Day 155 - Companions

I rose with the sun and used my last few coins to pay for breakfast before heading to the Companion's Mead Hall, Jorrvaskr.  The area was bustling with energy and activity as strong-looking men and women walked hurried to and from the mead hall.

Even the mead hall was a whirlwind of activity.  People were sitting at the large table in the center, eating and drinking.  Others were wandering around, ale mug in hand, talking.   Off to one side a fight had broken out between two men, both as big and as burly as Yawnely, a boy I knew back in Winterhold that could almost bench press an anvil.

I sidestepped the argument and asked someone how to go about joining their group.  The man who I spoke to looked me over and then laughed, "You?  A companion?  Right…"

His dinner companion, a tall woman with dark red hair, elbowed him and then smiled at me, "Don't mind him.  He doesn't believe women should be able to fight, even though I've bested him many time in the ring."

"I let you win those times," he murmured.

She ignored his comments, "You'll want to talk to Kodlak Whitemane.  The last time I saw him, he was in his quarters downstairs speaking with Vilkas."

I thanked her and headed in the direction she pointed.  It wasn't long before I found him sitting in one of the nicely decorated living quarters on that level talking to a gruff-looking man.  He turned as I entered, a questioning look on his face, and I quickly introduced myself and asked about admittance to the group.

Kodlak immediately thought I was worthy of the task but the other man did not, citing my thin stature and weak look.

"Do not let looks deceive you," the older man said, "You'd be surprised at what a thin but muscular woman can do.  Do you have any fighting experience?"

"I did some training with the Imperial troops in Solitude," I said, "And I've seen my share of undead and wild creatures."

Kodlak looked at his companion with a raised eyebrow, "See what I mean?"

Vilkas snorted, "We only have what she says to go on.  There is no way she could have survived an attack of the undead."

The two argued for a few more minutes before Kodlak finally ordered him to take me outside and see if I’m worthy or not of being a Companion.  Vilkas agreed warily and led me outside.

Let me tell you, my heart was pounding like crazy as we took our placed at opposites sides of the yard.  When he came rushing at me, sword in hand, my instincts took over.  I grabbed my sword and blocked the hit.  Then I turned and smashed into him with all the strength I could.  Vilkas stumbled back, looking surprised at my quickness.

"I was wrong," he said, "You are worthy…but not by much."

My "room" came with roommates

And with that, I became a member of the Companions.  Of course, I'm starting at the bottom rung of their group.  My quarters aren't much – just a bed in the corner of a large dorm I share with three other women – but I don't mind.  At least it's a bed I didn't have to pay for and best of all, none of my roommates snore.

Doesn't he look thrilled?