Chapter 48

Outside the Winking Skeever it was pouring rain. Inside the Inn was a flurry of activity. A loud murmur of voices rang out in the hall and a Bard played the lute and sang a song from one corner of the room.

When Jane and Bo reached the dining hall they found Naz and Lynne sitting next to Ahmon and Nara at a round wooden table. Everyone was smiling with drinks in their hands. Lynne looked up at Jane as she took a seat beside her and she could see that something wasn't quite right.

"Is something wrong?" Lynne murmured quietly in Jane's ear.

"Not really."

Jane gave her a re-assuring smile and she turned back towards Bo. A servant wandered by and the couple ordered two bottles of honey ale.

"So," Ahmon started. "Do you know when this little plan will take place?"

"Not yet," Bo grunted quietly. "I haven't even made contact yet."

"Well don't worry about it tonight," Ahmon replied smoothly. "I'm more interested to get caught up on what you all have been up to."

The atmosphere grew lighter as Ahmon spearheaded the conversation. The group chatted lightly with one another while they ate dinner. Bo couldn't help but feel a bit better in Ahmon's positive presence. He smiled often and laughed at the Nord's silly jokes.

As the night wore on the travelers grew tired. Jane leaned heavily into Bo and her eyes were half closed. Eventually, they had to admit defeat.

"Goodnight," everyone chimed.

"Goodnight guys," Bo grumbled sleepily, and he tugged on Jane's hand.

"G'night."

Jane gave a little half wave and they began making their way towards the stairs. Bo guided Jane around crowded tables and patrons and within a couple of minutes, they were back in their room. Jane shuffled towards the bed and kicked her boots off before hastily pulling the covers back. She flopped down on the soft mattress with a loud sigh.

Bo finished taking his boots off and sat down on the edge of the bed for a moment, his thoughts filled with too many things. He remained sitting for a long time until Jane went to reach out for him and she grasped at nothing. She picked her head up and stared at his back.

"What are you doing?"

"I-I was just thinking," Bo stammered.

He had been so deep in thought that Jane's voice had startled him.

"Well stop thinking and lay down so I can kiss you."

Bo pulled his side of the blanket back and laid down. Jane shuffled closer and their lips pressed together in the dark. She kissed him softly and her hand gently stroked his neck and cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin. Eventually, Bo pulled back with a shaky breath.

"Jane?"

Jane opened her eyes and she peered up at Bo. She could see his face in the dark but she didn't know what he was thinking.

"I love you."

She grinned and shuffled forward. Bo wrapped his arms around Jane's body and held her tightly. He breathed in the sweet scent of her hair while Jane listened to the steady beat of his heart.

"I love you too, Bo."

They drifted to sleep and did not rise until early the next morning.

Two other couples were settling down to sleep as well. Naz and Lynne were asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow. Ahmon and Nara weren't nearly as tired as everyone else and so they engaged in a heated coupling session before collapsing on the bed. Ahmon rested his head against his hand and peered down at Nara as she lay on her back. Her bare chest heaved lightly as she slowly regained her composure.

"So," Ahmon grinned, and he rubbed his hand along Nara's blue thigh. "What do you think of my friends?"

"They all seem very nice."

"I think they like you a lot, as they should."

"That's good," Nara laughed. "I want them to be able to trust me."

"Well, they don't have much choice since I've already told you everything."

"I worry about this plan... it seems too risky."

Ahmon was silent for a moment as he thought.

"I agree with you. But... I don't think they have any other leads besides the Thalmor."

"I'd be very surprised if they had anything to do with the Dragons returning. They're a smart bunch but that seems like a stretch."

"It does, doesn't it."

Ahmon shuffled closer and laid his head down on the pillow. He wrapped one thick pale arm around Nara's tiny waist and she rubbed his arm with a small smile.

"My family has ties with the Thalmor but since I cut mine with them... I'm afraid I'm no help."

"It's okay love," Ahmon murmured sleepily and he kissed her shoulder. "We'll figure something out."

Both of them were completely spent and sleep came quickly for Ahmon and Nara.

Early the next morning Bo left the bedroom to hunt down Delphine's contact. He found the Bosmer sitting in a remote corner of the dining hall tucking into a plate of breakfast. After a short, cryptic exchange he returned to his room feeling more frustrated before. Some of Malborn's comments had bothered him though he tried to let it slide. He was well aware that this was a dangerous task but the last thing Bo needed was for his inside man to voice it as well.

Jane was awake when he returned and she was tying up the string to her breeches when he entered.

"I'd like to gather everyone in here if that works."

"Sure," Jane replied lightly.

She could see the tension written all over Bo's face as he paced around the bedroom with his arms crossed. Jane walked over to the sullen Orc and quickly smothered his face with kisses but it did little to help his mood.

"Sit down," Jane murmured quietly, and she rubbed his arm. "Just take a deep breath okay? I'll go get the others."

"Okay," Bo sighed.

He strode over to the bench and sat down but inside he felt his stomach twisting into knots. Jane finished slipping on her boots and glanced over at Bo one last time before leaving the room. She sighed quietly to herself as she began wandering down the hall towards where she knew Naz and Lynne were staying and when she reached their door she rapped her knuckles lightly on the wooden door.

"Come in."

Jane poked her head through the door. Naz was sitting on the edge of the bed while Lynne finished tying up the front of her robes.

"Hey. Can you come down to your room when you're ready?"

"Sure," Lynne nodded.

"And do you know where Ahmon's room is?"

"He's actually right beside ours."

"Okay. I'll see you in a minute."

Jane shut the door with a small click and then wandered over to the next door. She knocked and after a long moment the door opened.

"Jane," Nara greeted sleepily.

"Sorry if I woke you up..."

"It's no bother, we were awake."

"Do you mind coming down to the room right next to the stairs? Bo wanted to speak with everyone."

Nara nodded and Jane quickly left the hallway and returned their room. Bo was standing up again and he stopped pacing when she entered.

"They're coming soon."

"Alright."

"Bo..."

Jane snatched Bo's hand and pulled him back towards the bench. She forced the Orc to sit down and then took a seat beside him.

"Your pacing is driving me crazy," Jane whined, but she smiled. "They'll be here soon and then you're going to tell me what's bothering you right? Was it something Malborn said?"

"Pretty much," Bo grumbled quietly.

Jane linked her arm through Bo's and continued to distract him while they waited for the other couples to arrive. Around ten minutes later there was a soft knock on the door and Lynne's head poked through.

"Hey," she greeted softly.

"Come in."

Naz followed close behind as well as Ahmon and Nara. They all piled into the room and took a seat in the chairs. Lynne perched herself down on the bench beside Jane and she smiled at the woman, noticing there was some tension coming from Bo.

"Alright," Bo started, and he sucked in a deep breath. "I met with Malborn this morning."

"What's he like?" Naz grunted.

"I'm really not sure that I trust him, but he's my only contact inside the Embassy."

"Has he heard from Delphine?" Lynne chimed in, and the Orc nodded.

"Yeah. He told me he was surprised that I had been chosen for such a dangerous job."

Bo's face turned into a scowl and he clenched his hands into fists.

"I didn't like the sound of that. He said that Delphine has an invitation and she'll be meeting us outside of Solitude near the stables in two days."

"What else did he say?" Jane encouraged softly.

"This is what I don't like the most. He says I can't take any weapons or supplies into the party with me. I have to give whatever I'll need to Malborn and he'll secure them before I get there."

"So," Ahmon responded quietly. "You'll be going in completely defenseless."

"Yes."

Bo sighed and rubbed at his neck. Lynne and Naz exchanged a wordless glance and Lynne nodded slightly.

"Bo..."

The Orc glanced up at Naz who peered at him with a hardened expression.

"I don't want you to take this the wrong way," Naz started, and he glanced over at Lynne.

"We really do think you're capable of many things," Lynne piped up, her voice soft. "But... well, Naz and I have been thinking about this a lot. We're troubled by this task. We're... not so sure you're the right one to be going."

Bo was surprised. He glanced between the group with a shocked expression. Beside him, Jane was unusually quiet. She hadn't told anyone but she'd been thinking the exact same thing. She had an idea in her head but she knew Bo wasn't going to like it one bit.

Finally, Bo glanced down at Jane. She couldn't look him in the eyes.

"Jane? Do you feel the same way?"

"I... well..." Jane sighed, and she peered up at Bo with furrowed brows. "I have to agree with Lynne. I just worry about you. You're stressed enough as it is and you have to go to a party with Thalmor agents and pretend to socialize. It's not your element."

Bo was silent for a moment, but he didn't look upset. Jane thought he looked like he had accepted their words were true.

"Okay, then... who would go?"

Lynne and Ahmon opened their mouths to speak when Jane suddenly cut in.

"I want to go."

Bo's eyes widened and Jane suddenly realized saying that had been a terrible mistake. Bo pulled away from Jane and he looked at her with an incredulous expression. His hands nearly shook as he struggled to comprehend what Jane was saying.

"Absolutely not," Bo gasped.

Jane sighed and clasped her hands in her lap. She knew it was going to be a fight and so she glanced around at the other members with a desperate expression.

"Are you saying that because you don't think I could do or it because I'm Jane?"

"B-Because," Bo stammered, and he quickly shook his head. "No... no, Jane. I won't allow it."

"Why not," Jane argued firmly, and she was beginning to grow angry. "Lynne..."

Jane turned to the Nord and Lynne tensed.

"Don't you think I could do it?"

"Jane... I um... I don't know..."

There was an awkward tension in the room and everybody squirmed uncomfortably in their seats, avoiding eye contact as they listened to the argument.

"I have been to a party with upper-class citizens. I watched them for hours, Bo. I know how to pretend. I'm better than you think."

"That's only part of it," Bo argued thickly. "Jane, it's too dangerous-"

"It's dangerous for anybody! Why is it any different with me?"

"Because... because..."

It was too much. Bo abruptly stood up from the bench and turned away.

"I... I need some fresh air."

Before anybody could say anything, Bo strode towards the door and exited the bedroom. Even after he left the tension remained as Jane struggled not to cry. She knew Bo would be stubborn about it but she hadn't expected him to be so stubborn.

"Jane..."

"What?" Jane whispered angrily, and she crossed her arms. "If you're going to tell me you think I shouldn't go I don't want to hear it."

"That's not what I was going to say."

Lynne glanced over at Naz. She wasn't quite sure what to make of it all.

"I think Jane could do it," Ahmon offered. "All she has to do is sneak around and not get caught."

Naz knew that Lynne was better for the part. An ex-Brotherhood assassin was far better equipped for such a task but he kept his mouth shut. He didn't want to dismiss Jane so quickly but he was afraid for her safety.

"I'm strong enough," Jane argued, her voice firm. "You've said it yourself that I'm talented with magic, and I'm not a novice with archery anymore."

"Yes, I know Jane. All of those things are true."

Nara remained quiet as she listened to the conversation. She had little to offer, she didn't know anybody but Ahmon very well.

"I want to do this, Lynne. I want to do more than just follow the Dragonborn around and cheer him on from the sidelines. I want to be more than that."

"Okay," Lynne sighed, and she threw her hands up. "Are we in agreement then?"

Lynne eyed everybody with a sullen expression. Nara and Ahmon nodded. Naz was silent for a moment as he stared at Jane with his bright red eyes. Then he sighed and stood up from the chair.

"Fine. I'll go find Bo and talk him into it."

Jane's face lit up and she grinned at Naz with an excited smile.

"Thank you!"

Naz grumbled quietly and strode over to the door. He walked downstairs to the dining hall but saw no hint of the Orc. He passed Malborn's table as he made his way to the front door of the Inn and Naz entered onto the rain-slicked streets of Solitude. It was a gloomy morning but the rain had stopped sometime the night before.

He had an inkling suspicion that Bo was down by the docks. His suspicions were confirmed when he spotted Bo's tall form standing near the water's edge of the Sea of Ghosts. He stared out at the dark blue water but inside his emotions were threatening to lose control.

Naz slowly approached the troubled Orc and he silently stood beside Bo for a few minutes, not saying a word. Then Bo let out a small sigh and he acknowledged Naz's presence.

"You're here to convince me to let Jane go, aren't you?"

"Perhaps," Naz grunted softly, and their eyes met briefly.

"I wish you wouldn't take her side."

"And Jane wishes you wouldn't treat her like she's just your mate."

"She isn't just my mate," Bo snarled. "She's more than that."

"Then if she's your equal... there should be no debate."

"What if it was Lynne?" Bo shot back. "Would you let her go?"

"I wouldn't be happy about it but she's a grown woman, Bo. Jane is also a grown woman. Who are we to say no to them?"

Bo's shoulders sagged and he was silent.

"Listen."

Naz turned towards Bo and he placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I understand exactly what you're feeling. You want to protect Jane at all costs. But it's not that easy..."

"But this is different. I'd basically be handing her over to a pack of wolves... it's not right."

"Do you think she's incapable?"

"No!" Bo growled and he let out a frustrated sigh. "I know she's capable."

"Then you already know. Jane must have been thinking about this for a long time. She's got a clear mind and she wants nothing more than to prove herself to you."

"She... she doesn't have to prove anything."

"In her eyes she does."

Bo let out a long breath through his nose and he pulled away from Naz's grasp. The Orcs stood for a long while and silently stared out at the calm water. In the distance, a boat slowly glided towards the East Empire Company Warehouse laden with supplies. It was quite sometime before the two Orcs returned to the Inn.

It was later in the evening and Jane lay by herself in the bed. She hadn't seen Naz or Bo after their meeting and for a while, she didn't care. She had been annoyed that Bo was so against her going but as time dragged on she came to an understanding.

I'm his first partner... it's only natural that he wants to protect me. But me going to the Embassy would be good for us. I know it.

Jane sighed and rolled onto her stomach. She closed her eyes and began to drift to sleep when the door to their bedroom suddenly opened. Bo spotted Jane's sleeping form and so he quietly shut the door and took his boots off. He shuffled over to the bed and laid down on his back with a small sigh.

She knew he was there but Jane kept her eye shut. Bo glanced down at her face as it peeked out from a curtain of her soft brown hair. He wanted to reach out and touch her but he wasn't sure if she was asleep.

"Jane?"

"Hmm?" Jane murmured quietly, and she lifted her head slightly.

Bo laid on his back and he stared up at the ceiling for a moment. He didn't look at her as he spoke.

"Will you promise me one thing?"

Jane pulled herself into a sitting position so she was kneeling on the bed. Bo nervously rubbed his neck and he let out a sigh.

"What is it?"

"Promise me," Bo mumbled thickly, "That you won't get caught."

Jane blinked, confused for a moment. Then the meaning of his words crashed over her like a big wave.

"Seriously?" Jane blurted out, and a grin spread across her face.

She threw herself forward, wrapping her arms around Bo as she smothered him with kisses. Bo growled softly and he gripped her waist, digging his fingers into her soft skin.

"Promise me, Jane! Promise me you won't get caught," Bo mumbled in between kisses.

"I promise, I promise."

Bo wrapped his arms around Jane and rolled her onto her back. Their lips crashed together in a heated kiss and the tension between them was completely gone.

They coupled quickly, desperate to find release. Bo clutched Jane close as he came. He moaned Jane's name with wild abandonment, completely lost in the feeling of her. When they were finished they laid in bed for a long time in comfortable silence. Jane's head rested on Bo's thick chest and he lightly stroked her arm with closed eyes.

"You know I'll come back to you, right?" Jane murmured, and she kissed his chest.

"I know," Bo whispered, his voice low. "You don't have a choice."

Jane chuckled softly and Bo squeezed her for a moment. Inside Bo still felt a huge flurry of trepidation but Naz's words lingered in the back of his mind so he accepted the fact that Jane would be going to the Embassy instead of him.

Sleep was not his Bo's friend that night.