Private An Explosive Meeting

[Cedwyn Blaidd]

Nar Shaddaa
Equipment: 2x Blaster pistols, blaster rifle, Echani vibrosword, Lightsaber, remote detonators
Outfit: This
Tag: Valery Noble

As the sun set, Cedwyn admired the shift of day to dusk and hints of the night sky quickly approaching. Nar Shaddaa was not a beautiful moon or one that people would call homely, but Cedwyn always found a way to enjoy his time here. Whether it was gambling, drinking in the different cantinas or simply spending time with the beautiful and exotic women that found themselves on such a moon. He was always a fan of exploring opportunities that this world had to hold. His time here was slightly different, challenged to locate and end some politician's life. Apparently he was doing good work and could not be corrupted by this Sith group contracting him, reasoning never truly mattered to Cedwyn, he was merely the weapon that these contractors wished to use. It was always his argument when people assumed him to be morally bankrupt, he was no different to a blaster or a sword. Though he charged a high rate to ensure he lived a comfortable lifestyle and to promote what an exclusive killer he was.

He was informed that he had to make the kill look like the guy was blowing himself up in a public setting to harm his rivals. Avoid marking him as a martyr and ensuring his followers would turn and side with the people the Sith favoured and could corrupt. It was an interesting and tricky twist. Meant that he had to get up close and personal with the guy to plant the explosives and remotely detonate them. Also meant he charged more for the specific style of kill.

Shifting his steely gaze from the dusk sky onto the public square area, he calculated the best course of action. It would have to be a busy section of the square, enough foot traffic to ensure that Cedwyn bumping into the guy would go unnoticed and him pocketing the explosives into the guy's jacket would not be seen as well. From there, he just had to dart into an alley and set them off. It was simple in theory, trickier in practice. Numerous things could go wrong and he had to plan for those. If anyone saw him or called him out on what he was doing, it would be over and he could kiss those sweet stacks of credits goodbye.

Adjusting his red jacket, Cedwyn inhaled deeply, calming his body. Letting his nerves and anxieties fade. This was going to work, he hadn't failed yet and he hadn't planned on starting tonight. No, he would do this and then maybe see if some Jedi wanted him to break a blockade or take down some crime boss. Balance the chaos scales a little. A smirk etched his lips as he thought about that, it was always amusing to him that he balances the scales. It was a saying from his Jedi Master, one must always ensure the scales are balanced. She never meant like this but then again, she failed to prove that Jedi were stronger than Sith to balance the scales.

With his hands in his long jacket's pockets, Cedwyn closed his eyes, whistling merrily as he wandered into the square. Letting what small connection he allowed to the Force guide him along his path to the target.

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Cedwyn Blaidd

Of all places she could have been sent to, it had to be Nar Shaddaa.

Valery's history with the planet was varied, ranging from taking down dangerous cartels with brute force to infiltration of organizations to slowly expose them from within. But there was only one memory tied to the planet that she felt was truly worth remembering — on Nar Shaddaa, she had gotten close to the man who became her partner after Kahlil's death, and in a casino, they infiltrated together, they had their first kiss.

But now, they lived apart after the drama she had created strained their relationship, and Valery wasn't sure if it was going to turn out alright. It wasn't completely over officially, but they no longer lived together and she was looking to find that spark between them again. Without it, she knew it couldn't survive.

Being here reminded her of all of it again, and while that made this trip far more challenging, she had a mission to focus on. Valery had received intel from the SIA that someone who had been valuable to the Alliance was likely going to be the target of an assassination plot. Those behind it were still unknown, but by shadowing and protecting this one person, Valery would hopefully not only be able to save his life, but also bring those who want him dead to justice.

So while she was dressed in her Jedi gear, Valery had wrapped a long coat around herself and untied her ponytail so her long, wavy hair flowed down her back. It gave her a more civilian appearance, which was perfect for stalking the man unnoticed through the streets. As a former Shadow, she knew how to blend into a crowd, and all those skills were now being used while she shadowed him.

 

[Cedwyn Blaidd]

Nar Shaddaa
Equipment: 2x Blaster pistols, blaster rifle, Echani vibrosword, Lightsaber, remote detonators
Outfit: This
Tag: Valery Noble

Walking around, Cedwyn was lost in a sea of people as they gathered, mingled and went on their way. His movements through the crowd were graceful, sound didn't leave him, even with his leather jacket open and rippling. He had been trained by skilled assassins to hone his talents and ensure he would be silent in his movements. Focus on his breathing, allow the Force to direct him as he bumped into the target. The politician bounced off his much harder frame, stumbling backwards, it was perfect as Cedwyn pulled the target in close and smiled apologetically. "So, sorry my dear sir. I lost my eyes several years ago and not been able to afford replacements. Please accept this blind man's stumbling." Holding his target's hand in one hand, his other worked swiftly, deft fingers deposited the detonators in his target's coat and ensured they were now charged to explode.

The politician was most polite, stating it was his own fault, that there should be more done for people suffering like himself and Cedwyn nodded his head slowly and politely. "Your words are too kind good sir, if there were only more like you in charge of this harsh galaxy." It was perhaps a bit over the top but would help sell that this man was not as kind as he made to be. At least that was the aim, perhaps it would make the situation seem more suspicious, that wouldn't be his fault either. He cannot control what others thought, well, at one point he could control some but no more. Finding an excuse to leave, he promised to find the man at a later point to share more of his story.

Sliding back into the crowd, he smoothly wandered through the masses of people. Trying to be a face among many as he wandered into the nearby alleyway and leaned against the wall. There was still time to wait, it needed to be around his rivals and a number of civilians that were going to be planted there but the hardest part of the mission had been done. If the contractors had properly done their part, the man's life and reputation would be forever changed in just a few short moments.

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Cedwyn Blaidd

Even through the rather dense crowd, Valery never lost track of her target. She was constantly watching each and every move he made, and scanning the environment and especially the people within it through the Force. The intent to kill was a powerful feeling that, when not controlled, left a very distinct echo she could pick up on. Those not sensitive to the Force were unable to mask it, so if anybody tried to make a move, she'd know.

The only factor she needed to remember was that Force-sensitive assassins could have also been sent, and they typically knew how to hide their true intentions. But what they couldn't control was the danger their actions left behind in the Force. Right before a shot, there would be a warning, and especially something that would endanger more than just their target would stand out to a Jedi as experienced as Valery.

Soon enough, she felt such a pulse and quickly turned her eyes to the man.

Someone had bumped into him and while she'd normally not think much of it, this time she felt a strange tension that lingered even after the man left. In fact, it only seemed to get worse as he gained more distance. Was he planning something or had he left behind a weapon that had yet to trigger?

Valery wasn't going to wait to find out, and quickened her pace towards the man, "Sir!" she called out to him, "Do you have a moment?" she asked and as she approached, she began to look for signs that could hint at the problem.

 

[Cedwyn Blaidd]

Nar Shaddaa
Equipment: 2x Blaster pistols, blaster rifle, Echani vibrosword, Lightsaber, remote detonators
Outfit: This
Tag: Valery Noble

A voice called out. It was clear to be in his direction but he had no clue who it might be. A Sith hunter looking for him? Opposition for the contract? Unlikely but plausible. It was feminine and Cedwyn's curiosity got the better of him in that regard. Instinct said to vanish, to lose the jacket and tie his hair in a way to hide himself better. But something else was curious, to see who this was? Could just simply be a curious bystander or someone that found him very attractive. Hopeful, silly notions but notions he could not risk ruining if they were the case. It was simple, guiding her towards the alley so she was away from prying eyes and he could maintain his eyes on the target to ensure that the plan went ahead.

As she got closer to the alley's entrance, he would swiftly pull the Jedi in and place her against the hard wall. His eyes were open and very aware of their surroundings as he studied the woman before. Attractive? Very. But there was something else. Something that tickled a memory, distant, faded. No, she reminded him of a presence in the past. Then it clicked. "Damn it, you're a Jedi. Here to protect the politician I bet." Taking a step back from being so close, Cedwyn could clearly see her attire was some form of Jedi robes.

"Didn't know Jedi robes came so form fitting. Maybe I should visit temples more often." His voice deep, lips sliding into a half smirk as he winked to the Jedi and leaned against the opposite wall to her. "If you want to stop me by the way, you're too late. Planted the explosives on him already. Just got to press the trigger and boom. So, step to warn him, he goes boom early. Not ideal for me but does the job either way." It was a stand off but not one that Cedwyn felt worried about, he held the cards and she couldn't stop him at this point.

"So, why they send you to do the job? Can tell you are good enough to be doing better than guard duty. Few know my plans have happened, yet alone track me." Cedwyn was curious, he couldn't help it and he couldn't help but continue to admire her figure.

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Cedwyn Blaidd

While she had hoped to warn the target and figure out what was done to him, Valery felt someone approaching through the Force and before she knew it, the man pulled her around the corner and into the alleyway. She was pressed with her back against the wall and looked up at the man whilst being only a step away from knocking him down on his ass. But when he took a step back and leaned against the opposite wall, she relaxed a little.

But her senses remained sharp, and she wasn't going to let herself get distracted.

"Damn it, you're a Jedi. Here to protect the politician I bet."

"And it seems I've found the reason why he needs the protection," Valery countered, her gaze narrowing as it shifted up to meet his. She could feel his presence in the Force and judging by appearance alone, she figured he was a trained mercenary. Not that it did anything to take away her confidence, and he hardly seemed bothered by this encounter either. He went as far as to comment on her outfit, and she noticed the way he looked down at her too. It sparked a little fire in her eyes — the more threatening kind.

It was only when he mentioned what he had done, that she began to frown a little, "Do you even know who you're working for? What do these people do?" She shook her head and pulled the long robes around her torso to hide the Jedi attire underneath a little better. "I'm here not just to save this man, but to stop something larger. Something that has been the cause of so many lost lives."

"People like you contribute to it without even thinking about it. Just for... credits." She seemed bothered by it, but not enough for it to affect her all that much.

"There are better ways to earn money. You don't have to do this," she said with a more pleading tone. Valery knew that she couldn't reach the target in time to remove the explosives, and if she engaged the man in front of her, the risk was high that he'd set off the explosives anyway.

She had to try something.

 

[Cedwyn Blaidd]

Nar Shaddaa
Equipment: 2x Blaster pistols, blaster rifle, Echani vibrosword, Lightsaber, remote detonators
Outfit: This
Tag: Valery Noble

The fire in her eyes, it was alluring and he couldn't help but continue to smirk. His steel gaze unwavered by her accusations of doing harm and selling out morals for credits. It was a stance that many held towards him and his work. Cedwyn was use to the comments, accusations and condemnations of his work. It wasn't good, just or fair but it was also necessary and needed. At least he was doing it and not someone sloppier, slippier or greedier. "This is all just merely balancing the scales, Jedi. I do work for your side just as much as I do work like this." His tone was unfazed.

"So, I assumed it was some form of cartel or Sith from the man's politicial record." The payer rarely matter to him, "but, do you think his death would truly hinder your goals? Could it not martyr him from his actions with me today?" Cedwyn asked, curious to see if she saw the longevity of the consequences. He had planted seeds to turn the tide into martyrdom if the balance was swayed too far. It was always the cautious take he held, it was the Jedi aspect of his life resurfacing.

Tutting as she wrapped the cloak around her beautiful figure. "Shame." He muttered under his breath, "you know, you assume that earning credits in honourable work pays well. As a Jedi, you may have a cushy pay and life, but it is work like this that allows me to live a comfortable life. The Alliance and Jedi Orders pay very poorly in comparison." Cedwyn explained that it was a cost of living concern as much as morally grey stuff.

"How about a sparring match for the detonator?" Cedwyn offered with a chuckle, "Echani rules, so no Force, hand to hand and no armour." Cedwyn briefly explained. "That gives you a chance to demonstrate and explain how me dropping the best paid work is worth my time." He shrugged as he figured the Jedi had nothing to lose.

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Cedwyn Blaidd

"Balancing?" Valery asked rhetorically and with a deep frown. There were some people in whom she could feel evil and malicious intentions through every part of their being, but she felt nothing quite like that from Cedwyn. He wasn't doing it because the work lined up with his core beliefs — it was about making credits, and he was willing to go very far to get them. But to a Jedi, it also meant that it wouldn't be beyond him to change and see the error in working for certain groups, gangs, or organizations.

"There's no excuse for killing a man like him for credits, and you have no idea what you're talking about. Jedi don't get paid for their work, and we put our lives on the line almost every day to protect people like him." She looked at the target he had been wanting to kill and frowned. "People who can't shield themselves and are threatened."

Valery's gaze then returned to Cedwyn as he offered a sparring match in return for the man's life, and that fire in her eyes really ignited now, "Do you think this is some kind of game?" she asked her voice stern. "There is paid mercenary work that involves going after people who committed actual crimes. People who have done nothing but make others miserable. Why not go after them? Earn your ridiculous pay with something that at least does something for the people around you."

After the rather stern words, she paused for a moment and took a deep breath before a long exhale followed. "I'm not here to entertain you, so get the idea of a spar out of your mind. There's no reason for it and no reason to kill him." She looked at him with a more pleading gaze again, hoping that there was something that could convince him not to do it. But she also very much understood that he had a lot of leverage against her with that detonator being in his possession.

 

[Cedwyn Blaidd]

Nar Shaddaa
Equipment: 2x Blaster pistols, blaster rifle, Echani vibrosword, Lightsaber, remote detonators
Outfit: This
Tag: Valery Noble

Cedwyn nodded his head, "balance. I kill this guy for the cartel or Sith, take the money and then my job would be removing the head of a cartel, drug ring or something to help out you and your friends. It is all about balance and ensuring the scales are level." His thoughts were beyond credits, he believed that he was helping things out. Credits were never the most important thing in the galaxy but he was sure this was the best course of action.

"Oh, plenty of reasons to kill for credits. If he were corrupt or evil, you would happily pay me for the job. But because you view him as good, it's bad? What if those who hire me see him as evil or bad? What if they know something about him that you don't?" Cedwyn asked, curious to see how she would take that. "Maybe they just want him dead for chaotic or evil things, but I don't get hired to ask questions, just take the job and do it."

Cedwyn nodded, "I have put my life on the line to save many people. Like I said, I have helped the Jedi as much as I helped their enemies. If I was truly cruel, he would be dead already. But here I am and here I am willing to drop a contract, a lot of credits and if you can convince me, provide intel on who hired me and where they are. All for a simple sparring match, or do you not think you could win without the Force aiding you?"

He took a step forward, standing tall as he looked down at her as she looked at him with pleading eyes. "Might seem like a game, but I hold the cards, both know that. I am doing this because I find you very interesting and if I think you can convince me, I'll do as you ask because of my intrigue and because explosive deaths have never been kills I do."

"It isn't for entertainment. I am Echani, sparring, combat, it speaks louder and truer than words. If your beliefs are strong as you say, it will come through and I will drop the contract and give you all the intel that you need to hunt down the contractors." It was unusual for a mercenary to sell out those who hire them but Cedwyn saw something in the Jedi and it harkened back to his Jedi mentor, made him more willing to help.

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Cedwyn Blaidd

"If he were corrupt or evil, we wouldn't have hired you to tie explosives to his body and blow him up," Valery said, a little frustrated with what he was saying. "Even if there's something about him, it needs to be proven properly. Assassinating him is no form of justice," Valery said before she sighed and decided to drop the topic for now.

This alleyway, while the target still had bombs strapped to his body, was not going to be where she'd convince him.

Valery then continued to listen to him, and what she had feared seemed to be coming true. He also realized the position they were in, so he knew that she had very few cards to play. Any move she made would ultimately require her to strike, and with how easy it was for him to set off the explosives, there was just too much risk to it.

But Valery couldn't allow an innocent man to die, and she still believed that Cedwyn could potentially be turned to follow a better path in life. Perhaps she was being a little too hopeful, but she was a Jedi, and that meant she'd always try her best to help others. This was not going to be an exception.

"Fine..." she finally muttered when he took a step closer, forcing her eyes to shift up to still meet his gaze. She showed no sign of weakness and she definitely wasn't intimidated either. But there was definitely an aura of frustration that lingered around her — this wasn't something she wanted to do. But saving a life and gaining intel on the people behind this were ultimately going to be worth the effort.

"No Force, no weapons and I don't wear armor in the first place," she said, glancing down at the robes and outfit underneath. The tunic did offer her protection against a few things, but it wasn't metal plating with the exception of her vambraces and boots. Those she could either replace or take off for the fight.

"Where are we doing this?"

 

[Cedwyn Blaidd]

Nar Shaddaa
Equipment: 2x Blaster pistols, blaster rifle, Echani vibrosword, Lightsaber, remote detonators
Outfit: This
Tag: Valery Noble

He tilted his head. She was right, the Jedi would never have had him bomb a guy. It was one of the nicer aspects of working with them that they tended to not wish for casualties and if he had to kill to do so swiftly. However, it wasn't always the case, sometimes there were some who called themselves Jedi and wanted harm done on a larger scale. This wasn't the correct or appropriate space to hold such conversations and he also knew that he would likely be easily swayed by the Jedi since she held an aura that he found alluring and enticing.

The mention of the position they were in was what finally sold Valery on his offer. It was a shame that his words had not convinced her as much as he would liked but the plan was going ahead. He smirked as he standing very close to her, looking down. Seeing the frustration in her fiery eyes that only caused him to smirk more. He nodded his head and whispered, "smart move there, Jedi." He winked to her, clearly enjoying this more than she was.

Chuckling deeply, Cedwyn noted she remembered the rules he had set. "So, when I said armour, I meant all clothing. Tradition is to be naked, that way you can see every muscle tense, every part of each other's expressions." This wasn't a hard rule, many still wore some form of clothing but since he held the cards in this situation, he decided why not go all the way with it.

"I am staying at a hotel not far from here, my room has a sparring room. I always make sure to have one to train in the mornings before work. Can go there." Cedwyn suggested as he figured that the Jedi did not have her own place here. "Happy to lead the way now and will not put my hands in my jacket pockets." Holding his hands up to show he wouldn't trick her.

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Cedwyn Blaidd

With every second that passed, Valery began to warm up to the idea of a spar more and more. Not because she wanted to entertain his idea and actually spar, but simply because it gave her a chance to wipe that grin off his face. The way he rubbed it in with his wink and expressions made her eyes burn brightly, and she knew that he picked up on that as well. It was all in the way he looked back at her.

However, it only got worse as he clarified the rules of the spar.

"There's no way," Valery told him with tense body language and eyes that conveyed how serious she was quite well. "You can keep things minimal but there will be clothes. You should be happy I'm fighting you, to begin with," Valery said, and even though he held leverage against her, the tone she used made it sound like there was no room at all to argue what she was telling him. Just because he could kill the man whenever he wanted, did not mean she'd just do anything for him.

There were lines she would not cross.

Valery then sighed and looked up at the man as he inched closer and sighed, "Lead the way to the sparring area and let's get this over with," she said before taking the time to study him for a moment. Without weapons or the Force, it was going to be tough to fight him, as he most definitely had an advantage when it came to natural strength. She'd have to be clever and fight with that fiery spirit she had.

That was something she could always enjoy - a challenge. Of course, she wasn't going to voice it to him.

 

[Cedwyn Blaidd]

Nar Shaddaa
Equipment: 2x Blaster pistols, blaster rifle, Echani vibrosword, Lightsaber, remote detonators
Outfit: This
Tag: Valery Noble

The hard no to his clarification of the rules was expected but he did not seem fazed by her refusal. It almost seemed like he was playing cat and mouse with her. Pushing her down a road that she clearly didn't want but he could tell the fighter in her wanted to pummel him, to show him that she was no pushover and could not be demanded of or positioned like this without consequences. The fire in her eyes was always a joy to see. "Keep that fire alive when I beat you, does make your eyes look even prettier than they are." He complimented her before pushing away and leading the way to his room.

The hotel was in a nicer section of Nar Shaddaa, the streets were clean and the hotel looked to be one of a pricier cost range. He lead her to his room on one of the upper floors and opened the door. Letting her in first. The room was spacious, a large bed, desk with some pieces of information and a bounty chip with the face of the politician on it. "The sparring room is on the right. There is a bathroom on the left if you wish to remove your clothing and do this spar properly." Cedwyn commented as he shut the door and locked it to avoid being disturbed as they sparred.

He removed his jacket, hung it up on a hook and then removed his t-shirt, revealing his incredibly well sculpted and toned upper body. His pale skin flexed and he looked over to her. "I intend to do this fight properly, so I will be naked." He shrugged with an amused grin as he removed his boots and then headed into the training room.

The room was a decent size, mats on the floor to cushion falls and throws, there were wooden practice weapons on display on all the walls. Cedwyn took a hairband from his wrist and tied his hair back to avoid getting in his eyes as he waited to see what Valery would decide to do.

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Cedwyn Blaidd

"Keep that fire alive when I beat you, does make your eyes look even prettier than they are."

"Don't be so sure of yourself," Valery said before she turned to follow him towards this hotel and sparring area. For now, she'd have to play along and hopefully find a way to change his mind. But every second she spent near him, she was also keeping track of the detonator, both to make sure he wasn't going to just trigger it anyway, and to maybe find an opportunity to snatch it. That would take away all of his power, and she'd figure out the rest from there.

Cedwyn, sadly, wasn't stupid though, so he kept it hidden in his pocket and likely kept an eye on her too. She doubted that he really trusted her after she had been so difficult, so this was no easy plan to attempt.

Eventually, the two reached the hotel, and after spending some time looking around, her eyes shifted back to him. "I'm good, but I'll take off the actual armor to keep things safe for you," she said. Valery then retreated into the bathroom, where she tied up her ponytail again, and only took off her boots and vambraces, so none of her clothing contained any metal parts that could cause harm.

Then, in her typical outfit, she appeared in the sparring area and blinked when she watched him take off the jacket and shirt. "Just keep the pants on," she said with a shake of her head "Any other rules I should know before we start?" she finally asked, now ready at the center of the room for a fight.

 

[Cedwyn Blaidd]

Nar Shaddaa
Equipment: 2x Blaster pistols, blaster rifle, Echani vibrosword, Lightsaber, remote detonators
Outfit: This
Tag: Valery Noble

When the Jedi entered the training room, there was a glint of disappointment in his eyes as he noticed that she was still in her robes. While form fitting and alluring to the eye, he had hoped that she would match him in his boldness. He did notice that she was admiring his physical body if only for a brief moment but he couldn't help but smirk about it. As his thumbs hooked on his trousers to drop them, she insisted that he keeps them on. He hesitated, not sure that he should listen but he nodded his head and shrugged. "If that is what you wish then I will keep them on."

Lifting his hands up, "Echani sparring is simple. Comes down to hand to hand combat, can grapple, pin, force an opponent to yield or even knock out." Cedwyn explained as he lifted his hands up, "while the outcome of this is about deciding whether I go ahead with my contract or give up and help you, do know that it is more important in how we express ourselves in the fight than the final outcome." His tone calm and offering insight that even if he beat her, she could still win.

"Now, lets begin." Cedwyn stated as he shifted his body into a traditional Echani fighting position as he moved in closer. His muscles tensed and she could see the steel conviction in his gaze as he approached. While he was unsure of her skills or abilities, Cedwyn was interested in seeing how she held herself in a fight. Sliding forward, Cedwyn punched forward, aiming for her chest to knock the wind out of her. An obvious attack but he was starting easy to see what tricks the Jedi held.

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Cedwyn Blaidd

Valery's fiery gaze narrowed at the 'insight' he gave about winning and expressing themselves through the spar, clearly not all that interested in said advice. "I'll make sure my point comes across as intended, then," Valery said with just a slight smirk before she shifted into full combat focus. Her eyes somehow seemed even more intense, her posture tightened a little and her feet shifted apart for a stronger stance.

She raised her hands, tucked in her chin, and watched as he made his approach. Normally, even without trying or realizing it, the Force would feed her all sorts of information. From warnings right before an attack to their intentions bleeding out into the Force. He wasn't that well trained, so she figured picking up on it would be easy. But the rules were the rules, so she actively had to stop herself and ignore signals she couldn't easily block.

Instead, she relied on just her training, and it was enough to handle the first attack he threw at her. In response to the punch aimed at her chest, Valery rotated at the hips and shoulders, whilst pushing out her left palm to deflect his strike away. She then used that rotation to spin around on her left foot, thereby bringing around her right foot at head level in an attempt to strike the right side of Cedwyn's jaw.

Unlike him, she wasn't starting slow or easy — this was the kind of kick you blocked or dodged, but never caught or took the hit from on purpose.

 

[Cedwyn Blaidd]

Nar Shaddaa
Equipment: 2x Blaster pistols, blaster rifle, Echani vibrosword, Lightsaber, remote detonators
Outfit: This
Tag: Valery Noble

Cedwyn noticed that the Jedi fell into the stance of a Master in combat. He smirked since this would be one of the few fights in the last number of years that would actually test his skills. It excited him and he knew that one had to work hard to block the Force's influence. It didn't help that as an Echani, he could note movements of a fight in an almost predictive, Force Sense manner. His skills were likely thought to be lesser than, he hadn't presented as anything but an overconfident callous merc.

Her parry of his strike was expected, her spin into a kick to his jaw. It was a skilful way to maintain momentum and strike at him hard. He dodged under the leg, feeling the air whoosh above him. It was clear that the Jedi was not holding back and all he could do was smirk and smile appreciatively for a true challenge in a fight. As he rose back up, his shoulder barged into her, preparing to knock her off balance and ensure that space was created between them since he had rose up very close to her.

The barge was followed up with a feint right hook that lead into his left uppercut. His boxer stance still showed a limited skilled fighter appearance. Not wishing to reveal his vast abilities in combat yet. His eyes were focused on her body, not objectifying or undressing her, his eyes were analysing and calculating and ensuring that he wasn't knocked on his arse in the first few seconds of the fight.

His fists held in defensive manner to see where she goes next.

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Cedwyn Blaidd

After her leg swung over his head, she knew he at least wasn't a complete beginner and show-off, or he would have already been knocked out and on his back. But just how skilled he actually was remained to be seen — his attack thus far had been simple and meant to only test the waters with her. So once her leg was steady on the ground again, she knew that she'd have to be careful enough to also gauge him.

Cedwyn used the time to accelerate and moved at her in an attempt to knock her over with a shoulder bash. Valery, however, stayed loose and flexible on her feet, so she recoiled a few steps but didn't lose too much of her balance. She was still strong enough to bob and weave her way around the combination of punches he threw at her, and she was quick to retaliate again as well. This time, she opened up with a simple one-two combination, meant to poke at his defenses, but rather than a high kick, she aimed a low kick just above the knee, hoping to disrupt his balance.

To finish her combination, she rotated her body again, thereby drawing on core strength, as well as her legs to throw around a left hook that would have had destructive power if she had augmented herself through the Force. But right now, it was just natural strength and that fiery nature of her burning in every move she made.

He had drawn it out, so now he was going to be on the receiving end of it all.

 

[Cedwyn Blaidd]

Nar Shaddaa
Equipment: 2x Blaster pistols, blaster rifle, Echani vibrosword, Lightsaber, remote detonators
Outfit: This
Tag: Valery Noble

It was impressive that she was quick, strong and light on her feet. Few non-Echani could demonstrate such skill at what he assumed was a similar age to himself. Her dodges of his attacks, not falling for the feint. An impressed grunt escaped his lips as he bounced a little on his feet to give himself a little more energy and seemingly dancing as much as he was fighting.

The low kick coming towards his knee, he slid to the side as the kick swung aimlessly in the air. The impressive core strength was appealing to Cedwyn, a woman who could demonstrate such strength and skill, it was very hot. However, his fighting brain was switching on and his arms swiftly moved to dodge and parry the attacks.

It was unconscious but as he focused more on the sparring match with the Jedi. His memories of training under his mentors, both Jedi and Sith, the connections of the Force that flowed between them as much as the wordless exchange of combat language. It was these memories that revealed his otherwise hidden connection to the Force slightly. Demonstrating more Force skill than the average Force Sensitive but still not as strong as he actually was.

From the strikes she threw, testing his defense, Cedwyn retaliated with hard, fast strikes. His easy testing was shifting into more serious sparring. Jabbing and attacking aggressively against the Jedi, a smile was etched on his lips to demonstrate how much he was enjoying this.

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

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Outfit: Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Cedwyn Blaidd

While Valery was primarily known for her skills with the Force and her lightsaber, as her title likely made obvious to many, she had been trained in all sorts of Martial arts. From the basics of Echani martial arts to her preferred one, which was known as Bakuuni Hand. It relied on the Force empowering strikes and blocks, and even though she wasn't doing that or drawing on her battle-hardened senses, her training had also taught her excellent technique.

So as he danced around, evaded, and parried her strikes, Valery essentially did the exact same in return. She was quick on her feet, flexible, and fast to respond to incoming strikes. She ducked underneath some, drew her head back in time to evade others, and parried those she couldn't avoid altogether.

She was completely in the zone, and that meant she was enjoying the spar as well. Perhaps it was strange, considering she was a Jedi, but Valery had always enjoyed the thrill of battle a little, and this wasn't going to be an exception. Especially not because of how this spar happened in the first place — she wanted to still wipe that smirk off his face.

The fight continued with that idea in mind, and when she saw her opportunity, Valery aimed another powerful kick towards him, this time targeting the stomach in an attempt to knock the wind out of him. To follow-up, she came in fast with powerful punches and a hook she hoped would knock him down.