Renoir and his sister Monet were born and raised together within the small pack of Zanjheim, far to the east. They were always close; some believed that Ren held a certain... affinity, if you will, with his darling sister that was a touch on the dangerous side. This came to a head when the family arranged a marriage between Monet and a boy from a neighboring pack - unable to stand being parted from his sister, Renoir went so far as to challenge the boy and earn his sister back. The twin packs were equally appalled by this, and demanded his removal for the sake of the wedding and ensuing alliance. Heartbroken, a young Renoir leaves behind his beloved sister and makes his way in the world, pining for her, as well as the home he left behind.

He eventually finds himself enamored with the wolves of Donnelaith, to whom he pledges his loyalty. The death of Lasher sends him on a downward spiral of depression. When he thinks he has managed to convince Lasher's daughter Deirdre to run away with him, he goes to meet her in a secret place — but she never shows. Heartbroken, he leaves the wilds for a time.