The Sunspire [m] mica

Viinturuth had seen the red flame from a distance, had heard tales of her from his brother. He had felt to real interest in gaining a better understanding of her, however, until she announced her leave of the creek and took herself Westward.

He pursued her into the mountains, certain that he knew the reason why she'd rushed off into the wilds beyond Swiftcurrent. It was the way of many young she-wolves, he understood: to search far and wide for a suitable mate when her body chose to flower.

Viinturuth could smell it, he was sure, and he doubted that he would be the only one. When he found her on the rugged peaks she had settled herself to sleep. His own bones and muscles ached from the climb but he kept watch from a short distance away, alert to any who might try their luck.