The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the riverbank as I finally set down my brush, flexing my cramped fingers. Two hours of meticulous work had left my shoulders aching, but the mask was complete. I held it up to catch the golden light filtering through the canopy above – every line precisely carved, every detail painted with care. The smooth wood felt warm against my palms as I lifted it to my face and leaned forward to study my reflection in the crystal-clear water below.
The transformation was perfect. The painted features obscured my own completely, creating an entirely new face that would serve me well in the capital. I couldn't help but smile at my handiwork before carefully removing the mask and tucking it into my leather satchel.
