Yesterday I was going to Nortwatch Keep (it 's a the top north west of the map) and I had to fight a snowy sabre cat. I almost died but I managed to shout command animal just in time (yeah bosmer ) and I saw Vilkas and another companion coming over and fight with the beast. Of course this is great, a companion walking all the way to the end of the map fighting animals. But I can't help to wonder what the hell are they doing in the middle of nowhere. A secret companion mission?

The companions don't sit around Jorvaskr drinking mead all day. They're often out and about in Skyrim slaying 'tough' creatures.

He's working, bringing honor and glory to the Companions, and, more important, gold.

I've run into him and Ria a lot, and also Farkas, Athis and Torvar. I know Aela and Njada can be seen out on jobs, too, but I haven't met them.

He likes loose women, and it gives him a chance to get away from those hags in whiterun.

Apparently he can't get rid of Ria, though. Maybe he doesn't want to, either.