Chapter One - Preparations

---

We called the others to meet at our den the next day after Mashera arrived and announced that she would be our guide to The Heart of The Great Forest. When the others arrived, they noticed right away that both Warri and Dahmi acted coldly towards Mashera, and even more surprising to them was the fact that the normally bubbly Foxfire kept a cool demeanor towards her as well. I asked Mashera to explain to the rest of the group about the journey we would soon be going on, and they listened attentively. When she was finished and there didn't seem to be any further questions, I asked Mashera to give us some time alone to discuss things. She agreed and then simply vanished with a slight displacement of air.

When I looked at Foxfire, she said with a little smile, "She's gone."

Both Warri and Dahmi sighed with relief and visibly relaxed. I filled them in on the events of the previous night, trying to maintain a neutral tone and posture as I did so that they could draw their own conclusions.

"Not quite what I would expect for a guide," Grimm quipped.

"Yah, why do we need one anyway? Can't we just get there ourselves?" Kurietta asked.

"If it was anywhere else within The Great Forest, we certainly could...but where we're going is very special. The First Ones are able to go there at will, but for everyone else it requires a guide to help them. If a person isn't ready for the experience, then they might wander for a very long time and never find it. I guess you could say that if you're meant to find it, then you will," I explained.

"But how come they can go there whenever they want, but nobody else can?" Kuri asked.

"The First Ones sense things very differently than everyone else--The Heart has its own protections and if you are unable to perceive it properly, then it will misdirect you away from it. So, most everyone else has to have help getting to it, and the journey there is meant to help them prepare their heart of being for the experience so that they can perceive it properly," I replied.

"Is that what is meant by "the journey of the heart to The Heart?" Red Moon asked.

"Yes dear, it is. The journey of your heart of being as it carries you to The Heart of The Great Forest. Each of us will learn something about ourselves and each other, though this is primarily Dahmi's, Kuri's and Meri's journey," I replied.

"So, when do we head out, Sire?" Brown Leaf asked.

"I guess as soon as we take care of whatever business we need to first, and then get things together for it," I said.

"Any idea how long we'll be gone for, Sire?" Warri asked.

I sighed and said, "I don't know--it could be a few days there and back, or it could be much longer."

Dahmi tugged on my arm to get my attention and then she motioned for me to lean closer so that she could whisper into my ear, "Do you think I should show them now...just in case?"

"Hmm, well, I suppose this might be as good a time as any. Are you sure you're up to it?" I asked quietly. Dahmi nodded her head.

Dahmietra stepped out into the middle of the group and got everyone's attention.

"Um, I thought I'd better show everyone something. I'm sure you've all noticed that I'm not wearing my usual clothing--I've got a very good reason not to be. Something really strange happened recently, and I wanted to show you now...just in case it happens later."

"What are ya yakkin' about, Dahmi?" Kuri asked, cocking her head to one side with a confused look.

"Well...this...," Dahmi said and then she crouched down and closed her eyes.

"Hang onto yer tails, guys, this is gonna stomp yer berries!" Meri exclaimed just as Dahmi initiated the change.

The magical shape-changing energies quickly enveloped Dahmi's body and her form began to reshape itself--everyone who had not yet witnessed the change looked on in wide-eyed wonder; even the normally unshakeable Grimm could not believe his own eyes. In moments, the transformation was complete, and Dahmi took a slow, deep breath before standing. She was now nearly the same height as Warri, and looked just like any other female present.

"Great hompin' frazzleberries!!!" Kurietta yelled in a mix of fear and disbelief when she saw Dahmi begin to change.

She would have fallen over backwards if Grimm had not caught her in time.

"Whoa, now that's something you don't see everyday!" Night Song quipped when Dahmi's change was complete.

"I told ya it was gonna stomp yer berries!" Meri said while standing slightly behind me.

Seeing Dahmi change still made her nervous for some reason, but it didn't terrify her as it did the first time.

"Jeebers sis, I dang near forgot you tellin' me about it!" Kurietta said while trying to get a grip on what she just witnessed.

Night Song cautiously approached Dahmi and asked, "It's still you under that fur...right?"

Dahmi grinned and replied, "I'm still me...I just...look different."

"Uh, yeah, that's kind of obvious," Night Song said raising an eyebrow.

She carefully sniffed Dahmi's neck just below her ear, and satisfied that she still smelled nearly the same, Night Song gave Dahmi a friendly hug.

"Well, this is certainly going to take a little to get used to, but...I kind of like it," Night Song said with a grin.

"It's kind of fun, actually, but it tends to make me hungry the more often I change," Dahmi said.

"Do you know what gave you this ability?" Snow Spear asked.

"The change apparently started the night we made Dahmi a part of our family," I replied, "though she wasn't able to do this until two nights ago."

"While I'm like this, I'm pretty much the same as any of you. When I'm back to my original form, I'm still more than I used to be," Dahmi said.

"Whatcha mean by that, Dahmi?" Kuri asked.

"Well, I can still see in the dark, my hearing and sense of smell is still better, I'm faster and stronger than I was before, and I don't get cold as easily as I used to. Oh, and I found out that I can self-heal, too, and that seems to work in both forms," Dahmi replied.

"And you can change like this whenever you want to?" Brown Leaf asked as she cautiously came closer.

"I think so. I'm getting to where I can make the change a bit quicker and more easily, now that I'm getting a little used to it," Dahmi said. She noticed Brown Leaf's caution, so she held her hand out to her and said with a grin, "I'm still me, Brown Leaf...I just changed my looks a bit."

Brown Leaf raised an eyebrow as she took Dahmi's hand, and then doing the same as Night Song had done, she accepted Dahmi's new form and burned the image, scent, and what her other senses told her into her memory. She would be able to find Dahmietra now, no matter which form she happened to be in. One by one, the rest of the group accepted Dahmietra's new form by sniffing her neck just below her ear and then giving her a hug.

When it was Grimm's turn, she laughed a little and said, "You don't have to bend down quite so far now."

"Indeed, "Grimm said with a bit of a grin.

While he nuzzled her briefly, Dahmi said quietly, "I might take you up on your offer...if you still have an opening."

Grimm arched an eyebrow and asked, "Are you certain?"

"I'm going to discuss it with Warri, and also with ma and da, though I am interested in at least giving it a try," Dahmi replied.

Grimm smiled thoughtfully and gave Dahmi a gentle pat on her shoulder.

"After we are finished with this trip to The Heart, we will discuss it further and go from there," Grimm said.

Dahmi grinned and nodded her head in agreement.

"Will three days be enough time for everyone to get your things together for the trip?" I asked after they all had a chance to get accustomed to Dahmi's new form.

There was a brief quiet discussion among the group and then they all voiced their agreement.

"Okay, then at moonrise on the third night, we will all meet and head out from here. I'll let Mashera know when we will be leaving," I announced.

The rest of the group took that as a signal that the meeting was over and they got up and said their goodbyes. As Night Song was about to step out from under the overhang, she paused for a moment and looked back at Dahmietra. Dahmi had slipped her arm around Warri's waist and was saying something quietly to him.

Night Song quickly gave Dahmi's new form an appreciative look, and thought to herself with a sly grin, "I think young Warri is going to have his paws full with her...lucky guy."

"So, what do you think of this new form Dahmi can change into, cuz?" Brown Leaf asked her cousin Smoke Fire as they and Night Song were walking back home.

"Well...I was just getting used to her the way she was, and now this. I've never seen anyone who could change their shape before. I know the Nomenara can do it, but this is the first time I've seen it myself. It's a bit weird, but I guess I'll get used to it," he replied.

"It's hard to decide which I like best...she looks good both ways," Night Song said with a grin.

"Night Song!" both Brown Leaf and Smoke Fire exclaimed in unison.

"Well, she does," Night Song quipped, dropping her ears a little. "Besides, you were getting rather frisky with Shilar as I remember, Brown Leaf, so you can't say the 'furless ones[1]' don't have a certain appeal to them."

Brown Leaf was about to spout off a snappy comeback, but then thought better of it because Night Song did have a point.

After a moment, she conceded and said, "Okay, I guess you've got me there. Shilar is kinda sweet...for an Eastlander."

"Yeah, one who was raised by the Cunatii and thinks more like they do," Smoke Fire said with a grin, giving his cousin a nudge with his elbow.

"I'd bet a bowl of mead that you never told him how old you are," Night Song smirked. Smoke Fire glanced quickly at Night Song and then turned his attention to his cousin.

Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Did you?"

Brown Leaf got a slightly embarrassed look and quietly cleared her throat, "It...never came up."

"I knew it!" Night Song said, gleefully sticking her tongue out a little.

"I wouldn't doubt that something came up, the way you two were dancing together during the celebrations," Smoke Fire fired off with a bit of smugness in his voice.

Brown Leaf gave her cousin a slap on the shoulder at that remark.

"That's none of your business!" Brown Leaf snapped back with a little snarl. Sensing that her best friend was starting to get a little upset, and before he could say anything else, Night Song quickly grabbed Smoke Fire and kissed him.

After a few moments, he asked, "Wha-what was that for?"

"Um...I'm going to borrow her for a little while, if you don't mind. Catch up with you later," Night Song replied to Smoke Fire with a wicked grin on her face, and then grabbed Brown Leaf by the arm. "My place," she said, walking off in the direction of her den with Brown Leaf in tow.

Smoke Fire stood there for a little while as he watched Night Song and his cousin go off together. When they rounded a curve in the path, he slowly shook his head and then wandered off towards his own den.

Snow Spear mulled over what he had learned on his way home, especially the part about Dahmietra and her new abilities.

"Now doesn't that just beat all," he muttered to himself. "Poor little thing is now half her kind and half our kind. I wonder how everyone else is going to take this when they find out...and they will sooner or later. This is something that no one is going to not notice eventually. I can understand why she told us--we're her friends, and we accept her as she is, though I can see where this might cause her some trouble eventually, especially if she is ever among the Wastelanders again."

Snow Spear has long had a habit of thinking aloud to himself, so most people were accustomed to seeing him talking to himself. His neighbor, Star, was no exception.

Star is a friendly, gentle, and highly creative female, known for her artwork and excellent singing voice, and is often sought after to help watch the cublings of others. She got her name because her fur is mostly darker shades of gray and black, with a white, somewhat star shaped patch of fur on her chest. Being at least a hand shorter than Brown Leaf, Star is unusually short, plump, and well endowed for a female, though she tends to look a bit frumpy most of the time. She has lived next to Snow Spear for many turns of the seasons, and has been on friendly terms for most of that time. Star was out sweeping the flagstones that paved the pathway up to her den when she saw Snow Spear coming. She quickly smoothed the long fur about her face in an effort to make herself a little more presentable. She keeps hoping that one day he might actually take an interest, and see her for being more than just a neighbor or a friend.

"Ayooo! Snow Spear!" she called out to him as he was approaching.

When Snow Spear looked up at her, Star smiled brightly and waved, trying to show what she thought was her best side. Snow Spear waved back, giving his usual restrained smile and minimal wave.

"Oh, I hope he looks!" she thought to herself when Snow Spear as nearly to the path leading up to her den. When it appeared that he would walk on by, Star's ears and tail drooped, and her smile began to fade.

"Oh, poo! What's a female have to do to get his attention, strap on some armor and pick up a spear?" she thought, feeling the old frustration building up again.

Just about that time, Snow Spear came to a stop, paused a little, and then turned his head to look at his neighbor.

"Since I'm going to be away for a while again, I suppose I should let her know," Snow Spear muttered to himself.

The decision made, he turned and headed back towards the path to her den. Star had resumed her sweeping, though a little less enthusiastically than before, when she heard Snow Spear call out to her.

"Ayooo! Star! Mind if I come up for a bit?" he asked as he stepped foot onto her path.

Star was instantly flustered and nearly dropped her broom.

"W-Why, certainly!" she said, getting her enthusiasm back. "Would you like some tea? I have a pot heating by the fire...," she asked.

Snow Spear almost declined, but when he saw the look on Star's face, he felt that it would be better to accept the offered hospitality. After all, they had been neighbors for quite some time, and she was pleasant enough.

"Thank you, I believe I would," Snow Spear replied, much to Star's delight.

"Well, come on in, and make yourself comfortable!" she said happily, taking him by the arm when he made his way up the path to where she had been standing.

Snow Spear was never very affectionate outwardly, which was one of the reasons why not many females would stay interested in him for long. That, and if they ever got to see the inside of his den and how bare he kept it, just made him seem all the more cold. Star knew better, though, because she could tell how much he enjoyed looking at her artwork, even though she has not yet been able to get him to let her hang even one piece on a wall (he claimed her work would be too extravagant for a simple defender like him). While Snow Spear's den was starkly bare and utilitarian in the extreme, Star's den was comfortably homey and full of color. She had a delightful time helping Kurietta select items to decorate Grimm Tooth's den in a tasteful manner, and she would love to have the chance to decorate Snow Spear's den, considering it a blank canvas that begged for color.

Although Snow Spear would have been more than willing to stay out in the front area covered by the overhang, Star insisted on him coming inside the den proper where it was cozier.

"I'll just be a moment getting the tea," she said after making sure her guest was comfortably seated on the low, fur covered divan.

While she set about getting the drinking bowls and pouring the tea, Snow Spear casually looked around to see what was different from the last time he had been there. Star was almost always working on something new, and the covered canvas on her easel indicated a work in progress. Her art ranged from the abstract to so realistic that it was nearly impossible to tell the painting apart from the actual subject in normal light without touching it. When she brought the tea over and sat down to join him, Star positioned herself so that she was sitting just within arm's reach and sideways, facing Snow Spear, and resting her left arm on the low back cushion as she sipped her tea.

"I see that you are working on another project," Snow Spear said after taking a sip from his drinking bowl and nodding his head towards the easel.

"Yeah, I'm painting little Leaf Chaser...he's such a cute little ball of fluff right now that I thought I'd paint him before he gets much bigger," she replied with a smile.

"That's Gold Fang's youngest, isn't it?" Snow Spear asked.

"He and Windy are going to have their paws full with that little one," she replied nodding her head, "he's quite the little go-getter."

Leaf Chaser was only two moons old, having been born about the time Snow Spear had left with Mist Runner and the others to take Dahmietra to The Gathering.

He took another sip from his drinking bowl and said, "I suppose I should stop by and pay them a visit; things have been rather busy, lately."

"I've been...hoping that maybe...you might want to have evening meal together sometime, and you can tell me all about that trip you took with Sire Mist Runner," Star said hesitantly, trying not sound too forward.

"Speaking of trips, that's what I wanted to talk to you about," Snow Spear said, twitching an ear.

Right away, Star thought of two possibilities: one was that he wanted to tell her about his recent trip with Mist Runner, and the other was--and she knew this was a long shot--that he would suggest the two of them go somewhere together. A third possibility didn't immediately come to her until he said it.

"I'm going to be leaving with Sire Mist Runner again, three nights from now at moonrise. We'll be going to The Heart."

As soon as he said that he would be leaving with Mist Runner again soon, Star dropped her ears...and then he mentioned where they would be going.

She was astonished by this bit of news, "You're going where?" she asked.

Snow Spear slowly nodded his head and said, "We're taking Dahmietra, Kurietta, and her sister Meri to The Heart. One of the First Ones of the Nomenara has come to be the guide--I was just on my way back home from a meeting we had about it at Sire Mist Runner's den."

"Y-You're actually going to The Heart?" Star asked not quite believing what she had just heard.

Snow Spear simply nodded his head.

"Is anyone else going besides you?" Star asked.

"All of us who went with Sire Mist Runner and Dahmietra to that big council of the Wastelander's religious leaders," Snow Spear replied.

"Why so many?"

Snow Spear downed the last of the tea in his drinking bowl and said, "I just know that the nine of us are supposed to go along with Dahmietra, Kurietta, and Meri, with that First One helping to get us there."

Snow Spear actually knew more about it than he let on as Mist Runner had told the group everything that had happened concerning Mashera, but he wasn't one to gossip about such things.

"I wanted to let you know that I was going to be gone for a while, in case you needed help with something again."

Star sat quietly for a few moments staring into her drinking bowl, thinking.

"Any idea how long you will be gone this time?" she asked finally.

"No. Sire Mist Runner said that it could take only a few days to get there and then back again, or it could take much longer."

From what she had heard about those who have been to The Heart of The Great Forest, that was true enough of their own journey there. No one ever has any idea as to how long it might take to reach it, because it's never quite in the same place...or so it seems.

Snow Spear watched Star for a moment as she sat and appeared to be lost in her own thoughts. It occurred to him that perhaps he should say something...but what? He had never been really close to anyone, but since the trip with Dahmietra, he had done some things that he wouldn't have thought of doing before--joining the group at the bathhouse, for one. Almost hesitantly, he reached out, patted Star on her forearm, and smiled a little.

"I'll be back before you know it," he said quietly.

As soon as he touched her arm, Star instantly lost her train of thought. She quickly looked at his hand, surprised that he had actually made such a gesture. Before Snow Spear could pull his hand back, Star slipped hers over his and held it, looking up into his eyes questioningly.

After a moment or two of looking at her and beginning to feel rather awkward, he smiled a little and said, "I...I should be going. I need to look over my kit and see what I need to take with me."

Star's ears dropped a bit and she said, "Oh...alright."

He slowly pulled his hand away and stood up, waiting for her to stand as well. Star sighed very quietly to herself and got up, trying to smile, though she was feeling rather disappointed again. Snow Spear handed the drinking bowl back to Star and thanked her for the tea and the hospitality.

"You know that you're welcome here anytime...," she said, trailing off a bit and giving her visitor a slightly wistful look.

Snow Spear gave his usual brief half smile and started to head for the door. Just as he was about to open it, he paused and turned to look back at Star. She was standing a respectable distance away, though the look in her eyes tugged at something in his heart of being--something that had not been touched in a very long time.

"Uh, Star...maybe...tomorrow evening, near sunset?" He saw her expression change to one of confusion, so he added, "Evening meal?"

"Oh...why, yes, that would be fine!" she replied trying not to sound giddy with excitement.

In all of the time that she had known Snow Spear, this was the first time he ever agreed to have evening meal together with her.

After everyone else left, we went back inside our own den, though I noticed that Meri hung back as if something was on her mind that she wanted to talk to me about.

"Thinking about something, Meri?" I asked quietly as I slipped my arm around her shoulders.

"Yah," she replied softly, and then looked up at me.

I could sense the nervousness in her as well as see it in her eyes.

"You're concerned about the trip, aren't you?" I asked.

"Yah, how'd ya know?" she asked.

"Oh, just a hunch," I said, with a little grin. Meri fidgeted a little so I said, "You'll be okay, Meri. You're not going through this alone."

Meri put her arms around my waist and buried her face in chest fur.

"I know, Misty...it's just...I've never been good at this sorta thing, and...some things I just wanna leave in the past," she said quietly with a little sniffle.

I hugged her back for a few moments and then gently lifted her face so I could look at her directly.

"Meri, you can't run away from things that happened. If you try to, they'll just follow you everywhere you go, and every time you turn around, they'll be there staring you in the face until you deal with them. Until you do, part of you will always be stuck in the past with them, unable to move forward. Everything you've been through is a part of who you are now, and you'll have to figure out how to accept that. It's probably not going to be easy, but at least you have friends and family with you. No matter what, Meri, you've got our support," I said.

Meri looked at me and I could see her eyes begin to moisten.

"But...but what if I mess up again, Misty? I'll let ya down, just like I did with ma and da."

I felt a presence, looked past Meri a little ways...and saw the spirits of her parents, Elmric and Elretta, fade into view as they approached. I could tell by the looks on their faces the pain they felt over their daughter's uncertainty, though I could also see the love they felt for her.

"Oh, my little kitling!" Elretta blurted out, startling Meri.

"Jeebers!" Meri exclaimed as she spun around to see the spirits of her parents holding their arms out to her.

Although Meri couldn't feel their touch as I can, they put their arms around her in their best attempt to hold and comfort their daughter.

"Merietta, ya listen to yer ol' da for once. Ol' Misty here's right, ya know. All of the stuff that happened, happened, and ya just gotta quit lettin' it keep stompin' yer berries. Ya were always smarter than ya thought, but ya just gotta get out of yer own way, my little fur ball," Elmric admonished as he tried to stroke Meri's head with his hand.

"Oh my sweet little berry, ya gotta another chance to figure it all out. Too many people we've met never got to until it's too late for them to do anything about it. Yer da and I still love you with all we got, and ya can still talk to us anytime, and we're mighty thankful ya got yer friends like ol' Misty and his folk," Elretta said as she looked up at me and smiled.

"I think we're taking pretty good care of her," I said, smiling back while giving Meri's shoulders a pat.

She reached up and held one of my hands for a moment while glancing up and over her shoulder, and gave me a little grin.

"Um...Misty, uh...could ya give us a little with our girl?" Elmric asked hesitantly.

"Certainly," I replied and giving Meri a quick kiss on the top of her head, I said, "See you inside."

As soon as I went inside, Red Moon noticed that Meri didn't come in with me.

"Where's Meri at, dear?" she asked.

"Oh, we were talking about the trip, and then her parents made an appearance. They wanted to speak with her privately for a bit, so I came on in," I replied as I sat down at the table.

Dahmi still had not changed back yet into her normal form, and was getting some tea for both herself and Warri.

"Would you like some, da?" she asked, holding up the teapot.

"Certainly, dear. I think my drinking bowl is over by the wash basin," I replied.

"Ha, you know darn well where you left it, dear! You never forget anything, let alone where you put your favorite tea bowl at!" Red Moon exclaimed, sticking her tongue out at me mischievously.

She reached over and picked it up, and handed it to Dahmi.

"Don't let him pull your tail, Dahmi, he knew exactly where he put it," Red Moon said in fake exasperation.

"Hmm, I suppose I'll have to be more careful now since I actually do have a tail that someone could pull," Dahmi shot back with a smirk.

"If you don't get it singed first," Warri said matter-of-factly.

Dahmi set the teapot down on the table and demanded, "Now just what is that supposed to mean?"

Warri raised an eyebrow and jabbed a finger towards the fireplace--Dahmi's tail was getting a bit close to the fire. She quickly snatched it away from the flames and looked at the end of it, checking to see if it was singed. I snickered and shook my head.

"You're going to have to get used to having another appendage, dear," I said with a grin, "you don't want to have the same thing happen to you as what happened to Kuri."

"Why, what happened to her?" Red Moon asked.

"Well...a long time ago, during our wanderings, she had gotten herself into a dance contest of sorts. Unfortunately, while she was performing, she got her tail in a torch next to the stage, and caught her fur on fire. It was a rather wild scene...kind of funny in a way, how she was twirling around and so forth. It just made it worse, of course, but the crowd thought it was part of the act, and you should have heard the howls! Grimm and I got the flames out, but not before it burned a good portion of her tail. I eventually got her tail healed up and the fur to grow back out to normal, but ever since then she's had the nickname of 'Hot Stuff'."

"And I suppose you've never let her forget it, either, have you?" Red Moon asked putting her arms around me.

I grinned and said, "Nope, and neither has Grimm."

"Scamps, the both of you, ah!" Red Moon exclaimed, momentarily slipping back into her old Western Forest accent.

Warri tried to hide the grin on his face, but Dahmi wagged her finger at him and said, "I saw that! Don't you be getting any ideas; one prankster in the family is enough!"

Warri held his hands up and replied, "I think I'll stay out of this one."

We had a little laugh over it and had some of the tea that Dahmi had made.

Meri came in and joined us at the table, sitting a little closer towards the fire.

"Want some tea, Meri? Dahmi just made some," Red Moon asked.

"Yah, sure," Meri replied half-heartedly.

Red Moon looked at Meri and then at me.

"Is she okay, dear?" Red Moon asked along our bond-link as she started to pour a bowl of tea for Meri.

"She's concerned about the trip and having to deal with things from the past, and she also misses getting to physically be with her family," I thought back in reply.

"Oh. Anything we can do to help?" Red Moon asked.

"We just keep doing what we've been doing, giving her our love and support," I replied along the link.

Red Moon took the tea over to Meri and handed it to her.

"Here you go, dear." She ran her fingers through the long fur on Meri's head, and said, "I think that herbal mixture I gave you is really making your fur soft and smooth. It's not so dry like it was."

"Uh? Oh...yeah, I guess," Meri said with a little sigh.

"Are you okay, dear?" Red Moon asked, giving Meri a little hug. "Yah...just thinkin' about stuff," she replied.

"Well, if you want to talk about it, we're here," Red Moon said. Meri sighed and said, "Yah, I know. Maybe...maybe later."

Before anyone else could say something, Dahmi piped up and asked, "Um, you guys remember when Grimm Tooth sort of joked about me joining the defenders?"

I looked at Dahmi and raised an eyebrow, "Why?" I asked.

"Well...at first I thought it was just a funny idea, but now..." she started to say.

"...And now, you're seriously thinking about it," I finished.

"Wha...!" Meri exclaimed, jerking her head up to look at Dahmietra. "Ya been chompin' the ol' loony berries, haven't ya?" Meri asked incredulously, not believing her ears.

"You're sure you really want to, Dahmi?" Red Moon asked, shooting me a quick glance.

"When he first said that, I tried to picture myself wearing armor and all that...then I thought that there would be no way I could because, well, I just wasn't like everyone else. Now that I can change like this, maybe...maybe I might be able to. I could at least give it a try," Dahmi replied.

"It would give her something to do, and she would learn things that we take for granted," Warri added.

"Now I know yer yankin' my tail!" Meri said, shaking her head.

"Why do you say that, Meri?" Red Moon asked.

"Well, I just can't see sweet lil' Dahmi marchin' around an' fightin' an' all," Meri replied.

"You didn't see me deal with that slug, Tah-Noor, while we were in Cedar Knoll the last time," Dahmi said with a little grin.

"Was that the guy that got his berries stomped?" Meri asked as she pointed a finger at her head and moved it around in a circular motion.

"The same," Red Moon replied.

"Watcha do to him?" Meri asked, cocking her head slightly to one side.

"She nearly..." Warri said and then ran a finger across his throat.

Meri's jaw dropped in astonishment as she looked from Warri to Dahmi and back.

"Jeebers, Dahmi! Would ya have, really?"

"I...I think so. I got pretty mad, and scared, too, when he tried to grab me when we walked by his table," Dahmi replied.

Meri looked first at Red Moon and then at me.

"We were upstairs in our room when it happened," I said, "but we found out about it when we came down to eat."

"But fightin' to protect yer own tail like that isn't the same as marchin' out to fight a whole lot of people at once!" Meri said.

"I agree, Meri. Dahmi, being a defender isn't something that everyone can do, or wants to do," I said frankly.

"I know. I don't want to go off looking for a fight or anything; I just don't want to hide under a bush if something happens. I don't know what I can do yet, so maybe this might be one way to find out," Dahmi said.

"She does have a point, dear. After all, didn't you tell her that she needs to explore her changes and make them her own?" Red Moon asked.

"You're right, and yes I did," I said playfully sticking the tip of my tongue out at my mate.

"All I want to do is to give it a try and see what I can do, and maybe I might learn something new in the process," Dahmi said.

"Fair enough, though you're going to have to do whatever Grimm, Grey Spike, and the others tell you--they won't play favorites, they'll expect you to follow orders just like everyone else, and it's going to be hard work," I said.

"I understand," Dahmi acknowledged.

"Yer really gonna go through with it, aren't ya?" Meri asked.

"All I can do is try. I just want to find out what my place is, and what I'm best at," Dahmi replied.

Meri thought for a moment and said, "Yah, I guess yer right. I kinda need to figure out what to do, too. I'm not as good of a dancer as Kuri is...I mean, I do okay, I guess, but she's better at it."

I put my arm around Meri's shoulders and gave her a little hug.

"Well, there's plenty of time to figure that out after we come back, but first we need to get you some traveling gear, dear," I said cheerfully.

After we had our midday meal, we went around the village visiting the various shops, getting the things that we might need for our trip. Meri, of course, needed nearly everything that one would normally carry while traveling. It took the better part of the afternoon to get everything that we--and especially Meri--needed, and we stopped and chatted with a few of our friends that we saw while we were making our rounds.

Later in the evening, Dahmi and Warri sat on top of the den next to the tree that grows there, enjoying a little quiet time to themselves.

"I wonder what The Heart looks like," Dahmi thought to Warri along the mental link he had formed between them.

"I don't know," he thought back, "I haven't read anything in the archives that gives a real description of it, or much of anything else about it, for that matter."

"That's odd, don't you think? Something that seems as important as that, you'd think there would be all sorts of things written about it," Dahmi wondered.

"There may be more about it in one of the other archive locations," Warri thought to Dahmi.

She was quiet for a little while, thinking to herself, and then she thought of something.

"Warri, back when we first met Meri and her parents, I remember grandma Fire Weaver saying that The Great Forest exists in both this world and in the Spirit Realm. I guess that would mean The Heart also exists in both, too. I wonder...could it exist in other places, too?" Dahmi asked.

Warri turned and looked at Dahmi and raised an eyebrow.

"I...I don't know. I don't think the First Ones have ever really said where they came from originally, or how they got here," Warri thought.

"I wonder why not," Dahmi said in her mind.

"I don't know. If they came from someplace else, and the five Elder Races all came from the First Ones, then I would think they would want us to know our true origins," Warri said along the mental link.

"I guess we'll just have to find out some way or another," Dahmi said in her thoughts as she gave Warri's hand a squeeze.

Kurietta and Foxfire said their goodnights, and then Kurietta got herself ready for bed. Grimm had retired for the night a bit early because he had some things to do first thing in the morning. Kurietta slipped under the covering and snuggled herself up against Grimm. He put his arm over her to hold Kuri close to him. Although Kuri is still only thirty turns of the seasons old--just getting into the prime of her life, despite the over 10,000 turns of the seasons she existed in the Spirit Realm in her special sleep--anyone looking at the two together that didn't know better might mistake her for being a child due to their size difference. As usual, it didn't take Kuri long to fall contentedly asleep next to her mate. Sometime during the night, she had a dream that started out strange and got stranger as it went along...and she wasn't the only one.

Kurietta found herself standing somewhere in The Great Forest, standing on the edge of a valley, surrounded by huge, ancient trees, and looking towards the other side. Standing on either side of her was her sister Meri on the left, and Dahmietra on the right.

"Looks kinda steep," Meri said in the dream.

"Yah, no kiddin'," Kuri agreed looking down and not caring much for how far down it seemed.

"Too bad Shri'an isn't here, she could just fly us across," Dahmi said.

From across the valley on the rim, there seemed to be some sort of structure, but none of them could make it out clearly from where they were standing. Kurietta heard a voice in her head that was in some language that she had never heard before, but then she heard the voice also speak perfectly in the ancient form of her own language at the same time.

"I see you, Kurietta of the Skunatii, daughter of Elmric and Elretta, from the village of M'yerrber-khis. You are known to me. Come to me, child of the Woodland People, come and fall into the arms of fate!"

At that moment, Kurietta had the feeling of slipping, falling through the air, screaming. She sat bolt upright still not quite awake, and then she thought she was surrounded by light with strong arms gently holding her, and another voice, a familiar voice, saying, "I've got you."

Grimm awoke instantly upon hearing Kuri's scream, as did Foxfire.

Grimm quickly sat up and put his arms around Kurietta, and held her, asking, "What's wrong, love?"

Kurietta was breathing hard and looking around as if she was confused when Foxfire came in to see what was going on.

"Kuri, you okay, sweetie? What's going on, Grimmie?" she asked.

"I don't know, she was asleep and all of a sudden screamed and sat up," Grimm told his sister.

Foxfire knelt down by Kurietta and stroked her head with her hand, "Do you know where you are, sweetie?" Foxfire asked.

Kurietta's breathing slowed down to normal and she rubbed her eyes.

"F-Foxie? Grimmster? Oh, great hompin' frazzleberries!" she exclaimed.

"Where you having a bad dream, dear?" Grimm asked.

"Uh, it started out all weird, with Meri and Dahmi standing next to me, and then some strange voice was talkin' to me...only it was talking in two languages at once. And then I fell...but something bright caught me," she explained.

"A strange voice? What did it sound like?" Grimm asked raising an eyebrow.

"I-I don't know, I've never heard anything like it before. It started talkin' in something I've never heard of before, and then it started talkin' just like we used to back home, just as plain as day!" Kuri replied.

Grimm and Foxfire looked questionly at each other for a moment.

"Um, I think I gotta get up for a bit, hon...that scared the jeebers outta me and now I gotta go do somethin'," Kuri said dropping her ears a little.

Meri felt the cool forest air on her and she opened her eyes to see herself standing at the edge of a steep valley, with her sister Kuri to her right, and Dahmietra standing on the other side of Kuri.

Meri looked down and said, "Looks kinda steep," and Kuri agreed.

She heard Dahmi say, "Too bad Shri'an isn't here, she could just fly us across."

When Meri looked up and across the valley, she thought she saw some kind of structure on the other side. All of a sudden, Meri heard a voice in her head, speaking in some language that she had never heard before...and then it was also speaking at the same time in the ancient Skunatii tongue, just like how they spoke at home so long ago.

"I see you, Merietta of the Skunatii, daughter of Elmric and Elretta, from the village of M'yerrber-khis. You are known to me. Come to me, child of the Woodland People, come and fall into darkness--and enter the light!"

Meri felt herself falling into a cold, dark abyss, screaming in fear, but then a warm light surrounded her, catching her gently, and she heard another voice, one that was strangely familiar, that said, "I've got you."

Dahmi and Warri got themselves ready for bed after dimming the lamp in her room.

"It feels like it's going to be a little cool tonight, do you want an extra cover, Dahmi?" Warri asked.

"I think I'll be okay. I got you to snuggle up with and keep me warm," Dahmi replied with a sly grin.

Warri smiled back and said, "I'll leave one out anyway, just in case."

He took the extra covering and placed it across the foot of the bed so that it would be easy to get in case Dahmi should feel a little cool. The fall air was becoming crisper as the colder part of the year approached. The leaves on the bushes already turned color and were starting to fall; it wouldn't be much longer before the first frost comes. Warri got into bed first and Dahmi crawled in next to him, pulling the covering over them both. She yawned and felt like she was suddenly very sleepy, so she snuggled up against Warri and promptly fell right asleep. Dahmi soon started to dream of walking through The Great Forest, and stopping at the rim of a steep valley. Meri and Kurietta were also in her dream, standing to the left of her.

She heard Meri say, "Looks kinda steep," and Kuri saying, "Yah, no kiddin'."

"Too bad Shri'an isn't here, she could fly us across," Dahmi said to the others in her dream.

She looked across the valley and saw some sort of structure, though it was too far for her to see it well enough to tell what it might be. As soon as Dahmi saw the structure, she heard a voice in her head speaking in what seemed like three different languages. The first she couldn't understand, though she thought that it sounded somewhat familiar, kind of like the words Foxfire had used when she was singing her spell-prayer to bring Kurietta back from the dead. The second language was that of the Dahl-Han Wa'ek, just like she used to hear as a child. The third language was that of Warri's people.

"I see you, Dahmietra of the Wastelands and The Forest, daughter of Dahmel-Kra'ab and Sofrina-Ta'el from the tribe of Kra'noab, daughter of Mist Runner and Red Moon, of the clan Shadowfire. You are known to me. Come to me, child of two houses, come and fall into grace!"

Dahmi suddenly had the intense feeling that she was falling, she could feel the wind rush past her as she fell downward into...what? She cried out, and then felt something wrap gently around her, speaking to her in a soothing, gentle, and strangely familiar voice, "I've got you."

Both Meri and Dahmietra suddenly sat up in their beds at the same time (as did Kurietta in hers), and they both woke up scared.

"Meri! What's wrong?" Red Moon asked, wondering what terrified her so.

I was instantly awake as soon as I heard screams and was ready for whatever might be going on. I quickly looked around our sleeping area and didn't see anything out of the ordinary, and then I gave Meri a quick look over. Not seeing any wounds or anything else that I thought could have made her scream in terror, I gave her a quick hug and asked Red Moon to hold her while I checked on Dahmi and Warri. Giving the hallway a quick look, I made my way into Dahmi's sleeping area.

"Dahmi, Warri...you okay?" I called out as I entered.

"I'm okay, Sire...Dahmi was...having a dream, I think," he replied.

"Are you sure? Meri woke up screaming and seemed terrified of something," I asked.

"I heard," Warri said, giving a concerned look at Dahmi and then to me.

I knelt down by Dahmi and asked, "Are you okay, dear?" Dahmi rubbed her eyes, and then looked at me for a moment before throwing her arms around my neck.

"Oh, da! I've never had a dream like that before! It was really strange...Kuri and Meri were both in it with me, and I heard a strange voice...and next thing I knew, I was falling. I could feel the wind, and everything, and then, something caught me!"

I held Dahmi for a few moments and then pulled back a bit.

"Let's go see how Meri is doing," I said to both Dahmi and Warri, so they got up.

Dahmi slipped her robe on and the three of us went back to our sleeping area. When we walked in, Red Moon was still holding Meri and trying to comfort her, but as soon as she saw Dahmi, Meri got up and ran to her and they hugged each other tightly.

Red Moon, Warri, and I looked at each other and then at Dahmi and Meri, not understanding yet what was going on. Then I heard Grimm outside knocking on the front door and calling for me. As soon as I opened the door, Kuri immediately launched herself into my arms and hugged me.

Grimm saw the confused look on my face and said, "Sorry to bother you at this hour, my friend, but she seems to have had some sort of bad dream, and insisted on coming over."

I raised an eyebrow and said, "That's strange, because Dahmi and Meri both had some sort of dream and they woke up at the same time yelling like they were scared of something.

Grimm scratched an ear and asked, "A coincidence?"

"Not likely," I said. "Come on in and let's see if we can figure out what's going on."

I carried Kuri on into the den and back to our sleeping area where everyone else was at, with Grimm right behind me.

"We got company," I announced as I stepped through the doorway, and instantly both Dahmi and Meri rushed over and took Kuri from me, and the three of them hugged each other fiercely.

After a few moments I asked, "You three want to tell us about this 'dream' you had?"

Right away, they all began once, and it seemed as if they were telling the identical story. As the rest of us were trying to make sense of what we were hearing, I heard my dam's voice in my head.

"Mist Runner? Is there something wrong, my son?"

"Dahmi, Meri and Kuri seemed to all have had the exact same dream, and they all woke up scared. We're trying to make some sense of it, but we're not having much luck so far," I replied.

"I will be there in a moment," my dam said, and then she broke the connection.

"Uh, everyone, my dam just asked if there was something wrong," I said pointing to my head, "and she's on her way here."

Almost on as if on queue, there was a flash of light coming from the front room and I could feel her presence.

"We're back here," I called out as I got up to greet my dam.

We met at the doorway to sleeping area and nuzzled each other in greeting.

"Having a rather eventful night, I take it," my dam said, with a light smile as she gazed about the room.

"It seems that way," I said shaking my head slightly.

Before Grimm had a chance to move, my dam said, "No need for formalities, child, not among family at this hour," Fire Weaver chided gently.

Grimm lowered his ears and bowed his head a moment, "As you wish, Mistress."

After Fire Weaver greeted everyone else, she asked, "Warri, dear, would you mind helping with the sharing of this 'dream' so that we may determine what it might be about?"

"Certainly, Mistress," Warri replied, so we all gathered into a circle and joined hands.

When Warri had everyone connected, she said, "Now then, share your memories with us, beginning with Meri."

Fire Weaver was a bit surprised at the intensity of Meri's fear caused by the last part of her dream. After Kuri and Dahmi both had their turn at sharing their memory of the dream, Fire Weaver thanked Warri for his assistance and then broke the link.

"I can see why you three were frightened by the last part of what you experienced," she said calmly.

"Who was that that was talking to us, and who knows who we are and where we come from?" Kuri asked, cocking her head a little to one side.

Fire Weaver smiled a knowing smile and said, "It's not so much as 'whom', but rather 'what' was speaking to you."

"Whatcha mean, Mistress?" Kuri asked with a confused look on her face.

"I know that particular voice all too well, my dear Kurietta. You see, it was The Heart speaking to you. It is aware of you now and has called each of you to it. Given that none of your kind has ever experienced The Heart before, we...were not sure if it would try to reach out to you, and if it did, how."

"So why did we feel like we were falling into thin air, grandma?" Dahmi asked.

Grimm quietly cleared his throat, causing Fire Weaver to give him a regarding look for a moment, and then reply, "Perhaps Grimm could answer your question, my dear."

Giving him a nod, Grimm explained, "Perhaps the 'empty handed leap into the void' is a metaphor for letting go of the past, of everything you think you know, and simply take the 'leap of faith'. Since each of you was caught gently by a benevolent force, it was shown that you should not have anything to fear after taking your first step upon the path you now must follow."

Kuri and Dahmi looked at Grimm with stunned faces. Meri, on the other hand, sat with her arms wrapped around her legs and her tail wrapped around her body, resting her chin on her knees.

"Well said, Grimm Tooth," Fire Weaver said with a little smile, though Meri's quietness did not escape her attention.

"How did you get so ph...phil...phili...," Kuri started to say,

"'Philosophical'," I interjected.

"Yah, what Misty said."

Grimm let out a rare smile, being somewhat pleased with himself.

I chuckled and said, "Grimm is one of our resident philosophers, dear." Kuri gave me a confused look, so I added, "He's got a knack for it."

"Oh."

Dahmi tried to stifle a yawn without much success.

"Perhaps we should return to our beds and get some rest," Fire Weaver suggested after seeing Dahmi try not to yawn.

"Indeed," Grimm agreed, for he had to get up early to attend to some business regarding his forces.

Fire Weaver slowly and gracefully stood and the rest of us followed her lead, with Meri being the last to get up. She said her good nights to both Grimm and Kuri, giving each a quick hug and also giving Kuri a little kiss on the top of her head. Warri and Dahmi were next to say their good nights with Fire Weaver repeating what she had done with Grimm and Kuri.

"Thank you for coming over tonight and helping with things, Mistress," Red Moon said as she and Fire Weaver nuzzled each other.

"I am always here for my family, my dear," she replied with a smile. "And that includes you my sweet child, for you are as much a part of this family now as the others," Fire Weaver said gently to Meri.

Meri didn't know what to say, as she stood there looking small. Fire Weaver knelt down in front of Meri and reached out to her, taking Meri into her arms and holding her for several moments.

"There is nothing to fear, nothing to be ashamed of any more. The past is behind you, my child, let it go and be free of it," she told Meri softly.

Fire Weaver stood up and gave Meri a kiss on the top of her head.

"If you have not already made plans for tomorrow evening, your father and I would love to have the five of you over for evening meal," she said to me.

I glanced quickly over to Red Moon who gave a little nod, and then said, "We'll be there."

Fire Weaver smiled and said, "Well, I will let you get your rest, my son."

Mother and I hugged and nuzzled each other, and she said her good byes to Red Moon.

I walked her up to the front room where she said quietly in my ear in our language, "Meri is having a difficult time with letting go of her past, and she seems afraid of what everyone will think of her if they should find out. I suspect that it is only her insecurities that are at the root of her problems. Still, perhaps you should speak with Kurietta and see if there is anything that you might learn there."

I nodded my head to indicate my agreement.

"Good night my son."

"Good night mother," I said as we kissed each other on the cheek.

In a flash of light, she was gone.

When I walked back into our sleeping area, Red Moon was already back in bed, and Meri was sitting on the edge of the furs waiting. I dimmed the lamp again and sat down next to Meri. She looked up at me briefly and gave a weak smile before looking back down at the floor. I gently lifted her chin with my hand and kissed her tenderly on the lips.

"What was that for, Misty?" she asked somewhat confused.

"Just because," I said with a sly grin. I patted the spot between where Red Moon and I lay and said, "Come on, got a nice, comfy spot for you right here. We're not going to let the 'boogie-critter' get you tonight," I said with a little smirk.

"Misty! I'm not a little kit any more!" she said with a little exasperation.

"Yeah, well, and I'm not the 'big, bad, wolf,' either...that's Grimm's job," I said sticking my tongue out at her playfully.

"Nah...but ya are a crazy ol' wolf, though!"

"You make that sound like it's a bad thing," I retorted and then I quickly put my arms around her shoulders and nibbled exaggeratedly at where her neck and shoulder met.

"Miiiistyyyy!!!" she squealed as I worked my way up towards her ear.

"Don't encourage him, Meri, you know how he gets. Once he gets started, we'll both be up all night!"

I looked sideways at Red Moon who was smirking, and I said with a grin, "I believe that's my line for you, dear.

"Yeah, well...you're just as bad...sometimes," she said, sticking her tongue out at me.

"So, what's it going to be, Meri...snuggle or nibble?" I asked playfully.

"Aw, Misty...if it was any other night, ya know what I'd say," she replied, dropping her ears down.

"Well, then get your tail over here and snuggle," I said, patting the furs between Red Moon and me.

Meri looked at me, shook her head in mild resignation, and proceeded to crawl over and get under the covering. As soon as she got herself situated, I got in beside her and pulled the covering over me. When I put my arm around Meri, I worked my fingers into her fur...and she lightly slapped my hand with hers, so I moved my hand away. She promptly grabbed my hand and put it back where it had ended up in the first place, and said, "'Night, guys."

Dahmi, Kuri, and Meri all slept soundly the rest of the night, and felt pleasantly refreshed when they woke up the next day, thanks to a little help from Fire Weaver.

When Meri came into the front area of the den after getting up, Red Moon and Dahmi were putting something together for first meal, Warri was out getting some water, and I was making some tea. Meri made her way over to where I was at and snuggled up against my side.

"Good morning, Meri...want some tea?" I greeted her.

"Mrrrr...yah," she said quietly while she still had her face buried in my fur.

I got the drinking bowl that Red Moon had made for her with her name on the side, filled it, and added a little honey to it.

"Here you go," I said, handing it to her.

"Thanks, Misty," she said, giving me a somewhat sleepy grin. On her way over to the table, Meri gave both Red Moon and Dahmi a "good morning" nuzzle, and then sat down by the fireplace to warm up a bit.

While we were enjoying our first meal of the day together, we heard someone calling outside--it was Foxfire. Red Moon got up and went out front to greet her friend.

When they came inside, Foxfire said, "Hi guys! I hope you don't mind, I made something for you this morning."

"Hiya, Foxie! Whatcha got?" Meri said as she gave Foxfire her little circular wave.

"Oh...it's a little something that I hope you like," she said with a shy grin, as she sat the large covered bowl down on the table.

Almost right away, Meri's nose was working overtime, sniffing the air towards the bowl. We all exchanged quick glances wondering what it was that she brought. When Foxfire removed the towel that was covering the bowl, Meri's eyes lit up and she looked at Foxfire in wonder.

"Oh my sweet berries! I haven't had any of those since...since...oooh!" she exclaimed, unable to finish what she started to say.

"They smell good, dear...what are they?" Red Moon asked, sniffing the air.

"They're...oh, what was that name again...um...ah, 'swieberrnoms'."

I raised an eyebrow and asked, "When did you start learning Skunatii, Foxfire?"

She grinned and said, "I had a little help...well, okay, a lot of help, making these. Elretta was kind enough to give me the recipe for making them, and Kuri helped a lot, too."

Meri's jaw dropped in wonder, and then she asked, "Ma told ya how to make these?"

"We've been writing down all of her recipes for different things. Well, I've been doing the writing, and she's been telling me what to put down. Your mother must have been a pretty good cook in her day," Foxfire replied.

Meri's eyes started to mist over as she looked from Foxfire to the bowl and back again.

Foxfire grinned and said, "Well, go ahead and try them while they're still warm. You know, I actually surprised myself--and Grimmie, too--with how they turned out."

Meri took one of the little pastries, closed her eyes, and sniffed it long and deep. When she took a bite of it, a tear rolled down her cheek.

"Oh, Foxie...it's just as I remember how ma used to make 'em!" Meri exclaimed.

"She figured that you might like a little taste of home, sweetie," Foxfire said with a smile.

We each tried one and they were actually very good. While our people typically rarely eat sweet foods, the Skunatii have been famous for theirs throughout much of their history.

Later that morning as I was making my usual rounds through the village, I saw Grimm coming out of his office den near the training grounds, so I made my way over to see him for a bit.

"'Morning, Grimm," I said as I caught up to my friend.

Grimm looked up at the sky for a moment, then back down at me, and said, "That it is."

I could see a little smirk appear on his face.

"I wonder what gave your sister a wild hair to try making little Skunatii pastries this morning," I said with a little grin.

He raised an eyebrow and said, "I've been wondering that myself. Surprisingly, though, they turned out pretty well."

I nodded my head and said, "They did at that. Certainly made Meri's day."

Grimm grinned a little and said, "I had to remind Kuri to save some for her sister...you know how she can be."

"Yeah, some things never change," I chuckled. "Speaking of the little fur ball, where is she?"

"After she helped Foxfire clean up, she came over to help out Grey Spike with some things, and then she took off. I'm sure she's around the village somewhere," Grimm said.

"Has she said anything about last night since she's been up this morning?" I asked after a few moments.

Grimm rubbed his chin a little and replied, "No, actually she hasn't. Has either Meri or Dahmi mentioned anything about it?"

I shook my head and said, "No, not a word, and neither Red Moon nor myself has asked, and I don't think Warri has either."

We both looked at each other and then Grimm said, "That seems a bit odd."

"It is, isn't it?" I agreed.

I related to Grimm what my dam had said about Meri before she left.

"If I should see her before you do, I will let her know that you are looking for her," Grimm said.

"Ha, you might want to tell her that I'm just wanting to talk with her about something...don't want to give her any ideas," I said with a wry grin.

Grimm thought for a moment, and then raised an eyebrow and said, "Indeed."

Night Song awoke shortly after sunrise. At first, she popped an eye open and saw some light coming in through her window, and then she closed her eye and pulled the covering up over her face. Night Song rolled over on her left side, putting her right hand on the furs she was laying on. She lay motionless for a moment, and then patted the furs a little, sighed, and then stuck her hand up under the fur pillow as she curled up under the covering. Night Song sniffed a few times, and then sighed again. It had been a long enough time since anyone had been with her that the only scent she could make out was her own.

"Another boring night alone come and gone," she thought to herself rather dejectedly. "Seems like everyone is already taken, interested in someone else, or...don't want to give you an answer."

Her stomach started to rumble a little, letting her know that it was time to get up and fix something to eat.

"What is it that Sire Mist Runner has that I don't? He's got more females interested in him than he can shake a bone at...and I can't get anyone interested in me! Even Brown Leaf is more interested in that young Shilar guy, the scamp! I don't know what's with Smoke Fire...I thought he was supposedly interested, and I can't get a yes or no out of him. Geez, maybe after this little trip I ought to see if Sire Grimm Tooth will transfer me up to White Peaks for a while...somebody up there might like an extra warm body to snuggle up with on those cold nights. Wait...that's where he sent Thornbrier to. Nope, I'm liable to get into trouble if that fat little tree rat were to say anything stupid. Hmm, maybe I can finagle a way to go to...what was the name of Fen's village? Sasnorah, that's it. Yeah, that might be worth looking into."

Night Song's stomach grumbled again, and something else was also starting to demand that she get up.

She whipped the covering halfway off of her in frustration, "Ah puckerberries! I guess I've gotta get up."

After getting her morning necessities done, Night Song checked the fireplace to see if there were any coals left from last night. There were some, enough that she was able to get a fire going without too much trouble, and then got some water on for tea. While that was heating, she poked around in her pantry to see what she still had. Night Song was going to pick up some more food from the butcher, but since she was going to be away again for a while, she decided not to. She spied a crockery jar of some preserved meat in a tangy sauce, and thought aloud, "That might be good this morning," so she snatched that and took out some cheese that she found, and proceeded to break the seal on the jar and pour the contents into a pot. When everything was ready, she sat down at her table and ate her meal. "It's a good thing I'm not on the duty roster this morning...I'd probably be late," she chuckled to herself. It didn't take Night Song long to finish off the pot of food and the cheese. "Well, that might tide me over for a little while, though I'll probably head over to The Smoky Den and see what they have on the menu." After cleaning up from her meal, Night Song gave herself a good brushing, put her things on, and headed over to the practice area to exercise for a while. As soon as she got there, she saw Smoke Fire and Brown Leaf with some of the other defenders practicing their close-in fighting skills.

"Smoke Fire, ol' boy, today I'm going to get an answer out of you one way or another, even if I have to put your tail in a sling to do it!" Night Song thought to herself with a grin.

After leaving Grimm, I eventually found Kurietta near the shops where she had been getting things she needed for the trip. She was so intent on what she was doing that she didn't notice me slip up behind her.

"A berry for your thoughts," I said quietly in her ear.

"Jeebers, Misty!" Kurietta exclaimed in surprise. "Where did ya come from?!"

"Oh, I've been out and about...looking for you," I replied with a little grin.

"Ooo...for me? Really?" she asked, trying to act all sweet and innocent.

"I want to talk with you about something--can we go sit somewhere for a little while?"

"Sure, Misty. Um, ya wanna get somethin' to drink first?" Kuri asked.

I agreed, and after we both got something to drink, Kurietta and I found a place to sit.

"So, whatcha wanna yak about, Misty?" Kuri asked, taking a sip of her drink with a hopeful look.

"Meri."

"Oh," Kuri said quietly, dropping her ears a little. "What did the lil' fur ball do this time?"

"Nothing, I've just been trying to figure out why she's felt so insecure all her life. Remember those images Warri shared with us the night I pulled Meri here? Why was she always so hesitant to do things? Your father said Meri is smarter than she thinks, and I'm inclined to agree with him because she catches on quick. Your sister doesn't hesitate to help out with chores around the den, and she also helps around the village, too," I said.

Kuri thought on that while she sipped more of her drink.

"Ya know, she does seem a little different now since ya been includin' her in things, but maybe she's afraid everyone will find out what she did."

"Maybe," I said, "but almost everyone who knows her already knows about her past, and no one has judged her by it."

"Yah, I guess yer right, Misty. Maybe Meri still needs to forgive herself for tryin' to end herself," Kuri suggested.

"Trying to? She did, remember? Her spirit carried that fact for over ten thousand turns of the seasons, Kuri. When I pulled her forward in time, her body was on the verge of death and her spirit had already let go. Mistress Starfire and Master Spirit Feather put Meri's present day spirit back into her body from the past. It's been eating on her the whole time, while she and your parents watched over you while you slept in the spell," I said with a bit of sadness.

"Oh...I didn't think about that. Frazzleberries Misty, how do we get her to let go of that?!" Kuri exclaimed quietly.

"Maybe that's what The Heart meant when it told her to 'fall into darkness and enter the light'," I replied thoughtfully, remembering the incident with Dahmietra when she first met Grimm.

"Hey, that was the only part of that dream thingy that was different for me, Meri, and Dahmi!"

I thought back on that, and Kuri was right--The Heart did say something different to each of them.

"Hmm, that might be a clue to what each of you need to learn," I said.

"Maybe," Kuri agreed. "It told me 'come and fall into the arms of fate', and it told Meri whatcha said."

"It told Dahmi, 'come to me, child of two houses, come and fall into grace'. That's fate, light, and grace it mentions, though Meri's seems easy enough to figure out. She fell into the darkness of despair and then after she died, she stayed stuck in the past and never continued around The Great Circle," I said.

"But she wanted to stay with me, Misty! Don't ya remember, where I go she goes? What if you were meant somehow to bring her back so me and Meri could still be together?" Kuir suggested.

That caused a chill to run through my body, and right then I saw Mistress Starfire making her way towards us.

"Ooo, it's Grimmster's ma!" Kuri said quietly, her eyes suddenly growing wide.

We both stood so that we could greet her properly while in a public place.

"Good morning Mistress Starfire," I said as Kuri and I both knelt on one knee, holding our hands out with palms up and bowing our heads.

"Good morning to you both," Mistress Starfire said, returning the greeting, and touching our hands with hers. "I wish to speak with you both--someplace a little more private."

"Certainly, Mistress," I said, casting a quick glance towards Kurietta.

"Um, sure. Can I drop these off first?"" Kuri asked.

Mistress Starfire nodded her head once, so Kuri took both of the drinking bowls back to the vendor, and then returned.

"Anyplace in particular you wish to go?" I asked Mistress Starfire.

"Of course--take my hands," she instructed.

Kuri and I each took a hold of one of her hands, and then everything around us dissolved into a swirl of light.

Dahmietra, Warri, and Meri stopped by Moon Dancer's shop to get some warmer clothing for Dahmi and Meri, since the days and nights were getting colder. Of course, Dahmi had to show Moon Dancer her ability to change forms, with the reason being that she had to have something that could be easily and quickly adjusted to fit both of her forms.

"My word, child!" Moon Dancer exclaimed when Dahmi demonstrated her ability in the privacy of the back room of the shop. "How long have you been able to do this?"

"Not very long, it's only been three days since I found out by accident that I can," Dahmi replied.

We think she started changing the night Sire Mist Runner and Dam Red Moon adopted her, but it took a little while before we noticed anything different," Warri added.

Moon Dancer looked Dahmi over carefully, thinking of the differences in size and shape of her two forms.

"Can you change into anything else, or is the only other one?" Moon Dancer asked.

"According to that Nomenaran woman, I think this might be the only other form I can take, but that's fine by me," Dahmi replied.

"Well, this is going to be a challenge, dear, trying to make something that will fit two completely different bodies, but...let me see what I can do. I'd better get your measurements again," Moon Dancer said, reaching for her slate and measuring tape.

"Aw, c'mon, guys, I thought you wanted to practice close-in fighting this morning!" Night Song said in exasperation when nobody wanted to take her on.

"That's because you have too much fun kicking everybody's tail!" said one defender.

"Yeah, you know nobody can move like you do!" said another.

"They've got a point, dear--you're too good at it. Kurietta is probably the only one besides Sire Grimm Tooth who might have a chance at holding her own against you," Brown Leaf said with sarcasm.

"Yeah, the rest of us don't stand a chance trying to practice with you," Smoke Fire added with a snort.

Night Song stood there looking at everyone in disbelief. When she looked over at Grey Spike, he held up his hands and shook his head.

"Don't look at me--you're in a class of your own, Night Song."

Night Song, looking rather dejected, said, "Well fine, be that way!" and she walked off, not really heading anyplace in particular.

Eventually Night Song ended up back at her den, and after sitting for a bit, she said to herself, "Well, I guess I might as well get my kit ready since there's nothing fun to do."

Night Song shook out her bedroll, added another blanket to it, and then rolled it back up. After tying a woolen liner into her oilskin cloak, she wrapped that around her bedroll and secured it with straps. It took Night Song another half an hour to get her things ready, so all that she had left to do was to get some trail rations.

"I guess I'd better go do that while I'm thinking about it," she said with a sigh, and then got up to head out the door.

Before opening it to go out, Night Song glanced around her den, looking at the "organized clutter".

"I guess this winter I ought to just pack up a bunch of this and haul it off to that Wastelander village we stayed at--maybe somebody there will want to buy it," she thought out loud to herself.

"Great hompin' frazzleberries!" Kurietta exclaimed quietly when the swirl of light faded and we found ourselves inside Mistress Starfire's den.

"It's been...a long time since I've experienced that," I said, remembering when my parents would take me with them to some meeting or another with other First Ones during my youth.

Mistress Starfire smiled and said, "You will soon have the ability yourself, Mist Runner, though we can discuss that another time. We have another matter which requires discussion--your sister Meri," she said looking at Kurietta. "Since Mashera arrived, Fire Weaver and I have had some lengthy talks concerning Meri. Your sister was originally not to be a part of your journey; however, Fire Weaver informed Mashera that Meri is going with you regardless."

"So how come The Heart thingy called Meri then?" Kurietta asked.

Mistress Starfire smiled a little and replied, "Likely because it perceived that the two of you are inseparable."

"So ya think ol' Misty might have been meant to bring my lil' sis back, just like Foxie was meant to bring me back?" Kuri asked.

"Perhaps. Meri does love you very much, Kurietta, that is plainly evident, however she lacks confidence in her own abilities. Meri is every bit as capable as you are, but she does not see that she is," Mistress Starfire explained.

"Meri just needs to get out of her own way," I commented, recalling Elmric's words.

"That is as good of a way to put it as any," Mistress Starfire agreed.

"So how do we get her to do that?" Kuri asked.

"It would be nice if we knew what it is that's holding her back. There has to be something in her past that's at the root of Meri's lack of faith in herself," I suggested.

"I dunno, Misty, we had a pretty normal life when we were lil' kits. Ma and Da took real good care of us, an' they loved us up every chance they could. Ma taught both of us how to dance, an' we both helped with the cookin', cleanin', andberry pickin'. Da taught us girls how to fight an' how to take care of ourselves in the wild," Kurietta said, trying to remember life back in the ancient Skunatii village of M'yerrber-khis when she and Meri were growing up.

"You think she might let Warri help her find a way to deal with her past? He may not have the experience, but at least Meri knows him and trusts him," I suggested.

"That may be worth trying, Kurietta, if you believe your sister might allow Warri to help," Mistress Starfire agreed.

"I'll yak with her about it," Kurietta said, rubbing her ear.

When it was nearly sunset, Snow Spear stood at the end of the path leading up to Star's den. Earlier, he had surprised folks at the bath house when he came in and made use of one of the small pools. Snow Spear was rarely seen at the bath house, generally only making use of it on rare, special occasions. He had convinced himself that tonight warranted it, as he felt that he should at least try to look his best. Dressed in his best leggings (an item not commonly worn by the Ayoona-Lu-Nehm'a), breechcloth, and vest, Snow Spear called out to Star as custom dictated when calling upon one who was not close kin.

"Steady now, don't want to make a fool of yourself tonight," he muttered to himself as he waited for Star to come out and greet him.

Star had spent the whole afternoon cleaning and dusting everything in her den--sometimes twice, having nervously forgotten that she had already attended to an item. Trying to keep in mind that Snow Spear had simple tastes, Star tried not to overdo it when it came to preparing the evening meal for the two of them. Given that the air was getting cooler, Star had prepared a roast with some vegetables, and trying something new that Kurietta had taught her, she made a cobbler using the fruit of nikinta[2] trees and some Eastlander wine for the dessert. Although normally frumpy-looking, Star had taken the time to get a good scrubbing (having just missed Snow Spear at the bath house) and worked to get her fur brushed nice and smooth, trying to make herself as presentable as possible. Giving the roast another basting with the juices in the large covered roasting pan, Star nearly jumped when she heard Snow Spear announce himself at the end of her path.

"Oh! He's here!" she exclaimed quietly to herself, becoming a little flustered with excitement. Remembering to put the lid back on the roaster, Star quickly went to the door, stopping to check her appearance again and taking a deep breath, before going out.

"Ayooo, Snow Spear!" she called out in reply, trying not to sound giddy with excitement as she waved to him.

When Star walked down to meet him, Snow Spear greeted her by holding his hands out with his palms up. Star placed her hands, palms down, on his and smiled shyly.

"Good evening, Snow Spear, I'm happy to see you," Star said, wagging her tail.

"Good evening to you, Star. Um, you look rather ...nice...this evening," Snow Spear said in return.

"Oh my, he-he actually complimented me!" she thought quickly to herself. "Why...thank you, you look rather handsome yourself tonight, too. Come inside, everything's ready--I hope you'll like it."

Snow Spear smiled a little and held his arm out, which Star happily accepted, and then they walked up the path and into her den.

My sire greeted us when we arrived at my parent's den, and led us inside. Meri was the only one who had not yet been in their den, and although she was still rather awed to be in the presence of First Ones, Meri found the den homey and comfortable, though a little larger than some due to the extra rooms my dam needed for her work as a healer. Mother greeted everyone warmly, especially Dahmi, Warri, and Meri in particular. When we sat down to eat, mother insisted that Meri sat on her right, then me, Red Moon, father, Dahmi, and Warri ending up on mother's left.

When mother began serving, she said, "This will be a taste of home for you, Mist Runner."

The creamy meat and vegetable soup was indeed something I have not had since I was at least Warri's age, if not younger. I put a spoonful into my mouth and savored the flavors and textures of the soup's ingredients, while thinking back to when Grimm, Shri'an, and I were young and our families lived in the most ancient part of The Great Forest. When Meri took a bite of hers, she closed her eyes for a moment, trying to figure out what was in it.

"This sure is yummy, but frost my berries, I've never had anythin' that tastes like this before!"

"Meri's right, this is really good, Grandma," Dahmi agreed, "but I don't think I've ever tasted anything like this either."

"My great grandmamma on dada's side I think made something a little like this back when I was a cubling," Red Moon said after trying hers.

"What is your great grandmother's name, dear?" mother asked.

Swallowing another mouthful, Red Moon wrinkled her brows and replied, "She has a really strange name that's not like anyone else's--Naoia Anensu'ena. All that I know about her is that she's really old and...," Red Moon paused a bit thinking, "...she knows a lot about the stars."

I noticed--as did Warri--that my parents looked quickly to one another upon hearing the name.

"Red Moon, when was the last time you saw your great grandmother?" father asked with great interest.

"Um, let's see...," Red Moon furrowed her brows in thought for several seconds trying to remember just when it had been since she last saw her great grandmother. "I think it was about the time Mist Runner and I met back in Silven Glen. Great grandmamma was always coming and going, and sometimes we wouldn't see her for a few thousand turns of the seasons. Sometimes, after she had been gone, she would tell us little ones stories of strange places that she said she'd been, though mama and dada would just say she was making it all up, but great grandmamma always told us those places were real and she would show us things she said came from them," Red Moon explained.

"You make her sound almost like she's a First One, Ma," Dahmi said, taking another bite of her food.

"Should we tell them?" Fire Weaver asked her mate along their bond-link.

"They will likely find out once they get to The Heart--it will undoubtedly give Dahmietra, Merietta, and Kurietta a history lesson unlike any they have had before. Red Moon may already suspect, though I see no reason to hold back that we know Naoia," Sky Splitter sent back in reply.

"That's because she is one of us," mother said aloud to Dahmi.

Dahmi, Warri, and Meri all looked at mother in surprise, though Red Moon looked thoughtful.

"I've wondered that. I've never seen her do the things that I've seen other First Ones do, but the way she always looked made me think she might be," Red Moon said quietly.

"How come yer great grandma has such a funny name?" Meri asked Red Moon.

"We all have two names, my dear--one tells who we are, and the other speaks of our abilities. My parents gave me the name 'Fire Weaver', for I have the ability to weave the energies of the living fire that dwells within all--this is what allows me to heal. While I cannot restore life once it has ended, though as long as a spark remains, I can prevent it from going out. Think of it as like blowing on the last embers of a fire while adding more tinder to it--with care, the hearth fire will again burn brightly, warming the den of the spirit that is the body. The body, if given enough time and energy, can usually heal itself, though sometimes it needs help--perhaps quickly--if it is to continue," mother explained. "As for the name that Red Moon knows her great grandmother by, it is that which she was given where we come from and Naoia prefers--quite stubbornly, I might add--to not let others forget that we came from another place."

"Where did the First Ones come from, Grandma?" Dahmi asked.

Smiling softly Mother replied, "You will learn all when you are in the presence of The Heart, my dear."

"...And that is basically what happened," Snow Spear said, concluding the tale of the journey with Dahmietra to The Gathering.

"Wow, that was quite an adventure!" Star said in quiet excitement. "I haven't left The Great Forest since the Wastelanders came, and you walked right into a whole mess of them! Ooo, and that part about Kurietta...*sniff!*...I guess that explains a few things. I can't imagine what that was like for her and Sire Grimm Tooth! I should paint the two of them together--it would make a nice present for them, what do you think?"

"I'm sure it would be appreciated," Snow Spear agreed.

They sat in silence for several seconds sipping their drinks, and then finally Star asked, "Would you like some more?" as she gestured towards the food.

Snow Spear looked at the serving platter and then at his own plate, "Um..."

"Since I don't have anyone else to cook for, I...I'd hate to let this go to waste. I'd probably end up having to eat it all myself, and...well, it seems to go straight to my hips," Star butted in with a little sigh.

Snow Spear surprised her--and himself--by saying, "I think...you look quite...attractive."

Star could hardly believe her ears.

"Y-You do?"

He smiled and simply nodded his head in response to her question.

"Y-You really think so?" Star asked feeling a bit flustered.

"I wouldn't pull your tail about that," Snow Spear replied quietly.

"Oh, well um...I suppose you wouldn't. Thank you."

Snow Spear smiled a little and said, "I believe I would like a little more, if you don't mind."

"Oh, go away," Night Song muttered to herself when she heard someone call her name outside.

She was sitting at her table finishing up the last of her evening mean, and didn't particularly feel in the mood for company. Night Song fingered the beaded necklace that Fen had given her, thinking about the last time she had seen her friend during the equinox celebrations.

"You Cunatii sure know how to have fun...unlike some of the dullards around here," Night Song snorted.

"Ayooo, Night Song!"

"Geez, can't a person enjoy her boredom in silence?" Night Song asked rhetorically.

She got up and poked her head out the door.

"WHAT?!"

After a moment of silence, "Uh...we um, just wanted to see if you wanted to go over to The Smoky Den and..."

"I already ate!" she said tersely and then shut the door hard.

"I wonder what crawled up her tail?"

"I don't know, maybe we oughta go on without her."

"Hang on, I'll go find out what's got her tail bent out of shape."

One of those in the group at the end of the path walked on up the path to Night Song's den and disappeared under the overhang.

*Knock, knock, knock* "Night Song, it's me, Brown Leaf...open up."

Night Song hung her head a little and slowly shook it, then turned around and went to the door.

"What?" she asked flatly after opening it to see her friend standing there.

"Grab your cloak and c'mon, we're going to The Smoky Den tonight," Brown Leaf replied quietly but firmly.

"I said I already ate," Night Song said putting her hands on her hips.

*Sniff, sniff* "Another little pot of your stew? C'mon, Night Song, I know your cooking--that's not going to fill you up for long, so you might as well come with us and get some real food in you. Besides, The Black Rock Sisters are playing tonight and I know you like shaking your tail to their music. Well, just don't stand there tail-for-brains, times a-wasting!" Brown Leaf demanded in exasperation.

"Twisting my tail, eh?" Night Song quipped.

"Twisting? Dear, I'm going to put your tail in a sling if you don't move it!" Brown Leaf shot back.

"And what about later?" Night Song asked mischievously.

"That depends on how much of that Eastlander ale you swill. Now quit yammering, and get your tall furry butt moving so we can get over there!" Brown Leaf snapped.

Later the next morning, I went over to pay a visit to Mashera, who was staying with Lore Mistress Stream Chaser. After being let in and sat at the table in the front room, Mashera came and joined me for a cup of tea.

"Why do you wish to see me, Mist Runner?" Mashera asked.

"We'll be ready to leave at sunset today--everyone should have what they need by now, and we will all meet at our den," I replied.

"You know that you could have informed me without the necessity of coming here yourself."

"Aside from Red Moon, the only other person I've been able to communicate with that way so far is with my mother," I said.

"You should be able to do so with all of us."

"It would be easier if you would teach me how to do it properly," I suggested.

Mashera took a sip of her tea and then thought for a moment.

"Your mother is capable of showing you how," Mashera sent.

"I prefer that you show me...unless there's some reason why you don't wish to."

Mashera's violet eyes met and held my amber ones for several seconds.

"Why me?"

"Because you can, and because we are going to be traveling together," I replied.

"And if I refuse?"

I shrugged my shoulders and replied, "Your choice." I downed the last of my tea, got up, and gave Mashera a regarding look. "You already know how Foxfire, Red Moon, Dahmi, and Warri feel about you, and I don't think the others seem particularly crazy about having to put up with you either. We all know what my mother thinks of you." I paused a moment and continued, "Despite all of that, I'm willing to give you a chance to prove that maybe you're a better person than what I've heard all of my life and recently witnessed myself." I thanked Mistress Stream Chaser for her hospitality, and then paused briefly at the door. "Perhaps you may want to think about why the Keepers chose you, Mashera Nehasir'ena[3], to be our guide."

After I left, Mistress Stream Chaser looked at the door for a few moments, briefly raised an eyebrow, and then turned away to head to the table.

"Mist Runner is an excellent judge of character, my dear, and his intuition is seldom--if ever--wrong. He may prove to be the only one willing to stand up for you when all others have turned away. I suggest you consider his words carefully," Stream Chaser sent to Mashera.

Mashera looked up at Stream Chaser, then looked at the door for a moment, and then stared off into the flames of the fireplace.

"Perhaps so," Mashera sent, and with a little sigh, she stood up and added, "I will return in a while."

In a blink of the eye, Mashera disappeared.

We ate an early evening meal and gathered our things together for the trip. Even though it was still early autumn, we were bringing warmer clothing and thicker bedrolls just in case. Grimm, Kurietta, and Foxfire were the first to arrive, followed shortly by Snow Spear. Dahmi and Meri quickly rushed to Kurietta when she entered our den and the three of them had a quiet, though emotional, group hug.

"Looks like we get to have an adventure together after all, sis," Kuri said between sniffles.

"Yah, I guess so," Meri agreed quietly.

"It's going to be okay, Meri, at least we don't have to worry about any bad people trying to hurt us, and we have the whole gang going with us," Dahmi said with a smile, running her fingers through Meri's long fur-hair, trying to cheer her up.

"We got our guys, an' they'll be watchin' our tails," Kuri said with a grin.

Slipping behind her, Meri was a little startled when I put my arms around her shoulders.

"Tail watching is always an enjoyable pastime," I said with a smirk, nuzzling Meri and casting a glance over to Kuri who saw me look her way.

"Misty!" Meri exclaimed quietly.

"Are you about ready?" I asked.

"Yah, I guess so," Meri replied.

"Warri and I are all set, Da," Dahmi added.

"Good, the others should be here soon," I said.

When Brown Leaf, Smoke Fire, and Night Song showed up, I used the ability I gained when Red Moon and I were bonded to contact Mashera as she had instructed earlier.

"Mashera, we're all here and ready whenever you are," I sent to our guide.

"I will be there momentarily," she acknowledged.

I barely got out the words, "She's on her way," when there was a knock on the door. I let Mashera in--she was dressed and equipped appropriately for the journey. "Okay, everyone, gather up your things, and let's head out," I announced.

Once everyone was outside under the overhang, I made a quick check of the den to make sure we had everything, that the inner and outer shutters covering the window in Dahmi's room were closed and secured, and all of the lamps were out, I closed the door. We were ready to begin Dahmietra, Meri, and Kurietta's journey of the heart to The Heart.

---

[1] Furless ones - a common term used when referring to the humans on the world of Y'Nahra by the other races.

[2] Nikinta trees produce fruit with a structure similar to blackberries, only they're the size of apples.

[3] Mashera Nehasir'ena - pronounced "ma-SHER-a nay-hasir-AYna"