Freedom and adventure did wonders for her heart and soul. The fear that had held her mother back in the safety of Tavoira was a thing of true myth in the mind of Masque. Fed by a year of exploring and learning the world around her, the shadow and tan woman seemed to have bloomed into what she was destined to be. The scars from her violent birth had faded into the creamy gold mask. Lilac eyes shined from the gold, the starbursts casting glitter onto anything they looked upon. Her body was lithe as she moved through freelands, her lungs breathing in the sweet nectar of life.

A grin on her face, she padded through the well worn trails, dust settling on her paws from the lack of rain. She sniffed at the dry paths, a gentle sigh causing a puff from her lips. If only the storms from the valley could come and feed the trees of the woodlands. She would have to seek someone who could make that happen, she pondered. Perhaps the rivers would give some of their water to the lands that needed it more. The ask on her mind, she moved to make her way back to the river, her favorite waterfall in fact, when a song reached her ears. She stopped at once, her face lighting up even more. Though she had never really heard the tune, she knew its meaning as it called to her soul. No hesitation in her steps, she turned again to race towards the caller.

Swift paws took her effortlessly over the land. First she crossed paths where the wolf had first raised her voice. To no surprise, she was not still there. It was not like a wanderer to remain in one place. Not much of a tracker, Masque roved where the wind took her, letting it lead her to the place where Coquette searched for the wandering spirits. Sister! She called, not knowing she addressed her adopted Aunt. My mother spoke of souls like you! Masque raced forward, joy and glee bursting from every hair on her body. I am Masque, daughter of Taika! Who are you who knows the songs of my people? The young woman all but danced around the other, her tail wagging high and her toes barely touching the dry earth. Spirits high and flying, it was all she could do to keep herself respecting Coquette’s possible personal space and not smothering her with her excited tongue.