Private The Duel of Endurance

[Roman Vossari]

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

​

As Roman stood there, water clinging to his clothes and dripping from his hair, he felt a chill seep into his bones. Lily's voice pulled him from his thoughts, and he nodded, acknowledging her advice to dry off.

He looked across the still surface of the water, a seemingly tranquil boundary separating them from their goal. The maze loomed not far behind, an ever-present reminder of their task: to find a way through, to face whatever trials awaited them. Yet something nagged at him--a sense of failure after their attempted swim. They weren't accustomed to navigating through the water, and he worried that they might stumble again.

"Steady yourself, Roman," Lily urged, her voice steady and sure. It was a mantra he felt he could cling to. He needed to ground himself in her faith, in the belief that they could overcome this obstacle. As his gaze drifted to the other side, he watched her collect a pebble, an idea brewing in her mind. Roman could sense her determination, her willingness to test the unknowns before them.

When she imbued the pebble with the Force, he watched with rapt attention. The simplicity of her action held profound implications. It was a reminder of their training, of the lessons they had learned together. But when the pebble returned to them halfway across, a wave of disappointment washed over him. It felt like a cruel trick of fate. "A barrier," he echoed thoughtfully, combing through the implications.

But Lily's swift thinking rekindled hope. "We need to work together," she instructed, breaking down the task into manageable steps. Roman nodded more vigorously, adrenaline beginning to spark within him. Trust was vital. They needed each other, and she had laid out a plan that required precision and unity.

His heart pounded as he prepared to take the first leap. He focused on the energy pooling within him, the Force guiding his thoughts. "Okay, I'll go first," he said, a hint of nervousness threaded through his voice, but he couldn't let that show. He crouched low, feeling the weight of the moment, and took a deep breath as he leaped forward.

The world around him felt like it slowed as he soared through the air, the wind brushing against him. He focused on the opposite side, on Lily, on the mission. He reached the apex of his jump, feeling the moment stretch, and then he began the descent. As he landed, he steadied himself, his senses igniting. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, tapping into the Force and reaching out for Lily.

With his extended hand, he felt the connection with her grow stronger, the warmth of their bond solidifying his resolve. "Now, Lily!" he called out, mustering the energy to push her through the air toward him.

Roman felt the moment their skills intertwined, the currents of the Force melding around them. His heart raced with anticipation, and he concentrated on ensuring her safe arrival. It wasn't merely about getting across; it was about trust, partnership, and camaraderie. With each second that passed, he knew that the outcome relied on their shared determination, and he would not let her fail.

 

[Lily Decoria]

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

It was clear that Roman was struggling with sorting his thoughts out and finding what was next to do. Perhaps this was where Lily's experience was coming to fruition since she was able to think and test out ideas while feeling reassured that things would work out. They were just having to take the time to think it through. When he leaped through the air, Lily watched him and waited till he reached the apex of his Force Jump, still far from the edge, she gathered the Force in her hands and then blasted him to extend the Force Jump so he could land safely on the other side.

Then it was her turn. Breathing in deeply, she took a few steps back and focused on her body. She felt the Force pooling in her legs, working with the muscles as she raced forward and jumped as high and as far as she could. She wasn't sure where the barrier started from in terms of height and she wanted to make it across. As her jump declined, she felt the pull from Roman as he guided her towards him. Getting them past the lake and onto the other side.

"Now just a sprint to the end!" Lily called, panting a little since the hype had been pretty exhilarating and she had a lot of fun with it. Pushing forward, she raced towards the finish line that was well within view now. Thinking about how well they had done, while there were a few hiccups, it was nothing that the pair of them working together couldn't overcome. Also, she was sure if they faced things based on more precise Force problems or using the Force in more advanced manners that Roman would have been helping her more than she helped him.

This was all just things that played into her strengths and she was glad for that. However, she knew that she needed to practice more where her skills were not as spectacular.

"So, warning since you're gunna be paying for lunch once I win. I have very expensive tastes!" Lily teased, with a little competitive edge, she raced ahead towards the finish line.

 

[Roman Vossari]

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

​

As Lily surged ahead, her laughter echoed through the air like melodic chimes, blending with the rush of adrenaline that coursed through them both. Roman could feel the excitement radiating off her as she sprinted with an effortless grace, every step a dance with the Force. He pushed himself harder, realizing that this obstacle course was not just a test of their abilities but a chance to broaden their limits.

Yet, even as he quickened his pace, there was a burgeoning awareness that nagged at him--Lily was simply better suited for physical challenges. He could feel the fatigue accumulating in his limbs, the heat rising in his cheeks as he fought to keep up. They had just jumped a lake using the Force, and yet here he was, panting just at the thought of crossing the finish line.

With determination ignited in his heart, Roman focused his mind. Perhaps it was a little competitive spirit kindling within him. He pushed harder, his muscles burning in protest, as he forged a rhythm to match Lily's lighter, more confident strides.

But Lily was buoyed by exhilaration. As she crossed the finish line just ahead of him, her breathless giggle lifted the air with a sort of magic that was entirely her own. He couldn't help but smile, even though he was still a few steps from catching up.

Finally, the finish line came into his view, and he stumbled across it just a ways behind her, collapsing to the ground in a heap of limbs and exhaustion. "Well, that was" -- he panted -- "pretty much the most fun I've had in a while." With a defeated grin, he leaned back on the grass and let the coolness seep into his skin, its relief washing over him.

"Alright, you win," he conceded, laughter twinkling in his eyes. He propped himself up with his elbows, a cheeky glint sparking in his gaze. "I'll buy whatever you want. I can't let you show me up and not reward your victory!"

While Lily's prowess in this physical challenge was no secret, it only fueled his resolve to level up his own skills. Perhaps this would be the motivation he needed to ramp up his training. After all, racing alongside her showed him her strengths but also illuminated the areas he needed to grow.

"You really know how to handle yourself out there, Lily," he added, admiration spilling over into sincerity. "Let's do this again, but next time, I'm going to keep pace with you. That's a promise."

With that, he fell back on the grass, feeling the sun warm his skin and the dust of competition mingle with his laughter.

 

[Lily Decoria]

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

She had crossed the finish line first but they had worked well solidly as a team. Now that it was finished, she smirked, "that's kind but you don't need to, I am more than happy to split the cost of a meal together, if you wished to have something to eat now this is over." She wasn't in need of a free meal and she didn't want to make Roman spend a fortune on food just because she had an advantage when it came to this kind of challenge. Especially since she was a noble so her idea of a meal out was something that would cost a fortune.

"Training my body... It is something that I have been focused on for as long as I can remember. Echani learn to fight before we learn to talk, at least that is how I was raised. Fighting is my first language, so training my body daily, pushing myself to new limits. That is something I have enjoyed." Lily mentioned since she didn't want anyone to think she was just naturally talented or just capable due her people's affinity for fighting. This was something that Lily dedicated years of her life to honing. It was something she knew others were capable of achieving as well and wanted to help them achieve it.

She smirked, "well, I look forward to it. Especially since I am to just keep getting better with this too." Lily winked to him. "I'm sure your skills with the Force probably outpace my own. I struggle with that stuff more, so I am sure there will be challenges you will overtake me on in the future." She had no issue revealing where she was not as strong and what areas of her combat skills were needing improvement on. Sharing them could allow others to provide insight that changed the problem and have it become a solution.

"Did you want to shower and meet up outside the temple to grab food? Or we can leave it here and hang out another time." Leaving the choice up to him.

 

[Roman Vossari]

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

​

As Roman pushed himself up from the cool grass, he brushed off the remnants of dirt and sweat that clung to his clothes. He could still feel the burn in his muscles from the strenuous course they had just tackled together. Competing alongside Lily had been a thrill, but he couldn't ignore the discomfort of his soaking wet garments. "Yeah, I'll definitely need to clean up a bit before we head out," he said with a grin, playfully rolling his eyes at the thought of walking through the temple in his drenched attire. "I'll meet you outside the temple in a few."

As he made his way back, he contemplated how much he admired Lily. It wasn't just her natural talent or her heritage that impressed him; it was her dedication and humility. She had pushed through the challenges with grit and determination, showing him just how hard she had worked to hone her skills. Roman found it refreshing--too often, others relied solely on their inherent abilities. It inspired him to dig deeper into his own training, to find new ways to improve and to learn from her focus and tenacity.

Once inside the temple, Roman wasted no time. He hastily changed into a clean pair of clothes, the cool fabric a welcome reprieve from the clammy, soaked attire he had been wearing. He glanced at himself in the mirror, giving a slight nod of approval. After brushing his hair back and splashing some water on his face, he felt ten times more presentable.

As he stepped outside the temple, he squinted against the golden sunlight. The day had turned out to be unusually splendid, the sky a vibrant blue with a few soft clouds drifting lazily by. He could see the landscape around the temple, the flourishing greenery and the distant mountains melded seamlessly into the horizon.

Minutes slipped by, and he found himself tapping his foot lightly on the ground, waiting patiently but eagerly for her arrival.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Casual Attire
Tag: Roman Vossari

Lily smiled and nodded her head. Heading off to her room that she was staying at while visiting, she cleaned herself off and dressed in some clothes that were more casual and appropriate for visiting places outside of the temple. She smiled seeing Roman waiting for her, it made sense since she had taken some time to carefully make sure that she was clean and did not smell of sweat or body odour.

Walking over to Roman, she gave a grin and looked at his different attire, "hopefully I wasn't keeping you waiting too long!" She stated, not wanting to have been keeping him waiting for a while since she would hate to be waiting for ages for someone. "Did you have anywhere in mind for food or go somewhere else first?" Lily asked, open to suggestions on where to eat or do something else fun till both of them were more interested in food. She was keen on making friends here and wanted to be open to ideas as much as possible.

She kept her hands behind her and rocked on her toes slowly.

 

[Roman Vossari]

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

​

Roman's gaze met Lily's, and he felt a flicker of warmth spread through him as he took in her new attire. The casual outfit she wore accentuated her build, and he couldn't help but admire how effortlessly she seemed to carry herself. There was something captivating about the way she balanced grace and confidence, and Roman was thankful they had opted for the obstacle course earlier rather than a sparring session. In those moments, she had shown skill and agility that made him realize he wouldn't want to face her in a more aggressive setting--she looked formidable.

"Not at all," he replied, shaking his head with a smile. "I just got here myself."

As they stood there, the sounds of distant laughter and chatter from the village reached them, mingling with the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. The sun warmed his back, making the day feel even more inviting. "I was thinking we could grab a bite to eat at the market," he suggested, gesturing towards the sound. "They have some of the best street food in the area, and it's a great way to sample different dishes without being tied to one place. Besides, if we eat outside, we'll have a perfect view of the mountains."

Roman's enthusiasm was genuine; he loved exploring new flavors and sharing experiences with friends. "What do you think? We can stroll through the stalls, and I can show you where the locals eat. There's a vendor who's known for their spiced meat skewers, and trust me, you won't want to miss them."

He took a half-step in the direction of the market, glancing back at her to see her reaction, his spirits high. "Maybe you can clue me in on some of your training regiment too." Being outdoors with her in this splendid weather felt like the start of a friendship he had been craving since his arrival.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Casual Attire
Tag: Roman Vossari

Dressing was never a complicated issue for Lily, she had more clothes than she knew what to do with but she also enjoyed showing off her figure and didn't worry too much about whether something was too revealing or not. As long as she was modest as she needed to be and the attire was appealing to her, that was the main concerns she held. Being Echani, she was used to training and sparring in not much and being comfortable seeing others in little clothing as well as herself being comfortable that exposed.

"I am glad." Lily smiled, it was good to know she had not kept Roman waiting long.

Listening to the suggestion, she nodded her head, "sure, it has been a while since I have just eaten street food or enjoyed the pleasures of wandering around a marketplace." The last time she had done that was when she had properly hung out with Colette after they joined the Jedi Order. It had been on Coruscant and they had sampled a few different food items. Something she had found a lot of fun and a way to understand where someone's preferences in food was as well as learning about some foods not usually found in the refined restaurants that she frequented.

"That sounds good. I am not a massive fan of spicy food but I am sure it will be manageable!" Lily grinned.

When Roman asked about her training regime, she tilted her head and thought about it in her mind. She had a very strict regime that kind of helped her hold a daily routine to do things and not feel so lost and overwhelmed by things. "What do you wish to know about?" Unsure where she would even begin in attempting to describe or discuss her regime since there was years in figuring out what worked best for her. A lot of trial and error in terms of what to do and how to approach it.

 

[Roman Vossari]

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

​

As they strolled down the dirt road towards the bustling marketplace, sunlight filtering through the trees and casting dappled patterns on the path.

"You know, I have to say, I'm really impressed with how well you keep up with your physical training," Roman began, glancing sideways at Lily as they walked. He could see the strength in her posture, the confidence in her stride. "It's an aspect of my training that I often struggle with."

Roman paused, choosing his words carefully. "I've heard stories about the Echani--their dedication to fighting, the way they live and breathe combat. It's inspiring, really. I suppose I'm not so much curious about the specifics of your training, as I am about the Echani way of life. I wonder how it all ties together--the discipline, the culture, even the camaraderie that comes from fighting side by side."

He could see her considering his words, and the thought of understanding her world more fully sparked his curiosity.

Just then, they reached the entrance of the marketplace, the lively sounds of merchant calls and the fragrant aromas of various foods wafting through the air. Roman's gaze darted to the first stall, a vibrant display of colorful fruits and fried pastries, its vendor cheerfully beckoning to passersby.

"This looks promising," he declared, the excitement bubbling in his voice. He approached the stall with a confidence that matched the sounds of the market. "Let me pick out something here, and then we can switch for the next stall. We'll sample everything and share. That way, we get to taste a bit of everything without committing too much to one dish."

Roman approached the vendor, his mouth watering as he scanned the options laid out before him. He gestured for a small skewer of spiced meat, the rich aroma almost hypnotizing. The vendor handed it over with a warm smile, and Roman broke the stick in half, offering one half to Lily.

"Here you go," he said, taking a bite of his half, savoring the explosion of flavor.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Casual Attire
Tag: Roman Vossari

Lily shrugged her shoulders, "physical training is the easier part for me. The Force... that is more illusive and I struggle to grasp how to understand it." Lily admitted, it was a spiritual element. It was something that people seemed to be naturally gifted with. For her, she could only really feel strongly connected to the Force when Lily was in combat mode. Then it seemed easier but that didn't help with attempting to use the Force outside of combat. At least being able to use more advanced skills in the Force outside of combat, the very basics she had down.

"Well, it is fairly simple. You talk to people and you get an understanding of their history, personality and their enjoyments as well as their dislikes. Using language brings understanding. For the Echani, that language is sparring. It isn't merely an exchange of blows, like some other warrior type cultures. For Echani, fighting one another regularly, that brings true understanding and connection." Lily explained, trying her best to get her message across. "If I were to court you, we would spar the Echani way a dozen times, each time we fight understanding and connecting more and more. Deepening that bond between us. Allowing you to see me in a way no one else could see me."

She stopped by the stall and looked over the various foods on display, "people see fighting and sparring as violent acts that one must suffer for to be great at. For me, sparring is a language, a way to communicate emotions and feelings. It is a language, not a violent action, a dance that harmonises two souls into one."

Letting Roman select the first sample they try, Lily nodded her head. "Sounds like a good plan."

Taking the half stick of meat, she tentatively ate at the spiced meat. Being careful not to make a mess or get greasy. "What about you? Where are you from and what are your people like?" Lily asked, curious about Roman's background.

 

[Roman Vossari]

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

​

Roman listened intently to Lily, his brow furrowed as she explained the intricacies of Echani culture. He found it fascinating, the idea that combat could be a language, a way to communicate beyond words. He couldn't quite wrap his head around it, the concept of sparring being a way to understand someone's history, personality, and desires. It was a foreign concept to him, far removed from his own upbringing.

"So... you're courted through sparring?" He asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "That's... unique. I've never heard of anything like that before."

As they navigated through the bustling market, Roman took the opportunity to share a bit about himself, about his own culture and background. "I was born on Serenno, out in the Outer Rim. My upbringing was... privileged, I suppose you could say. Most of the people I grew up with were from a certain social circle, and I never really encountered the need to spar to understand them. We were always taught that to truly know someone, you had to observe and listen, to decipher their personality through their words and actions, not their fighting style."

He paused, a thoughtful smile playing on his lips. "But I do find your approach intriguing. Perhaps we could spar sometime? That way, you can show me what you learn about me from our exchange. I'm eager to see if I can decipher your language of combat."

Roman's gaze softened, a genuine interest flickering in his eyes. "And on the topic of learning... if you ever need help with the Force, that's where I might be of some assistance. It's something I find quite intuitive. It seems we might be a good pair, you and I. Your strengths are my weaknesses, and vice versa." He offered a warm smile, a hint of hope in his voice that maybe, a friendship could be born here.

The pair wandered to the next stall, taking drinks from its attendant. "When did you join the Order?" he curiously asked taking a sip of the drink. "I've been here since my tenth year, I was supposed to elevate my families standing on Serenno with my position in the order. Not sure how well that's going for them." Roman added with recent memories of his father demanding he be Knighted sooner rather than later.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Casual Attire
Tag: Roman Vossari

She shrugged, "traditionally so, yes. It isn't always done, but it is likely how I will only accept to be courted. Need to know my partner can keep up with my passion for sparring and fighting." Lily mentioned, she was a fighter and very strong. Having someone who could match that passion or enjoyment was important for her. Even if she would beat them every time or lose every time, the passion for fighting was a must.

Listening to Roman, it seemed he was someone else who was from a nobility background. Serenno was a world she knew a little on but not much, so she was intrigued to learn more. "It would be no more difficult than attempting to learn a foreign language spoken with words. But I am always happy to spar and share what I see my culture as and how I see the galaxy." Lily stated, "I also came from a noble background, it was how I ended up becoming a Jedi. I struggled initially to control the Force and accidentally caused someone harm. To ensure my mother's reputation was not harmed, I agreed to train as a Jedi with my aunt."

"But I enjoy it here so it was a change that I have embraced fully." She mentioned, in case Roman feared that she was forced to remain as a Jedi, it was quite the opposite. Her mother was more keen on having Lily back to Eshan.

Hearing the offer to have some support with the Force from Roman, Lily looked with a pleased sparkle in her eyes, "yeah! That would be really nice!" Lily was glad to get some help with learning how to use the Force. "Well, it is always good to find people who can balance you out."

Walking around, Lily stopped at a stall, it was something a little healthier in terms of grilled vegetables but glazed with barbecue sauce then there was a bed of rice that the vegetables were placed upon. "This looks pleasant." Lily mentioned as she ordered a single portion for them to share as well as two forks. "I joined the order more recently but I have been working hard. Nearly been a year." Lily mentioned, which she was surprised by since she hadn't even remembered that fact till now. She couldn't believe how much was changed in that year.

 

[Roman Vossari]

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

​

As they shared the grilled vegetables, savoring the unexpected blend of flavors, Roman continued the conversation, his curiosity piqued by Lily's mention of her relatively recent entry into the Jedi Order. "A year? Time certainly flies when you're immersed in training," he remarked, a hint of understanding in his voice. "It must have been quite the adjustment, transitioning from your world to the Jedi way of life."

He paused, subtly gauging her reaction. "And what are your thoughts on being Knighted? Surely someone with your skill is ready for Knighthood here soon? Does that excite you?" Roman asked, his tone sincere. "I know for me, it is a constant source of pressure from my family. Every move I make is watched. It's... something I'm not quite sure I'm ready for, but feel compelled to chase after all the same."

He leaned back slightly, allowing Lily to take the lead in the conversation. Their shared meal, the bustling sounds of the market, and the spark of friendship created a comfortable atmosphere, one where Roman felt he could be genuinely himself, a rare occurrence in his life. He was curious about how Lily viewed her path, if it was a path she was excited for or if she looked forward to returning to her homeworld.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Casual Attire
Tag: Roman Vossari

Lily nodded her head, "it most certainly does." She agreed. Thinking on the adjustments and the differing path she was now on due to her connection to the Force, there had been a lot of changes. Even with being a Padawan, she had moved from Coruscant all the way to Jakku, which was a big difference in culture and environment.

"It is different. People fight with less emotion being exchanged. It feels cold and stoic in a manner that I was unused to. I would say that it felt like I was interacting with a toddler since it was never a depth of exchange that one would get on Eshan." Lily mentioned. She avoided using that term now since she learned it upset her friend Ko Vuto when she was attempting to describe her difficulties with sparring with those who were not Echani. Instead she used the terms cold and stoic.

She laughed at the idea of being knighted. "That is a far off dream for me currently. I am sure many would think it would be something on the horizon for me due to my prowess in combat, but my skills with the Force are not up to par to my skills with a blade." Lily confessed, "I trust in my Master to know when I am ready. For now, I seek to learn, train and grow as much as possible." Lily had full belief that Briana Sal-Soren would tell her when she was ready to be a Knight.

"I put faith in the notion that when I am ready, not only will I know it but I will be the last to know I am ready. Everyone around me will see me for the position far sooner than I will. Pressure from family, that is tough but remember, it is better to stumble when walking than running. Take the time to enjoy yourself." Lily the nudged him, "you're young. Take pride in that and enjoy it." It was why Lily refused to settle down romantically and it was why she refused to be forced to slot into a future she was not sure she was ready for.

Starting to eat the food, she grinned and delighted at the flavours and the depth of them through the cooking method. It was delightful to experience different cooking styles and methods, Lily found.

 

[Roman Vossari]

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

​

Roman listened intently to Lily, a warm smile gracing his lips as she spoke. He found her insights both fascinating and insightful, particularly her honest assessment of her own strengths and weaknesses. He appreciated her candor and the way she encouraged him to enjoy his youth.

As Lily finished her thoughts and began to enjoy her meal, Roman took a moment to gather his own. "Thank you, Lily." he said sincerely, "This has been a really fun and entertaining day. Even if I did struggle a bit with that obstacle course." He chuckled lightly, recalling his own awkward attempts at navigating the challenging path.

As they worked their way back the marketplace towards the temple again, a thought struck Roman. "Let me know whenever you want to train again." he said. "And, Lily," he added, his voice softening, "if you ever need help with anything, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always here for you." He meant it with all his heart, recognizing the value of their growing friendship and her unwavering support.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Jedi Enclave
Outfit: Casual Attire
Tag: Roman Vossari

Their time together was coming to an end as they found themselves heading back towards the Jedi temple. Lily was glad to have encountered someone new to be friends with. It was a great feeling.

"I look forward to perhaps hanging out more in the future." Lily nodded her head, "I usually can be found training most mornings. I like to start my day with a lot of hard training. I find it sharpens my mind for studying then. Feel free to join me whenever." Lily kept it an open invitation to Roman since she was so keen on training that Lily would always be inviting someone to join her if given the chance.

She smiled warmly and nodded her head, "I look forward to working together again. Today has been a lot of fun and I am glad to hear you are willing to help me out as well. That is most kind." Lily gave a small bow and then waved to Roman, before heading back to the temple.