Winter had been the wrong season to begin her adventures. Still, on the season eve of adulthood, the shining young woman strode into the world as if nothing would ever hold her back! Growing into herself as a young woman, not even the cold of the weather could take away Masque’s innocent beauty. Snow and ice crystals clung to her fur, shimmering around her. Her breath huffed around her face with every pace she took.

Since she had started to leave her mother’s side, the river and falls had become more and more her home. The falling water, the constant songs and dancing reflections soothed and comforted her, excited and thrilled her. Even now, when the sounds were muted by sheets of ice, the mystery of the movement had her lilac eyes watching the frozen falls, mesmerized. There were times she spent the day poking through the ice castles, discovering the warmth and cold of caves shielded by winter’s mysterious ways. Today was one of those days. Twining and twirling around and over the streams and tributaries, she danced among the snow covered shrubs and skittered over the frozen surfaces. Her smile twinkled in her eyes, spreading up to her ears.

As the sun began to fall, she paused a moment to watch its movements. The flaming orange burned cold against the reflecting snow. Everyday her breath was taken by moments of splendor. Time stood still for heartbeats before she continued on her way. Until she ran across a set of tracks. Forever curious, she followed the prints, her tail bouncing happily behind her. The closer she came to the maker of the prints the stronger the scent started to become. It was not until she was essentially running into Tychon that she recognized who it was, though.

Tychon! She barked excitedly, closing any remaining space between them with a leap, propelled further by her tail. Are you okay? How are you? Why are you here? She assaulted him with questions, quivering in front of him. There was a deep longing to shower him with her tongue, apparent by her shivering body and nose inching towards his face. I am so happy to see you! Her voice was a whine of joy, every sinew of her body attempting to keep herself from tackling her friend.