I returned to the Mist realm, finding Mafdel pacing, waiting for me. I was certain some reprimand was pending, her favorite no matter the circumstance, surprised to find no such thing. Instead, she hugged me without a word, then shook me before hugging me again.

"I guess you were worried," I said, trying for funny and failing badly. At least I tried, right?

Her scowl in reply told me to shut up already because Chaos or not, if I said one more smart aleck remark she was ...