The Sunspire learn what it means to live

She felt reborn, as if new blood now coursed through her veins—Muirrin had found a direction that her life had been lacking previously, and the joy she felt now that her convictions had been found was a powerful force. From the posture in which she carried herself, to the tips of each individual hair, the female radiated confidence... though it was not marred by arrogance or aggression. Like the heroines of her grandfather's stories, she was ready to seize the passions of life and defend them to the death.

When the scent of another caught in her nose, Muirrin altered her course to greet them. After all, her current mission was to interact with as many wolves as possible and recruit those worthy into her tribe. Fate had decided that this male would be the first candidate, and Muirrin would waste no time in testing him.

It seemed that he was just as eager to meet her, for it wasn't long before the two stood meters apart, both inspecting the other. Muirrin's posture did not relax from its proud stance, but she did offer the male her throat: she meant no harm or challenge. Only then did her golden eyes sweep in scrutiny over his form. Like her own coat, the male's was largely unremarkable—but for a tell-tale marking of ebony. On him, it was a dark mask around bright turquoise eyes.

Oddly, the color reminded Muirrin of her litter mate, and she vaguely wondered how her fiery sister was faring. They had never been close—how could they be, with so many relatives to keep track of?—but the Blackthorn cared for her all the same. It would be a shock to discover that Turq was in the area as well.

"You're not intruding," she assured him with a sweep of her tail, "I don't own this mountain—well, not yet, anyway." Muirrin suddenly felt odd, like she was absently offering too much information, for she hadn't actually spoken to anyone in some time. She made a mental note to be more careful with her words, and then continued. "This range is called the Sunspire Mountains, though I'm not sure what this particular peak is named." She shrugged slightly; for the last month, Muirrin had simply known it as home.