n was reborn, but then again, he remembered again Darvon telling him that Ulger and Faalken had been the best of friends and partners in crime, for they had been mischievous terrors as cadets.  Ulger was just being silly to entertain Sarraya, who was flitting around him like a moth drawn to a flame.  At least Ulger was drawing Sarrayas attention away from everyone else, saving them from her barbs and witty little comments, and in that respect the fellow had already become everyones favorite group member.
	Kimmies trail stayed away from the road, and she proved with that that she was a clever girl.  She was cutting cross country, through the tall grassy plain, moving in a straight line as if she had somewhere to go, or she was being chased.  There were no signs of battle or commotion in the grass, but after a month, it would have recovered by now.  They rode through another brief shower that sent Sarraya scrambling under the cloak Tarrin pulled out to deflect the rain, only to come flitting out and be obnoxious again when the brief shower passed and the sun came out once more.  Tarrin rode along in relative silence, again lost in thought as to this world and the rude welcome they had received.  Miranda, wearing Mists face, rode along with him also in silence, and her presence seemed to spark that line of thought within him once more.  This Church of the One hated magicat least any magic not Priest magicand hated non-humans as well.  From the way it sounded, there were non-humans out there, but they were probably very careful never to be seen.  That was a small hope that any surviving Dwarves still lived here, probably deep underground if they stuck to their base natures, well away from the Church of the One and the Hunters that sought to destroy them.
	He worried a great deal about this Church of the One.  Tarrin could sense that they were going to be a serious problem, and what was more, something deep down inside of him told him that there might come a time that he might have to do something about them.  He didnt know why he felt that, but he did.  Part of him didnt want to make this any harder than it was going to be, but another part of him took exceptional offense to this Church of the One, and within him was the faint stirrings of a desire to stamp it out.
	It wouldnt be easy, that was for sure, but Tarrin was never one to worry about frilly little details.  If he wanted to do something, he did it.  He worried about how hard it was after he got started.  It was an aspect of his Cat-dominated mentality, often flying into something without thinking it through or having a solid plan for going about it.  More often than not, he made it up as he went alongbut it always seemed to work out in the end.
	The idea that he might be making an enemy of an organization that ruled everything around him didnt matter.  The fact that he might run afoul of a god also didnt concern him.  He had no fear of gods.  If this One wanted a piece of him, he could just manifest himself nearby and try to take it.
	After all, Tarrin too possessed a certain amount of power along those particular lines.
	Some might call it overpowering arroganceand they might be right.  Tarrin was arrogant, and he knew it.  All Were-cats were.  The idea that he was willing to take on a god was the pinnacle of arrogance, but he simply didnt care.  This One would have to manifest here in a weakened form, an Avatar, and though he wasnt as powerful as a god, all of his power was focused in the mortal world, and that gave him the raw might to challenge any god on any material plane and have a good chance to win.  All of his power was here, and he could use it as he saw fit.  Unless this One had the power of an Elder God from back home, his Avatar wouldnt bring enough to the table to defeat Tarrin.  That wasnt arrogance in his mind, that was just the plain, bald, naked truth.  And truth is truth.
	He had no fear of gods.  Not on this world, not back home, not anywhere.

Chapter 2

	When Mist told him about wanting to assume her proper height, he really hadnt given it much thought.  When he did, he thought fleetingly that it was going to be like it was for him after Shiika kissed him and caused his bodys aging to accelerate at a frightening rate; the hunger, the weakness, the discomfort.  Granted, hed been lost in the Cat when that happened, barely aware of what was going on around him, only aware of the unbearable emptiness that had consumed him after hed been separated from his sisters and his friends.
	He could not have been more wrong.
	Mists transformation began the day after Fireflashs appearance, after another day of following Kimmies trail across flat grasslands, moving in the direction that he would call south, since he was assuming that the sun rose in the east and set in the west like it did at home.  She warned him that it had started that morning, as they packed the tents in a brief, heavy shower that seemed to be something like a norm for this region, and he hadnt thought much about it.  He figured shed be bad-tempered for a month or so as her body slowly grew out to its new size, because she said it would take about a month, and secretly he was hoping that it would end as quickly as possible.  Mist was bad enough with her feral tendencies, but having her with a lightning temper was going to be very dangerous for everyone around her, even him.  Having Mist finish this growth quickly would be best for everyone involved, even Mist.
	But it was not taking a month.  Most of it happened that day.
	Mist didnt complain.  Mist never complained.  It was the sound of it that made it unpleasant for him.  She lay quite limply in the saddle with him, sometimes panting quite heavily, and the sound of her bones cracking made him spend that day in a continual shudder.  Around about lunch, he was wondering if Mist was going to survive what was happening to her, and he even consulted Dolanna on it.
	This is not Sennadar, she told him patiently.  She assumed it would take a month because she was going on what she knows.  We are not home, dear one, and this alien world is affecting what is happening to her.  All we can do for her is make her comfortable and wait for this accelerated growth to abate.
	It was agonizing for both of them.  Tarrin kept a hand on Mists flank for the rest of the day, a hand of comfort and a steadying anchor to keep her from sliding out of the saddle, and he could feel it under his palm.  Mists body was growing at a phenomenal rate, and he could actually feel that growth under his hand.  Her cat form, like her other forms, was growing larger as well, a reflection of her size in all her forms, and it was an indicator of his mates progress.
	By the time they stopped, by a small pond with unhealthy-looking green water, Much of Mists growth seemed to have been finished.  She was visibly larger now than she had been that morning.  He put her on the pillow Sarraya had slept on to rest as they set up camp, as Fireflash laid beside her both to give her company and to protect her.  After they were done setting up camp, after the firepit was dug and a fire started, Mist dragged herself off the pillow and shapeshifted into her base form.
	It was quite a momentous event.
	The first thing that got everyones attention was the sound of leather ripping.  Tarrins head whipped to her as he heard that sound, and saw her just in time to see her clothes literally burst from the strain of trying to contain her.  They fell around her in tattered shreds, leaving her nude, but nobody noticed her nudity in the stunned gaping at her.
	She was nearly as tall as Tarrin.
	She fell to one knee, her paws hugging her midsection, and for a moment he had to gawk at her like a mouse staring down the gullet of a snake.  Her body was just the same as it had been when she was short; highly developed muscle corded around a surprisingly feminine frame, a mixture of power and femininity that made Mist a paradox, for no one could look at her and deny neither her luscious curves nor her physical power, but it was like some god had grabbed her at both ends and pulled her out like taffy.  Her face was still the same fierce, handsome visage he knew, but there was a new sharpness to it, the sharpness of maturity, and her eyes were more hawkish than ever.  Her hair was still short and unruly, a wild black mass atop her head.  She still looked just like Mist, but now this Mist was nearly ten spans tall, only a few fingers shorter than him.  Tarrin rushed over to her and put his arm around her shoulder to steady her as she swayed on her knee.  Mist! he said in a strangled tone.  Are you alright?
	Havetocook, she said between labored breaths.
	You fool, sit back down! he told her chidingly, yet commandingly.
	Karas hammer, Ulger said, looking at her.  Is it me, or is she trying to catch up with Zak?
	No wonder it hurt so much, Haley said clinically, inspecting her with his eyes.  Ive never heard of a Were-kin doing that before.  It usually takes rides.  Im surprised she lived through it, he added soberly.
	Thats Mist youre talking about, Haley, Sarraya told him.
	True.  Half of Fae-daNar thinks shes invincible.
	Shes got that much of a reputation? Ulger asked.
	My dear Ulger, from the point of view of Fae-daNar, you look upon probably the second most feared being on the face of Sennadar, Haley told him lightly.  Given shes beside the first, you understand why the Woodkin breathed such a sigh or relief when they heard they were leaving for a while.
	She doesnt seem all that mean.
	And what is this? Miranda asked, tapping the half-healed gash over his eyebrows.
	Ulger laughed.  A love tap, he replied.  Ive gotten worse from frisky barmaids.
	I thought Triana was the most feared, Miranda added to Haley.
	He shook his head.  They respect Triana, but they dont outright fear her.  They know shell obey the rules.  But Tarrin and Mist have never been much for adhering to our laws.  If it wasnt the fact that theyd kill a couple hundred Woodkin in any attempt to kill them, theyd probably have tried.  Theyve debated killing Mist for years, and they really wanted to, but the fact of the matter was that nobody was insane enough to try.  They knew it would take an army to do the job, and theyd lose a good chunk of it in the process.
	Miranda chuckled humorlessly.  Now thats a reputation, she agreed.
	Why didnt the Druids just do it?
	Ah, yes, that, Haley replied with a slight smile.  Well, its not that easy, Azakar.  Mist herself never showed any great aptitude for Druidic magic, but she does have one little trick that stopped that idea cold.
	What?
	Mist can sense Druids, he replied.  Shes Were-kin, and she can detect us.  After she turned feral, everyone learned to stay out of her range.  It was instant death to take one step past the markers of her territory, and she even killed Druids.  Many Druids speculate that the markers of her territory were the limits of her ability to sense us.  She killed Druids immediately and without question whenever they tried to come into her land.
	Yeah, thatd kinda put a stopper in that idea, Ulger chuckled.
	Doesnt that break the rules of Fae-daNar? Miranda asked.
	Not when the Druid enters the territory of someone else, it doesnt, Haley replied.  Druids are respected and given safe passage as a matter of courtesy, not of law.  Mist had every right to defend her territory from anyone, even Druids, as long as she marked her boundaries and put out the cross this line and die markers.  Putting out those particular markers gave her the right to kill anyone who crossed the line.  Given who she was, youd understand why killing Druids who invaded her territory was so important.
	To prevent just what they wanted to do, Ulger surmised.
	Triana was the only one who could go into her territory, Sarraya added.  Most of the Hierarchs wanted her to kill Mist, but she wouldnt do it.
	Tarrin ignored the talking over the others as he made Mist sit down on the pillow, then held her down with a hand on her shoulder when she tried to get up.  Didnt you hear me?  I said sit down, he commanded.
	Yes, my mate, she said demurely, gripping his forearm in paws which were now absolutely huge.  I dont really feel much like standing right now anyway.
	Does it still hurt?
	Some, but not as much as earlier, she answered.  Im just really tired and very hungry.
	Stay there, Ill get you something to eat now while you wait for Miranda to cook dinner.
	I love being volunteered, Miranda laughed.
	Ill help, but get started.  Mist needs to eat.  Now.  Trust me, I went through this myself.
	Just not as fast, Sarraya said clinically.
	Ill fetch some cheese and meat, Azakar said firmly.  You stay there, Tarrin.
	Bring a lot, Tarrin ordered.
	Tarrin, may I fetch one of your large cloaks for her? Dolanna asked politely.  He knew she wouldnt rifle through his packs without his permission.
	Shell probably fit in my clothes, he told Dolanna.  Bring a shirt and a pair of breeches too.
	Azakar brought over a large sack of dried meat and cheese, and Dolanna threw one of Tarrins cloaks over Mists shoulders as she began to eat ravenously.  He made to go help Miranda cook, but she waved him off and instead received help from Dolanna and Sarraya as Ulger, Azakar, and Haley completed setting up camp on their own.  After camp was set up, Miranda cooked a hearty stew in a pot over the fire with another pot simmering beans beside it, and Mist continued to eat.  She emptied the sack of its cheese and meat by the time the stew was done, and ate most of that herself after letting the others take a plate.  She then ate what was left of the beans after everyone took their fill of those as well, and then ate three loafs of bread and another wheel of cheese as they cleaned up the dishes and Azakar and Ulger removed their armor to tend to small spots of rust on them which had appeared after the last time they got rained upon.
	Tarrin watched her eat in concern, but he was still quite bowled over by how fast she had grown.  She had done all that growing in one day, and it looked to more or less be over.  But why had it happened?  It should have taken a month, but instead it had happened over the course of only one day.  He didnt even want to think of how painful it had been for her, but this shocking development had him rightfully concerned.
	The food did wonders for her.  Her body seemed to visibly fill out as she ate, as that Were-cat metabolism absorbed the food and quickly used it to replenish weakened muscles, something that not even this alien world seemed to affect very much.  After eating, she laid down by the fire and immediately fell asleep, cloak drawn around her like a blanket.  Tarrin sat beside her, playing idly with her short, wild hair, trying to make sense of what happened.  But there just wasnt enough information to even draw any kinds of conclusions.  It was a mystery, a mystery they could simply pin on the fact that this was an alien world.  Somehow, this world had caused her to grow in one day rather than one month.
	It was quite an adjustment for him to see her so large.  Mist was always such a small thing, not much taller than Dolanna, sometimes she seemed like a child to him.  But now she was taller than Jesmind, almost as tall as him, and another reminder of her age.  Mist was nearly seven hundred years old, one of the elder Were-cats, but her small size always made her seem so much younger.  She looked more mature now, that was for sure, a new sharpness to her face that made her seem much like Triana was.  He took hold of her paw, which swallowed up his human hand, stroking the short, thick black for on the backs of her fingers and then rubbing his fingers along the thick pink pad on her palm.  She was going to have a period of adjustment, that was for sure.  Being taller changed everything, and after seven hundred years of being small, she had quite a long road ahead of her.  Being with her like this in human form, it reminded him again how incredibly tall he was, how tall she was now, because now he felt like a child beside her.
	After a while by the fire, Dolanna suggested that he take her to their tent.  He shapeshifted into his natural form and collected her up, feeling how heavy she was now compared to before, and took her to their oversized tent.  He packed her away on their single large sleeping mat and pulled the covers up around her, then went back outside and collected up the pillow.  He brought it back to the tent and put it by their sleeping mat, then deposited Fireflash on it.  He yawned and immediately curled up on it, allowing Tarrin to go back out to sit by the fire with Dolanna, Sarraya, Haley, and Miranda, as Azakar and Ulger went to their tents a bit early so they could get some sleep before their turns at watch.  They talked for a while about what had happened to Mist, but they too had no real answers, and could only say what he had already thought, that they could only suppose it was this alien world and leave it as an unexplained mystery.
	Is she alright? Miranda asked.
	Well see in the morning.  She will be a bit clumsy for a while, though.
	I can imagine, Haley said.  Shell literally wake up and be nearly twice as tall as she was before she went to bed.  Shell have to learn how to move again.
	She will probably be a trifle sore as well, Dolanna said.  I suggest we give her a wide berth until she feels better.
	That might be a good idea, Tarrin agreed.  I need to go back in there.  Shell sleep better with me there.
	That nose of hers even goes when shes asleep, doesnt it?
	Now you know where Eron got his sense of smell from, Tarrin replied.  Though his is better than Mists, shes still got quite a nose.  Better than mine.  He looked to Sarraya.  If youre not sleeping in my tent, at least try to sleep close, he told her.  So Fireflash can be close to your amulet.
	Im making her her own little tent, Miranda told him.  Itll look like a dolls tent, but itll be just her size.  She can pitch it beside yours.
	How are you doing that? Tarrin asked curiously.
	I just need a little leather, some string, and a couple of sticks, Tarrin, she giggled.  Making something like that is easy.
	Youre the resident seamstress, Miranda, he told her absently.
	A tent, for me?  When can I have it? Sarraya asked in excitement.
	I should have it done by tomorrow night, she answered.  I dont sleep much, and it gives me something to do with my hands while Im waiting for everyone else to wake up, and I can work on it while we ride, since it doesnt take much precision.  She looked at Tarrin.  Um, I did kind of filch some of that leather that Mist brought with her, she admitted.  Just a small piece of one hide.  Do you think shell mind?
	To keep Sarraya out of our tent?  She wont mind at all.  In fact, she might kiss your feet.
	Hey! Sarraya said waspishly.
	Tarrin stood up, towering over them like a giant.  Ill see you all in the morning.
	Sleep well, dear one, Dolanna answered.
	Mist slept heavily that night, and Tarrin, despite being sleepy, kept waking up during the night to check on her.  He knew it was silly, because he knew she was fine, but he couldnt help it.  Sarraya had flitted into the tent with them not long after he went to sleep, sharing the pillow with Fireflash, who didnt seem to mind her presence at all.  Her presence also reassured him, since her presence when they had gone through the desert had become important to him, and having her near again was like the reawakening of an old need within him.  It was well after midnight that he finally settled down and managed to sleep for longer than half an hour, arm draped protectively over his mate, the smell of her and the sound of her strong, steady breathing finally overwhelming his concern and allowing him to sink into a dreamy kind of contentment that made his sleep a peaceful one.
	Well past dawn, he was stirred awake by her, as she caressed the side of his face with her paw.  He opened his eyes and looked up at her, at a mysterious expression on her face, as she gazed down upon him.  What? he asked sleepily.
	Im just marvelling at how much smaller you look to me now, my mate, she told him with an enigmatic smile.
	Are you alright?  Does it still hurt? he asked, reaching up and putting his arms around her.
	I feel like I got wrung out with the wash, but Im alright, she answered.  I havent gotten up yet, but I get the feeling its going to be different.
	Youre not going to fall over every time you take a step, but youll have to get used to it, he told her.
	Alright then, lets give it a go, Mist said deliberately, sliding aside and rising up onto her knees.  She put a paw down on the ground and put a foot under herself, then slowly rose to her feet.  She towered over him that way, tall and regal and intimidating, at least until he got up himself.  She was only a few fingers shorter than he was, and the change in aspect at looking at her was profound.
	You should fit in my clothes now, he told her.  Thatll hold you until you make some new clothes.
	It should, she said, looking at her paw, turning it around so she could see both sides as Tarrin picked up the clothes that theyd selected for her the night before.  I feellighter.
	Youre stronger, he told her evenly, handing her a pair of sturdy leather breeches.  And youll bang your head on doorframes a lot until you get the hang of ducking.  But youll be alright.
	She carefully stepped into the breeches, chuckling.  That will take some adjusting, she agreed, then stepped into the other leg and pulled them up.  They were loose at the waist and very tight through her hips, since hers were so much wider than his, but they did fit her well enough.  I wont wear these long, she grunted, patting her hips.
	Youll bust out of them if you try, he noted clinically.
	I feel like Im being squeezed by a Giant, she said, putting a paw on her backside.
	Miranda can help with the breeches, he told her.  Shes a very good tailor.
	I can make my own, she told him absently.
	If she helps, you can get them done that much faster, he explained.  Oh, yes, she used a little bit of your leather. Not much, just enough to make Sarraya a tent.
	Thats fine, she said.  I wont need all that much, and we can always ambush a few humans and take their clothes.  I can make patchwork clothes out of them.
	Lets not be unfriendly to the natives, my mate, he chuckled as he handed her the shirt.  Fireflash yawned and got up from his pillow, stretched, then vaulted up onto Tarrins shoulder.
	From what Ive seen so far, they deserve it, she shrugged as she pulled on the shirt.  It was just a bit tight through her bosom, but otherwise fit her just fine.
	Well see.  We dont know enough about this place yet to draw any foregone conclusions.
	Mist moved tenderly as they came out, and he could tell that she was already having trouble with her balance and her strength. She kept looking like she was about to topple forward at any moment.  She walked around the camp gingerly at first as the others went about the morning chores, and Azakar and Ulger watered the horses, and seemed to become more confident with herself with each step.  They all watched her without being obvious about it, and he could tell that they were all rather shocked at seeing her so tall.  He knew shed need another heavy meal to make sure she was fully restored, so he dug extra meal out of the sack and went about making an extra pot of porridge that would be served with the rest of  the breakfast Miranda was preparing.  Should I add more bacon? she asked without much greeting.
	He nodded.  And another loaf of bread.
	Shes going to eat up our entire stores in three days at this rate, Tarrin, she warned him.
	She wont have to eat like this again, he assured her.
	I hope not.  She might start giving me looks that would make me very uncomfortable, she said with a cheeky grin.
	Shed never eat you, Miranda, he said mildly.
	Oh?  And how do you know that? she asked lightly.
	Because Wikuni taste terrible, he answered as he went towards the packs.
	Tarrin was right to fix so much food, because there was nothing left when breakfast was over. Mist ate everything that the others left behind after they took what they wanted, and then shifted into cat form and lounged by the extinguished firepit as the others packed the horses and got ready to go.  She slept most of the day as Tarrin carried her, Fireflash, and occasionally Sarraya with him in the saddle. Miranda, hiding again behind the Illusion of Mist, sat in her saddle and finished sewing Sarrayas tent, then quietly started working on a new leather tunic for Mist.  Miranda already had an idea of her size, since she had made clothes for Tarrin before, so all she had to do was add some extra room in the chest.  She cut the leather when the stopped for a break, and her nimble fingers worked thick leather twine through holes she punched into the leather with an awl in the saddle.  Haley watched this display of dexterity with undisguised admiration, that she could sew while riding on a horse, but she paid the Were-wolf little mind, for all her attention was on her work.  Tarrin led her horse for her while she did so, because she wasnt paying any attention to where they were going.
	By sunset that night, Mist had a sleeveless leather tunic in her size.  She tried it on, neglecting to go into a tent to take off the tunic she was wearing, but everyone was familiar with Were-cat customs and didnt pay it much mind.  Nice, she told Miranda, twisting at the waist to test the fit.  Sleeves?
	Tomorrow, she answered.  Those take a little work.  I dont want to do that while riding.
	Im surprised you managed to do that so well on a moving horse, Miranda, Haley told her.
	Its not like I was doing embroidery, Haley, she chided him.  If I wasnt moving, Id have finished it in a couple of hours instead of it taking all day.
	Youre better than me then, he chuckled.
	The sleeves were ready by morning, and they lingered at their camp an hour longer than necessary to give Miranda time to finish sewing the sleeves onto the tunic.  When she was done, Mist had a nice undyed buckskin tunic with laces at the neckline, elbow-length, and loose sleeves that flared very slightly at the ends.  You can make me pants too, Mist told her.  These are going to split the next time I bend over.
	That would certainly be a show, Ulger snickered.
	She gave him a level look.  Look all you want, but remember that youll never be man enough to have it, human, she told him.
	Ulger gave her a slight scowl, Miranda laughed, and Haley winced with a sly twinkle in his eyes as Mist stalked off towards the tent she shared with Tarrin.  Might I suggest keeping your thoughts to yourself, Ulger? Dolanna said with a light tilt to her voice that betrayed her amusement, though her words was as formal as ever.
	Yeah, cause hes not big enough to play with Mist, Sarraya giggled.
	Not anymore, Haley remarked.
	He never was, Miranda added, which made Ulger scowl at her.
	Pants werent that hard to make for Miranda, for she decided to use two pieces of material and simply lace them up the sides, while sewing them together on the inside seam.  That would allow Mist to alter the fit to suit her by undoing the outside lacing and relacing it.  She had to measure Miranda for the pants, which was something that Mist had never undergone before.  Hold still, Miranda ordered as she held a knotted cord to the outside of Mists leg.
	Why are you wasting your time? she said.  Just make them like Tarrins and add some space here.  She put her paws on her hips.
	Ive never made pants for Tarrin before, so I dont know his size, she answered, looking up.  Then she chuckled ruefully.  I still cant get used to how tall you are now.
	Im surprised I grew this much, she admitted.  I figured Id just be a few fingers taller than Jesmind.
	Well, I like it. I dont feel like my mate is a child anymore, Tarrin announced.
	Then its a good thing, she told him with lowered eyes, then she raised them to look into his face with that same look of admiration that always seemed to be there.
	Miranda flashed him a knowing grin, but said nothing.
	By working well into the night, Miranda had the pants finished by late morning.  She did the sewing work while they were stationary and did the easier parts, such as punching the holes for laces and making the leather thong, while they were on the move.  Then it was a simple matter to lace the sides up, and then hand them to Tarrin.  There you are, she said with a grin.  These should hold her until I make more.
	Tarrin held them up and admired them.  They looked to be a perfect fit for his mate, and the leather lacing on the outsides of the legs would leave the skin beneath that mesh appealingly bare.  She had sewn in a waistband that was almost continuous that would prevent the pants from falling off her if the lacing broke, and the pants had the customary slit and button in the back for her tail and the leather lacing in the front so she could get them on over her hips.  The craftsmanship was outstanding, but that was the norm for Miranda.  There was almost nothing that Miranda could not sew.
	Kimmie changed direction, Azakar announced from the front, pointing off in a new direction.  Shed been moving in a virtual straight line for days now that theyd been following the trail.  The way Azakar pointed was what Tarrin would call east, for it was almost directly towards where the sun rose in the morning.  She went that way.
	I wonder why she did that, Dolanna mused.  Perhaps some new information came to light, or she saw something I do not see.
	Or she was chased, Ulger added, looking at the ground.  Its been a month since she passed, so its impossible to tell if that happened.
	Well, if we come across any decaying bodies wearing those uniforms those guards had on at that village, well know, Haley chuckled.
	I think theres a wood over that way, Azkar said, holding his hands up his bare head to shield his eyes from the noontime sun.  I think, its hard to 