Lionheart

Waves are but water. Wind but air. And though lightning be fire... yet it must answer thunder's call.

[katebishop-hawkeye-blog]

Nobody can, and that’s the best part.

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

And 'tis rather worth it, I must say, the prospect of some proper food seems just as good as the best of war spoils.

[jxmmas]

Defeated || Jemma and Thor

After Viper had finally completed her torture, Jemma immediately shakily slid down the wall before grasping her knees tightly to her chest in a protective effort. Her whole body was involuntarily shaking from the emotional trauma, and though she had not been injured too badly, she could not force the imminent fear from her mind. Thick, uneven breaths coursed through her lungs, but they often got caught in her throat. Furthermore, though she was determined not to seem weak to Viper, the tears dripping off her eyelashes betrayed her. It simply had been too much for her to mentally grasp. Though she had felt defeated and hopeless since her admission to the penitentiary, she had never felt broken, and that is precisely how she felt now.

Footsteps echoed down the hallway, and Jemma automatically flinched at the sound, fearing that it was possibly another person coming to harm her. She did not have negative intentions when she was speaking to Viper, even if she was a bit mouthy, but she had paid a horribly high price for her comment, something she was determined to never do again. She hoped that the person would continue walking past her, leaving her alone to try and cope with her suffering alone while trying to rebuild some of her strength. 

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

Thor's mind had been awfully troubled as of late, while Loki had not outright said it, he was certain that his brother suspected, if not knew for a fact, about Thor's relationship with Amora. Loki had always been a skilled liar, but his words had been clear when he contacted him, easy to see through, and Thor was certain that that was precisely their intended purpose, to prickle at his heartstrings and make doubt and worry settle in his chest. When he had told Amora about it, she only confirmed what he thought. Their interactions had been limited since then, unable to meet or speak properly like they had done before, and it made an uneasiness make home in his chest. Here, Loki was in a position of power above them, more powerful that any of them; his powers had been taken away from him, Mjolnir locked away, only able to bring forth storms when his feelings took the best of him -which namely was rather useless-, and even Amora's magic would not be able to stand against Loki's. But either way, he could not- would not let any harm come to her, whatever it took.

His mind was preoccupied, and rightfully so, as he walked through the halls of the prison that made way to the cells, vaguely remembering their younger days in Asgard, and he almost missed the small figure curled by the wall at the end of the hall. His thoughts were cut short as he heard the short, uneven breaths and it was only then when he saw her. All else was pushed from his mind as his gaze settled on her body, brow drawing into a tight frown as he recognized Jemma, as well as the distress that showed in her whole body. He didn't hesitate in stepping forward, forgoing the way he was headed as he crossed the hall, moving to lean down close to her. "What is wrong?" He asked, voice soft. "Are you hurt?" 

[enchantressincantare-deactivate]

Body Count || Amora & Thor

[enchantressincantare-deactivate]

Amora found herself slipping deeper and deeper into the burst of emotion that was now radiating through her. She wanted him, in this moment, his lips on her was maddening and she continued to kiss him back, almost frenzied until he pushed her back against her desk. One of her legs wrapped around his hip and she pushed even closer to him if that was even possible. Her hands, still tangled into his hair pulled gently as he continued to hold her and kiss her and it felt like absolute heaven for the time that it lasted. But that was the problem, as much as him touching her like this, holding her in the strength of his arms, appealed to her, there was that nagging guilt at the back of her mind. Loki…she was still supposed to be loyal to Loki and now…where did her loyalties lie?

What was she doing? This was dangerous, practically suicidal. He had refused to leave when the other prisoners had, he just had to storm his way back into her office, he just had to raise a fuss. Had he just kept his head down and left like he was supposed to this wouldn’t be happening. She couldn’t take it, she couldn’t take this guilt and she needed to sever this now. Amora broke the kiss and pushed at him, squirming out from underneath him to back away, eyes wide at what she had just done. Her voice was breathless and slightly hoarse from all of the contact of his lips on her own and she was shaking slightly, half with emotion and half with panic at the fact that she had just betrayed Loki’s trust and let Thor kiss her. It was a close call really, she had not had any magic barriers on the room and who knows who could have walked in on that. She turned away from him, and still shaking with confusion, she told him, somewhat quietly, but also with firmness and conviction, “Get out.”

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

Thor kissed her deeply, reveling in every touch and reaction he got from her, committing them to memory. He would take anything he gave her, and wanted to give her back just as much. If she would not listen to his words, he would try to convey through kiss and touch how he felt. His feelings for her when he was young had been the brash and reckless of the inexperienced, but yet they had remained, only maturing as he did; Amora had left Asgard and, in time, so did Thor's feelings, only to be born anew and ever stronger when they met again after such a long time, like the embers of a fire you cannot quite put out. He held her against her desk, a small groan slipping his lips as he pressed himself closer, strong hand moving to stroke her leg as it wrapped around his waist, fingers caressing the smooth skin of her thigh and pushing up her dress, holding her for as long as she allowed it.

There was a moment, brief as it was, where Thor didn't quite caught up with Amora's intention as she pulled away, his expression remained open, with warm lust and want written over his features, and it was only until he noticed her wide eyes and she turned away from him that he realized, the expression on his face falling, blue eyes darkening with dread and sorrow as he stared at Amora's back. "Are you..." He trailed off, clear that she was not, in fact, alright, if the tense line of her shoulders and the slight tremble of her body was any indication. His brow drew into a tight frown and when those words had left her lips he felt as if he had been stabbed, coldness spreading right through him. "Amora..." His voice was soft, unlike the questioning tone he had previously used on her, and he dared take a step closer for her, hand reaching up but not quite touching. "I did not mean-" He stopped himself then, he had never been a skilled liar, and saying that he had not meant what he did would be a terrible lie. He had meant every moment of it and wouldn't say otherwise. 

[jxmmas]

Yes, I suppose you are right from both a historical and a philosophical perspective. It may take a while, but history has proven that the morally correct side will eventually gain victory over those who support corruption and chaos, such as the case with World War II. Without a bit of optimism, nothing remains but the pessimistic aspect of current events, such as it is with light and dark. You cannot know dark without the light, and you cannot acknowledge light without the dark.

But I do wish that it would be simpler, that the situation would improve if only by a small increment. A penitentiary is not designed for light and hope; it’s structured for reform and oppression. It would be nice to see something good happen, even if only to prove that it is possible for good to still thrive in this location.

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

Exactly, only by accepting that both light and darkness coexist -rather than existing despite one another-, will you be able to realize than not all is lost. If there is darkness, then there must also be light. It is always destined that way, written across the stars and weaved with the Norns' silks; perhaps we are unable to look forward, to see what their hands have destined for us, but there is definitely always something more, our job is only to keep working to get there.

You and everyone else here, including myself. But even the best of inventions come with a flaw, it will be revealed in time and our course of action will be simpler to follow. Perhaps this is a dark place, but it is filled with good people, it is only time before something good happens.

[jxmmas]

It is a delicate balance, that is for certain. The prisoners despise the food, yet they may be frightened of rebelling against the system. It will be interesting to see which one overrules the other, though I would not be surprised either way.

I would certainly agree with that. I suppose that could be a possibility if I knew any of the guards around here; it would be nice to have a bite of decent food for a change.

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

I have found that, if there is something that will get the quickest rise out of people, it is the bad quality of the food they are being served. I suppose that, even in a situation such as this, there are still some expectations for the most basic of necessities. So if it was between everyone simply eating what they are offered and demanding better food, I'd wager for the latter.

There is always tomorrow, yes? If only for a lack of better things to do, you could always get to know one of the guards. A man's mind is easy to sway with only a little charm.

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

PM|| Thormora (telepathic chat)

Amora: I doubt it.

Amora: He knows that hurting me will hurt you.

Amora: If he manages to smoke us out I am very certain there would be little you could do.

Amora: I am simply speaking the truth.

Thor: I can't let him, Amora.

Thor: I will not allow him -or anyone else- to harm you.

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

PM|| Thormora (telepathic chat)

Amora: He will do it regardless.

Thor: Surely there must be something I could do.

Thor: Anything.

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

PM|| Thormora (telepathic chat)

Amora: And that, darling, is precisely why he would direct it at me.

Thor: I can't let him.

Thor: I won't.

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

PM|| Thormora (telepathic chat)

Amora: I believe he is testing us, waiting for us to slip.

Amora: I imagine he will take it out on me...

Amora: I am afraid of what he might do.

Amora: Even with my magic I would not be able to hold him off if he is angry.

Thor: I will not let him.

Thor: It is as much my fault. And I am certain his anger towards me is already greater.

Thor: Let him punish me if he sees fit, but I will not stand beside and watch him harm you.

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

PM|| Thormora (telepathic chat)

Amora: He messaged me as well.

Amora: And he was equally cryptic.

Thor: If he knows, he will not let this pass.

Thor: What do you think he will do?

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

PM|| Thormora (telepathic chat)

Amora: This is secure I assure you, I took every precaution.

Amora: It will not last long though. I just needed to speak to you.

Amora: He knows.

Amora: I am sure of it.

Thor: I think so too.

Thor: He messaged me the other day.

Thor: He did not precisely talk about it, but it was clear.

[jxmmas]

I most certainly would not consider that a surprise either. It’s almost like they deliberately choose bad food to serve us. Oh, what I wouldn’t do for a simple cup of tea…

Yes, I would think he would react negatively to that, especially given his predetermined relationship with most of us humans. 

I, uh, well, thank you. 

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

It amuses them, I am sure. But their plan is most likely to backfire, perhaps they should pay closer attention to what they feed us if they do not wish for something as a kitchen raid. 

Aye. Sadly he does not share my... interest for Midgardians. But I am certain there are many other guards who are more than a little soft and would agree to treat you to something actually edible.

[jxmmas]

But what if the imprisonment doesn’t end? I don’t have the ability to escape; my science skills are useless without Fitz, and I most certainly don’t have the brawn to break out. I’m stranded here like a damsel in distress… how cliche. I suppose that makes it especially difficult to strive towards the light or to extend a hand towards hope. I don’t know what could be after this or what will remain if it could ever reach an end. Besides, what is there left to hope for? 

I suppose you do have a valid argument though, for what is humanity without its hope? We create, yes, but we also destroy nearly as fast. What can we do but hope for a better future, then design something better based upon these ideas? We are nothing but the animals from the evolutionary process before us without this hope and innovation. 

It’s all rather confusing. I don’t know what to think anymore.

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

It cannot possibly last forever. There is still a lot of time for good to regain its strength. The fight has not even reached its end, as many as we are imprisoned here, there are many more still out there, still fighting against this evil that has been imposed upon us. Even for every one of us that falls, more rise in their place. I know a human's lifespan is much shorter than an Asgardian's, and that a year, five, ten years' time could seem like an eternity to you, but in the end it is always the will of the good that remains strong against all odds.

Aye, if brawn and brain fail you, nevermind the situation, it is always hope that makes you keep striving towards a brighter future. If nothing else, then you must keep yourself hopeful, if only until a better situation presents itself.

[katebishop-hawkeye-blog]

We should totally raid the kitchen!

You lead, I’ll back you up.

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

Perhaps not the best of ideas but who can blame us?

[jxmmas]

If not science, than what?

How can you stand firm in hope when defeat is already upon you? I mean, I understand that our lives are a part of something much larger than us, for our energy particles will be recycled for the rest of time, and that we are eternal in that sense. I suppose that would be a glimmer of hope, but it is difficult to remain so positive when this prison is darkness with no light within it.

I cannot see the end of the tunnel, or any of the other cliches used in this area, and I cannot see an end to this imprisonment. What are we supposed to do then? 

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

Imprisonment does not necessarily mean defeat. A strong will could go a long way, if only you would remain hopeful that it could. Darkness can only exist with light at its side, it is only together that one can hold any meaning to either of them. 

I have traveled to all the nine worlds that form Yggdrasil, and to countless others across the galaxy, but if there is one that has taken a hold of my heart, it is Earth. You Midgardians have faced wars and endless difficulties for as long as one can recall, and yet you remain, standing strong in the face of evil, when anyone else would have wagered for your extinction centuries ago. It is more than anyone could say for Svartalfheim or Korbin.

This prison is but another problem you can overcome. That you cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel does not mean it isn't there. Merely that you must keep trying to reach it.

[jxmmas]

The portion sizes would definitely confirm that theory, though if they are trying to kill us, they are doing it at their leisure. It’s not really like we’re going anywhere.

Your brother must be kinder than everybody makes him out to be, for that seems rather uncharacteristic according to the S.H.I.E.L.D. reports that have been released about him. 

I, uh… lovely? 

[thoughlightningbefire-blog]

I would be anything but surprised if they actually enjoy watching us suffer because of the food.

It is slightly more complicated than that. My brother and I have a centuries-long history together -even if he denies it so. Perhaps it would be unwise for anyone else to ask such a thing as a favor from him. 

Why, of course. 

[odnson]

[♚]