Chapter 31

A/N: poor neglected Ahmon, but alas, he returns.

Jane sought out Lynne the next morning, eager to fill her in on everything that had happened. The older woman had listened quietly while Jane told her about what Arngeir had said to her, Bo's reaction, how she convinced him in the end, and of course their small little break through.

"I think I'm slowly starting to bust him out of his shell," Jane joked, and Lynne nodded slowly.

"I never thought about that with Nazgurat, I was just going to wait, however impatiently."

"It's so hard, to be with him and not be able to do all the things I want to. I guess you were the same way before you got through to Naz finally."

"Oh yes, I understand what you're feeling, these Orsimer are just so different from us. Not only did they grow up in Strongholds, but also then they left of there own accord, and from I've heard not many do that. It's a tight knit family, everyone contributes to the Stronghold, I imagine not everyone took to them leaving so easily."

"Nazgurat told me Bo was calling out for his father in his sleep when I was unconscious last week, I think he should see his family soon; perhaps after he checks in with Ulfric."

"That will be a good thing for him, he talks about his parents with such love whenever he mentions them, I bet they'll boost his spirits considerable."

"That's what I'm hoping, before we start going all at it with the hunt Alduin and find a way to kill him quest, I know he wants to hear his father's words."

"I take it you are also curious to meet them." Lynne wiggled her eyebrows at the younger woman, and Jane laughed.

"Yes, that is true, I hope they will like me."

"I have no doubt they will, someone as kind as Bo must have just as kind parents."

"I hope she can shed some light as to why Bo is so…I don't know…the way he is? I can't really pin point anything, I was thinking maybe something traumatic happened when he was young; but I can't think of what it might have been."

"That's a plausible explanation," Lynne replied, thoughtfully rubbing her chin. She took a sip of the mead she had retrieved for her and Jane, enjoying its taste.

"Oh before I forget…" Jane suddenly became very timid, and she looked down at her hands. "Is there some sort of potion that prevents pregnancies?"

"There are contraceptives, I have some. They last six hours, and you take one before having sex." Lynne was glad Jane had asked her, relieved that Jane was thinking about safe sex so she would not have any unplanned pregnancies. "Would you like some?"

"Oh no, no…not yet anyways. That would be…giving fuel to the already burning fire. When I feel like Bo might be ready, I'll be sure to ask again."

"Sure, that sounds like a good idea."

"Thanks Lynne," Jane reached over and took the Nord's hand, smiling at her. "You're such a good friend."

"Oh you know I love you Jane, and I'm always here for you." Lynne replied somberly, squeezing Jane's slender hand.

"I love you too Lynne, I would go nuts if I didn't have another woman on this crazy ride!"

"This is…very hard for me to ask but…can I talk to you about something?" Bo had approached Nazgurat while he walked around outside the courtyard in the bright yet cold day, as Lynne and Jane were talking in his room.

"Of course, but let us go inside, I am getting too cold."

The two Orsimer made their way back inside High Hrothgar and find a private place to talk, accepting the warm drinks a servant brought over to them.

"What is on your mind?" Nazgurat inquired, curious to know what Bo could want to know from him.

"I was wondering if you could…tell me about sex."

"Sex? What do you wish to know?"

"I know the mechanics," Bo replied quickly, looking up at the older Orc. "But, what is it like the first time, for the woman? Is there something I should be aware of?"

"Well," Nazgurat replied slowly, knowing that he needed to be careful how to he told Bo things; the Orc could take it the wrong way and he didn't want to ruin Jane's chance to be with the man one day. "The first time for a woman, there is something inside of them that must be broken. Like a thin layer of skin, but not skin, that is basically their virginity."

"It must be broken?" Bo asked quietly.

"Yes, but not roughly. There will be brief discomfort for her, but once the other feelings come over and she adjusts to something new inside of her, all pain will be forgotten." Nazgurat studied Bo, trying to just his reaction, and was thinking he wasn't the person to tell him this information.

"Pain? She must suffer because of me?"

"No," Nazgurat groaned. "It is but a fraction of a moment, all women must go through it the very first time, will only bleed the first time—"

"Bleed?" Bo's face paled, and he suddenly looked nauseous. "There will be blood?"

"Bo listen to me, don't start freaking yourself out. I don't think I am the right person to talk to you about this. I have only been with a virgin once in my life, and that was many years ago. Lynne would be better than I. It seems I am doing more harm than good."

"Lynne…I don't know."

"She is your friend, she will not laugh."

"I know it's just…" Bo sighed, "I am uncomfortable talking to you about it, let alone Lynne…"

"You wish to know more about love making yes? Then trust her, she will help you understand. It is not a scary thing if you do not let it frighten you."

"Okay," Bo stood up, and Nazgurat followed. "I will talk to her."

"Good." Nazgurat patted Bo's back, and the two Orsimer walked back to their rooms.

"Nazgurat told me you wanted to speak with me." Lynne sat down beside Bo, her dark coat covered with snowflakes. She had been outside to watch the sunset with Nazgurat before she found Bo sitting by himself at a small table at the end of the hallway. He had been thinking for quite some time, only telling a concerned Jane he needed a breather, and he wasn't feeling too good. What Nazgurat had told him had disturbed Bo greatly, and brought up unwanted feelings and whispers of memories he never wanted to remember. When Lynne had found him, it was growing late, and he had had quite a few drinks to try and dull his thoughts.

"Did he tell you why?" He asked flatly, staring at the cup in his hand.

"Well…the gist, and he feels really bad, like he made things worse."

"I…I don't know. He told me what anyone would tell me."

"Have your parents never talked to you about sex, Bo?"

"No," he whispered, trying to ignore the dark thoughts that crept into the back of his mind.

"It's okay, I was just curious. So…just listen to me okay? Listen to my words and just let them sink in, don't panic Bo, nothing bad is happening from just talking."

"Okay."

"So," Lynne replied, thinking things over. "I'm going to talk about sex as "making love", because I'm sure that's what you would like to do with Jane, not fuck, or mate, or whatever."

Bo nodded, his hand tightening around his cup.

"Making love is…very special. It's between two people who love each other dearly. The first time isn't always a great experience, but you have to start somewhere. You are aware women have a piece of inside of them that is broken when it comes in contact with the male's manhood. It's inevitable Bo. It can hurt and probably will for Jane, but I can tell you right now that if you keep calm and do not panic for her sake, she will feel the pleasure and forget all about it in a matter of moments."

Bo mulled over what Lynne had told him. He needed to be brave for Jane's sake, she had said, and if he were a hot mess then it would be disastrous for both of them."

"Okay, but why the blood?"

"Having a man inside you for the first time is something our bodies are not accustomed to at first. It is usually not very much, and after that the "path is ready" so to speak, after the first time."

"So…first times are not usually pleasant because of all that?"

"Yes," Lynne replied soothingly, glad that Bo seemed for the most part calm. "It's a necessary step, and if she is willing, is worth it. It can be completely enjoyable if you just remember to keep your head on straight. You want Jane to have a good experience yes? And yourself?"

"Yes, of course."

"So just keep in mind what I said, and don't let your emotions run you over, and Jane."

"Thank you Lynne," Bo replied awkwardly, though a little more relieved he had talked to her. He felt slightly better about it, but wasn't entirely okay.

"You can come to me about anything okay? If you're too uncomfortable to talk to Jane, or if it's to talk about Jane her self, then I hope you know I'm here for you." Lynne reached out and patted his hand, smiling at the Orsimer. "You've been a wonderful friend."

"Thank you Lynne," he repeated, looking down.

Lynne went back to her room and, after talking about sex with Bo, decided to have a little fun with Nazgurat. Bo returned to Jane, lying down on the bed beside her. She was on her back with a book propped up on her chest, and when he scooted closer, closed the book and placed it on the side table.

"So I was curious," Jane started, moving her arm so Bo could nestle close to her. She stroked his hair, resisting asking the question that burned on her lips, what did he and Lynne talk about?

"What do you want to do next? I assume you would like to go to Windhelm so we can catch up with the rebellion and Ahmon."

"I would like to go home, to Narzulbur, but I should probably go to Windhelm first. I do want to know what's going on."

"Okay," Jane replied. "I shall go wherever you go, so to Windhelm and then Narzulbur!"

"Yeah," Bo chuckled, amused by Jane's enthusiasm. "You will get to meet my parents."

"I am excited to do that, and nervous."

"Why would you be nervous?" Bo shifted his body so he could look up at Jane.

"I just hope they like me," Jane replied meekly.

"They will love you, I know they will. How could they not?"

"Sweet Bo, my Bo," Jane leaned down and kissed him gently, thankful that Bo did not turn away from her.

Ahmon had been in Windhelm for over a week, and was falling into the role of Stormcloak very quickly. He had been granted an audience with Ulfric, and upon giving the axe back to the Jarl, had been asked to join.

"We could use more men, and you are a true native of Skyrim," Ulfric had told him, and Ahmon remembered Jane telling him about her suspicion that the Jarl of Windhelm was racist. He had witnessed discrimination upon just entering through the gates of the city, a young Dunmer woman was being verbally abused by two drunken men, who were all too close to her and very vulgar.

"Hey," Ahmon had called out, stepping towards the two. "That is not necessary, move on friend."

The men had turned to Ahmon, one opening his mouth to say something back at him, and then he saw that Ahmon was Nord and changed his mind. He snorted; throwing one last glare at the woman before (to no surprise) making his way to Candlehearth hall, his friend following closely behind. Ahmon hoped the man would order a bed and not more alcohol.

"Thank you so much for sticking up for like that," the woman spoke shyly. "You're not like the others."

"Oh it's nothing, nobody deserves to be treated so disrespectfully." Ahmon smiled kindly at her, he always like the look of the elves; they were very exotic to him.

"I am Suvaris Atheron, my brothers are Faryl and Aval, and we live in the Grey Quarters."

"Nice to meet you Suvaris, I am Ahmon. What are the Grey Quarters?"

Suvaris snorted quietly, shaking her head. "Only the segregated area in Windhelm where all "Non-Nordic" people live. Ulfric does not like anyone but his own kind. You must be new to the city."

"I am new, I've been here before but only to drop off merchandise. That is very upsetting to hear, I was hoping the rumors that Ulfric was a racist man were lies."

"No lies, they are all true. Welcome to Windhelm then, Ahmon."

Suvaris smiled at the Nord, and Ahmon grinned his usual bubbly smile. He liked this woman, she was very kind, and he didn't understand why Ulfric would hate the Elven races. Suvaris was quite pretty, he decided, studying her face while she idly talked about the treatment of Dark Elves. Suvaris's face was well defined, with a strong jaw line and high cheekbones covered by smooth and dark blue skin. She wore only a humble rough-sun dress, and a pouch rested on her hip. Her red eyes were not unsettling, but warm while she talked to him, and her black hair hung down to her shoulders; shiny and probably silky. Ahmon felt the urge to run his hands through her hair and feel it's softness, but caught him self, he barely knew her! She was having quite an affect on him, and Ahmon found him self enchanted by her sweet and feminine voice, until she stopped talking.

"Are you okay?" Suvaris asked, cocking her head slightly to one side.

"Oh uh yeah," Ahmon coughed, stamping his feet nervously. "I just a little tired, been traveling for a couple days form Whiterun."

"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know—"

"Don't be," Ahmon replied quickly, flashing her a smile. Suvaris discovered she liked the young Nord, his smile was rather adorable, but she immediately put it out of her mind. He was Nord, and would never even consider a Dark Elf.

"I just need to go see Ulfric, and then I'll rent a room at the Candlehearth Inn. I enjoy hearing about things in Windhelm, you may…join me for dinner if you would like. Unless you've already eaten or you're—"

"I'd love to. I will go home first, and meet you there."

"Great!"

Ahmon winked at Suvaris and sauntered off in the direction of the Palace of Kings, his feet crunching over the light brushing of snow, which had fallen since he had first arrived.

His business went well with Ulfric, and he accepted the offer of joining the Stormcloaks, although a part of him was unsure now. Since meeting Suvaris, and hearing about how badly treated she was, as well as other "non-Nords" as she had put it, he wasn't too sure if he wanted to be under the command of a man with views like that. He decided the whole thing needed to be thought over, and if he did decide to continue, it would be for Bo, so the Orsimer didn't have to worry about it whilst off fighting Dragons and saving Skyrim. Ahmon nearly ran to Candlehearth hall, and when he entered the building, nervously looked around, until he spotted the only Dunmer in the whole hall sitting at a remote corner of the room on the second floor.

"Hey," he greeted, realizing this probably wasn't the best place for Suvaris to be. "Do you want to go somewhere else? I didn't think about it before."

"It's okay, but there is another place, for my people. It's up to you though."

"Oh that's fine," Ahmon replied, and he followed the petite Dunmer out of Candlehearth hall and down the snowy steps to where Ahmon assumed was the Grey Quarters.

"This is the New Gnisis Cornerclub, it's where all the Dunmer go, since we are not wanted anywhere else."

Suvaris greeted the man behind the counter when they entered the tiny club, a Dunmer as well named Ambarys Rendar.

She ordered drinks and two meals, and then led Ahmon to the back of the room, sitting down at a small table; after paying for everything.

"And a room please, for the night."

"Thank you Ahmon," Suvaris spoke softly, humbled by his kindness. "You didn't have to pay for me."

"It's nothing I can't afford, and I like you, you're a very interesting woman." Ahmon did like Suvaris, and he hoped maybe she could grow to like him as well.

"Oh, well, I like you too. I knew you were different. I wish more Nord's were like you."

"Well that will never happen, so it's best to stick with the one's who are eh?" Ahmon grinned, Suvaris's laugh was beautiful and light as a feather, and he loved the sound of it.

"You're a funny guy," Suvaris whispered breathlessly, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Good, I like to hear people laugh, it's the best medicine."

"That it is."

Ahmon and Suvaris talked well into night, until Ahmon started to feel his eyelids get heavier and heavier.

"I am sorry for keeping you up, you must be exhausted."

"I am, but it is only just now. I enjoyed every minute of this."

Suvaris smiled, feeling herself becoming more attracted to the bright-eyed Nord with every passing minute. Her stomach fluttered with butterflies, a feeling she hadn't felt for a long time.

"I should retire though, I have some things to do in the morning." Ahmon rose from his seat, and Suvaris followed suit. As they reached the front entrance Ahmon acted on impulse, taking a leap of faith and pulling Suvaris behind the thin wooden wall. He gently held her against his chest and leaned down, kissing her soft blue lips. Suvaris was stunned, and for a moment she stood completely unmoving, but then her mind clicked in that Ahmon was kissing her, and she responded enthusiastically, reaching up and placing her hand on his hardened chest while gentle running her other hand through his blond hair. When they broke apart, both were breathing heavily, their faces flushed.

"Goodnight Suvaris," he whispered huskily, a smile on his lips. She could see the desire in his eyes, and she felt a thrill run up her spine. "May I see you tomorrow?"

"Yes," Suvaris replied quickly, her heart still racing. "Goodnight Ahmon."