Chapter 16

It was everyone's last day at Nightagte Inn, and Bo couldn't have been more relieved. His body was well-mended thanks to Lynne's abilities as a healer. Although his hip would never be the same, it no longer ached constantly. However, if he bumped it accidentally sharp pain would still shoot through his body. It was still a long way to being fully recovered, and there would probably always be some degree of pain. It had taken a while, but after much thinking, and encouraging chats with Jane, he had finally come to terms with it.

Bo Gro Graul sat quietly in the bathing pool located at the back of the Inn. He leaned back in the hot water and let out a content sigh. The water always felt good on his skin and felt even better since his injury. The Orsimer's long, dark hair trailed into the water, and it was freshly washed, along with the rest of him.

Ahmon and Nazgurat sat at opposite sides of the bath, just as relaxed. The older Orc sat slumped with his arm resting against the edge of the pool, and Ahmon was crouched, his body submerged in the water up to his chin. He had a satisfied smile on his young face.

When Bo was ready, he pulled himself up from the bath, which wasn't a hard thing to do now, and padded over to where a small shelf held several clean towels. He took a few minutes to dry his body, his eyes roaming over the deep scars that dashed across his hip and lower stomach. He wasn't used to them yet, but he had come to terms with it. His mind was elsewhere as he thought about Jane and his upcoming tasks. He thought about Jane more than anything else, but the pressing matter of the Greybeards still weighed heavily on his heart. He battled internally with the desire to lead his quiet, mobile life, and his duty to Skyrim and its people. If it were as serious as everyone seemed to believe. Bo still wasn't so sure.

These thoughts lingered on his mind while Bo finished drying his body and quickly ran a brush through his hair. He quickly tied it up and then tossed on a soft white tunic and dark brown breeches. Leaning down was still uncomfortable, but he was able to slip his boots on with little trouble.

When he was finished, Bo wandered through the sleeping quarters until he reached the Dining hall, where he found Jane lounging by the fire with a book in her hands. Her eyes were glued on the page she was reading, but when he drew closer she glanced up and smiled when she realized who it was.

"You look nice and relaxed," Jane greeted.

"I am. A bath is very soothing."

"Definitely."

Jane watched as Bo gave a nervous cough and eased himself into the empty chair beside her. He looked at her for a moment but was unable to hold eye contact for very long. Jane was used to it by now, and it didn't bother her.

"Do you want a drink?"

Jane marked her spot in the book and placed it down on the table before getting up.

"Please, perhaps a honey ale."

"Coming right up."

Ahmon wandered over to their table while Jane was gone. His wet hair shone bright blonde in the firelight. He clapped Bo on the back as he passed, and the Orc smiled.

"I swear I could fall asleep in that bath."

"It's almost happened a couple of times now," Bo responded with a small chuckle.

Jane noticed Ahmon's return, and so when she came back over to their table she balanced three bottles of ale between her hands. She placed them all down on the table and slid them towards the men, who thanked her.

"Cheers," Ahmon smiled sadly, "to our last night of comfort."

Jane laughed, and their bottles chinked together. Bo followed suit, and then they all took a deep drink.

A few minutes later Nazgurat wandered into the Hall, his face cleanly shaved. He had braided his long hair into one thick lock, and it hung down to his waist.

"I didn't realize how long your hair is Naz, "Jane commented. "It's lovely."

"Thanks," Naz grunted, and he ruffled Jane's hair.

"Hey!"

Jane growled and she swatted his hand away.

"Where's Lynne?"

"The last time I saw her she was going outside for some fresh air. I guess it's a Nord thing, cause it's practically a blizzard out there."

"Okay."

Nazgurat left the group without another word and headed outside into the storm. Snow swirled all around the Inn, and Naz pulled his coat tighter around his body. His hair was almost completely dry, but what was still damp instantly froze. He paid no mind to it and quickly stomped down the stairs of the Inn to look for Lynne. He wasn't sure where she could be but saw faint footsteps disappearing around the side of the Inn.

Snow was falling fast, and he found Lynne near the stables, feeding one of Ahmon's horses a carrot. Her back was turned to him, and he patiently waited for her to finish doting on the massive animal before he approached.

"My Gods," Lynne exclaimed when she turned around and found Nazgurat standing near her. "You could have said something. You're eerily quiet."

"The wind drowns out my thunderous footsteps," Nazgurat responded loudly over the screaming wind.

Lynne's brows furrowed together, unsure if whether he was joking around or not, and she brushed away at the snow that fell on her dark grey hood. She was completely unaffected by the cold and looked up at him with stormy grey eyes. She looked exhausted.

The sun had set not long ago, but the clouds had blotted it out for the last couple of days. It was almost completely dark except for the small lanterns that lit up the Inn and the stables. Lynne stood awkwardly by one of the stalls, unsure of what to say or do.

"I'd like to talk to you," Nazgurat started. "Will you come here?"

Lynne hesitated, and then she stepped closer. Nazgurat also drew closer, and he completely surprised the Nord when he took both of her gloved hands and held them.

"Now, I'm not... very good at expressing my... emotions. So bear with me."

Lynne stared up at the Orc with furrowed brows, and she listened intently. The wind whipped at their faces, but they remained there out in the snow.

"There's something about you, something I'm drawn to. I haven't felt like this in a long time. There's a reason why I'm thirty-five winters old and still roaming Skyrim alone."

"You say that like you're an old man," Lynne joked quietly, "you're still young yet."

"As are you."

Lynne glanced down at the ground, and then Nazgurat reached up and tipped her chin up, forcing her to look at him. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she bit her lip.

"I'm an ass, you already know this. But if you... give me a chance, I want to be somebody of importance to you."

"Even though I'm broken?" Lynne responded sadly, and Naz reached up to brush away the tears that spilled down her pale cheek.

"You're not broken Lynne, you're just hurt. You're already on a good path again. I want to support you with that."

Lynne reached up and tugged on Nazgurat's coat, drawing him closer. The Orc dipped his head down and kissed her. It was gentler this time, and his hands stroked her hair and cheeks with a tenderness that took her breath away. Lynne decided the feeling of his tusks on either side of her mouth was comforting, and they stood there for several moments locked in an embrace.

When they pulled apart, Nazgurat was smiling, and Lynne grinned back at him. He reached up and brushed away that snow that had fallen onto her forehead and brows.

"I am sorry for hitting you."

Nazgurat chuckled, and he leaned in and nuzzled the curve of Lynne's jaw.

"I deserved it."

"Well..." Lynne laughed. "Perhaps."

They kissed for a few more moments before Naz abruptly pulled back.

"Come on... you might be able to stand the cold but I prefer warmth."

Nazgurat firmly held her hand as they strolled back towards the Inn. Lynne could barely believe what had transpired over the last couple of weeks at Nighgate Inn. She knew she'd never forget her encounters with Naz, both unpleasant and pleasant. She had come to the understanding the night after their fight that she had to accept the fact that he was an Orsimer, and therefore behaved differently than she was used to. She was certainly willing to give him a chance, as her attraction to him was undeniable. She was glad that he cared about her.

When they entered back into the Inn, still holding hands, they wandered over to the bar and sat down. The younger group watched them go by. Ahmon was completely amused, and Bo wore an expression of shock. Jane was elated.

"Oh, I knew it!" She exclaimed excitedly, clasping her hands together. "I was right all along."

Bo, completely oblivious to what had been going on, was surprised.

"I had... no idea."

"It's alright, you had other things to worry about."

Jane patted his hand affectionately while Bo continued to look over at Naz and Lynne. It was a sight he had never seen before. Naz brought his hand up and pushed Lynne's hood off, and then he leaned in and planted kisses on her rosy cheek. It was incredibly sweet to watch and also inspiring. He felt a glimmer of hope.

If Naz and Lynne can come together, then maybe... just maybe, I have a chance with Jane.

Everybody enjoyed a scrumptious last homecooked meal, and a couple more bottles of ale before they all retired early to get a good night's rest. Tomorrow they'd leave Nightgate Inn for a very long time.