Private The Duel of Endurance

[Roman Vossari]

Jedi Enclave | Obstacle Course
Tag: Lily Decoria



​

Padawan Roman stood at the starting line of the newly constructed obstacle course, his eyes scanning over the various challenges laid out before him. The sheer scale of the course was impressive: ropes stretched high into the air, walls to climb, and trenches filled with sand that would surely sap every ounce of energy. He felt a buzz of excitement mixed with apprehension, this wasn't going to be an ordinary training session. He could practically feel the anticipation humming in the air around him.

With each passing minute, Roman's thoughts drifted between his own worries and the upcoming challenge. He'd grown accustomed to the demands of the Jedi Temple, enduring rigorous training in both lightsaber combat and the Force. However, this obstacle course required not only physical strength but also the endurance of his connection to the Force. He would need to rely on both his mental and physical fortitude to navigate the trials before him.

As he paced along the starting line, Roman glanced toward the shimmering sky above the Temple. The sun was at its peak, casting a warm glow over the training grounds, bathing everything in golden light. Roman took a deep breath, feeling his heartbeat steady as he contemplated the course. There was a hint of nervousness, but he welcomed it like an old friend. It reminded him that he was alive, that he was in the process of becoming a Jedi, and it pushed him to strive for more.

He rifled through his thoughts, recalling the training sessions he had endured since arriving at the Temple. There had been countless moments of struggle, times when he believed he wouldn't make it through. Yet each experience had forged him into the Padawan he was today. He sensed the thrill of competition looming ahead, he had always thrived in collaborative challenges, and today was no exception. His partner who he had yet to meet, Padawan Lily, had a reputation for being as fierce and driven as he was.

Roman checked the time on his comm, noting that Lily was already late. He hoped she wouldn't back out, it was no surprise that some Padawans dreaded the thought of tackling the obstacle course, especially with the added pressure of a surprise competition. Rumor had it that the grand prize for the best time on this course. For Roman, that was more than enough motivation to give it everything he had.

​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Roman Vossari

How did she allow herself to be so late?

Lily usually prided herself on being either early or exactly on time, she hated the idea of being late. However, it seemed as though the Force was conspiring against her since she was unfortunately terribly late for something she was pretty stoked about. An obstacle course, fitness and demonstrations of her feats in strength, endurance and physical attributes was always a plus for Lily. She was a fighter and she had honed her body to be the fittest and strongest it could be. She was also proud of her speed and agility, being quick on her feet in a manner that was graceful and dancer like thanks to her years of dance training.

Learning to use the Force while it was harder for the Padawan, she was getting better and she was getting stronger. It was mostly in skills that assisted her in combat but Lily was determined as anyone to demonstrate that she was going to make a fine Jedi Knight and hopefully one day even earn the title of Blade Master. That would be her ultimate dream, but for now she was focusing on completing the course and seeing how far her hard training and studying had come along.

Stretching her muscles, she walked over to where she was expected to be and looked around, seeing who else was around and potentially get a good look at what the potential challenges they would be facing. Her muscular figure stretched and relaxed as she didn't even feel that nervous about the course, there was only doing her best and taking what she could to learn and become better. There was nothing wrong with becoming last place during this and nothing massively gained if she was first place, at least nothing that inspired a competitive edge to her. Even if it had, she would be more anxious to get the ball rolling and perhaps be a bit too eager and aggressive during the course.

So it was probably for the best that she was taking a far calmer and relaxed approach to the obstacle course.

Waving over to Roman, "hi! Roman, right? So sorry about being late, lost track of time and it seems that the universe is against me today. I hate being late personally." Lily mentioned as she smiled warmly to the stranger and extended a hand in greeting.

 

[Roman Vossari]

​

Padawan Roman turned as he heard the familiar voice, feeling a surge of relief wash over him upon finally meeting his partner. When he saw Lily approaching, a spark of admiration flickered within him. She stood tall and poised, her athletic build evident in her confident stride. Roman couldn't help but be impressed, the dedication to her training was clear. Her presence radiated strength, and there was an ease to her movements that hinted at her agility.

"Hey, no worries, Lily! I'm just glad you made it." Roman replied, extending a hand to shake hers. "You ready for this?" He chuckled lightly, the buzzing anticipation of the upcoming course igniting a competitive thrill within him.

As he released her hand, Roman began to scan the course once more, allowing his gaze to shift between the rope climbs and the walls. "I have a feeling this is going to be one intense day. I've heard you have quite the reputation as a fighter. I guess we'll see who can scale these walls faster." He flashed her a grin that conveyed both encouragement and challenge.

"And hey, just so you know, I didn't sign up for last place." His heart began to race with excitement, eagerness starting to bubble beneath the surface as he envisioned them darting through the obstacles, pushing each other to excel. At that moment, Roman felt the thrill of competition rising in him, a desire to prove himself and perhaps impress Lily with what he could do.

"Ready to show this course what we're made of?" Roman asked, excitement radiating in his voice as he took a step back, readying himself for their impending adventure. The sun shimmered down upon them, a perfect backdrop for the determination that sparked in his eyes.

Roman continued to stretch out as he eyed the course. The pair would know the natural surroundings, but not the details of the course. All they could see at the start of the course would be a large wall the size of a large tree, with indents throughout its face so the Padawans can scale it. Beyond the wall, the would be running in blind.

​

Tag: Lily Decoria

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Roman Vossari

She smiled politely, glad to hear that her tardiness had not caused any upset with the other Padawan. "Oh, for sure, I train daily pushing myself physically with my improvised obstacle courses, and I have been studying as hard as I can at the Jakku Enclave." Lily nodded her head with a grin, ready to take on the challenges ahead.

Hearing that she was gathering a reputation for being a good fighter only caused Lily to grin wider, if there was anything she wanted to be praised about it was her fighting capabilities. That was her defining attribute and best thing, at least in her mind, "awesome! Glad to hear that word is getting around. Would dread the idea that I was poorly representing the Echani culture and letting my people down." She giggled slightly and looked over to the rope and the wall that they were going to first need to overcome. "Oh, this is going to be easy!" Lily stated with an excited tone to get the ball rolling with the course.

"Well, if you beat me then you'll certainly have a lot to brag about I suppose. Loser could also pay for drinks afters, if you wanted to make it interesting." Lily stated, never against a friendly, unserious bit of gambling that was surrounding physical challenges. Bouncing a little on the spot, her eagerness to jump into the course and give it her all was coming to the surface. While she wasn't feeling competitive in a desire to destroy the competition or make it boring for anyone else, she was eager to show off her training and skills.

It wasn't a bad thing to demonstrate how much further you have progressed. "Definitely pumped to go." Lily stated with a grin. "Think you can keep up?" She asked, curious to see what Roman would be like since she had not trained with him before and getting to see people in action always spoke more than a conversation. At least for Lily it did.

But that was her Echani nature.

 

[Roman Vossari]

​

Padawan Roman nodded, feeling the energy thrumming between them as they prepared to tackle the obstacle course. Lily's enthusiasm was contagious, it sparked a fire of determination within him. He admired her unwavering confidence, her words echoing in his mind -- this is going to be easy. Roman appreciated her straightforward perspective, it matched his own desire to rise to the challenge and give their absolute best.

As the two of them approached the towering wall, a rush coursed through him. He glanced over at Lily, her form poised and ready. Roman could sense her eagerness, it complemented his own competitive spirit. He chuckled to himself, thinking about the stakes they had just set, drinks on the line added a perfect layer of camaraderie to the competition.

"Alright, Lily." Roman said, a competitive gleam sparkling in his eyes. "I hope you're ready to be impressed." With a final stretch, he steadied his posture at the base of the wall. The rough surface loomed high above them, indents and crevices inviting their determination.

"Three... two... one!" With a powerful kick-off, he launched himself toward the wall, fingers grasping at the nearest foothold. The grit of the surface pressed against his palms, but he grit his teeth and focused, climbing with a steady rhythm. The initial surge of adrenaline fueled his movements, pushing him to scale the wall as swiftly as he could.

Roman's breathing quickened, and he felt the burn in his muscles. But there was something invigorating about the physical struggle -- the way it felt to challenge himself, to fight his way upward. He could hear the occasional rustle from the ground behind him, a reminder that Lily was right there, each of them vying for the lead.

Above him, the sun shone brightly, highlighting the determination etched on his face. "Don't fall behind!" he called back playfully, wanting to keep the spirit light while encouraging her progress. He could feel the palpable excitement of competition tingling in the air, each second unfolding with potential.

He took a deep breath, quickly scanning the area beyond the wall. The course opened up into a twisting path of obstacles that mirrored nature's formidable beauty -- all sharp turns, rocky terrains, and dense thickets -- and every second brought new challenges. Roman bounded down the other side, landing nimbly on the ground below. Without wasting a moment, he charged forward into the next leg of the course, dodging beneath a series of low-hanging branches while maintaining a quick pace.

Suddenly, the ground beneath him shifted, prompting him to slow. The terrain divided into two paths. One seemed to wind up a steep hill littered with boulders, while the other led down toward a shallow creek, likely slippery with mud. Roman could feel the presence of the Force guiding his instincts, urging him to trust himself.

"Let's take the creek!" he thought to himself, his voice full of vigor.

​

Tag: Lily Decoria

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Roman Vossari

"We'll have to see. I rarely impress easily." She smirked widely as she was allowing herself to feel a little more competitive in the moment, still controlling how far she went since she didn't know Roman and didn't wish to spook him with how intense she was.

With the countdown, she readied herself and on one, she launched forward, climbing the wall easily. Her muscles were well worked and she had no issues with pulling herself up, even using her legs to push herself up faster. Lily was demonstrating that her insane muscular figure was not something for purely show but was also a demonstration of practical strength as well. Climbing the wall over swiftly and noting that Roman was keeping up, which was good to see but she was curious to see how well he could keep up towards the end of the course. Where the stamina testing was the true factor in completing a solid time in a course such as this.

"Don't get cocky yet, gotta pace yourself otherwise you'll soon run out of steam." Lily mentioned as she didn't rush herself full steam ahead but did not fall behind either. Keeping her fitness up and ensuring she was being proactive in course as well.

Watching Roman split towards the creek, she looked to the boulders and decided to take that path. There was an uphill challenge that she needed to take on, but she had trained her skills to be just as acrobatic as she was in pure athleticism. Gracefully moving forward, she danced around the boulders without slowing down too much and the climb wasn't too steep for her to keep powering hard through the course. She was keen to see where this would lead her and what challenges would lay ahead for her.

She was also interested in finding out how Roman had managed with the creek, a path that instinctively felt slower and more dangerous with mud to sink into or slipping around and causing an injury due to a hard fall.

 

[Roman Vossari]

​

As Roman splashed into the creek, the cool water momentarily revived him, but it quickly became apparent that adventure turned unpredictable in an instant. The muddy banks welcomed him in a slurpy embrace, causing him to lose his footing and stumble, his heart racing as he felt himself sinking into a curious patch of mud that clung to his legs like an uninvited guest.

"Oh, come on!" he muttered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. The mud's grip tightened, pulling stubbornly at his efforts, but his training kicked in. Trusting his instincts, he concentrated and reached out with the Force, his senses expanding like ripples in the water. As if sensing the urgency, a vine nearby seemed to sway gently, almost beckoning him closer. With a focused pull, he summoned the vine toward him, wrapping his fingers around it like a lifeline.

"Gotcha!" he exclaimed as he tugged at the vine, straining against the mud that seemed to want to keep him forever in its grasp. The vine responded with an unexpected strength, anchoring him back towards solid ground, finally freeing him with a pop of release as he tumbled onto the bank, panting and slightly disheveled.

Regaining his composure, Roman glanced around and wondered about the choice Lily had made. Did she manage to avoid a similar mishap on her rocky ascent? He envisioned her gracefully navigating the boulders, a dance of agility and power. But without knowing, each of them faced their own challenges, testing their limits but also showcasing their skills.

The two paths approached one another, and soon Roman spotted the new challenge waiting ahead -- a massive canyon gaping open like a mouth ready to swallow anything that dared cross it. Suspended high above were two narrow beams stretching precariously across the chasm. Roman could see that their positions created an opportunity for them to aid each other if they made it to the beams simultaneously, but he also felt the pulse of competition resettle inside him.

​

Tag: Lily Decoria

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Roman Vossari

Getting past the boulders had not been too difficult for herself but she was keeping a casual pace once going downhill. Lily spotted Roman, he seemed a lot muddier and dealing with tricky muck, he was still keeping a solid pace for now and Lily noted that the next obstacle was a thin beam that was her only way forward.

Walking onto the beam, her balance was well managed and connected to the Force, keeping her balance and chanting in a low voice that she was one with the Force. Using the chant to keep her mind focused on the Force and balance her thoughts to assist in moving. While it was a chance to work with a partner to move forward, Lily also knew it was important to demonstrate that she was capable of controlling her body and navigating things on her own.

"If you need help with the beam, let me know," Lily was happy to offer help, even if she didn't need it herself. It was important to ensure they were both moving forward and it allowed the race to keep interesting. Also a kind gesture begot another. She kept focused on her movements, one foot in front of the other as she continued to walk forward.

 

[Roman Vossari]

​

As Roman took a deep breath and approached the narrow beam, a mix of excitement and trepidation surged within him. The beam swayed slightly beneath his weight, teetering on the edge of stability, and he fought to bury the feelings of self-doubt that surfaced. This was no time to falter, he was a skilled practitioner in the ways of the Force. Yet as he climbed onto the beam, uncertainty gnawed at him, compounded by the daunting chasm beneath.

He took a cautious step, feeling the pulse of the Force around him. It whispered of stability, of balance, but with each subsequent step, his heart raced faster. Was he truly one with the Force, or was he merely pretending to be? The narrow beam felt precarious beneath his feet, his toes curling instinctively at the edge of fear.

Halfway across, the beam gave another slight tremble, stirring a wave of panic in Roman. His concentration faltered, and the world around him blurred, the rushing creek below suddenly felt deafening. He could feel the embrace of gravity pulling at him -- he was slipping.

"Whoa! Whoa!" His voice wavered as he struggled to find his footing, arms flailing slightly as he teetered unsteadily. "Lily, I--" he began, vulnerability creeping into his tone. The invisible hands of rivalry loosened their grip for a moment, replaced instead by the sharp dagger of embarrassment.

He could see Lily further ahead opposite side, maintaining her composure, exuding a grace that both impressed and intimidated him. She made it look so easy. He wished to uphold the spirit of competition, but in this moment, all he wanted was to stay safe on that narrow beam.

"Could you--" he breathed hesitantly, his voice barely above a whisper, fear creeping into his words. "I could use some help here!"

Up ahead a small platform could be seen where the two beams end. A smaller gap to the other side of the chasm could be seen from this platform as it was clear they needed to use the force to leap across, something Roman could assume was a no problem for Lily. He wouldn't fault her if she left him behind, this was a competition anyways. This was her moment to get a good gap in on the faltering Padawan on the beam.

​

Tag: Lily Decoria

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Roman Vossari

It was clear that Roman was struggling more in the moment more than she was, Lily had offered her assistance to him and she wasn't going to go back on that offer just for a bigger lead. Perhaps she held too much honour and it was going to lead bad outcomes later in life. For now, she believed it was important to do good.

Reaching back with the Force, she stabilised Roman as he walked, "breathe in deeply, look forward, not down." Lily stated, she wasn't sure how best to help him but she was doing the best that she could. Lily looked over to him, "you are one with the Force and the Force is with you." It was a chant she had learned a lot when researching on ways to meditate since she had struggled plenty with meditation and relaxation.

Walking to the other side, Lily kept stabilising Roman until he reached the other side. Waiting with a warm, patient smile, there was no fun in exploiting someone else's vulnerability and she had stated from the start that she wasn't here to get the number one spot. She was just here to see how far she had come. And using the Force like this, being able to meditate as well as she had, she was demonstrating the progress she had made over the months of hard training. Hell, it had been a year or more of her training and she was keen to get further in her training now.

"Need a moment or ready to keep moving forward?" Offering Roman the chance to settle his nerves before the next challenge.

 

[Roman Vossari]

​

He was acutely aware of how his fear was painting him as weak, his palms slick with sweat and his mind consumed by what others might think. He saw her slightly ahead, exuding strength and poise, and for a moment, envy curled in his gut, threatening his resolve. But as her voice floated back to him, steady and reassuring, a flicker of hope ignited in his chest.

"Breathe in deeply, look forward, not down," she instructed, and he focused on her words, letting them wash over him. Roman took a breath, inhaling through his nose, feeling the air fill his lungs--a reminder that he was alive, that he was worth this moment. As if reading his thoughts, Lily extended her influence through the Force, creating an unseen safety net around him.

"You are one with the Force, and the Force is with you," she chanted, and he began to steady himself, her words untying the knot of fear coiling in his stomach. As he looked toward her, confidence flickered back into his eyes. With each tentative step he took, he felt the pulsing rhythm of the Force beneath him, merging with his own heartbeat, grounding and steadying him as Lily's support enveloped him.

With her help, he was able to traverse the beam--soon he stood beside her on the small platform at the other side of the chasm. Exhausted yet exhilarated, he let out the breath he hadn't realized he had been holding.

"Thanks, Lily," he said, trying to mask his relief with a sheepish grin. More than just gratitude, he felt a sense of camaraderie, forged through their shared struggle. "Heights. Am I right?"

Roman took a moment to gather himself, breathing steadily while the adrenaline began to ebb. The path ahead opened up, another challenge looming tantalizingly before them.

"Ready to keep moving forward?" he offered, his eyes sparkling with appreciation.

As they stepped off the platform and onto the next challenge, he offered her to go first. "After you." Roman took a deep breath before grounding the force underneath his feet, launching himself across the canyon with his newfound confidence.

​

Tag: Lily Decoria

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Roman Vossari

She offered a smile to Roman, she was not necessarily scared of heights beyond the standard nerves that washed over someone initially. However, she could understand needing help to overcome fears or situations where one felt most vulnerable. Lily was not the best with busy situations, meeting new people or dealing with new environments.

"More than ready," Lily was in her best environment, this was something she worked hard on and anything combat, or survival based, was of deep interest to her. Which meant she worked harder on them than other elements. She moved forward to the next challenge and spotted the jumping over the chasm to the next spot. Lily looked to Roman and he seemed more steeled and able to handle this better than the previous challenge.

She nudged him gently, "don't worry, if you struggle I got you." Taking a few steps back, she then raced forward and with the Force pumping into her legs, Lily launched herself higher and further than she could normally. The Force also defending her when she landed and rolled to avoid any harm and allows her to keep running forward. Looking back to Roman, she waved him over.

Her steel gaze focused on the other Padawan, to ensure he didn't underestimate or overestimate the jumping.

 

[Roman Vossari]

​

Roman took a deep breath as he watched Lily sail effortlessly across the chasm. The thrill of her leap ignited a spark of determination within him. He admired her confidence, and for a moment, any lingering anxiety about his own abilities drifted away. The drawing in of the Force felt more visceral now; it pulsed through him, just waiting to be unleashed.

"Okay, Roman, it's just a jump," he muttered to himself, taking a couple of steps back, just like Lily had done. The gap seemed wider now that he was standing at the edge of it, but he couldn't afford to hesitate. He didn't want to seem weak in front of Lily. She'd already offered her support, but he knew he needed to prove to himself that he could do this.

With a quick glance at the distance between him and the target ledge, he focused. The Force flowed through him, giving him a rush of adrenaline. Roman pushed off the ground, feeling a tingle of energy as he leapt into the air. The world around him blurred, and for a moment, he felt weightless, like he was flying. Then, with a thud, he landed on the ledge beside Lily, rolling smoothly to his feet.

Before he could savor the victory, the ground beneath them shifted, leading them into the next challenge: a labyrinth that shifted with every step. The air thrummed with a strange energy, and Roman glanced at the dark corridors that twisted and turned before them. The walls of the labyrinth appeared to distort subtly, the lights flickering as though they had their own pulse, taunting them with altered perceptions.

He took a moment to calm himself, grounding his thoughts amidst the chaos. "Lily," he began, his voice firm yet steady, "we need to focus. The Force will guide us, but we might have to ignore what we see." Before moving forward, he reached out through the Force, attempting to attune himself to the reality around them while keeping an eye on her.

As they stepped deeper into the maze, illusions danced at the peripheries of his vision: shadows that shifted, paths that seemed to stretch and then twist out of reach. The walls whispered, echoing with confusion. Roman felt his heart race for a moment, but he reminded himself: doubt only led to missteps.

​

Tag: Lily Decoria

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Roman Vossari

Watching Roman jump, she could tell that he was going to make the landing and nodded her head in approval when he rose up back from the landing. It was solid and she was pleased to see that his initial fears had been overcome. It allowed them to move forward with a quick pace, still keeping a solid time and giving them a chance to achieve a decent time overall.

Seeing the maze, she had known of hedge mazes since many nobles enjoy making their own and there were events where such mazes were orchestrated to be spooky or eventful. Smiling a little, she looked over to Roman, "this is fine, what I have heard is to keep going in a single direction. Might not be the fastest route but it will prevent us getting lost or caught heading back the way we entered." She could feel that this was also a maze that was going to test their minds and resolve.

"Well... we could just shut our eyes? Blind ourselves and trust in the Force and ability to use Force Sight?" Lily mentioned, figuring it was better to just trust in the Force as Roman had mentioned. "Though lets hope that they haven't put dangers in here that feed off the Force either." Facing creatures that hungered for the Force or Force sensitive people was an ever present danger like this maze, they had little warning behind a corner currently.

Closing her eyes, breathing in deeply, Lily moved forward, seeing through the Force and following the path it laid before her.

 

[Roman Vossari]

​

Roman nodded firmly, appreciating Lily's suggestion about following a single direction. As the realities of the maze shifted around them, he felt a surge of confidence in her abilities and intuition. "Let's stick to a single path," he agreed, his voice steady, bolstered by the trust between them. "We'll can adjust our approach as needed."

With an unyielding spirit, Roman took a breath and fell in step beside Lily. The pulsating energy of the labyrinth thrummed through the air, seeking to unnerve them, but he focused on their shared bond through the Force. He could feel its presence guiding his steps, offering a clarity that cut through the chaos. Together, they moved deeper into the twisting corridors, relying on the other's instincts to navigate this ever-changing environment.

As they advanced, the maze conjured an array of bewildering distractions. A flickering light caught Roman's eye, warping into the semblance of a glowing exit, drawing them both toward it like moths to a flame. The walls seemed to close in, their jagged edges threatening to grasp at their robes. "Don't trust your eyes," Roman cautioned, steering them away from the mirage before it could ensnare them. "Keep to the path we chose."

However, the labyrinth wasn't done testing their resolve. Suddenly, they arrived at a crossroad, where all directions appeared equally enticing—and treacherous. Roman hesitated, the tension palpable. The air thickened as shadows flickered into view, swirling with malevolent intent, seeking to trap them in despair. "Lily, we might have hit a dead end," he admitted, feeling the dread creeping into his thoughts.

With no time to spare, Roman shifted his focus inward, reaching out through the Force, merging his presence with Lily's. "We need to adapt," he urged, feeling the intensity of the dark energy pressing in around them. "What do you see? Focus on what we can influence together." He could feel the pulse of the walls edging closer, whispering doubts that threatened to cloud his mind. Yet, anchored by their connection, he dismissed those thoughts, channeling the energy into determination.

​

Tag: Lily Decoria

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Roman Vossari

Lily had been keeping her eyes shut, using the Force to guide her as she placed her trust in a power that she once feared. It was clear that the Padawan had come far, she wasn't clinging to her fears and hiding her abilities in the Force. As she wandered forward, Lily knew she needed to keep her training going and better her ability in the Force. If she could use Battle Meditation then she could help Roman and steel his resolve more for what they were going to be encountering in this maze. It would also be something that would diminish the power of any dangerous creatures that they would come across. Weakening their resolve would have been very helpful.

For now, it was simply stored away as something to approach Briana about learning about in the future. Hopefully she could also demonstrate how far she had come as a Jedi, how her fears were no longer controlling her ability in the Force.

"Roman, breathe. We are doing fine." She could sense the dread invading his mind, her own thoughts were calm and collected, she was fine and so far they hadn't faced anything dangerous outside normal maze trickery. In the moment, Lily was attempting to provide a calming presence for Roman to bounce off of.

"We head left. That is how I have been leading us. Always turn left." Even if they ended up in a dead end, they turn left enough, they would come out of it and eventually find themselves on the correct path. "Just focus on finding your balance," Lily mentioned though she was not keen on how enclosed the walls were becoming. While she proud of her strong figure, there was a downside since if things got too tight she would not be able to progress due to her assets.

 

[Roman Vossari]

Enclave | Obstacle Course
Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Lily Decoria

​

Roman took a moment to absorb Lily's calm words, his heartbeat steadying as she projected her focus and confidence towards him. He allowed himself to draw strength from their shared connection through the Force, feeling its gentle wave ride through him like a cool breeze on a warm day. The dark and twisted labyrinth around them all but faded into the background as he centered his energy on their path forward.

With a determined nod, he acquiesced to her suggestion. "Left it is." he replied, embodying the belief and resolve that Lily exuded. They swiftly moved around the bend, the walls seeming to shudder momentarily in frustration as they resisted the maze's attempts to confuse them. Each step filled Roman with a renewed sense of purpose, trusting fully in Lily's instincts and his connection to the Force.

As they navigated the shifting corridors, moments of unease still flickered at the corner of his mind, but he found solace in Lily's unwavering presence. "We're in this together." he reassured her, a hint of a smile breaking through the tense situation.

Then they reached the final obstacle on their journey--the shimmering expanse of the lake that sprawled out before them, its surface glinting under an unseen light. The air seemed heavy with anticipation as they approached the water's edge. Roman instinctively squinted at the ripples that danced across the surface, creating ethereal patterns that beckoned them forward.

He glanced at Lily, the trust he held for her unwavering. He figured she was a talented swimmer, and he knew she would handle this challenge with poise and grace. Yet, this was also a moment for him to challenge himself, he needed to keep pace with her, to ensure he pushed his own limits. The thought sparked a competitive fire within him, invigorating his spirit.

"Let's make it across," he declared, a competitive glint in his eyes. With one last deep breath, Roman propelled himself into the water, feeling it engulf him as he crossed the threshold. He focused on maintaining his form, finding the rhythm of his strokes, matching his movements to the flow of the Force. He could feel it coursing through both of them, lifting him higher, urging him onward. As they swam, he glanced sideways at Lily, admiring her fluidity and strength.

"You're a natural!" he called out, pushing to keep up with her. The shimmering surface of the lake was magical, reflecting their shared energy, and together they carved through it, using the power that bound them as a guide.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Roman Vossari

Arriving at the exit of the maze, they were faced with the expansive lake in front of them. The shimmering surface and the inky colouring was demonstrating it was likely a cold experience facing them. Water was rarely heated to a comfortable level. Breathing in deeply, Lily had been a competent swimmer, she was far from an expert in the activity but she knew that there was going to be a difficulty with the weight of their clothing dragging them down. Something that needed to be considered carefully, since she doubted that reaching the other side would be the end of the challenge and stripping to underwear seemed very unnecessary in this challenge.

The other issue was handling being wet and possibly freezing cold. It seemed like a test in attempting to modulate the body's natural temperature and control one's ability to handle varying temperatures. At least, Lily was overthinking the test to be designed in this manner.

When Roman set the competitive tone and headed off, Lily wanted to call out to him and caution that there could be some form of trap or trick to this. However, he had already hit the water by the time Lily could form a word, instead she shook her head and chased after him. Refusing to let the other Padawan get too far ahead. Instead, she chased after him and dove elegantly into the water. Gliding through the frigid water, Lily could feel the cold intensely and it was somewhat calming for her.

As she swam, she heard Roman calling out, "well, perhaps you should focus on more on swimming yourself than admiring me." She poked her tongue out teasing him. Then continued to power forward as she swam. Cutting through the water like a knife. When they reached the other side, Lily rose to her feet and was glad that her white attire was turning a grey instead of transparent.

Closing her eyes, Lily decided to try tapping into the Force and warming herself and drying her clothing.

 

[Roman Vossari]

Enclave | Obstacle Course​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Lily Decoria

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As Roman surged through the water, every stroke was driven by the exhilaration of competition. With the shimmering surface above him and the cool water enveloping his body, the maze they had just escaped felt like a distant memory, a mere shadow overshadowed by the thrill of the race.

"Keep up!" he shouted, catching a glance of Lily as she blurred past him, her figure cutting through the water with elegance and speed. The competitive fire in him flared, compelling him to push harder against the elements. He focused on each kick, propelling himself forward even as he felt the weight of his soaked clothing trying to drag him down.

"Not bad!" he teased, a smirk breaking through the sweat on his brow. Roman watched as she returned his playful banter with a cheeky poke of her tongue. The friendly rivalry sparked a new energy inside him, urging him to keep pace, to open the gap that she had closed in on.

Every stroke they shared seemed to weave them closer together, tension and fatigue blending into a sense of unity. The challenge of crossing the lake became a test of endurance, and with each exhalation, Roman released doubt, replaced by a determination that felt almost tangible through the Force.

When they finally reached the shore, Roman emerged from the water with a gasp, exhilaration momentarily overtaking the chill that ran down his spine. The sensation of the cool air against his still-damp skin caused his clothes to cling heavily to him, sagging with water as he stood and shook himself off, droplets flying in all directions.

Glancing over at Lily, he admired the way she confidently worked to dry herself with a promising shimmer in her eye. He couldn't help but wonder if her confidence had inspired him to push himself beyond what he thought possible. "See, I told you I could keep up!" he said, folding his arms in mock pride despite the exhaustion settling in his limbs.

Then, as the echoes of their laughter faded and the exhilaration of the swim slowly dimmed, Roman turned to survey their surroundings, a light-hearted smile fading quickly into confusion. The maze loomed once more directly behind them, its labyrinthine passages as twisted and dark as he remembered. "Wait, what?" His brow furrowed as he took a step back, shaking his head as if trying to shake off lingering water from his mind. "Didn't we just cross that? How… Are we right back where we started?"

Panic sprinkled into his voice, and he shot a quick glance at Lily to gauge her reaction. His heart raced, not only from the swim but from the realization that perhaps this was part of the challenge after all. The lake had been a trap--a necessary illusion to test their resolve. "This is not the ending I had in mind," he muttered, spinning around to face the lake and maze again, the cool breeze biting at his still-damp clothes as he contemplated their next move with Lily.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Roman Vossari

"Might want to try drying yourself off." Lily mentioned to Roman, she didn't want him risking a cold or some illness by getting too cold from the wet clothing and cold temperatures.

Looking around, seeing the maze back where it was. She pondered, what was the test here? They had attempted to swim across but that had failed and she knew it would be easy to disorient them when swimming. They were not adept at moving through water so getting turned around would happen. Walking around the water did not seem plausible either.

"Steady yourself, Roman. If this is merely part of the test then it something we can solve." Lily knew this was a challenge, something that could be overcome, unlike in real life where they would face things that would prevent them from escaping.

Heading back to the water front, she squatted low and touched the water, it was definitely real to the touch and she could see across it without anything disrupting her senses. Lily collected a pebble and rose to full height, there was a test she could do to see if there was a barrier that blocked their way or forced their bodies to rotate around. Imbuing the Force into the pebble, she caused it to skip over the surface all the way across until it reached the other side.

At least she had planned to see it do that. Instead the pebble returned to the waterfront after travelling half way across. There was an invisible barrier that turned them around, making them travel back to the maze. Intriguing. "Swimming isn't going to help, there is a barrier that will just send us back here." Picking up the pebble again, she imbued it with the Force and threw it high in the air till it landed onto the other waterfront opposite them.

"We need to work together, one at a time, Force Jump to about halfway and then the other person Force Pushes us to the waterfront on the opposite side. We can't touch the water, otherwise we will just end up here." Lily instructed, it was one test that required timing and cooperation. They needed each other to get across. "You go first, then use the Force to pull me towards you." Lily mentioned, giving Roman the chance to do it first.

There was also an element of trust in this task. It would be easy and acceptable for Roman to get across and just leave Lily behind to fail.