Throughout the spar, Ara maintained solid defenses, as Jand steadily increased his speed and dexterity. The conversation between strikes gave some proverbial food for thought, however there was presumption that Jand hadn't done exactly what was suggested. He had, in fact, spoken to several senior Jedi regarding some of the issues, and while the insights had been helpful, it ultimately came down to the Nagai to walk a path for his improvement.
"I have spoken to Knights and Masters," Jand said simply.
"It seems to come down to my own perspective and decisions on how to overcome limitations, as each Jedi walks their own path."
Jand watched the increasingly wild attacks from Ara, which came from various directions in an effort to confuse him. It didn't work. Jand maintained his forward guard, and fell back on fundamental blocking and parrying moves with the top end of his lightsaber blade. So long as Jand kept his center mass covered, minute twists and parries could reach the wilder pattern of strikes coming toward him, where his stances would naturally keep his limbs in motion to oppose the strikes.
"I do relax, I do spend time with friendly acquaintances," Jand continued, as he narrowed his eyes, observing Ara's movements closely.
"But, being from my culture, I feel most alive in combat. That is my past-time, it is how I was raised. And while I have gained other interests, they do not compare."
Ara backed away, lightsaber held ready.
Jand remained at a distance, for the time being. He listened, gray eyes staring, as he took in the words. The pale Padawan wasn't one to dismiss opinions, but he was critical of them and always approached taking them on board carefully, yet some of Ara's points made sense. The mystery surrounding the Force itself was one that Jand also struggled to understand, beyond the obvious, beyond the superficial...
"Yes, the Force is still a mystery for myself, even after half a year with the Jedi," Jand agreed.
"From what I understand, even Masters do not fully understand if after a lifetime... so it does raise some concerns, and implies personal development might be a constant pursuit."
Jand shifted his stance, he now had more of an idea of what Ara was capable of, combat wise. His posture was now that of Djem So, known for its more powerful strikes and bolder movements in combat, and given his opponent's reliance on speed and parries... well, now the Nagai planned to batter them down.
"I am too young to drink," Jand said, as he rushed forward, using all of his considerable natural speed.
"I have not been to Kashyyyk, but there remains potential with my mentor, Master Vanagor. What did you learn there?"
Without skipping a beat, Jand came in fast and hard. He began by delivering several overhead slashes, before he pivoted to one side and swung his lightsaber heavily for a left to right horizontal slash, his movements supplemented by his faster-than-average Nagai physiology. And Jand would aim to be unrelenting, avoiding giving Ara room, as the Nagai kept close and continued to batter and smash with his blue blade, aimed at overwhelming his opponent.
Each strike and slam was delivered with all the power Djem So allowed, as the basis for its form.
"How many have you been to beer and burgers with?" Jand asked, as he finished his attacks, and peeled away to pace for a moment.
"That sounds like a potential method to overcome discomfort others might have with you?"
As Jand continued to slow walk around Ara, he kept both his lightsaber arm and blade pointed toward her, extended, waiting...
