Chapter 30

When Nara woke up the next morning she found herself alone in the room. For a moment she simply laid in bed, staring up at the wooden ceiling of Candlehearth Inn, wondering if Ahmon had been an elaborate dream. But if he was, she wouldn't be laying on a soft, warm bed. She was beginning to grow curious as to where he had gone when the man in question arrived.

Ahmon stepped into the room, a grin plastered to his face, and he held a small bundle of what looked like clothing in his hands.

"Good morning my sweet Nara," Ahmon greeted.

Nara sat up in the bed and wiped the sleep from her eyes, almost wishing the Nord wasn't so perky so early in the morning. But she couldn't bring herself to stay grumpy, and soon a smile spread across her face as he drew closer.

"Good morning."

"I bet you're wondering where I was."

"Perhaps."

"Well... Now I don't claim to be a man who knows how a lady dresses, but I couldn't help but notice that your current clothes are not appropriate for the harsh winter weather."

Nara felt her cheeks grow warm, and she was suddenly embarrassed. She knew she looked like a homeless woman; because she was. She quietly shuffled her legs out from the blankets and placed her feet on the ground.

"Don't get all shy on me now, Nara."

Ahmon could sense her embarrassment. He quickly knelt down on the floor beside their bed and gently squeezed her knees with his gloved hands.

"I know what you're thinking. Is it so wrong that I see a beautiful woman down on her luck and I want to do everything I can to make her smile?"

Nara swallowed hard, struggling to come up with a response. Her long black hair was lightly tousled and fell in straight waves past her shoulders, partially hiding her face from view. Ahmon reached up and tucked a strand of her hair behind one pointed ear. His smile hadn't disappeared, and the expression on his face made her chest ache in a way she hadn't felt in a very long time. She decided it was useless to try and spoil things with a sour attitude.

"I've never met anyone like you before, Ahmon."

"I can't tell if that's a compliment or not."

"It's a compliment."

Ahmon laughed, and he quickly leaned in and kissed her blushing cheek before standing up.

"Take your time... I'm gonna wash up too. Want to meet me in the hall for breakfast?"

"Sure."

Ahmon shot her one last cheeky grin as he left the room with an armful of his own clothes. While he was away taking a bath, Nara also took the time to get cleaned up and change into the clothes Ahmon had provided her.

He kept it simple, but the clothes were nicer than what she owned. She smiled to herself as she slipped on the fitted black breeches, noting to herself that she had gotten far too thin. The Nord had guessed her size fairly accurately, and she was impressed.

Not once has Ahmon made me feel uncomfortable about that, Nara mused as she slipped on a soft blue tunic. He's truly a gentleman.

She finished by combing her hair and splashing her face with water before slipping on her boots. Then, she grabbed the coat Ahmon had left for her and exited the bedroom into the main hall. Nara glanced around for any sign of her smiling Nord, but he was nowhere to be seen so she grabbed an empty table and sat down.

"You weren't waiting long, were you?"

Ahmon's soft voice floated to her ears, and Nara looked up to find a freshly dressed Ahmon standing before her. His bright blond hair had been swept into a loose ponytail and he wore a worn pair of fitted brown breeches that hugged his athletic figure perfectly. Nara couldn't help but wonder what he looked like under his cream-colored tunic, and the thought made her blush.

"Nope, not long at all."

"Excellent."

Breakfast was a lighthearted affair. The pair chatted about many things, but mostly the topics were Windhelm and its lack of care for anyone who wasn't a Nord. Nara grew curious as to what Ahmon was going to do with the axe.

"Honestly? I'm going to give it back," Ahmon replied in between mouthfuls of food, and he paused to take a sip of water.

"I told Bo I'd give it back, and I will. But I'm also going to relay his message, and I'm not going to join the Stormcloaks. What I do after that... I'm really not sure."

"What did you do before coming here?"

"I come from a family of farmers, so that's what I grew up thinking I'd always do."

Nara couldn't help but smile as a faraway look crossed the young Nord's face.

"What made you change your mind?"

"Books, mostly. My brothers didn't really care to read, but I did. I read anything I could get my greedy little hands on when we went to the markets. Reading about heroes and epic adventures sparked something inside of me."

"So, do you think it was destiny that you crossed paths with the Dragonborn?"

Ahmon smiled, and he placed his fork down. He studied Nara for a moment, his bright blue eyes roaming over every feature of her pretty face. He was glad to see she looked a little less tired than the night before. The Elf blushed, but she stared back, studying him as well.

"I definitely don't think it was chance."

When they were finished their meal, Nara followed Ahmon back into their room. He retrieved the massive axe and slung it over his shoulder before turning to the Elf with a smile.

"I better get it over with."

"Do you want me to come?"

Ahmon's brows shot up in surprise.

"Why would you go?"

"I dunno," Nara shrugged. "Seeing Ulfric's stupid face would displease me. But... it would be way more satisfying to see the look on his face once you give him the bad news."

Ahmon laughed so hard his cheeks turned pink, and Nara grinned, feeling pleased with herself.

"I knew you were perfect," Ahmon replied, his voice breathless.

He reached out and grasped Nara's hand, clenching it gently.

"Come on, let's go stick it to Ulfric."

It had stopped snowing sometime in the middle of the night, and several guards were puttering around with shovels, clearing paths so people could walk. Ahmon swiftly made his way through these paths with Nara hot on his heels.

A guard eyed the pair suspiciously as they approached. Ahmon was all smiles, and he firmly held the Elf's hand as they neared the doors.

"Can I help you?"

The guard had noticed the large war axe on his back, and he eyed Ahmon and Nara with narrow eyes from beneath his helmet.

"If I could, I would request an audience with the Jarl."

"What is it about?"

"If you must know, it's rather important Stormcloak business."

"Stormcloak? You're not a Stormcloak."

Ahmon grinned. Beside him, Nara was internally rolling her eyes, but he squeezed her hand affectionately so she kept her mouth firmly shut.

"Aren't you observant! You're absolutely right, I'm not a Stormcloak... I'm here on behalf of my good friend, Bo Gro Graul."

"Bo Gro Graul?"

"Yes... Do you know him?"

Ahmon's patience was impressive. Nara was starting to grow frustrated by their conversation but the Nord was completely unaffected. He continued to stay calm and cheerful.

A couple more minutes passed and then they were finally allowed inside the Palace of Kings. The guard gave them one last glance as he opened the doors, and Ahmon thanked him kindly before stepping inside. He confidently strode across the long carpet towards the throne, and Nara felt herself growing a little nervous as her eyes landed on the Jarl.

Ulfric Stormcloak lounged comfortably on his throne, and he smiled with a smug little smirk that did not reach his eyes. She had only seen him once before and the image of him had left a bitter taste in her mouth. As she peered up at him for a second time, the feeling returned.

"I recognize my axe," Ulfric greeted them, and he began to rise from his seat. "But you're not the Orc I gave it to."

Ahmon's smile was unwavering, and as Ulfric drew closer he stuck out his hand. The Jarl eyed it for a moment, and then he shook it.

"Pleasure to meet you, Jarl Ulfric. My name is Ahmon. I've come on behalf of my good friend, Bo."

"What has Bo Gro Graul so busy that he cannot finish his tasks on his own?"

"Good question," Ahmon replied smoothly. "But first..."

He briefly released Nara's hand and reached back to grasp the axe. When it was free, he presented it for the Jarl, who simply stared at him.

"Give it to Galmar."

Another Nord appeared from nearby. Galmar strode forward, and Ahmon handed the axe to him.

"Well, I can't tell you exactly what Bo has been up to since we parted ways a few weeks ago."

Ulfric crossed his arms, looking regal in a black coat lined with thick, dark fur. Even while listening to Ahmon, a fellow Nord, he had an air of superiority about him. Nara quietly clasped her hands together, her entire body tensed, but she remained quiet.

I don't have a good feeling about this.

"However, I do have a message for you."

"Go on."

Ahmon reached into the pocket of his coat and produced a slightly crumpled envelope. He slipped the paper out and opened it before clearing his throat.

"Ahmon, I am sending this to you in hopes that it reaches you before you pledge any sort of allegiance to Ulfric Stormcloak."

He paused for dramatic effect. Ulfric remained silent, but his expression grew dark.

"Jane has confessed to me that when we were in Windhelm, Ulfric kissed her forcibly, against her will, and when she tried to get him to stop, he struck her across the face."

Ulfric's eyes widened momentarily, but Ahmon didn't wait for him to respond. His voice was light, but there was a hardness in his eyes as he read the letter. Nara shifted uncomfortably beside him, suddenly wishing that she could leave.

"If you value my friendship, and hers, you will give the axe to him, tell him that I withdraw my support from the Stormcloaks, and walk away. I cannot tell you which side to take, as it is ultimately your decision. But that is my advice..."

Ahmon briskly folded the letter and tucked it away in his coat out of sight.

"That's all I have to say. Take care."

He grabbed Nara's hand, shooting her a cheeky grin, and they turned to leave.

"Wait," Ulfric finally called out. "You think you can come here and speak to me like that?"

"Like what?" Ahmon replied calmly, and he turned back around. "Did I commit a crime?"

There was a mischievous glint in Ahmon's eyes.

"I don't think Bo Gro Graul is in any sort of position to refuse me. I will not take this breaking of his vows lightly."

"That's something you can take up with him; if you ever see Bo again. He's really a busy man."

"Busy doing what, exactly?"

"I don't know," Ahmon shrugged. "I'm not familiar with the Dragonborn's schedule."

The tension in the room grew tenfold as Ulfric realized what Ahmon was saying.

"That Orc... there's no way..."

"That Orc was up at High Hrothgar, last I knew... so unless the Greybeards have completely lost their minds, I'd say there's a way."

Ulfric's expression was furious. But, after a long moment of tense silence, he turned away with a swish of his long coat and returned to his spot the throne.

"Leave my sight."

"Gladly."

Ahmon politely dipped his head with a grin plastered across his face. Then He spun around and grasped Nara's hand, bringing it up to his lips, and lightly kissed her knuckles before starting to walk again. They quickly exited the Palace of Kings. The guards eyed them with sour looks as they passed.

"Ahmon," Nara mumbled quietly, and she glanced back at the palace as they quickly walk down the snowy street. "I don't think you should stay here."

"You're absolutely right."

They reach the Inn and quickly retreat to their room to unwind.

"That was ridiculous," Nara comments.

Ahmon sat down on the edge of the bed and rubbed his neck. His expression is somber.

"I know. Speaking about what he did to Jane so bluntly didn't even make him flinch."

"He's a complete psychopath."

"You're right again."

They were both silent for a while, lost in their own thoughts. Ahmon idly stroked his chin, staring at nothing in particular.

"So..." Nara ventured quietly, and the Nord looked over at her. "What are you going to do now?"

"Well, I'll be leaving Windhelm before nightfall."

Nara couldn't help but feel a little disappointed but she knew it was the right decision.

I've literally just met this man, but I'm already sad he's leaving.

"When can you be ready?"

Nara blinked as she came back from her thoughts, and her brows furrowed together in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Can you be ready by noon?"

"Ready for what?"

"I'm taking you home," Ahmon replied lightly, and he stood up from the bed.

Nara's eyes widened in surprise, and she was stunned into silence as she tried to comprehend what the Nord was saying to her. It had been so long since she'd been home that she wasn't even sure if she'd recognize her own family.

"Y-You would...I am... we are-"

"Can you handle traveling with a Nord like me?" Ahmon teased, and he drew closer. "I promise if nothing else it'll be fun."

"Can I handle... of course I could, Ahmon."

A sob escaped Nara's lips and she quickly wrapped her arms around Ahmon's neck, pulling him into a tight hug. A few tears slip down her dark cheeks and Ahmon hugged her back. He held her for a long time as he gently rubbed her back while she cried.

"I-I honestly l-lost hope after t-the fire... I never t-thought I'd ever leave this hor-horible place..."

"I know honey. Nara... nothing would make me happier than getting you away from this wretched city and back to Solitude."

"You're too kind, really."

When Nara pulled away she was smiling. Ahmon reached up and brushed her tear-stained cheeks, and she fondly looked up at his cheerful face.

"Do you think you're up for a trip to the shops? I need to resupply. Also, I should really get you a set of armor... it's dangerous traveling these days with Dragons about."

Nara slipped her hand into Ahmon's and leaned in to kiss his pale cheek.

"Gladly."