The next morning I almost trip over the sleeping vampire, but catch myself at the last moment and end up giving her a sharp kick to the gut. "Good morning to you too." She tells me as she picks herself off the floor, I ignore her and grab my bow from my case. "There are weapons and armor upstairs, choose your arms and armor before you meet me in the training yard." I tell her before I make my way outside, grabbing a small chunk of bread as I go. I await the newest companion's arrival, chewing on my bread all the while. Soon enough the vampire arrives, a steel greatsword slung across her back. She's dressed in steel armor, but she lacks a helm. Strange, I expected her to wear leather armor and wield a simple dagger. Although it doesn't matter much to me, I'll smash in her chest and then I won't have to worry about her anymore.

"To prove yourself you'll have to fight me, and survive. Now, draw your sword and fight like a nord!". I don't wait for her to answer, I yank my dagger from my sheath and charge at her. She steps to the side and avoids my attack, and while I'm busying turning around she yanks her weapon from her back. I once again charge, my dagger aimed for her exposed throat. She calmly uses her weapon to knock my attack to the side, then proceeds to hit my shoulder with the flat of her blade. The hit stings and makes my arm go numb, but doesn't draw blood. An idea comes to me, a genius idea. If my blood is drawn the beast won't be able to control herself, and I'll be forced to slit her throat.

I don't block her next attack, which is aimed at my left leg. The sword cuts through my armor and cleanly nicks my leg, and blood soon pours down my leg. I can visibly see her tense, her pupils dilate, and her hands begin shaking. I force myself not to smile and quickly dodge her next attack, although she quickly presses the attack. I bring my shield up, but her blows rain heavy and fast. Within a few minutes my arm's gone numb and I'm sweating, not to mention a crowd's gathered to watch. I regret letting her slash my leg, the blood's causing me to easily slip. It's only when Njada begins laughing that I remember this is a test of her strength, and she should stop attacking if I tell her to. I'll be fine if she backs off, but I'll be great if she continues and Athis is forced to decapitate her.

"Stop! You've proven yourself! Cease!" I yell from behind my cracked shield, her sword still hammering away at my defense. I expect her to continue fighting me, but instead she steps back and calmly sheathes her greatsword. I can't help but pant, the fight took a lot of energy. "Now what?" She asks as she takes off her gauntlets, sweat soaking her underclothes. "I report your progress to Kodlak, do whatever you please." I begin leaving, but think of something and tell her, "Just don't leave Whiterun, else I'll be forced to mount your head on a spike." She rolls her eyes, but trots away. I can't help but hope she falls down the stairs and breaks her neck, or at least her arm.

Dovahkiin POV:

I run down the stairs away from Jorrvaskr, happy to be allowed within the city's walls once again. The guards grab the hilts of their swords and the citizens shy away, but I couldn't care less at the moment. I spot a wood chopping block with an ax stuck in it, and quickly trot over to it. I may as well make a little money while I'm stuck in this town, but I doubt anyone will want to trade with a vampire. My stilled blood boils as I chop the wood and remember all of the things I did for these people, the same people who scream in terror when they see me. I saved Skyrim from Alduin, I saved Whiterun from the Stormcloaks, not to mention I saved the entire world from Miraak! If I wasn't here all of these people would be dead, and yet they chase me away with fire and maces.

I finish chopping the wood and quickly pick up an arm full, planning on selling it to Hulda. The innkeeper was always nice to me, and she never really cared if I was a khajiit. I push my way into the bar, and all of the patrons quickly back away from the monster they see before them. I make my way over to Hulda, who has the decency to stay where she is and offer me a sad smile. "I have firewood to sell." Saying the words takes me back, and makes my heart ache for a simpler time. Hulda offers me a small smile as she takes the wood, pats me on the shoulder, and pushes a large amount of gold into my hand. The amount of gold she gave me is by far too much, the firewood is worth half of the gold in my hand. I smile at Hulda and buy a few drinks, before sitting down at a solitary table.

I've just finished my last drink when a fist connects with the back of my neck, and Mikael slams a bottle over my head. Hissing, I leap away and flip around to meet Mikael in battle. His fist connects with my jaw and his other hand lashes out to hit my gut, but I leap back and quickly grab the nearest bystander. Ysolda squeaks as I use her as a human shield, but Mikael can no longer attack. Within seconds Hulda and Jon are grabbing the youth and pulling him away, and Ysolda is weakly pushing against my arms. "Sorry." I mumble as I begin walking past Ysolda, but her arm comes out a stops me.

"You aren't even going to say hello? Come, have a drink with me." Her offer catches me by surprise, but I quickly follow her back to my table. I take the drink she offers me and ask, "You don't hate me?" Ysolda gives me a small smile and answers, "Hate? No. Fear? Yes. You've a power I'll never posses, and a power that gives you a deadly advantage over me. However, unlike the rest of Whiterun I remember you for who you were before becoming a vampire. An honorable, brave, and strong woman. A hero the bards will sing of for centuries to come, not some drooling beast. Although I'm still rather upset I had to spend three days at the healers because of you, but I suppose I can overlook it." Her smile brightens as she downs her mead. I can't stop the smile that crosses my face, and down my own glass.

I return to Jorrvaskr an our later, my head cloudy. I slowly make my way downstairs and into Aela's room. I collapse on the floor, Aela asleep in her bed. Sleep refuses to overtake me, so I let my mind wander. I'm pleased to find Jon, Hulda, and Ysolda still consider me a hero. The rest of Whiterun hates me, but I think I can live with it for now. As sleep overtakes me I can't help but smile, pleased at what I've done today.