AN: I am so sorry that I'm just now updating this! I've been in term paper hell for the past month! I finally got it turned in last Friday, so now I'm just coasting until graduation in May!

I got my early birthday/graduation/valedictorian present today: a MacBook Pro! This definitely is going to help me be motivated to write more! It has Word, too, meaning that I don't have to fight with the junky free word processors you can get online.

Enough of my incessant chatter; onto the chapter!

Ever since my initiation that morning, every Companion had been celebrating. Night came hours ago; most had given up by now and succumbed to an alcohol-induced sleep. I had been avoiding the mead; Nords may be able to stand up to the stuff, but a little Breton like me would be knocked flat on my back.

Throughout the night, I had been hanging in the shadows against the walls, watching my comrades make fools of themselves. There were singing drunkards on top of most every flat surface; the party had grown so large, even some citizens of Whiterun had joined the party.

Every now and again, I would be approached by one of the drunken warriors. Every time, he or she would ask a nonsensical question, to which I would reply with an even more bizarre answer. They would then nod their head as if they completely understood, then would leave in search of more mead. While laughing to myself at the latest questions, I was approached by a surprising sober Skjor and Aela.

The huntress spoke first. "You're part of the Circle now, and I think you deserve to be treated like it."

Skjor butted in. "That pitiful excuse for a ceremony this morning was only the beginning. The real initiation hasn't happened yet. Aela and I hope to remedy that."

Before either of them could speak again, I responded. "What are you two talking about?"

Both of them looked surprised, before Skjor decided to speak. "Gaining the beast blood, of course. Every member of the Circle takes the beast blood."

Shock filled me. "You want me to become a werewolf?"

Aela, noticing my growing alarm, shushed me and pulled me out back to the training grounds. "Don't be so loud, someone might hear you!"

Skjor took the reigns, and spoke to me in an even tone. "The beast blood is a great gift. You can't comprehend the raw power that floods your body while in the beast form. You feel unstoppable, invincible even."

They wouldn't lie to me, would they? "I need to think about this; this is such a big decision!"

Aela nodded her head. "That's fine; we can wait a bit longer. Don't make us wait too long."

At that, both turned and went back inside. I headed towards one of the tables under the veranda to think. Could I live as a werewolf? I don't know how to feel about this. On one hand, I feel like it would be great, but on the other hand, something just feels wrong about it.

Instead of pondering any longer about it, I walked into the middle of the training area, and stood. I focused on the breeze ruffling my shoulder-length chestnut hair, the chill of the night on my skin, and the wind rustling the leaves around me. I had become so absorbed in the night, that I didn't hear the opening door of Jorvaskr.

"You needed some fresh air, too?" Vilkas' gravely voice called out.

I jumped, startled. "You're still standing? I figured you would have been out a while ago."

A wolfish grin spread over his face. "I'm a Nord, and Nords can handle their mead."

I adopted an innocent look. "So why are there around ten passed out Nords inside?"

Instead of becoming sullen, he just let out a laugh. "Because they're milk-drinkers!"

A confused look spread across my face. "What? That didn't even make sense!"

Then, he let out a hiccup. "Yes, it did."

I deadpanned, and said in disbelief, "You're drunk."

Vilkas made his way towards me, and I was enveloped by the scent of mead emanating from him. "'m not drunk! Well, maybe a little."

Before I could reply, Vilkas leaned down and planted a sloppy kiss on my cheek. My face turned scarlet as he spoke. "You're a great friend, 'een when I'm not. 'm sorry for always bein' so moody."

My heart melted. So there is a heart underneath all of that armor? "It's okay; I forgive you. You're a good friend too, even if you don't think so." I wish you were more than just a good friend.

I could feel Vilkas begin to sway. Oh sweet Talos, please don't pass out here! Sadly, Vilkas did just that, and sent me tumbling to the ground with him. Well, it could be worse. Viranus could be the one lying on top of me!

After struggling for a few minutes and failing to get out from under Vilkas' body, I finally gave up. While I'm just sitting here, I might as well think about Aela and Skjor's proposition.

There was a small voice in my head telling me to just do it. Maybe it'll make Vilkas like you!

The logical side of my brain contributed then. I shouldn't base my decision off of a man! This is life altering!

If not for him, then for you! You've always wanted to be powerful; this is the perfect opportunity to grow your power exponentially! It hissed.

My brain agreed with my heart there. I have always felt small. Maybe this will help.

Deciding that I would make a final decision tomorrow, I snuggled into Vilkas' arms and went to sleep in record time.

I was cold. And hungry. Where in Oblivion am I? I opened my eyes, only to be met with the sight of the sky. Oh yeah. Vilkas pinned me down. The aforementioned man was still sound asleep by my side, and had a blissful look on his face.

During the night, somehow Vilkas and I had ended up wrapped in each other's arms. I'm so glad I woke up first. Vilkas would make a big deal out of it, and probably be mad at the world for a week. I set to work on untangling myself as quickly and quietly as possible.

After a few minutes, I managed to get up. I guess I'll just leave him here; let him feel like an idiot! With a small laugh, I walked around the mead hall and into the market area of Whiterun. It must have still been pretty early; there wasn't even a guard walking around!

I headed for Breezehome. I'm not about to walk around in the same clothes from yesterday. The last thing I need is rumors!

After changing into my Arch-Mage robes, I grabbed an apple from my still poorly furnished kitchen. I really need to fix that. I looked around at the rest of Breezehome, and decided that it definitely needed a little bit of tender loving care.

While making a mental note of heading to Dragonsreach and buying some more furnishings, I headed back to Jorvaskr. I feel like blowing something up. The training yard was still relatively empty, if you didn't count Vilkas' unconscious body. After dragging him out of harms way, I began my usual ritual before training.

I let all thoughts that didn't involve my magic leave my mind. I closed in my eyes and breathed in the crisp morning air, and concentrated on creating torrents of fire. I guess you could call this my own form of meditation. I did that for another fifteen minutes, until I felt focused enough.

I opened my eyes, and got into position. After cycling through most of the easier spells that I know, I switched to the more complex spells. My time at the College was invaluable!

After a half hour of training, I took a seat under the veranda. That's such a great way to start the day.

I heard a groan from the general direction of Vilkas' lifeless body. This should be fun. "Good morning!"

Instead of replying, Vilkas just let out a pained groan. Maybe I'll be kind, just this once. In a quieter voice, I spoke. "Do you want me to help you up? You wound up there last night after…" My voice trailed off. I'll just leave out our slumber party. "After you passed out against me."

Vilkas raised his head up and looked at me, mortified. "I passed out on you?"

Rolling my eyes, I replied. "Don't get your panties in a wad; you passed out on me, so I left you on the ground."

Vilkas had managed to stand up by this point. I took pity. "Do you want some water? I can get some for you, if you'd like?"

Vilkas nodded and sent a grateful look my way. I rose from my spot at the table and headed towards the door before pausing. I turned back to the table, grabbed a pitcher from the table, and filled it with a frost spell. After that, I held a flame under the pitcher until the ice had barely melted, before handing the pitcher to Vilkas.

He had a surprised look on his face. "That's the most practical use of magic I've ever seen."

I lightly blushed. "Thanks. It's easier than going to the well. And more convenient."

A cough came from beside us. I turned my head to be met with Aela. "That's just not right. When Farkas and I had hangovers, you were loud. And chipper," Aela shuddered, "where's the justice in that? Huh?"

I laughed at her as she took my old seat. Slowly, Jorvaskr came back to life. People began to enter and exit the ancient mead hall. I could hear the bustle of the market from where I was standing.

While I was listening to the bustle of the early morning, Vilkas swore. I turned to see him hurriedly heading inside. "What is it?"

"I took a job for clearing out a farmer's house in Dragon Bridge. I should've left two hours ago!" I helped Vilkas get his things together, before seeing him off. He was on the road within five minutes.

I went back to the training grounds and was surprised to see Aela still sitting there. Deciding that it was finally time that I did something spontaneous in my life, I spoke. "I'll do it."

Aela blinked, and looked at me in surprise. "Well, I thought it would take you longer to decide. That's fine. We'll wait until tonight, though. We don't like to do this during the day in case something goes wrong."

After agreeing to meet her and Skjor tonight at the training yard, I decided to head back to Breezehome and sleep until the night. From the sound of it, I'll need all of the rest I can get!

Night arrived quickly. I wore a plain outfit and a black cloak. I pulled the hood around my face. If something goes wrong, I don't want anyone to have seen me out and about tonight.

I made it to Jorvaskr with no incidents, and went straight around back. Skjor and Aela were already waiting for me.

Aela spoke first. "I was worried you might back out."

I shook my head. "Once I make up my mind, I stick with it. For better, or for worse."

Skjor and Aela began walking towards the stairs to the Skyforge, but stopped next to the stone base of the forge. I watched as Skjor pressed against an oddly shaped part of the wall and watched in awe as the stone opened to reveal a dimly lit room.

I followed the two inside and was met with the sight of small pedestals surrounding a large basin in the center of the room. That definitely has something to do with the ritual.

Skjor turned around and spoke to me. "This is the Underforge. This is where all but the first of the Companions have become werewolves."

A nagging feeling of dread was eating at me. "Let's just get this over with."

Skjor looked less than impressed with my nonchalant attitude, but got on with the ritual. "Aela, go ahead and change."

I watched in awe and fear as the woman I had come to love like the sister that I never had transformed into a big reddish-brown wolf. She padded over towards Skjor and stood with her arm over the basin. I watched in alarm as Skjor pulled out a steel dagger and dragged the blade across Aela's arm.

The crimson blood made a small puddle inside the basin. I looked into the blood and saw my reflection, but something was off. My eyes seemed… wild. I looked up at Skjor. "My reflection looks… off."

A dark smile covered his face. "The blood is showing you your new self."

Again, I forced down the alarm. "What do I have to do?"

He chuckled. "Drink."

My eyes grew wide. So I have to drink the blood? "Fine."

With that, I reached a hand into the warm blood and cupped a palm full. My stomach turned as I brought the crimson fluid to my mouth. The transformation began the moment the blood touched my tongue.

My vision grew dark, and then nothing.

Slash. Bite. Roar. Run. Guard after guard fell by dark claws. Screams. Gurgles. Freedom from the imprisoning walls. Running across open fields at speeds never dreamt of. Tackling prey. Running until… nothing.

AN: I liked this chapter! It's very rare for me to actually like a chapter that I wrote. Thanks for reading, and don't forget to review! I love when you guys review; it's just so much more fulfilling to get to read a review that someone leaves for me! (Not that I don't appreciate favorites!)