Being home, being with family, they were one in the same; and truly the greatest blessing that had ever been bestowed upon me. Sometimes, when I ventured to the highest peaks, I even felt connected to those we had lost. So close to the heavens, I would sometimes silently pray to my lost ancestors. To the grandparents I had never known who had given birth to the need to ascend to the throne of mountains – Boneclaw and Thunderbone. And of course to our own lost parents, whose spirits danced together in the great beyond.

As Haven embraced our brother my smile radiated the joy I felt in my heart. My own greeting to my brother caused his smile to falter for a moment, and I hoped that I had not worried him too greatly. It was important information that I needed to tell him, but it was far from life threatening. But his smile quickly returned to him, and my eyes softened as I turned my attentions back to Haven, lovingly grooming between her ears. I chuckled softly at her protestations, and gave her one last brazen lick before I sat back and ceased my grooming, near at the same time that Taliesin placed a loving kiss upon her cheek.

Spirane had finally settled into a time of piece, and time for all of the mountain wolves to seek out their purpose. These past months had given the younger wolves time to develop, to test out different paths that they might wish to follow. Often enough I was given to wonder what Haven might like to try out herself. She was a sweet soul, and if she simply wanted to spend her years whiling away the hours chasing fireflies or her dreams, that was fine with me. But if she showed interest in, say, hunting, I was sure between Taliesin and myself she her talents would be fostered to the height of her abilities.

His question seemed to echo my own thoughts, and I gave our sister an endearing look. I chose to hold my tongue at this moment, not wishing to put any pressure on her answer. Perhaps if her reply gave any hint to her wanting to learn more about hunting I would take her with me on the hunting expedition Taviora meant to host in the near future. And if not, it might be fun for her to come along to simply watch and learn, and enjoy in the feast afterwards.

My eyes lifted to the horizon as the last rays of sun faded from the sky, merely a band of pink light clinging to the horizon. The rest of the sky had grown dark, and the stars were slowly beginning to pin prick through the blanket of black. As night engulfed the realm, I looked back to my siblings, adoration plain upon my features.