Hadvar, Ralof, and I met back at the Drunken Huntsman at the end of the week.

"How's your joining of the Companions going anyways?", Ralof asked as he was sitting down.

"I'm not a full member yet, but It's going well.", I answered from my seat, "I hit someone with a chair."

"That's going well? 'I hit someone with a chair', how is that well?"

"Well, it was the entrance exam into the Companions. I was losing the sparring fight, so I threw my sword and swung it at my opponent."

"And they let you join still?", Hadvar mocked.

"Yeah, I got my own bed and everything."

"Wow.", Hadvar exclaimed.

"Sorry, it must be going so well for you then, Hadvar.", I responded bitterly.

"I know you're being sarcastic, but it is going pretty well for me. Irileth, the Captain of the Guard, and I are setting up a special threats unit of the Guard. They've even got me fitted for new gear that they're making for me and the unit. We haven't made an official name, nor have we decided on the recruits yet though."

"What's your role in the unit?", Ralof jested, "Drinking their milk so it doesn't go to waste?"

Hadvar appeared unamused, "No, I'm to be the captain of the unit because of my experience in Helgen and in the Legion."

"Nice.", I congratulated, "Although, you should think of a name for it. Something like Dragonguard, that would be fitting."

Hadvar pondered, "Maybe, I'll run that suggestion to Irileth. Now, what has Ralof been up to besides getting that dark elf's pants over there."

He pointed to the corner table. There was the women Ralof was trying to pick up last time we were here sitting at it.

"I didn't just try.", Ralof smirked, "But I also recruited her. She's a mercenary for hire, so I used some of the funds the Jarl gifted us to buy her services."

"You brought one person on for our goal?", Hadvar pressed.

"No. There was also this strong Nord woman in the Bannered Mare. We got into a brawl, and she thought she'd win. I, however, beat her and she agreed to travel along with me if I was that capable… if you get what I mean."

I facepalmed, "We get what you mean, Ralof. Is there anyone you got to assist us that you didn't sleep with?"

"Well, there was also this other mercenary I hired from the Bannered Mare.", he explained, "He's a large man, Nord like me too, walks around in heavy iron armour and carries a heavy battleaxe. I also recruited this other man. He retired from the Stormcloaks to be with his family, but they passed away. He wanted to fight again but didn't know if he should rejoin the Stormcloaks or not. I offered him to help us fight the dragons instead."

"Hmm, it seems you actually did do something.", Hadvar admitted.

"Good work, Ralof.", I interjected, "But we need to coordinate these groups. Hadvar, ask Irileth if she could intergrate Ralof's team as an auxillary unit. We're going to spend three weeks setting that up. Afterwards, we're gathering required equipment in one week for our Bleak Falls Barrow retrieval."

"Are we heading out after that?", Hadvar asked.

I responded, "We are. Our priority is seeing if this Dragonstone exists and if it is useful. I just want to ensure that we don't place everything on that. I want to set everything up so Whiterun isn't defenseless if the Dragonstone is a bust."

"Alright.", Hadvar said.

We left the Drunken Huntsman and went our separate ways after that.

I continued doing odd jobs around Whiterun for the Companions and other people for a couple of weeks till Skjor intercepted me in the feast hall.

"Your time, it seems, has come.", he said ominously, "We have something special for you this time."

"Uhh…", I stammered, "What does that mean exactly?"

"Last week a scholar came to us.", Skjor explained, "He said he knew where we could find another fragment of Wuuthrad. He seemed a fool to me, but if he's right, the honor of the Companions demands that we seek it out."

"What does this have to do with me? What's this supposed to be?"

"This is a simple errand, but the time is right for it to be your Trial.", he answered, "Carry yourself with honor, and you'll become a true Companion. Now, Farkas will be your Shield-Sibling on this venture, whelp. He'll answer any questions you have. Try not to disappoint or get him killed."

Skjor handed me an envelope and walked away. After that, I searched the yard for Farkas.

I found him swinging at the practice dummy with his sword.

"Farkas!", I called out.

He stopped his swinging and turned.

"New blood, I hope you've readied yourself.", he called back.

I walked to him as he sheathed his sword, "You're supposed to be my 'Shield-Brother' apparently."

"So I'm told.", he commented, "Let's see if you impress, meet me at Dustman's Cairn."

"Dustman's Cairn? Where's that?"

"Open the envelope Skjor gave you before asking stupid question.", he remarked dryly.

Farkas left the training yard and headed to our intended destination.

I opened the envelope Skjor previously handed me. It contained a small map indicating its location in relation to Whiterun and other landmarks. It also had a blueprint of the crypt's layout.

I put on my simple leather cuirass, bracers, and boots before leaving Jorrvaskr. I then set out to Dustman's Cairn.

My trip to Dustman's Cairn was the first time I fought. Sure, I sparred, but I was never in serious danger during that. This trip to prove my honor had real danger. It had Draugr, the undead guardians of Nordic crypts. They never took kindly to trespassers, and they tried to kill all they found. It was the first time I saw them in person. It was also the first time I went on a trip to retrieve an artifact.

At least in that trip, I didn't end up bleeding out in the snow, as opposed to now.