Chapter 42

Jane decided that traveling through the Rift was one of her favorite things to do. It was a beautiful hold filled with perpetual fall hues that took her breath away. The weather was usually mild or warm but it never got too hot and when it rained it was usually a drizzle. Jane enjoyed every minute of their trip Largashbur as she sat upon Bo's brown stallion. His hands rested lightly on her thighs and he loosely gripped the reins. His thoughts were filled with images of his family and Bo practically buzzed with anticipation.

As Bo guessed it took the group nearly a week to reach the Stronghold. They encountered few enemies along the way. Jane was far more confident in her abilities and she was able to contribute better in a fight than before her time at High Hrothgar. She could summon beings to help her with great ease and a bound bow was her weapon of choice. She still kept the sword Bo had gifted her when they first met but she'd only use it as a last resort. Jane liked to be out of the main line of fire, which was more useful since Naz and Bo preferred to charge into things head first. They proved themselves to be a very sufficient party, which Bo was grateful for.

It was late in the morning when the group rode down a small valley towards Bo's home. The ground was covered in vibrant orange and yellow leaves that had fallen from the stark white birch trees in the surrounding area. The mountainside lay to their right and Bo clenched the reins of their horse with shaking hands. He was nearly overwhelmed with emotion but he forced himself to remain calm. It helped that Jane rubbed his arm. Her touch was comforting, and he leaned down to kiss her shoulder.

A loud bellow echoed all around the woods and Jane stiffened.

"What was that?"

"It doesn't sound like a Dragon..."

Bo's eyes glanced up to the sky but then the ground beneath their feet trembled and Bo knew what it was.

"Stop moving," Bo called out to Lynne and Naz. "Get off the horses."

Everyone dismounted, and they left their horses huddled together near a cluster of trees.

"We'll go by foot."

"What is it?" Jane piped up, feeling concerned.

"It's a Giant. Come on."

Bo began racing down the rocky landscape towards his stronghold with his sword drawn. Naz followed right behind him with the women not far behind. Jane threw her arm up and cast a spell. A moment later a flaming Atronach appeared and it floated after Jane.

Largashbur came into view and Jane could see several Orcs surrounding a massive Giant. It was her first time seeing the creature, and for a moment she was too stunned to move. It was even uglier in person, with pale wrinkly skin and beady black eyes. It wore very little clothing and Jane grimaced as the towering Giant swung its massive hammer and stomped its foot. The ground shook again, nearly throwing her to the ground.

Naz and Bo threw themselves into the fight while Lynne shot firebolts at the beast's legs from a distance. Jane's flame Atronach also assaulted the giant from afar and Jane hastily summoned her bow and aimed for its head and neck. Between everyone it took very little time to defeat the Giant. Within a few minutes it collapsed down to the ground with a massive tremor and did not move.

A thin female Orc turned towards the group and opened her mouth to speak when her eyes landed on Bo, who was grinning as he gasped for air.

"Bo?"

"Hey Ugor."

"By Malacath!" Ugor cried out, and she quickly wrapped her arms around Bo in a tight hug. "We thought you were gone for good."

Two other Orcs approached Bo and they hugged him and clapped him on the back. Bo couldn't stop grinning, and he took the time to greet everyone individually.

"Your mother should be preparing food," Ugor explained to the young Orc, who nodded.

"Okay. Where is Pa?"

"He went to Riften with Lob but they'll be back by tonight."

"Who are your companions, Bo?"

"I will introduce you all after I've seen Ma," Bo responded quickly, and he began striding towards the wooden gates of his stronghold.

Ugor laughed, and she waved at Bo's friends to follow. She shot Jane a warm smile, which the girl returned. Lynne and disappeared back up the hill to retrieve the horses.

"Come on, don't be strangers."

Jane quickly followed behind Ugor, who glanced at Jane with a curious stare.

"What's your name? I've never seen Bo traveling with a pretty girl like you."

Jane blushed at the compliment, but she quickly introduced herself to the Orcs.

"I'm Jane."

"Jane. I am Ugor."

The others followed close behind. Naz greeted the Orc named Ogol. They clasped forearms and Ogol clapped him on the back.

"Welcome brother."

Jane's eyes were glued on Bo as he hurriedly jogged down the beaten path towards a firepit near the longhouse. An Orc stood with her back to them as she stirred the contents of a massive pot with a wooden ladle. She wore a long dress with a fitted leather waist and short sleeves but it wasn't too revealing in the bust. She turned at the sound of people approaching and as soon as she spotted Bo his mother dropped the ladle and ran the short distance between them. Bo sobbed as he embraced his mother. He crushed her to his chest and murmured incoherently in Orcish as his knees gave out and they both ended up kneeling on the ground.

"Bo," his Ma gasped, and she clutched at her son with tears in her eyes. "My son, you have come home."

Everyone watched the reunion with smiling faces. Lynne wandered through the front gates with their horses and Ugor took the reins from her with a small nod.

"I will tend to them."

"Thank you."

Lynne turned her attention towards Bo and she couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy as she watched him embrace his mother. She had never known her parents but she was glad that the Dragonborn had such a wonderful family to rely on for comfort and support.

Bo held his mother for a long time, his head resting in the crook of his neck while she rubbed his back with a smile on her pale green lips. Jane could from where she was standing that Bo had inherited most of his facial features from her, except her eyes were bright red.

Bo must have gotten his blue eyes from his father...

After a long while Bo was able to compose himself and he stood up from the ground. He took his Ma's hand and helped her up, standing several feet taller than her slender frame.

"You still have a giant problem," Bo commented sternly.

"I know... somebody is supposed to be helping us. Atub sent the man off on a task."

"Grandfather is still convinced about a curse?"

"Of course."

Bo's mother laughed, and she spotted her son's companions standing a couple feet away.

"Bo... how rude of you not to introduce me to your friends."

"Sorry," Bo grumbled, and he turned towards Jane.

Jane beamed up at him, and the Orc quickly took her hand and brought her over to his mother.

"Ma, this is Jane. She's my... my partner."

It was the first time Bo had said those words to his mother and it filled him with an intense feeling of pride as he introduced Jane as his mate to all of his family. His mother's eyes widened momentarily and then she broke into a grin and pulled Jane into her strong arms.

"Jane... what a pleasant surprise."

She wasn't the only one surprised. The other Orcs all wore a look of surprise on their faces as well, but they remained quiet.

"I'm honored to meet you..." Jane started.

"Akkra. But please... call me Ma."

"M-Ma," Jane replied thickly.

"You are so beautiful," Akkra continued, and she reached up to cup Jane's pale cheeks. "I almost can't believe it. My son has a mate."

"Hey!" Bo growled. "You make me sound so pathetic."

Akkra laughed, and she affectionately rubbed Bo's arm. The Orc tried to pout but it was no use. He couldn't wipe the smile from his face.

"You know I don't mean it that way."

"Bo is wonderful. No... he's more than wonderful, "Jane told Akkra with her voice full of pride. "I love him so much."

"Ahh," Akkra sighed. "It pleases me to hear that. Pa will be overjoyed by the news when he returns."

Bo finished introducing Lynne and Naz to Akkra. They were met with the same warm hug. Once formalities were finished everyone gathered at a long wooden table to eat a meal together. Atub and Akkra happily dished out big hearty bowls of stew and fresh bread. It was delicious, and Jane couldn't have felt more at home as she sat among all of Bo's family. Jane was content to mostly listen to the conversations and would occasionally answer any questions that were sent her way. Bo sat across from his mother and he took a big gulp of water before posing a question.

"Ma, have you had to deal with any Dragons?"

"Dragons?" Ugor cut in. "What are you talking about?"

"We've heard rumors from the city but we haven't seen anything like that around here," Ugol grumbled. "Is it even true?"

"It is true..."

Bo glanced down at Jane, who gave his hand a re-assuring squeeze.

"I um... well... there's a reason why I've been away for so long..."

Jane could tell that Bo was struggling to confess that he was the Dragonborn. He still battled internally with his desire to lead a quiet life and the expectations that had been set out for him for simply being born a certain way. He was quiet for a moment, and Akkra stared at him from across the table with a soft expression.

"I got into some trouble and ended up in Helgen," Bo continued quietly. "I don't even know how I ended up there but it was a mistake."

The voices around him died down. Everyone was listening intently.

"I was... kneeling in front of a chopping block, preparing myself for death... when a Dragon appeared in the sky."

Akkra's expression turned to one of alarm, but she remained silent, her hands clasped in her lap.

"I-If you've heard rumors about a Dragonborn then those are true as well. I've been up at High Hrothgar and I am... the Dragonborn people are talking about."

"Wow..." Akkra sighed, and she glanced around the table at her brethren. "My son... the Dragonborn..."

"It's why I couldn't come visit. I'm sorry it's been so long."

"There is nothing to apologize for," Atub cut in sharply.

She eyed Bo from the other end of the table. Atub was an older Orc and a sorceress. She wore a set of black robes with the hood pulled up around her face. She peered at Orc with blue eyes much like his.

"You bring honor to our Stronghold. You bring honor to all Orsimer, Bo Gro Graul."

Bo shivered and he rubbed his palm along the back of Jane's hand. He opened his mouth to speak and then shut it again. Everyone began murmuring amongst themselves, and Akkra continued to gaze across the table at her son.

"Finish your stew," Akkra murmured, and Bo quickly complied.
Jane understood how Bo felt. She wanted to say something to comfort him but instead she reached up and brushed a strand of his hair out from his face. Bo scooped a spoonful of stew into his mouth and glanced over at her.

"You okay?" Jane whispered quietly.

Bo nodded, and so Jane continued eating as well. When most of the Orcs were finished eating they cleaned up their cutlery and returned to their respective posts. Lob tended to the horses and other animals while Ugor stood on the outpost overlooking the Rift. She kept her eyes peeled for any approaching Giants. Lynne followed Atub to a little wooden building where she kept all of her supplies and an enchanting table. They discussed sorcery with enthusiasm for a couple of hours. Naz was content to just relax. He mostly struck up a conversation with Ogol.
Akkra brought Bo over and Jane over to the longhouse. Inside, an Orc dressed from head to toe in heavy army sat in front of a fireplace, and he grunted when Akkra called to him.

"Pa... Bo has returned."

The chief fixed his gaze on Bo, and Jane could sense there was some tension.

"Why are you here?"

"I'm just visiting."

"Who is the girl?"

"She is my partner, Jane."

"Hmph."

Chief Yamarz turned his head back around and didn't say anything more. Akkra shot Jane an apologetic smile and then ushered the pair back outside. They sat down at a smaller table and Akkra brought them a couple bottles of ale.

"Bo's Pa should be home soon. He went to Riften for supplies."

"How are you doing, Ma?"

Bo peered at Akkra from across the table, and she smiled.

"I'm just fine, really. However, I am very curious as to how you and Jane met."

Jane laughed, and she patted Bo's thigh as the Orc blushed and became flustered. She loved his nervous reaction.

I remember the first time I met a boyfriend's parents...but this is a million times better.

"It's a curious story," Jane piped in. "We met by accident."

"Oh?"

Akkra took a sip of her ale and eyed the couple with an amused expression. She watched as Bo nervously rubbed his neck while Jane continued to grin.

"Yes, I had an accident. I ended up alone and unconscious somewhere in Eastmarch and Bo came across me. He took me to Kynesgrove and has been stuck with me ever since."

"Unconscious..." Akkra frowned. "That doesn't sound good."

"I suppose not."

Beside her, Bo was quiet. Jane nudged his arm with her shoulder and he quickly shook his head and looked over at his Ma.

"It could have been worse but it wasn't. I found her, she's safe."

"Exactly," Jane replied lightly, and she rubbed the back of Bo's soft green hand.

"I don't think I could have asked for a better surprise. I know that my son has always been... different."

Bo shrugged and stared at a spot on the wooden table, but Akkra's expression was warm. She was more than overjoyed to see that her son had found love, and with such a lovely young woman.

"I mean that kindly, Bo. You know I've never tried to change you."

"I know..." Bo sighed. "It's not you."

"Yamarz is stubborn. Don't pay him any mind, Bo."

Akkra spoke about Bo's grandfather for a while longer, and Jane remembered the quest that involved the Chief of Largashbur. He believed that a curse had been placed on Largashbur by Malacath himself, and it could only be lifted by performing a special ritual. She was curious as to who was helping them out, and she felt badly about how it would all eventually end.

As Jane listened to them talk, she found herself studying Akkra. She was a smaller Orc with moss green skin and muscly arms. She had a longer face with a sharply defined jaw and nose similar to Bo's. Her hair was dark chestnut and had wisps of grey throughout. She had swept it back into a loose bun and her pointed ears were smaller than Bo's. Akkra would often glance at Jane with round, red eyes that were not unkind. Jane liked her greatly, and she was looking forward to meeting Bo's father.

Eventually, the shadows grew longer as the sun started to dip behind the mountain. The wind picked up slightly and it played with a few strands of Jane's soft hair. She took another sip of ale and smiled when Bo looked down at her. The Orc silently stared at her, and Jane stared back, trying to read his expression. She thought he might say something, but then Bo leaned down and kissed her on the lips. Across from them, Akkra was smiling.

The gates opened again and two tall Orcs walked down the path. A donkey strolled behind them. It carried a cart from behind and was led by the taller Orc with a slack rope. One of them wore a seat of worn leather armor the other sported a pair of breeches and a dark grey tunic. Both of them had Orcish swords on their hips. Akkra stood up from the table and Bo quickly followed suit.

"Pa!" Bo shouted, and he began running towards the taller Orc.

Jane stood close by, and she watched as the Orc holding the rope dropped it to the ground and threw his arms around Bo in a tight hug.

"Bo... I am happy to see you."

Bo's father held him for a long moment, and then he quickly pushed him back and gripped both of Bo's shoulders so he could look at him.

"You've gotten thicker."

"Have I?"

"You're almost taller than me," Morgul grumbled. "I don't like it."

Bo laughed as Morgul ruffled his hair and then pulled him into another hug. After a bit more light teasing Bo pulled away and gestured for Jane to come closer.

"By Malacath," Morgul exclaimed. "You brought a woman?"

Jane blushed as Morgul clasped Jane's hands, and he peered down at her with strikingly blue eyes.

"Yes... I'm Jane."

"Jane. Wow... I'm so surprised. My shy son has grown out of his shell."

"Don't," Bo groaned quietly.

"Your son is amazing," Jane beamed up at Morgul. "Truly."

Morgul pulled Jane into a tight hug, which she returned. He was head a head taller than Bo and they both had the same dark green skin and blue eyes. He continued to ramble on about how he surprised he was until Akkra cut in.

"You're embarrassing our son, husband."

"So? I'm allowed to. It's my right as his Pa."

Bo's cheeks were bright red but he grinned when Morgul slung his arm around his shoulders and squeezed him tightly.

Akkra walked towards the firepit to start preparing dinner and Jane joined her. Bo and Morgul took a walk up to the outlook post and Ugor took off when she spotted them. Bo stood with his hands resting lightly on the log wall and he gazed out at the Rift, his thought filled with too many things. He was incredibly happy to see his parents. Being able to speak with them in person was exactly what he needed right now, and he knew it.

"So," Morgul started. He leaned against the edge of the wall with his arms crossed. "You have a mate."

"Do you find that hard to believe?"

"Not really," Morgul responded. "You're not a freak, Bo."

"I know..."

"Did you ever think you'd find a mate?"

"Honestly? A part of me doubted it."

"Jane seems like a wonderful girl. When she looked at you I could tell how much she loves you."

"I'm the luckiest Orc in the world," Bo grinned, and he leaned his butt against the wall so he was facing his father. "She's been so patient with me. I felt like a clueless idiot."

"I'm sure your ma and I failed in that aspect of raising you."

"You didn't fail me," Bo growled, and his brows furrowed together. "I was difficult."

"Difficult? Quite the opposite... you were a breeze, Bo."

"Don't think that... that you failed me. I was not like other Orcs... I never cared about those sorts of things. Because of Jane's patience and guidance, I've turned out alright."

"Then you two have..."

Bo nodded, and across from him Morgul's chest filled with pride. He couldn't admit it to Bo but he had been more worried about his gentle son than he'd ever voiced to him. Morgul was relieved to know that Bo could engage in a successful intimate relationship.

"See? I told you... I think you worried over nothing."

"Perhaps," Bo laughed, and he rubbed his neck. "You're probably right."

"So, what have you two been up to then? I noticed a Nord woman with Atub..."

"Oh, that's Lynne. Her mate is here as well, Naz."

"Naz?"

"Yeah. He's from Dushnik Yal. They've all been traveling with me."

"Sounds like you've been up to no good," Morgul teased.

"I wish. Pa... I have something important to tell you."

Morgul's bright blue eyes glittered mischievously, but he was listening. The sun had dipped behind the mountains and it was growing dark, but they didn't mind.

"What is it?"

"I'm uh... well, the rumors about Dragons are true. I'm the Dragonborn."

Morgal's eyes widened, and for a moment he was silent. Then he stood up and strode over to Bo. He placed both hands on his son's shoulders.

"Are you serious?"

"Would I lie to you?" Bo grumbled quietly.

"Then... I am even more proud to call you my son."

Morgul reached up and cupped the side of Bo's head. Bo sighed, and Morgul knew that many things plagued him. He squeezed Bo's shoulder for a moment, and then took a seat beside him on the wall.

"You're overwhelmed."

"You could say that..."

"What does the Dragons return mean?"

"I have no idea," Bo mumbled, and he shrugged.

"Well if anyone can figure it out it's going to be you."

"I can't take all the credit. I've had help every step of the way."

"Still. You are the Dragonborn. You're important."

"Pa..."

Bo tried to speak but it was too much. He swallowed hard and clenched his hands into fists.

"I-I'm... I'm scared."

"Of what?"

"Of failing."

"What would it mean if you failed?"

Bo stared down at the wooden floor and tried to steady his breathing. Morgul was patient. He sat quietly beside his son, waiting for him to sort through his thoughts.

"Then the... the people I care for will get hurt."

"Bo," Morgul mumbled softly, and he smiled. "You know that they could get hurt anyways, right? Even if you took every measure to prevent it."

Dark memories flashed in Bo's mind but he hastily pushed them back before they swallowed him up completely. Morgul reached down and grasped Bo's clenched fist. He unclenched it and firmly held Bo's hand in his as he spoke.

"Nothing is ever guaranteed. No matter how much it drives us crazy that we can't always protect our family from everything bad... you can't let it stop you from moving forward."

"I-I know but-"

"Bo, look at me."

Bo sucked in a deep breath and lifted his head up. He stared at his father. Inside two sides of himself battled with his emotions.

"You've been working all this time, right? What have you done so far? Tell me."

Bo recounted briefly explained everything that had happened after Helgen. He finished with his trip to Ustengrav to retrieve the horn and his second encounter with Alduin.

"See? Look at how much you've accomplished already."

"I know but-"

"No buts," Morgul grinned. "You need to have confidence in yourself. If not for me and Ma... then for Jane."

Jane. Bo knew she was cooking with his Ma and thinking about it made him smile. Morgul chuckled as the boy's face softened and he knew he could get through to him with Jane.

"You never imagined you'd find a mate anytime soon and look at you now."

"You're right."

Morgul clapped Bo on the back and then pulled him into a hug.

"I know I'm right. I'm your Pa."

Morgul stood up from the wall and stretched his arms above his head until his back gave a satisfying crack. He was a middle-aged Orc now but still had the same energy as when he was younger. Bo stood up as well, and they wandered back down to the firepit to see if dinner was ready. Bo thought over everything that his Pa had said to him. He took it to heart. Bo knew that he had to keep pushing forward. It was his responsibility and it was time he faced it like a grown Orsimer.

As Bo approached the firepit Jane turned towards him and she gave him a dazzling smile. It took his breath away. Bo quickly leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"Go sit down, dinner is almost ready."

"Okay," Bo mumbled, and he nuzzled Jane's cheek for a moment.

Bo took a seat beside Naz and the Orc gave him a pat on the back.

"You alright?"

"Yeah," Bo sighed, and he smiled slightly. "I'm just fine. Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Quite a bit, yeah. It's nice to see a Stronghold with Orcs that get along."

"I'm glad."

The rest of the night was spent in good company. Jane laughed and chatted with Bo's family until she was completely exhausted. Bo noticed as she began to yawn more frequently behind her cupped hand and her gaze became more unfocused. The couples pitched their tents in the ground inside Largashbur and took refuge inside to sleep. Bo held Jane in his arms and he had a surprisingly dreamless sleep.