Mudminnow River shrike

suliya’s gaze drifted briefly to the dark male—this “sun eater” as the boy had called him—and she sensed a deep familiarity in the scent of his blood. she flicked her ears as if responding to an unspoken recognition, though no name came to her mind. primal instinct dictated her movements, and she held his gaze calmly, acknowledging his chieftain’s presence without submission.

her attention then shifted back to ghelan, a glint of amusement sparking in her eyes as she caught the boy’s pout. his attempts to stand strong, to speak with assurance, reminded her of many young wolves who had yet to grow into their own strength. she allowed a faint, almost teasing smile to cross her lips.

in lanzadoii, her voice was soft yet deliberate, you look strong, boy. she glanced briefly at the chieftain beside him. blood defines you. and me, she wished to say, a double entendre, as she held muradoii blood through her veins. 

she inclined her head to sun eater, offering him a respectful greeting, her voice now firmer. suliya lanzadoii, as your son has said. her gaze flicked to ghelan, then back to sun eater. the bloodlands— antler gale— have taught me much, but my path lies away from them now. my brother inherits mother's band.