****Mature content****
Bagrak and Nin parted ways with the Stormcloaks at Lake Ilinalta.
But not before Ralof came over to Nin taking her hands in his, “Remember we sealed a promise.” He wanted to kiss her again, but not with soldiers watching. He looked over to Bagark. “Remember our talk. I would be honored to fight at your side.”
Nin’s head spun around looking at Bagark, who blushed and walked over to the nearest officer.
Bagrak went to thank the officer for their hospitality, she held out her hand.
Hyrid shook the Orc’s hand, and then she gave her a knapsack, “Here Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak wanted you both to have this, help you get to Dragon’s Bridge.”
Bagrak took the knapsack, “Again, thank you…” she stammered.
“You’re welcome.” Hyrid nodded to both ladies and then added “If you know any true sons and daughters of Skyrim tell them to head to Windhelm. Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak would like to see them.”
Once they were clear of the soldiers, Nin turned to face Bagrak, “What was Ralof talking about, an honor to fight at your side?”
“Listen Nin, I know you think the Stormcloaks are all a bunch of lowlife Draugr, and no one can blame you, but… (Nin went to interrupt)… NO listen to me, I never had the freedom you did, to be whom you want, become whatever it is you want, I am an Orc, the best that can happen for me is to become another wife of some Orc chief, or just another mining hand. What kind of life is THAT! Never will I be just me. I want to see all of Tamriel, not just some stinking orichalcum ore mine! I know I could do more you saw how I got us all organized and got us out of those cages! I know how to maneuver, motivate, and train, I could be good for the Rebellion, Gods know the Imperials would never have me!” A sob broke from her.
Nin looked at her friend and embraced her; she could hear the anguish in Bagraks voice. She has never seen her friend like this, all those times they spoke of joining the Companions, or become an adventurer, Bagrak really wanted those things.
Just barely above a whisper… “Bagrak, I don’t know what to say, I am so confused. I want you to be happy, I want you to get everything you want and more, but would my Poppa and my Momma really stand with the Empire if it was so bad, why do you think they wouldn’t have you, did you ask to join? Do you REALLY think Ulfric with all we heard of him and all he has done be so willing to have an Orc in his army? Think about it, he doesn’t even let the Argonians into the city, let’s not even start with the Khajiit!”
“Nin, I don’t know, all we have ever heard was our families side, how do we know, if we do not question how can we learn? I’ll tell you what I do know, I am NOT going back to the stronghold, I won’t you cannot make me, this is my chance Nin, my chance and I am not going to waste it.”
They stood there looking at each other hurt, confused, and scared.
Bagrak broke the silence… “Ralof seemed to be sweet on you and you on him, if that kiss I saw was anything to go on.” With that she tugged at Nin’s braids, and laughed.
Nin couldn’t help herself she blushed so red her hair and face matched! “I… I… didn’t… (Laughing between each word) know…. Anyone…saw…that…” They had one of those great laughs that fills you’re soul.
Sobering up, “I don’t know what came over me Bagrak, his eyes, he was quite handsome too, but why, oh Gods why is he a Stormcloak.” Shaking her head she looked into her friends eyes.
“The heart knows what it wants, although sometimes our heads make a mess of it. Com’on let’s get a move on.”
“Wait what’s in that knapsack, anyway?” Nin asked.
Stopping again Bagrak opened it to find four bottles of healing potions, bandages, dried meats and fruits, a water bladder, and gold coins, 50 gold coins!
They looked at each other and Bagrak said, “Maybe he isn’t as bad as everyone says.”
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Aranni mounted Dark Gem and took off from Windhelm not stopping until he was right outside Fort Amol.
Aranni has spent most of his time alone and he usually isn’t lonely, but he can’t help but feel it tonight. The wind was whipping, sending a chill right through him. He pulled back his silver-white hair, and then laid on his bedroll looking up at Secunda and Masser. He wonders where she was right now, and praying to Y'ffre he whispers keep her safe until I can find her.
How long has it been since he has cared for someone, not just friends, someone special, after his wife and daughter were murdered, no one. He rolled over on his side thinking about her fiery red hair, those blue eyes, and that flawless skin, like a diamond, she was so innocent, yet had spirit… His mind starts to wonder how long since he had been in the company of a women? He can’t remember he imagines her fingers caressing him; her hands were so strong, she held that bow so gently. What would it be like to kiss her, caress her body in return, he could practically feel it, smooth, supple… Under his bed roll he reaches for his aroused manhood, he couldn't stop himself he couldn't stop himself, nor did he want to, he thought of what it would be like to be with her, kissing her, give her pleasure, have her give it back in return, until sweet release came and he drifted off to sleep.
The morning sun was glistening off the White River as he washed up, breakfast will have to wait. Mounting Dark Gem he heads towards the Throat of the World, hugging the mountain as he makes his way south towards Helgen.
So far the trip was uneventful, a bear, some wolves, a couple bandits but nothing of great magnitude. He knows he has to alert the General, and he wants to send something to his dear friends Curwe and Vantus to congratulate them. His mind is going in so many different directions, he just needs to get to Helgen, top off a few letters, when he gets to Solitude he will pick something up from the fine good store, that nasty Altmer runs it but she can’t help herself she would be nasty no matter what race she was, he laughs at his own thoughts.
The hours fly by as he and his horse ride through the woods, he sees a small camp up ahead, looks to be a hunter’s camp from all the pelts drying on a nearby rack. He slows Dark Gem down a little, maybe he can trade a few things with them, take a break. He calls out… “Excuse me, are you open for trading.”
The huntress looks up, a fellow Bosmer, “Aye” she smiles.
“Ah, nice to see a kinsmen.” Aranni jumps down from Dark Gem, leading the horse to a patch of grass. “I need some meats, preferably dried if you have? I have steel arrows for trade, a small pearl, and some petty soul gems, not filled.
Manllion looked in her satchel pulling out some rabbit and bear meat. “Here you go, three legs, and a few ounces of bear. I’ll take those soul gems, and 25 arrows.”
Aranni rasies an eyebrow, “I think that is a bit much, how about two of the soul gems and 15 arrows?”
“Hey, what about this, no trade, then?” Manllion gives him a smug smile.
Sighing… “OK, OK, the four gems, and 15 arrows?”
“You know, I should shoot an arrow through your knee, how about that? What did I say, no trade, I’m not the one looking for goods, you are.” She puts her hands on her hips and starts to tap her foot. “Well ya cheap old goat, what will it be?”
For a second he just stared at her and then busted out laughing, never had anyone called him that before! With that, she joined in the laughing too.
“OK, OK you win, all the gems, the arrows too!”
“Glad we could clear that up, next time maybe your arms shouldn't be so short, reach a little deeper into your satchel!”
“Well, my mother taught me never to argue with a female especially one who can wield both Bow and her mouth.” With a tongue in cheek reply like that he stashed the meats in his bag, jumped on Dark Gem and he was off, listening to her laughter.
The orange and gold rays of the setting sun gave the appearance that the town was on fire as he reached Helgen.
“Over here miser, I’ll take your horse to stable.”
“Thank you, here you go.” He pulls his satchels off the horse and hands the stable boy 10 Septims.
Strolling into the inn to get some drink, a bed, and get busy writing his overdue reports. Maybe two drinks.
It looks to be a busy night at the Homestead, the stable boy thinks as another rider comes in a few minutes later with her horse.
“Young man”
No one has yet to call him a man, straightening a little “Aye”
“Tell me the other rider did he leave any satchels on his horse?”
“Not sure”
She senses the hesitation… Smiling rather sweetly… “He dropped these gems on the road I tried to catch him but his horse was too fast, I thought maybe we could drop them back in there if he left them on?”
Easing up, “No my lady he didn't took them all into the inn.”
Handing the boy 30 gold coins she winked. “Thank you young man, now please don’t let anyone know of our conversation, I want to surprise him.”
“Sure, no problem! Thanks!!!” He had never had such a tip before!
She sashayed her way into the inn, looking for her target.
