Soft ears strained against the wind and roars of the falling water. As beautiful as the sounds of the river were, the music was not what she was craving. Instead, in the distance she heard call, quiet and rasping. Broken, harsh, and grating against everything natural, it was one of the most beautiful sounds she had heard since she had been back. She laughed aloud to herself. Whether Tychon had meant to show his cards or not, she felt as though Mr. Grumble Bug was happy to hear from her, though she figured he would snark and snarl at her when she actually showed up. Without a moment to lose, she raced from the falls in the direction of Tychon’s rattling call.

The moment she saw the wolf’s disfigured face she sped up. Her mouth closed, tongue rolling in to increase her aerodynamic until she came in close quarters with him. Before she collided, Masque twisted and rolled over the ground to land squarely under his chin. Tan paws flapped up, trying to graze against him, soft whines of joy coming from her throat as her body wiggled beneath him in glee.

Tychon! she yipped from the ground, her excitement palpable in her voice. It is good to see you!! I missed you! You answered me! Lavender eyes ablaze, she rolled back onto her feet and tore around him, bits of dirt and debris flying from her paws. After a few laps she slid to another halt beside him. Unable to be still for long, she sprang forward, licked his nose, and dashed off again. Once more she froze and spun back at him, a calm settling over her for a moment, her face growing concerned. You answered me even though it might hurt? How is your throat? She had been gone a long time and had received marks from the world around her. She had left him marked and wounded, but maybe his had healed over that time.