All in the Footwork (Open to SSC, others PM to join)

[Connor Harrison]

He decided to blame the unexpected arrival of another calling out for his dip in concentration, which was a lazy thing to do. She ducked, moved and struck near at the same time, and as Connor expected the counter, he didn’t expect her to go low, and his knee stung as she hit him and he span around shaking it off, cursing under his breath.

Connor hopped gently and walked in a circle to shake off that stinging, numb ache her blade had caused, and gripped his hilt tight out of frustration, looking to the newbie - [member="Jonathan Hex"]

”Friend of yours?” He asked, looked at Sorel, than back at the vocal youth.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled. No, she grinned. She’d landed a clean hit. Of course, if this was a fight with a Sith, she’d be dead by now, but she was learning and improving in equal measures and she found that heartening. ”But of course,”, she responded, the smile still plastered on her face. She was in pain, but the euphoria of the hit blanked it out.

And then her face changed. She was all too aware that her confidence would overspill at times and for a rare moment, she’d caught it in herself without another pointing it out to her. She was growing up.

So she spoke again with a measured visage, her emotions in check. ”We’ve known each other a little while. It’s always good to have someone that can have your back. You never know when it might come in handy. Battle doesn’t have many rules and fair play is certainly not on the list. I won’t cheat or demean the name of the Jedi, but I’ll do what is necessary to succeed, to champion the light. So, do we continue?” Her saber was still activated and she was on the balls of her feet, ready for his next move.

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Jonathan Hex"]

 

[Zac Grayson]

Jonathan laughed a little as the attack hit and he started hopping around. It was actually really funny to Jonathan when adults tried to be cool. Fights never knew the difference between a beginner or a master, all they knew was the victor and loser and sometimes the weak can come out victorious when the timing is right. He smiled once they were done and calmly introduced himself, "Hey, the name is Jonathan Hex." He took a seat on the grass to watch the spar continue as he had nothing better to do.



[member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor looked between the two and nodded at Sorel and her wise words.

"That is true, but believe me when I say as much they can have your six, they can also unknowingly endanger you. I’ve seen it happen many times; if something happens to one you’re close too, the emotional bond you share is cracked open and you’ll be vulnerable to the lure of the dark. Never let those who threaten you and your ally work their way into your head with goading – they will threaten you, taunt you and push you back against the wall.”

He walked towards the Padawan and reached out, a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She was sweating and red-faced, but she was still standing and that showed a greater resolve and determination than any words said.

"Don’t let them get inside your head, Sorel. Use others, but always rely on yourself. You’ve done good today – I will be watching your progression with great interest. Well done.”

With a small nod and gentle pat, he turned to the young boy watching.

"Welcome, Jonathan. My name is Connor Harrison, Silver Jedi Master here. Although just refer to me as Connor. Care to show me what you’re made of or are you simply here to admire young Sorel?”

He couldn’t help a little tease.

[member="Sorel Crieff"] | [member="Jonathan Hex"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel knew only too well about the lure of the dark side and the emotions when someone you trusted failed to remain in the light. But she’d spent two years dealing with the revelation and was in a much better place now.

“The Force is my ally. Light siders are my ally. But my friendships are little more than that. I understand the importance of letting people go if necessary. Be that a fall to the dark side or death. My devotion is to the light. To the Force, the Jedi and the Code.”

Her somewhat elaborate and impassioned speech over, she grinned. “Thank you Master, I appreciated the work-out. It is one thing to spar with remotes or practice alone. To face a real adversary, especially one more skilled? It can only make me better. And I appreciate the kind words. I will not let the Jedi down, believe me.”

And the grin broadened at his next words. “Yes Jonathan, this is no spectator sport, you need to show what you’re made of.”

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Jonathan Hex"]