Chapter 6
Bo woke the next morning to a feeling on his stomach. He opened his eyes to see Jane looking up at him, and she was running a finger up and down his hardened stomach.
"It's a whole mountain range," she joked.
Bo grinned, rubbed his eyes, and then tensed. Without appearing to be rude Bo removed himself from Jane and stood up, face flushing.
"What time is it?"
"Late morning, I decided you needed a good sleep. Are we leaving today?" She inquired.
"No," Bo rubbed his eyes. "I think we'll stay another night. I need to re-supply and you need armor and warmer clothing."
"Great." Jane smiled.
They left Candlehearth Hall and headed to Blacksmiths Corner, where they met a burly Nord named Oengul War-Anvil and his assistant Hermir Strong-Heart. Jane tried on a several sets of armor, most of which she disliked greatly. It wasn't until the tanned brown leather armor that Jane felt she could walk without feeling like the tin man from The Wizard of Oz. Everyone else seemed to agree as well, commenting that it looked the most natural of armor on her, which is leather's purpose.
"You look good," Bo commented gruffly, while the owner and his assistant cleared up the rest of the discarded armor, "fit."
"Fit," Jane replied teasingly, "is that a compliment?"
"I am a stranger with compliments," Bo growled. "You are thin, but not so much that it is sickly. Fit." She could tell he was struggling.
"I was only joking Bo, I know what you were trying to say." Jane patted his arm and then headed to the back room to change. Bo couldn't resist watching her slim figure move in the skintight armor. Maybe something bulkier is a better idea Bo thought wryly, shaking his head.
"We match," Jane commented, once they had left Blacksmiths Corner and were heading to the market place. Her leather armor was tucked under her arm, and she smiled up at him, squinting from the bright sunlight that peeked through the gray clouds.
"What?" Bo asked distractedly, glaring at a Nord man who called out something rude.
"The armor. I have the same leather armor as yours." Jane pointed to the leather bundle under Bo's arm, he too had purchased his new set from Oengul.
"Oh, right." Bo was starting to get annoyed. The Nord had followed him and Jane to the market, and had continued throw insults at the Orc. He sounded like he was very far into his mead.
"How much did you pay the wench to pretend to like you, eh beast?" The Nord called out, and Bo lost it. He whipped around and ran towards the man with an angry snarl that scared several citizens, including Jane. Reaching out with his bare hands he grabbed a hold of the man.
"Bo!" Jane yelled, grabbing his fallen armor and running after him, unsure of what she could do to stop an infuriated Orsimer with a lot of muscle. It was then that the guards decided to cut in, having heard the shouts from other citizens. They wrenched the Orc's arms off of the Nord; it took two men to barely hold him back.
"Filthy beast! Foul vermin, how dare you touch me you disgusting creature!" The man spat at Bo, who snarled in return.
"You're a right piece of shit, Nord!" He yelled back.
"You do not know who you speak to, citizen," a Stormcloak soldier had appeared and was now facing the man with his arms crossed. "A couple nights in jail for such a foul mouth as yours should suffice for speaking that way to Ulfric's personal soldier."
With that said, the Nord was dragged off, and Bo was let go.
"Sorry about that, Bo Gro Graul," the soldier murmured, looking genuinely apologetic, before walking back to his post.
Forgetting the market and Jane, Bo turned and ran back down the street and, and after throwing the gate open, rushed outside Windhelm. A worried Jane ran after him, almost losing sight of the Orc as he sprinted past the stables and slid down a hill. When Jane finally reached him, out of breath and heart racing, he lay face down in the snow screaming. She stood at the top of the hill and waited patiently for him to release his anger. He pounded the snow a couple times, something Jane would have found funny if it had been a different situation, but she could clearly see how distressed he was, and bit her lip nervously. After a while Bo stood up, wiping the snow off his face. He turned around and climbed back up the hill to stand in front of Jane with his head bowed.
"Did that help?" Jane asked quietly.
"Yes."
"Good." Jane took the Orsimer's cold hand and they walked back to Candlehearth Hall.
Bo stayed in their room for the rest of the afternoon while Jane went to the market by herself to purchase the rest of the supplies they would need for their trip. Just before she arrived back at the hall, a courier came running up to her and called out.
"Lady Jane!" The courier stopped, out of breath. "It was urgent this get to you." He handed her a thin tan envelope that was sealed with blue wax and the insignia of the Stormcloaks. The boy also handed her a package, and when inquired as to what it all was, said he did not know.
"The Jarl's steward didn't say, just told me where to find you."
"Oh, well, thank you very much." Jane smiled at the young Nord, who nodded and ran off. Laden with all the supplies and her package, she waited until after she had gotten back to the room before opening the letter. Bo lay on the bed, his arm tucked underneath his head and he stared at the ceiling. The sound of paper brought him out of his thoughts and he turned his head to see Jane opening a letter.
"You received a letter?" He asked.
Jane looked up, and then turned the envelope over so he could see the blue wax.
"It's from Ulfric."
"What does he want?" Bo stood up and walked up to her to look at the writing.
"He's inviting me to a dinner this evening," Jane whispered, unsure of what to feel about the offer.
"And what is this?" Bo pointed to a part on the page, "He has given you a gift?"
"Oh that's right, I haven't opened it yet."
Jane sifted through the packs and picked up the neatly wrapped package, placing it down on the table and opening it. When she held it up, they realized it was dress. It was stunning, a beautiful blue grey shade made of pure silk that matched Jane's eyes. Jane stared at it, surprised by such a gift.
"It looks expensive," Bo commented, trying to ignore the ripple of anger that bubbled inside him. He knew Ulfric's attention on Jane wasn't him being friendly, but he forced himself to remain calm and did not voice his thoughts. He would let Jane decide how to respond to the Jarl.
"Should I go? I don't think he's giving me much choice, with this dress."
"You should… go. I did not think an important man such as Ulfric Stormcloak had time for dinner parties… but he has invited you, so you should go."
"Are you sure Bo?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I be?"
Jane bit her lip, thinking. Then she nodded, and placed the dress down. She left the room and returned a couple minutes later with a smile on her face.
"Elda has offered to do my hair, and is drawing me a bath. I am to get ready in the room downstairs, if you do not mind."
"Of course not, you deserve to be pampered."
Jane grinned and then picked up her dress and exited the room again.
An hour later, Jane stood in front of a full-length mirror, staring incredulously at the woman who stared back. She barely recognized herself with her hair tied up in an elegant bun, a splash of topaz powder brushed on her eyelids. Her skin was pale, which contrasted beautifully with the dress, a dress that she absolutely loved; and Jane never wore dresses. It was sleeveless, and hugged her torso comfortably, flowing freely from the waist down. The neckline dipped low enough to give a taste, but wasn't distasteful. Jane had to admit Ulfric's choice of clothing had been impeccable, for a man who had only just met her. Elda walked in a couple moments later and gasped, rushing forward to shower her with compliments, which made Jane blush.
"Oh just wait until Ulfric sees you! You are beautiful Jane!"
"Thank you Elda, I admit I love this dress." Jane ran her hands down the smooth material.
"It suits you perfectly, matches your eyes."
Jane grinned and hugged the Nord, thanking her for all the help, and then put on a thick coat and the delicate silver boots that had been provided as well. Before leaving for the Palace of Kings she went back up to say goodbye to Bo, but he was not in their room. Heading back downstairs she spotted him in the corner, already well into his mead. She walked up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder so he turned around.
"Yes-" Bo stopped. His eyes widened and his mouth hung open slightly as he gawked at Jane.
"What do you think?" Jane spun around once, giggling nervously. Yet again she felt like a silly schoolgirl. Several of the men nearby looked her over, and Bo shot a glare at the nearest Nord.
"You… are stunning." Bo grasped for words to describe the shining woman who stood in front of him.
"I never wear dresses, so I'm nervous."
"There is nothing to be nervous about, nothing." Bo coughed slightly, his blood starting to rush. "Have fun."
"Thank you," Jane replied happily, and then she leaned down and kissed his cheek. Bo coughed again; sitting back in his seat and feeling himself blush. The feel of her kiss burned on his cheek, and the sight of her half exposed breasts when she bent down set him off. So when Jane left he went upstairs to take care of his urges, and then brooded moodily with his mead the rest of the night, wishing he were with the beautiful Jane.