Private Be Like Water

[Everest Vale]

After her recent debacle of trying to work with a sparring droid on her own, leading to one of the biggest frights of her life, Everest Vale had resolved instead to hone her Echani skills on her own with no such 'assistance'. It had been a while since she had the chance to practice the arts of her homeland, amidst trying to memorise lightsaber forms, Jedi ethics and philosophy, the basics of the Force itself, and so on, and Eve was starting to worry she would lose her touch.

Thus she strove to push herself today. She had spent the last hour drilling patterns without rest. Her robe and silver hair whipped about in a frenzy as she demonstrated a steady control of nimble acrobatics. Exactly as she taught me, she would tell herself on occasion between forms, as she drilled again and again. Her dreams of Eshan were visible in the forefront of her mind and she connected through body, mind and spirit to her home once more. For as long as the classroom was free, she would remain here, reconnecting with all that she was and all that she had come from.

Braze​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Everest Vale

Braze had come to train, as he often did, and found himself drawn to the figure before him. At first glance, he thought she was another Echani, her movements spoke of skill honed through discipline.

He remained silent, light as a shadow, using the Force to dampen his steps as he observed her. For a time, he simply watched, studying the patterns of her strikes, the way her core shifted just before she moved. There was a grace to her, one that caught his attention and refused to let go.

Unable to resist, he stepped forward, his approach deliberately silent and careful, staying out of her immediate field of view. Then, with seamless precision, he slipped into her space, intercepting one of her attacks with a smooth, flowing block. The motion was fluid, almost like a dance, as he transitioned into her line of sight, guiding the strike away liek a parry.

Somber jade-green eyes met hers, steady and intently filled with confidence. Yet, there was no malice or hostility in his movements. Instead, he closed the distance further, executing a cross-legged stance designed to encroach on her territory. The shift in posture carried a subtle challenge, a playful assertion of dominance that was more teasing than threatening.

A smirk flickered across his lips—cheeky and daring; It was a wordless invitation. His energy was mischievous but not aggressive, his intent clear in the way he moved: this was a game, a test of skill, and he was determined to make his presence known.

 

[Everest Vale]

[Music]​

Everest's eyes widened dramatically as one of the motions in her form was intercepted out of nowhere. She gasped from the surprise as a green-eyed young man stood before her suddenly. She took a moment to gauge him. He shone with a handsome ruggedness, with silver hair akin to her own, and Everest wondered if he was a fellow Echani. The way in which he parried her and held himself certainly seemed to imply so.

But he was not here to exchange words for now. That was much obvious. He stood in challenge, open and ready, clearly awaiting her next move. So she moved. Without hesitation, she flew forward into a dramatic overhead semi-roundoff kick towards her impromptu opponent. When her feet landed on the bamboo flooring again, she entered into a burst of closed-fisted jabs towards the centre.

Braze​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Everest Vale

Braze was pale—practically a marshmallow with alabaster skin and hair so white it gleamed like fresh-fallen snow. The contrast against his black clothes made him almost startling, his appearance as ghostly as his movements were deliberately graceful. Patches of burn scars and cuts poked out from around his hand wraps, their edges rough and uneven. His face had a few minor marks, faint but visible, and his torso carried more gnarled scars on display, twisted and jagged like old battle lines drawn across his skin. He watched intently as she shifted, his keen eyes tracking every adjustment. With measured precision, he raised both wrapped hands, deflecting her strong kick with a smooth, forward shift that neutralized the momentum.

Her next attack came swiftly, but Braze met it with a subtle nudge, his wrists and forearms intercepting hers with an almost eerie ease, even at their current speed. His movements were efficient, economical—just enough to avoid each strike, each blow, conserving his energy while attempting to force her to expend hers. He darted forward into her personal space, crowding her with an agility that belied his relaxed demeanor.

Then came the feint. Braze's hand shot high, a rapid, sudden motion designed to draw her guard upward. Meanwhile, his back hand hovered near his ribs, guarding the vulnerable spot he'd intentionally exposed. His foot shifted stealthily, attempting to hook behind her knee, while his back hand pressed toward her shoulder, a coordinated effort to upset her balance.

His expression was a telltale sign of his enjoyment—a sharp grin that spoke of how thoroughly he relished this high-speed, high-stakes game.

 

[Everest Vale]

He moved with an undeniable confidence and grace, it was enough to take Eve off-guard as his onslaught of attacks pushed her back, forcing her to take the defensive. But she would not give up against this unnamed sparring partner. He had come to express himself in a language she understood; that of unarmed combat. The flurry of exchanges between them both would be dizzying to any onlooker, but to Eve she was deeply in the zone, adamant to prove herself to... whoever this was.

And before she knew it, she was on her back.

Winded, her racing mind gradually caught up with what had happened. Sweat rested on her brow as heavy pants slowly returned to softer breathing. She looked up at the boy, impressed by his unforgiving skill, and helped herself back up. For someone at such a seemingly young age, he certainly knew what he was doing. Through slow, heavy breaths she spoke.

"You speak such rich language through your movements. You must be Echani too." It was obvious in the boy's demeanour that he was serious and well experienced in the martial arts, perhaps too good for her, who ultimately savoured the peaceful ways. But she would not be deterred.

Braze​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Everest Vale

Braze had been about to offer her a hand, but she was already back on her feet before he could. Independent. He could respect, and even admire that.

He gave her a warm smile, bringing a fist to the palm of his hand before dipping into a graceful bow. As he straightened, he exhaled slowly, his breathing calm and measured—he hardly seemed winded from their exchange.

"My father was Echani," Braze said, his tone conversational but tinged with a quiet pride. "Not many others around here are."

He hesitated, just briefly. As much as he identified with the Echani culture, he was keenly aware he wasn't fully one of them. His mother's heritage set him apart, a truth underscored by his eyes—pale green, like polished jade. Striking, yes, but unmistakably atypical of Echani genetics. It wasn't a detail he felt inclined to share just yet, especially with a girl who, admittedly, was catching his attention.

"Apologies if I startled you," he added, his smile softening into something more genuine. "You looked like you were having fun, and I couldn't resist the opportunity to join in."

He stepped back slightly, offering her space as he introduced himself, "My name's Braze, by the way."

​

 

[Everest Vale]

at th

​

The rugged, serious demeanour of the boy had suddenly seemed to melt into a warm greeting as he bowed to her. Eve, in turn, gave a bow back. He spoke truthfully; she hadn't met many others from Eshan since arriving at the temple, and alongside not being able to see her mother, and not being able to venture out in the woodlands by her home, it was starting to make her feel homesick.

But there was something else about this boy that implied a certain 'otherness'. Aside from his striking green eyes uncharacteristic of an Echani, he held a certain hardness of experience about him, that made him seem strong and wise beyond his years. Eve looked at him curiously, watching those jade-green eyes.

"It's quite alright," she politely assured him, brushing down her tunic. "It was startling... but it's nice to practice again with someone who understands Echani. In truth, I'm not much of a fighter, but this language is in my blood, it's part of me. I'm sure you understand." She smiled back warmly. "Everest— Eve. It's nice to meet you, Braze. How long have you been here at the temple?"

Braze
​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Everest Vale

"Ev-er-rest. Eve." Braze repeated the name lightly, savoring its sound.

"I'd like to think I understand," he offered with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Oh, since I was very young. I practically grew up with the Jedi." His tone softened, dipping into a well of memory. "I have a few fond memories of my parents, but they're in the past now."

His gaze flicked back to her, a playful glint replacing the fleeting shadow. "What about you? I haven't had the pleasure of meeting such a lovely flower before~" The teasing lilt in his voice was paired with a grin that bordered between charm and audacity.

It wasn't a lie. Braze found the Echani girls mesmerizing, and Everest was no exception. She reminded him of a graceful spider lily, its delicate petals swaying in the breeze under a pale moonlight, serene and unyielding atop a quiet pond.

But as his eyes lingered on her flawless presence taking in her appearance, a small weight settled in his chest. Her beauty, unmarred and radiant, brought an uncomfortable awareness of his own imperfections. The scars he kept hidden beneath his robes seemed suddenly louder.

Still, there was comfort in her presence. Another soul who, like him, walked the delicate line between discipline of the Jedi and discipline of the Echani. Someone who carried the weight of a some what conflicting identity in a galaxy that often demanded conformity.

 

[Everest Vale]

Eve frowned a little at the young man's comments on his parents. She could understand all too well. The memories of her father, long lost and reduced to fading greyscale flashes of photographic images in place of any real living recollection. She nodded with solemn understanding to the boy.

"Me?" Braze's comments surprised her, and she couldn't help but let a giggle of amusement escape her. Nobody aside from her mother had talked to her like that before, and it made her think of her. She mulled on question, reflecting on her month in the temple.
"I've just been here a few weeks..." she said eventually. "Still trying to get used to everything..." The Order was treating her well, and the classes were all so interesting, but it was a lot to keep up on. To distract herself from anxiety, she had found a certain solace from resting in the gardens, and from practising Echani.

Albeit, she would be the first to admit she was no expert. She had learned most of her advanced understanding of Echani directly from her mother, and had never pursued it as anything beyond her own expression of meditation, but it did give her a connection to her home that she was sorely missing

"Echani gives me peace and focus, you know?"

Braze​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Everest Vale

"Yes, you~! What's the matter? Never been called cute before~?" Braze teased, his tone playful and light.

He tilted his head slightly. "You mean studying the Echani martial arts? The combat aspect of it?" He sought clarification, doubting she meant poetry—but he asked just to be sure.

His brows lifted in mild surprise. "Oh? Just a few weeks? Wow, that's not long at all… well, welcome. If you're feeling homesick, we could always spar if you'd like." He offered with a grin. "When I was little, I threw a lot of temper tantrums because of how upset I was. I didn't really want to be here back then… but maybe it'll be different for you if you make tons of friends, hmm? You seem nice—I bet you will."

​

 

[Everest Vale]

Another giggle came from Eve, unsure if it was out of embarrassment for herself, or for him. No, she'd never been called 'cute' before, except from her mother, but she wasn't going to admit that. She left the question unanswered, but she nodded when he asked about Echani. It was a practice that gave her a further clarity in times where she just really needed to get out of her head. It was a gift from her mother she was always grateful for.

She gave a shy smile.
"Thanks," she said softly. "I think so too. Seems like I've just made another, too." There was a stillness between them for a moment, before she finally continued. "I'd love to spar a bit more, but I'm not very good, so... go easy on me?"

Braze​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Everest Vale

"That's okay... No one starts out great at sparring," Braze offered with a reassuring tone. "That's the whole point of it—to get used to the flow of a fight, to learn when to strike, when to move, and how everything comes together."

His smile was genuine. "Some people like to confuse practice sparring with real fights or competitive matches, going all out like it's life or death... but I'm not one of those. So, you don't have to worry about me trying to prove a point." He gave a small shrug. "I think sparring works best when it's more like a game of tag—seeing who can land the most clean hits rather than just swinging for the fences."

He tilted his head slightly, studying her with interest. "So, what do you want to work on? Footwork? Timing? Defense?" There was no condescension in his voice, only a willingness to help. Whether she needed guidance, practice, or just a partner to work through weak spots, he seemed eager to assist.

​

 

[Everest Vale]

He was very wise for someone so young, Eve thought to herself. She could see in his brooding green eyes that he had seen much of the galaxy, perhaps too much for his years. But no matter what, it was clearly far more than she had ever even conceived of; she, the farm girl green behind the ears who had next to nothing to boast of, no achievements or historical moments to her name. She let the moment of self-doubt blow away from her with a single breath.

"After the show you put on just now," she started, recalling how easily he had bested him. "It might make sense to focus on defence." A small chuckle escaped her, and shot a timid smile to him, hoping it would show some manner of gratitude to him.

Braze​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Everest Vale

"Alright. Defense it is," he said, stepping back into a fighting stance. "Step one—be mindful of your surroundings."

Braze began with a measured tone, his movements deliberate as he started circling behind her, testing her awareness. His path took him toward her flank before smoothly returning to the front.

"Your enemy won't always come from where you expect," he continued. "A fight is never just what's in front of you—it's what's beside you, behind you, and even above or below."

He adjusted his stance, keeping his weight light on his feet. "Always keep your guard fluid. If you plant yourself like a stone, you'll break under pressure. If you move like water, you can flow with the fight, redirecting force instead of taking the hit head-on."

He shifted his stance, demonstrating the subtle rhythm of his footwork as he stayed light on the balls of his feet. "You can use this to your advantage," he said, bouncing slightly to show control rather than wasted movement. "Stay on the balls of your feet—always. It keeps you ready to move, makes you harder to hit, and lets you react in an instant."

To emphasize his point, he executed a series of quick feints, his weight shifting fluidly as he misdirected with sudden changes in direction. "If you're predictable, you're dead. But if you can switch things up mid-movement, your opponent will second-guess their next strike."

He stopped, leveling a steady gaze at her. "Try it—feel the shift, but don't overcommit. It's about control, more than speed."

Braze lifted a hand, signaling for her focus and drew it out and away from his body opening his fingers and wiggling them. "Read their body, not just their weapon. Shoulders tense before a strike. Footwork reveals intent. Eyes? They'll either give away their plan or try to mislead you. Learn to spot the difference." His opposing foot snaked forwards and low behind her foot.

"Use your peripheral vision and keep your eyes centered around their belt you can keep track of the hands and feet of your opponent much better this way don't follow their hands or feet away you'll loose sight of what they might be trying to trick you with. " He said and lightly pulled on the back of her calf not enough to force her to fall but to catch her attention.

A small smirk played at the corner of his lips as he took another step back, "Alright, let's see if you're paying attention."

 

[Everest Vale]

Eve was in awe at the boy. For someone so young, he spoke like a true master in the Echani ways. His words echoed much of what she already knew in some capacity, having heard about much of it from her mother growing up under her tutelage. But, just like her mother, she had grown up a pacifist less interested in truly honing the martial art. It was still integral to her life and culture, and she found solace in other activities growing up, such as flute-playing. Nevertheless, now she was a Jedi, she recognised how she should lean into what she already knew as much as possible, so she could better serve those in need.

Eve was listening intently to him, allowing every word to soak into her understanding and awareness, paying attention to his demonstrations as they progressed methodically through his instruction. When he turned attention back to her, she readied herself astutely, trying her best to recall everything he had just covered to such an illuminating degree.

"Alright," she said. "Ready when you are." She raised her fists.

Braze​