Hi guys! This is the first fanfic I've written in a while so I'm very rusty, in case you didn't notice already. I've had this idea bouncing around in my head for a while now and this is also the first time I've ever written anything for TES so I thought I'd take a crack at it! I have a general idea of where I want this story to go but I am doing a little experimentation here. So feedback is always helpful! Lemme know what you guys think!

Hope y'all enjoy it! 3

"What's your name?"

"Zinnia, sir."

"And why do you want to join the Companions, Zinnia?"

The young Breton woman paused while the two men, Kodlak Whitemane and Vilkas, watched her curiously from their seats. Why did she want to join the Companions? The answer was simple.

Just a few days ago, Zinnia was abandoned and left to die by her one and only sister during an Imperial raid. Not only was she mistaken for a Stormcloak, but she was also mistaken for said sister. She was arrested and sent to be executed in Helgen. And just as her head was on the chopping block, her saving grace was-you guessed it-a big, black dragon. After clawing her way out of the chaos, Zinnia ended up in Riverwood. She met a nice man named Alvor, who gave her supplies and a place to sleep for the night, before asking her to go to Whiterun to speak with the Jarl. The next thing she knew, she was doing his wizard a favor. She nearly died again in Bleak Falls Barrow. And there was some weird glowing shit. And then she nearly died again after that when she was sent to go fight a dragon with the Jarl's housecarl. How she survived, Zinnia will never know. Apparently it wasn't sheer dumb luck like it has been this entire time. Apparently it's because she is Dragonborn, as she literally absorbed the said dragon's soul. As a thank you, she was made Thane of Whiterun, and then summoned by the Greybeards to High Hrothgar to fulfill her Dragonborn destiny.

Why did Zinnia want to join the Companions? The answer was simple. Because she didn't know what else to do.

Zinnia is not a warrior. She is convinced that this whole "Dragonborn destiny" is a cruel trick by the gods. What she ever did to them she'll never know. Perhaps the gods had gotten her confused with her sister, just like the Imperial soldiers had days earlier.

So here Zinnia was. She didn't have anywhere else to go. No home, no family, nothing.

"I've always deeply respected and admired the Companions." Lie. She grew up in the Riften orphanage, disconnected from the rest of the world. She didn't know about the Companions until recently. "I'm looking for a new beginning." True. "I want to be a better person-to become the best version of myself."

Vilkas arched an eyebrow at her, "are you saying that you have not lived an honorable life? Are you hiding something?"

Yes.

"What? No! Of course not!" Zinnia was genuinely surprised by his accusations. It was clear what he really wanted to know: was she a criminal? No, she wasn't. But her sister was. And because she's her sister, she could be just as guilty. Perhaps revealing she was the Dragonborn could put her in the clear, but Zinnia hasn't decided if she wanted to be the Dragonborn yet. In fact, right now, she didn't.

"Vilkas," Kodlak spoke. It was a warning. Vilkas was about to overstep, and his lips formed a tight line to bite back any more comments. "It matters not what someone's past is, so long as they strive to be better tomorrow. I believe she is telling the truth." He shifted his solemn gaze to Zinnia. "Tell me, how are you in battle, girl?"

She sucked.

"Well, I'm still alive now, aren't I?" she said with a sheepish smile. She caught Vilkas' frown and she cleared her throat nervously. "I can handle myself but I'll be the first to say that I'm not very good in battle. Not yet, that is."

Kodlak nodded and leaned back in his seat, "humility is a virtue and something I respect. Vilkas, here, will test your arm."

"Master, you're not truly considering accepting her?" Vilkas blurted. Ouch. Zinnia knew that joining the Companions wouldn't be easy, but part of her had some hope that she would be accepted for who she is.

"I am nobody's master, Vilkas," Kodlak growled. "And last I checked, we had some empty beds in Jorrvaskr for those with a fire burning in their hearts. She has a certain strength of spirit."

"Apologies. But perhaps this isn't the time. I've never even heard of this outsider," the younger man protested.

"I'm actually a Thane of Whiterun," Zinnia cheerily injected. Vilkas arched an eyebrow at her and she regretted intervening. He clearly had no idea what she was talking about, and likely didn't believe her. "But that only recently happened…" Like an hour ago.

"Jarl Balgruuf has good judgment. Sometimes, Vilkas, as you see here, the famous come to us. Sometimes men and women come to us to seek their fame. It makes no difference. What matters is their heart."

A wave of relief washed over Zinnia.

"And their arm," Vilkas added. The wave was gone.

"Vilkas, take her out to the yard and see what she can do."

"Aye."

It wasn't until Vilkas rose from his seat that Zinnia realized she had made a grave mistake. The man towered over her, as she barely even made it to his shoulders. She shrunk under his silver gaze, which only seemed intensified by the black warpaint around his eyes. She knew that this wasn't a serious fight, but she also knew that she didn't stand a chance against him. There was no way she was going to be able to prove herself, no matter what Kodlak says.

"Come on. Follow me," Vilkas said as he strode past her. Zinnia looked at Kodlak one last time and he motioned for her to follow him. Maybe she should just make a run for it and try a new beginning somewhere else, like Markarth or something.

Zinnia trailed behind Vilkas. He said nothing to her on their walk but Zinnia was too distracted by her surroundings anyway. When she had first entered Jorrvaskr, a Nord woman and a Dunmer man were engaged in a heated brawl. Instead of breaking the pair up, other members were cheering them on without choosing a specific side. The said Dunmer was groaning and nursing a bloody nose while a Nord man teased him. Zinnia didn't see the girl from the brawl anywhere inside the mead hall. An Imperial woman eyed her curiously. Two older Nord men sat at the table by the hearth, commenting on the brawl that had unfolded moments earlier. So many things were happening within these walls; it was difficult for Zinnia to imagine herself as one of these people.

The Nord woman was sitting on a bench outside. She was still clearly riled up from the fight, even though she had won, according to what Zinnia had overheard. A redheaded woman was keeping her from getting carried away. But when Vilkas took Zinnia to the yard, they had captured everyone's attention. The last thing she wanted was to draw attention to herself but she knew it was inevitable. She was fresh blood. Zinnia knew they were all taking her in just as much as she was taking them in.

When he positioned himself before the Breton, Vilkas took a long look at her. She was small. Her skin was pale but dirty and her light blonde hair was in a long braid down her spine. She wore hide armor that was clearly old and she didn't fill it out as she should have, indicating she was probably undernourished. The violet hue of her eyes seemed a bit exaggerated by the dark circles under them. She looked like she was in dire need of a proper meal, a warm bath, and a good night's rest. What strength Kodlak saw in her was beyond Vilkas. She looked nothing like a warrior. He only saw this going one way and hopefully, this'll be the last time he sees her.

"The old man said to have a look at you, so let's do this. Just have a few swings at me so I can see your form. Don't worry, I can take it," Vilkas said, drawing a shield.

Zinnia drew the iron sword that was fastened at her waist. Her stance was already wrong-her feet were too close together-but he kept quiet about it.

"So I just...come at you?" she asked. He nodded once.

"Aye."

Zinnia had never been in an "attacker" position. She was always a defender, protecting herself from attacks, wherever they may come. She was filled with so much doubt that she just went for it-she swung her sword at Vilkas's raised shield. Her footing was all wrong, and she knew it, and she knew that she wasn't hitting him as hard as she should be.

"Alright. Good," Vilkas said, lowering his shield.

"Good?" Zinnia blinked.

"It wasn't...bad." Vilkas was telling the truth. Sure, her form was bad, but there was power in her arm. At least, more power than he had expected to come from the tiny girl. Maybe he could find the right niche for her strength. After all, everyone in the Companions had their own unique abilities they brought to the faction. But he had to try something different.

Zinnia eyed Vilkas curiously as he set aside the shield and returned to his position before her. He got in a fighting stance and raised gloved fists.

"Come at me again. This time, no weapons," Vilkas commanded. Zinnia swallowed and sheathed her sword. She knew how to fist fight, perhaps even better than with a weapon. Since they didn't have much for weapons growing up, her sister taught her how so that she'd be able to defend herself in the streets of Riften. However, Zinnia left all the fighting to her sister.

This time, Vilkas was the one charged. He swung a punch at her and she quickly ducked, knowing that if he had made contact with her, she would've been knocked out immediately. She punched him in the chest and he barely budged, but Zinnia was just grateful she was able to land a hit in the first place. She'll just have to give it more power.

Her tiny moment of victory was over when Vilkas spotted an opening and hit her in the jaw. She instantly went down and a hand flew to where he had struck. Damn, that hurt. That was going to leave an ugly bruise. Vilkas didn't approach her, awaiting her next move. Zinnia quickly pulled herself together and got back on her feet. This time, she charged at him, determined to land him an equally powerful blow.

The fight lasted longer than either of them expected. It wasn't a serious fight but Zinnia knew that he was testing her to see if she was worthy of his respect and that of the Companions'. Both of them had something at stake here. Zinnia wanted to become a member. Vilkas wanted to know if this was a person he could truly call Shield-Sister. But every time he knocked her down, she kept getting back up, albeit slower than the last. Ironically, every hit she made was harder than the last.

Finally, Vilkas brought his fist to her gut, and when she hit the ground, she didn't get up. She let out a groan between clenched teeth and clutched her abdomen. He knew he pushed her too hard but that is what it took to be a Companion.

"Here." He offered the Breton a piece of cloth. She took it gratefully and used it to wipe the dirt and sweat off her face. The fight was over but Zinnia couldn't calm herself. Her heart and mind were both racing. This went as bad as she thought it would be. She was pathetic. There was no way she would be a Companion.

Vilkas offered her a hand but rather than taking it, she placed the cloth in it. She pushed herself to her feet and bit back another groan. Vilkas expected her to say something, but she was watching him expectantly.

"Not bad. Next time won't be so easy," Vilkas said as he folded his arms across his chest. He watched her violet eyes light up.

"Next time?" she repeated in disbelief. He nodded once.

"Aye. You might just make it. But you have a long way to go. You're just a whelp to us, new blood. You do what we tell you. Understand?"

Zinnia nodded eagerly, "Yes, sir."

"Good." Vilkas drew his sword but held it upside down, offering the hilt out to her. "Here's my sword. Go take it up to Eorlund to have it sharpened." Zinnia accepted it from him but just as she turned away, he said, "And be careful with that. It's probably worth more than you are."

A block of cheese was probably worth more than her.

"Understood."

While Zinnia made her way to the Skyforge, Vilkas went inside Jorrvaskr to report back to Kodlak.

"What do you make of the new blood?" Aela asked as she joined Vilkas' side.

"She's worse than when Ria first joined," Vilkas admitted quietly, not stopping in his stroll. Thankfully, the said Imperial woman wasn't around to hear that comment.

"But Ria has learned quickly," Aela reminded. "She's improved much since she joined us."

"This girl is quiet and hard to read," Vilkas continued. "Kodlak sees something special in her."

"Do you?"

"Do I what?"

"Do you see something special in her?"

Vilkas paused. Truthfully, yes. He felt like there was something special about the Breton. But logically speaking, there was nothing special about her. Sure, she had an unusual eye color, but everything about her was ordinary. She wore ordinary armor, wielded an ordinary sword. She was barely an average fighter. She could easily blend in with a crowd, but Vilkas had a feeling that was exactly what she wanted.

"If Kodlak sees something, then she must be special. I respect his judgment," Vilkas finally answered. "She's passionate, I'll give her that. But she has a long way to go if she wants to become strong."

"Only time will tell," Aela muttered as they came to the end of the hallway of the living quarters. Vilkas pushed open the door to the Harbinger's quarters, while Aela hung back. She didn't know what to make of the Breton girl. There was a big difference in watching the fight and being in the fight. As much as Aela trusted Vilkas, she couldn't help but wonder if his stubbornness was preventing him from giving the Breton more credit.

"Excuse me!" A voice broke Aela's thoughts. Speak of the devil, the newcomer was approaching with a familiar shield in her hands. "Eorlund told me you're Aela, right? I have your shield for you."

Aela's lips curved into a smile, "ah, good! I've been waiting for this." As Zinnia gave Aela her shield, Aela took a good look at her, wondering if maybe there was something about her that stood out, but Aela found nothing. That doesn't mean something wasn't there, though… "What is your name, newcomer?"

"Zinnia. It's a pleasure to meet you, Aela," Zinnia replied politely with a small smile.

"So the old man thinks you've got some heart, I guess. I saw you training with Vilkas in the yard. You gave him quite a thrashing." Ha. As if. Zinnia suppressed a snort.

"No, no. I'm sure he would beg to differ," Zinnia quickly brushed off.

"Do you think you could handle Vilkas in a real fight?"

This time, Zinnia couldn't hold back a chuckle, "maybe someday. But not today. Or tomorrow. Or really any time soon."

"But you're still optimistic," Aela pointed out. "I like that." Someone behind Zinnia caught Aela's eye-Farkas-no doubt heading to his room. "Here, let's have Farkas show you around."

Zinnia looked to where Aela had shifted her gaze to-a Nord man, presumably Farkas, approached them. He was as tall as Vilkas but had larger muscles and longer hair. They were probably brothers, Zinnia mused. They certainly looked like it, even down to the warpaint.

"Did you call me?" He asked Aela, ignoring Zinnia.

"Of course I did, ice brain," Aela retorted with an eye roll. "Show this new blood where the rest of the whelps sleep."

"New blood?" His silver eyes fell on Zinnia and he smiled at her. "Oh, I remember you. You trained with Vilkas. Come on, follow me."

Zinnia gave Aela a parting wave before silently following the taller man.

"Aela likes to tease me, but she's a good person." Zinnia said nothing but nodded, though Farkas probably didn't see it. He continued chatting, "She challenges us to be our best. We all challenge each other like that in some way, really, as you'll soon learn. It's nice to have a new face around. It gets boring here sometimes. Where did you say you were from?"

She didn't.

"I've been all over, really," Lie. "Though this is my first time in Whiterun."

"Really? Of all the holds, Whiterun is the one everyone has to visit at some point, being at the heart of the province at all. But I guess there's a first time for everything. Welcome to Whiterun, newcomer!"

A small smile tugged on Zinnia's lips, "thanks. I'm Zinnia, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Zinnia. I hope you'll like it here. This can be a rough life."

Can't be any rougher than nearly being executed only to be saved by a freakin' dragon.

"I don't think it'll be that bad when you've got friends like these."

Farkas chuckled, "true. A life like this is easier with these people. Although we sometimes try to kill each other, you're in good company. It really feels like a family here. I would die for any of my Shield-Siblings." They reached the opposite end of the hallway. "The quarters are over here. Just pick a bed and fall in it when you're tired. Tilma will keep the place clean. She always has. So be nice to her."

Farkas pushed open the doors. Though she could barely see around his bulky frame, she saw some beds and a long room.

"All right, here you are. Come to me or Aela if you're looking for work. We can start as early as tomorrow morning if you'd like," Farkas offered with a bright grin. "Good luck. Welcome to the Companions, Zinnia."

Farkas left Zinnia to take in her new surroundings. There were eight beds in the room, each with their own dresser. All of the beds were neatly made and there were weapons and shields scattered about the room. Farkas told her to just pick a bed and fall in it, which is exactly what Zinnia craved to do. But if she remembered anything from the Riften orphanage, she knew that where you slept did indeed matter. Still, Zinnia opted for a bed in the corner to her left.

"That's my bed, milk drinker," a female voice stated harshly from behind Zinnia, badly startling her. It was a Nord woman with a helmet and red face paint under her eyes. Zinnia recognized her from before-the winner of the brawl with the Dunmer. Zinnia backed away and put her hands up in surrender. The last thing she wanted was to get in another fight.

"Sorry-I didn't know," Zinnia said. The Nord walked past her without taking her eyes off her before plopping down on the furs.

"Well, now you know. So you better not make the same mistake twice, new blood," she threatened.

"You can have this bed over here," an Imperial woman suggested as she came through the doorway, pointing to the bed across from the Nord. "No one's sleeping in that one."

Zinnia smiled gratefully at her, "thanks."

"I'm Ria. I was the newest Companion until you came along today. And that's Njada Stonearm. Don't worry though; her bark is worse than her bite," Ria introduced.

"Oh really? You want to test that?" Njada growled as she tore off her boots and threw them to the ground. Ria rolled her eyes.

"All right, all right. So her bark and her bite are equally bad. But don't let her scare you away, friend," Ria reassured.

"Or you can sleep over here with us!" A male voice beckoned. A blond Nord man waved at Zinnia from across the room with the Dunmer man from earlier. "I can promise you we don't bite. Heck, you can even share a bed with me!"

"In your dreams, Torvar!" Ria retorted. The pair began playful banter back and forth until Njada told them to shut it before she made them so she can get some shut-eye. Even though they were all yelling at each other, something about the room was comforting to Zinnia. It did start to feel like a family. Now she had a place to rest and was surrounded by people who have accepted her as one of their own, more or less. For the first time in a very, very long while, Zinnia can rest without a single worry about her sister.

Sorry about using canon dialogue there! I definitely do not want to rely on canon dialogue, but I thought it was fitting for the situation. Also, I'm still trying to properly capture the voices of all the characters, hence why I slipped that in there. As I said, I really appreciate any and all the feedback you can give!

Thanks for reading! 3