to be a problem, deshida, Allia whispered in Selani to Tarrin.
	I know.  Im contemplating a muzzle, he answered.
	Hes good in a fight, though, she added.
	Now then, she said, standing up.  Azakar, Ulger, Haley, you will come with me.  We will go to Suld and organize our supplies.  Tarrin, take Mist and Miranda back to your home and get your things ready, and meet us in Suld as soon as you are able.  We will leave as soon as we are ready.
	Why not tomorrow? Ulger asked.
	Because by the time we are ready to go, it will probably be tomorrow, she told him steadily.
	Then I think it time to move this gathering to Suld, Sapphire announced.  Or at least those of us who matter.  We can continue to celebrate the birth of Kor there, and we can also help you get ready to go. If we all work to complete the task, we might get it finished before dawn, to allow you time to rest.
	As you see fit, Sapphire, Dolanna said with a nod.
	I do see fit.  Now then, my little one, take us to Suld, she told Tarrin.

	It didnt take them very long to get ready.
	Tarrin and Mist already had what they wanted to take organized, and they had to pack it.  Tarrin brought up the packs he had in his library and they looked them over to make sure they had everything that they wanted.  Clothes, the items they would need to live out of doors like tents and bedrolls, small items they needed to make living a bit more comfortable, it was all there.  Tarrins enchanted bow was resting on his dresser, and the barrel of arrows he intended to take as well as the two bags holding the supplies he would need to make more were also present.  He made sure to pack his Gnomlin Traveling Spellbook, and the small satchel that Kimmie gave him that held the material components he would need to cast many of the spells in that book.  The concept of needing material components amused him, but he knew that he had to have them.  Mist added a few extra knives, some roperope was always usefula couple of tanned leather hides to fashion into any number of useful items if needs be, and she also put on her magical belt and her Cats Claws.  Miranda already had her things together, so she had but to pack her clothes in it and she was ready.
	Before they left, Tarrin took one more walk around the house.  He wouldnt be back here for quite a while.  It had been many things in the seven years he had owned it, but it had never failed to feel like home.  This was where he belonged, and though he was leaving for a while, he knew he would be back.  He hoped that it would be soon.  If they were lucky, Kimmie and Phandebrass simply set up camp on the other side of the gate, and theyd be there waiting for them when they arrived.  If they were truly lucky, the Dwarves and the Ancients that had gone with them had settled very close to that gate, and they, or their descendents, would be only a few days away.  With great luck, he could recover Kimmie, strangle Phandebrass, learn what happened to the Dwarves and the Ancients, and be back home by the end of the month.  He might even be bringing some of them home, if that was what they desired.  He hoped that they did.  Sennadar was the home of the Dwarves, and they belonged here.  And those Ancients that might still be alive should come home, should return to the Goddess.
	He went from room to room, reliving some of the more eventful memories that had happened there.  This bedroom, it was where he had imprisoned Jesmind after she and Mist had fought.  And this had been Erons bedroom, and he could still see his cub from when he was a child, sleeping in his bed soundly as Tarrin looked in on him.  That was Jasanas room, where many a dirty plot had been hatched, and the twins had shared that room there before they got older and each took her own room.  He remembered the many talks hed had with assorted females in the kitchen, the time Jesmind had seduced him in the pantry, and there were too many memories to ponder involved with the common room.  The bedroom had been his haven, his one quiet place before he built his library, and his most treasured possessions were still there.  The black metal cat statuette, the place where his sword had once hung on the wall, the chest at the foot of his bed which held things that nobody in their right minds would want to bother with, at least before he built his library and moved it all down there.  There had been nights spent in passion in this room, nights in peaceful, joyous contentment, nights of gentle love, and through it all was the sense of family.  First with Jesmind, and now with Mist, he always felt that there was a sense of family here.  Mates and children, happiness and contentment, they were what this house had meant to him.
	But now it would be empty.  His mother and father would look after the place, he was sure, but until he returned, it would stand empty.  Jula would be with the cubs in the Tower.  Eron was gone, Jasana and Jesmind were with Triana, and Fireflash and Forge would be with Jula.  Until he returned, this house would probably stand empty, abiding until they returned and filled it once again, until they made it the home that it had once been.
	Take the axe, kitten, the voice of the Goddess touched him.  You may need it to convince the Dwarves of where you come from.
	He nodded, looking to the door that led to his library.  Hehe didnt want to go down there.  It was the most intimate part of the house to him, and to see it would weaken his resolve to leave now.  So he simply Summoned the axe to his paw, and then, after a little juggling with items in the elsewhere, he got it situated on a second belt, slung in a loop on the now-vanished loose-fitting belt.  He took stock of the items in the elsewhere, just to be sure. His Ironwood staff was there, in his right paw, and his sword was in his left.  The Firestaff was also there, with a thong tied to each end and slung over his shoulder; he had to do that to clear space when he started carrying his sword and staff in the elsewhere with him.  The axe was in a loop on a belt there, and his human clothes and shoes also hovered around him, ready to change places with his Were-cat clothes if he shapeshifted.
	Everything was in order.
	Mist came in, putting her arm around him and leaning against his side.  Its not easy to leave, she admitted.  But you wont be alone, my mate.  Ill be there with you.
	Im glad for it, he admitted.
	You were never meant to be alone, Tarrin.  We understood that.  Thats why the three of us arranged things the way they are.  You need a female who loves you watching over you.  You get into too much trouble if you dont.
	He looked down at her.  Love, eh? he asked with a smile.  Thats never an emotion that anyone would associate with you, Mist.
	I dont love you like they do, but I do love you.  After a fashion, she admitted.
	He put his paw on her shoulder, pulling her against him.  Ill take what I can get, Mist.  Whatever you give is good enough for me.
	Theres only one problem here.
	What?
	Im tired of my head falling under your armpit.
	He laughed.  Theres not much to be done about that, I suppose.
	Phaugh, she snorted.  Ill fix it.
	How are you going to do that?
	You forget, cub, were shapeshifters.  Just like you seal up those holes in your back with skin, I can put on a span or two of height.  I was small because I liked  to be small.  When all the other Were-cats my age grew, I resisted it, kept it from happening, stunted my growth.  I can un-stunt myself easily.  Then I just have to wait and let it catch up to me.
	How long will it take?
	A month or so.
	Its going to hurt.
	So?
	He chuckled.  Well, if it makes you happy, Ill be there for you.
	Ill need to make new clothes, she said.
	That explains the hides.
	She nodded.  I wont be able to go back to being small, but I dont think I need it anymore.
	He looked at her curiously, at her luminous green eyes, but she only gave him a shy smile.
	I certainly hope you dont.  Id like to have someone in bed that didnt feel like a child, he said with a sly smile, but it hid the true happiness he felt at that moment.  Mist had stayed small as a defense mechanism, an aspect of her feral nature.  If she was ready to abandon that, to grow to be the size she should be, it was a brave step towards facing the rest of the world.  The diminutive Were-cat stayed small as protection, easier to hide, easier to be overlooked, easier to escapeor so she believed.  Her coming into her birthright, her proper height, was another step in the long road she had traveled to recover from her extreme ferality.
	She reached up and put her paw on the back of his neck, digging her claws into his skin, forcing him to lean down.  She rose up on her toes and kissed him lingeringly.  He grabbed hold of her and picked her up, and she leaned back and grinned at him like a little girl, her feet dangling under her.  You just wait, Tarrin, she said breathlessly.  Ill be able to do this with my feet on the ground.
	Just dont get taller than me, he teased in reply.  Im not used to looking up at anyone.
	Oh-ho, now its a challenge, she said with a short giggle, then she kissed him again.

	The Knights were very efficient.  When Tarrin brought Mist and Miranda and added their supplies to the mix, the cadets got to work.  By the time Tarrin returned from a short detour to his parents farm to get the three horses hed bought so far, they had four pack horses outfitted with packsaddles; two of them completely packed, one being loaded, and one more waiting.  There would be seven of them and four packhorses, a troupe of eleven horses that theyd have to care for.  Four of them had experience with that kind of thing, and that was more than enough to handle the horses.  From the looks of it, one pack horse was loaded with their camping supplies, tents, bedrolls, pots and pans, that sort of thing, and the other three were carrying extra goods and sundries, food, and their personal effects.  Dolanna inventoried their supplies, checking them off against a list, nodding at their progress.
	She had sound reasoning.  They were taking one rides worth of food.  They reasoned that if they could not find outside food sources in one ride, Miranda would use her magic to return them to Sennadar, they would resupply with enough to last longer, and then go out again.  They would end up with a virtual caravan if they tried to take enough food to last them for a month, and that would slow them down.  It was something of a gamble, but they needed speed, and the more horses they added to the pack train, the slower they would go.  They had to face the possibility that they would have to catch up to Kimmie and Phandebrass, and that meant that they couldnt be loaded down like they were settlers moving into unclaimed territory.  They had three Were-kin along, and Were-kin were outstanding hunters as well as quite versed in foraging for food.  If there was anything edible out in that unknown new world, they would find it.
	The Knights and cadets handled the packing, so after Dolanna was sure it was all there, they retired to the Tower to quietly continue the celebration of Allias new child.  It was a more subdued celebration, to be sure, but it was no less sincere.  The entire inner circle was there, as well as others, such as Andos and Ariana, and they took turns holding Kor, talking, renewing bonds of friendship as Jesmind quietly kept away from Tarrin and entertained them with her lute.  Tarrin spent much of that time with his twin daughters, assuring them hed find their mother and bring her home, and laying down some strict rules and severe warnings on Tara to keep her temper from getting someone killed.  Shed break every rule he laid down within two days of his leaving, but at least he could say he tried.
	It was so strange, to see his youngest cubs so grown.  Eron was an official adult now, tall and burly and quite imposing, Jasana was as tall as Dar, lushly endowed with feminine curves, and with the face of a mature young woman, not the shy, conniving little cub he remembered her to be.  She was ravishingly beautiful with her sharp-cheeked face, bright eyes, and strawberry blond hair, and were she human, would break quite a few hearts.  He did know that shed struck up something of an unofficial romance with Jeri, the all but still cub who had helped fight the battle at Suld.  Jeri had been the male who had introduced his daughter to the realm of adult pleasures, and he rather fancied her.  From what Triana told him, hed been skulking around her den, trying to get Jasana to come out and entertain him when he couldnt convince Jesmind and Triana to allow him to continue her education.  When she was proclaimed an adult, theyd probably become mates.  Jasana certainly seemed to like Jeri, Triana told him, and had already learned how to play with his affection, stringing him along, and basically torturing the poor male to no end.  In a world where she had to share her male with six other females, she wouldnt get the opportunity to act the female human with one for very long, so she was enjoying this rare opportunity while she could.  It was hard to think of Jasana as an adult, as coy and seductive, but then again, seduction was right in line with his dangerous little cubs manipulative personality.
	All his cubs grown nowit seemed so odd.  Where had the time gone?
	He absently stroked Fireflashs scales as the drake reclined in his lap, enjoying their last night together before Tarrin had to leave and he would be cared for by Jula.  Fireflash liked Jula, so that wouldnt be a problem, but he still wanted his drake along with him.  It just wouldnt feel right without him on his shoulder.  Then again, it wouldnt feel right without Keritanima and Allia there, or Camara, or Dar.  But at least Dolanna would be there, and Azakar, and Miranda.  Enough of a sense of continuity to make it feel less intimidating.
	Strange.  About to visit a new world, all that excitement and adventure, seeing new things, the possibility of finally finding the Dwarves he so admiredand all he could dwell upon was what he was leaving behind.
	Just jitters, he supposed.  Nothing a few hours in bed with Mist wouldnt cure, that was for sure.  Shed make him forget his own name.
	Mist won that little competition, paws down.
	But this time was time to be spent among family.  They told stories, laughed, and enjoyed the company until nearly dawn, taking turns holding an increasingly cranky Kor, upset that his sleep kept getting interrupted.  Kor was exceedingly tiny, a product of being born premature, but he already seemed quite stronger than a human newborn, and Allia assured him hed grow very quickly.  The harsh desert climate required Selani children to become ambulatory as quickly as possible, and hed be running by his first birthday.  Selani babies developed incredibly fast for their first two years, then slowed down to a much more lengthy childhood that would last for the next twenty-four years.  A twenty year old Selani was the same physical age as a fourteen year old human, and most didnt take brands until they were around thirty-five.  They were born running, then slowed to a leisurely walk before becoming an adult.  Given that Selani had a lifespan of about two hundred years, their extended childhoods werent unusual when one took that lifespan into account.  If their lives were extended, then it was only logical that their childhood would also be extended.
	But the need to rest finally intruded upon their reunion.  Dolanna sent down instructions to take the packs off the horses for now, that they were a little too tired to begin and would leave after some rest, then she retired for a short nap.  One by one, they went off to find their beds, to ponder the time to come and what unknown dangers that they might face.  Tarrin lounged in the bed he used when visiting the Tower for a while after he and Mist went to bed, thinking about what they might find on the other side of that gate.  Was it a world like his own, or something radically different?  Would Kimmie and Phandebrass be there waiting for them, having simply set up camp and waiting?  He certainly hoped so.  What unusual things would they find, would they see?  How long would it take to find out what happened to the Dwarves and those Ancients who went with them?
	Only time would tell, he supposed.
	Deep thoughts? Mist asked.
	Just worrying a little, and wondering what well see tomorrow.
	Well find out tomorrow.
	I know, he sighed, rolling over on his back and looking up at the stones in the ceiling.  I hope Kimmie and Phandebrass didnt run off.  If I have to track them down, Im going to be annoyed by the time we find them.
	Well have to draw lots to decide who gets to kill that Wizard for getting my daughter into this mess, wont we?
	He chuckled.  Probably.  Or we can just agree that each of us gets a half.
	I want the half that squeals.
	Tarrin laughed.  My savage little mate, he teased.
	Not little for long, though, she said, sliding over and putting an arm on his chest, leaning against him and looking down at him.  Her scents texture changed in that way that advertised her desire for him, a scent that never failed to get his undivided attention.  I think youre thinking too much.  I should do something about that.
	I think you should, he agreed with a sultry glance into her eyes.

	That morning was the last sunrise Tarrin would see over Sennadar for some time, or so he thought.
	Call it intuition, but something told him that he wouldnt be home for a while.  Part of him liked that idea, but the father in him didnt like the idea of being separated from his children for too long.  But still, he got up after a nice little wrestling match with Mist quite optimistic, and almost boyishly excited about the idea of getting started.  First on the list was to track down Kimmie and Phandebrass.  Then, after throttling that irritating Wizard, theyd get to the real reason they were there, finding the Dwarves and the Ancients who went with them to that alien world to which they were going.
	There was little fanfare or ceremony involved.  They all simply assembled down by the stables, and as the cadets put the loaded packsaddles back on the pack horses and saddled the horses they would ride, those who were staying said their farewells to those who would be going.  Tarrin hugged each of his children a very long time, giving them instructions and suggestions, and in the case of Tara, quite a few ugly threats.  He spent lingering moments with each friend or family member remaining behind, looking at their faces to remember their images, to carry that warm memory with him during his journey.  Of Dar and Tiella, with their two rambunctious children.  Camara and Koran Tal and their fiery daughter Shal.  Keritanima and Rallix, and his nephew Faalken, the sober, mature, quiet little child who looked at him with such mature consideration.  His parents Eron and Elke, now showing just a little more gray in their hair, and his other mother Triana, who would probably never change.  Jenna, his sister, so mature and strong now, so much different than the little girl he remembered.  Forge licked his face in farewell, Fireflash curled his tail around his neck and refu