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Post by Leona Amaltheia on Mar 5, 2013 2:37:56 GMT -5
Leona adjusted well to this world without technology. She wasn't flinching at the slightest sound, she wasn't constantly searching for that German Nazi or that hand pistol. Explosions were non-existent, grenades had not been invented, flying shrapnel was not seen, and people weren't tortured. her anxiety had calmed considerably. She felt like she could be at peace here, and as long as she wasn't ripped away from this paradise that perhaps she could be happy.
That did not mean she had changed dreadfully much. She was still greatly introverted, and the only friends she possessed were Red and the old woman she worked for. She kept to herself and her paintings, clung to the outskirts of town and the forests when she wasn't working and rarely indulged anyone in a conversation that lasted longer than what was considered polite. She just didn't trust people. People had offered her nothing but pain and she was loathe to place her trust in them once more. Thorin had been the exception to her rule and even when she had thought back on the encounter she wondered why she had felt so at ease with him. He was obviously a warrior and she wasn't too keen on soldiers, in fact- her thoughts abruptly halted as a rather large thump reached her ears, she turned just in time to see one of the nastiest looking creatures she had ever seen.
"What is its?" They were pale, littered with scars, their flesh stained with blood and incredibly fat... and they were tall, incredibly so, towering over her by at least a good twenty feet. "I don't know its looks a bit scrawny... do ya think it would taste good?" They bickered back and forth, and Leona drew the short swords, she kept concealed in her skirts, hiding the long blades against her wrists "We will never know until we try wills we?" One of them reach down for her and just as it came to coil its hand around her, she drove both blades into its palm and ripping them free as it screamed and pulled its hand away. Leona took off, hopeful that she had distracted it long enough to find somewhere to hide.
"It bit me! That's it! Imma make soup outta you!" She could hear the two sets of feet barreling behind her and she clutched her blades tightly as she sprinted. One of their hands, knocked into her and she careened, head over heels, crashing into one of the trees. Dark spots littered her vision but she was no push over. He came at her again, and she threw the blade, it embedded into his wrist and he yowled. She raced forward and ripped the blade free, ducking under a swinging fist. She dug both blades into one of their arms, but the other scooped her up, suspending her in midair and examining her with thick yellow eyes, while his companion pulled her blades free.
"Let me go!" She snapped at the beast and he only chuckled, his companion whining as he pulled the two short swords free of his arm and dropped the useless steel to the ground.
"I don't think so, you might be scrawny but we gots to pay you pack for whats you do to us."
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Post by Thorin Oakenshield on Mar 5, 2013 14:25:52 GMT -5
Thorin was a wanderer. Sometimes, he spent time hunting with Kili, who he was so glad now to have found. At least he was no longer alone in this big, new place. It was a world that he was unfamiliar with, but he was getting better at navigating it. He had, of course, met Leona once. That vixen that was from a future time, that he wondered often at for being so accepting of him after a life of war and strife. He was a warrior by nature, and only a warrior. He would be a king, but he had been stolen away from his quest to reclaim Erebor too soon, and he was still just a dwarf now, one with no real home and no great purpose besides to survive.
So now he found himself again a wanderer, exploring the forests and getting by with time to waste. His blade, the Orcrist, had not seen much action and Thorin, though he hated to say it, was growing bored. What else did he have to do here, but kill animals to eat and then go other places? Besides, there was something that felt like it was missing. More than just Erebor. And he had not felt that way when he was with Leona.
As he wandered, Thorin thought he heard a familiar sound. Thundering voices were somewhere close, farther off than he would like, but he was ready to see what was the din. He hurried with all the stealth inhim, the Orcrist in his hand. If what was ahead was what he thought it was, then there could be a great deal of trouble on the rise. Thorin thought to himself briefly that he wished he still had a band of dwarves at his side to help him fight, if he ended up fighting. But he went on, and then when he reached the sound, Thorin Oakenshield's suspicions were confirmed. Damn. Before him were three trolls, and when he saw what they were taunting his heart caught in his throat. Leona! He had not seen her in too long, and this was what he got?
Thorin was immediately upon the creatures, his blade stabbing them in whatever flesh he could find. He had seen Leona trying to put up a desperate fight, and then when she was weaponless he became even more concerned, yelling, "Leona! You foul things, put her down!" as he sliced the Orcrist at one troll and then through the hand of the troll that was holding her. He continued to fight, skewering them with his blade and working hard to avoid their hungry grabbing. The atrocious creature screamed in pain, and dropped Leona in his misery. "Run toward the sunlight!" Thorin instructed as he fended off the things. He knew where she'd be safe, and he hoped that Leona would do as he told her.
Thorin took his blade up and gave the thing a swift stab in the foot, and then wheeled around to do the same to the other one. He watched Leona run, and when he had the trolls distracted enough and in a fair amount of searing pain, Thorin ran after her. If the trolls followed them, they'd be turned to stone by the light.
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Post by Leona Amaltheia on Mar 5, 2013 16:12:04 GMT -5
The thing carried her like a rag doll through the forest, swinging her incessantly and her vision began to blur, the forests becoming a kaleidoscope of colors that whirled and spun as he swung her around. She clung to one of his fingers to the best of her ability attempting to ground herself, lest she lose consciousness. They talked animatedly back and forth debating which was the best way to cook her. Bitterly, her mind supplied that at least it wasn't a German Nazi. The second one had picked up her own blades and was examining the steel closely, they had come from her world, she had stolen them from a few dead French soldiers, they weren't the most beautifully crafted of blades but they had saved her life more than once. It seemed that they wouldn't do her much good amongst these giants though, at least she had wounded two of them damn it. She wasn't completely helpless. They came to a halt and she was swung around, mere inches from the things peering eyes, its putrid breath making her face scrunch up in disgust.
"I don't knows... I think I'll just eats it now, I'm hungry, it will make a good enough snack." He splayed his jaws wide and Leona struggled as hard as she could, digging her nails and teeth into the things hand to no avail, She had a brief moment to assume this was where she was going to die before someone called her name and successfully gained the attention of her captors. Her head snapped in the direction of the masculine source and her eyes widened as she caught sight of the dwarven king, Thorin. She had met him up near the gigantic wall. He charged the creatures blade in hand, tearing out chunks of flesh with much more finesse than she.
Suddenly she was falling, free of the creatures death grip upon her and smashing into the ground. A searing pain shot up her right leg and she grinded her teeth against it, physical pain she could handle. She sprinted towards the second one, who still had her blades tucked squarely in its belt and pulled them free. If Thorin thought she was going to flee, when the damn thing had attempted to eat her, he would be sorely mistaken. She hit the ground, dodging a hungry fist and plunging both of her blades into one that was headed for Thorin's back. It screeched it agony and stumbled backwards, clutching its throbbing hand. Thorin had already incapacitated the other two and as soon as he began to run, she followed close behind, easily keeping pace with him. Running away was something she could do quite well. They came from the woods, the shrieks and bellows of indignation following close behind them. They erupted from the trees and into the morning sunlight and she turned to see how close they were only to watch them skid to a halt, hissing and shrieking, before vanishing back into the dark woods.
She didn't care why or what had frightened them and her right leg buckled beneath her. She knew enough of herself to know that whatever was wrong with her would take weeks to heal if it was already throbbing this much. She panted in an effort to catch her breath, placing her pain away from now and glancing over at her sudden companion. They would have needed much more than the two of them to bring down those nasty things. Why would he risk his life for her?
"Thank you. I have starred death in the face many a time, but never when I was about to be eaten. I do believe I owe you my life." She chuckled absently, her eyes drifting back to the forest to make sure they weren't coming, when she was positive they weren't she slumped to the grass, glad to get the weight off of her leg. "While I wish it would have been under better circumstances, it is a pleasure to see you again." She smiled up at him gently, tucking the blades back into her skirts.
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Post by Thorin Oakenshield on Mar 8, 2013 19:17:19 GMT -5
Thorin had not been doing much of anything before or since he'd met Leona. He was a weary wanderer, doomed to walk around until he found some way back to Middle Earth. At least, though, he'd found his nephew and good friend Kili, who had somewhat eased the pain and tension that being torn away from his home caused him. It still did not compensate for the fact that he still wasn't King. That he still had not reclaimed the Lonely Mountain. That his people were still without a home. That he had failed them and they must think terrible things of him now.
But when he caught sight of Leona in the hold of those godforsaken trolls, all those thoughts left Thorin's mind. He had not expected to see her--or them--out here, and certainly not together. So, of course, with the spirit of a true warrior, Thorin would fight for the damsel in distress. It was a rather dramatic, heroic entrance on his part, though he would have rather it not been so. He wished this meeting could have come at some lighter time, but sure he would fight for her. He began slashing away at the things with all the strength in him, and tried his best to also distract them from the woman they were trying to make a meal of. Finally, she fell free of their grip, but when he told her to run, did she? Oh no, of course not. He should have known.
She fought with him, at his back, and finally when he decided they had enough leeway to run for it, he did. He could not summon the sun to turn them to stone. He was glad that she followed him, though--they finally got out safely. Most importantly, she was out safely. However, it became all to apparent to him that she was not completely okay. "You're hurt," he said bluntly. He was worried, but his flat voice never showed it. He bent down tobe closer to her, to see what was wrong.
His eyes softened a little from his warrior's grimace, and he nodded. "You owe me nothing, Leona. Those trolls are terrible things." And he meant it. Och, but he'd met them once before, and was not too keen on being indebted to the wizard Gandalf for saving him and his band of dwarves... and one hobbit. Bilbo... That... stupid little hobbit. Thorin shook his head. He did not need to think about that right now, not when he was with Leona and she was not as well as she acted. As she tucked her blades back in, he did the same with his Orcrist. He looked her up and down and responded, "I never thought I'd see you again at all, actually. But yes. Let's pardon the occasion."
He eventually sat down beside her and, though maybe it was a bit uncalled for, pulled her into his hold. "What's hurt, Leona? I can held you, whatever it is."
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Post by Leona Amaltheia on Mar 9, 2013 3:35:44 GMT -5
Leona hadn't done much since she had arrived in Aledon, her natural instincts to survive kicked in and she adapted. Becoming what this era needed her to be to blend in with the crowd. She became another nameless face in the crowd, head down and out of the way. She didn't pick fights, didn't dress to be noticed, had no interest in politics, plays, music, or social events. She kept to herself out of habit and it worked for her. Perhaps not the most fulfilling and excitement filled life, but a life that kept her alive.
The only problem Leona had with this world was there lack of guards willing to let her outside the city walls. She was a woman, not supposed to be traipsing around alone, Red was the only one who had special permits but then again Red was quite unique and probably could have killed the trolls before they even knew they were being slain, it had been Red who had spread the rumor for her that she too was given leave to come and go as she pleased. On this particular day she had been gathering berries of various color and textures to use as paint back in her apartment. She actually hadn't been out to escape society...for once and of course that seemed to be the only time she ever got attacked and by...whatever in the hell those things were.
His words snapped her out of her thoughts, they were blunt, to the point, but spot on regardless. He knelt before her, drawing closer in an effort to see what was wrong and for a brief moment, panic lit her gaze. She remembered those horrid jagged lines that marred her back, tracing her spine, knew how hideous they were, how ugly they looked, but she forced herself to calm, her injury was her leg, not her spine, he wouldn't have to see those marks. No one should ever have to see those marks. She took a steadying breath and smiled at him. It wasn't hurting terribly bad, so it wasn't broken, probably just a torn muscle at the worst. "Its nothing I can't handle, I've had far worse, trust me." She murmured that last part and grimaced as the palm of her hand ran over the tender part of her calf, a slight dip in the muscle, most definitely torn. Damn.
"No... but I do owe you much. You have shown me nothing but kindness since the day we met. You are unlike anyone I have ever met before." That much, at least was entirely true. He did not behave in a brash and aggressive way, he had not tried to rape her, he had not threatened with any of the weapons he carried on his countenance... he behaved so utterly opposite than any soldier she had ever met. There was no doubt in her mind that the man before her was anything but extraordinary. She chuckled as he mimicked her words, eyes a lit with brief humor and she nodded agreeing. They didn't have a very good track record at meeting at the best of locations. She thought that would be the end of the conversation, he would return to the forests and she would manage her way back to the Inn, but instead of rising to his feet, he moved forward, dragging her into his arms and for a moment Leona could do nothing but remain silent.
No one had cared for her even the slightest in such a long time... it had become instinctive for her to learn to fend for herself. She was a street urchin, an orphan of family whose deaths had merely been another number. Nobody cared, but for some reason, Thorin did and that silenced her more than the iron pokers, the knives or the guns ever had. She relaxed into his hold leaning against him ever so slightly. No one ever touched her either and it felt amazing to feel the warmth of another even if it was only momentary. She focused on his words, let them distract her and she shook her head lightly when he was finished.
"My right calf, when that thing dropped me I landed on it. I think I ripped the muscle." She wasn't sure, she was no medic and she was much more concerned with the arms wrapped around her waist than she was her leg. The sensation of his body against hers was much more pleasant.
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Post by Thorin Oakenshield on Mar 9, 2013 18:12:14 GMT -5
Thorin decided then that he needed to do a better job patrolling the forests outside Aledon. If Leona was let out here alone, he had a problem with that, because she was more delicate than she liked to think and she needed to be protected. And there was apparently no one else here that either bothered with her or that she would allow around her. If nothing else, Thorin had figured out that the pretty, future-made woman was very guarded. She was not entirely open to simply meeting new people... funny that she worked at the inn, but to each her own. Nonetheless, Thorin had decided to take her protection upon himself, because at least she seemed to trust him. Funny, that she should trust a warrior, what with her past. But if he was chosen to protect her, then protect her he would.
He noticed something in her eyes as he first touched her, and wondered if he should not draw back. Yet, he was worried about her, that she was trying to cover up an injury. And she need not. He wanted to help her, but she'd have to let him. Thorin was not one that was particularly drawn to showing steep emotion, nor getting too attached. But he did feel for her, as many wounds as he'd gotten himself. "Don't try and be so strong, Leona," he warned her. He knew anyway that it was worse than she let on.
He gave her the slightest of smiles in return and answered humbly, though humility was rarely something he displayed. "That's nice of you to say, Leona. I but follow the code of chivalry; you owe me nothing. And if you insist that you owe me something, then owe me your company for a bit." It was not really an attempt to flirt; no, Thorin was not keen on that nor was he good at it. But there was no denying that Leona was pretty and fair and very much someone he could handle spending a little time with. She and Kili... and maybe Kili's wife... were the only people here that he knew really. He was glad to have her around.
Finally, she leaned more into him, relaxed in his hold, and he was glad for it. She trusted him, heaven knew why. Her words, though, sounded more lax, and less concerned. Were that true, she must be in quite some amount of pain, the poor thing. He did not want to release his hold on her, but he needed to. "Would you let me see it?" He would, of course, go and ask her permission before he moved her skirts. That was only proper. And he knew how sensitive she seemed to be to anyone's touch, so he was going to be extremely careful around her. He would not misplace her trust so that he could fix her leg. He was going to be a gentleman this time; she needed know only that side of him.
She did not need to see the warrior.
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Post by Leona Amaltheia on Mar 9, 2013 20:06:05 GMT -5
Leona was tough, and she could handle her own well enough...against humans. She had never encountered trolls, ogres, orcs, or any other creature that roamed these lands, the worst she had encountered was a wolf and that didn't hold up much against that thing. She felt like she had when she had first been left alone. Helpless, pitiful, weak, and it made her feel useless, like she could do nothing and they ate at her more than anything. She had prided herself on the knowledge that she could take care of herself, that she had never needed friends or allies. She was fine on her own. But clearly, such was not the case here and she was shamed by such knowledge. His words did nothing but accentuate her pain. Don't try and be so strong, Leona. That was just it. She had never had to try to be strong before, she merely was. Her teeth dug into her inner cheek hard enough to make it bleed. She was so angry with herself for being so utterly pathetic.
He allowed him to tug her closer, she knew he only wished to help her. Of course he did, his intentions were forever good, he offered his cloak when she grew cold, his body heat, he shared a meal with her in relative peace, they had spent a few days together roaming the barren forests before she had been forced to return and they had been forced to depart. She knew all he wanted to do was help her and she was loathe to let him. She grinded her teeth and bit back the tears in the corners of her eyes, not from the pain, but the humiliation. She took a steadying breath and forced the emotion away from her, eyes steeling back into the hard gray.
"Then my company you shall have." She murmured softly, choosing to focus on his words instead of the pain in her heart or her leg. Leona knew no one here aside from Thorin, Ruby and the widow whom had raised her. Ruby, she supposed was a friend, but the dark haired temptress kept to herself more often than not and usually when they spoke it was more or less about the bar. red left her alone, and it was probably the only reason Leona had agreed to stay.
"You needn't ask, you may move my skirts." She muttered just as softly, shifting so her bad leg was no longer beneath her. She watched him as we looked her over, gray eyes filled with curiosity. A healer, she was not and she wondered if he knew any more about wounds than she. It was nowhere near her back and she relaxed considerably. The last thing she needed was for him to see those marks. She shuddered, simply remembering their appearance and she shook when she remembered what had caused them. "Thank you. She spoke once more, biting her lower lip.
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Post by Thorin Oakenshield on Mar 9, 2013 21:41:02 GMT -5
Thorin sensed that he had upset Leona. Sometimes, he said things that were a little too selfish or a little rude, he knew. It was part of who he was. He was an unredeemed king who wanted his gold back, who would do just about anything to avenge his father and grandfather before him. He understood that he was selfish, understood that he was vain. And now, he'd gone and told Leona to do something that was unkind. He did not yet see why she trusted him so, and surely this wasn't going to help his case.
But as he pulled her into him, trying to keep her warm and assure her that he was here to keep her safe as long as she would let him. Maybe, though, if he kept up this cold warrior's attitude, she would leave him, no more trust him. And Thorin did not want that. He was glad that she was making no attempt to leave. In fact, it was quite to the contrary--she was leaning in closer to him, either leeching him for his warmth or genuinely wanting to be this close to him. But he did not understand that. Why would she? He felt her strange pattern of breathing in his hold, and knit his eyebrows. But he decided against speaking in concern; he did not wish to mess up the moment.
And he wondered how many people she let in? Probably very few, from what he'd already seen of her. "And that, my dear, I am glad for. I hope you'll have the grace to pardon my tongue if ever I say something you do not like. You may berate me for it any time." Of course, that meant, not in public. He would not take blows to his pride, except, apparently, for her. But he would not let her do such a thing if others were present. This was enough of letting his guard down, yes?
She shifted for him and he moved from her to have a look at her injuries. He pushed back her skirts, only to her knee, and ran a hand along the back of her calf. She winced, and he softened his touch, trying to feel it as best he could without hurting her. It was certainly torn; there was a dip in the muscle and he could tell it pained her. "You've torn it, indeed, I fear." Gently, Thorin set her leg back down and pulled her skirts back down around her leg. "No need to thank me," he dismissed. "Im probably not much help to you anyhow. When you're ready, I shall carry you to wherever you wish to rest for a few weeks. Until then..." He rummaged through his pocket until he found the herb he was looking for. "Chew on this," he said, handing it to her with a gentle smile, and then returning to her side.
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Post by Leona Amaltheia on Mar 10, 2013 13:06:15 GMT -5
Leona was accustomed to a brash tongue and a harsh word, Thorin's speech did not affect her in the slightest. She was used to far worse words that fell from human tongues. She was not offended by him, nor was she wounded, she was merely ashamed of herself and she wasn't sure how to go about learning to defend herself from such monsters, no matter how much she may have wished too. The pain in her leg was not so bad on the ground, without supporting her weight, in a dull throb, hardly noticeable in the back of her head, it truly wasn't so bad when she thought of the rest of the scars that accompanied her body. he truly need not worry so much for her sake. If she could do anything it was to endure.
She leaned back against him because despite the harsh berating she was bestowing upon herself. His presence still relaxed her. She wasn't sure why she trusted him, but she did, and her instincts had never led her astray thus far. He responded to her mumbled words with grace and humility and she turned her head to gaze upon his face, her grey orbs tracing the hard set lines. Those stoic marks that hid his emotions from the rest of the world. His face was a perfect mask but his eyes were just a touch softer and that tiny almost imperceptible light gave her hope.
He spoke and she frowned, she found herself shaking her head back and forth, dark hair falling absently about her shoulders, a soft laugh pulling from her throat. "You do not offend me, my friend. I am merely upset with myself. I'm used to fighting humans not... whatever that was. On my world I am not so useless, tis a difficult thing to realize." She chuckled quietly, pushing away the feelings of her own wounded pride. She lifted one of her hands to brush a stray strand of his hair, back behind his ear. "I have no reason to berate the one who saved my life."
He examined her leg, pulling her skirts out of the way and examined her leg. She winced slightly as his fingers reached the torn muscle and he softened his touch, pulling a second smile from her. He confirmed what she had surmised and then told her his own useless talents as the workings of a healer and she almost laughed. Perhaps she should look into such an art. His words had her shaking her head once more.
" No...no... you needn't carry me, I won't be your burden, besides Ruby still needs my help at the bar, I can limp for the next few weeks. It will just take a bit longer to heal." He may have saved her life, but she was not so pitiful as to be hoisted around like a carnival prize, no she could damn well good up and walk for her own stupid actions and she surely should not burden him with such a task. Of course, at the moment, she had no desire to go anywhere. He had returned to her side, herb in hand, and she did enjoy his presence.
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Post by Thorin Oakenshield on Mar 17, 2013 20:51:33 GMT -5
For as much as Leona acted like she did not mind his speech, he knew enough of her past to know that it had still upset her the way he'd spoken, if only a little bit. She liked to look strong; it was how she had survived for a long time. And he knew--he was the same way. But he had always been told and believed that it was just his destiny. Just his calling as the future king, the son and grandson of two Kings of Durin's Folk. It was his right. He'd always believed it, and always been told so.
He was, for once, comfortable being so close to another that he had not had a long time to trust and get to know. Somehow, he just felt that he did understand her and that he coudl help her, even if she thought she didn't need it. He was a warrior at heart and by trade, and now with no kingdom to reclaim and no clan to lead, he had to have something to work for--and her happiness, her satisfaction he deemed a noble cause. Anything for a damsel was worthy, yes? And she was a damsel, alright, who may not think she was in distress but he could see through it. As she leaned against him, Thorin found it in him to stroke her gently, trying to be careful and not push any bounds. He knew she'd been hurt before.
He shook his head and lowered his mouth closer to her ear so that he could whisper, "You are absolutely not useless, my dear. You are everything but. Do not you ever tell yourself that, or I will tell you otherwise." He was still trying to be very careful. He did not want to make any wrong moves and risk... well, risk losing her. To what he didn't know. Nor why.
But she touched his hair in turn, and he felt some strange thing strike his core at her soft fingers. "Not so worthy. I'm not so noble," he said, bowing his head. He did not feel like he deserved her praise, or to be spared from her berating. He thought she should be able to do whatever she wanted, to him or for herself. Thorin sure as Hell wasn't planning on stopping her. Such a strong willed and strong hearted woman never should be denied, and he was a believer in gender equality... until it came to ruling.
Thorin returned to her side, and he found that she was not so delicate as he still continued to think. She'd not have a savior that could carry her home? He couldn't have that. She might be strong, but Leona was hurt. "You will do no such thing. Not under my watch. And until you let me take you back myself, I will stay watching." His eyes and face commanded attention and heeding. He was not used to being defied. But he was neither angry with her. "You will heal as quickly as you're able. I shall find you a physician, my lady." He was glad, however, that she took the herb. It would help with the pain, he knew. Although right now, he didn't really want to leave with her. He liked it here.
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Post by Leona Amaltheia on Mar 18, 2013 21:29:52 GMT -5
Strength had not been something that came easily to her. It had been forced upon her and she had been forced to take to it or die. Living in back allies, hiding and praying when soldiers drew near. She had little to no pride until finally she had had enough, leaving France and heading for England towards the end of the war. Not the best decision on hr part but she had met a elder lady whom took her in, showed her the life of a farmer, taught her a great deal, including English and just as she always had, Leona adapted, until she was sucked here through a gaping purple vortex. Then, or so it seemed, what strength she had accumulated was all for not. This world was full of monsters and monstrosities her world had never seen. She shuddered to think what the Nazi's would have done with a troll.
She snapped from her thoughts as his fingers stroked her skin. He seemed to do so almost absentmindedly, as if he always had, and she remained relaxed, breathing lightly through her nose not shying away from a touch like she normally did. It was bizarre this trust, this companionship she seemed to possess with an absolute stranger. Incredibly unlike her, but not necessarily unwelcome... just strange. They lapsed into silence once more and yet there seemed to be a comfort in that silence. He was not a man of many words and she was a woman of much fewer. Silence suited them both and a great deal of understanding seemed to pass between them. He was genuinely sorry if his words had wounded her. He had done no such damage, only her pride allowed the blow to land.
He spoke softly and close to her ear, whispering like one might to a frightened rabbit, she would not suddenly jump away and flee, not unless he pulled a gun from among his armor, but then she doubted she would get very far. This was a forest and she had a useless limb. She shook he head lightly, a soft laugh escaping her. "You spare me both my pride and a bit of dignity how kind of you." Grey eyes darted about the clearing, habitually seeking that hidden soldier. "I know my limitations, I can outsmart a drunken man enough to get away, but against a troll I fear I do little more damage than a flea. I am a survivor, not a warrior. I think I shall leave the troll hunting to you." She smiled softly as he moved back up to her and away from her tarnished leg.
She hesitated a moment, she knew she would not beat him in a battle of stubbornness, sometimes she was far too timid for her own good. "I cannot see a physician, I spend far too much of my coin on paint, but you can take me back to the Inn if you-" She turned her head to see him and almost startled herself, he was so close to her, she could feel his breath wafting across her face and her heart stuttered in the confines of her chest.
His dark eyes held her captive, chained her in irons that she didn't mind wearing. She swallowed the lump that had suddenly formed in her throat and without thinking, lifted a hand to press against his cheek. His beard was surprisingly soft as her fingers gently threaded through it, her thumb tracing the high arch of his cheekbone. Her mind drifting back to his earlier words. "Very noble... very worthy." She murmured only half aware of what escaped her larynx. She drew closer to him, her nose barely brushing his own before she laid the barest of kisses upon his mouth and pulled away just as quickly a dark blush staining her cheeks as she averted her gaze away from him. What in God's name was wrong with her?
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Post by Thorin Oakenshield on Mar 19, 2013 21:09:05 GMT -5
Thorin felt a little bit guilty for her, a little bit shy. He was a leader, a strong warrior who was supposed to be able to take anything, to get through any challenge or obstacle that was thrown in his way. And for a long time, that had been his policy. He had taken whatever work he could find, at one point, just trying to live well enough to survive. But his pride had stayed there always, never straying from its tightly-gripping master. It was a piece of him that Thorin would always hold onto, no matter what.
He was surprised--nay, delighted--at her nonchalance in reaction. She did not seem to mind him in the least, not timid to his touch or spooking at his fingers. This was odd, he noted, and particularly for her. She had shared her whole story with him--also a surprising thing for her to do, considering what all it contained. He felt blessed almost, endowed with such knowledge, and now that he knew all the war, dirt, grime, cruelty of humans... How could she be so accepting? He was amazed. Leona was a wonder, that was for certain, and he was having a hard time understaning all the paradoxes that she was made up from. But he did not oppose them. Instead, he found them terribly interesting and thought-provoking, something he rarely came across. He laughed a little, a chuckle, at her use of that word again. Kind. Ha. No, not he. Gentleman, maybe. Not kind. But he knew better than to debate it with her. "You praise me too highly," was all he said, and then responded to her following words. "I am both a survivor and a warrior, taught by culture and shaped by necessity. I will be both should you require me." He smiled slightly, offering what he could.
Oh? Painter, was she? This was something he did not recall from their previous meeting. Had she said it? Was he simply ignorant, or perhaps raptured in her aura of beauty too much to listen to her words? He tried to show no surprise. Emotions were, at least, something that Thorin had a good hold on. He shook his head. "Should you require a physician--say if it gets any worse--I've coin enough. Gold I'm endowed lightly with, and enough for a fair lady." This emotion, a gentler one, he did not care to hide as much, but he still was in need to keep his manhood, his masculinity intact.
Leona suddenly looked different. Raptured. Caught. Wondering. He looked at her for a moment, trying to figure out what on earth had stolen her attention, all the while beginning to realize just how lovely she really was. Without notice, her soft fingers lifted to his face, running through his beard, petting his cheek. His eyes offered her a brighter smile than his face, but he was smiling all the same, and he lifted his hand to touch the top of hers, as gently as he could. He was going to say something, but was stopped by both the look in her eyes and the profound softness of her words. He was powerless to refute, and even if he had thought of something to say, he would have been stopped by the shock of what she did next. She kissed him! Had he imagined it, or had this brave warrior been struck dumb by a gentle woman? He smiled to himself and diverted his eyes.
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Post by Leona Amaltheia on Mar 20, 2013 3:24:20 GMT -5
Leona noticed he often fell into long bouts of thoughtful silence. What he was thinking of, she knew not. Perhaps his old kingdom, his kin that he had lost among the way? She would not ask, he did not pry upon her own history so why would she repay his kindness with discourtesy? She found she did not mind the stretches of silence, they were comfortable, easy. She was relaxed in his embrace and she truly had no desire to leave, she enjoyed his company better than she enjoyed any other person she had chanced upon in this bizarre world, even her own paints. A piece of her wanted to ask if she could travel with him instead of returning home, but such thoughts scared her. He would laugh at the wiles of a silly woman such as she. He was seasoned warrior, a king, nobility and she was little more than a conniving thief, lower even than the dirtiest of peasants. She was foolish to even entertain such thoughts.
His fingers ghosted along her arms, the calluses dragging over unblemished skin. A shudder passed through her frame that had nothing to do with the biting chill of the air. When she did not move his fingers pressed against her skin with less hesitance, the action was one meant to soothe, to sate her nerves, but instead it made her anxious, more alert, eager... for what she did not know. She was unaccustomed for a touch to be anything but harsh and biting. She bit her lip, a teasing smile gently crossing her mouth, her bright eyes glittering with just a touch of playfulness. "Unless I decide to take up troll hunting I doubt I will have much need for a savior."[/b] She teased him lightly, not sure how far she dared push him. her eyes softened considerably and she shied from him, averting her eyes. "Although a companion and a friend are always welcome." She murmured much softer, much more quietly, in all honesty she had never claimed either, but she was trying to get better, trying to mend old wounds... and what better place to start than a man who at least valued her enough not to allow her to be turned into soup?
His next words surprised her greatly, head snapping up to gaze at him with something akin to shock. She had never seen a physician in all her life, she learned how to stitch herself up, what little money she managed to scrounge, went towards food and drink, never medicine. She opened her mouth to protest, but thought better of it, gently snapping her jaws back together, she thought for a moment before answering him. "Thank you truly. Your kindness touches me." Her voice was soft, meaningful, she was unused to kindnesses bestowed upon her in any way.
But then she was trapped, held hostage by his dark gaze, her fingers absently tracing his beard, his cheek. His own hand left her arm to touch her hand, but she paid it no heed. She didn't want him to leave her, didn't want him to go... but why? She had never needed anyone before, what had changed? She brushed his mouth with her own, barely tasting him before realizing what she had done and pulled away, a dark blush staining her cheeks as she quickly hung her head, hiding. "I am so sorry, I don't know what came over me." He had not chastised her, nor had he spoken at all and she felt utterly foolish. He was probably swathed in more beauty and more gems than anything she could even come close to matching. He was a king and she was...just Leona and apparently that was a foolish, foolish woman.
(((OOC: I have sooooo much muse for these two! I love them more and more with every post I make! if you still have no Dori muse, might I request a Thorin post instead? <3)))
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Post by Thorin Oakenshield on Mar 20, 2013 20:22:33 GMT -5
Thorin was oft caught in bouts of silence, because he thought more than he talked. It was a habit of his, something that made him the different kind of man--dwarf--that he was. He was raised to be a king, but he wasn't going to make the wrong mistakes. There was the matter, of course, of his pride, of his greed for the gold that he believed to be rightfully his own. But he was trying not to let that get in the way of what he had left that was more important--his people. If he was going to be the King of Durin's Folk one day, he had to live up to the title's implications.
And Leona, here at his side, she was jsut as quiet as he, and the fact that they were both so seemingly settled in these comforting moments was something that he was heavily holding onto. It was... special. Yes, that's what it was. Special. She was not the typical female, for either this time or for his time back on Middle Earth, and he was caught by both her presence and her strength. She had been through so very much, and so many trials that could just have easily broken her--not to say that women were easier to break but simply that she was not one of those dwarven women that were raised in the midst of battle, desensitized to all of it. And she should not have to have been through so much hell, but she had been and Thorin felt some degree of guilt, with no good reason. "Oh but keep me around for a little before you cast me off," he said lightly, with the first hints of a chuckle.
Why was she so surprised, so shocked at what he offered her? He but wished her to feel safe when she was with him, and it was not a great burden on his pocket to help her stay healthy. He had... stirrings... for her. "It is my pleasure and my nature, my lady." He bowed his head a bit in sincerity, dark blue eyes searching.
There was something surprisingly fascinating in the actions of Leona. She kissed him, out of nowhere and for no good reason. But he found that he was not repulsed. Quite to the contrary--he liked the feeling of her lips brushing against his, and just as he had found his delight, she pulled away, blushing in embarassment. "No..." he started, but thought it wise not to continue. But she looked so utterly helpless right now, so gentle and delicate... As she looked away, a smile pulled at his lips and he let one hand tip her head back up to his. "Would you care for another?"
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Post by Leona Amaltheia on Mar 21, 2013 3:32:38 GMT -5
She supposed his lack of speech was what had initially relaxed her with his presence. Silence had been her best survival method. If you weren't noticed, you lived. Meaningful conversation made her uneasy, it meant someone was attempting to understand you, get to know you and during a war, friends were the last thing she had needed. Silver hued orbs fell to the fingers gliding along her skin, even in the silence they were naught but soothing making her almost forget the ache in her leg. She knew not of what to think of such a feeling. She knew nothing of emotions, could scarcely remember the warmth of her father's embrace much less his love. She had grown cold and callus, distant to the world around her and yet he seemed to bring out the best of her and why he wasted so much as a drop of thought upon her, she knew not.
She shook her head lightly, absently denying his words, no matter how playful they may have been. "I enjoy your company, no desire blooms within me to cast you anywhere." She spoke softly, eyes glittered with laughter as she answered him after a moment's pause. If nothing else, she spoke what she felt, she truly did enjoy his company and she had no desire to move. Her injury needn't be tended too, it would heal with time and nothing more. She would much rather feel his fingers tracing the curves of her arm than a physicians cold touch. She knew she could not stay here forever, lounging beside him, but she could for the time being and that was good enough for her.
His kindness speared her. He did not seem to realize how utterly horrid people had been to her... but then again he had not seen her scars, the old wounds she kept hidden beneath layers of clothing. Any sort of kindness was not ever afforded her. It greatly stunned her when anyone offered her much of anything, knocked her for a loop. In her mind, every favor came with a price. There was no reason for someone to be kind and they wouldn't be unless it benefited them. Or at least, such was her ideal. She smiled gently, with holding her praise, realizing it was beginning to make him uncomfortable. She never wished to make him uneasy in her presence.
Her blush could have rivaled Ruby's signature cloak, and it paled when he spoke the soft, quiet denial of her words before lapsing back to silence. The hand roving her arm lifted to her chin, tilting her head back up to meet his own and for once she obeyed without question. Her grey orbs seeking those deep blues. She jumped between his eyes like a skittish rabbit, attempting to read the emotion in his eyes at his chuckled question.
Shock registered in the depths of her eyes, but she recovered quickly. Chewing the inside of her cheek, a genuine smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. After only a moment's hesitation, she shifted in his lap to better face him. The hand that had previously traced the contours of his face returned. She rested her forehead ever so softly against his own. Her voice soft and gentle as she answered him. "Please?"
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Post by Thorin Oakenshield on Mar 23, 2013 19:19:07 GMT -5
It was quite unlike the warrior-spirited Thorin Oakenshield to have any sort of soft spot for anyone. Nothing like this was within the parameters of a warrior's code of conduct, and yet he found that there was nothing he could do to stop the pretty woman before him from infiltrating his heart. Her lovely silver eyes were terribly hard to miss, and even more so when he could not keep his roaming eyes from her face. Och. Thorin really needed to focus on remembering who he was. On recalling his strength so that he did not look the part of a weak man. Because under her spell, that was how he felt.
But her gentle words, spoken with the utmost sweetness, made him falter and he could not help but allow his smile to grow. She captivated him entirely. "For that I am both glad and grateful," he answered, calling upon his patience in this moment to not lose his control of the situation. Things had taken a surprising turn already, andhe wondered where they were going to now.
He looked at her analytically, wondering what was on her mind that made her eyes sparkle so and her gaze search. What made her smile so sweet and her face so soft. He was thinking things that never had he thought before, his mind nearly always set on Erebor and on reclaiming everything there that belonged rightfully to him and to his people. He had devoted his life to it; to this end had been his every effort, all his fortitude, everything he worked so hard to fulfill. Smaug, that awful dragon, had taken much from Thorin, and he expected that it would one day all be atoned for--he could have his mountain again and his people safely underground, where they truly belonged.
Her word--that one word--snapped him from his hateful memories and realized Thorin to the present. She was searching him for what she would, trying to figure him out or something, and he had not even realized until late that the offer had even slipped his tongue. Oh, he'd done it, he thought. But no--she asked for more? She did not mind him? Thorin sighed. This was not something he was used to at all.
"Anything for such a fair dame," he said with the biggest smile he'd ever given her, though it probably wasn't still that huge. He took her soft, small face between his palms, gentle as he could be, and moved his face toward hers. He let his lips brush hers gently at first, just to feel the sweet kiss he'd first felt from her. And then, as he let her become accustomed to the feeling, Thorin parted her lips with his tongue, only gently enough to see how far she was willing to let him go.
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Post by Leona Amaltheia on Mar 24, 2013 1:35:30 GMT -5
She was memorized by the king before her. His demeanor intrigued her. He seemed to portray an air of self assurance and strength, an imposing figure, almost untouchable. She could read the sadness and the utter determination in the depths of his dark eyes but she could see little else and it ate at her. Leona had always been an excellent judge of character, she could catch their gaze at a glance and determine if she would be hit on, ignored, spat upon or attacked. It was a skill developed over time, but one that failed time and time again when it came to the dwarves king. Where arrogance should have taken root, kindness prevailed. Where rough words and harsh movements should have made her cringe, he touched her like the finest of porcelain. She thought he was going left when he would go right and that fascinated her.
She smiled gently as he answered her, needing to say no more on the subject, she had gotten the message across and that was all that mattered. He understood she enjoyed his company and wanted it around. They needn't speak more, she didn't have too, there bond did not require words. Bond? Since when had she decided to grow attached to this man? She almost sighed, what was he doing to her? Her entire attention focused, shifted from wanting to survive to wanting to know everything about him. What made him smile, what brought upon that dark twinkle in the depths of his gaze? What made those onyx orbs glitter with laughter when he was amused?
As soon as the word had left his mouth, his eyes widened slightly, seemingly surprised at himself that he had spoken such a thing, but she gave him no chance to alter his words. She pleaded her demand too him and this too seemed to surprise him... why she had no clue. Who wouldn't wish to spend the afternoon with him? His personality was a wondrous treat and she found herself trapped, unwanting and unwilling to pull away, in fact she only wished to draw closer. He smiled widely at her plea, eyes glittering with something she could not name... had she truly pulled such a strong reaction from him? Her heart fluttered like a hummingbird within her chest.
His hands rose to trace the rigid definition of her cheekbones, holding her still and in place as he slowly lowered his lips to hers once more. This lasted longer than her barely there taste. He was divine, and as she grew accustomed to the feel of his mouth upon her own, his tongue traced the seam of her mouth and hesitantly, tentatively, she parted her lips, her tongue hesitantly responding. She shifted drawing closer, crawling slowly into his lap, hands resting on the armor that covered his sides, unsure of where t put them. Emotions burst through her body like fireworks as their kiss only grew deeper. Even when she grew short of breath she did not pull away, far to captured by this sensation to dream of such a thing, he broke their lips embrace and she panted into the air, attempting to regain a hint of composure. "I like you...Thorin Oakenshield." She murmured ever so gently against his mouth, blush still brilliant across her cheeks.
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Post by Thorin Oakenshield on Mar 24, 2013 20:56:07 GMT -5
Thorin was controlling poorly his manliness, for whatever reason unable to keep his grip on the invariably important part of him, that finicky thing. There was something she did to him that he could not pinpoint or comprehend; he wished he could, because Thorin absolutely hated not being the one in charge--and especially of himself. She made him feel... oh what was it, really? Was it... yes. Weak. She made him weak. And it was an incredible thing to witness, because while he should hate it, Thorin instead was falling victim to her charm and to her delicate womanly manners. And he was, strangely enough, enjoying it.
He was perfectly content in their silence, and he loved it because she seemed to understand that it was what made them so compatible as companions... or more. He was not quite sure what to consider their pairing right now, not sure if he could find the right words to describe it. But whatever it was, he enjoyed it, and he knew that he could stay in this good, serene silence for as long as she wished him to. He still had a hard time believing she'd not push him away. She hadn't yet.
He did not understand. She was too wanting. No one ever wanted to be this close to him; no one ever wanted to know him like she seemed to want to. Why was she so attached already, and why on Earth was he alright with it? He knew that as a warrior and future king, he should be trying to fulfill his destiny, but he'd been stopped when he had been somehow brought to this place, where he could not go on his quest to Erebor, where he was unable to reclaim his lost gold and title and home. But she was near him... He could taste her already, see the interested spark in her eyes as his lips came closer to hers. And he closed her in a lovely kiss, something more than ever he'd hoped to have with her. This certainly changed something about their relationship.
He had coaxed her mouth into the kiss with nearly nothing; she was more than willing to join his embrace, and as she responded, Thorin allowed himself to begin his exploration of his mouth. When she was too out of breath, and he nearing it, he pulled himself from her, so as not to lose too much control. He was already dangerously attracted, and he was not going to do anything that might harm or scare her. Not here. Not now. Not ever, if she was intent on leaving him after today. Somehow, she'd ended up in his lap, and her words melted him, a smile unable to keep itself off his lips. "I... I can't believe you," he said lowly, quietly. "I like you too, Leona. Quite a lot." And he kissed her once again, but it was a chaste, short kiss. He could not let his mind wander.
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