The doors of Dragonsreach closed heavily behind her and her new follower, Lydia, almost making Dominae jump out of surprise. In fact, the first time she had entered the intimidating halls of Dragonsreach, she had done just that. The elder cleaning women had laughed silently before she had walked off to talk to the Jarl. That time had only been hours ago, though it seemed like many weeks had passed.

It was comical how far Dominae had come once she was forced into Skyrim. One moment dragged to the chopping block to be beheaded as an unfortunate Imperial prisoner, the next she's the Thane of Whiterun in the span of only two months. It seemed almost impossible, but here she was, walking down the carved steps of the city with a follower forever at her back.

Though, she couldn't entirely call it impossible, not with all the things that seemed to be on her side. Being named a Dragonborn gave her an advantage that no others had, or at least none that she knew of. Dominae was still a little confused on the subject, however. She had heard of the long lost Dragonborns; brave men and women born with the gift to defeat dragons. But that had always seemed like just a story. Well, so had dragons, until they had started showing up in Skyrim. She had given the mythical creature a killing blow, so she knew from first-hand how real they were; the burns on her arms was proof enough for all who didn't believe.

A shadow caught the Dragonborn's attention, though she showed no move as to acknowledging it. Lydia, who was very rash in her ways of dealing with trouble, did not go off to chase the shadow, so Dominae could only conclude she hadn't seen it. It only showed how inexperienced she really was.

"Lydia," Dominae said, speaking for the first time since leaving Dragonsreach, "I want you to go down to The Bannered Mare and grab a room for us. Wait for me there; you can eat and drink on my gold if it pleases you."

The sudden request had Lydia suspicious, but she had been raised to take orders from those of higher rank and she swallowed the question she wanted to ask. She nodded her head and replied "As you wish, my Thane" before trotting off to do as she was told.

Dominae waited until the younger woman was out of sight to turn around to face the shadow, which happened to be an elder man. He hadn't moved from his leaning position against a nearby house and was watching her like an alchemist would a brewing potion. It was a moment or two before he said anything to her.

"Word of your excellence has traveled fast, Dragonborn. Are you as amazing as everyone says you are?"

"I am a modest warrior. I can only speak for what I have truly accomplished, not what others have said I have done. What you heard may be true, or it may be lies. What does it matter to you?"

The man let out a hefty laugh that seemed too large for his body, but his grin was wide with real laughter. Dominae's hand, which had been twitching to reach for her war hammer, relaxed slightly at her side.

"A lass that knows how to get to the point, I like that. I'm glad I found you."

"You say all this, but you have yet to state your purpose or your name," the Dragonborn stated, growing impatient.

"I am Vignar Gray-Mane, and I am a member of The Companions. The reason I take you away from your duties is that I see potential in you, something that would be good for us. And by the looks of you, it looks like you could use some training."

The insult did not go unheard. Though Dominae wasn't skilled masterfully in most weaponry, she was competent enough to know how to kill. Before she had been captured, she never had much need for it, but in Skyrim, it was easy to think little about those you killed.

"I am fine as I am, Vignar Gray-Mane."

"Do you not want to be the best lass? Do you think slaying dragons and killing bandits is something that comes natural?" the elder scoffed, pushing off the wall, "It is not. If you go around like this, there will be someone out there that will kill you easily. What will life be like if that's all it is for you?"

That thought had crossed her mind on a couple occasions. The dragon had given her some good hits, but it was weak compared to some human threats she would have to face. Would is honestly hurt to train with masters and gain experience?

"Suppose I do, Gray-Mane, what does that give the rest of you? I will be a plundering new born compared to the rest of you. What can I give you that is worth the risk?"

Vignar's wrinkled face relaxed into another of joy and humor. "You do things for us like settling petty bargains or brawling with a threat, the small things that the elder Companions don't want to do. The higher in the ranks you climb, the more at home you'll feel. The best part, you can still go off on your own to do things for our Jarl, like answering the call of the Greybeards. We're not selfish when it comes to our members."

"Give me the night to think of your offer, Vignar Gray-Mane."

"That is the least I can do. When you finalize your choice, direct yourself to Jorrvaskr and find me. I'll be waiting for you."

Without another word, the elder man turned around and walked off like he hadn't had a serious discussion with Dominae. He was a strange one, she had to admit, but his offer did bring up some perks.

By the time Vignar made it back to Jorrvaskr, night had descended upon Whiterun and the feast of dinner was being served as he entered. The Companions all sat in their spots, talking and eating. The hall was almost eerily quiet as he entered.

"There you are old man," Vilkas spoke, looking up from his food, "what kept you?"

"I was just doing some business. I met the most interesting person today; thought I should offer them the chance to join us."

"That isn't really your choice Vignar. Kodlak is our Harbinger; he decides who does and does not join," Aela stated, narrowing her eyes at the old man. He only gave her a grin.

"That might be true, but I believe he'll approve of my choice."

"Who was it that you found?" Farkas, twin to Vilkas, asked through a mouthful of food.

"You'll find that out tomorrow when they come here to give me their answer. If you'll excuse me, I'll pass dinner and head to bed early. See you all in the morning, Shield-Brothers."