Chapter 34

Two cloaked riders sat atop a black horse. The beast effortlessly trotted through ankle-deep snow, kicking up small chunks with its powerful legs as it moved. The Nord chatted away, the reins slack in his hands, and every so often the Elf sitting in front of him answered. The hood of her new cloak was pulled up snug around her head, and a curtain of straight black hair framed her face. It was a face Ahmon had come to enjoy seeing every day, which he got to see often since they had been traveling through the wintery land of Windhelm hold for just over a week now.

As they traveled throughout the day the landscape slowly started to change. The snowy ground became short yellow grass, that grew longer the further they rode. They were making good time, and both Ahmon and Nara were glad to be away from the wintery clutches of the Eastmarch hold.

"Ahh."

Ahmon sucked in a deep breath, and he shrugged his shoulders a few times. The temperature was beginning to warm since they crossed the border into Whiterun.

"Ahmon?"

"Yes, Nara?"

The elf played with a strand of the horse's flowy black hair, and she stared out at the plains of Whiterun. She was feeling slightly emotional; it had been many years since she'd ever stepped foot outside of Windhelm.

"Shouldn't you see your parents? They're probably worried about you."

Ahmon wrapped his arm around Nara's waist and squeezed lightly. She reached up and pushed her hood back, enjoying the soft wind that played with her hair as they rode.

"I haven't been gone for very long," Ahmon responded after a moment. "But if you're that curious to meet them..."

Nara knew he was teasing, but he was right. She was curious to meet his family. From the way he talked about them, they seemed like decent people. She also kept a secret from him. Nara didn't want to tell the bubbly Nord that reuniting with her family might not be a happy affair. She hoped every day for a positive outcome, but she knew her family was... difficult, at best.

I've been gone for so long that they might not even remember they have a daughter named Nara. I know that would please my sister greatly...

"Nara?"

"Mmyes?"

"I asked you a question, silly."

Nara laughed, and she craned her head back to look at Ahmon. He flashed her a handsome smile, and she returned it.

"Sorry, I was thinking..."

"I asked if it's alright to stop to see my family. We don't have to if you're anxious to get back to Solitude."

"N-No it's quite alright," Nara laughed.

She patted his arm and turned back around. The horse expertly picked itself around fallen trees, boulders, and steep dips in the ground. She steadily made her way towards Whiterun and was waiting for her next instructions.

"We can see your family first."

"You're sure?"

"Absolutely."

The sun had dipped behind the mountains, but the sky was free of clouds and it remained much light outside even after sunset. Ahmon found a nice little place for them to stop and make camp, tucked in a tiny valley hidden away from prying eyes.

Ahmon busied himself with gathering wood for a fire while Nara fed Midnight and began setting up their bedrolls for the night. When she was finished, she rifled around in their packs for some food rations.

There was a shout from somewhere above the little hill. Nara dropped everything in her hands and took off running, her heart racing as she searched for Ahmon. He stood several feet away, and she watched as he swatted at a small mudcrab that was angrily advancing towards him. A small stream trickled nearby, and Nara laughed as Ahmon delivered a swift kick which sent the creature flying into the water with a comical plunk.

The Nord laughed, and he began picking up the fallen branches he'd gathered. He glanced back to see Nara standing there, and she quickly dispelled the fireball that she'd readied in her hands.

"Come to rescue me, did you?"

Nara blushed and crossed her arms, but she was smiling.

"Maybe."

"I'm touched," Ahmon laughed. "I think I can handle a mudcrab or two."

He finished gathering up the wood and together they walked back to their camp. Midnight lazily grazed on some fresh grass, her tail flicking at the flies that swarmed around her annoyingly. Ahmon dumped his armful of wood into a small pile and gathered a few rocks as well which he placed in a loose circle. When he was finished, Nara cast a small fireball at the pile of woods, and it happily began crackling away.

It was a familiar routine, and it was a routine that Nara had grown to love. She was beyond relieved to be away from Windhelm, and she still had to remind herself every day that it wasn't a dream. She was really free and traveling with the most gentleman of a Nord.

Their interactions were light-hearted. He would grab her hand often and was fond of kissing her deep blue cheeks. The flirtatious tones both thrilled and confused Nara. It had been so long since she'd been romantically involved with anyone that she wasn't sure of herself. She battled between wanting to self-preserve and wishing Ahmon would just kiss her properly like he always teased.

Once their cold rations had been consumed, and they were both lounging comfortably on their bedrolls, Ahmon struck up a conversation.

"Nara, you said you were almost finished schooling when you were kicked out right?"

Nara nodded, and she plucked at the hem of her tunic with a small frown.

"Yeah... why?"

"I was just wondering," Ahmon responded lightly.

He laid on his back, with his arms tucked under his head, and Ahmon stared up at the sky. Millions of stars twinkled back at him, and he was always impressed by how clear the skies were in Whiterun. He stargazed a lot as a young boy and always daydreamed about daring adventures and big acts of heroism.

"If you could, would you go back and graduate?"

Nara was silent as she mulled his question over. She lay on her side, facing Ahmon, and after a long moment, he glanced over at her. He could tell that she was struggling not to get upset.

"I'm sorry."

Ahmon quickly sat up and shuffled forward so he was lying beside her. Nara tried to shrug it off, but it was no use.

"I-It's fine, honest. I just... just wish everything didn't go wrong in my life."

"Nara... sweetie, it wasn't your fault."

"I-I know but it happened anyways," Nara mumbled.

She sighed and rolled onto her back, blinking away the tears that pricked at her eyes. Ahmon shuffled closer, and he reached up to stroke her hair.

"We'll fix it, okay?"

"How?" Nara blurted out, and she quickly sucked in a deep breath. "I don't even know what I want to do with my life."

"Do you think I'm any better off? I left my parent's farm to deliver an axe to Ulfric and then... what? I really didn't plan anything past that."

"What will you do after you take me home?"

"I'll figure something out."

Ahmon smiled, and Nara smiled back. She felt her heart skip a beat as he stared down at her, his gaze piercing into hers.

Suddenly Ahmon leaned forward. Nara prepared herself for a kiss on the cheek but was completely surprised when she felt his lips on hers. She quickly squeezed her eyes shut and kissed him back. She clenched her hand around her blanket as her whole body tingled with adrenaline.

Ahmon leaned closer, and Nara shifted onto her side. Their bodies pressed together and he wrapped one arm around her waist as they kissed deeply. His hand gently squeezed her waist and she smiled against his lips. When Ahmon pulled back, he was grinning, and they both took a moment to catch their breath.

"Just as I suspected," Ahmon mumbled softly. "Kissing you is better than I imagined."

Nara laughed and pulled Ahmon in. Their lips eagerly sought one another, and they continued their heated make-out session for several minutes before they forced themselves to stop and go to sleep.

Ahmon slid back onto his bedroll and slipped under the cover. He couldn't wipe the smile off of his face, and laid on his back for a long time, staring up at the sky. This time his thoughts were filled with nothing but the woman lying in a bedroll next to him.

"Ahmon?"

"Yes, Nara?"

Ahmon peered over at her in the half-dark. Nara also laid on her back, and she was smiling.

"I like you a lot."

"What was that?" Ahmon teased, and he lifted his head up slightly. "I didn't hear you."

Nara groaned and covered her face with her hands for a moment. Ahmon laughed, and he rested his head back on the pillow.

"I like you too Nara, sweet dreams."

"Sweet dreams."

Danica spotted the horse in the distance as it steadily trotted towards the farm and she recognized Midnight immediately.

"Thornir!" Danica shouted. "Thornir!"

"What!"

A tall, middle-aged Nord man strode around from the side of the house where he had been tending to a crop of potatoes, and he stared at his wife with a confused expression.

"What in the world-"

"Ahmon is home," Danica cut in, and she pointed to the horse that was growing closer. "It looks like he's got someone with him."

Thornir turned towards the road, and his expression turned grim as he spotted his middle son riding towards the farm.

"So, it would seem."

Thornir grumbled something under his breath and turned back around.

"Don't be like that" Danica chastised, and she sighed when her husband strode back towards the field.

Ahmon and his father hadn't exactly left on a good note, but Danica knew that it was because her stubborn husband cared.

Danica broke into a smile as Ahmon drew closer. She was nearing fifty summers now but was still a beautiful woman. She peered up at her son with the same bright blue eyes, and he nearly white hair had been brushed back into a loose braid. Danica hastily wiped her hands on her apron and rushed forward to grab Midnight's reins as they approached. She could see now that there was a pretty looking female Elf with him.

"Ahmon," Danica greeted. "We weren't expecting you back so soon."

"Hello mother," Ahmon responded warmly.

He quickly dismounted from the horse and embraced his mother. She laughed as he wrapped his thick arms around her shoulders and squeezed tightly.

"O-Okay," Danica gasped, and she patted his back. "You always hug your ma too tightly."

Ahmon pulled away, and he planted a kiss on her cheeks before turning back towards midnight. He reached up, grasped Nara by the waist and easily lifted her down.

"Who is your pretty companion?"

Nara blushed, but she stepped forward and stuck her hand out.

"I'm Nara."

"Nara," Danica smiled, and she quickly pulled the elf into a hug. "Welcome, welcome. Then you'll be staying the night?"

"If we're allowed," Ahmon sighed, and he glanced around. "Where's father?"

"Out back meddling with the potatoes."

"I should go see him."

"Come on Nara, come inside. You must be tired from traveling all day with my son."

"Your son is honestly the best part of my travels," Nara responded, and she followed Danica into the spacious farmhouse. "I don't think I've ever laughed so much in my life."

"That's Ahmon for ya. Always the jokester."

"Ahmon has three brothers, right?"

"Aye," Danica responded, and she ushered Nara into a plush seat near the fireplace. "They're all away, taking produce to the Rift."

The two women chatted lightly for a few minutes, and Nara found herself liking Ahmon's mother greatly. Danica studied Nara, noting how pretty she was. What she didn't know was that Nara used to be much thinner and sickly looking. But, two weeks spent on the road with consistent meals every day had helped her immensely. Her cheeks had begun to fill out again, and she had a ton more energy. Her thick black hair had gotten fuller as well and now hung in silky soft waves down her back.

Nara was poured a sweet cup of tea that tasted delicious, and Danica had just offered her a tart when the door to the house suddenly opened again.

A tall burly Nord strode into the house and began walking towards a wash basin nearby. He looked like an older version of Ahmon, with light blonde hair that fell down past his shoulders. It had been braided on both sides and pulled into a loose ponytail. He wore a sour expression as he walked, and Thornir completely ignored the Elf and began washing his hands. Ahmon was right behind him.

"Seriously," Ahmon started, his voice full of frustration. "Why are you doing this? I've come here to visit my parents. Mother is happy to see me but you act like you have three sons instead of four."

"What are you even doing here?" Thornir shot back, and he angrily scrubbed at his soiled hands. "You're the one who grew tired of the simple farm life and took off. What are you doing back here so soon?"

"I wanted to make sure you two are alright. You know the Dragons are returning-"

"If you really cared you wouldn't have left in the first place!"

"Thornir!" Danica called out.

She stood near Nara with her arms crossed, and Thornir sighed as he glanced over at his wife.

"Ahmon has made his decision. Just because he chooses not to be a farmer doesn't make him any less of our son."

"I know it doesn't," Thornir grumbled, and his shoulders sagged. "I just don't understand the desire."

"You don't have to understand, Pa."

Ahmon squeezed Thornir's shoulder with a small smile.

"I just wanted to visit my family and introduce you to a very special girl."

Nara's cheeks grew warm and she shifted anxiously in her seat as Ahmon's father finally noticed her.

"I... I apologize."

"It's alright, really," Nara responded quietly.

Thornir finished drying his hands and then everybody gathered at the table.

"How did my son find a pretty Elf like you?"

Ahmon rolled his eyes, but he smiled and took a seat beside Nara.

"Your son is the nicest man I've ever met," Nara responded. "I would still be stuck in Windhelm if it weren't for him."

"Really? Well, that doesn't surprise me... He's always been the type to help other people out."

"It's not just that," Ahmon responded passionately, and he reached for Nara's hand under the table and squeezed it.

"I like this woman a great deal, and... after we've sorted some things out I'd like to be with her."

"Oh?"

Danica smiled warmly, and she patted her husband's hand.

"How sweet. Well, you have our blessing."

Nara thought she'd be uncomfortable with Ahmon's declaration. She'd only known him for a couple of weeks, but something about him made her heart swell with feelings she could barely begin to describe. His words were simple, but they had a great impact on her, and Nara hastily blinked back the tears that sprung to her eyes. She swallowed hard and forced herself to smile so she wouldn't embarrass herself by crying in front of Ahmon's family.

Ahmon leaned in and kissed her cheek. The rest of the evening was spent in good company. She ate delicious food and chatted with his family until she was stuffed and properly tired. As she was directed to a guest bed later in the evening, she couldn't help but feel a great sense of hope well up inside her.

Maybe I can... have this, Nara thought quietly as she laid in bed. Maybe not everything in my life will turn to ash and disappear.

Several miles away from Riverwood, two Orc were making their way towards Morthal. One of them rode a jet-black horse and the other sat upon a brown stallion. They galloped across the wide-open plains of the Whiterun hold, trying to make up for lost time. Their packs were stuffed to the brim with provisions, and they had managed to hunt down another tent and bedroll as well. Everything was going smoothly, and Bo was confident they'd reach Ustengrav in less than a month.

Before leaving the Inn, Bo had taken the time to write a couple of letters. First, he wrote one to Ahmon. He knew the Nord was traveling, but a courier would find him eventually.

Ahmon,

Thank you for all you've done for me. I hope that you are enjoying your travels with the pretty Elf, and I look forward to hearing all about your adventures.

Jane was injured a few weeks ago but she is mending well. I left her in Lynne's care at High Hrothgar. Naz and I are traveling to Ustengrav to recover an artifact for the Greybeards. If Ulfric or the Stormcloaks try to give you any troubles along the way please let me know and I'll try to put a stop to it.

I'm also very sorry to say that we lost one of your horses during a fight. Please stay safe and keep a watchful eye out for Dragons.

Your friend,

Bo

Once he had sealed the envelope containing his letter to Ahmon, he took his time to write something small for Jane. There were so many things he wanted to say, but he tried to keep it short and sweet.

Jane,

I miss you terribly. I hope that you're recovering properly and you're not going crazy stuck up on that mountain. Naz and I are leaving Riverwood in the morning and we'll continue riding straight to Morthal. We've encountered one Dragon so far but both of us are completely fine. I know you'll worry anyway but we'll be back before you know it.

I love you...

Bo

The Orc stared at the letter for several minutes, thinking to himself that it was lame. He tried to think of a better way to convey his feeling, but eventually, he gave up and sealed the letter in an envelope.

I don't have a way with words as Jane does, he mused quietly, and Bo sighed.

Now Bo sat upon his horse, his thoughts still far away. Despite the fact, he had Naz Bo couldn't help but feel lonely. He thought about Jane and wondered what she was doing at that exact moment. His chest ached whenever he thought about her, which was often.

Being away from her is harder than fighting a Dragon.