Chapter 3

Sunlight filtered through the window, warming Jane's eyelids. She groaned and rolled over onto her side, her body aching. In the next room Bo Gro Graul was sitting up in his bed, yawning while he stretched. He scratched his chin, it had been a while since her last shaved and a noticeable amount of stubble had grown. He wore no clothing while he slept, and stood up, shivering slightly from the morning chill. He quickly pulled his breeches on and tied the strings. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Bo went to his armor and picked it up, deciding it would be time to retire the set once he reached Windhelm. There was a soft knock on his door, and then the Nord healer from the night before entered, her cloak covered in a dusting of fresh snow.

"Morning," she greeted, removing her black leather gloves. "I haven't checked yet, but did she wake?"

"Yes, she did. We had dinner and then we both retired for the night. She might be up."

"Oh good, I will go see then. I would like to check her once more just to make sure she'll be okay."

"Thank you again" Bo replied, "I appreciate your kindness."

The woman nodded, brushing her blond hair out of her eyes. "Thank you for showing me kindness by helping the girl, I admit that… I have not held your race in favor. I am ashamed of my ignorance now."

Bo was yet again blown away by what he was hearing. He would probably never forget his stay in Braidwood Inn.

"I am grateful for your honesty, and I hope in the future you will look upon the Orsimer in a different light."

The Nord stared at him, her eyes slowly roaming over his figure, and he realized uncomfortably, he wore no shirt.

"You are not much different from men," she replied quietly.

Bo smiled, and the woman opened her mouth to speak but then changed her mind. After an awkward pause she stepped forward and held her hand out.

"If we ever meet again, you may call me Lynne."

"Lynne," they grasped hands, and shook. "Bo Gro Graul, or Bo if you wish."

Lynne smiled, and then left the room, moving to the next room over and knocking softly.

"Come in," called a pretty female voice. Lynne entered, and found the young woman sitting in her bed.

"Good morning," Lynne greeted, moving towards the Nord, "I am Lynn, the local healer. Bo Gro Graul allowed me to check over you so I was just coming to see how you are feeling."

"Oh, thank you Lynn. I'm Jane. I feel quite good this morning."

"Do you know what happened to you?" Lynn asked, as she gently looked over Jane.

"No, I can't remember anything before waking up here."

"That is strange, you must have taken a fall. Does your heard hurt at all?"

"No I feel nearly perfect, actually. Just a little bit sore."

"Well that's good then, but if you don't feel well after today make sure you get to an experienced healer right away."

"Thank you, I will make sure to do so."

Lynn nodded, said her goodbye, and took her leave.

A couple minutes later Bo knocked on the door frame, since the door was wide open.

"Hey Bo, what's up?"

"The ceiling?" he asked seriously.

Jane laughed, cursing her silly little Earth mind. Bo just smiled, a confused look in his eyes.

"Are you leaving now?" She asked, noting he wore what appeared to be worn leather armor. A greatsword hung at his hip and a bow and quiver hung on his back as well as a satchel had been swung over his shoulder.

"I have to report to Ulfric in Windhelm, that is where I was headed until I found you."

"I'm sorry for interrupting your work."

"Don't be" Bo waved his hand dismissively, "its no trouble."

"So…what am I going to do?" Jane rubbed her temple thoughtfully, looking at him with hopeful eyes.

"You are more than welcome to join me in my travels… if you would like to." Bo swallowed nervously. He had thought about it long and hard before falling asleep. He decided he liked her a lot, and hoped they could at least be friends.

"I would love to!"

Bo looked up, afraid he had heard wrong.

"You will?"

"It would be an honor." Jane smiled, rushing forward to hug the Orsimer. Jane was a tall girl, but Bo towered over her, and her head nestled comfortably on his chest. She wrapped her arms around his torso and squeezed, eliciting a rumbling laugh that tickled her cheek. He gently hugged her back, and then quickly detached himself from her when the Barmaid came around the corner.

"Oh Iddra," Jane called to the owner, "may I please have a bath drawn up? I feel pretty gross."

"Of course dear," Iddra replied.

Once Iddra had left Jane turned back to Bo.

"Is that alright? I'll be quick."

"Take your time, I'll order breakfast for when you're done."

Jane flashed him a smile, which made his stomach do a back flip. He glanced down at her strange pants, wondering if she would want something different.

"Do you want some new clothing?" He asked her, and Jane looked down.

"Oh, uh it's okay. I don't want you to spend any more on me." She reached up and rubbed her neck shyly.

"Please, I make good money working for Ulfric, it is no trouble at all to purchase some new clothes for you. I'll go right now." He turned to leave.

"Oh! Well, okay. Thank you."

Bo smiled to himself as he made his way down to the main hall to see where he could find a merchant.

Jane stripped off her dirty jeans and tossed them aside. She removed her tunic but kept it, something to remind her of where she had come from. Other than her attire, she had nothing else to show where she had come from, which she was okay with. She sank gratefully into the sinking tub and sighed happily, allowing the water to warm her chilled skin. Once she had scrubbed her body and hair until she felt good and clean, she rose from the tub and grabbed what she figured must be a Skyrim equivalent of a towel, and dried herself off. Wrapping it securely around her body she wandered over to the dresser and looked inside, finding a few gold coins. She smirked, feeling very surreal and expecting to wake up at any moment, when there was a knock.

"It's me Jane, I have some clothes but I don't know if you'll like them," Bo's muffled voice called to her.

"Come in," she replied, double-checking her towel. Bo entered, his eyes on the floor. He looked up a little bit, before he noticed she was finished her bath.

"It's sweet of you to avert your gaze for the sake of my privacy," Jane commented, reaching out to the package he held out.

"I couldn't find any armor, but it's better to purchase it in the city. When we get to Windhelm we'll make sure to get you properly fitted."

"Thank you for everything Bo."

Bo nodded, and left her to get dressed, saying he would order breakfast. Jane unwrapped the brown package and inspected her clothing. He had bought her plain brown pants, a couple different tunics, a cloak, sturdy leather boots, and a modest dress. Ditching the dress entirely, Jane pulled the breeches on, which where a little tight, but she was a fit girl so she didn't mind, and tied the strings up. Then she picked out a dark grey tunic and put it on, slinging her cloak over her arm; and stuffed the rest of the clothes into the leather satchel Bo had provided as well. She slipped the brown leather boots onto her feet, which were surprisingly soft, and felt she looked pretty good.

"This pleases the fantasy freak in me," she murmured quietly, grinning.

Jane left her room and reached the main hall where Bo sat at the same table as last night. A few patrons milled about, enjoying their breakfast and making light conversation.

"You look good," Bo's eyes widened slightly, thinking she looked incredible. Jane blushed, thanking him. Her blushing sent another flutter in his stomach and he grudgingly admitted to himself she really was an adorable woman.

Their breakfast arrived, and while they ate Bo explained what else he had gotten for her.

"A bow and sword? Oh Bo, you didn't have to do that!"

"Skyrim is a harsh country, I feel better knowing you have something to protect you, besides myself."

Jane couldn't speak, she just ran her hand over the sleek hunting bow, then whispered another thanks. They were ready to leave Kynesgrove.