Chapter 38

The topic had switched dramatically from Dragons to magic.

"I mean…I like magic and all, but I mostly specialized in illusion and restoration," Lynne described to Jane one gloomy afternoon.

"So you're not a battemage?" The girl replied, slightly crestfallen, and the Nord shook her head.

"No, unfortunately there aren't very many battlemages out there who aren't corrupt and only selfishly fulfilling their own needs. A lot are hostile and refuse to even have one word with you."

"Hmm, a skilled mage would be so helpful in fighting dragons, don't you think?" Jane thoughtfully rubbed her chin; the women had been speaking for quite some time while the Orsimer wandered off somewhere from camp to do their own thing. Lynne and Jane had been brainstorming on ways to gather a little more help, since it had finally started setting in that defeating Alduin would be no walk in the park. After the scene at Kynesgrove, everyone had grown increasingly aware of what the stakes were, and how challenging it would be. They might need all the help they could get.

"I think it would be quite beneficial, the skills one would possess could help a lot with our quest."

Jane stood up from her bedroll and stretched her arms above her head, hearing her joints gratefully crack, they had been sitting for a couple hours now. She rolled her neck around in a circular motion for a few moments, her hair brushing against her face from the movement. It had grown far too long, but Jane kept forgetting to ask Lynne to cut it for her; when she wasn't thinking about Alduin she was only thinking about Bo.

Dear Bo, the Orsimer who stole my heart, Jane thought fondly, running her fingers through the brown coloured strands of her hair, pulling at knots here and there.

"Do you mind cutting my hair a bit?" She inquired, turning to Lynne, who had also stood up and stretched.

"Oh sure, how short did you have in mind?"

"Well I'm not sure…"

The next few minutes consisted of the women fussing over hairstyles; Lynne stood in front of the younger woman and held her hair up, judging what would suit Jane. Then the attention turned Lynne.

"It is awfully long," Lynne murmured, stroking her blond mane. "I love long hair but it's becoming a nuisance. Especially nowadays."

"You'd look amazing with it like this," Jane commented with a grin, excitedly holding up her hair and fussing over it for several minutes until she was satisfied.

"That's not a bad idea," Lynne replied, her smile broadening.

By the time the Orsimer returned to camp both Lynne and Jane were sporting new haircuts. The Orcs stopped before they reached the fire, eyes glued on their partners. Jane's hair had been cut to a gloriously shorter length, about level with her chin. She had instructed Lynne to add layers, and on a spur of the moment also had bangs cut. Her new do was incredibly cute on the already adorable girl, and she grinned cheekily at Bo, whose mouth hung slightly open as he stared.

Lynne's hair was a sleek straight cut in a similar fashion, minus the layers. Jane had gathered several strands of hair from the front and braided it, securing them at the back of her head. It had an obvious Nord flair but was much cuter, in Jane's opinion, which Naz noted with wide eyes.

"Is there something on my face?" Jane asked with a giggle, pulling at one strand of her hair and sticking her tongue out at the stunned Orsimer. Bo hastily closed his mouth and licked his dried lips, moving closer towards her.

"You look…incredible," he whispered hoarsely, feeling his heartbeat thud against his ribcage, and the all too familiar stirrings of longing rise up in him. Bo plopped himself down beside Jane and reached up to stroke her short hair, running his hands through the silky smooth strands.

Naz followed suit, sitting down beside Lynne and brushing his fingertips along the cleanly cut fringe of her blond hair. Lynne blushed, looking down at her lap, unused to being gaped at for so long. She knew she wasn't an ugly woman, but had never considered herself terribly beautiful. Naz's reactions to her haircut brought a deep red blush to her cheeks, and the Orsimer chuckled.

"You're beautiful," Naz's growling voice came out as a soft purr, and he leaned forward, nuzzling her now exposed and sensitive neck. His blood raced, Jane had done an incredible job, making his woman look even sexier; he hadn't thought it possible, she was already perfect.

"Why did you cut off your hair?" Bo asked quietly, and then quickly added, "not that I'm complaining."

"We wanted something a little less high maintenance, since fighting Dragon's is high on the list of priorities right now." Jane replied softly, pulling him closer to kiss his cheek.

"What did you guys do?" Lynne asked Naz, wrapping her arm around his.

"Just talked a bit," Naz murmured.

The couples cuddled up to one another near the fire. It was growing chilly, as the sun was nearly set behind the mountains; fall was arriving. Despite the fact that most areas of Skyrim received little to no snowfall, even the warmest parts got a little chillier as the seasons progressed into winter.

For a while everyone was content with sitting by the fire in comfortable silence, listening to the sounds of the wind, the occasional scurrying of small animals and the distant howls of wolves far off towards the woods. It was a familiar feeling for the gang, except this time there was no Ahmon to crack jokes and have everyone rolling on their sides gasping to breathe through peals of laughter. He always had a smile on his face, and Jane wondered how the optimistic Nord was faring in Windhelm with his new partner and Stormcloak duties.

Bright stars blinked and glowed above their heads, as the blanket of night settled down around the camp. Only a few more days at the most and the group would be back in Ivarstead, and yet again taking the endless stairs back up to High Hrothgar. Jane honestly couldn't say she was looking forward to it, she still sported a small, faint white scar along her chin from the fall, and her scarred shoulder was hard to miss, she'd never forget what had happened. However with the changing of the seasons, so too, came change to the group as well. Bo, sweet and kind as he was, had changed a lot since their first trip. He was still the same person in many ways, but had grown a lot. Perhaps he had toughened up a bit, or maybe he was just better at hiding his feelings, Jane didn't know but she sure was proud of him. He had confidence in himself he never knew possible. Jane had changed as well, though she might not have noticed it in herself, she too had grown and been molded by her time in Skyrim.

Nazgurat had widened his emotional depth; now that he had Lynne to love and support him, he had become a new and refreshed Orsimer with the best reasons to fight for the safety of his country. Lynne was learning what it was like to truly love for the first time, and since meeting Bo and Jane, the couple had changed her life in the most positive ways.

It was an interesting group to say the least, two male Orsimer alike in many ways but at the same time vastly different, and two women who connected on a very deep level; they had grown to love one another like siblings, and that was stronger than any arcane magic.

After a while Jane clambered to hear feet and stretched once more, shooting Bo a smile before moving over to her pack. Lynne joined her, and the women began cooking their evening meal while the men lounged on their bedrolls.

"Do you think that woman will be angry we didn't return to Riverwood right away?" Naz asked Bo, scratching his bearded cheek while he watched Lynne, as she stood bent over the cooking pot. He swallowed hard; it had been far too long since they had made love in his opinion, it was growing increasingly harder to tolerate.

Bo shrugged, shifting into a more comfortable position.

"It doesn't matter if she is, our first priority was to the Greybeards, and that's what I intend to do."

"I know." Naz replied gruffly, a smile on his lips. "Just that Nord can be a bitch."

The men laughed, and Jane glanced over at them, smiling at how the Orsimer were still able to joke despite the stress on everyone's shoulders. After the meal had been eaten, Bo and Jane took first watch so the older companions could rest first. Nazgurat held Lynne close to him, her cheek pressed against his chest while they cuddled under the blankets. He fondly stroked her hair, brushing his lips over her forehead and eyelids, tipping her chin up to kiss her lips.

"You're amazing," Lynne whispered, and Naz captured her lips once more.

Across the camp Bo sat facing the fire, his legs parted as to give room for Jane, who lay between them with her head resting on his chest. He leaned forward and encircled his arms around her, squeezing gently, and she giggled when his stubbly cheek brushed against her ear.

"Gods, I can't wait to get to Ivarstead so you can shave!" Jane whispered dramatically, letting out a happy sigh when Bo kissed the top of her head.

"You don't like it?" Bo mumbled against her hair, watching the fire as it crackled and burned. Just beyond it Naz and Lynne lay fast asleep on their bedrolls.

"As manly as it makes you," Jane joked, her body shaking as she tried to suppress her giggling, "I like you smooth faced."

"Silly girl," Bo laughed.

Ivarstead was exactly the same as when the gang arrived the first time, except the tress that dappled around the little hamlet now held leaves in brilliant shades of golden yellow, orange, and red. Jane glanced up at the cloudy blue sky, reveling in Skyrim's fall beauty as leaves spiraled down from the branches of their trees while they walked the cobbled road and crossed the little bridge into Ivarstead. They headed into the familiar Inn, anxious to be out of the chilly air and with a warm mug of something tasty in their hands. Bo walked up to the counter and ordered rooms and drinks, striking up a conversation with the Nord. He asked Wilhelm if anything had been going on in the little milling town, and was informed that the people thought the Barrow was haunted.

"Barrow?" Bo asked, curious.

"Yeah," Wilhelm replied, his accent heavy. "It's bad for business, could really appreciate someone looking into it but not many willing to do it pass by."

It was the soft spot in Bo; the one who loved a good adventure and loved helping others that lead him to agreeing to investigate Shroud Hearth Barrow. How long could it take? At least it was close by, just across the street to be exact; the gang could delve into it early the next morning and be on their way to High Hrothgar by the afternoon. With his decision made, he walked over to the bench the group had found and passed out the drinks, taking a seat beside Jane.

"What were you and Wilhelm talking about?" She inquired quietly, leaning closer to the Orsimer.

"Ah, well…" Bo replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "I might have agreed to investigate that haunted Barrow for him. Says it's bad for business."

"Bo," Lynne cut in sternly from across the bench, having overheard his response. "Was that a wise choice? We have more pressing priorities, do we not?"

"I know, I know." Bo held his hands up, nodding. "But I figured it can't be too hard to handle right? Head out at the crack of dawn, finish off whatever moaning Draugr is holed up in there, and then be on our way to the Greybeards by lunchtime."

"I don't see why we shouldn't," Jane shrugged, glancing at her companions. She was proud of Bo's willingness to help. "It's right there."

"True…" Lynne looked down at her mug and did not say any more. Naz was indifferent.

"If you want to go, we'll go."

"It's settled then."

"Excellent!" Jane was excited. She knew the barrow was indeed infested with Draugr but it wasn't too hard of a task; if she remembered correctly it wasn't all that big, at least compared to some other Nordic ruins.

"Do you know anything abut Shroud Hearth Barrow, Jane?" Lynne looked expectantly at the girl, and Jane nodded.

"A little bit," she replied hesitantly, nervously rubbing her arm.

"Is it manageable in a short period of time, do you think?"

"I remember reading it was a smaller ruin." Jane glanced over at Bo, who didn't look upset, but was listening intently. "Um…Its Nordic, so there'll be plenty of Draugr. That's all I know."

"Good," Naz growled. "Love killing those bastards."

Everyone laughed, and relaxed for the evening, enjoying the welcomed break from traveling.

For the last couple of days Jane had grown increasingly paranoid that someone or something was following them. It had started a couple days back after they left camp. Jane could have sworn she'd seen the flash of armor as a man (or woman) disappeared from view. The girl had frowned, thoughts buzzing, who would want to follow the group, and why? This paranoia did not go away, as the person trailing them was not the most professional at hiding. However whenever Jane would pull Bo aside and express her concern to him, the person would magically disappear, and Jane would feel silly and mumble that she must have been seeing things.

Now that they were in Ivarstead and enjoying a nice hot meal, her worries seemed to slip away. She did not pay any attention to the quiet stranger sitting in the farthest corner of the Inn, away from the group. He sat half shrouded in the shadows and watched their every move, a mug of mead in his hands though he did not take one sip.

Jane laughed at Naz's jokes and sent flirting glances Bo's way, thrilled that she was able to send him into a nervous, fidgeting frenzy with just a touch; a brush here, a slight caress there. She enjoyed it immensely, watching her Orsimer blush and stutter over what he was currently talking about.

"You are a tease," Bo growled in her ear at some point, the look in his eyes showed clear as day his love and attraction to Jane.

I love her to bits… but by Malacath she is driving me crazy!

Jane giggled, a blush rising to her cheeks, but she did not answer, and instead bid Naz and Lynne goodnight, pulling Bo to his feet, and quickly leading him towards their room. Bo's heart skipped a beat, would they be able to make love tonight? His hopes soared once the door had been closed behind him, and Jane latched her arms around his neck and kissed him with such desperateness that it made his body ache. They tugged at each others armor; Bo could have ripped it off had he not a care in the world, and they continued their passionate kissing all the way to the bed, which was interrupted by Jane pushing him roughly onto his back. Bo reached out to pull her up to him but Jane moved out of his grasp, moving to a kneel position beside the bed.

"What are you doing?" He asked breathlessly, raising his head up to look at Jane, who said nothing and smiled slyly at him.

Jane tugged Bo's breeches down and freed his member from its painful confine, running her hand over the bumps of the scar on his hip before trailing downwards. His green skin glowed under the candlelight.

"Jane?" Bo asked, his voice climbing up a notch as he watched with widened eyes as his woman shuffled closer between his legs, her eyes on his generous length.

"I'm afraid these walls are too thin for us, dear Bo." Jane finally replied, her voice sultry and soft. It sent a shiver up the Orsimer's spine.

"I've never tried other methods, though it can't be too hard now can it?" She continued, raising one curved eyebrow.

"What do you—"

Jane lowered her head down, and a crash of realization washed over him.

"Oh…. Oh Jane… By Malacath!"

Morning came all too quickly. Lynne wished she could sleep for at least a few more hours, as she sleepily nuzzled Naz's bare chest. The Orsimer was fast asleep, one arm tucked up, the other wrapped securely around her waist. He snored softly, and Lynne slowly shifted her position so she could lean over and kiss his soft green lips. The Orsimer smiled, his eyes still closed, and then one eyelid cracked open. His ruby eye roamed over Lynne's face, taking in the cute tangles of her hair; one side was more flat while the other stuck out in random directions. He chuckled, and Lynne whispered good morning, oblivious to her silly look.

Naz reached up and smoothed her hair down, smiling even broader when she realized what he had been laughing about.

"Guess it's time to get up, hunh?" He replied softly, yawning. "I'd rather stay in bed with you all day."

Lynne blushed, and nodded.

"I'd like that too."

Naz leaned forward and captured Lynne's lips, rolling her onto her back. His hands hungrily roamed down her waist and hip, lifting her shirt up to give him access to her creamy white skin.

"N-Naz," Lynne gasped, feeling a ripple of longing shoot straight through as the Orc growled and hooked his finger along the band of her pants. "We…we can't…"

Nazgurat pulled back, his chest heaving. His face was filled with disappointment, and Lynne reached up to stroke his cheek.

"You're right, I'm just so worked up." He replied after a moment. "I want you."

"I know, love." Lynne whispered, pulling him to her chest. For a minute they lay in complete silence; Lynne stroked Naz's hair and kissed his forehead, enjoying their moment of peace with each other.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Breakfast's ready, lets go!" Bo's voice called out, and the couple sighed, moving to get ready.

Jane and Bo were already tucking into their meal when they finally entered into the main hall. Lynne plopped herself down at the bench and stifled a yawn, not feeling entirely hungry that morning. In fact, she felt a little queasy.

Bo glanced over at Jane, still shocked over what had happened the night before. Jane looked up, feeling his eyes on her, and grinned at him, knowing that he had been blown away by her performance last night. She winked, and then turned back to her food, barely suppressing a laugh at his slightly dumbfounded expression. When the meal was finished, Bo had a quick word with Wilhelm before joining the gang outside, and then everyone headed up the little hill towards the Barrow. They stopped just outside the doors of the circular structure, double-checking over their supplies and quality of weapons. Bo turned to the metal door, and was just about to open them, when, the handles were ripped rather quickly out of his hands as the doors flew open on their own accord. Bo stared in surprise at a young Breton man dressed in elaborate Elven armor, who blinked back at him.

"Oh!" The man exclaimed, "Did I steal your quest?"