It had taken a life-time of begging but Taika had finally agreed to letting her explore the common lands! Maybe it had only been a couple days, but to little Masque it had seemed like a lifetime, and her mother had only agreed if the pup would stay under the watchful eyes of Tithe, Taika’s best friend. Together the male and puppy had explored the fields, investigating everything that crossed their paths while Taika was able to take a rest and spend time with her shyer daughter. Masque loved every second of it! Unfortunately, Tithe was not used to the girl’s energy. He had also forgotten Taika’s nearly biological habit of slipping away, breaking rules, and accidently finding herself far away from any and all appointed caretakers. It was not long before Masque’s white tipped paws were taking her out of the fields and up the muddy riverside.

The autumn water was cool on the pads of her paws. The chill delighted her further into a splashing play. The bubbles and squelching noises from the mud were almost more than she could handle as she made beautifully awkward music in the world. Crescendos of water racing, mud slapping, and large splashes filled the air until something else entirely caught her attention. Down river her sounds of joy were interrupted by chokes, hacks, and coughs. Her eyes narrowed for a moment in concern before she went running down the banks to investigate. She ran faster when she caught sight of the other wolf and slid to a stop next to him. A soft whine came from her nose, lilac eyes searching his injured and misshapen face. Her own strings of subtle pale scares shined from her honey gold mask.

The magic isn’t going to help you if you try to swallow it! Her puppy voice was high and filled with concern. Completely oblivious to dangers of approaching a stranger, all she wanted was to help easy whatever troubled this wolf. Her voice continued to whimper. This water is very muddy! There are cleaner streams upriver. They are colder, too. Uncaring and unseeing towards anything that would have slighted him in another’s eyes, Masque leaned towards him, obvious concern on her features. Have you been able to clean it? One look at the pup would have made it clear if he answered ‘no’ she would most likely tackle his face with licks until his wounds were clean to her satisfaction.