Thorin had been furious when he told the group they had to stay another two weeks. Apparently the map he had could only be read under a certain moon, which would not occur for a fortnight. Most of the others did not look happy either, though Bilbo seemed elated.
With nothing else they could do the main group set up camp on a balcony, going so far as to break furniture to make a fire. Percia simply rolled her eyes at this, not taking any part. Had they done something like this in Atlantis or Olympus they'd have been hung out to dry. Instead she, like Bilbo had accepted the offer of a room and a bed.
Oh she could have stayed in bed forever, in its soft fluffy haven. But she did have things she wanted to accomplish during their stay. Her first agenda started the very next day after breakfast, much to the annoyance of a certain Hobbit.
"I understand you've never used a sword before, nor do you want to," she stated plainly to the Hobbit standing in front of her in the training area. Around them Elves worked on their own abilities, and even some of the Dwarves had come down to take over a small part of the grounds. "However, you should at least know how to defend yourself to buy you time to escape."
"According to Balin this is nothing more than a letter opener," he muttered petulantly.
"To one used to a certain type of sword, probably," she admitted. "However, what you are holding is known as a short sword. These swords are used for close offense and defense. Some men use them in tandem with a regular or long sword. For your height though, it is a good size, and probably a good weight." She pulled Riptide out letting it transform into its normal shape. "My sword is actually slightly shorter than a normal sword, but longer than a short sword. That is due to my height and weight. Though I can use other swords, my balance is not as good as it is while using Riptide. In a fight, keeping your balance is key. You fall; you might not get back up."
He nodded in understanding though certainly not happy about it. So she took him through a few blocks and defense moves, showing him the best way to catch an enemy off guard so he can escape. She also told him the truth of battles many did not acknowledge until in that situation.
"You want to survive you use everything available to you. Throw dirt in their eyes, bite them if they get close enough, and use the environment against them. There is no fair in battle, there is only life or death," she stated sagely.
"But what about honor," he asked in confusion.
"Honor comes in what the person is fighting for, not the fight itself. Those with honor fight to protect their people and loved ones," she explained. "Those without honor fight simply to cause destruction."
"She's right lad." The two turned to find Dwalin and Balin watching the pair, both looking at Percia with respect. "The true honor of a warrior is what they stand for. When you are in a true battle, there is only chaos. You do what you can to stay alive and keep those fighting with you alive as well."
Percia bowed her head in acknowledgement and thanks while Bilbo looked deep in thought.
"Now why don't I show Mr. Baggins some more moves, as I am closer in height," Balin suggested happily. "Dwalin here has been wanting to see your skills, lass."
"Then I shall endeavor not to disappoint," she shot back cheekily.
As Balin moved Bilbo over to another section Dwalin stood across form her, axes unsheathed. Percia watched him calmly, shifting position just slightly to ready herself for his move. She had a gut feeling he would come fast and strong.
Not even a moment later he proved her right. The two parried and thrust, blocked and attacked, dancing around each other nimbly. Percia used her flexibility and speed to her advantage, where Dwalin had sheer strength and longer reach. The two went back and forth for some time with neither gaining ground on the other. After a particularly brutal set of traded blows the two pulled back only to have Thorin put a stop to their fight.
"Enough," he ordered.
"Aw," Percia whined having not had this much fun sparing in some time. Dwalin's own pout, though he'd likely deny he ever made such an expression, also showed his displeasure at the intrusion.
"The point was to get an idea of your skill, not take up the whole day," the king reminded them dryly. One quick look at the sky indicated they had indeed sparred into the afternoon hours. Huh, time does fly when having fun. "You both missed lunch and I am sure you would like to at least make it to dinner."
Both of them managed to look like chastised children, scraping their feet in the dirt. Thorin simply shook his head and turned to leave, clearly expecting them to follow.
Percia turned to Dwalin head cocked in a considering motion. "Same time tomorrow?"
"Absolutely," he rumbled a smirk twisting his lips. Then his eyes drifted over to the sidelines. "What are you dolts looking at? Want a lesson of your own?"
"No, no we're good," Fili assured them, hands up warding the other Dwarf off. Ori and Kili stood with him, both staring at them in shock.
Dwalin just scoffed and made his way towards the city, most likely in search of the dinner Thorin mentioned. The young Dwarfs waited until he was out of sight before turning to Percia.
"That was amazing," Kili exclaimed in awe.
"Indeed, I've never seen anyone but uncle last that long against Dwalin," Fili added.
"Where did you learn to fight like that Ms. Percia," Ori queried.
"Um… Thanks? I learned it at Camp Half Blood," she replied uneasily not used to such a reaction. Sure back home she got some compliments for her abilities, but not many, and usually Clarisse was there to knock her down a peg or two. "Demigods are trained at the Camp to use their abilities and learn how to fight the monsters that hunt us. We pretty much train all day for months on end."
"Those reflexes and instincts weren't just from training," Fili pointed out. "You've seen battle."
She froze for a moment, memories of the wars and all those lost swept through her mind. "Yes. More than I would like."
"Would you be willing to tell us about them," Ori, ever the historian, asked curiously. For a moment it looked like Kili might pound the poor boy for even speaking.
Percia didn't really want to talk about either war, not yet. It still amazed her it had only been almost two years since the last one. But she could speak of other things. "How about I tell you about my first quest instead?"
"Really?" Ori looked so excited.
"Are you sure?" Kili, however, looked worried.
"I don't mind. It's actually kind of funny now," she assured him with a sweet smile. Now that she knew how he felt towards her, at least a little, she understood his over protective nature. She didn't always like it, but she understood.
So she told them of her first trip to the Camp and her quest for the Lightning Bolt as they made their way to dinner.
Later that night Kili slipped into her room, finding her out on her own personal balcony watching the stars. He moved quietly slipping his arms around her waist when he reached her. Percia tensed for a moment until she realized who had her, and relaxed into his hold. Neither said anything, instead they simply enjoyed the warmth the other brought.