Noctisardor Bypass it's easy for a slip to turn into a stumble

Initially, Laurel had just wanted to make a good enough impression because she knew she could not show her true face. Wearing a mask was the easiest way to wriggle herself a way into the hearts of these wolves so that they would not cast her out so easily. Where she didn't have to try to be anything other than she was at Easthollow and stayed to herself most of the time, here she knew she needed to bring something more to the table. Over time and mostly, over moving here and talking to Mahler a little bit -- over opening up to him without feeling like someone was trying to pry her open like a stuck clam -- she found that keeping up the mask became easier, though, and that it was becoming harder to tell when she was holding the mask firmly in front of her true face and when glimpses of herself were showing. It was strange and confusing, but also nice in some way. A promise for a better future, perhaps.

The promise of flowers in spring made her feel unusually giddy. Even the fact that Xan wasn't here right now did not ruin that for her. Even though you know he abandoned you, don't you? Just like they all did. But there were other wolves, new wolves here, and perhaps... Perhaps some would bring her joy again. The thought was frightening, but exhilarating in some way too.

Laurel wandered along the Bypass' borders, on the western entrance. A cool breeze danced through her fur as she looked out into the world. Clouds were ahead, showing promise of snow in the nearby future.