THRILLER! [VAUGHN]

[kory]

There was just a few more hours before the sun would be fading. So the forest of Balor was still quite lit. Kory had taken a little ways from the path. She knew where it was so she wouldn't be getting lost anytime soon. The place was still rather unknown to Kory, but she was familiar how forest usually are and how to work through them. Her form bore her usual outfit. All leather. Handmade from her own kingdom. A skirt that wrapped around her thighs and tied up with a cord, it met above her knees. Her feet bore short calve length boots. Her top half was covered in the right places. Her outfit was far from the usual of women in these areas, but it was quite clear she was all woman. No man had her curves, maybe even some women. Though it was quite difficult to tell, so she couldn't be sure.

Kory's hair was on the more tame side of things for the low wind tide was almost non-existant. It ran down her back in red flames and simmered in the last of the sunlight, that sparkled down through the trees. The light also seemed to catch the gleam of her swords. Shining through the cracks in the forest and maybe attracting some attention. Although it was a very fine shine. Kory's footsteps had mostly been quiet. Just a slight crunch here and a slight crunch there. Kory hadn't foreseen the more larger crunch. Making, Kory freeze where she stood. As she could feel movements beneath her feet and hear rustling beside her behind some shrubs. Kory could just make out a shadow. A black figure of some kind. She was sure it was not human. It couldn't be a rabbit of a deer, something bigger.

It merged from where it was well hid. The light played upon the reptile scales and a sharp spark in its eyes. It was not overly pleased. Kory could tell. It's mouth bellowed out a massive raw and it seemed to shake the ground below, even her feet felt it. The hairs at the back of her neck stood up. Her hands had already in instinct pulled out her swords. It had been a rather slow movement. The creature creaked a little at the movements. The nose of the beast played mostly upon the ground and then lifted in the air between. Smelling the scent. This was not a beast Kory had seen before, though it was large. It was far from the largest she's seen before. Though it was best maybe to see if it would just pass. Kory wasn't much for just attacking even such a creature as this.

The motionless stance between the two, seemed to last roughly about 10 minutes. The creature soon grew bored and started to retreat through the shrubs. Kory mistakenly moved her foot. Causing a little more crunch and a swing of her right sword. The beast had already turned back. Its eyes blood shot with anger. The nostrils steaming and a massive raw came swiftly to Kory's ears. Kory knew there wasn't going to be much time to think. It was either try and take the fight here. Although Kory was sure this was going to be mostly a chase. In the short seconds she was given. Her eyes darted. She could make use of her surroundings, that she was sure.

Her head turned back just as the creature poured at the ground and began the chase. It bolted towards Kory. Kory was quick enough to dart across. Making out every move and tactic this creature may have. It was fast. As soon as Kory had darted, she was already met with the creature. Kory's stomach just missing the bite of it's teeth. She could even feel the breath upon her bare skin. Smell the strange scent from the beast. Kory moved back and used a tree to dart around and came behind the creature. She swung her sword. She was quickly met with its eyes and then it swung to aim Kory with it's tail. It missed just half second as Kory jumped. As the beast's head came back around. Kory took strike hoping to catch it off guard. She managed to stake the beast in the arm. It's skin was rather tough to get it back out, but as the creature raw again with even more reason to be angry, it didn't take much more strength to get the sword back out. The beast's mouth came to meet her and Kory swung her swords one after the other. It made the beast retreat it's mouth short, but it soon came back. Taking another stride towards Kory. Kory backed up. Being met with the beast before her eyes. As Kory stepped more. The beasts movements began to take more speed.

Little by little. Soon its was in running motion. Kory had at some point turned so she was no longer running backwards. Her sight was taken away from the beast, but she knew full well where it was. Just at the heel of Kory. The flashes of red and black darted through the forest. The beast calling out in anger filled the surrounding area of the forest. Though to be honest anything else was a bit far from Kory's mind. Although she had wondered if this was the only creature, but she wasn't about to go back a check the shrubs. Just then the beast got a little close, its mouth snipped at Kory's left boot. Kory darted around a tree, changing the path regularly. After a bit of darting and the bite just before her heels. The chase had soon fell upon a rough out path. A some 10 feet a head it ended and it was a bit of an open area. There was means of getting around trees, but Kory knew she couldn't run forever and the fight needed to be ended here.

Kory led the beast in to the area and as Kory got to the edge. She used one of the trees. Her right foot first then joined with her left and flipped over the beast and landed on its shoulders. The beast shook underneath her. In between the beast shaking Kory soon was able to pierce the sword through its neck. It slipped it easily, but it wasn't fatal. It had wounded the beast, but it made it even more angry. With its rougher movements and more aggressive, Kory was flung off. Her back hit the ground hard. As her eyes opened the beast was looming above her. Its foot came down to crush her. Kory stopped it with her swords that she managed to be still grasping. The beast withdrew its claws and brought down it's mouth. Kory quickly rolled to the side. In one quick motion, Kory was now standing.

The beast turned weakened to face her. Kory's eyes ran over the beast. Eyeing it out. As her breathe had now became a little heavier. The beast moved the two deeper in the middle of the opening. Blood was trailing behind it's every step. It wasn't in the strength to run anymore, but it's strike was still with quite decent strength. Kory either darting in time or meeting the beast with her sword. Moving to the edge, Kory used another tree as a means to twist her in the air. Her foot in the air meeting its face and then with her sword. A large gash was now upon it's cheek.

As she landed the beast knocked over and ran its claws in her direction. Catching her stomach and her thigh. They weren't overly deep, but enough they bled. Kory had knocked the beast as its claws just met her skin. So not every line was bleeding and they wouldn't scar. Although the one of her thigh one of lines was bleeding more than the others. Kory rolled on to her knee and one foot planted. HEr face hidden a little from the beast. She cringed slightly at the burning from her thigh and stomach, but it seemed to more urge her than give her too great of a pain. Kory eyed the timing and movements as the beast drove closer. This battle was now coming to an end. Kory knew it. Felt it in every inch of her muscles. Her swords were still. At bay. They faintly gleamed from the light peaking through. They were humming nicely to their master. As much as she had planned not to take the beasts life. Wished to have left it a lone back behind the shrubs. There was really little choice now. It was clear it was either kill or be killed. Kory wasn't planning to fall now. Not when she had barely lived. Barely made her mark.

Soon her right sword was bedded into its chest and into the beast's heart. It's mouth hung open above Kory's head. She could smell and feel the life slowly fade. She was a tad sad. For she really hadn't planned this, but she was left with little choice. It was meant to be done, it a peered. The beast soon faded and its weight began to lean a little to much on Kory. Moving to the side. Kory took back her sword and the beast fell beside where Kory stood. She was going to need to learn just what this was. Surely someone knew. They were not common of Valaria, but she guessed they were here.

Her eyes ran over the body then to where she stood. She had little idea where this was. It was a sort of meadow path thing in the forest. She was sure the path laid east from where she stood. With all honesty between running and trying to take perfect aim, Kory hadn't taken much noticed where she had ended up until now. She did know it was a long chase up until now. A warm faint liquid ran down her thigh. Her stomach had dripped, just her thigh. It gleamed a deep red, deeper than her hair. Her green eyes caught the blood train. Kory's finger catching it. It smeared a little at her skin. The cut didn't hurt much, She could bare it. Kory took a seat by on the trees on the west side of the area, the beast on the east where it laid dead.

Kory's body sank to her seat. Her muscles now unwinding and relaxing. Maybe look for a water hole of some kind, she toyed at the idea. As her hand wiped at the blood train some more and around the small wound. It did sting then, but again she could cope with it. It was a far cry from anything she had been through. Her hand then wiped at her skirt, clearing her hand. She hadn't much to be able to stop the blood flow, but she was sure the cut would be closing soon as it was rather shallow. Her hand then traced her stomach area. It stung at the touch and the blood had only slightly dripped. Kory was glad, for it could have been much worse. Her eyes ran over the beast again. Though it had been unwanted and a tad sad. It seemed to pump her up. Got her to use her mind somewhat. Any and all was always a lesson to be learnt and there was plenty here to learn. She had been merely a teen when taken and had a lot of her years taken. Now was not the time to ponder what she could have done in those times. For she could only rely on the, now.

She was wondering if she could just hear the faint sound of water. Was it her imagining, hoping it was or was it real. An echo of a stream. It wasn't clear of the direction, but Kory was sure just a couple more moments to gather herself, she would find her place and her way. Kory had just let out a breathe and muscles beginning to relax. That she was sure she had just heard an echo through the forest, of another raw much like the one that had chased her. It was not what laid before her some yards away. It's skin was pale and stone cold. It's eyes shut to the world. Kory couldn't tell the distance, enough she figured. Then it could of been her imagination or just miles away. If it wasn't and it was just around the corner. Kory knew she could face it. If only speaking wasn't such a problem. She could just ask them nicely to stop, that of course if they would listen even if they understood english.

---

Music:Fall Out Boy - Thriller, Fall Out Boy - Thriller (AOL Sessions)

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

It was another rather uneventful day. Every day seemed to be as such. Ever since the druid found a woman and gave up his immoral self, Vaughn had found his life a bit less exciting. Well, immoral according to Vaughn. Alistair had had his morals. He went on about taking a stand and doing what was right, blah blah yawn yawn. Vaughn did not care in the slightest. What he had cared about what the ploys the druid brought to him. He was often the brains of the operation, providing well thought out plans while Vaughn hired the goons to assist them and gather the materials. They had been fairly successful to. With kidnapping the princess of Gwent, fantastic how that had turned out, kidnapping the king of Camelot, or well previous old king, and some random maid who meant nothing to them. But still.

The thrill of it had been there and his partnership with Alistair had proven to give Vaughn amusement and unwavering entertainment. Now, he had to find the amusement where it came. So far, the Forest of Balor was a dull setting for such things. He had been wandering through the vast wooded area for hours, not possessing a horse at this current time. That was on his to do list: steal a horse, perhaps kill someone for it. But thus far, he had not even encountered any foolish travelers in the forest. If he believed in luck, he would have thought his ran out. But Vaughn if anything, was not a man defeated. He did not care enough to deem himself defeated. He was just someone, out looking for a bit of thrill. As much as this dull life could provide.

Vaughn was dressed, as always, in dark attire, dark armor and with two swords strapped to his back. Having paused briefly near a steam, he had taken a drink of water before continuing on the trail. He had paused to drink some of the refreshing liquid, but instead found himself pausing for an entirely different reason. He had a distant commotion. It sounded like a battle of some sort. No, it was a battle for sure. Vaughn had been in enough to know. The sounds he heard intrigued him and so decided to sneakily approach the situation. There he saw it; a woman battling a beast. A grin of amusement formed on his lips as he made no effort to assist the woman. In all honestly, he was expecting the beast to devour her and if it did, then this would have made for a good show. If not, then he would have something to talk to her about.

In the end, she was victorious. Vaughn would have been disappointed had he not already thought of ways that her company could alleviate some of his, boredom. He had a better look at her now that she was not scurrying about to kill the beast. She was a woman dressed in attire that Vaughn had never seen, and he traveled the world endlessly. A woman who seemed to have blood dripping from her. A woman who, looked like no one Vaughn had ever seen. And he was not sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Perhaps something that could work in his favor, or something that would make him just walk away. He took a few steps towards her assessing the situation; trying to determine if this was some sort of trap.

She would not be the first woman used to entice a traveler only to be ambushed by her companions. But no. Surely they would not risk her appeal to attract wanderers, and place it at the mercy of a beast. No. She was alone; that much was certain. "Quite a show you put on," he said to her, moving closer so that he was now standing right in front of the foreign looking woman. His voice held more amusement than concern for her having potentially died. And, he brought it to her knowledge that he had been standing by, watching the entire thing. Making no move to aid her. His eyes searched over her, in such a way meant to make a woman uncomfortable. Certainly, she would be no exception to the discomfort felt from this leering gaze that only men with the crudest of minds gave.

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[kory]

The forest was growing dim. The beast still stone as ice. Kory could hear a faint raw as if it was passing. Yet it was still loud enough to be heard. She sat still against the tree. Kory had forgotten whether it had been in used in the match, but she had put most of the event behind her. Clearing her head. Resting her wounds. Feeling relaxed once again. When the footsteps began. There had been no sign of anyone prior. Kory was a bit surprised she had been rather surprised. Even the slightest movement and Kory would easily pick them up. Yet, here she laid with a man in black meeting her. Her eyes ran over the man. He bore nothing she had once seen. Yet, the darkness of his armour reminded her of her sister. They were not of the same design, so Kory was sure who ever he was, was in no relation to Kalysta.

Who was Kory to just assume anything. There was mystery, but there was something this man that drew her in. He had a presence worth noting. Kory hadn't the instinct to jump to her stance and defend. For his movements were calm and almost gentle. He made no means to stop. He was being careful. Kory respected this about him. He was smart. Didn't just note a woman. He had seen the battle, how much Kory didn't know, but enough that he was cautious. Soon, he stopped. His form above her own. A tall dark man. Rather appealing, in some way. He was trying to figure her out. Would it pay him with bad service to know she wasn't overly easy to pin down. Though she sensed it was similar for him. There was a uniqueness about him Kory was drawn to. He had a past that had led him straight here, much like hers had. She couldn't tell whether he had a destiny as such. Maybe living in the present more. She tried to feed off his emotions. Feel his drive. Yet he appeared a little shut off. Like a locked door. There was a couple of cracks, but it seemed he was quite well sealed.

She admired his bravery. Taking his stance as he did before her. Was she as unique to him as he was her, She could only guess. He seemed to match to this new world in a way she defiantly did not. She smiled at his words. There was a sharp distinct tone in his voice. It was rather beautiful and yet dangerous. She gathered he saw most of the battle, then. Kory wasn't displeased he had not aided her. This had not been his fight and she wasn't weak. She managed it on her own. There was no shame in that. She liked his closeness. He had a chilling presence.

"Did it impress you?"

Kory's voice travelled to the man's ears. Her voice kind and gentle. At ease with her response. For it seemed by his words it was as much of a compliment and Kory took it. If it had not amused him he would have turned away, she figured. She hadn't much an idea of his skills and she was sure he had some dressed up like the dark knight. Had she impressed him? Did he just see another woman trying to act like she knew what she was doing? Did this even matter? Her hand were still grasping her swords, but she soon relaxed them out of her hands. She could feel his eyes lurking over her. Trying to peel the skin right off of her. She wasn't sure he was trying to make her uncomfortable. She much rather liked it. It gave her goosebumps and tingles up and down her skin. The hairs again stood up upon her neck. There was a stir in her belly. He seemed to be able to bring nerves to her and she very much liked this. He was at least making her feel something. She wasn't overly impressed by the dull kind. She could almost feel her skin burn. She smiled slightly as her eyes pierced his. Who would crack first? She lowered her head. He could take this one. Kory was sure there be more.

"Do you generally lurk in the shadows? Tell me is this how you catch your prey?"

Kory hadn't planned her words and it probably showed. She was seeking something out of him, but he was much a stranger she had ever met so far. So far her skills hadn't scared him off. Did he think it diminished her worth as a woman? Made her stronger? More appealing? It wouldn't sway her own judgement. Kory knew pretty well who she was. There was always room to be shown differently. Maybe he would take suit and join her by her seating. She was much in the mood to be amused. To be challenged. If this embarrass him or be below him. She would not whisper it out loud. For it appeared they were one on one. Save the beast dead some feet away. And the faint call of its mate.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Vaughn watched her watch him intently. She seemed unusually calm, for a woman out alone in the woods and now in the presence of a stranger. Then again, he had witnessed her engage in combat with a beast. Apparently, she was well equipped for potential dangers lurking through the woods. Thus far anyway. There were many more things that grazed through the woods, far more vicious than a beast. When she asked if she impressed him Vaughn gave a short chuckle of sheer amusement. He slightly cocked his head to the side and look at her, a gleam of hilarity in his eyes. "Not in the slightest," he answered bluntly. Was he entertained? Yes. Was he impressed? Not at all. A grand difference existed between the two things.

It took quite a lot to impress Vaughn. In fact, he could not even recall the last time he had been genuinely impressed by anyone. Her next questioned caused another deep chuckle from him, the amusement never ceasing. "It is," he confirmed. He had nothing to hide, for he never pretended to be someone he was not. Never afraid to speak his mind. As it was often meant to make others feel uncomfortable; his greatest amusement of all. Yet this woman did not stir in the slightest. If anything, her voice was kind and far too gentle. It only meant he would have to try and provoke her to feeling something other than ease. "Especially when the prey is of your appearance."

His eyes once again leered over her figure, in the crudest of ways. His words were not meant to flatter, nor did the gaze of perversion in his eyes. It was again, only meant to cause unease. "Why, do you feel hunted?" He asked, a sinister gleam in his eyes. This time, he was not referring to the beast being what hunted her. Surely, she encountered more than just creatures in the Forest of Balor, as these woods were notorious for holding immense danger.

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[kory]

The forest crawled of the dark kind. The shadows were beginning to play tricks in all different corners. Yet, her mind was most focused upon this man. Who was much a stranger. There was a gleam in his eyes. Once she couldn't pin down whether it was out of delight or he had other things in mind. As long as that gleam was for her. It was enough no matter the reason. He had shown her no threat. He had approached her when he didn't have to. He had to have seen something to his liking despite his words. It was foolish to seek danger where there wasn't any, not yet. Besides he seemed the kind that liked the chase. Although she doubted he maybe one to run or more just cheat. Kory was a little taken back at his words. For his words prior expressed a compliment. Yet, what he spoke now was truth. She smiled softly. At least he was honest. He was trying to show he was open to who he was, but Kory doubted that was truly the case. Most of his emotions were shut, this meant he was hiding. Maybe to himself and he just didn't see it.

"I shall try harder next time."

She jested towards him. Though in truth he had only seen a partial of her skills. She was trained since birth. Although she was feeling the need for training. She eyes him out. Her green eyes ran along him and she laughed softly. She wasn't sure this was the time. Besides she had only met him, but she was interested in what skills he processed. Save Kory was more interested in the talking. The getting to knowing conversation. There was no one she knew. Her Family and people gone. For all she knew Kory was the last symbol of her kind. Just before her eyes was laid out a puzzle. A very intriguing maze. Even the slightest opening and Kory would take it. Suddenly the teen laughter gathered in her head. This should have been so many years ago, but instead of laughter they were screams back then.

She caught the lump in her throat as this man spoke again. It was probably meant to stir her the wrong way, she just didn't have the this is dangerous voice in her head. If it was it quite clouded. Was there more to it. To his words. As he said yes, without even the slightest hesitation. Was there really more to it than just a yes? Kory's mind fled to this gap that she thought she could see. Seeing this man commonly in all darkness. Her head turned. Was this all his life? Was it really by choice? That Kory wasn't able to really take hold. It appeared this was all his doing, but Kory was wondering if this was just one of those things hidden to him now days. She could feel his every gaze upon her flesh. He seemed to be doing much the same as she was just trying to do. Maybe they were the either side of the coin so to speak. There was a wisdom there. A hint he was trying to find her buttons. How to stir her even more.

Her lips smiled as he spoke of her appearance. So she had some attraction for him. Whether it was strange part or the beautiful part, Kory didn't mind. He was fascinated and Kory liked that. She was just the same with him. She was all that was bright with the world. Even something more so seen in these parts. He was all that was every dark, just that slight light in his eyes. Other than that he was steel black. Yet she was being drawn in. Kory was maybe not in the right control to stop. She wasn't sure there was reason not to. He seemed rather coy so far. He hadn't giving her reason not to trust him.

Kory remained speechless for the time being. She was rather enjoying his long gaze and the movement his words created. That stirring was moving more and more. Soon his gaze became even heavier upon her. Kory almost could have sworn he stepped closer, even if there wasn't much further for him. His shadow took her then. Her light beaming with what little power it had. Her eyes remained the brightest. The light in the dark. Kory wondered if there was more to these words as he spoke, but Kory was left a little unwise. She took it he was just trying to toy with her. It was the matter of whether she wished for him to hunt her? As long as he desired it, she was sure she was fine with this arrangement. As she played upon the thoughts. Kory remained more or less comfortable. She could feel her body heat up. Her cheeks blushed a little to show it on the surface. Again Kory smiled. As her breathe seemed to be getting caught. She just put it down this was a good thing.

"Not in the slightest... I dare say I am all that appetising, but I cannot speak for your taste-buds "

She turned his words around on him. She smiled softly. She would let him rest on those for a few short moments. Her body responded in a way that this was a harmless game. A challenge. Kory so wished to play.

"Should I be running? I do not mind being chased, but I'm not really in the mood, maybe catch me now, if you can."

She questioned kindly and with a slight humour in her voice. Kory lived for the thrill of the chase, but she had already ran miles. She could find the stamina again, but there was no real need, right? This was just a game. Cat and Mouse. Though she was more like the snake. She smiled as her words ended and patted the seating beside her. Offering her trust. She would hope he would take it. She didn't wish to come across rude or unkind. Though she wasn't about to change who she was for just one man. If there was something here he liked. Maybe desired. He had to find a loophole and accept who she was. Just as she needed to do the same.

[Vaughn Adeney]

::vaughn::

Try harder next time? These words held many implications. They suggested that there would be a next time. Implying that their encounter now would either be prolonged or that they would meet again in the future. The latter Vaughn found highly unlikely. There were very few whom he made an effort to see again. As most encounters he had with passerbys were often one time and that was it. The exception to this was mostly Alistair; and that was because they often devised plots to wreak havoc on another, but of course not without purpose. Yet as far as others went, especially women, it was very seldom for Vaughn to willingly see them again. Coincidences occurred now and then of course. "Now who's to say there will be a next time?" He questioned smirking at the suggestion. "You will have to do a great deal to impress me." There was a suggestive meaning behind his words, but going back to his previous philosophy: it took quite a great deal to truly impress him.

The fact that she merely continued to smile, left Vaughn intrigued. Intrigued as to what made this woman so bold. Did she find herself so confident in her ability to fight? Why was it that she did not show the slightest unease in his words? A bit curious, but Vaughn always liked a good challenge. If it was easy to provoke everyone, then life would be even more dull than it was now. And well, that would just be unbearable. He noticed the hint of color in her cheeks, but it was not a modesty from a woman who was uncomfortable. For the sincere smile on her lips dismissed this possibility. Vaughn's own smile was hardly as affectionate; it was often a smirk. Gleams of sinister pleasure. Hints of his sadistic nature. All things that should make a person, and most often did make a person, feel unnerved. As it would if any man gazed upon someone in the manner that he purposely did.

Her words to offer herself just made Vaughn chuckle. "An enticing offer," he said, finding these words appropriate. Did she always make this a habit, of offering herself in such a way to strange men? Then it was no wonder she remained unafraid. Especially if she held so much, experience. "My appetite is substantial. I doubt even you could quite fulfill it." Hardly a compliment, but it made it less of a challenge when a woman fully offered herself like that. Usually, the only ones who did, did so in exchange for coin. Another brand of women that Vaughn avoided: whores. Why bother paying them for a service when it was easy to find other women who were equally willing, and for free. Kory seemed to fall in that brand of women, but again, there had to be more of a challenge. Perhaps she was bluffing, and if so, he fully intended to call her bluff.

"Is it a habit of yours to offer yourself to strangers in the woods?" He asked, a taunting smile on his lips. He doubted he was the only one that she said such words to. Especially as they were spoken so soon; within the first few seconds they met. Her next words provided another challenge. She was just full of them now wasn't she. He did not like the offer to catch her, for it was something that Vaughn tended to do when it was unexpected. The thrill of the chase only made it fun when the person being chased, did not want to be caught. "I could," he said rather confidently. "But I shan't. Not when it is something so expected, and wanted." The last word was an assumption, but one he felt easily made for her smile and overly warm personality was what made her offer seem like something she wanted, as opposed to something she feared. "Besides, its not as fun when predicted." In fact, it took all the fun out of it.

When she patted the seat next to her, Vaughn found himself smirking once again, and chuckling at the gesture. He looked away for a moment before locking his gaze on her once more. He shook his head, a nonverbal response to her non verbal offer. "You are a very foolish young woman," he said, not bothering to conceal even an ounce of amusement he felt right now. "You know nothing about me. I could be a man, thirsty for blood." Willing to kill her for no reason. While Vaughn did not always kill without purpose, she did not know that. She did not know him. And yet, her patting the space next to him made it seem like...she trusted him. That she trusted him to be in such close proximity to her. "Very foolish and naive indeed," he finished off, shaking his head with mock disapproval, as if 'tsking' her for her unwise actions.

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[kory]

So he wanted to be impressed? Kory watched him over as her words had sunk into him. Her head moved to the side, perhaps deeper than she had intended. Kory was soon realising there wasn't much of a light side to him. She gave a half escaped of air with just a hint if laughter. For she was doubting this was the case, that he was just all seriousness. It was maybe bad on her part to just assume he was showing any signs at present. Was toying not a light side? Maybe toying was all he was. Kory didn't wish to play on to much of who he was. For she did not know. It was only confusing her more. She smiled again. Someone that wasn't easy to pin. Someone that turned back on to her. Trying to stir and confuse her. This was on level a pleasing thing. As his words came though he was more assuming than anything. Kory hadn't implied she was sure that the next time he would be present. She squinted her eyes towards him. Did he wish he would be? So far from what she saw, she was happy for this arrangement. Kory wasn't one to really boast about herself, but one liked to have some impression on someone. Whether to learn it better, to improve or it was at its peak.

"I believe you just did... Though, Who's to say it is for you, next time?... So you desire to be impressed? Give me some moments of your time and we'll see if I can leave something that will last. Or are you summoned elsewhere? "

Kory spoke through a jested tone, for she truly thought from his words he had just answered that question. Her tone tuned down and her eyes from piercing played upon him ever so gently. For she truly meant her for him to remain in her presence just that bit longer. Although as her eyes tracked him again over his knightly appearance, she was worried he was supposed to be some where else. This disappointed her. Perhaps it be wise just to ask for the nearest water hole and let him pass her by. Her eyes then grazed the forest, she was sure she could find it. Then her eyes played at the roof. Perhaps it was best to find camp soon. Best elsewhere, soon she might find this tree as her next bed. If this man had no plans other than extend his puzzled words, Kory could be quite content where she was. Her eyes then played once again upon his dark face. She smiled softly and her eyes then lowered. He was very intimidating; to keep such a perfect face let alone eyes, but for some reason Kory just couldn't stop her eyes from looking again.

She so wished for him to want to know her. She so wanted to know him. Really she just wanted to continue the speaking. Whether it serious or just continuous of jests. This was such a pleasant thing after such a long time. Well, despite how this man was maybe taking it. Kory would maybe need to find keener ways of impressing, but impressing she just did naturally. Kory wasn't interested in being fake. Don't get her wrong on playing the game, of course. But there was a piece of Kory usually rather large behind everything she says or does. She was like the brightest star, it took something truly to take that out. Nothing in her 6 years underground did that happen and with this one looming man, it wasn't going to happen here. Her smile remained. Her eyes played upon his smirk. Not so pleasant, she could read now. Though this just wasn't turning her off. It just made the stirring in her belly more lively, Kory could have sworn this had moved up stream. This stirring feeling. She smiled again. For there was little light she could gather from the surface, but somehow her body read differently. Her heart and head were maybe downplaying this event.

Kory's eyes toyed upon him as he spoke of offering herself. Reading into her offer in the way she hadn't intended, but she was pleased he was amused. She was merely trying to rise something out of this cold man. People tend to reveal more of themselves through laughter and joy. They just never realised it, because they were lost in the moment. Kory just smiled at his words. She wouldn't take back that she was merely extended some beginning of a friendship, she knew for him she was probably going to have to prove it. Kory doubted he need to. But she did not know this man. He was hard to read, which made her want to read more. Lead him down her path and into her world. Well, not literal. Valaria was gone. She wondered how he would fair there. She could almost picture a different man had he had grown up there. Perhaps this was the gleam she saw. A dead hope, a dead something lost in the rubble. Her eye spot weakened. Dropped. Showing just a hint of weakness and for once she didn't wish to hide it. For all the stuff she had bared let a lone carried, there were bound to be moments just like this one. Where she couldn't pretend she was not human. For she was. Woman, man. In the end she was merely human. Her heart raced beneath her. Kory didn't care nor worry his eyes still lingered. If he was watching her slowly unfold, maybe he could be honoured to see just a glimpse of who she was. For as strong of a woman she played or was, Kory hardly knew herself. Knew who she was. Kory heaved and let out a deep breathe. For all the torment in her past, she was happy to have bared them. Kory was wiser and stronger for it. Though maybe the strength also laid in showing weakness. Kory half smiled as she tried to read into these emotions.

Her attention was broken as the man spoke of her being eaten. Kory hadn't much of words to respond. Kory just let out laughter. His words had amused her and Kory was grateful for it. Even though his words had implied she wouldn't be delicious, Kory wasn't overly taken back by that. What person in there right mind wanted to be eaten? She ran her tongue along her arm. Expressed it wasn't amazing and gave a soft laugh in his direction once again. Kory was getting the impression he was feeling led on. Did he truly think she had intended him to be between her legs? Kory was sure she had only wished him beside her. Sit before her. Kory didn't mind. Just come to her level. Then maybe he was the man that desired power to be on top. Now, Kory was neither a whore nor was she open. Kory was in zinc with her body. She liked to be pleased. Kory was open in ways not all women were, but the other needed to be worthy. Kory wasn't sure he was just there. There had to be something they would both gain out it and Kory wasn't speaking of love. Not in that sense. She knew love would come in some form. Just not in the kind that tied two together. It was best not play to much on this to him. Her ways were confusing to most.Or well Valaria's ways.

Maybe, she figured. This man would fair better if he stopped trying to place her anywhere. Was it not clear yet, she wasn't most women. Just as she could tell he was not most men. She cared not for labels. For titles that could bring down someone or take them so high they have forgotten their place in the world. Kory was who she was. Not some trash along for the ride. She had dignity, but who's to tell her she can't enjoy things along the way. Were men only allowed to?

"Offer myself? Why are you interested?"

Kory toyed with the man. Her first question was merely asking where had she had said such a thing. Then as she asked him his feelings. She pushed upon her skirt a little. Revealing the dagger either side strapped to her thighs. They had been well hid until now. Kory thought this may change his mind just a little of what she had intended to mean. Not to mention the two swords that laid just by her sides. Maybe he was the fool to think she couldn't use them, but Kory wasn't wishing to. Not on his pretty face. Just revealing she wasn't that easy. Kory was open to the beautiful woman she was, but she was just not that easy. Kory made no intention to cover her daggers again. The wound on her thigh was more clear now. It now only drizzled red and it stung nicely. Kory now had a rather odd thought of him licking it and it just made her laugh. Oh, this man was fun. If he played his cards right, he wouldn't have to worry about any of her weapons. For she didn't wish him harm. She smiled.

"Oh I didn't wish to kill your mood. Give me a sec. I can start running soon. I could add some screams, but I doubt it be as effective if they aren't real"

Kory jested to him as his words had amused her. Wanted? Where in the way did he come up with that. Kory wanted him to want something from her and yes, on some level she wanted him to chase her. She loved the thrill maybe more than he did. Kory could admire a man taking charge, trying to make her feeling something. Any and every emotion he wished. There just wasn't anything strange about acting on ones emotions and desirers. If Kory wanted something, she was sure she would just take it. Kory then smirked herself. She doubted he was a man so easily taken advantage of. Not that was what she had in mind. Kory wasn't so in her own world of a women are strong world. Kory liked to see a man deserving of such things. Not all men were boys pretending to be men. Not all were heartless and crude. Some men Kory would happily enjoy their company. Although this man took her way of company to a level not quite in sight for her as of yet. Every man and every person deserved respect and a chance to prove themselves. There was worth in everyone, it was just a matter of showing it.

Kory was rather a taken back at his words. She felt like a little child being punished. Was he well aware that fool was maybe just a little foolish. Why would he just say such things? Were there truth to it? Kory didn't wish for him to harm her unless she wished it. There was different meanings to the word harm. Kory smiled he noted she was young, but maybe doubting she wasn't overly wise. She was someone he just didn't know. Kory shook her head slightly. Kory was sure if he had wished to hurt her he probably would have done it already or find the perfect time then he could enjoy it. She had merely expressed the seat as trust and a means to be on level. He was silly if he was going through this world on edge his whole life. Kory just wasn't that kind of person. Everyone deserved a chance and not everyone starts out wishing to be the villain.

"This maybe true, but you do not know me. I wouldn't be so quick to think me unwise, though I am pleased you care... I was merely offering a gesture. Sit where you stand if you must. I just wish for your company, is that so foolish? Then call me a fool... Thirsty for blood, you say?"

Kory's eyes gathered into truth as she spoke, but her tone remained gentle. His words hadn't unsettled her greatly. This was true, she didn't know him, but seemed disrespectful to just assume how some one was. This was seemed he was doing to her. Just assuming who she was. Now, Kory isn't the brightest. She dare say there is anyone with all the knowledge. The universe is vast. Though to think her just a fool, that she wasn't. At least she thought she wasn't. Though she had to thank him for bringing such things to her attention as if she hadn't seen danger in his eyes. Kory just wished for more of this man's company. Her heart fluttered and her belly stirred uneasily at the thought of him just passing her by. If this was foolish to ask, then he could call her that. Kory didn't play low with her trust. Her respect. Maybe he could sit where he stood now. Kory had merely thought it more comfortable, at least for her neck, but she had mainly seen it for his benefit not her own. Stand if he must. Her eyes moved down. Was there nothing here that excited him? That he may like some more word challenges. Her eyes followed back to his eyes. as spoke of his thirst. It was just a joke. As she drawn the attention to the blood on her thigh and stomach. Kory then let out a laugh. Did this man not know anything about the lighter side of things? Her laughter stopped. Her mouth smiled and her eyes remained inviting. Oh, she had barely met him and he was quite chilling. So far she liked this.

[Vaughn Adeney]

Her words suggested that she wanted to impress him. Vaughn found this highly odd. Was she an insecure woman who was desperate to leave an impression on someone? A good impression that is. Vaughn remained by what he had said; that she was foolish. But perhaps he would wait and see the full extent of her foolishness before he walked away, chuckling at whatever the circumstances led her to do. "I do not desire to be impressed," he corrected. Vaughn held no such desires because he never cared about anyone enough to actually want to be impressed by them. "I would not try too hard," he told her mockingly.

"For you will only set yourself up for failure." Words confidently spoken on his part. He casually folded his arms across his chest, a slightly playful smile on his lips. "But as I have no where else to be, let us see your attempt." He did not like the fact that she was practically inviting him to stay as he never wanted his company desire. It took the fun out of being able to provoke another. How could he provoke someone when they wanted him to be in their presence? It was of course not impossible, but it was not a fraction as entertaining.

When she looked at him he only returned the gaze. But his mind was not deep in thought. It was merely a sign of dominance, to see who would turn away; who would shy away really. Vaughn could play this game all night, for in most situations, he could easily hold the control. Whether it be with physical strength, which was not really often the case, or with his skill with his swords. Whether it be with reading a person to know exactly what to say to them; or to hold a piece of information over their head. Blackmail, extortion...Vaughn was not above such things. But as he did not know anything about her, and he saw that she did possess skill with a sword, it came down to other ways of assessing control. Even if it not submitting to what she seemed to will.

When she finally looked away, he smiled. Though it was far from the soft smiles she was giving him. It was pleased. Knowing that among her strength, she had weaknesses. Just like anyone did. He of course had his, which he was not ashamed to admit. But if one knew how to overplay their strengths, the they would seldom be defeated. It was after all how Vaughn was still alive to this day. There was a long list of people who he was certain wanted him dead but it was all about playing your cards right; about knowing when to take advantage of an opportune moment. And that, was how he survived. Of course right now the circumstance was not even remotely as intense. He just continued to keep his eyes on her, despite her cause, whatever it may be, to avert her own line of sight.

He was not sure how he felt about the laughter. He did not like it. Because, it was a clear demonstration of the unintentional effect he was having. It was not what he intended at all. But again, perhaps that was what made him stand in place. Intrigued by this defiance and break of the regular pattern that his life had thus far entailed. Speaking of unexpected reactions, he slightly raised an eyebrow, subtly cocking his head to the side when she proceeded to lick her arm. Like a cat. He was not quite sure what to make of that, so just looked at her. He obviously was not going to start licking his own arm. There was something far more alluring about a woman doing it than a man. Her next question broke the silence of attempting to understand what she was doing.

Was he interested? "What makes you so willing; makes you practically throw yourself at a man?" He did not answer her question, but rather, returned it with another statement of inquiry. Because...well, because Vaughn did not always give straight answers. He enjoyed dancing around them. As if the arm licking had not been surprising enough, she began to lift her skirt and this elicited the same reaction from him. He watched her hand work slowly, moving up the piece of fabric as his eyes laid rest on the weapon concealed under it. "Is that meant to flatter me, or threaten me?" He asked teasingly as he chuckled, moving his eyes back to her face. It was not a difficult temptation to look away from.

She was not the first woman's thigh he has seen and besides, what was the difference between one woman's and another? It was all the same. The same limb; the same soft skin; nothing differed. Perhaps with her, the difference was that it had been more difficult to predict this action. And then of course there was the blood which he paid no attention to. He was not sure why she laughed, just as he had no idea what thoughts were racing through her mind. Clearly nothing innocent if she was lifting up her skirt. When she offered to run, Vaughn just shook his head a bit. "The spontaneity of the moment is gone." Such a moment had passed and would most likely not be re discovered. Not with her anyway. "There is no need to run. Though perhaps there will be reason to scream."

These words could be taken any which way. And Vaughn was not going to clarify. He would let her own imagination give them life and meaning. It was her next words that caused him to immediately disagree. "And what gives you the illusion that I care?" He asked, still smirking. His words though spoken with truth, were never ones asked with a far too serious expression. Everything amused Vaughn, whether it be sadistic or in his words of mockery and uncaring. "It is indeed foolish to wish for such a thing, for you do not know me either." She took the fact that they did not know each other as a good thing; as a reason to get to know one another. Vaughn took it as the opposite. As the way that, she did not, or should not, want to get to know him.

Finding her comfort around him a bit odd, and unfamiliar. Her ease was only further expressed in the jovial way she laughed. Strange and curious indeed. "I doubt a woman such as yourself finds loneliness a common sate." A woman who looked as she did; dressed as she did; offered herself as she did; licked her arm, and lifted her dress. No; women like that would often find themselves in the company of men. Crude men if nothing else. And the kind of people that could pass through the forest of Balor, could easily fit this category. As he was getting to see who she was, it was becoming a surprise that she was alone now, when Vaughn found her.

[kory]

This was going to be a whirl wind of notions and questions. Kory was still sure he'd just answer as always. In the same similar fashion. Not a lot of emotion. Maybe it was intentional. Was this man trying to just hide any and every emotion? Kory was sure despite trying to shield such things, he maybe not realising it that there were vast hints of them. Or maybe Kory was just creating them. No, Kory was sure she was seeing signs here and there. It was beginning to feel as if she was the fire and he was the smoke. Kory was hoping she could find a way to light him up. Push or pull something and see if there are any sparks. Any flames, in the ash. Kory smiled. For though he appeared lifeless as a smoke and silently deadly. There was just something there at her eyes just wanted to capture. Or more wanted to find where such intriguing emotions came from. What was special about this man? Every person. Man. Woman. Child. Were unique. There was beauty and greatness in everybody. There was just something else. It wasn't something Kory was planning. Kory never thinks about whether or not she would do something or feel something, she just does it. If it works out well or not at all. Kory never regrets, life was too short and time couldn't be changed. This was much the same for her emotions. Kory had little control. It was much like love. It isn't something one really chooses, it chooses you. Kory felt the same with every emotion. They were meant to be felt whether they were wrong or right in another's eyes, they were anything than strange.

Kory's eyes played upon him as he had gathered her own words and came to give her his. Even though there was confusion in them and on some level Kory figured he was doing it on purpose. It didn't make her feel overly uncomfortable or unease. Kory just admired how he just stood for every word he could, he was hiding maybe. Saying very little, but if this was just all an act. Then Kory was fooled. There was just something there, she just wanted to take and keep her intrigued. Kory wanted to know more of these emotions he hinted or was possibly hiding. Her eyes then searched as he folded his arms. The playful smile which she very much liked just like the last and she was sure the same for the next one. Kory took his arms from him trying to show his confidence and comfortable in such moments. Though Kory also read that he was possibly shielding, maybe nerved to be opened. Maybe this man was nerved at her wishing for his company. Seeking something good that he thought there none to be. Kory knew nothing of anything other than the footsteps that led him here. Kory was wondering if maybe she was one of few that had wished for his company, if even less than that. Kory could not speak for another. Or really him. Should there be something unique in the fact that she had wished for such a thing. She hadn't of wanted this to be a bad thing. So far he was delightful company. Deserving of a chance. A chance to be heard. Maybe he was comforted by his own words, but Kory was sure hers might aid in just a little something. There could be a little need of just a little extra fire. Kory smiled brightly. Her eyes shone like green stars.

"I'd rather fail greatly then not having tried, I hold no regrets."

Kory set her words in motion. Flying truth to his ears. She didn't mind whether they hit well or not. Her voice had remained rather gentle and calm. Her eyes played to the expression. Kory would much prefer to at least try; than just give up. Not that giving up was much in her ways. Kory was maybe not the strongest and skilled warrior of them all, but her bravery was quite thick. Which was why Kory avoided the final battle unless provoked and there was little choice. She was trained to go all out. Kory wasn't going down without a fight. Though as Kory played over what was rather natural in her ways. Kory was wondering if this man would care to keep her impressed. Kory's eyes shifted downwards. There was little doubt, he was quite amusing. Kory's head turned. Did he know he was? Kory laughed softly. He probably did.

There was a hint of a strength in his eyes that was stronger then previous as he returned her gaze. Trying to pull Kory even deeper into this strange new world. Even if it was meant to maybe push her away. It was doing quite the opposite. In between it was just that need she had to turn away, but Kory couldn't control looking back again. Pulling her in what ever world he had wished her to be. Was there a way. Kory could maybe pull him in. Her eyes then moved tracing how she could. Though as Kory was being pulled it still made her rather comfortable. Not really having the sense of complete control. This was something different... Kory's soft features softened more. It was a hint of a game and it wasn't something Kory was wishing there to be winners or losers. Maybe never ending was best, but no she wasn't sure this is how this was played for him. He wanted to be challenged and she couldn't blame him.

For that one moment Kory was driven from his gaze. Where she had literally ripped herself away from. She noted he was pleased in his lips. Was that just a hint. Or was he pleased he had won that moment. Which ever it was. Kory liked this effect. Kory as she felt just a touch vulnerable for just a silent moment. His eyes never left her. Watching the fire move around in her skin, though the flames never weakened. They were just of a different strength. There was the essence of interest rather than judgement. It stirred her just that bit more. Something deeply stuck in the core of the fire. He wasn't taken back from this hint of her humanity. He hadn't maybe seen it strange. It was accepted. Trust was maybe tightened just a little more just then. As he remained silent and kept what she felt were warm eyes. In a good way. Drawing her back slowly to him.

It had taken some of her breath as her laughter seemed for a split second shook him. It was maybe not the response he had intended. He hadn't seen the laughter as foolish nerves. For they weren't. Her laughter was real and trying to amuse him. Not make fun of him. Like always, Respect. She was pleased mostly when others were pleased, amused. For then it pleased and amused her. Kory didn't play too much whether she would continue the laughing. It wasn't something again she thought about doing, she just did it when it was true. How she felt. Though her lips soften at his expression. She found his slightly ore of her quite content. As if there was maybe just a hint he just couldn't quite place her. Kory lowered her head in thought. This was probably not what he was trying to find himself, but what Kory was trying to find in him.

Kory's eyes ran over him as there was a hint he took her licking her arm as something he didn't expect, but it seemed to peak something inside him. It hadn't been something she had intentionally to impress him, it was just something to amuse him and being her. Her eye sight soften and dipped her head in soft laughter. She was glad for the effect it had, but wasn't interested in being credited for it. His joy or any emotion he took from such an act was gratitude enough.

Kory's eyes refocused as instead of answering he questioned. Did he not have any answer? Was he embarrassed? Thought there was something to benefit Kory wondered. As he seemed to want answers not really give them. If this was his way, then she was fine with this. Perhaps it was a matter of hours of showing trust. Although Kory wondered if such a thing would take hours? Days? Months? Years? Kory guessed it wouldn't take so long... He of cause was speaking not literally. For Kory did not see her legs wrapped around him. Nor his around hers. Kory wondered was there note to be taken as he mentioned, a man. Not men. Or had he meant general, just trying to code it so Kory was left to try and decode it. Kory was fine with his lack of answers as much as such a question. He just felt like asking such a thing.

"It isn't something I regularly do... Nor do I just offer. I like there to be something that I don't already have otherwise I can take care of such things myself..."

Kory wasn't interested answering this fake. It had halted her slightly as she had gathered her words or any such thing. Such acts weren't all just a game to her. Such things were just another extension of joy and Kory much liked the playfulness before. The teasing, so to speak. Her voice was subtle and she was light spoken. If he spun this however, she was fine. Perfectly fine. She breathed. What was wrong with flirting. Seeking what chemistry that was built in ones body. Kory smiled. She was sure he was just toying with the fact that she wasn't overly closed with her flirting and was trying to provoke more than there was. This she liked. Trying to place her in a awkward position and make her think. He played with the words Fool, but it seemed he was trying to dig out whether she had or could have a brain of sorts. Whether this was intentional or not, Kory liked this.

Perhaps the childlike thoughts that had not rubbed into his thoughts and parts of Kory was grateful he didn't read her mind. She wasn't sure she was content with his licking, not just yet anyways. She laughed again. More subtly. Her eyes rested upon him as he noted her two daggers one on each thigh. The girl was loaded and there had to be a hint of excitement she saw, but this man was all about composure it appeared. It impressed her. Why would she be displeased when he turned away from her thighs he turned to her face. Her eyes. This was maybe desirable in the wrong way. Her eyes let his play hers and shifted downwards slightly. She was very pleased how he teased and could admire his chuckle. It was not laughter, but it was a nice touch. Was this a soft moment? A soft sign? Maybe not quite, but it was close. There was no one else here. He needn't worry to much if he let go just a little bit if he was holding back. And showing such a thing wouldn't downplay who he was to her, then she figured it went down the road he didn't know her. She didn't know him. Kory couldn't expect again for him to just trust her. Not everyone would just become to love her, not like they had in Valaria and she had done to them. She returned his teasing to show she was amused by it. Not at all Threatened, not yet.

"I guess a little of both. Then does it matter? What's life without just a hint of danger?"

Her right hand that itched at the handle of her sword. The fingerprint ran along the metal. Then moved to her right thigh. The movement of quick, she hadn't as much planned it. She just knew she was going to do it. To what a effect Kory did not know. For before either may have known it her dagger slipped past his right eye. Maybe really bad aim or really perfect aim. As it landed in open area behind him just as soon as Kory had spoken danger. For it had been much of a target since he had been standing there and thus she took it. Taking that last escape of acid in the air. Her facial expression hadn't changed much as the motion was rather subtle. Not a lot of effort save a little aiming. Was this to impress him? Probably not. It wasn't her intention. It was very little of her skill and Kory hadn't planned anything in ways of impressing him, but she doubted it would really deal with her skill in battle. Although she was wishing to trade a sword. Feel one of his weapons in her hand and hers in his. How would they compare? Though she doubted it be of much interest to him, maybe when he trusted her more. Then her eyes traced him some more. Were there anything he was hiding? Other than his inners. Kory smiled. Kory played with maybe what she saw was him, but how could she tell.

He seemed to show signs at her reactions. It was something Kory was sort of seeking from him, reactions. Kory couldn't read overly in detail in his reactions, but there was something in how her laughter. Her alone thoughts seemed to stop his train of thought. There was maybe a hint he was wondering if he like it or didn't like it. Though it was a interesting thing that he noted even small things she did, that many may have not noticed or turn-off at. Whether it was strange he let her be her and didn't question. He was just silently noting, she believed.

Kory sat then quiet as he grew lesser to the whole running and chasing. He shook his head. Perhaps a little bit of her humour wasn't taken, although as she sat still she did want him to chase her. There was ways of stirring someone while they sat or stood where he did. His stares and smirks were quite moveable. Her eyes watched almost wash the mentioning a way. There was something in the way he said there was no need to run, that Kory did like. Maybe it was him that needed to run a little. Kory then smiled and her face brightened as he mentioned there be reason to scream. Was that a light joke? Kory wondered. Kory showed it on her expressions that that was what she had read from him and it had pleased her greatly.

Her body was now no longer sitting. Kory had pushed her self up. Her skirt back in place. Used her swords as an easier means to get up or just incase of an attack he may see. An impression, mostly unlikely. Kory twisted the swords in her palms before lifting them up. Showing maybe a small sign she would maybe use them, then slide them back in place upon her back. Looking at his Kory couldn't say which were the better made ones, but Kory figured they were most likely different. Her wound on her thigh now covered. A part from her slightly enlarged cat like scratch upon her stomach, Kory looked much intact. A little dirt here and there, but it wasn't the main focus she figured. She stood before him in her rather tall form and she now saw him on a more easier level. Kory smiled. This hadn't killed the stirring yet. He was still taller, but she liked this. Though it didn't make her feel short by any means. Her form wasn't slender and perfect without muscles and curves. Her form was filled a little more. There was more woman than girl and more woman than man. The red strand escaped to her face as a breeze caught it and she swept it away. The breeze took better direction so it blew kindly towards her so her hair played slightly behind and around her body. Her back and arms. It wasn't a total blaze today, Kory was pleased.

Kory motioned towards the mystery man. Whom hadn't a name yet. Yet she was fine until he offered it, if he ever chose too. There wasn't a lot of room as she got up so moving closer wasn't far. Whether he moved back she hoped he wouldn't. If he wasn't all too comfortable moving to her, she could move towards him. Her right hand moved to brush his right cheek. She wasn't expecting she would actually get the chance to touch him, but there was the desire to very much do it. The stirring in her was shifting. Kory still couldn't pin point whether this was a nervous thing or of excitement. Was there maybe a hint in her wishing to run away. Perhaps this was what was meant to happen and yet she didn't want to. She didn't wish to fear him. Maybe understand him or he understand her if not both. Her features remained soft. Her eyes full of all the embodiment of who she was never laid off of him save when his stares became a little heavy or she traced other features she hadn't noticed while she was sitting. Her mouth showed a little of her teeth as it was half smile and almost meant to be a laugh. Then it broke before anything came of it as her eyes refocused herself and the muscles around her eyes were tensing and softening.

"I think so. At least a little bit of screaming."

Her voice spoke as she hoped to be still standing close to him and hadn't shoed him off. Kory agreeing to what he had said before she stood. She used her fingers to express a little as she was hoping they were maybe enjoying a little bit of a joke, with maybe a hint of truth. Though she would like to see him try to make her scream, then she shook her head a little, why she had wished such a thing. Oh, well she can't help her emotions. Her hand tried to brush his cheek some more as her eyes traced his lips, his nose and his eyes again. Seeing what she could draw in. Kory wanted to grab him and light him a little. Feel a tad of her flames, but not just yet. Her touch ceased as he is questioning about how the illusion of how he cared. Kory thought he was a little smarter than this. He was the one to label her a fool. She smiled. She hadn't shifted to his words. Her features even more softer and seeking to touch him again, but now just by her words if she could.

"You cared enough to call me a fool. If you didn't care? Why would you bother with any names or labels? Why would you care to warn me? And why? Does saying such things offend you? "

Kory expressed how she saw that he cared. If he did not care what so ever, Kory figured he wouldn't care enough to call her such things or anything. Anything regarding her would be of no importances and yet he gave her something that yes, was not so much a compliment, but it was a thought. It meant something to him about her. Not that she was agreeing with his label. Although who hasn't at least had hints of a fool at times. Kory was sure even him had his moments. She wasn't about to drag them out of him. She had respect enough for that. So she questioned him, though half expecting he'd not answer again this time. Kory did question why saying something pleased her regarding him offended him. It was merely her thought and her compliment to give. She gave it whether he'd take the compliment or not, it was there. Was he thinking he wasn't deserving. Kory wasn't to sure. Her face shifted to the side slightly as he again called her foolish. He really liked calling her such a thing and thus far she was sure hadn't called him anything yet.

"I have been betrayed by those most closest to me and I forgave them. Why would the thought of a threat from a stranger worry me? I don't think it does well to be on edge all the time and just expecting the worst..."

Kory tried to point her thought across to him. Kory wasn't thinking of saying too much of the personal stuff unless he asked. There was no point of really weighing someone down when they hadn't been prepared for it. Kory had lived it, it was different. Kory accepted it all. Lived it and moved on. Instead of slowly killing her, she chose to live. There was probably something wrong that she desired to know him, but yet she wanted to. Maybe not the bigger details, but the smaller details. That are usually more important. She wanted to understand why he said anything he said. Her people were much like her their hearts were on their sleeves, but here everyone was more closed off. Kory could read emotions, but it was a little harder. Though this man was like that, the things he showed was something of a great puzzle. Whether there was something there, Kory imagined as if maybe some great emotion or maybe a subtle one, she had never discovered or maybe a different view on emotions all together.

As Kory stood before him she could feel the slightly unease he felt with her confidence and comfort feeling she had around him. Kory hadn't planned to change that. That be up to him not her and she hoped he'd keep her interested. He wouldn't just completely close off and brush her by. There was something here worth her time. Worth her eyes, stirring and most important her words and emotions. What worth this was, Kory did not know. Guess, why she was searching. It was more of a comfortable search of course. She stepped around him and moved towards where her dagger had landed. Kory crouched to her knees as she pull her dagger; popping out the eye of the beast. Had this man seen her shot target until now, Kory didn't know. Kory placed the eye in between her fingers. Studying it a little, it was like most lizard's eyes, but yet this creature was different. Overly large. Kory wondered if the man knew; what it was she had slain. There was a part of her that wished she hadn't. Every creature was beautiful and Kory could see a glimpse of that in it now. It just comes down to either kill or be killed. Kory wished it wasn't always the case.

The last words the man spoke shot dead into her heart. She knew such a thing more than he knew. Something Kory tried to think otherwise was something she didn't worry about, but it was something rather larger. Kory is one to maybe not admit such things. Even Jealousy, Kory on level knows if she's jealous, but she isn't one to admit it, then that can go hand in hand with anger and that is a harder emotion to control. It is best most times to let it go. It was what she was taught. It just can get a little jumbled at times. Kory's eyes shifted where he may have been standing behind her now, Kory wasn't sure.

"You have no idea..."

Kory almost whispered. It was for his ears, but the meaning was more her to understand. Kory questioned would he act on this. Part of her wished he would, but there was part thinking he wouldn't, but Kory didn't mind. Even in the 6 years surrounded by strangers and her sister. Kory did not feel like she was among friends. Or even the slight company this man was. Kory forgave and still loved her sister, but this man as far as she could tell was not Kalysta. Kory knew she was a live and Kory was glad of that. She had loved Kaly even if Kaly hated Kory to her core. Kory even now thinking of her sister missed her. Not her actions nor her words, but on a level missed her. They were on vast different paths, though Kory wouldn't be surprised if they crossed. As she finished her words, Kory dropped the eye out of her fingers and placed it by the beast, with care. Her eyes then ran over the beast again; as Kory slid the dagger back in place. Kory wasn't toying right now. She was Kory. The woman that bore inner strength. Even though she was crouched in a slight solitude, her fire was easily seen if not felt. Her expressions weren't overly sad, just in thought and caring of such emotions.

Kory hadn't blinded herself to the fact that her back was to the man that spoke of threats. She had offered her trust for him; to be next to her. Nose to nose with her. Now she showed her back. Foolish, yes. Was he smarter, maybe. Maybe he needed to have just a little faith in Kory. For she had faith in him. Whether it was something she chose or not. It was there and she did wish and want to give it. Even if Kory stood a step away, Kory was sure there was still plenty that separated the two. They were maybe worlds a part and Kory wished to orbit him just a little. If he'd allow.

---

Music:Kevin Rudolf - Let It Rock ft. Lil Wayne

[Vaughn Adeney]

Vaughn was not a man of thought. It was true, that he had strong analytical moments, but seldom were they long term. He acted in the impulsiveness of the moment, consequence of his action only being a fleeting thought. He also spoke, finding strength in words for it was words and phrases that struck nerves in people. It was what provoked them, sometimes better than threatening gestures. These two things were Vaughn's specialty. Which was why, right now, he was unsure about the present situation. For while Kory did respond to his words, it was evident that there was a great deal of thought behind them. That her mind was working with every gaze she gave him, every word she spoke, every gesture she made. There seemed to be a deeply rooted purpose for it. And it made Vaughn want to be able to read what thoughts were behind her striking eyes. Interesting. So it seemed her pride was not so great as to prevent her from doing something she may fail.

He supposed there were people out there like that. Vaughn could relate to one thing and that was he never held any regret. Mostly because he did whatever came to mind in that moment. "Then fail you will. And you may indeed regret making yourself look so ridiculous in your attempt." He was just mocking her of course, only to see if he could elicit another reaction out of her. Apart from the unwavering smile and soft laughter. Was there truly nothing that would bring her spirits down? Was she always this seemingly... jovial. And accepting of strangers in the night? When she said that it was not something that she just normally did, he was unsure if he believed her. But decided to question it. "Now I find that hard to believe," he said amused, and teasingly. "Since I did nothing to raise such a reaction in you." Meaning, if she had done it for sensual purposes, then he had not overly encouraged it. Or was it something she just detected?

He knew his comments and gazes were rather suggestive. Maybe she was just playing off that. Laughter seemed to be her general reaction to things. Whether it be his phrases, or thoughts that remained unspoken and thus unrevealed. While he chuckled at her words, his was more done in mocking and of a sadistic and inappropriately amused nature. Her laughter was soft, amused, genuine... quite the opposite of how he expressed his own amusement. Speaking of chuckling, he smiled with dark humor when she questioned what was life without a little danger. Now that was something else he could relate to. He was not liking the fact that he was finding these few things in common with this woman. "If you consider that dangerous, then you have not encountered true danger." This was a huge assumption on his part, one that he knew outright was false. For she had fought the beast and he supposed some would consider that dangerous.

Furthermore, he knew it was wrong because she held the stance and the combat skills of a warrior. Meaning, she had encountered far more threats in her life than a menial beast. Vaughn did not doubt this; but nor did he question it. In fact, he did not have the opportunity to do so for in one swift motion, a dagger flew past him. Just missing his eye. He was unsure if she did that on purpose. But he remained completely still. His reflexes were sharp but made no move for his sword, his eyes fixated onto her. "Fascinating," he said with condescension. He finally turned his head to look at the dagger now behind him and smirked. "Either you throw with precision." He looked at her once more. "Or you have terrible aim." Judging from what she did next, he was going to go with the first assumption. For her actions suggested that she held no malice towards him. Quite the opposite. And Vaughn was not sure he liked that.

His eyes watched her carefully. She too had sharp reflexes so while his guard was never lowered, he was not about to make it anything less than sharp right now. She was playing with the swords, but Vaughn felt no intimidation. He kept his eyes locked on to hers, seeing her come closer and closer to him while he remained firm in position. If he reacted now, it would make him seem subordinate. It would make him predictable. And he was neither. Not even when she touched his cheek. He smirked, slightly cocking his head to the side as if to establish what it was she was trying to do. It felt as if she was foreign to men of Albion. As she looked like a foreigner herself. When her touch lingered on his cheek, her eyes on his lips, he took advantage of this distraction. With sudden abruptness and without warning, he grabbed hold of her wrist with forceful manner. He did not like allowing people to think that he could just be touched when they so desired.

His grip around her slender wrist was tight, meant to cause her discomfort as he leaned in towards her. Their faces were mere inches apart but he did not close the distance between them. "Perhaps an unnerving silence is better suited than screaming." This could be taken in a couple of ways. Silence due to her death; or silence due to his forced intimacy on her. He enjoyed putting women in awkward positions, though for some reason, she did not seem to feel the slightest unease around him. If she did, she would not have voluntarily caressed his cheek and stood so close to him. He released his hold on her, throwing down her wrist harshly, while the smirk still played on him. His emotions never gave way through his facial features for they would forever be implanted with looks of amusement, sinister gleams, and sadistic or crude smiles.

Her words suggesting that he cared about her made him laugh. Of course, he could not let her think such things. Things that could not be further from the truth. "Do not flatter yourself. I do not care about you." His voice was honest, but still evident of finding humor in her accusation. Or well, words that Vaughn took as accusation. "I was merely stating fact. It was not said out of consideration, nor warning. But rather, simple indisputable fact," he justified. Far be it from him to permit anyone to think the better of him. "Your foolishness is fact, supported by the evidence of your words and actions." Ones that had probably gotten her in trouble before. Though again, he cared not enough to ask. And now, he did not want to give her the impression that he did by questioning such things. Speaking of her past, she spoke of previous betrayals. "Pity you did not learn your lesson. For such forgiveness is undoubtedly a weakness." Vaughn did not care about forgiveness; though others were the one who usually expected him to seek forgiveness.

"Such naivety will only land you in more never ceasing trouble." To first think the better in everyone, rather than be on guard for the worst. This was why he had called her foolish for his mind set was completely different from hers. However; it also explained why she was able to smile and laugh in his presence. Because she was one of those glass half full kind of people. "And for the record, that is not a warning," he added, patronizing her in her previous questioning of why he would warn her. He gave no such advice nor warnings out of the kindness of his heart. "Perhaps you will have to learn your lesson one more time, before you finally come to realize how great a weakness your values are." Values of easy forgiveness; values of thinking the best in people. It was also another threat, implying he would be the one to make her learn that final lesson to sway her mind. Clearly, he was arrogant enough to belief he could have this effect. Who knows. Vaughn planned for nothing, but simply acted in what the moment provided him with.

"Really?" Vaughn said, slightly raising an eyebrow as she made claim to his remark about loneliness. His eyes followed her as the moved towards her dagger; picking it up from the ground. "Then enlighten me. As to how a woman so shameless and alluring, finds herself void of the company of men." Shameless and alluring was a deadly combination. He had encountered women of this mixture before; ones who were rather forward in their actions. Her having lifted her dress and licked her arm. And alluring in how they held their appearance. Beautiful and lethal all the same. For if there was anything that could bring a man to his knees, it was a woman. Vaughn stood strong, avoiding himself from developing such feelings of attachment, for he had seen the undoings of a great many men for the sake of a woman. It was without a doubt a weakness; one of the most powerful ones out there. Vaughn was not blind to it, but nor did he, nor would he, ever succumb to it.

[kory]

There was still that lingering thought, Kory saw shadowing over his head. He thought she wanted to impress him. Yes, in ways, but he probably hasn't realised yet. She wasn't trying to. Yet, with all this running around in her head. She wanted to. Her eyes tried to focus on him more. Why was this? Why was there any need? He hadn't expressed a lot of warmth or inviting. No, but he was here. Her eyes moved around the forest, the area. The world she was now cast in. In all the world, this man happened to be here. Why was this seeming important to her? It wasn't something Kory knew she wasn't going to figure out soon; why she felt anything for this man. Maybe that slight gleam she saw, it danced to her and desired to capture it. Keep her engaged. For someone that looked still as ice or in his case smoke. He did an utterly good job at making her emotions move.

Whatever that lay within him and there was something. Kory was feeling every inch of it. He was trying to amuse? Maybe Toy. Yet, like Kory there was a hint of truth in his words. Or were they. She knew he was probably trying at least confuse her. She would have to offer applause to him, for it was working. Well, thus far. It just instead of making Kory turn away, just made her want to stay. Her heart was maybe reading into this a little to much, but who doesn't in a way follow their heart in this world. Sure ones head is a main part, but what was the point in doing any of that if there wasn't even a slight beating of your heart. Yet, his gaze. His smirks. His chuckles. Wow, the beating hurt. Was maybe her heart suggesting something else and Kory was just admiring the pain. The emotions that came out of this strange view on him. Her eyes lowered and escaped a breath of laughter. He was not strange. He hadn't been cruel to place her in that box yet and she wouldn't do it to him. He was... He was just something not so easily explained.

Instead of feeling her body tensing and being on edge. Kory was mostly settled. Even if he loomed so close high above. With his casting gaze down upon her. His position in such a way he probably had the upper hand and yet, Kory played no heed to this. She had only offered the ground so her eyes would be level, but she didn't mind this view of him. His presence. His dark shadow trying to snag her. Her eyes lowered again as if she swore the shadow grew bigger. Her eyes following the edges enlarging. Yet as her eyes returned, he hadn't moved much. Was he maybe not reading the deep power in himself. Or was she just reading into him a little too deeply. Her eyes softened upon him and her lips followed. It seemed only fitting that he was just doing the same. Figuring her out. Two sides of a coin, perhaps. Was why they couldn't. There was the beginning look in his eyes, maybe an understanding of sorts, but she wasn't about to hold her breath.

"That's if I am TRYING! to impress you! If I fail at being who I am? Why would I regret that? And I don't know, I think ridiculous sort of goes a long the lines of rememberable, Don't you think? If you remember how poorly I was, well at least I am remembered... Are you going through this life, seeking people to like you?... I'd rather be hated for being who I am, than to be loved for someone I am not."

She offered him back with her words. Her features still light hearted, but with every depth of truth. She was just a woman, thankful to being alive. For in this kind of world, death loomed around the corner. It possibly was looming before her. Now, Kory wasn't going down without a fight, but she wasn't about to just let life pass her by. She wanted to make do with what life she had. Did this man seek no enjoyment in life? She lowered her head in amusement. For she was sure the fact he was trying amuse her was answer enough. Well, he was trying to mock her and toy with her for maybe all the wrong reasons, but she liked this. She wanted to pull his own strings and drag a little more out. He was thrilling entertainment. If people truly believed to go by the Good versus Evil road, then people were blind. Kory knew in most cases people had both. She was sure deep inside her so called joyous heart laid a little demon, somewhere.

"Really? Tell me how you find this such a hard thing to believe then? I never intended on giving you such a reaction. It is possible your just seeking for it?"

Her eyes shifted up his form. As her face moved to get a better view. She smiled softly. Why was he bringing this out of her? For she still let out a hint of her flirting. The lump in her chest and the stirring of her belly. She was unable to tell whether this was a bad thing. Though his assumptions were quite amusing. Maybe he was seeing her in a way she hadn't done herself. He saw maybe the slight danger inside her, that she didn't know she had. Not danger in such she is a warrior, but the way his eyes were upon her. His gaze trying to provoke her. Was he trying to bring this dangerous side out or was he trying to challenge it. She knew he was trying to challenge her in general, his pierce gaze was easily felt. There just seemed to be something brewing behind his eyes that saw something she just didn't. Her eyes trailed down him and then up again. Her face expression gone of lighter hearted emotions. Her face read on the curiosity that he was shooting into her skin. Her soul. The fact that he was the smoke, the ash. Yet there was a hint of a flame of some sort as she was feeling something. Her eyes had to look away. The feelings were so strong. So strong. It was making it a little to hard to breathe and her head seemed a tad dazed. Her arms ran up with the goosebumps. The hairs behind her neck stood up and yet her eyes trailed back upon him. She shivered slightly. Mainly from the cold breeze, but because of the man. Whatever the meanings of these emotions. They were massive ones and oh, she had to seek more.

"So danger doesn't loom before me then? And I thought you were the one informing me of threats?"

Kory's own lips escaped laughter at his words. After he was the one to inform her of such things, which there was saying one thing and another doing it with actions. She jokingly questioned his danger that he probably had. It didn't nerve her and she knew there was something dangerous in him. For it was maybe why she hadn't been seeking to leave his presence. How dangerous he was? That Kory couldn't know. She so wanted to know if this was what was stirring around inside him. This fascination for Kory. Was he not feeling these intense emotions? She was sure such strong things he had to be feeling just a tad. She didn't dare to toy over the fact trying to offer him that story of how well she had encountered danger, she knew he was more being sarcastic and he had seen her rather skill battle. So her words in a way were just as sarcastic to him. She was sure she was getting hints their minds were just a little more a like than they were realising.

Kory let out a tight smile that she was glad to have shaken him and expressed her throw of the dagger was done with ease. Not a lot of effort. Her head turned. The metal had barely even scrapped his skin and she got him to remain still. But she had stirred something. She could tell. It was at least done out of entertainment. Her mind tends to trail, particularly when said conversations getting a little too heavy and one forgets to lighten up. His gaze upon her was creating more goosebumps, but other than that it was a rather pleasant gaze. She liked to get attention and get it by different means. Whether out of being liked or hated, attention was always nice. One wanted to know they had some effect on someone, let alone the world. Her own smirk soften. As his lips expressed what had happened. They amused her greatly. They seemed to have a somewhat of an understanding and a need to be amused. He was very good at it. She was sure it was beginning to linger in his thoughts as well. She expressed laughter at his words.

"Either way, it did what it was intended. Keeping of toes! Or am I wrong?"

Kory joked that she at least kept him on his toes. The action had taken him off guard and just reminding him just who he was in the presence of. To not just assume, anything. She wasn't any word. She wasn't any line. She wasn't any label he could find. She was made up of a lot of things and most important, he was just getting to know her. He knew as little as she knew about him. Then, there wasn't anything wrong with trying to figure out. To try and understand, just maybe not try and place someone in a box. That they hadn't the power to get out from the heavy weight that person had shut it with. No, he wasn't the target and thus far he wouldn't be. He had shown her no reason. Sure his words were possibly rude and his suggestions weren't overly pleasant. Although these had more amused her. But still he had showed very little if not any action behind any of these words. Smirking. Gazing. Chuckling were just expressions. They were a hint of truth behind words, but actions spoke at a greater depth of loud. It was how Kory truly judged anyone. Not so much by words or expressions, but by their actions. One can't be guilty for saying what was rightfully on their chests. He could call her every dirty name he could think of and she probably have no right to attack him. Not physically anyways. He was entitled to any and very word. It was just actions that truly spoke who someone was and yes, Kory knows everyone makes a mistake. But one needs to be treated fairly for their actions. Thus Forgiveness. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone doesn't go down a path not able to change it. The course can always be changed. But if someone makes a mistake or their actions hurt someone they needed to be given the right and fair judgement.

So no, Kory held no Malice and she was sure it would continue for the most part. Besides, there was something there inside him. That she wanted to know and understand. Understand why he said anything and everything he said. Everyone had a purpose and everyone deserved a chance. To be heard and she want to listen. To drive off of what drove him. He came across with this dark appearance, but there was some sort of passion inside him. It was maybe not the cookie cutter type passion, but it was defiantly passion. He was who he was. She got the sense, "Take me for who I am. This is me" and her response wanting nothing but. She admired this. This sureness. This pride that he knew his skin. His mind. He understood his reasonings. Kory was in ways confident. She had to be. She had no reasons not to be. She was given one life. Her own. She wouldn't sit on the sidelines and ponder over why? But she still didn't understand every part of who she was. She was still learning. Now she was free, there was more room for it, but in her capture she had learned more about herself, than she would have hadn't she been taken.

Her eyes watched him as her hands toyed at her swords. Fear? No. No fear. Thus yet. Her dagger had taken him by surprise, but it hadn't shaken him out of fear and nor the graze of her swords. He was unsure about her, that she knew and he was taking everything in what she said and did. He just didn't fear her. Just as she didn't fear him. Only differences probably was that she also didn't want to fear him. She had lingering emotions that he was probably not wishing she had, but he had little control as much as she did. Her entire form ran of goosebumps and tingles. As she stepped towards him. Her form so close to his. It was like the flame moving to the moth. He wasn't moving. He was possibly stuck in a gaze. Hypnotised by her movements. Her actions. Her eyes. Her hair. Just from her entire self. Her body stirred more. Trying to read into it more, but really trying to just take it how it was. The touch had come light and every inch out of thought. She meant to do it. Trying to touch something in this smoke to bring him a live. She had just seen signs of him and she wasn't satisfied until she saw at least a little more.

His cheek was rough to the touch. Imperfection of sorts, but it was rather opposite how she took it. His flaws to others if they were flaws, were not to her. What she looked upon, was him. As he should be. Just admiring the shear presences of who he was. Kory was sure she felt something underneath as she touched him. A flinch. A lingering thought. His gaze upon her. It made the hairs on her neck really stand up, but she was just ignoring them. Her desire to understand such things was greater. Just like he had said 'Fascinating'. It was what was said in her mind at this moment. He was everything and more that word meant. She caught the lump in her throat. The nerves he was creating was a nice change. He had changed the course of her life and it was a much in delight. Her light touch of the back of her hand, changed. As her palm then rest upon his cheek. Her thumb moved to graze his jaw bone. The ruffled hair. Her heart was beating faster. Who was this man? Why was he here? There had to be a reason. For he walks in from no where and sets a spark. He will defiantly be a lingering memory. Glory and pride walked in his path she was sure. She somewhat sensed, he was seeking to walk this path alone. Which she found a little odd as she wanted anything but to die alone. What events took place? More what actions happened to make him, maybe make him take this path. Did he choose this? Or had someone else made that choice?

Kory had barely noticed as his hand now held her wrist. As her mind was a little lost in thought and lost within his gaze. His presence. She had a small natural reaction to pull away. Tugged a bit to try and pull free, but his grip was tight and she hadn't the great desire to pull free. His grip hadn't toyed to heavily over in Kory's mind as she was a little too captivated by him. Though her eyes then trailed to where his tight grasp laid. His skin upon her own. It was maybe not in the most sensual ways, but it made Kory breathe heavily. She felt the slight discomfort, but through all the pain she had been through this was nothing. The pain was not such a bad pain. She knew there was part maybe he didn't wish to be touched. But she wondered if it was more. That he was surprised that she had wanted to touch him. As if it was going to make him more clearer in her mind. Understand him better. His face. His eyes were so close. Kory's lips parted slightly with little expression. Just a little in awe, kind of moment. He had this strange power to just to stop her and then confuse her. He wasn't the caring type, but she was. There was something about that, that seemed to almost send shivers up this man's spin.

Her ears took his threatening words to silence her and still she sought how these words were pleasurable not as much painful. His voice was so close to her ears. She heard every inch of expression. Such passion. Such power. He toyed and he was good at it. There was still truth, but mixed with maybe he was just overly expressing the truth. Stretching it just a little. Her face softened before him, as she seemed to forget her wrist was still bedded within his grasp. So far she was silent and it was his doing. As her lips almost smiled. Her eyes lingered to her wrist, as if wondering what had he expected her reaction would have been. Her eyes then returned to his still impressive stare. As if they were just challenging each other, still. She let out a soft laugh at the thought.

"Screaming is usually more fun! Although I'm not apposed to the silencing. Thus far you have me rather speechless"

Kory's voice expressed. Her eyes trailed to some nearby space above him. As she was rather amused by how she had said she was rather speechless, even though she was speaking. Was she making fun of herself? She was sure he got her meaning. She laughed again softly. She took her wrist back as he gave it. Her hand rubbed to help the redness from growing, but she soon dropped it out of her grasp. She knew she had little right to touch him. She just had the great desire to do it and she had to take it. It was worth it. To get a reaction just like that one. To get a better view on who stood before her. In such a unique stance.

"You don't even know me, so I'm not overly disheartened to hear you don't care... Then my gratitude for bringing such facts to my attention. It still lingers the hint of a thought, but I'll just take it with a grain of salt, shall I?"

She wasn't sure if he was implying that she thought he cared. She had only merely stated his wordings had suggested such things. Though her emotions shattered a tad, maybe she wanted him, to care. No, she shook her head. He did not know her. She did not know him. If he ever came to care about her, it needed to come naturally. This was maybe the teenager inside that was lost for so many years. Trying to latch on to the first sign of life. To latch on to someone that could care about her and not feel so alone in the world. She was rather young after all and her teen years more or less taken.

"If it helps in your cause to call me a fool. My name is Kory."

Kory hadn't offered to be given his name. She just wanted her name to be present so he knew who exactly he was giving such labels to. She wanted, if he was going to shut her into a box to at least be able to know her name. Of course names aren't overly important nor what makes a person, but it was her name. Take it or leave it. As he kept toying with her. Keeping her on her toes and on edge. He really was just trying to see just how foolish Kory wasn't. Although there was no harm in being foolish from time to time. If one couldn't see the mistakes and the silliness in once self, then they were taking life just a little to seriously. Although with his toying and his amusement from her words. Maybe he knew how to laugh more than he was letting on to believe.

"The fact I am here before you, alive. Is proof of anything but a weakness. Forgiveness is more powerful than you seem to claim. Holding on consumes the mind and the soul. Once in the situations that took me, you would understand what is the more important things in life."

He was questioning her. It was an intriguing thing. He was still making her stop and think. Fool? She had a mind more than he thought she did. She just wasn't consumed by it. It did not rule her. She led a lot of her life from her heart and the first emotions that came. A person had the ability to feel so much at one time. It was more a matter of not so much to understand them, but to embrace them. They were who someone was. To be a shamed of such things was to be shamed of who you are. That Kory couldn't do. Sure there are horrible things wrong with how her kingdom was and she was sure not all of her was of pure thoughts. They were her alone thoughts and hers alone. Thus was his. But, to claim she had been weak. Was false. Well, in her mind. She wasn't responding so much out as fact, she had her own opinion. But Kory knew she was standing before him; out of pure strength. It was anything but a weakness. If he had a crystal ball and glimpsed her past. She wasn't sure he'd want to keep his gaze. She had bared it, it was different. She made up her mind the day she was taken. To not break. To never break down. She knew she would escape. Her freedom was always around the corner. It was the matter of sacrificing herself to the pain and going through all the emotions, to get herself to the other side. To get her here.

"The weakness of my values?... The proof of the strength inside me is behind you and right here, before you. My values, my emotions may seem wrong to you, but they are anything, than strange. One should be wise not to place someone where they wouldn't place themselves. Or do I need to find a mirror?"

Kory was wondering how her values and her thoughts were effecting him. They clearly were to get such a response of words. He was trying anything but to offer his heart. His kind thoughts. What was it about forgiveness? That toyed with this man. What was with all this finger pointing? Kory didn't mind in the slightest if he was offended by anything she believed; they were hers to believe, not him. But to keep pointing and she was sure in most cases, its just a reflection. What was in his words and his pointing of fingers that gave light to seeking; maybe these were in him. She wasn't perfect. Kory was anything than perfection, but she figured he was anything then perfection himself. Surely if there was a mirror of sorts, he wouldn't say the image was all that clear. He was still alive. Which meant he was still learning. Still growing. She smiled and added a soft laugh. He was so alluring himself. Was there something he just couldn't forgive?

"What happened? That made you never to forgive? Forgiving, doesn't mean you forget."

Kory's eyes retraced him in curiosity and she showed it in her tone of voice. What possibly happened that he didn't forgive. She wanted to know. She was sure in due time her past would also find surface. A past shaped everyone. Not all pleasant and not all sweetness. They were challenges all in themselves. One needed to forgive and push away the shameful thoughts. The regrets. Everything someone did, they did for a reason even if it was a mistake. It was out. It had been done. You maybe able to take back with words, but you can never take back your actions. They can never be forgotten. But forgiven they can be. Now, she wasn't expecting he'd tell her all his deep dark secrets. She figured there be all too many. Kory did want to know. She had vast interest in him and that she wanted to express. The need to know him. It wasn't something Kory had planned. Kory never plans anything. She goes by her first instinct of emotions. Somewhere they had wished her to like him. To trust him. There was something even in Kory that she knew she could offer him. A thought? A lingering thought? A hope? A light in the dark? A new look in life?

We all meet people to find something that is missing in ourselves and Kory could tell there was a lesson to be learnt from him. There was something inside him that she wanted just a hint of, that she couldn't find within herself. He was Fascinating. What everything that word meant? That was him. She was nerved a little. More out of excitement and not knowing where this was all leading. But she was comfortable. Her footing not wishing to part from his presence. The conversation thus far was thrilling. He had to agree? They were strangely different it was seeming, but too much a like. Oh, she wanted just a little more insight of his world. So badly. What was ticking in his head? That gave him such power. A certainty about himself. If he was faking it, he was brilliant, but she doubted fake really even lingered a thought in him. He was who he was. Take him as he is and she still liked this.

Her body was facing away from his as he spoke. He questioned. He really was surprised. This, Kory picked up on. Her appearance was much who she was even on the inside. Open! She wore every emotion on her sleeves. But even her appearance can't always express who she is. She is honest and always positive thinking, but loneliness wasn't foreign to her. It was one thing she did fear. Her eyes appeared to the ground. As her mind played over his words. Her heart feeling every ounce of their weight. Feeling the emotions she got from even mentioning such things. Let alone having felt them.

"My world, that I once knew, is more or less, literally gone. I am free, but I haven't felt, more alone. Since I broke from my sister's hold. Even in a company as you put it, doesn't always mean your not alone or don't feel the loneliness. In the past years I have felt nothing but alone. My choices were anything but my own. I only had one choice. I could make and that was to survive, to endure the pain. Has it changed me? Sure. Shaped me? Of course. I have forgiven and I am moving forward, but it doesn't mean I forget, I remember it all... Loneliness, ah its probably one thing I do fear... I am sure that is a weakness? I guess I'll be trying to figure it out for a long time to come... "

Kory removed herself from her knees and turned to face him as she spoke. There was something tightened in the fact he hadn't attacked her. He was merely tightening the trust. Sure maybe she was a little naive and maybe without thinking it. Trying to latch on to him just because, he paid her with attention. Even a slight interest. Her words were not of anything toying and any response he would muster for it; Kory knew wouldn't hurt her. Her expressions showed just the sort of kindness of a soul, Kory had. She wasn't just trying to be alluring. If that was what he was seeing; then that was his deal. Kory was just being herself. She was comfortable in her own skin. Kory was getting more attracted to him and she did like to flirt. To show kindness. To have fun. To make things more joyous. Particularly as she had expressed her years of being underground, more or less. Kory hadn't had much of the letting her hair down. She didn't get to do the silly and crazy things that a teenager, should have done. She didn't have a choice with the said men. Why should that stop her from enjoying her full life before her? Their touch upon her skin wasn't the same touch from everyone else. Kory knew the differences. As her mind rang of such thoughts and expressed her words to him. She felt her shoulders relax. Finally having someone, whether he cared or not. His ears were listening. She could express what was on her chest. Instead of being left to build up and thus explode upon a beast to kill. Everything she does is from emotion. From within. Never planned. When she fought the beast. Yes, she had outer strength and skill, but her passion within her drove her to win the fight. And every fight she had won so far. She fought to the end. So it should be clear how well she faired so far.

Kory wasn't a woman seeking to corrupt him nor any man. She wasn't that kind of woman. She was just not one to be pushed around, but she knew men deserved to be respected. Just as she would want it upon herself. She wouldn't be pleased to bring someone to their knees. It was not right nor fair. She was alluring, because she was a beautiful woman. Confident in her skin. She liked to be admired. To make others feel good. To make the entire moment feel comfortable and welcoming. She wanted to hide nothing.

She motioned back towards him. Leaving the beast and its eye in the background. As she wondered if speaking of how Loneliness effected her would be a weakness in his eyes. She knew on a level it was a weakness, but for some reason she wasn't ashamed of this. She knew it was something over time she needed to sort out. It was maybe created from the remaining effects of her past. The scars so to speak, Kory just maybe blind to see them or avoiding them. Being so confident and wanting life like she did, wasn't easy. But it was the better way. Than to succumb to the dark, the sadness, the blame and the regret was to easy, it destroyed the soul. Kory wanted to be all pro life. It was a better revenge on the people that had damned her. Put her in the positions they had done.

She stopped short, some feet away. Her nerves were gone. She was simple delighted in his presence. Whether he cared for it or not. It was there. She smiled faintly. As she blushed slightly as she wasn't sure how he would take her words, but she had meant every word and she could thank him for bringing them out. But how? Did he have something he could share? Her eyes shifted off Coyly. Her lips softly smiled at the thought. She would like to know if there is any.

The presence behind him came looming behind him in one massive shadow. It hadn't taken her notice so quickly, as Kory's attention was stuck upon him. The second beast had come around, almost seeming from behind the tree Kory had sat at. Had it been stalking her? This entire time? Its presence and her reaction were all at a rush in a way. Her face fell into deep concern. Not at all about the damage or fear for herself. But for this man. Her heart beating faster as the beast seemed to be threatening his life. For some reason deep from her core, she had a deep need to protect him. It wasn't out of the warrior in her. Something deeper, than that. Before she knew it. Kory had pushed him out of the way and faced the beast head on, herself, body and all. The teeth just coming down to the man, but instead was met with Kory. Kory pressed her back closely to the front of the man. In her reaction she had motioned for her swords. but her need to protect him, didn't allow her that speed. Her eyes reading the concern as she drew out one of her swords, as the claws of the beast. Ran along her chest. Sending Kory deep through the air and landing a good distance from where the attack took place. There was a slight scratch upon her chest, that she paid no attention to. As her body landed with the front of her body. She grasped her sword. And turned as the beast made its way to her. Its moves were so fast. Kory was quick enough as the beast's jaw came chomping down she dug her right sword along its chest. Feeling the blood trickle down. As the beast rawing in the pain and its body seeming to come down to crush her. Her eyes seek an opening. As his claws pinned her arm. She must find an opening. With her sword. Kory swiped at the beast's arm. Causing another deep cut and causing the beast to call out. Something then seemed to have distracted the beast. It seemed almost like it was turning on to the man. Kory watched as the beast stepped away. Letting Kory with an opening to get back to her feet. Kory with her strength summersaults her body forward. Regaining to a low crouch. Her left hand with her sword in the grasp rested on the ground. One knee up with one foot planted and other knee upon the ground. As Kory's other hand reaches behind, to pull her second sword freely as she rises to stand.

Coming to be in position behind the beast with her two swords out. Ready for the attack. As Kory glimpses the man being stalked now by the slightly wounded beast. Kory's face smirks. It was going to be easier now with two on one, if not more thrilling. Kory was almost sure the man could pick up her stance and her smirk she gave towards his direction. As Kory's eyes traced him, then she refocused on the target at hand and her anger began to grow. With, Kory's eyes almost glowing and her hair almost in flames. This was the beginnings of the almighty, STARFIRE!

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Word Count:5850 -- Wow I think I even surprised myself. lol
Music:Fall Out Boy -- Sugar, We're Going Down!