Private Sparring and Socialising

[Feng Huang]

Feng closed her eyes, put on the blindfold, breathing deep, bringing her hands in a wide circle before clasping them at the centre of her chest. She bowed to her opponent, activating her lightsaber she fell back into a basic Shien stance.

"Activate" She commanded.

The training droids lifted into the air all twelve of them, they circled her completely from all side, circular orbs loading to begin the training module. Feng waited patiently for them to start firing. She eyed them and without meaning to started to count the seconds. The problem with programming the training module yourself is you knew what order the droids were going to start firing in.

Sur enough on the count of seven they began firing. Feng flowed through the motions of Shien form, redirecting each blaster bolt back at the droid with precision. It was… easy, unsatisfying, a waste of time.

Feng sighed, but she finished the training module anyway going through the flow, maintaining her footwork, her shoulder position, the exact correct height and width of her arms and hands from her face. Master Wu says the only way to learn martial arts is the same with any art dedication and discipline. That might have worked for him, but for Feng it felt like all the precision just meant predictability. Which was the same thing as sloppiness.

Of course when she'd fought in the lightsaber competition against Ellissanthia she had totally been outclassed, it had felt like she had been taken easy on. Like she was a kid who someone went 'aww' and entertained but didn't take seriously as a threat. Of the battles she'd been Feng couldn't recall one time she'd gone up against a Sith or even a Mandalorian who was experienced in fighting Jedi. They'd all just been cannon fodder no different from the droids she had just defeated.

Feng sighed.

"End training module" She instructed with bitterness wondering when she was actually going to learn how to excel as a combatant. As she straightened she bowed once again, to her either mechanical or invisible opponents. Some people might find that silly, but Feng preferred to treat training with the same respect she would treat a real opponent. One it was polite and two it gave a sense of beginning and closure to the training session. Plus it was a habit Master Wu had ingrained in her.

She took off the blindfold began lifting training droids up with the force to put them away casually. As she was picking them up she noticed a man watching her train.

"Oh." Feng said in surprise

"Uhm sorry I thought I'd booked this training room?" Feng asked in confusion.

He was cute in a kind of way that suggested gentleness and perhaps poetry, his bearing however suggested he was a warrior.

"Uhm I'll just get out of your way Master" Feng blushed embarrassed that he had seen her basic Shien formation. She should have chosen a harder training module, shown off her Makashi. Feng started hurriedly tossing training droids into the box, one flew across the room with the strength of here telekinesis broke against the wall. It started going off sending stun bolts rapidly and wildly around the room spinning in mid air.

"Oh bunta" Feng cursed as she dodged and deflected stray bolts.

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

SPARRING AND SOCIALISING
LOCATION: Training Dojo, Shiraya's Sanctuary, Naboo Jedi Temple
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TRANSPORT: S-91x Pegasus Starfighter
TAGS: Feng Huang

​

It would have been standard practice to check the roster for the available dojo in the Training Wing, especially for Balun who had often preferred to train on his own as a student if not accompanied by his former Master, yet now as he was no longer an Apprentice of the Jedi Order he had come to the conclusion that he needed to break old habits for the benefit of himself and others.

Thus he found himself strolling down the corridor lined with dojo, popping his head in and out of each one to ascertain how busy they were and what was going on today with the various groups of students and the mentor body. Some were teaching classes, some were in attendance, while others were groups of friends holding makeshift competitions and seeking to outdo one another.

The one, however, that caught his particular interest was a young woman who had chosen to practice blindfolded against multiple training remotes, droids that erratically swivelled and fired training bolts as they darted through the air at random, varied only by their programming. Balun quickly recognised the Padawan's stance to be that of Form V, and the training remotes suggest Shien rather than Djem So. Tilting his head back thoughtfully, he stepped inside the dojo and allowed the doors to slide shut behind him as he moved across to the side of the training mat and simply stood there with his hands at his front, fingers laced together.

By the point she had decidedly ended the training sequence, Balun could already sense her discontent. Curious, given how well she had executed her defence against the training exercise. No doubt this was a routine she had practised often, but nonetheless, credit given where it was due.

It wasn't until she removed her blindfold that she noticed she'd had an audience.

"Oh.

Uhm sorry I thought I'd booked this training room?

Uhm I'll just get out of your way Master"

"Not to worry, I was simply spectating. The room remains yours..." He spoke through a smile, though it seemed the revelation of his presence had startled the poor girl, and she turned, somewhat panicked. "No, you don't need to..." Balun went to say, however, it was too late as he felt the force behind the toss of one of the droids, a little too much exertion behind the throw than was required and then suddenly the remote droid started blindly blasting training bolts indiscriminantly across the room.

Immediately, the hilt of his Crossguard fell into his hand, and yet he hesitated. It would have been so easy to cleave the droid in two, but then that would have been the old Balun, the impulsive, first-to-the-fight Balun. Instead, his left hand reached out, and from the force he drew his breath, harnessing his concentration and channelling his conscious mind upon the rogue training remote's internal structure. From within, there would sound a small snap, like a spark of electricity, though too small to be seen, and a faint wisp of smoke seeped through the cracks in the probe's outer shell as it ceased to function, falling deathly still.

"Well then...-It seems I will be working on repairing a training remote later tonight. Can't say I've done that in some time," he chuckled quietly and glanced over to Feng Huang , soon asking, "You alright over there?"

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Feng Huang]

Feng slumped her shoulders, crestfallen and mortified. It was hardly an auspicious first impression. Doing a basic form that any youngling could do was one thing, but then panicking while setting off and damaging a training drone was just clumsy. She felt like a caricature of a buffoon who barely survives a battle by bumbling along until she's captured. Though she doubt she'd be as fortunate as such caricatures were in an escape attempt.

"Sorry master." Feng apologised trying to control her embarrassed blush.

"Hey cool Crossguard!" Feng exclaimed. She eagerly showed hers off.

"Mine's got connected blades emitting in between the crossguard hilt! It's contained so I'm still protected when I twirl my lightsaber!" Feng explained rapidly and excitedly

Feng hesitated unsure of how to proceed. It was an awkward moment, Feng hated those, though she felt like stumbled into them more often than not. She was a bubbly person by nature she knew it, some people, a lot of people were… perplexed. Particularly Jedi, particularly the cooler, calmer, collected Jedi who maintained a stoic philosophy.

Feng shifted uncomfortably starting to fidget. She noticed the damaged drone, which is when it caught up to her that the Master was going to be spending his time fixing it.

"Oh you don't have to fix it. I'll do it. It's not problem. I was going to spend some time in the garage this evening anyway. I was going to spend some time looking at ship designs I'll never get a chance to fly." Feng smiled self-deprecatingly.

"Don't worry I know a Jedi shouldn't covet material possessions. I just like ships. I find it easiest to meditate when working on an engine." Feng explained continuing to rush out her words in a flummoxed hurry. "Not that I'm ungrateful for what I've got! It's not like I want to go and make a bunch of credits with the Banking Clan or anything!"

Feng shrugged.

"I just like ships." Feng murmured falling quiet.

Feng struggled to think of something else to say. It was her reactive response to embarrassment. To chatter incessantly until she either ran out steam, was stopped by the building awkwardness and her own mortification or when someone finally interrupted her.

Forcing herself to keep her lips compressed, she realised she was holding her breath, she began breathing through her nose determined not to make a sound until she was spoken to. Master Wu had mostly found her chattering an endearing quality, but sometimes she wished he'd have hushed her into silence a little more often or at least taught her that speaking on end without letting someone respond was incredibly rude.

"I'm Feng by the way. Feng Huang" Feng blurted out and bowed folding her arms into her robes as she did so.

Feng finally fell silent, allowing the Master to respond.

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

SPARRING AND SOCIALISING
LOCATION: Training Dojo, Shiraya's Sanctuary, Naboo Jedi Temple
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TRANSPORT: S-91x Pegasus Starfighter
TAGS: Feng Huang

​

Feng Huang, though she couldn't have known it, was the first one who had referred to Balun by the formal title of Master due to his rank of Knight in the Jedi Order--Something that he found to be rather disconcerting, as it would take some time for him to adjust to it, let alone believe himself to be befitting of the role. Despite his feelings on the matter, he wouldn't let it show outwardly to others, least of all those who weren't close to him.

"No doubt I caught you off guard", he waved a passing hand dismissively, "No need to apologise. Although perhaps the droids might appreciate a little more care and their handling", he grinned, and glanced back to the training remote that was now very much in need of repair.

Before he could move to assess the damage he had caused, the young woman seemed to move onto the subject of his Crossguard Lightsaber, which he had drawn instinctively, and now looked to the weapon in her hand, before the movement of her own caused his attention to shift as the Padawan offered the better view of her Lightsaber for Balun to appreciate.

Though currently inactive, Balun could see, as Feng had stated, that the crossguard did indeed keep the vented lateral blades contained and meant that she retained maneuverability without the risk of harming herself. A significant difference from what he had been training to adapt to.

"It's very impressive", Balun commended Feng Huang 's work on her Lightsaber, "You obviously put a great deal of work into this craft. The metals have been fused perfectly, with no signs of welding or threading on the outside; edges refined nicely, and surfaces milled precisely. What metals did you use, if you don't mind my asking?" he enquired, and it would be clear that from the way that he admired the padawan's lightsaber, Balun Dashiell was a bit of a tech-man.

"I've only recently completed mine, roughly a week, give or take", he brought his crossguard lightsaber out in front of him and lay it flat across both palms so that she could see it properly. "The lateral vents are protected by a Phrik outer casing so that an opponent won't dismantle the Crossguard. The base material is otherwise simple durasteel, though you'll no doubt note the electrum inlay for a bit of a gold flourish. The chassis is extended for a better two-handed grip, for when strength and momentum are required in the field".

Glancing back to the Padawan, listening to what she said about him not needing to bother about the remote, Balun laughed softly and shook his head; "You don't know me at all, but technology is one of the areas I excel in. I started my own company that focuses largely on retrofitting old technology with new-age upgrades, and I suppose that's why, if ever there was a path in the Order that seems to best suit me, it's that of a Jedi Sentinel. If people still cling to those old traditions. I realise few still think of them," he chuckled softly, somewhat in expense of himself, yet found the moment amusing all the same. The simple fact was that working on the training remote and successfully repairing the droid would mean achieving something that would help the Jedi Order and, consequently, bring him a sense of pride and contentment.

"Oh, right...-Names, I should have started with that. Balun Dashiell" He bowed his head in formal respect, as was their way; "It's a pleasure to meet you, Feng", he smiled as he straightened once more. "If I might be so blunt...-Does your training usually feel so frustrating to you, or was what I witnessed today simply the first time you felt that way?".

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Feng Huang]

Feng smiled chided and self consciously at Balun's gentle remark of handling the droids with care. She suddenly felt the need to defend herself that she wasn't usually that careless or destructive.

"Normally I'm quite careful with droids. I'm not one of those people who believes droids are just unthinking machines designed for the utility of others. Too many droids I have seen had demonstrated a wide array of personality, care, affection and loyalty. Yes programming did it's part, but to my mind that is not dissimilar to saying a parent shaped their child, or that the Force influenced us all."

Feng rattled on about her personal philosophy on droid, looking down with sadness at what she had done to the ones who had done nothing wrong but help her train. Perhaps they had no advanced programming but then that was no measure to be treating the world with respect. Master Wu would be disappointed. He wouldn't say it, he'd just giver her that look, gently remind her to have care for her surroundings.

"Oh thanks! Druetium, Kyberite and Orichalc!" Feng boasted proudly. "Master Wu and I couldn't afford much while I was making it, but he saved up and did a favour for a Naboo University for the Orichalc. We had to go on a mission to save some of their people. After that I expressed my interest in the Republic and well here we are."

Looking over his crossguard with interest Feng nodded along to his explanation of it's components.

"Do you find it hard to adjust your lightsaber style to the projecting of the blades out of the crossguard?" Feng asked curiously.

It was a question she'd always wanted to ask a Jedi who preferred this style of lightsaber, she understood the advantages in protecting your wrist, but so much of the traditional lightsaber forms and combat depended on a loose wrist motion to properly wield the lightsaber with fluidity.

Feng smiled and bowed, at his insistence that he be the one to fix the droid. It sounded as if it would be a pleasure Feng would be taking away from him if she tried to insist she could do it. Even if Feng still felt it was her responsibility, sometimes grace was allowing others to help you. Being obstinate and insistent in the face of assistance could soon become ingratitude or selfishness.

Still she was starting to wish she had a name other than him or Master. Feng beamed as her thought was granted, her smile flickered as Balun asked his question.

Feng shrugged with a sigh.

"It's rare that I'm satisfied with my lightsaber performance. I do ok against blaster fire, my personal lightsaber combat though needs a lot of work. There's only so much I can do against training droids. Master Wu he tries but his focus isn't combat in the first place, and his personal style is with a force imbued bo staff. It's difficult for him to teach me the finer points of dueling."

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

SPARRING AND SOCIALISING
LOCATION: Training Dojo, Shiraya's Sanctuary, Naboo Jedi Temple
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TRANSPORT: S-91x Pegasus Starfighter
TAGS: Feng Huang

​

It was always pleasing to see that others treated droids with the same care Balun did himself; he owned a number of them, after all, yet they were never treated as possessions but rather as part of his family, friends, and companions along the path they called life in the ever-expanding Galaxy. Seeing the remorse Feng Huang felt over her accidental mistreatment of the training droid, Balun couldn't fault her. Truthfully, she had been startled by his appearance, and in his years, he had been caught in several compromising situations that had resulted in similar or worse outcomes. "Worry not, the droid will be back in service come the morning. Perhaps with some improvements, should the muse provide," he reassured her with a faint smile.

"And yes, it has taken some time adjusting to the new crossguard model from my standard" his first lightsaber, constructed as a Padawan Learner during his years outside of the Order, without the guidance and structure of a mentor or peers to lead him, hung from his belt. "I've found my strikes having to be more decisive, direct in their swing and momentum. You fight equally by using your body, pivoting, spinning, for evasion or adding greater momentum in stronger attacks, but always the risk of the crossguard, especially when first starting out, remains at the forefront of the mind" he chuckled quietly as he recalled his own training sessions, particularly the first few sessions that required readjustment in the emitter matrix. "Being able to power your lightsaber down to a training grade is certainly advisable when starting out".

"Seeing as I appear to have intruded on your training, however...-And you've voiced said training resulted in something lacking what you'd hoped to achieve, perhaps you would prefer to spar with a sentient opponent for a while?" he enquired with a grin, lowering his head slightly as if to offer up the decision to the Padawan, completely free of pressure. "Perhaps we might both serve to learn a thing or two, particularly in assisting me in further honing my use of this new piece".

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Feng Huang]

Feng flickered a small smile at Balun's reassurance at the droids recovery. It was a relief to know that she had done no permanent harm or damage. She didn't like to think herself a destructive person by nature, just… a little full of life that got a little… uncontained at times.

"Perhaps I can assist you in its repair?" Feng tentatively asked hopefully.

She had been working on gaining more confidence, particularly in her social interactions, one of those of which was speaking up when she needed to. Feng realised that she may be sounding ungrateful or perhaps she might be misunderstood or refused unless she explain herself.

"It's not that I doubt your capabilities in repairing it, and I am grateful for the offer. I'd just like to learn while doing something to repair my own mistake. Perhaps tinker a little while doing so. It just seems like an excellent opportunity to turn a mistake into an opportunity, one that I can learn from." Feng rushed to reassure him, trying to explain her reasoning.

While she waited for an answer, Feng listened fascinated with Balun's explanation of having to adjust with his crossguard.

"It certainly sounds like a challenge." Feng acknowledged thought fully, already attempting to work out the adjustments she'd have to do with her own crossguard, assuming she didn't have the enclosed guard surrounding the lateral blades.

Distracted she perked up in a delayed reaction to Balun's offer.

"Oh that would be splendid!" Feng exclaimed eagerly.

It happened so rarely that she got to spar with a master, particularly when she might actually learn something while doing so. Feng's last sparring had been in competition and she'd thoroughly gotten outclassed. As such she was eager to learn how she might improve her technique. Feng excitedly took up position on the training mat, and nodded fiercely. She bowed to Master Balun as was proper when being trained in any martial art by a master.

"Ready when you are master" Feng boasted igniting her lightsaber and holding it in a low guard position. Prepared to move it to a high guard, but not before the moment to square off had been completed. Holding your arms in high guard position for too long was taxing.

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

SPARRING AND SOCIALISING
LOCATION: Training Dojo, Shiraya's Sanctuary, Naboo Jedi Temple
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TRANSPORT: S-91x Pegasus Starfighter
TAGS: Feng Huang

​

The fate of the training remote could wait until the evening, as could the potential contribution from Feng Huang , depending on whether she still felt up to it following their training together. For now, Balun decided to focus on the sparring match, which she appeared to be most eager to take up his offer for.

Stepping onto the training floor for the first time, his boots crossing the threshold of the sparring mat's edge, Balun nodded to the padawan with an encouraging smile in acknowledgement of her readiness.

"Standard format as always. Should you feel the need, call 'Solah' and the session will cease immediately", he reminded her while moving across to his side of the room, rolling his shoulders in a casual attempt to ease his shoulders.

He had not prepared for the sparring match, had not stretched ahead of time as he typically would, and he would start slowly to gauge the Padawan's tempo and use the early stages as a warm-up.

Before he would turn to face her, he would first look to the hilt of his crossguard; however, his left hand moved across the top of the chassis just shy of physical touch, eyes closing as he focused on the force. Within, there was an audible shift of metal upon metal, something clicking into place, adjusting, and, consequently, the sound of an energetic whine, albeit lower-pitched than normal.

"I will be utilising training settings for this bout, just for your awareness", he said as he opened his eyes once more and finally turned and bowed formally with both hands at his sides; "Take your time. Pace yourself. Guage your opponent, learn from them. This is not a live combat scenario, but focus and you will benefit from the experience" he concluded before falling into his opening stance.

His left foot slid forward, his right back only marginally to hold the majority of his weight, both hands holding the hilt of his crossguard lightsaber as he lifted the weapon and ignited it with a snap-hiss of sun-fire energy. While the lateral vents crackled, sputtering out the shorter horizontal blades that formed the crossguard, Balun held the primary blade high at his right side in a generic Djem So stance.

"Though we Jedi typically prefer to prioritise defense first above all else, I would give you the choice of preference. Would you like me to go on the offensive, or would you prefer to make the first move?" he smirked coyly.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Feng Huang]

Feng watched Balun carefully prepare for the upcoming sparring match, she closed her eyes and breathed deep, harnessing the force. In her eagerness to train she had forgotten that crucial step. It was important to adjust that mistake, and with an effort managed not to internalise into a foreboding foretelling of doom that would determine the outcome of the rest of the training session.

Feng felt the force flow through her calming her, accepting her spirit and her presence, she opened her eyes and smiled a wicked grin at her sparring partner. Feng loved combat, particularly combat when lives weren't at stake. It made her feel exhilarated to test her skills against an opponent while still being safe in the knowledge and comfort of a secure environment.

"Don't worry master I won't hurt you" Feng grinned "but if you insist on training wheels I'll follow your lead."

Feng switched her lightsaber to training mode. Feng was enjoying teasing the young master. She enjoyed teasing stuffy old or in this case young masters, enjoyed the looks of forebearance and suffering on their face, most of all she enjoyed causing them to break to laugh to smile. Too many of them often forgot the point of the Living Force was to live, to laugh, to love. They were so caught up in discipline and focus they forgot to enjoy life, including in Fengs opinion the joys of combat.

Feng pursed her lips thoughtfully. Normally she'd launch into an attack, try to press the advantage, but she was being mindful of her mistake of not harnessing the force due to rushing into the fight before it even began.

Settling back into a defensive position, Feng saluted with her lightsaber.

"As I said master. Ready when you are." Feng challenged full of gleeful caution. A rare combination perhaps, but one she felt privileged to exemplify.

While she waited for Baluns response she took the time to study his stance, and what little she knew of him. He liked machines that meant attention to detail, he was ready with a smile, so perhaps he might enjoy this as much as Feng did, maybe for once she could use that to her advantage instead of detriment. He seemed compassionate, but Feng drew the line of trying to exploit that to her advantage. Fighting with honour was more important then winning to her mind.

Stop you're overthinking! Stay in the present moment.

Feng took a deep breath steadying her centre, focus and began to meditate even as she watched with alertness for the first move.

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

SPARRING AND SOCIALISING
LOCATION: Training Dojo, Shiraya's Sanctuary, Naboo Jedi Temple
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TRANSPORT: S-91x Pegasus Starfighter
TAGS: Feng Huang

​

As he held his Crossguard Lightsaber at the ready and acknowledged Feng Huang 's answer, Balun Dashiell considered the fact that she was the first Jedi that he had entered onto the sparring floor with since his Knighting.

The thought led to a question of his responsibility and obligation, an opportunity to teach, to provide to a colleague within the Jedi Order; and while his recent ascension was still so fresh, he did not consider the difference of hierarchy between them, he did, however, appreciate how their shared environment in this moment felt compared to the numerous battlefields he had walked in the years past.

"Very well", he answered her simply, and fell silent thereafter.

A moment would pass, seemingly drawn out, where he would gather his breath and release it. The appearance of hesitation, perhaps assumed by an audience had there been one, though Balun was gathering himself, his mind and centre.

For Feng, Balun would take his time in the early stages of their sparring. Allow her to adjust to his style while also enabling his body to stretch without overexertion.

Lowering his weapon with both hands, he drew the blade back behind him before pressing his weight forward and advancing towards her in a direct assault, the Lightsaber blade trailing behind as he dashed the short distance.

Only once he was just shy of striking range, did Balun step aside to Feng Huang's left side, both hands bringing his lightsaber arcing around in a simple yet wide horizontal waist-height sweep, as he turned his body in with the swing, using the heel of his left foot to pivot against the floor and add momentum to the move.

Feng would need to either block, parry or evade the strike. The latter of which would result in Balun spinning a full rotation due to his choice to pivot on his heel, using the momentum of his body's rotation.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Feng Huang]

Feng held her own crosgguard in a lowguard position, she calmed her mind with steady, slow breaths. In, and out, being aware of how her breath moved through her lungs, the way her lightsaber felt in her hands. Using that as a grounding technique as she studied Balun's form for the slightest shift in movement, from his feet to his shoulders. She was aware of his face, but also knew that skilled opponents were able to lie with their face much more easily than they could with even their voice.

It was difficult to quiet her mind, her thoughts wanted to race, panic, debate, back and forth over what his first move was going to be, what her first move should be in response. The nagging voice that she was a failure that she would fail. Feng accepted that they were just thoughts, they could not harm her. She imagined them floating by in a stream while she sat on the bank watching them go by. It was as close to emptiness as she could manage, She accepted her limitations and would overcome them, not by struggling in vain against her own mind, but by accepting she had the skills needed, all she needed to do was step aside from her thoughts and let her body flow.

When he did move, Feng moved with him, pivoting her feet on her heels, she shifted her weight so that her centre, and her balance would be behind her blade. Hands, arms and shoulders flowed with them, bringing her blade to a direct stop to counter Balun's opening move.

I did it! Ok now focus, counter riposte.

Feng leveraged her blade over in a twirling motion, bring it up almost to rest position, but flowing through in a horizontal sweep instead. The intent was to bring her blade in a sweep through Balun's neck. Feng controlled her excitement as the duel began to pick up pace, the ebb and flow of combat. It didn't have the same exhilaration of life and death, but if Feng was able to land even one hit on a Jedi Knight, she might finally feel better about her own lightsaber experience.

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

SPARRING AND SOCIALISING
LOCATION: Training Dojo, Shiraya's Sanctuary, Naboo Jedi Temple
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TRANSPORT: S-91x Pegasus Starfighter
TAGS: Feng Huang

​

The Jedi Knight had enacted a simple attack to start out the pace of their sparring match, and Feng Huang met his attack with an equally simple answer, to riposte his singular blow and transition smoothly forward into an attempted strike at his neck.

Of the eight marks of contact that the Padawan could have aimed for, Sai Cha was among the more aggressive, a blow to the neck region typically rendering the swift end to a fight via fatality. Though Sai Cha was specifically the act of decapitating another, and Feng had obviously not sought to commit such a dreadful act, it still surprised Balun so soon into their match and taught him a measure of her combat style.

With his crossguard having been parried aside, Balun quickly stepped backwards and leaned away, allowing Feng's lightsaber to sweep on by without making contact. The heat of her blade impressed upon him a wave of warm air as the weapon whipped around, and the Jedi Knight took a couple of further steps to recover his stance.

"How much time have you spent sparring with your peers?" Balun asked as he brought his lightsaber to the ready once more, holding the blade out at an angle in front of him. He was curious whether this was common practice for Feng. He understood that she had been feeling underwhelmed in her training against the droids, yet perhaps she was a touch too eager to prove, using such measures in a casual spar, or it was quite likely that she simply trusted that Balun would be capable of avoiding the blow altogether. A dangerous assumption if proven incorrect, were they not utilising training settings.

"What do you know of the Marks of Contact?" he soon asked, adding further to the inquiry in order to ascertain the nature of her intended strike.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Feng Huang]

Feng felt the flow of combat of combat fade as Master Balun disengaged her attack all too easily letting it slide by. Feng brought her lightsaber in a swirl of movement prepared to launch the attack once again. She was caught off guard by his questions, she frowned, had she done something wrong? She had been sparring as if she were fighting a Sith, Sith were deadly, in her opinion the only true way to meet such a threat was to fight as if your life depended on it, she thought that's what they had been doing.

"Not many Master… did I do something wrong?" Feng asked perplexed.

"Of course Master." Feng confirmed. "Sun Djem an opponents weapon, Shiim the edge of the blade, Cho Mai their weapon hand, Cho Sun their weapon arm, Cho Mok their limb, Shiak straight stab, Sai Cha decapitation, Sai Tok cutting them in half and Mou Kei dismemberment."

Feng touched upon each of the zones of her body as she went through the list, touching upon each mark or point of contact as she went through them.

"Master I don't understand. That is basic knowledge?" Feng asked not trying to be difficult just genuinely confused wondering why they had ceased sparring for the moment, her instincts were warring against each other. One said trust Master Balun Dashiell , the other her battle instincts were telling her to be wary of a surprise attack.

Feng took a breath and calmed her mind, she refused to give in to the anxiety that so often plagued her. If there was a lesson to be had she would learn it, she just had to be patient, not rush things. Now was not a time for battle, now was a time for learning. Yes the skills she was learning could be applied to battle, but to do so successfully first she had to approach them with discipline and an open mind.

Feng bowed her head.

"Forgive me master. I wish to learn."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

SPARRING AND SOCIALISING
LOCATION: Training Dojo, Shiraya's Sanctuary, Naboo Jedi Temple
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TRANSPORT: S-91x Pegasus Starfighter
TAGS: Feng Huang

​

"Be that as it may, going back to the basics can teach us a lot when we have the mind for it. For instance, through my learning of the marks of contact, I recognised the severity behind your intended strike," Balun replied calmly, still standing at the ready, though he studied the Padawan thoughtfully as though seeking to read beyond the mere words she offered.

Gradually, Balun began to move, stepping sideways and circling around her in a clockwise arch, leaving roughly two sabre lengths between them; "You may also feel my next question to be basic, but I wonder, does the objective differ between a live fight and a sparring match, in your perspective?"

Balun had seen more combat than he would have wished upon anyone, and not simply a field assignment turned violent, but the live battlefields of several wars that he had fought upon at an earlier age than sixteen years old. He knew what it was to fight, to experience the tremendous drowning of lives torn from the galaxy in utter chaos, and he knew that in this environment right here between them, there was peace.

Perhaps, for Feng Huang , it might seem that Balun was stalling them from getting on with their sparring match, which held great appeal to her, yet for Balun, there was more to sharing a training session together than merely overcoming one's opponent. You could lose a sparring match, yet still benefit from it greatly, provided you had the patience, the self-awareness and the mind to not only learn from your sparring partner, but also from your own actions. Sparring was about conditioning that of the mind, as much as of the body and the blade.

"You have no need to apologise, this is a learning space. Some might encourage your tempo, but as I have not sparred with you before, I too am learning" Balun offered a gentle smile, seeking to reassure her. "You may continue when you're ready", Balun concluded, flourishing his lightsaber by rolling his wrist and giving it a wide spin, soon nodding to confirm his own readiness.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Feng Huang]

"Yes master" Feng breathed deep settling her nerves from the abrupt starting and ending of combat. Feng preferred to get into a rhythm when fighting, she felt the flow of combat as much as she saw it, she harnessed the Force to guide her actions as she fought. The abrupt stopping and starting was throwing her off base a little. Feng was confused by the comment of the severity of her attack.

"Forgive me master, but isn't that the point of an attack? To be severe? To survive is to win." Feng expressed confused.

Master Wu sometimes spoke of defending life even when defending your own or others, but Feng had always dismissed that as the perspective of a Jedi who did not even wield a lightsaber. Therefore it didn't apply to Feng. A lightsaber was a lethal weapon, every youngling was taught to wield it with the proper due care and respect that it could if wielded unwisely cost you're your limbs or even your life. It was not a toy to be wielded unwisely certainly, but once unleashed it should be used to full effect.

Feng considered his question with a frown.

"Not… particularly master. The result is different, where no one is harmed, but the intent should be the same. We are training for real combat, real battle, our opponents will be willing to kill or worse, we should be prepared for that. As much as in training for it as anywhere else. Otherwise we would be unprepared for the real thing when it occurs."

Feng hesitated unsure she was expressing herself right.

"I have no desire to kill master, but in combat I believe one should be prepared to. Training or sparring is preparation for combat. To treat a lethal threat with anything other than lethality in response is to underestimate it with an arrogance bordering on hubris. It assumes you are so skilled you can take an opponent alive regardless of the danger to yourself."

Feng grimaced still not sure she was explaining herself well.

"I prefer not to assume I am so skilled I can swiftly disarm an opponent with a flourish, but… perhaps that is limiting my perspective. It eliminates disarming from my skill sets, always going for the kill can be just as exposing as attempting to disarm a skilled opponent."

Feng frowned unhappy with that realisation.

"I do not like to consider I may be ignoring skills in my arsenal. Thank you for your lesson master."

Feng bowed solemnly. Nodding she undertook a high guard readying to attack Balun Dashiell with a Sun Djem attack. The flick outward of a Makashi attack flickered through the air, like a striking, twirling snake, aiming to curve around and take Balun's weapon hand from his grip.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

SPARRING AND SOCIALISING
LOCATION: Training Dojo, Shiraya's Sanctuary, Naboo Jedi Temple
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TRANSPORT: S-91x Pegasus Starfighter
TAGS: Feng Huang

​

As Feng Huang considered his questions, Balun listened patiently, assessing the Padawan before him. Though he held his Lightsaber at the ready and continued to slowly circle her one gradual step after the next, he did not make any attempt to interrupt her reflection or her bid to provide a satisfactory answer. Her discomfort and uncertainty were plain to see as she spoke, gave herself pause to consider, then sought to clarify, and she reminded Balun of his own inner struggles, especially as a Student of the Jedi, which had only come to a conclusion a short time ago.

It was easy to sympathise with her, to want to dismiss the tension she seemed to feel by his reaction and criticism of her method of attack, yet Balun found himself curious to hear where the woman's thoughts would lead her. To his witheld surprise, a feeling he did not outwardly convey, Feng not only provided her own sense of learning but also thanked the Jedi Knight for encouraging her to consider such things. Balun's reply, a silent one, a gentle smile and a simple nod of encouragement. He would not take from her moment of learning if only to explain his own stance towards sparring with their fellow Jedi.

Feng readied herself, falling back into position, a telling Djem So stance with her lightsaber raised high. Balun, on the other hand, pressed his left foot forward, both hands taking the hilt of his lightsaber and extending the blade out low at his front, tip aimed toward the floor, his weight carried evenly upon both legs as he focused on her body language, and pushed aside his thoughts so that he could be fully present in the moment.

Feng suddenly moved to attack, her handling of the lightsaber and movements not that of Djem So, but a feint into another form instead. Balun didn't wait to confirm the style of combat, but instinctively shifted sideways a single pace to his left, giving further space between himself and her weapon, lifting his sunfire blade quickly and seeking to fend off her decisive and agile attempt to disarm him by the purchase of a parrying strike against her own blade.

Balun smirked now, evidently pleased with her efforts. Feng had impressed him with her ingenuity, now looking to fight a battle not just of the sword but of the mind as well. While hers had been a slightly complex maneuver, his parry had been simple by comparison yet well timed. The Jedi Knight continued to step aside, moving in circles around her once again, though this time she received a nod of approval.

Far from what he would consider a model Jedi, Balun did not consider himself wise nor accomplished as a Jedi Knight. He was still growing accustomed to hearing others refer to him as Master, which, as of today, Feng was the second, only after Cerys Dyn , who had first used the title rather reluctantly with him. Nonetheless, sparring was something that Balun approached rather differently than live combat. Here, the objective was not to win, but to mutually benefit from the time shared, to learn from one another and to exercise what they had previously been taught; to exemplify progress in the hope of further encouraging it in their peers. It was for this reason that he did not care about winning or losing; rather, he focused on his sparring partner's efforts, the subtle whispers of the ether surrounding them, and the overall serenity the Dojo offered, in contrast to the sheer madness of true combat.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Feng Huang]

Feng appreciated Balun's patience with her self reflections. Master Wu did that sometimes, letting Feng search for and find answers for herself, rather than provide the answers for her. Most of the time it was a frustrating method of teaching, leaving one feel like they were constantly being tested without a clear answer. Right now though Feng was grateful, she had been presented with a queary and had sought her best to answer through her own recognisance. It was instead of frustrating to be administered a test without an answer, a relief that she had provided answers for herself to a question that didn't always present itself as a clear answer.

As such she was feeling good as she engaged Balun in sparring. It was clear that Balun saw a distinction between sparring and combat. That was an adjustment of thinking for Feng, she had never considered that sparring might serve other purposes other than testing one's abilities, or perhaps it was more exploring one's abilities with a partner. Yes, that felt right. An opportunity to learn from each other, where they might improve, not just a demonstration of where they already excel. It wasn't anything Balun had said but more the way he approached sparring, as if partaking in a valuable lesson. Master Wu always said you learn the most from teaching others, it had never occurred to Feng that it could apply to lightsaber sparring.

Feng's attack was almost gently pushed aside by Balun's parry. Feng realised that served multiple purposes chief among them control of the blade, of the movement allowing the duelist control of the engagement. The other thing it did was conserve energy, forcing the opponent to go on the attack, and in Feng's case expel more energy with designed deadly flourishes. Effective if they worked, but a waste of energy should they fail. All an opponent had to do, was maintain control, conserve energy, wait for Feng to get tired, make a mistake, then press the advantage.

Learning the lesson Feng decided to disengage as she and Balun circled each other, in almost concentric rings, of precision movements. The enforcement of hours and hours of dueling practice for years in dueling circles. The basics being applied even now.

Steadying her breath, Feng waited preparing her stance to adapt into a defensive platform, slightly nervous at doing so. Defence wasn't her area of comfort, but where better to learn, then in a friendly sparring match with a master on training settings.

It could be a long wait, Feng was prepared for that, her muscles could begin to sieze, her arms get tired, her mind frayed by being constantly on edge devolving into boredom, which if she were him would be when he attacked. Fortunately, being an apprentice to Master Wu one thing she had learned how to do was active meditation, how to apply oneself, even while relaxing the mind and body. Applying those skills Feng steadied her breath into a deep rhythm. In and out. The only thing on her mind was her breath, her blade and his blade, his shoulders and his footwork.

Watch the body language, that's where the attack will come from.

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

SPARRING AND SOCIALISING
LOCATION: Training Dojo, Shiraya's Sanctuary, Naboo Jedi Temple
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TRANSPORT: S-91x Pegasus Starfighter
TAGS: Feng Huang

​

Feng Huang had changed tactics and taken up a defensive stance, Balun studying her for a moment and offering an approving nod as encouragement; When facing a combatant with potentially greater experience or skill, whether fact or merely assumption, it was often better to slow down and allow them to come to you. Every strike meant exerting energy, and a duel between skilled swordsman could easily become as much a mind game, testing the boundaries of your opponent and looking for weaknesses, flaws in their form.

Drawing the crossguard to his side, he held the blade high on his right, both hands gripping the hilt as they continued to circle each other. Feng had proven herself light on her feet, quick to react and struck out with finesse when she went on the offensive. Her form was good, and now, seeing her take a back foot and showing patience while sizing up her opponent, Balun was glad to see that she was thinking thoroughly.

His right hand shifted a little, his grip turning around the hilt as he triggered the weapons locking activator so that the blades wouldn't disengage should he lose hold of the weapon, which was exactly his intention. With the distance between them, Balun wound the lightsaber back before throwing it with both hands and reaching out to control its horizontal spin through the air as it arced out in a wide berth on Feng's left side. The Sunfire blade was ablaze and humming loudly as the energy cut through the air, turning in its approach towards Balun's target, the Padawan standing on the defence.

He drove himself forward, still controlling the weapon telepathically but now running directly towards Feng and showing little sign of slowing. He had timed his pursuit well, both the lightsaber and the Jedi Knight coming at her, about to meet Feng at roughly the same time, a moment in which she would have to choose how to respond and which of the two to prioritise.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Feng Huang]

Feng watched Balun Dashiell carefully for his next move. It was dangerous to make assumptions about what an opponent might do in battle, and Feng didn't know Balun well enough yet to guess at his favourite moves. Still it was almost impossible not to speculate in her own inner dialogue. Would he try to rush her? Overwhelm her defences in an attack perhaps enhanced bby force speed? Or would he wait awhile, and fence, test out Feng's abilities slowly, one by one piecemeal to get a sense of her capabilities.

If the former Feng would have to be ready, flexible and responsive, like responding to an attack from a Sith Hydra deflecting, parrying, riposte at a multilayered attack, with each strike acting as it's own life threatening end if it were a real duel.

If it were the latter Feng would have to be patient, not her strong suit, but she would manage it in the interests of combat, she would dance the fencing dance, never letting her opponent gain the upper hand, but not over extending herself either

Or perhaps not? Perhaps Balun would do something new and unexpected. Though if Feng had known what that might be it would no longer be new and unexpected. She thought the last a little wryly to herself as her lip twitched.

Despite her mind focusing on where and how the next attack would come from Feng was enjoying herself. This had all the thrill of combat, testing yourself against another opponent in earnest without any of the horror of loss of life. There was no screaming, crying, wails of anguish, war cries of rage, no blaster fire, or explosions, or collapsing buildings, or evil men ordering the massacre of civilians. It was just two colleagues, two friends testing their skills.

Feng saw the shift in Balun's stance, and prepared herself for the incoming attack whatever it might be. Her eyes widened when Balun threw his lightsaber telepathically controlling it on it's arc towards her, Feng shifted to catch the blow, as she did so Balun rush towards her. Feng almost froze not sure which threat to face, but there was no time for indecision. Feng wielded her lightsaber one handed to parry Balun's lightsaber with her blade in her right hand. Her left hand Feng spread into a wide, stopping motion, and sent a force push towards Balun, hoping it would distract Balun long enough for Feng to correctly parry the blade coming towards her.

Feng parried the blade and sent the force push out simultaneously. Fearing her force push hadn't been enough as soon as the blade had been parried, Feng launched herself into a backflip to give herself some room, landing in a crouch with her lightsaber on guard. Only belatedly realising she should have pressed for the attack instead.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

SPARRING AND SOCIALISING
LOCATION: Training Dojo, Shiraya's Sanctuary, Naboo Jedi Temple
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
TRANSPORT: S-91x Pegasus Starfighter
TAGS: Feng Huang

​

Balun moved swiftly, a man of agility rather than brute strength, yet he wasn't quick enough to reach Feng Huang before she reached out with an outstretched hand. He felt the force being summoned through her control of the ether, channelling her ability to repel him while she sought to parry the thrown lightsaber. He didn't have time to think; he raised his arms instinctively to protect himself before the wall of telekinetic energy hit him directly, driving him backwards. He lost his footing and stumbled, falling.

Recovering from this was his only priority now, though he did his best to recall his weapon. Balun rolled back with the momentum, kicking his legs out as he forced himself into a complete somersault against the sparring mat and carried on, climbing to his feet once more. Disoriented by the evasive maneuver, he looked back at the Padawan as he sought to regain his bearing on his sparring partner, left hand reaching out just in time for the hilt of his crossguard to slap his palm with a light slap, fingers curling around the familiar presence of his crystal.

'Good instincts, good control of the Force', he concluded, a slight smirk being drawn as he offered Feng an approving nod, clearly impressed with her response to his somewhat unorthodox attack. She had been given a challenge, and she had conquered it. Balun was both intrigued and excited to test her skills further and see how much she had learned thus far in her journey.

With a flourish of his Crossguard, Balun whipped the blade around in a circular arc from his left side to his front, taking the weapon into both hands and raising it on his right side once more, adopting his Djem So stance yet again. Calmly, he drew out a breath, poising himself. A momentary peace before he moved in on the offensive once again.

From the back foot, Balun drove himself forward once again, a fast dash for a direct assault. He looked to close the gap between them swiftly, hands maneuvering the blade low to trail behind him on the right. Feng had been given plenty of time to recover by this point; now he would push her defence.

Within seconds, he would be within range of striking distance, his lightsaber being raised in a hip-to-shoulder strike, the whirl of energy emphasised by the blade cutting through the air of the room. The upwards slash would only be the first; she would be required to defend herself, to parry as he brought his weapon high, only to carry the hilt overhead and again bring the blade of his crossguard down once more, a vertical strike aimed for her centre, head to toe if Feng wasn't quick enough to act.

Fortunately, they were still using training settings. A low frequency of the blade emitters, in which she would be relatively unharmed if Balun did indeed meet his mark.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​