knocking on the door

Ferrous was quick to answer his call, though she walked up with seemingly casual swagger that he'd learned to identify as her trademark attitude. "Kes," he said gravely. He sat up straight, staring the youth in the eyes. "You have been more than patient with me. I have been quite pleased by your loyalty to a pack that you had no reason to believe in - you were the first to join Niente, and I hope to reward your belief in me and your pack by giving you the opportunity to prove your skills." He smiled, just slightly. "We have another wolf seeking the same rank as you, and the two of you will be competing against one another in your tests." He didn't tell her that they could both potentially make the cut if they did well enough - what was the point of giving them competition if there wasn't the spectre of failure.