Chapter 14

By the end of almost three weeks since they had first arrived in Nightgate Inn, Bo had regained his full strength and his injuries had healed to Lynne's satisfaction. Everyone was eager to get going, they had enjoyed their relaxation at the cozy little Inn, but were itching for their lives to move forward.

It was early morning when they set out, saying their goodbyes to Hadring and thanking him over and over for his hospitality and kindness, promising they would praise his Inn wherever they went. They vowed they would surely come back if they were in the area. Ahmon gave Hadring his two black horses, with the protest that he had planned on selling them anyways, for he had new horses waiting for him at the Whiterun stables. And it was payment, for Hadring to do as he pleased with the animals.

Anxious to get to the city, the little group started to make their way southwest, planning to cut down through the ridge and into the plains that backed Dragonsreach. They talked amongst themselves or walked in comfortable silence for many days, the only other sounds the sound of their boots crunching over the icy snow and the howling wind. They group traveled from dawn to dusk, only stopping to eat and make camp. They regulated a system where two or one person would take watch for a couple hours, and it would alternate so everyone could get sleep. After several days of traveling through the snowy landscape, they had made very good time and Bo remarked one evening while everyone sat around the fire, that they would be there in no time at this rate.

"I'd say we'd be there by the evening." He spoke to Jane, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. The colors of the flames illuminated his skin and Jane watched him as he watched the fire. He tried to ignore the slight aching feeling in his damaged hip.

"Good," Jane replied, shivering slightly. "I'm looking forward to warmer weather and sunshine!" Her sweet laugh was contagious, and caused the others to join her, wholeheartedly agreeing.

That night Nazgurat and Lynne took first watch, something the mischievous plotting Jane had set up. Lynne watched as Jane curled up next to Bo and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. She sighed, envious of what they had. Jane was smitten with Bo, and Bo may deny it but he was just as much smitten with her. Shaking her head, Lynne picked up a stick and poked at the embers, causing the little red coals to fly into the air and get swept away by the wind. Nazgurat returned from relieving himself and sat down near her, watching the flames silently. He too glanced over at Bo and Jane, who were whispering quietly to each. Jane reached up to stroke Bo's cheek, and Nazgurat turned away. He admitted he was somewhat envious of Bo. Nazgurat had had his fair share of whores and wenches, but he had never known love. What Bo had was something rare and special, and he grudgingly admitted to himself he wanted that too.

Eventually everyone slept, save for Lynne and Nazgurat, who continued to watch the fire.

"Tell me about yourself," Lynne whispered quietly, after some time in silence. She had made sure the others had had time to fall asleep before timidly striking up a conversation with the Orc.

"Not much to tell," Nazgurat replied, clasping his hands together and leaning forward. "Grew up in Mor Kazgur, left because I wanted to see the world."

"Did you ever join the legion?"

"Yes, I served for three and a half years. After that I was finished, so I left. Became a hired hand."

"Mercenary."

"Yeah."

Lynne nodded, and poked at the fire.

"What about you?"

"It's not a really happy story."

"I'd like to hear it."

"Well," Lynne sighed, putting the stick down and drawing her knees up. She rested her chin on her knee, thinking about what she could tell him and what to leave out.

"I was raised in an orphanage in Riften, from the time I was born. Parents left me outside their door. When I was twelve I ran away, hid in the Ratways, naturally got involved with the Thieves guild. Stayed with them for a couple of years and then something told me to go to Winterhold, so I did." Lynne watched the fire as it slowly consumed the wood, thinking back.

"Learned all I could about magic, as much as they'd allow someone as young as I was to learn anyhow. Now I've just been traveling around, doing odd jobs, healing mostly.

"How long did you stay at the college?"

"Nine years. I joined when I was sixteen, left at twenty five."

"That's a long time."

"Oh there are some mages that have been there for decades, I'll probably go back there someday."

"Why did you leave?" Nazgurat watched her thoughtfully, as she tucked her hair back behind one ear and sighed quietly.

"Lots of reasons. Mostly because... I had… fancied one of my fellow associates. We were involved for quite a few years. It… didn't end well. He took it really bad, decided to make my life miserable. I decided my time was done at the college, for a while at least."

"Sorry to hear about that."

Lynne shrugged, glancing over at the Orsimer. "It's nothing, was a while ago."

They lapsed into silence again, until Lynne couldn't help but ask Nazgurat something.

"Have you… have you ever…fallen in love?" She asked timidly, staring anywhere but at the Orsimer.

Nazgurat was silent for a moment.

"No," he replied slowly, "I have not."

"Oh."

"Orsimer women are not attracted to Orsimer men that never settle down. I travel far too much for a female to take me seriously."

"Take you seriously?"

"It would only be for pleasure, nothing more. They would never marry me."

"Oh. What about other women?"

"Like Nord? Dunmer? They would never look upon me in that manner."

"Jane looks upon Bo in that manner," Lynne pointed out, looking over at the sleeping pair.

"True, but it is something unheard of. Jane's feelings for Bo are something I fail to comprehend."

"Not all women look upon Orc's with distaste."

"How do you know?" Nazgurat's voice had an edge to it, like he was uncomfortable with the topic.

"Because… I do not look upon you with distaste."

The silence was uncomfortable this time, and Lynne decided it was now or never.

"What do you mean?"

"It means, Nazgurat," Lynne whispered, "It means I like you." She chewed her lip nervously, looking away.

Nazgurat rubbed his chin thoughtfully, watching the Nord as she fidgeted.

"I like you too," he replied, reaching over to tuck a strand the stray golden hair behind her round, human ear. Lynne let out a shaky sigh and chanced a look at him, her face burning. She smiled shyly at him.

"I am happy to hear that." Lynne slowly scooted closer, expecting to be rejected, and hesitating for a moment, she slipped her arm around the Orsimer's scarred arm and lay her head down on his shoulder. Nazgurat rested his hand on her knee, and the two sat like that until it was time to wake up Ahmon for his watch.