Rita was never the same again, and neither was Urag. She became even more shy and hesitant to open up to people than before, and became obsessed with studies of wolf-like creatures. He became extremely protective, never letting her out of his site except to tend to Zanatorian or wander around the court yard. Zanatorian grew quickly, turning into a majestic stallion like the Zanatorian of the story. Rita knew he needed to run and get exercise, but Urag never let her out of the court yard, except to walk her home every night. He had so much energy that he ran in circles around the court yard, dizzying Rita. For her 11th birthday Urag got her a beautiful leather saddle, complete with reins and harness. He also let her go around Winterhold as she pleases that day. Zanatorian was so excited that he ran through the town, knocking many wagons and people over in the process. It earned her more than a few glares. Rita spent her days in the college, studying every book about wolves she could get her hands on. She also continued her sword practice. She got quite good with a sword, and she decided that it was time for her to get a real one. Urag agreed, for her own protection, and bought her a full iron sword. She began fencing with the college members that knew how to wield a weapon, much to Urag's disapproval, and beat almost every one. Arch Mage Savos was especially impressed.
Rita was almost giving up hope on her research into the wolves, until one day she came across a book with the title of "The Companions". It had a wolf face sprawled across the cover, instantly drawing her attention. She plopped down on the chair and began reading. It was an extremely informational and helpful book. It explained that
"The Companions are a collective group of mercenaries, soldiers and fighters who take on private and public contracts for the people of Skyrim and who purportedly carry on the tradition of the Five Hundred Companions of . It fulfills the same role the Fighters Guild does in other parts of Tamriel. They are based in the city of Whiterun, within the mead hall Jorrvaskr. The most elite members are included in the Circle of Jorrvaskr, and the chief councilor and arbitrator is known as the Harbinger, after Ysgramor, the "harbinger of us all" and the only real recognized leader of the Companions.Each new Harbinger is chosen by the last."
Rita wondered what this had to do with the wolves. She continued her research for years, but was unable to find much information on the group. She decided that it would be helpful for her to go to Whiterun herself and investigate this group.
"Urag, I need to talk to you." she announced as she walked into the library.
"Of course, Rita. What about?"
"You know that group I've been researching, The Companions?"
"Of course, it's practically all you talk about. I even hear you talking to Zanatorian about it." he said with a chuckle.
"Well, I wasn't able to find much information on them. I thought it would be a good idea for me to go to Whiterun myself to do research on them."
"Rita, are you asking to leave?"
"Well... Yes."
"What if something happened to you? What if you got killed in Whiterun and I never found out? What would I do without you?"
"Urag, I'm 17 now. I can handle myself. And besides, I have my big bad horsie with me for protection."
"Stop joking, Rita. I don't think you're ready."
"You don't trust me?"
"It's not that, I-"
"I can handle myself, even Savos knows I'm the best sword wielder in the whole college, if he can see that then why can't you?"
"Rita! We're done talking about this. You're not going." he asserted.
"Why can't you just get used to the fact that I'm not a little girl anymore? I don't even live with my parents anymore!" she shouted. Urag ignored this and walked out of the library. Rita sighed and headed to her bed, letting sleep calm her down. She would leave, whether Urag wanted her to or not.