Big Guy stood beside him, marveling at the organization's name, at how those esteemed Wizards could actually accept it, and at how, after learning a little more, he had discovered that some rumors about the organization could be traced back to a very distant era. The name was simply too misleading. It sounded like a tea party for bored Wizards, or a little tavern that barred strangers.
Some people had begun speculating about what sorts of oddballs belonged to the Association.
Mahama was smiling as he spoke, but then he inexplicably stopped and turned toward Ruger, his eyes slowly widening.
"It isn't what you're thinking," Ruger said gravely.
"Oh, I thought you were a genius Wizard secretly nurtured by the Association. After all, it's called the Fluffy Enthusiasts Association." Mahama glanced at Ruger again as he spoke. "I imagine there must be plenty of bloodline Wizards in it. The Supreme Council adding seats should have been something that shook the Underground Caverns, but now everyone is talking about this organization with its unusual name."
Big Guy shrugged as he spoke.
"There might be some nonhuman Wizards, too. And being a fluffy enthusiast doesn't necessarily mean you have to be fluffy yourself." Ruger glanced at him. "You seem to have gotten bigger again."
"It'll keep happening. It'll be somewhat inconvenient." Mahama raised his palm. "If all goes well, perhaps there'll come a moment of transformation in the future."
Ruger raised his eyebrows at that. He felt there was another meaning behind Big Guy's words, as though a day might come when he became smaller again.
But there was some uncertainty involved, so this state of growing ever taller and larger would likely continue for a long time. The change would occur at a higher rank, at some level that was harder