"No. Absolutely not." Vilkas exclaimed as he stood abruptly.
"Vilkas, it's time-"
"No. No way." Vilkas' eyes flicked from one member of the circle to another.
"Vilkas-" Aela growled out.
"No, I don't think it's a good idea."
"Brother-"
"No."
"Vilkas." Skjor spoke firmly and Vilkas couldn't help but listen. Kodlak may have been Harbinger but Skjor was Alpha and that made even Vilkas' stubborn wolf comply.
"I just don't think she's ready."
"She'll be taking her testing with or without your consent." The decision was final and Vilkas knew there was no point in protesting it further. "What you can help make a decision on is who goes with her."
From the faces Vilkas saw around the room he had this feeling everything had already been decided.
"No. Absolutely not." Ariella said, standing and taking a step back.
"The others say it's time." She shook her head.
"No."
"Ariella-"
"I don't think I'm exactly warrior material, Vilkas. I didn't even think I would ever have to do a testing."
"Every companion has to go through testing at some point."
"Honestly?" She sat down on the bench beside him. "I never thought I'd be here long enough for that, let alone have the skills."
"Well it should be relatively simple, we've just got to get another fragment of Wuuthrad."
"Then come home to another celebration."
"Bigger."
"Joy." She rested her head on the bench then picked it up again. "Wait you said we."
"Yes, I'm going with you." Vilkas noted the small smile that kept pulling at her lips, she eventually hid her face from him.
