Silver Salutations [SJO]

[Valae Heavenshield]

The Mandalorian’s chuckle and his having eluded Zora’s question did not go unnoticed. Setting the glass down on the table, she listened to his introduction. Indeed the name was familiar. As she recalled, the name of Mantis was still quite prominent within the Mandalorian Empire. Whether or not the current leadership held relation to the man before her remained to be seen, but weren’t all clans tied together in some way or another?

But that wasn’t the reason the name was familiar to Zora.

“I’ve seen your name on the archive’s guest registry.” She said, and then gave a nod to his question. “Yes, I’m a rather new addition to the Silvers, you might say. I help maintain the temple archives.”

She wiped her hands on the front of her trousers, and then extended it to Preliat.

“Zora.” She said, “Zora Djo. Nice to make your acquaintance, Mr. Mantis. And you? Are you with the Silvers now as well?

[member="Preliat Mantis"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

Things were moving too fast, Josh and Draven already squaring up for some kind of duel to prove their worth after a terse exchange. Machismo at its finest.

While they split off to do their thing, she was left with Kurenai, Charlie, and Narcissa. Both Narcissa and Kurenai had finally seemed to come to their senses, but Kurenai looked like she wanted to bolt after being left in an awkward situation.

"Why don't we try this again? Narcissa, this is Kurenai. Kurenai, Narcissa."

She looked over at Charlie, giving her a mental nudge to join the conversation. Everything seemed fine again as she encouraged the two feisty characters to come together to make a much better second impression.

[member="Kurenai Yumi"] [member="Draven Dursden"] [member="Ye Hyonu"] [member="Charlie"] [member="Narcissa Tallhart"] [member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The Jedi Master would let out an exasperated sigh as the young one would decide to get morbid. This edgelord was certainly a piece of work, that was for sure. Regardless, he would relax with his arms behind his head as the Knight would draw his blade. He would examine the blade and it's make as he would swing it around as though it proved his machismo, while the Master remained calm and collected with his arms behind his head.

Finally, Josh would stretch out, cracking his neck and ironing out the kinks before taking stance. He would give the man the traditional, respectful bow as was customary before an honorary duel before taking his stance. His lightsaber would fly out of his hand and he would turn it down to low power as he had promised.

With that, he would draw the blue blade, and wait for him to make the first move.

[member="Draven Dursden"]

 

[Draven Dursden]

The Knight didn't bother with the formalities of the duel. He also drew his other, smaller blade, the two blades hissing and burning with a weak instability, and the knight attacked. Draven opened with a double handed strike coming from the right, the two smaller blades slashing across the other Jedi's saber, simply a testing blow, a dog pawing at its potential prey. He was utilizing Vaapad, but in a weak state at the moment since there was no real rage in the Jedi, just some amusement, and a little annoyance at previously being called short. He was careful to not get smashed under the larger man's reach, and tried to angle forwards, to get closer and up to a point where he could strike easily. The entire maneuver was light, and testing, just a probing move.​

​

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]​

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Josh would patiently wait for the Knight to attack, analyzing his stance and movements as he went. He noticed that he used Vaapad, and while Josh didn't know how to wield the form, he did know how to defend against it. With that, he would watch as he would attack. Josh would hold out his saber and allow the two blades to collide, as was part of the custom of warriors. He didn't know if he was actually trying to attack, or if he remembered the custom, but it didn't matter.

Regardless, Josh would watch as he would maneuver then. Instead of attacking though, Josh would hop backwards, landing on one foot. The Master would beckon for him to attack again with a finger as he would await the next attack. It was almost as though he were testing Draven for the moment... But why?

[member="Draven Dursden"]

 

[Draven Dursden]

The knight's little smirk burst into a full grin at the gesture. He then surged forwards, slamming at the larger master with a flurry of blows, Draven's strikes were filled with power and precision, short and jagged, it did not have flow or grace to it, but a simple brutality which spoke to the origins of the performer. Dursden was focusing on the left side of the master, trying to land a blow on his shoulder, and circling around the left as he struck in rapid succession, in an attempt to cause the Master to loose his balance while struggling to block his blows and rotate with his aggressor. Draven's dual blades flashed, almost like four with the speed which he struck, the blows landing hard and heavy now.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Charlie Nooran]

[SIZE=10pt]The mental nudge from her master pulled Charlie from her admiration at a distance of Master Valae’s apple pie. Her plan to slink off and grab a piece was put on hold as she knew the Master was right in this instance. She needed to make sure to support the woman’s attempt at getting good relations going within the Silver Jedi. Looking over towards Jyoti, Charlie gave the woman a small smile and returned to her side and looked towards the two hot headed women. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]A smile returned to her face, that unamused look faded quickly. A slight nod and Charlie reintroduced herself. “Nice to meet you two, I hope you enjoy your time at the Silver Rest. Uh I heard the Grandmaster made an amazing Apple Pie.” The Padawan gave an excited smile to the two women and then looked back towards her Master as to say Pie soon. [/SIZE]

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] [member="Kurenai Yumi"] [member="Narcissa Tallhart"]

 

[Narcissa Tallhart]

Narcissa looked at the woman she has just been reintroduced to and gave her a curt nod, she woukd afford her that at least, since her fellow Echani had gone through the trouble of reintroducing them. After she gave her the nod, she then went back to ignoring the woman completely, having already decided she was not someone she wanted to speak to.

Turning to the more timid one who appeared to hide behind Jyoti, she extended a bow, thought it should be noted she did not lower herself as much as when she bowed to the Echani before her. However it was polite. Charlie, she was called. Quite a proper name, the woman in questions had also answered her with respect and deserved well the same.

“I hope business and leisure has been well.”

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

Kurenai let out another exasperated sigh as [member="Jyoti Nooran"] attempted to reintroduced the two head strong woman to one another, though by this point she knew that the two would probably never get along. Not even if a Death Star was planning to blow up the planet and they where the only ones that could stop it on that condition they worked together. Perhaps unfortunate but Kurenai at least had the knowledge that come 80 years time the stuck up Echani would be an old hag while Kurenai remained as youthful as ever.

As the Jedi master spoke her words peace Kurenai gave [member="Narcissa Tallhart"] a small polite bow, at this point not really concerned with how the pirate dressed force user would react. What came to be was not unexpected, just a dismissive nod of hate, disgust, who knew, but it was quick and over with fast, herself hoping to finally depart and get some alone time to ponder on recent events. Though it seemed that Jyoti's student [member="Charlie"] was encouraged to join in on the conversation, 'this does not bode well'.

She was half expecting the new girl to either ignore her and only talk with Tallhart or just give a small 'hi', what actually happened made Kurenai really confused. "It is nice to meet you once again, I apologies sincerely for the way I have acted today, if there is anything I can do to make things right do not hesitate to ask, though I must ask you reasoning for acting polite after your previous action, they seem rather conflicting". Was the young Padawan just doing it to please her master and then run off? it could be a possibility, after all as the young girl had stated Kurenai knew nothing about her, or anyone here for that matter.

 

[Eugen Aker]

It was pretty clear to that both Narcissa and Kurenai was reluctant to speak each other, but they both had enough sense to stuff their animosity for the time being.

The same couldn't be said for Draven and Josh, who had now broken out into a lightsaber duel.

None the less, the duel was entrancing to the Echani, one of the purest modes of expression between individuals. Lies could be spoken, and thoughts hidden, but the body was always honest.

However, she peeled her eyes away from Charlie to finally acknowledge her as she mentioned something about Valae's pies. Apple pie sounded darn good right now after all the drama that had unfolded around her.

"You know, I've been dying to try some Master Kitra's apple pie. Why don't we all grab a slice?"

She didn't wait to hear an answer, already making a beeline for the table. She planned on enjoying the rest of Josh and Draven's duel over a nice big slice of applie pie, with a side of ice cream.

[member="Kurenai Yumi"] [member="Narcissa Tallhart"] [member="Charlie"] [member="Draven Dursden"] [member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Charlie Nooran]

Kurenai as politer this time, yet it seemed the other Echani didn’t want to be. Sighing softly, Charlie figured this pair as a lost cause and just wanted some pie. Before she could run off, Kurenai spoke to her and Charlie gave a confused look to the woman. Shaking her head, she smiled. “Manners do not need a reason Master Yumi.” With another bow she looked towards her Master who seemed to have gotten the hint about wanting pie. A genuine smile of excitement spread across the youth’s face as she watched her Master not wait for anyone to respond.

Charlie quickly followed, but the Echani had far long her legs and the Padawan wasn’t in the mood to remain in the rear behind her. Cheating just a little bit, Charlie enhanced her speed enough to move her past the beelining Master. A small smirk over her shoulder as she watched now had a decent pace in front of her. Reaching the pie table Charlie’s eyes lit up and she quickly helped herself to a large piece and a scoop of ice cream. Others were picking at the pie and being the kind-hearted soul, she was – she cut a piece for Jyoti as big as she had cut her own. Topping it as well with ice cream, she waited for the Master to arrive.

“Here you go, I think you earned it Master.” Handing over the pie slice and ice cream, she nodded towards the lightsaber duel between Master Dragonsflame and short stack. “Master Dragonsflame is top tier with lightsabers, isn’t he?”

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] [member="Kurenai Yumi"] [member="Narcissa Tallhart"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The knight's little smirk burst into a full grin at the gesture. He then surged forwards, slamming at the larger master with a flurry of blows, Draven's strikes were filled with power and precision, short and jagged, it did not have flow or grace to it, but a simple brutality which spoke to the origins of the performer. Dursden was focusing on the left side of the master, trying to land a blow on his shoulder, and circling around the left as he struck in rapid succession, in an attempt to cause the Master to loose his balance while struggling to block his blows and rotate with his aggressor. Draven's dual blades flashed, almost like four with the speed which he struck, the blows landing hard and heavy now.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

And yet, he continued to dodge. With every blow, he would hop back a bit, just enough to narrowly evade each blow, as if Josh knew just how much he needed to hop in order to keep from being hit. Every time he would hop back, he would land on one foot, he would then hop back again on the next blow and land on the other foot. One foot, other foot, one foot, other foot, one foot, other foot, the chain continued, though at one point during it, Josh would hop onto the same foot just to confuse him and make it impossible to telegraph his attacks. "Hm-hm-hmm-hm-hmmmm~" The Master would hum as he would dodge each attack, as though each swing didn't phase him in the least, as though he didn't have a care in the world. For a man with his size, one might not expect a man to move as quickly, smoothly and gracefully as he was, but Josh had ensured that even his size was tailored to what would give him the most reach and power that would be possible without sacrificing much speed and agility.

Muscular but lean... There was a balance there, and everything from his training regiment to his amount of power lifting, was tailored toward allowing himself to be the best he could be - all while complimenting his fighting style. Battle was something that was constantly on Josh's mind... Whether he was keeping his body in the right state to compliment his style, or thinking up new strategies in his head every chance that he had. There was small to little wonder that he had taken up teaching combat on the scale that he had. Perhaps that in itself even, was a part of his training? If he could teach it... He could do it.

“Come on, thou must be able to try a little harder! You can hit me, I’m sure, can’t you? Dost thou need a pair of high heels in order to reach me before we proceed?” The Master would playfully tease, as he would try to motivate the headstrong young upstart. He was clearly reckless, though perhaps he could see a diamond in the rough? He seemed to be coaching him... Almost teaching him? Trying to get him to fight harder, to give him a real battle?

It was very likely that was what he wanted. To be able to up the ante himself, his opponent needed to as well. That was when the show would begin.

And the spark in his eye told that was something he was likely excited for.

[member="Draven Dursden"]

 

[Preliat Mantis]

[member="Zora Djo"] brought a question in which he did not have a full answer. He had a partial one, but it wasn't a decent one. Preliat was not a man fond of half-measures of half-truths, and it made him uncomfortable, if only slightly.

"I came here after the war."

He wasn't sure how much that answered the question, but it was the truth, if only most of it. Preliat didn't have a place in the Mandalorians anymore. His daughter ran the show now, and he was just an old soldier, standing at the gates of death. He and death became acquainted over the years. Death had tried to take him, but life clung to Preliat like a virus, like a disease.


Preliat's hand, calloused, scarred and with a vice-like grip, shook the small woman's hand. He gave another brief, toothy grin.

"Are you a Jedi, Zora? Or are you here for more scholarly reasons?"

Preliat found more and more similar souls to him, people who came to the Silvers, seeking something. He just hoped that he would find what exactly it was he was seeking.

 

[Draven Dursden]

And yet, he continued to dodge. With every blow, he would hop back a bit, just enough to narrowly evade each blow, as if Josh knew just how much he needed to hop in order to keep from being hit. Every time he would hop back, he would land on one foot, he would then hop back again on the next blow and land on the other foot. One foot, other foot, one foot, other foot, one foot, other foot, the chain continued, though at one point during it, Josh would hop onto the same foot just to confuse him and make it impossible to telegraph his attacks. "Hm-hm-hmm-hm-hmmmm~" The Master would hum as he would dodge each attack, as though each swing didn't phase him in the least, as though he didn't have a care in the world. For a man with his size, one might not expect a man to move as quickly, smoothly and gracefully as he was, but Josh had ensured that even his size was tailored to what would give him the most reach and power that would be possible without sacrificing much speed and agility.

Muscular but lean... There was a balance there, and everything from his training regiment to his amount of power lifting, was tailored toward allowing himself to be the best he could be - all while complimenting his fighting style. Battle was something that was constantly on Josh's mind... Whether he was keeping his body in the right state to compliment his style, or thinking up new strategies in his head every chance that he had. There was small to little wonder that he had taken up teaching combat on the scale that he had. Perhaps that in itself even, was a part of his training? If he could teach it... He could do it.

“Come on, thou must be able to try a little harder! You can hit me, I’m sure, can’t you? Dost thou need a pair of high heels in order to reach me before we proceed?” The Master would playfully tease, as he would try to motivate the headstrong young upstart. He was clearly reckless, though perhaps he could see a diamond in the rough? He seemed to be coaching him... Almost teaching him? Trying to get him to fight harder, to give him a real battle?

It was very likely that was what he wanted. To be able to up the ante himself, his opponent needed to as well. That was when the show would begin.

And the spark in his eye told that was something he was likely excited for.

[member="Draven Dursden"]

The remark soured Draven's expression, and his wide grin slowly began to fade as he continued to land blow after blow, steadily keeping his fast paced tempo, continuing to push the master back with as much intensity and fire as when he had begun. The blades seemed to blur with the speed which they struck, and Draven's expression continued to tighten while his blows flashed, his lean, dense muscles had been toned and trained to be able to keep up the constant barrage of blows, as well as the incredible force which they landed with. He was indeed cocky, sacrificing defensive capabilities for more offensive and powerful moved, which could possibly lead to deadly combinations, if let through the seemingly impenetrable guard which the master was putting up. Like a gun spinning up, Draven's frustration continued to grow, and as it did his speed and fury with each strike did as well.

As far as balance, Draven had none. He was all offense, from his physique, to his temperament, to his style, no defense. The knight's primary strategy for the duel was to barrage the master with offensive strikes, that if allowed through would end the duel swiftly, making the master, who only wielded a single saber, be forced to use it to defend himself. If he took a risk and tried for a counter, or offensive attack, Dursden had his own counters in mind, and intended on capitalizing on the mistake. His boots dug into the ground with each step, and he too seemed to dance, the knight may have been unbalanced and fueled by rage, but his style was undeniable.

Draven also added in a series of kicks, and elbow jabs into this dance, not only relying on his saber, and having no holds barred. The Jedi would take advantage of whatever fleshy bit that was exposed to him, be it the crotch, a exposed foot, or over extended hand. Draven continued to smash his sabers into the other man's, and with a incredible amount of force for one his size, obviously his height was not matched in muscle mass.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Zora could only give a small nod in response; it seemed that Preliat was a man of elusive answers. Of course, she could have prodded for more information; her natural curiosity seemed to demand it. But, perhaps it wasn’t her place to ask. This was supposed to be a light-hearted gathering. After all, she didn’t want to make the Mandalorian uncomfortable.

Another tight-lipped smile appeared when Preliat’s hand grasped her own. She couldn’t help but give her hand a tiny shake when the handshake ended.

“Me… a Jedi?” She echoed, blinking. “Gosh, no… I’m as ordinary as they come.”

She readjusted her glasses, and almost reached for her drink again… but then she remembered that it was not water, and her hand retreated. Instead, she picked up a plate and dished herself some of the fruit.

“I’m an archivist, Mr. Mantis.” She answered, “And I hope to do some exploring during my time here. You could say that it’s always been a distant dream.”

Even a quick glance told her that Preliat was likely some sort of warrior or soldier. His appearance seemed to contrast to the Jedi she had seen around, he lacked the robes, for one.

“What role do you play here?”

[member="Preliat Mantis"]

 

[Preliat Mantis]

"In my life I have found that only places and colors are ordinary. Most things and people have ordinary habits, but extraordinary features that make them a part of the tapestry of the galaxy."

Preliat truly believed that everyone was special, in some way or another.

"I have traveled many places. And yet I have not found myself to have the time to enjoy them."

He left the part out where he was usually there to murder, burn, or destroy something. Rarely did he go somewhere to appreciate the beauty of it. He paused for a long while, debating on how to answer her question. Then, he gave her an honest answer.

"I suppose you could say I'm a refugee of sorts."

[member="Zora Djo"]

 

[Narcissa Tallhart]

Narcissa would then turn her attention to the smaller woman hiding behind the other Echani. Her eyes focusing on her, she seemed surprising bubbly and childish. Narcissa was not too quick to judge, so she decided to interact with her a little. When moving over towards the pie, she would remain in pace with her fellow Echani. Watching witha bemused smirk as the other woman used her abilities to outpace their long legs and reach the food area quicker.

Once she arrived, disappointed that she had not been saved a slice, the woman would reach out with a gloved hand and flick the ear of Charlie. She was amusing, the Echani found her quite entertaining. Then, the other woman silently turned and nodded as Jyoti, as if to give her approval. You have a good one here, she seemed to say. Despite her nature, Narcissa still had a motherly and feminine nature, she could find things that she called cute and precious.

The Noble then reached over and took a significantly smaller slice into her own hands, raising it up and taking a small bite. It was quite delicious. She would watch the two of them while enjoying a treat, eager to see what type of byplay she would do. It would help her understand the Echani better.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] [member="Charlie"]

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

Kurenai was still a bit confused by what [member="Charlie"], was it not counter productive to be all harsh and then act polite? yes manners did not need reason, but it still came off as strange to her that one second the child would reprimanded her for being rude and then act all nice, she had yet to even know if the Jedi had accepted her apology. Then again perhaps there was more to is, maybe one could have manners but not respect or be polite, yes the girl had been polite in her delivery but there inner thoughts could be completely different... 'this is just too confusing'.

Seemingly perplex and still a little stunned from what had transpired recently Kurenai remained standing in the same spot, not knowing if she was allowed to join the others at the buffet table, had [member="Jyoti Nooran"]'s words been genuine? 'Agh why are you over thinking this, why does this bother you so much now? Only thing that came to mind was her past catching up, maybe finally realizing that from this day froward her actions woulc affect others. In the past she'd just punch whoever was in disagreement and nothing would come about it. Now though she was with, people of importance and galaxy fame.

Once again in a sombre mood she slowly strode behind, keeping a good distance from the Trio, [member="Narcissa Tallhart"] flicking Charlies ear in a comedic way when not getting a slice, 'I have a feeling she will react vastly different then if I did it, well never mind, I'll just eat and be on my way... or maybe watch the duel'.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Patience, grace, calm. These were traits that accompanied Josh's fighting style in this instance as he would try to motivate the young man to step it up. This time though, Josh ceased hopping back, wanting to keep his fighting style unpredictable and keep Draven guessing. Josh moved to Form V as Draven would amp up his offense, deciding to take a proper form this time as he would bring his saber up in proper defensive position. Each blow, Josh would block with expert precision, rarely moving as Draven would go on all offense. Josh only moved his body when necessary. Everytime Draven would attempt a blow, Josh would stay there in the defensive position and move his blade when it was about to strike. It was going to be difficult to fake him out this way, though Draven didn't seem to be thinking about anything other than blind attacks.

Josh could admit he was disappointed in his completely offensive, aggressive style. While a solid offense could cover for defense in some ways, he was going to leave himself open no matter how aggressive and quick his offense was. There was always going to be an opening. And that was what Form V was all about - or at least one side of it.

Opening for the opportunity.

Josh's size and build made it so he barely staggered despite the force of the blows, instead focusing on technique and waiting for Draven to make a mistake. That mistake - that opening - came when he would resort to unarmed combat. The kick was where Draven had left himself lower on his defenses, and Josh would take advantage immediately.

Using Force Speed, the world seemed to slow down around him as Josh would strike. Ducking down past the kick, Josh would in that moment spin his body and allow his saber to slash at Draven's side in a quick strike before immediately - once he made his way behind him - turn around and strike downward on the quick vertical backslash.

There was a lesson to be learned here, and hopefully Draven would be soon to learn it.

[member="Draven Dursden"]

 

[Charlie Nooran]

After handing off the slice of pie to her Master, Charlie happily looked at her own and began to poke at it with the spoon. It seemed Narcissa had also joined them, which was a good thing at least the woman would be able to possibly have a better time now that tension seemed to have died down. Both Narcissa and Kurenai frustrated Charlie to no end with how they acted, but it could have been worse and her Master had defused the situation.

Calm and relaxation returned to the small padawan as she went to take her first bite of the pie and ice cream. It was then her day turned sour. As quickly as peace returned it was instantly disrupted once more. A flick against her ear stung slightly, the culprit being the woman she had just met. What was it with people deciding that she was a target for their games? If she hadn’t been the object of amusement for the teasing earlier – she probably would have taken this with a bit more tact.

A heavy exhale as Charlie looked towards her Master, then back at Narcissa. Anger and frustration was written on the younger woman’s face. Charlie had reached her boiling point, she had been pushed too far by people she had barely even met. What gave them the right to treat her like this? Trying to understand why she was an object to toy with, she grabbed her spoon and set it down on the table. Taking a step forward and with every ounce of her frustration, she shoved the plate of ice cream and pie into Narcissa’s chest. “Leave me alone! I’m tired of being something that you and that one,” Charlie pointed towards Kurenai, “Can just pick on, poke and prod. You don’t know me! So, leave me alone and thank you for ruining today!”

Charlie stepped back and looked back at the table. There was a whole pie still there and she had just ruined her own slice. Which only upset her even more. Grabbing the whole pie, she made her exit as quickly as she could. The padawan didn’t want to be here anymore and instantly decided she would hide somewhere and enjoy the pie.

[member="Kurenai Yumi"] [member="Narcissa Tallhart"] [member="Jyoti Nooran"]