Chapter 16

A/N: Thank you to all the new subscribers and reviewers, and thanks for reading!

Jane couldn't say how Bo's conversation with the Jarl went, or what was happening first. On Earth, Jane had played a female Nord and she had completed the whole Stormcloaks line after going to Bleak Falls Barrow for the mage Ferengar Secret-Fire. Jarl Balgruuf's housecarl, a haughty Dunmer with attitude problems, hadn't allowed anyone but Bo to approach the throne where Balgruuf sat, so Jane and the rest of her companions hung back near a pillar, unable to hear anything that was said. Balgruuf rose up from his seat and lead Bo to the room on the right, and Jane assumed Bo had put his Stormcloak duties on the back burner for now. A couple minutes later he returned, grim faced but looking considerably more relaxed, and they followed him back outside and down the stairs into the courtyard. Bo turned to them, and Jane asked what had happened.

"I didn't do what Ulfric asked of me, I decided to wait." Bo had told the rest of the group his involvement with the Rebellion, which hadn't surprised them.

"More and more people joining these days," Lynne had replied.

"So, what happens next?" Although Jane knew the answer she still asked.

"I was asked to do a favor for his mage, Ferengar. He believes there's an artifact in Bleak Falls Barrow, a Dragonstone or something."

"The Jarl wants you to run some errand for his boy-mage in Bleak Falls Barrow?" Lynne huffed, crossing her arms. "Does he not know the dangers of that place?"

"I'll come with you," Ahmon piped up. "It can't be impossible if there's more of us."

Nazgurat looked over at Lynne, who nodded slightly. "We'll come as well," he said.

"Then there's nothing to worry about," Jane laid her arm on Bo's shoulder, and he sighed in defeat.

"Okay, we'll leave tomorrow morning. Thank you."

They all clapped Bo on his back or shoulder, and Jane took his hand again. They made their way to the Bannered Mare and purchased two rooms. Ahmon had said he had a friend in Whiterun he could stay with for the night, but joined them for food and drink.

Settling down at a table, everyone began discussing the best way to go about their quest, while Jane sat silently beside Bo, with nothing useful to say. Nazgurat suggested rushing the place, but it was decided that stealth would probably be their biggest ally. Several pleasantly relaxed hours later, with bellies full of food and breath smelling of ale, they all said their goodnight and agreed to meet outside the gates in the morning, and retired to their rooms. Ahmon left the Inn and headed to his friend's house, taking a small detour on the way to see the girl he had talked about earlier. She had most definitely remembered him, and instead he spent the night with her in his arms.

It was Nazgurat who had shyly asked Lynne if she wanted to share a room with him. Well, as shy as an Orc could get. He stared at the floor and his voice came out in a gruff stutter, and Lynne almost thought he blushed.

"I would love to," she replied, grinning.

When they retired to their room Lynne began taking her leather armor off, well aware that Nazgurat was there, and he followed suit. Once she was stripped down to her shirt and pants, she turned around to see the Orsimer standing near her, his face unreadable. Lynne slowly walked up to him, and reached up to stroke his cheek, her heart racing. She touched one of his long smooth tusks, breathing quickly, and Nazgurat glanced down at her lips. He placed his hands on her waist and gently pulled her closer to him. He lowered his head and, after a split second pause, gently kissed her lips.

The feeling of his tusks on either side of her mouth was odd at first, but Lynne quickly grew accustomed to it and reached up to wrap her arms around his thick neck, deepening the kiss. Nazgurat wrapped his arms around her waist and crushed her body against his, enjoying the softness of her skin he could feel through her thin tunic. Lynne ran one hand down his chest, running down his stomach, and then reached down further and began pulling at the laces on his breeches until the Orsimer broke their kiss.

"N-no," he gasped, breathless. "You're dif—ferent."

"What?" Lynne asked, breathing heavily. She pulled herself away and looked at him.

"You're…not like the others. That doesn't sound right." Nazgurat huffed and scratched his beard, grasping to explain his feelings. Lynne stared at him in confusion.

"Orcs… aren't the best talkers. What I'm trying to say is, I care about you."

"I care you about you too Nazgurat, but why did you stop me? You don't want to…?"

"No, no. That is not so," Nazgurat groaned. Lynne looked so hurt he wanted to roar in frustration at his simple and stupid Orc mind.

"I have never cared about any woman before. The wenches…they meant nothing to me. But you're different Lynne, I want to do… this…different."

"You mean court," Lynne came closer and took his hand. "You want to court me?"

"Yes, court."

"Okay," Lynne whispered, smiling, and then she gently kissed him again. "I can deal with that. Lets get some rest."

Nazgurat went over to the bed and lay down while Lynne sat down beside him. He pulled her down and rested one arm on her waist while Lynn rested her head on his chest and pulled the covers over them.

"You're crazy, you know. For liking me." Nazgurat stroked her long blond hair, enjoying how soft it felt. A happy growl escaped his lips.

"No I'm not, you deserve happiness Nazgurat. I hope I can provide you with that."

"You already do Lynne, much more than you know."

Jane jumped into bed beside Bo, tackling him, and the Orc laughed.

"Oh, I wonder what they're doing!" Jane pressed her face into his chest and gripped his shirt.

"Who?"

"Naz and Lynn!"

"Oh, they like each other?"

"Oh Bo," Jane replied, sitting back up. "You can be so oblivious sometimes." She laughed, reaching up stroke his brow. He pouted, and she laughed some more.

"Of course they like each other, haven't you noticed them spending all their time with each other? And they purchased a room together!"

"That's right," Bo replied thoughtfully. "I am very surprised to see a Nord take interest in an Orc. Lynn is a nice woman."

"Nothing is impossible," Jane scoffed, mentally rolling her eyes. If only Bo could realize how much she liked him.

Bo looked down up Jane, who stared back at him with a slight frown, her eyes deep pools of grey. Then she lay back down, and snuggled closer, sighing happily. She didn't push things that night, and sleep quickly took them. Bo dreamt of a world where he and Jane could be together. Little did he know that his dream could become a reality.