Noctisardor Bypass But a painted face still cries

A sonorous howl rose into the air. Druid’s head jerked in its direction, followed by the swift pivot of her lissome body as she loped to meet the caller. It was gratifying, receiving a visitor at their borders; it lent formality to their claim.

She had already supposed it might be Etienne, though as soon as Druid’s two-toned eyes clapped upon the figure, she saw that he fit her sister’s description. Head held high and tail similarly raised, she approached him with the bearing of a leader, albeit an amiable one.

Hello. You must be Etienne. I’m Druid. And this is Rivenwood.

She studied his face for a moment, then dropped her eyes, curious about the bundle at his feet. She couldn’t help but stare at the state of his paws, though she shifted her gaze to the parcel before raising it back to his face.

You remind me of someone, she realized rather suddenly.