They Say it's a New Day

[Jaron Lesan]

Wanderlust was the only word to describe the way Jaron Lesan flitted about from scouting mission to scouting mission. It made it rare that he would be around long enough to get to know his fellow Ren or even see a student make it to the rank of Knight. His latest had though, and being the same rank there was nothing more to reach her.

Alone again, the Knight found himself exploring the mountain side which led to the Bastion the Ren called home. It was odd, but he was getting used to the feeling of being alone, and the fact people came in and out of his life on a whim. Jaron would never say he was lonely because he loved his work and preferred to work alone. Save for the pilot that escorted him on missions on occasion Jaron spent more time alone than in the presence of others.

He found a ravine. It looked interesting to explore, but something held him back. Sitting on a large boulder overlooking the massive crevice, Jaron waited. The dark side stayed him, telling him to be patient. He didn't know why, but Jaron never questioned. The Lesan was dutiful to the darkness. Its reasons would soon be revealed.

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Exploring the jungles around the Bastion was a pastime the Knight both enjoyed and kept secret. Growing up in the busy Undercity of Coruscant left the girl with a fascination for the sights, scents, and smells of somewhere so green and alive. The flora and fauna intrigued her, the bright pops of flowers mixed among gnarled trees reaching towards the sky creating a tapestry of colors that reminded her of the flashing neon lights of home and yet were so very different. Most wouldn't consider the jungle particularly quiet, the sounds of animals, wind, and water constant backdrops, but Ara found peace in the lack of engine noise, echoing stonework, and the constant clamor of voices.

The newly knighted Ren was dressed in her usual robes and tunic, a red and black cloak settled over her shoulders. Ba'Vanim, her saber, bounced off of her hip with each step, the blade never far from it's master.

The flickering shadows lengthened and fluctuated on the ground with each gust of wind, the leaves far above moving and swaying in the currents. Twigs and dry leaves snapped beneath each step, Ara not finding any reason to be particularly quiet. Searching for a place to sit and think far from the Bastion and its constant reminders of her new responsibilities and the threat of war, not to mention her overly complicated emotions.

A frown crossed her face and she opened her mind, the mental map and greyscale overlay snapping into place quickly and easily. Her use of Force Sight and Sense had greatly improved in the time since Talon Ren had taught the disciple how to use the force to see what couldn't be seen with the eyes. Now it took barely a thought to bring the environment to life in grainy black and white, her vision stretching fifteen, almost twenty yards in all directions. Everything she sensed was normal, the flicker of low force auras coming from the living creatures and plants surrounding the path she wandered, each rock and dead brush a black hole, the absence of force.

The trail through the underbrush opened up to reveal a great ravine, the crevice dropping off sharply, a spike of fear shattering the peacefulness of the terrain for the woman. Her breath hissed in through clenched teeth and she turned away, intent on finding another secluded spot to meditate on the swirling emotions within. Her peripheral vision picked up a dark shadow in the distance even as his aura flashed in her mind, steady, strong, and somewhat familiar.

Changing her path to run parallel to the ravine instead of away, she approached the figure sitting on a boulder overlooking the chasm. Having met him once before, at a ball on Dosuun many weeks ago, the brunette flashed an easy smile, her eyes shrewd and watchful, but still relaxed in the presence of an ally.

"It has been quite a while, Mr. Lesan." She inclined her head respectfully, voice loud enough to carry across the distance and holding a hint of curiosity.

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

"Has it been," he questioned without a single glance her way. His eyes remained closed as his mind sought maintain its connection to the darkness he had found. "I hear congratulations are in order," he finally said as his head canted now his eyes fixed on her. They had met at a military ball, briefly. Her attention had been taken by one of the men in uniform.

She was conflicted, Jaron could sense the storm of emotion which swirled about inside of her. This bright a smile to his face as it was energy his own aura could feed off of. Jaron had learned to find strength in a great many things. He'd taught his most recent apprentice to do the same. She had survived his training and had become better as a result. Jaron was alone again, though his solitude had been disallowed to continue. It was only then he felt a release from the force.

Jaron slid off the perch he had created for himself on the boulder. His dress was not traditional for the way most Ren clothed themselves now. Black tactical pants and boots were simple enough to cover his lower half, and the torso was covered by a deep crimson sleeveless t shirt. From his waist hung his two light sabers one which appeared to be a Jedi's and the other a Sith's.

"Mr. Lesan is much to formal. Jaron please. We are equals now, are we not?"

Again the lack of formality which was the nature of the Lesan family was evident in his suggestion.

"There is something hidden in the ravine below. Deep darkness. I wish to uncover it. Your company would be an unexpected delight."

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Inclining her head in silent acceptance of his felicitations, she cast an appraising glance over the man she barely knew. Gone were the robes he’d worn to the ball, an outfit meant to instill fear and respect. In their place was a simple outfit of pants, boots, and sleeveless undershirt, similar to what she herself wore under the tunic and tabards. She noted both sabers hanging from his belt, idly wondering if her practiced Jar’Kai like her friend, Kaalia, his former apprentice. The presence of two dramatically different sabers piqued her interest, not just from the similarity between the man and her younger friend, but in the story behind them.

”Is it polite to congratulate a Knight when his apprentice also receives a promotion? If so, you have my congratulations as well.”

As his attention turned to her instead of the ravine in front of him, she raised an eyebrow in question. Just as it was an honor for the Disciple who was the recipient of the promotion, it was also a mark of respect and success on the part of the Master.

The darkness swirling around him dissipated as he stood, Ara releasing her hold on the force as well, letting her natural sight replace the grey tones and force auras. His request to address him by his first name, as opposed to his last was met with a small bow and approving smile.

”Jaron, then. If you would be so kind as to return the favor, Ara is fine.”

In truth, he had little else to call her by, but manners and politeness dictated it should be vocalized regardless.

The space between her eyebrows wrinkled in amusement as she considered the sudden rise in her station meant that Jaron, Samka, Isla, and a few others were now her peers instead of her superiors. It was a strange, but not unwelcome feeling. Idly she wondered at their opinion of the three women moving up in the ranks. Were the knights truly as accommodating as they appeared or was there resentment stewing behind the polite smiles and salutations?

Before her thoughts could become introspective and even slightly paranoid, she turned her attention to the crevice opening before them, a frown accompanying the knot of anxiety the curled in her stomach. Her acrophobia would forever cause the stomach clenching, breath-stealing vertigo she was currently experiencing. The fear, stemming from an unfortunate fall years before, used to cripple the woman beyond usefulness, but now, thanks in no small part to Talon Ren, she used that fear to strengthen her connection with the force, a weakness turned into strength.

Nodding once, she cast her gaze towards the gorge a few yards away, eyes narrowed as she let the darkness wash over her. Having attributed it to the presence of the Knight beside her, she now felt the pull of the force from deep below, beckoning to her own aura.

”Then I would be delighted to assist.” A soft laugh accompanied the simple statement, her head still turned to survey the edge of their vantage point. ”I suppose you have a better idea how to ascend as jumping would be...inadvisable.” Her nose scrunched in distaste at the thought as she cast her emerald gaze back at Jaron.

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

"Ara it is then," he said with a smile and nod of his head.

Jaron was keenly aware of another round of disciples who found themselves as knights once more. For his investment into the Order, he seemed to be overlooked. Much of it was due to his insistence on acting alone. This was part of the reason he was inviting Ara along on the investigation. Jaron was attempting to get to know his fellow Ren. He could only say he was familiar with Isla Ashen. Of course there had been his apprentice, but the others were not known quantities to him.

The only thing Jaron knew about Ara for instance was that she was beautiful, liked to be social, and seemed okay with flirting. He'd never seen her in battle. Jaron had never tested her skills or abilities. While he was busy being the brooding loner in the corner life was passing him by. For all he knew one of these adventures was going to help him shape his destiny.

Ara seemed to be a bit nervous looking down over the crevice. He grinned as he approached. "Why not, you afraid of heights," Jaron teased just before he shook his head. "Perhaps if I were going myself, then yes. See the way the stones jut out in places. They are just big enough to leap from one to the next, and if you use the force to slow your descent, then you would survive without any worry of plummeting to your death." Jaron spoke with the sound words of experience. Not everyone saw what he did. This was why he was a scout, and why he worked alone. No one had to be taught to keep up.

There was a path which descended to the darkness and Jaron moved toward it. He smiled, trying to come across as friendly, but the man had little feeling left in him. Sure he could still flirt, tease, care, get angry, sad, scared, but most of those emotions rarely made it to the surface. Anger was the exception, unless he was intentionally expressing interest in flirting.

"So the last time I saw you... I believe you were dancing with Captain McDreamy and tried getting me to dance with Kaalia. While it seemed to work out for finding me an apprentice, I'm afraid come the next ball I will still be attending alone."

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

The knight cast a glance back at the crevice and shuddered, shaking her head.

”When one nearly dies from such a fall, you learn to be wary of other opportunities to repeat such mistakes.”

It was a flat statement, said with little emotion despite a flash of anger in her eyes. The memories of that night would haunt her for longer than she cared to admit, a fear of heights only one of the deep-seated scars left over from the experience.

As he mentioned the use of the Force to slow one’s fall, her eyebrows winged up in surprise and curiosity. No one had mentioned the use of such a power, even if she had seen that it could be used to speed someone’s movements. Having never considered the opposite, or its possibilities when poised against gravity, she now was intrigued by the process.

”Can you now?”

As he moved towards the path, she followed, a knot of fear growing as they approached the edge. She studiously kept her gaze on his left shoulder and the wall of rock beside it as they descended, one hand clinched in a fist, the other lightly brushing against the edge of the canyon.

When Jaron brought up their last meeting, a Military Ball on Dosuun, she chuckled, his description of Captain Draken accurate and a common opinion of Hapans.

”Captain Draken, yes. He was brilliant dancing partner, as was Kaalia. It really is a pity you never had the chance to discover for yourself.”

Another chuckle, this one with a secretive undertone. It was the same night she’d discovered her friend’s penchant for the same gender, the thought of her nervous companion dancing with the stiff man in front of her curling up the corner of her mouth.

”A shame, no one should attend a ball by themselves, least of all a handsome gentleman like yourself.”

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

"It sounds as though you still let that fear hold you back in certain regards," Jaron said plainly. "While I fear the wars we fight we see more worlds destroyed as happened with my home, Corellia, that has become my motivation to see order in the galaxy through the First Order."

They continued down the path, Jaron's eyes looking for a place which they could deal with this fear. His intention had never been to teach someone, especially a knight, to master their fear, but it seemed it his to do today. Naturally their conversation would continue until he found a place which would challenge her, yet not kill her. This was different than teaching an apprentice to embrace the darkeness within.

He was glad she had gotten his humor. Of course in some ways he had not been joking. The man had been considered among the ladies that eveningnto be quite handsome. Jaron didn't understand the smirk on Ada's face in regards to not dancing with Kaalia, but there wasn't a reason to. Jaron simply shook his head. The reason he attended events alone was because he'd closed himself off. He was quite aware his own demeanor at such balls made him seem unapproachable.

Compliments would make most smile, as Jaron was now. Coming from someone as beautiful as Ara made more of an appeal to his ego than it should have.

"Flattery will get anyone anywhere," Jaron said through his smirk. "However I am afraid it is my own fault for remaining closed to others." As was his nature, Jaron did not expand. He simply looked to the cliffs and waited for the right moment to leap. "Though a compliment from such a beautiful woman is appreciated. Shall we see if we can get you jumping these cliffs?"

Jaron motioned to the jagged landings along the way. The distance was not too far, but just enough that it would not be possible without the force. "Focus the force into you legs and leap," Jaron demonstrated as he spoke. When he had landed on the other side he turned and smiled to Ara. "You're turn. I promise I will not let you fall."

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Ara resisted the urge to scoff at his notion of her fear holding her back. It did the opposite, in truth, strengthening her connection to the Force and adding to her power. Her fear was a powerful weapon, not a disadvantage. Risking a glance over the edge, her heart hammered in her throat, steps stumbling before she returned to staring straight ahead at the man’s back.

So it was a powerful tool in any aspect except heights. She karking hated heights.

Luckily the easy conversation kept her from dwelling on the notion of what falling from such a distance would result in, a smile flashing to her face at his own compliment.

”I should hope everyone is as agreeable to such compliments as you are. Sadly, too many search for ulterior motives within them.”

Choosing not to illuminate the fact that such comments often had an ulterior motive, she raised an eyebrow as he suggested jumping the rocks jutting from the side of the canyon instead of continuing alongtheir easily sloping path.

”As simple as that sounds, somehow I dou-!“

Her comment was cut off as he leaped, landing easily on one of the rocky outcroppings. His sudden movement had her pressed against the side of the cliff-face, an unamused expression wiping the smile from her face.

Raising one eyebrow as he turned to face her. Eyes narrowing at his promise, she glanced from her path to the rock he stood on, judging the distance, threads of fear snaking their way around her rapidly beating heart. Every instinct in her screamed for the Knight to turn and walk back up the path she’d just ascended from, leaving Jaron to his wanderings alone.

Trust is what he asked for, trust that it was as simple as what he said, using the Force to add power behind her jump, trust that he wouldn’t let her fall.

Another glance at the distance spanning between them was superimposed by another distance, one that in her youthful pride had appeared much closer than it was.

Shaking her head, hair flying around her shoulders with the jerky movement, one hand curled into a fist against the rock. It took a moment before she could speak around the closed airways of her throat, the invisible hands of anxiety doing a better job than even the force of riding the girl of her ability to breathe.

”I believe I will continue on this path, thank you very much.”

A chuckle turned the strained comment into a semi-lighthearted joke, as Ara stepped away from the wall, intent on avoiding testing the extent of her newfound skills right this moment. She’d be happy to try her hand at Force Jump when she was alone, and the stakes were far less. There was nothing he could say to get her to willing bridge that gap. Not after last time.

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

"You don't trust me," Jaron frowned in mock hurt and leaped back to the path. His hand reached for the rocks to bar Ara from being able to move forward. His eyes looked into hers searching for an answer as to why. Dropping his hand he let her passmfinding nothing but the fear which came from being pushed into something she didn't want. Jaron just didn't understand why she wouldn't learn.

"Fine... we'll take another round, but you're going to learn..."

Jaron had little time to waste in convincing someone to jump if they did not want to. He was set to follow the darkness to where it was leading him. The bottom of the crevice had something the Kinght of Ren wanted. The steps of his feet echoed the sound of the crunching gravel under his feet. The sound wafted up the canyon though the path as they walked. Reaching out through the force, Jaron stopped at the cliff.

"There is a door here..."

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

His arm blocking her path was met with a glare, eyes shining in the light with one eyebrow raised. If he truly tried to stop her progression, she’d turn around and leave or she’d show him what a newly knighted Ren could do. It probably wasn’t the best decision to start a spar on a cliff with someone who’d trained far longer than she had, but pride rarely saw logic.

”I trust you enough to know your words are true.”

Leaving her comment there, she waited for him to decide to push the matter or let her pass. She trusted him enough to believe that she could indeed use the force to bridge the gap from the path to the jagged ledge. She also trusted that he would do his best not to let her fall. But fear was stronger in her mind than the thin threads of trust born of being a part of the same team and she would err on the side of caution.

Before she had to force his hand, he moved, allowing her to pass. She could sense the confusion in him but chose not to elaborate on her feelings. Yes, she would learn, but this particular skill was better suited to private training.

They followed the path in silence, their steps echoing off the canyon walls as they descended. With each step towards the bottom of the crevice, the knots of anxiety loosened until she reached the bottom just behind Jaron, her breathing all but returned to normal.

A shiver ran up her spine as she felt the power around them shift, the sensation emanating from the man beside her as he reached outward with the force. Her eyes flashed red in response to the gathered power, lips curling into a slight grin. The darkness pulsed around them, the siren call stemming from the rock itself, her eyes focused on the spot he claimed as hiding a doorway.

Reaching out with her own power, she searched, the Force telling her with absolute certainty that what they sought was behind the rock face in front of them, but little about how to access it.

”Illusion or a secret door?”

Turning to raise an eyebrow in question, she waited for him to suggest a proper way to approach their newest barrier.

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

"But not enough to act on the knowledge," Jaron said with a nod as she walked passed him.

Fear was a powerful thing. It could make you strong, or keep you from your potential. This was a lesson her master should have taught her. The fact she was a knight and had not learned the basic fundamentals of a force leap was not her fault, but rather the one who was responsible to instruct her. Jaron should never have let his fear of being branded a traitor along with his own master to cause his leave, and keep him from his return for so long. All of that would change. As Jaron stood in front of the door, he knew there was something of his destiny behind it.

His aura stretched out to discern the answer to the question Ara had asked. "I don't know... yet," he answered as a hand reached out to touch the surface. It certainly felt real. The rock was cold, damp, smoothed down from years of wear and erosion. There was a certain reality to it. He didn't sense any kind of mechanical workings, though that didn't mean there were none. Finally a smirk tugged at the right corner of his cheek. "This is old construction," he said as his eyes opened ad he turned to Ara.

Reaching a hand in the direction of the door, and applying the force, the door opened with ease. There was not much there in regard to protection. Easy access did not always mean whatever was behind the door invaluable. The path itself was a deterrent, and only those looking for something would know it was there. Without warning he passed through the door, not allowing any objection from the brunette knight if there would be any that would come. Breathing in the musty air, Jaron looked for a light source of some kind. Finding none, he engaged his blue bladed lightsaber.

"Stay close, keep your senses about you. There is something for us to discover here today."

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

To his comment, she merely smiled politely. It wasn’t her nature to apologize for not trusting another person by their word alone, even someone of their order. He had her respect, but until he proved that he was more than words, she would continue being cautious. Turning her attention to the task at hand, she watched as he reached out with his hand and the force, the door the object of his attentions.

Her eyes pulsed with red as he pulled power, her own answering the siren call. It wasn’t a lot of power, even as the door swung open easily, but it was enough to turn her polite smile anticipatory. This was why she stayed with the Ren, why she continued to fight and risk for the Order, the promise of power. Power and safety. Those two were a heady mix in her mind, the Bastion a physical example of both.

Her internal musings were interrupted as the man disappeared into the corridor entrance, his figure swallow by the shadows. Raising one eyebrow, she shook her head, following after with little delay. Something deep within pulsed with darkness, the blood thrumming in her ears as her fingers curled and uncurled with the desire to grasp it. Darkness swallowed them both, leaving her blind and directionless. His footfalls on the rough group below gave her a chance to measure distance, her own steps sure, one hand splayed out against the wall to keep her path straight and sure.

The bright azure glow of a saber had her blinking, ears ringing with the tell-tale crackle and hiss of the plasma blade echoing through the corridor. Tilting her head slightly, her eyes narrowed at the surprising color of his blade. Only one other in the order carried a Jedi blade, to her knowledge, her friend [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] . An interesting revelation and something that breathed a bit more insight into their former Master and Apprentice relationship.

A subtle light source, it was not, but they hardly expected to encounter other beings in this maze beneath the cliffs of Virgillia. Unsnapping her own blade from her belt, a thought bathing the path in crimson. The glow of both sabers mixed at the edges, a violet haze cast on every rock and stone. A dark chuckle answered his comment, as she followed behind easily.

”I always have my senses about me. Let us hope it is worth the trouble.”

Her blade pulsed in her hand, her own anticipation and excitement mirrored by its glow.

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Jaron wondered what her reaction would be to the color of his lightsaber. Where most opinions didn't matter, Ara had proven to be a difficult person to gain trust from. Would this make the task more difficult? The light cast against the walls, and the haze which surrounded them took on a violet color, and as they moved forward the hazy orb of light and plasma announced their presence.

Old runes were cut into the stone, letters which had no meaning to Jaron. There was nothing about his senses which warned him of any danger. As typical of these types of cavern hideaways, the long hall emptied them out into a stone courtyard which was well lit the moment the entered. Jaron put his saber away with a fun little smirk. He turned to Ara. "A shame we didn't get to use it..." Jaron grinned even wider.

His dark eyes took in the layout of the room. It was a gathering place of some kind, and three more corridors broke off on the center of the other three walls from where they had entered. Another buried secret bastion, a smaller temple, but one which Jaron could exploit. There was a sense of excitement as he desired to explore every part of what he had found, though the burning question of why Ara refused to trust beyond her fear bore into his mind.

His voice echoed in the hall as it put the words together his mind had formed. "How is it that a pretty woman such as yourself, who has unlocked the power of the dark side, and even her fear, allow it to limit her?" Jaron looked at her, this time truly studied her. His eyes wandered over her form once again as it had before the descended into the deep ravine to find the door. He circled her before stopping to catch her eyes once more. "You're beauty even it's own weapon. I have to admit it even keeps me diverted at times. Have you ever considered working in the shadows for the First Order... scouting ahead, hiding who you are from our enemies until the right moment to pounce like skilled huntress does to its prey?"

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Their path was wrought with ancient runes, none of the symbols holding meaning for the Knight, but piquing her interest as the traveled, eyes scanning over each mark, committing the curves to memory for later research. The stone tunnel emptied out into a larger courtyard, the trip sadly bereft of any dangerous or points of interest. Lights snapped on upon their arrival, momentarily bathing the pair in a blinding glow as she followed his example and extinguished her own blade with another small pulse of power.

His smirk called to one of her own, chin inclined in interest.

”True, but if you are that disappointed, I am sure we could arrange to test our skills against each other, given the lack of other opponents.”

The thought of a good spar set her blood singing, fingers clutching the hilt a little tighter, a loving caress against the cool metal of her blade. It had been a while since she’d dueled against an unknown partner and the thought of testing her fellow Knight of Ren widened the smirk she wore. The room they’d entered was a smaller fortress, similarly built as the one in the mountains above them, corridors branching off from the antechamber, darkness filling the air around them.

Taking a few steps closer to one of the distant passageways, intent on digging deeper into the buried bastion, she paused as Jaron’s attention returned to her with his words. A slight turn of the heel brought him back into her field of vision, his eyes raking over her body as he paced around her, the smirk she wore still in place, one eyebrow raised in question.

”Allow my fear to limit me?”

A dark chuckle accompanied a thoughtful look, her head tilting to send her hair cascading over one side as she mirrored his movements and paced around him slowly, a predator studying her prey.

”I am afraid you have the wrong idea. I use my fear to strengthen me, power me. Perhaps I am cautious, but I would hardly consider taking caution a limit upon one’s abilities.”

A raised eyebrow as she paused and met his gaze, green eyes glittering with interest and enjoyment but daring him to contradict her. A dazzling smile answered his comment about her looks, eyelids narrowing slightly as she thought.

”Does it now? That is good to know, especially should we decide to test each other’s mettle in battle. Skilled huntress, hmm?”

Stepping forward, she ran a hand along the fabric of his sleeve, fingers grazing skin ever so lightly, eyes still locked on his, but watching for signs of a reaction from the light touch. She considered the offer, wondering if she would be content to return to the role of a woman hiding her intelligence and skill behind the façade of a pretty face and blinding smile.

”Do you have a particular target in mind or is this merely speculation for the sake of curiosity?”

Again, the eyebrow raised in question as she stepped back away, giving him her back, expression hardening as she considered. There was a heady sense of power that accompanied one who did not shy away from their power and prowess, hiding behind nothing save the mask that gave them anonymity. How many times had she slipped easily back into that shell since her training began? Two, three times? It came as naturally to her as breathing after years of constant practice.

”I spent years doing exactly that, before joining the Ren months ago. I am no stranger to using it to my advantage. If it is what is needed to advance our purpose, then yes, I would.”

Turning back to face him, one hand propped on a hip, her lips curled into a soft smile as she waited for his response.

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

"Then why didn't you jump," he asked in retort. Jaron scoffed at the idea it could have been caution. "One thing you can trust is I am not like other Ren. Many give the impression that like Sith you have to sleep with one eye open, but I am not here for the power others have. Perhaps next time I offer to help you, you will take the chance on me?"

The question was rhetorical, though what the question could have suggested had Jaron wanted if made him smirk. His eyes looked about the room as Ara had suggested they could rest each other. Jaron couldn't remember the last time he'd tested his skill against another. While he was confident he was her better, Jaron refused to underestimate anyone. She could think her beauty could distract him in battle, however when his life was at stake there was little that could dissuade his efforts to survive.

"A skilled huntress, yes, you have many weapons at your disposal and not all of them are physical instruments." Jaron circles his face with his forefinger. "Often these are the masks we wear, and it is only when the masks we wear into battle allow us to be our true selves."

Jaron shook his head, as his eyes looked down to where she had touched him. A playful smirk tugged at his lips. She knew exactly what she was doing, and Jaron was keen on seeing how far she was willing to play this game out. His offer was genuine, and he wondered if she would take it.

"No target... im just curious. I've learned that I accomplish more in shadow than I do in the open."

She stepped away before Jaron could move closer. He smiled listening to her answer. "Our purpose," Jaron wondered what she meant by that exactly. While he was not like other Ren who were power hungry, Jaron was also one to move about with his own agenda. Was she becoming his ally, or did she assume he was speaking of the First Order? Did it matter?

"Very good then," he smiled. "We will work from here then... we can discuss this later however. I think I am finding myself in the mood for something a bit more robust and physical."

Jaron winked as his hand reached for his saber hilt.

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

She nearly snorted at his assertion that he wasn’t like the other Ren she’d met. The man in front of her claimed no interest in the power the other Ren clamored for, the brunette included, but she knew of another who was similar in ideals. Her former Master, Talon Ren, also felt no drive for the accumulation of power, seeking instead to cultivate the skills of others for the glory of the Supreme Leader. Inclining her head again, she nodded once, whether in acceptance of his words as well as the request to trust him or simply in acknowledgment was a puzzle he would have to sort through on his own.

”I will take it under advisement”

The flirtatious purr and slightly lowered eyes softened the lack of commitment of the statement, both in the obvious and underlying meaning. It seemed he enjoyed the game as much as she did, a predatory smile curling the edges of her lips up as he processed her words and actions.

”The masks we wear, hmm?”

She mulled over his words for a moment, watching him with a sharp gaze.

”And what mask do you call your own, Jaron? You assume to know mine,” She didn’t have to add that his assumption was correct, they both knew it, but the game was to avoid admitting to such. At least at this point. ”Perhaps you hide behind the pretty boy who seeks only to fight for himself, aligning with the stronger power, for now.”

She raised an eyebrow, daring him to contradict her assessment. He spoke of walking in the shadows, of battle showing their true colors. He was not a servant to the Order as her former Master and a few of the other knights she’d had the…pleasure of engaging in conversation. Instead, he seemed to find sanctuary in the privacy of his own endeavors, using the banner of the First Order to afford him access to locations and support he might not have on his own.

It mattered not to her, in truth, she followed the Order not out of fanaticism, but out of respect for the order and peace they brought those under their control. They were not kind and benevolent in their methods, nor in their rulings, but they were fair and offered all citizens a chance at a better life, something she’d never had the option of. No, she would follow the First Order until it proved unworthy.

”Show me what someone who works in the shadows can accomplish and perhaps I will be willing to join you.”

Her eyes shined in anticipation and a flirtatious challenge as his hand strayed to his hilt. A quick pulse of power ignited the blade still resting in her hand easily, the crimson blade once again casting shadows across the chamber. Matching his tone with her own, she returned his wink with a dazzling, full smile.

”Do not let me wear you out too quickly. It would be a shame to end this before we are both fully satisfied.”

Without giving him a chance to prepare himself, she moved forward, two rapid steps, bringing her within range. Makashi being her referred form, she lashed out with precision, short rapid strikes towards his sides before dancing backwards, out of his range, swinging her blade in a wide arc.

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Jaron smirked at her nod. She certainly was a mystery that needed to be unravelled, and Jaron would. The challenge had been set and laid before him, and he would not shrink back. Ara wanted to play this game, and Jaron was eager to play it with her. His assumptions about her had been correct, he knew it all too well. His own mask was not all that dissimilar, and clearly obvious to her as much as hers was to him. Perhaps they were more alike than either would admit or care to know. Still Jaron would not give up any ground just yet.

"Pretty boy," he shrugged with a chuckle. "That's the first I've been accused of being so prim and polished. Clearly I'm failing at the rugged, dark, mysterious man..."

The banter was fun, the game even more thrilling. She was flirting with him as much as he was with her, and the conclusion of what itnwpuld lead to remained to be seen. Jaron was hoping for a particular outcome but was also determined to simply enjoy the game they were playing.

At least the game would give him a chance to prove what he was capable of doing. Jaron had been trained but the best Jedi Shadow he knew, his uncle. Judah Lesan had trained him to follow his path, and Jaron had abandoned it. The teachings he had taken with him, but the philosophy was different. Those who claimed to walk in the shadow did not understand it to the degree he did, and Ara would learn it first hand.

"Believe me, you will be impressed."

The crimson blade sung to life, and the familiar hum of the weapon echoed its haunting melody throughout the chamber. With a flash Jaron moved forward to attack, smiling as he moved to lock his blade with hers.

"Do not worry about my stamina..." he said as each of her attacks were repelled. He recognized the form... Makashi. As with his uncle, Jaron preferred Niman. Many thought it the weakest form because it appeared to have no strengths, but its lack of strength also came with a lack of apparent weaknesses. It's movements and form built on each of the previous and made Jaron competent in each. Her precision would be matched by his fluidity.

"I am prepared to keep you well into the night if it takes that long to give you what you want..."

With a flashy smile, Jaron tugged at her with the force and he swung his blade upward in an arc, a typical manuver in Niman.

[member="Ara Ren"]