Snowforest Taiga once was a postcard

A low rumble brought her to a halt. Masquerade pricked her ears, turning toward the distant coast. She could see thunderheads along the horizon, a storm slowly making its way inland. Sighing a little, she pivoted the rest of her body and began walking back the way she’d come.

She hadn’t gotten very far before she saw a figure coming toward her. She froze again, her tail stiffening behind her as she eyed the young she-wolf. The way she spoke immediately reminded Masque of Chani and Sapphique. A couple of weeks had passed since their rendezvous, though now the Redtail felt that same disquiet worm through her.

I’m Masquerade, she answered, determined to put her best foot forward. I’m a friend of Sapphique, or at least I hope to be. Is that where you’re from?