Chapter 41

Four people were gathered around a round wooden table. Jane laughed at something Naz said and she lightly squeezed Bo's hand underneath the table. A Nord woman smiled as she listened to Jane recount a funny story about a spell gone wrong the other week while out in the courtyard with a flame atronach. The atmosphere was light, but it eventually grew serious as the topic turned to Dragons and the Breton named Delphine.

Jane and Lynne listened intently while the Orc recounted their tale. Jane's eyes widened when they brushed over the fight with a Dragon on their third night. She remembered how she had woken up in the dead of night feeling panicky and strange. She wondered if it had anything to do with the Dragon, and when she glanced over at Lynne the healer seemed to be wondering the same thing.

They both remained quiet, listening as Naz took over the conversation for a while. He talked about Ustengrav and everything that occurred in there. It was a familiar tale to Jane as she listened without interrupting. She had visited the ruin many times and was a bit disappointed she didn't get to see it in person. But, she was more upset about missing out on Kynesgrove. She had missed out on seeing Alduin in the flesh.

Bo spoke about their encounter with Delphine and then it led up to their trip to Kynesgrove.

"A big black Dragon?" Lynne piped up. "What did you say his name was?"

"He was addressed as Alduin."

Lynne nodded with a thoughtful expression.

"If he can bring back Dragons to life," Jane continued. "Doesn't it mean that potentially hundreds of previously dead Dragons will be brought back? Like..."

"An army."

Bo's voice was low, and his expression was troubled. Jane chewed on her lip, trying not to burst at the seams with the information she knew.

"But I still don't understand how Delphine concluded that the Thalmor is behind this."

Naz looked over at Lynne, and he agreed with her.

"It doesn't make sense to me either. I really don't trust that woman."

"But she seems to be passionate about stopping all of this," Jane ventured.

"True," Bo sighed, and he rubbed his neck.

"So, she was upset you weren't going back to Riverwood?"

Bo nodded, and he looked down at Jane. She smiled at him and squeezed his hand.

"She didn't understand why we were coming back here. But, I needed to return the horn and there was no way I could stay away from you for any longer."

"I'm glad you came back," Jane responded softly. "There was no point in following Delphine if she didn't have a plan set out yet."

"Honestly," Lynne commented. "I don't think crashing the Embassy is such a great idea."

Everyone was silent for a moment, all of their thoughts whirling. Jane knew that breaking into the embassy was not an easy task as it required a strong ability to bluff as well as lots of sneaking if you didn't want to get caught by the Thalmor.

"Perhaps, but what other leads do we have?"

Bo's expression was glum. He didn't want to think about the fact that the Aldmeri Dominion could be responsible for the Dragons returning, but he also had no other idea. He couldn't rule Delphine out completely until they had at least investigated it.

The group continued to discuss Delphine's plan for a little while longer, but Bo had grown tired of the topic. He stared quietly at the table, his thoughts far away. He thought about his family back in Largashbur and how long it had been since he'd seen them. The more he thought about the, the more he knew he needed to see his parents.

"Is something wrong, Bo?"

Jane was staring at him. Naz and Lynne had stopped talking as well and they peered at the young Orc with soft expressions. It was easy to read Bo. His emotions were written all over his face.

"I was uh... just thinking..."

Jane rubbed his arm and nodded encouragingly.

"I know there are other more pressing matters but I'd... I'd really like to see my parents."

"Oh, Bo..." Jane smiled. "Of course you can see your parents. I know it's been a long time since you've gone home."

Jane glanced over at the older couple to gauge their reactions and was happy to see that they were also smiling.

"I think that's a great idea," Naz grunted softly, and he clapped Bo on the back. "We've got time while Delphine sorts her shit out anyways."

"Yes, let's go. They probably miss you dearly, "Lynne chimed in.

Bo let out the breath he had been holding in and a smile crossed his face. He gazed down at Jane with his bright blue eyes and she could tell some of his tension had melted away. He looked excited, and Jane was excited as well.

"I'm curious to meet your parents," Jane murmured, and she laughed when Bo leaned in and nuzzled her cheek. "I hope they like me."

"Like you? Jane, they're going to love you."

Jane's laugher was like music to Bo's ears, and he couldn't help but cover her cheek with kisses. Across from them, Lynne rubbed Naz's arm and the Orc chuckled as they watched the young couple being affectionate.

"Where do your parents live, Bo?"

Bo looked at up at Lynne.

"They live in a stronghold near Riften, called Largashbur."

"That's not far then."

"Nope."

"Then it's settled," Jane continued firmly. "We'll wrap up business here and then travel to Largashbur. Perhaps by the time we finish visiting there a letter might arrive from Delphine."

"Guess we'll find out."

It was decided. Bo was beyond relieved that everyone had been so supportive of his decision to go back home for a little while. As much as Jane knew how to make everything feel better, his heart also ached fiercely for his Ma and Pa. It had been well over eight months now since he'd last gone home to visit, and he hoped that everything was alright in the quiet little Stronghold.

The rest of the night was spent relaxing by the fireside or lounging around in bed. Bo left Jane briefly to speak with Arngeir and then the Greybeards all gathered in the main hall to impart the final word of power on him. Their shouts echoed loudly through the halls of High Hrothgar, and Jane tingled with excitement as she remembered what Arngeir had said to her a while back.

She chose to keep that information from Bo for one reason. Jane couldn't help but feel that if the Orc knew that she'd been inquiring about becoming a Dragonborn that it would upset him, and the last thing he needed was to be upset because of her.

I don't want to have an argument. I know he'll be completely against the idea. I think it's for the best if I just keep this information to myself for a little while.

Jane broke into a smile when Bo entered the room, and he quickly swept her into his arms.

"I'll never get over how cool the voice sounds," Jane joked.

"It is interesting," Bo mumbled into her shoulder. "I still don't understand it very well."

Jane rubbed his back for a long moment, and then the couple went to bed and napped on and off for the rest of the evening. The day after tomorrow they'd be leaving and Jane couldn't have been more elated. She was more than finished with High Hrothgar.

Bo sought out Lynne later the next morning. Her found her sitting by the fire with a book in her hands and she smiled as he approached.

"Might I ask you a favor?" Bo asked quietly.

"Of course, Bo."

"My hair is driving me crazy..."

Lynne chuckled, and she gestured for Bo to take a seat at the table.

"I know, Naz told me. I'll cut yours first and then I'll deal with his."

Bo was grateful, and he quickly walked over to the table and sat down. Lynne tucked her book away and retrieved her small, sharp knife, a comb and a hand mirror. She wandered over to the Orc and began brushing out the tangles that had formed from sleeping on it overnight. Bo closed his eyes while Lynne worked. He was looking forward to having less weight bearing down on his skull and fighting with the knots every morning.

"How short would you like it?" Lynne inquired softly as she ran her fingers through his hair.

"Perhaps shorter than usual. The less I have to wrestle with it the better."

"Hmm," Lynne murmured.

She thought about it for a moment. Bo could feel her hands testing different lengths as she moved his hair around.

"How about I cut it just above your shoulders?"

"Whatever you think will work," Bo responded lightly.

"Okay."

Lynne grasped all of Bo's hair with one hand and made the first cut. She sliced off a huge portion of his hair and placed it down on the table. It now hung down to just below his shoulder and Lynne began trimming smaller portions of it with skilled fingers. When she was finished, Lynne held the small hand-mirror up behind Bo's head and he eyed his new haircut with a smile.

"I like it. It's not too short that I can't still tie it back."

"I'm glad you're pleased."

"Thank you, Lynne."

Bo stood up from the chair and he pulled Lynne into a warm hug. Lynne laughed softly, and she patted his back.

"No need to thank me, Bo. But you're welcome."

Bo quickly left the room to return to Jane. Shortly after he left Naz returned from the kitchen with two plates of food.

"What's that?" He grunted, watching as Lynne swept Bo's hair up from the table and tossed it into the fire.

"Bo's hair. I cut it for him."

"Oh yeah," Naz grumbled, and he placed the tray of food down on the table. "Can you cut mine too?"

"Of course."

The couple sat down beside each other and enjoyed a hot meal. When they were finished, Naz returned the tray to the kitchen while Lynne once again got her supplies out. Naz sat down on the chair when he returned and Lynne began combing his hair.

"How would you like it?"

"Short."

"How short, silly."

"Honestly you can just shave it all off."

Lynne froze. She had a hard time wrapping her head around the image of a bald-headed Naz.

"That's kind of extreme don't you think?"

"Why?" Naz teased, and he craned his neck back to look at her. "You like my long sexy hair?"

Lynne rolled her eyes but she planted a kiss on his lips before forcing his head back straight.

"I can shave it if you want..."

"No, I'm just being dramatic. Cut it like you did Bo's... but maybe shave underneath so it'll be less warm."

"I can do that."

Naz was silent while Lynne worked. The Nord had never really cut Orc hair but Bo's request had been something easy. She was a little bit more nervous about Naz's style but she firmly gripped his hair and sliced across it with her knife. When Lynne was satisfied that the length was good, she asked Naz to help hold his soft brown locks so she could shave a patch underneath.

After everything was finished Lynne grabbed the little hand mirror and Naz continued to hold his hair up so he could see her handiwork.

"Looks great."

"Are you sure?"

Naz lowered his hair and shook it a few times, feeling the length. Lynne had to admit it looked really good, and she was pleased with the results.

"Yes, I'm sure. I can wear it up, which I like."

"I'm glad."

Naz growled softly and pulled Lynne by her waist so she fell into his lap and he hungrily kissed her lips. Lynne chuckled and ran her fingers through his freshly cut hair as she kissed him back. Their embrace became a little more fevered and suddenly Naz lifted her up in his arms and began walking to the bed.

"I want to make love to you as much I can," Naz mumbled against her neck, and he slowly lowered Lynne onto the soft blankets. "Soon we'll be busy."

"Then make love to me," Lynne whispered huskily, and she peered up at him with her piercing blue gaze.

Naz shivered and knelt down on the bed. Within moments both of their clothes were off and they coupled quickly; eager to bring the other release. When they were finished, Naz wrapped his arms around Lynne's body and held her close as they drifted off to sleep.

Jane was out in the courtyard when Bo came back to her. She had been practicing with her conjured bow and the Orc watched her from a distance for a long while. He was thoroughly impressed by her accuracy to hit the target and seeing her work with such focus and dedication took Bo's breath away.

Eventually Jane spotted Bo standing by the doors. She grinned and dropped her bow. It disappeared in a puff of purple smoke and she jogged the short distance to her partner and threw her arms around his neck.

"That was incredible," Bo mumbled softly, and he hugged her back. "I'm so proud of you Jane."

"It's a real compliment coming from you Bo, you're such a talented fighter."

Jane reached up and brushed her fingers through Bo's hair.

"Wow, Lynne did a good job."

"She really did."

"You're so handsome, Bo."

Bo's cheeks grew warm and he quickly smothered Jane with kisses. Then the couple wandered back into the building and returned to their room. Both couples spent a few hours checking their provisions. They'd need to buy some more food when they reached Ivarstead but otherwise everything was alright.

Everyone retired early for the night, eager for a good night's sleep before they started their descent down the mountain. It would take less time than climbing up it, and so the group planned on only stopping in Ivarstead to resupply. They'd purchase what food rations they could get their hands on and then continue walking until dark. Bo told Jane it would take around a week to reach Largashbur, but it would be worth the trip. His eyes lit up whenever he mentioned his parents, and Jane knew it was going to be very therapeutic for him.

It's exactly what he needs right now, Jane mused quietly as she stroked Bo's arm. The Orc was nearly asleep, but he clutched Jane close to his chest. When everything in his life feels like a tornado his parents are going to be there to raise his spirits.

That night Jane dreamt about the same black Dragon with its blood red eyes. Every time she dreamed about it the beast would fix its blood red eyes on Jane and a great booming voice would issue from its gaping mouth. She never understood what he was saying even though Jane knew it was the thu'um; the voice. However, that night when it spoke to her Jane could understand what it was saying clear as day. She woke up feeling confused by its words and wondered for most of the day what it could mean.

The weather was clear. They couldn't have asked for a better day to start travelling. Two couples stood close together in the main hall of High Hrothgar double checking that they didn't forget anything. Nobody was sure if they'd return, or when. Jane hoped it wasn't for a long time. Shad had had more than her fair share of the Throat of the World and she was itching to travel again. As she stood beside Bo, who lightly grasped her hand, she was surprised by that thought.

Skyrim really has changed me, Jane mused, and she smiled up at her Dragonborn partner. And probably for the better.

Bo was anxious to leave as well. He couldn't stop thinking about his parents and how excited he was to see them again. It filled him with a great sense of urgency and he was itching to start their trek down the mountain. He watched as Lynne finished adjusting the strap to her satchel and then she glanced over at the couple and nodded.

"We're good."

"Good. Let's go."

Bo had said goodbye to Arngeir earlier in the morning. The Greybeard had clasped his hand warmly and bade the Dragonborn safe travels.

"Be safe."

"Thanks," Bo responded quietly, and he bowed his head.

Now Bo stood outside, with Jane right beside him. They squinted for a moment as their eyes adjusted to the bright morning sunlight. A fresh layer of snow had fallen the night before and it covered everything to prettily that Jane took a moment to just stare out at the landscape. She had never really gotten a good look at High Hrothgar from the front since when she first arrived she'd been unconscious at the time.

Bo seemed to remember that memory as well. He shuddered and Jane rubbed his arm, her smile warm.

"Ready?" He asked.

"Absolutely."

The trip back down the mountain went quicker, but it was also far more slippery. On more than one occasion Jane found her footing slip and she would slide butt first until she came to a stop from either crashing into a bush or the ground just leveled out. Each time her accompanying party would have a good laugh about it.

"Glad you're all having a fun time at my expense," Jane grumbled loudly as Bo helped her up for the third time. "My butt is sore."

"Sorry," Bo mumbled, and he clenched her hand with a smile. "We shouldn't laugh."

"Why not?" Naz responded. He stood a few paces ahead and his expression was mischievous. "It's hilarious."

"Oh, shut it," Jane growled. "Or you're going to get a face full of snow."

"You can't even reach my face, squirt," Naz laughed.

Jane growled again, and she bent down to scoop up a handful of snow. The older Orc was faster, and Jane gasped as a snowball smashed into the side of her head. Everyone laughed as Bo was forced to hold Jane back as she slipped in the snow again, and after a moment of struggling Jane gave up and let out a loud huff.

"You're supposed to protect me," Jane pouted.

"But you're not in any danger," Bo responded lightly.

He smiled and reached up to brush the snow from Jane's hair and he quickly leaned down and kissed her lips.

"I love you."

Jane tried hard to pretend she was mad, but she melted at Bo's words and couldn't stop herself from kissing him back.

"I love you too, dork."

They made good time, and by mid-day the group reached the base of the Throat of the World everyone was still in good spirits, although hungry and in need of a rest. Jane sucked in a deep breath while they walked across the small stone bridge. She could never get over how crisp and clean the air in Skyrim felt in her lungs. It was a great feeling, and the warm sun on her back was a firm reminder to Jane that all of this was real. She took a moment to stop in the middle of the bridge and simply stared out at the landscape before her.

"Bo Gro Graul?"

Jane turned around in time to see a rather exhausted courier hand a slim tan envelope to Bo. He thanked the man and Jane drew closer, curious as to who it was from. The Orc looked disappointed, and Jane realized that if it was from Delphine he would then have to choose between going to see his family and his duty as the Dragonborn.

"It's from Ahmon!"

Everyone let out a sigh of relief, and Bo quickly read the letter out loud for them to hear.

My Friend,

I hope you are faring well. Nara and I encountered one Dragon on our trip to Solitude but were unable to kill it before the beast flew off again. It was the hardest thing I've ever fought. But don't worry... we're just fine.

I'm writing to you because Nara and I are still in Solitude and we're hoping to meet up with you guys again. I've missed you all dearly and we'd love nothing more than to help out with all this Dragonborn business.
We are staying in Solitude for the time being while we wait for your response. I look forward to hearing from you.

Safe Travels,

Ahmon

"Who is Nara?" Lynne inquired.

"Oh, that's right..." Bo laughed and rubbed his neck. "Apparently Ahmon met a Dark Elf in Windhelm and fell in love."

"Really?" Jane grinned. "That's so sweet."

"Mhm. I guess I should write a response as soon as possible."

"Let's get to the Inn," Naz chimed in. "I'm hungry."

Lynne lightly slapped his arm which only made him laugh and the party continued making their way to Vilemyr Inn. Naz ordered everyone refreshments and a meal while Lynne fished out some writing supplies and she wrote down what Bo wanted to say back to Ahmon.

When they were finished eating, and the letter was on its way to Solitude, they purchased some food rations from the nearby farms and then began walking back down the main road towards the Largashbur Stronghold.