Tychon’s snarl hardly slowed the pup down in her careful investigation of his wounds. Just as he snapped at her, she leaned back just out of reach of his jaws and pressed onward again. She was determined to get a good look at the puffy flesh to make sure it was a healing swollen, not an infected swollen, not realizing she was too young and would not know the difference between the two. As he stood, pulling his face away Masque whined softly. She stared up at him with her twinkling eyes, a single paw lifting to try to pull and invisible string to bring him back down. If she could not investigate his wounds, she at least wanted to see him eye to eye.

The other wolf stood up and his words made her brows crinkle, only to brighten once more. He proved her point perfectly. If it exists in that one occasion it has to exist in others, too! She insisted. Heedless of Tychon’s obvious desire to scare her away, Masque jumped to her feet with a splash and trailed after him. Occasionally she dashed forward to blow on the tip of his tail before falling back, out of reach. You just have to keep looking for it. An idea had her stop dead in her tracks. Or we could look for it! Momma says it is everywhere if you look hard enough. Her pace slowed and she looked around, trying to pick out the subtle shifts in the world that would lead to the proof of fantastical existence. Her grin was broad, lighting up her scarred face and brightening her outlook still further. It was everywhere! Even in the muddier waters the light reflecting off the surface’s sheen added color and dance to an otherwise possibly quiet and boring world. White tipped tail waggled happily and she yipped at the comforting existence of reflected light, and of light in general before leaping forward again and bounding around Tychon. Careless to troubles of the world she alternated between jumping in the water and racing in circles on the drier banks. Grinning wickedly up at him, she jumped into a play bow in front of his path, jumping back with every step he took to stay out of his reach. Whether or not he played with her, she played with him.

Soon they came to a clearer stretch of water and she jumped atop a small rock (which was huge to her) and sat with a plop. Here! She proclaimed proudly. Now you won’t get as much dirt in it.