Private Throwing Punches

[Liin Terallo]

How does one learn to fight? To protect themselves? And without embarrassing themselves? This is something that I surely need to learn if Force Wizards are drawn to me like moths to a flame. My only thought on that is to try to practice in a hidden space. There is a grove of trees that I like to go to in the park near my residence. And within that grove of trees is a small clearing where I have gone to practice some of my newfound abilities. Only Force Wizards nearby can detect me, while everyone else does not even know that I am there. I know of that well enough through experience.

This grove is far different than any on New Cov. Here the trees, bushes and plants are afe. They do not try to catch you and eat you. It took me a while to get over that; but now I find myself enjoying the space all the more.

And it is in the early morning hour that I find myself here. I wear a light dress which flows down to my feet, yet the fabric does not hinder any movements. I gingerly picked up a stick with both hands and imagine it to be one of the laser swords. It feels awkward, and silly and maybe even a little wrong; but I start to swing it at the trunk of the nearest tree. Not hard, mind you, for I do not want to risk breaking the stick or hurting the tree and angering it to the point that it might wake up and try to eat me. But I hit it gently. I have never seen Force Wizards fighting with their laser swords before, exept for in a play. And so I do my best to try to mimic their movements. I just hope that it is quiet enough that no one notices.

Tag: Draven Eterena

 

[Draven Eterena]

Tags: Liin Terallo

Draven grasped his head and heaved a sigh. The last thing he remembered was making an effort to escape a tunnel system and then, an increasingly familiar blank. He stood and after a few wobbly steps shook his head and worked to getting his bearings. Giving a day or two he was sure his dreams would work on catching him up on the absent period. Though for now he needed to figure out where he was at and what time period he was in.

Draven closed his eyes and reached out with the force. Well... the good news was this environment seemed relatively peaceful. Mostly light forestry and some plains. Nothing suggesting any heavy conflicts. It'd make for a good retreat to spend some time at.

Draven continued to push out with his senses when he paused and observed a singular sentient life form. This person seemed familiar... yet different somehow? That answered at least a rough estimate for the time period. Draven couldn't have been further than a year or two off from when he last remembered. Even if he was on a different world than when he last interacted with them.

Draven stood and checked over his supplies. After discarding down to his robes, survival kit, and his lightsaber. Draven proceeded to set out to confront the familiar face. To get an idea for how they had been, what they were doing, and see the results of what he guessed was a successful experiment to design a synthetic mirror to the force.

Draven came down a hill when he spotted the woman making an effort to hit a tree. She seemed... uncertain about herself. Though trying her best with what was clearly very limited knowledge of fighting.

"You're not going to generate enough strike force to really make any meaningful damage to whatever you're attempting to hit... when you throw a punch like that." Draven called out to her and lifted a hand in a friendly wave. Indicating he wasn't hostile. He was hopeful whatever time had passed. She'd at least be able to recognize him from the few times they worked together. This also would be a test in where he could tell whether or not he made the right call for helping out such an ambitious undergoing.

 

[Liin Terallo]

Everything seemed to be going okay. Until it was not. I was so focused on what I was doing and on being very gentle with the tree; that I had not even noticed anyone approaching.

That is until I heard his voice. I dropped the stick and spun around on my heels. My mind raced as I tried to think of something to explain what I was doing that would be far better than what I was actually doing. But nothing came to mind. Instead I had to merely laugh quietly and under my breath.

The recognition was clearly written on my face when I responded to him in kind. "Hello Mister Draven! How do you do? It has been some time since I had seen you last. Were you looking for me for something?" The last time that I had seen him; Mister Draven had helped me to escape one of my decoy laboratories when it had been infiltrated.

Tag: Draven Eterena

 

[Draven Eterena]

Tags: Liin Terallo

"This meeting was just convenient timing and placement." Draven expressed as he noticed her discard the stick. "My apologies of my initial assumption. From the rear it looked like you were attempting punches. So, my next question is was your experiment successful? As well as are you attempting to practice fighting with a stick, a sword, of a lightsaber?" Draven inquired in a manner suggesting genuine interest in learning what her needs were.

"Please be transparent with me. I'm not interested in judging but I might be interested in assisting you learning. Especially, if your experiment was a success... Because I'm sure that you would have drawn the conclusion that opened a can of ill intentions directed towards you."

Draven gave her a gentle smile as he folded his hands in front of himself. Wanting to encourage her to be open about this. While he wasn't exactly expecting her to trust him. He did want to make it clear he was still an ally to her project despite his tendency to appear and disappear unexplained.

 

[Liin Terallo]

I pursed my lips together as he inquired about my research. Mister Draven was a part of the first phase; as well as the second. And instead of stopping me or enabling others to either stop me or to steal my work; he has instead only helped me to thwart their efforts and help me to escape.

The mere mention of a can of ill intentions directed towards me caused me to dip my head in admission while I took a few steps towards him. I then folded my hands in front of me as I let out a small sigh. "Unfortunately, yes. My experiment has been successful; however the exact nature of the consequences and side effects were not exactly something that I could have predicted. Using the abilities, whether intended or not; draws Force wizards to me like a beacon. And with the bounty still active; I need to try to be able to defend myself in some manner."

The side effects are another matter entirely. I am unsure if I should go into complete details with him or not. It is not as though I do not have trust in him. It is others that could overhear; or anyone that he could tell that I do not trust. For they could paint me as either a weapin to be used, or a threat to be either contained or destroyed.

Tag: Draven Eterena

 

[Draven Eterena]

Tags: Liin Terallo

He studied her for a moment as he assessed her. Contemplating the ramifications of the success and taking note she expressed unpredicted side effects. Though he let her finish off by just admitting it draws attention to her. He wasn't eager to pry into the other potential unforseen consequences she might be facing unless she opened up to him.

"Well. I can get you the fundamentals you need both to fight unarmed and armed. Possibly even help you grow your own unique style. As I have yet to see what this synthetic force can and cannot mirror. The most basic of fighting requires a basis of unarmed technique, and environmental assessment. It's better to know how to hold your own with the understanding your environment and body are always your first line of defense.. and often the most reliable."

Draven looked around the area and then he walked into a more open area or spacing. Motioning for her to come over to him. "Starting off I don't want us mixing in our abilities.. they enhance combat ability for sure. Though they don't do any good it something is suppressing them... Before we get into actual fighting I am going to run you through exercises to work on your conditioning, coordination, reflexes and balance, as well as help you get warmed up for when I start teaching you techniques and spar with you."

 

[Liin Terallo]

I rose my eyebrows in surprise as Mister Draven expresses a desire to teach me such skills that a lady should never have to worry about. Yet I accept it all the same, with thanks.

I listen to his words as they reflect his experience and wisdom. I hope that I will never be in situations where it is needed. However I know that such a thought is not a realistic one. I find that to be most unfortunate.

"I will gladly acceot your lessons, thank you." Without another word I follow him to more of a clearing. However I am not exactly excited with the prospect of rigorous exercise. Such a thing is not what I am accustomed to; and there is little doubt in my mind that he may laugh at my overall weaknesses in the field. "I am not a very athletic person, Mister Draven. My lifestyle and career did not call for it. I am not very strong." My biggest strongsuit is my stubborness. Not to mention my mind. But neither of those have kept me out of trouble.

Tag: Draven Eterena

 

[Draven Eterena]

Tags: Liin Terallo

Draven listened as she expressed her concerns regarding her current physical abilities. Especially, pointing out a lack of strength. Draven took a moment to properly assess how to explain matters to her which would clarify this was a marathon not a sprint kind of race.

"Strength is only a single factor in combat. You might never excell at raw physical strength. Though I am confident in your ability to think quick and tactfully. From there I can teach you how to work on the reflexes, flexibility, and understanding of manipulating your playing field and opponent to make advantage of your strengths. However, it is still important to start conditioning your body. In all different areas. It'll be painful.. it will take time. It will be worth it. You'll also find yourself benefiting mentally from it. You'll have a sharper mind, and feel better in the long run.

After we do some work outs which should push you, but not break you. I'll be teaching you how to stay on your feet. Balance and coordination is the most pivotal in most fights. Find yourself on the ground and very rarely will you be able to recover."

Draven rolled his shoulders and then his head. "Mirror me to start off with as we work on stretches."

 

[Liin Terallo]

I listened to Mister Draven very carefully. His words made sense. I could not dream of being as strong as most. Yet I recall one lesson that I had a handful of years ago in learning to fight with a dagger; and I had surprised my opponent when he had backed me to a wall by dropping myself down and slashing the blade at his knees. It was a trick that was the result of frightened instinct. And it had worked.

But that was my only lesson. And I had not encountered violence ever since. Instead I had been taken away from it.

Yet now danger and violence comes to me. And I might not always have anyone to help me to escape from it. So I must learn to be able to help rescue myself.

I try to mimic Mister Draven's stance as best as I can while in my dress. At least the fabric is not heavy or restrictive. I had planned that part out on purpose. I have never worn trousers before, so utilizing these lessons in clothing that I always wear will be best.

My movements are a second or two behind his as I copy him.

Tag: Draven Eterena