Footloose and Fancy Free [Training][Open]

[Coci Heavenshield]

Saber Training Room​

Voss Academy​

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[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Orihime Ike"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | Théo Heavenshield​

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Having booked one of the lightsaber training room and set a time for the lesson, Coci waited seated on one of the benches for the arrival of the small group. Today's lesson, although designed to be fun, has a purpose to it, to help establish good footwork to those that wish to progress their saber skills. And one way to help do this is dance. Life in the galaxy can come down to inches, the small percentages that matter in a testing situation, it can mean the difference between life or death, so every piece of time taken to train and better ones ability is never wasted.

A small smile crossed her face thinking of what form of protests will come from her son, but deep down he will have fun and maybe even learn something. And she hoped the rest of the group will as well. Her mind moved to Nina, this will be good for her in a few ways, although Coci suspected she would be natural to the grace of the movement, but it would be good for her to socialise more with others of her age and even those not.

And so she waits for her new charges..

 

[Micah tol Powl]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgd46QiHz4I​

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As if this Nautolan needed any excuse to dance.

Sliding along the smooth floor, the youngling shot into the room for his grand entrance. And to music which existed only in his own mind, paused, hit the beat, spun, and then began moonwalking backwards toward the Master of the Order.

When he'd crossed about halfway toward where the woman sat on the bench, the boy popped up into the air, spun around and blurted out, "HEY! Mandorena!" before executing the arm, hand, and hip movements that had been associated with that by-gone One Hit Wonder by the Mandalorian trio Fett del Rio.

Transitioning from out of the Mandorena, the boy poised himself stiffly as he performed the robot-like dance known as the droid. "Greetings... Master," the boy chirped, bowing stiffly as he did his best to imitate the sound and intonation of vocal synthesizers.

In an exaggerated and over-acted fashion of course, because this was Zak.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Orihime Ike"]​

 

[Orihime Ike]

The weighted robes were not needed for this, the thick and heavy training garb to use in the heavy gravity room as she moved through the hallways with her attention on a few of the things. The sarashi and sleeveless robe going to her loose fitted pants for ease of movement and the saber on her hip. A wink and half smile spinning around some of the others before she rolled into the room checking her hair to ensure it was in a tight ponytail with no loose strands before she gave a nod of approval at herself. She could be a jedi but they were to serious and her mother did say it wasn't fun getting things like sticks up the butt to be serious... She did say sticks right either way the padawan looked at the master teaching the class and the one in there already and she knew Zak.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HDM1BfByWE&index=44&list=PLA228954A2C297B44

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Ever been in a position where you just want the ground the open up and swallow you? Mother giving a dance lesson was one of those times. And the only thing making his feet move forward was Nina Heavenshield! Pulling him along by the hand toward the room of infinite death. A dark look from Théo shot toward Nina as he receives the 'Oh come on it will not be that bad', words of wisdom. Not that bad! I'd rather face a pit of flees. He thought of the options, after hours of jump squats and balancing on his toes battered and bruised, under the instruction of Master [member="Jericho"], that had more appeal!

As Nina pulled him into the room, Théo pulled back trying to leave but Nina's grip was like a vice! and so he walked in toward Mother. Zak is there, he seemed happy about this for some weird reason, does he not know he will have to dance with a .. with a.. with a girl! *sigh*

He looked around the room and noticed another Padawan he had never met before, a little older than he and she looked kinda serious! and tough, and .. a girl.

He did not say a word, what words are there to say when life is about to end?

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[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Orihime Ike"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | Mother​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

As much as she loved her brother dearly, watching him squirm and absolutely loathe this whole concept did stir a deep sense of twisted humour in her that only siblings would experience towards one another - especially older siblings towards their younger counterparts. Making him feel uncomfortable, however, was not her intention by taking him there. She was not a dancer by any means, but everyone has to start somewhere. Besides, this wasn't a class in dancing per se, but rather used as a means to teach foot work. With mother being their teacher, Nina was certain she'd make the experience as painless as possible.

Upon entering the room there were two others there; Zak, of course, had long since mastered the art of never being embarrassed over anything he does or says. There was also an older girl there, someone she'd not met before. Waving to their mother, she finally let go of poor Théo. "If you turn and run now I'm sure you'll make it before anyone can stop you," she told him telepathically as the slightest of smirks found her lips.

[member="Orihime Ike"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Such a breath of fresh air, is Zak. Coci smiled as he entered the room, the first of the younglings to arrive. "I am not sure I have anything to teach you Zak", she said standing up and bowed back to him. "You are in good spirits, which is not what I could say for my son", she said as she turned to see Nina bringing in Théo. A curling finger wave returned the greeting of her daughter.

With her hand she motioned to them all to gather around. "Firstly we shall warm up, I want you all to find a place in the room that has plenty of space around you so you will not bump into one another", she removed her outer robes to be able to exercise and dance along with them, and her boots as well, much preferring to dance with bare feet. They could choose to do the same if they wished.

Once everyone was ready, Coci began the warm ups, stretches and bends to limber up the muscles before starting a cardio routine. It will be a light warm up, more for her then them as children are supple naturally. After they completed this exercise, Coci moved to the control panel and played some music. "Now show me what you have got!", she asked smiling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CFuCYNx-1g ​

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[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Orihime Ike"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | Théo​

 

[Micah tol Powl]

The small Nautolan gave the Master of the Order a confused look. "Master Sovint says I need lots of help," the boy remarked candidly.

That must mean he still had lots to learn.

"'Specially 'psychological' help," the youngling added after another moment, before shrugging with a lackadaisical look. "Whatever that means."

Adults and their vocabularies. He was a future Jedi Guardian! That meant respect. And courage. And honor.

...and small words, people. Small words.

As Nina and Theo entered the room, the Nautolan cocked his head to one side at the Valkyri boy's obvious distress. What was so bad about dancing? It was only the most awesome thing ever.

There wasn't even a right or wrong way to do it! So you didn't have to worry about messing up. You just let the music move you.

Which, in Zak's mind, made a LOT more sense than letting the Force move you. You could actually hear music after all. The Force? Not so much. And when you did, no one else did, and it just got all confusing.

In his sleeveless tunic and bare feet, Zak was already ahead of the others in preparing to boogie, and as they warmed up he tried to get close to Theo in order to cheer the other boy on.

"Come on, Theo. Dancing is fun!"

When drum beat from Master Theo's Mom's chosen music began, Zak was already moving his feet even before Master Coci had spoken. As he shuffled from side to side, the boy opened his hips and loosened his shoulders. He had never heard this piece of music before, but bobbing his head to the rhythm he started to get the beat.

Shooting out his left arm, the boy did a pop-and-lock to one side before coming back with a pop-and-lock to the right.

It also helped that there was actually music playing that other people could hear, as opposed to Zak's usual random bouts of dancing at inappropriate times. When the music was only whatever he was humming in his own mind.

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[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Orihime Ike"]​

 

[Orihime Ike]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Nina Heavenshield"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Zak Dymo"]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbWQgjyYSPQ

Orihime stretched her arms while her neck popped though listening and she kicked up standing still hearing the bones and joints pop while she was getting ready with a small grin to herself. The feeling of the music as it came to her though had her body moving a little with her eyes closing. She might not be the fastest but she had an aunt who knew how to dance and had shown her as needed to train while ORihime started moving simple and where she was letting the force go out to maintain awareness of the others.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

No, it was too late to turn and run. Not only had mother seen them, she would sense it all. This was his worst nightmare, never had he danced before, let alone in a class there was nowhere to hide. He resigned himself to the fact and moved into the room along side Nina, get it over with and vanish into the woods if he could.

As the warm ups began, Théo moved to the back and stood going through the motions of the exercises, they were not that bad stretches and plunges and jumping about and he decided to take his time doing them, even though not entirely in to it like the others. His eyes flashed around to the others in the room. Zak was enjoying himself, the older girl the same, and Nina seemed willing enough. He looked at the chronometer on the wall, only five minutes had passed.

The time of dread arrived as mother put some music on and asking them to dance, She knows what I got! I got nothin.

And so he stood still for the moment, only watching as Zak and the girl began their dances, they are good, very good. Which of course, only made Théo feel bad. How am I suppose to dance like that? But it did kinda look fun.

His head snapped toward Zak as he insured Théo it WAS fun and Zak never does anything that isn't. So it must be true? But the fact remained that he simply did not know where to start. There was something in the beat of the music that was alluring and so Théo began to move his feet from side to side, his arms swaying a little. If for no other reason then to stop mother grabbing him to do something weird and dance with him.

As the song continued, he found himself moving more, watching some of the steps the others are doing and tried to copy them, he felt very awkward and clumsy, but watching them took away his immediate discomfort and Théo began to enjoy it.

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[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Orihime Ike"]​

 

[Aston Jacobs]

Aston was a constant traveler, wanderer and explorer of sorts. While he had always felt that he couldn't and wouldn't ever remain in one place for too long. Given his nature to always be on the move it seemed that held true as he was here at the Voss academy. The Jedi Padawan was also keen on learning, no matter what. Everything could be done better, and everything needed practice. He was sure in thirty years when he was an old man he would still be learning something. That was also a reason why he frequented several Jedi Temples and enclaves. Knowledge was power, not that the Jedi padawan wanted power. But he wanted to learn, and that was good enough for him.

Aston's eyebrow raised a bit as he passed a training room, and thus stopped dead in his tracks. He back up a little bit more as he looked into the room, where the music was coming from. While Aston' hadn't listened to that much music lately anyway, he found himself drawn to it. And while Aston wasn't a dancer in any way, that seemed to be what was going on as he stepped into the room cautiously. He hoped he wasn't interrupting a certain lessen, then that was made quite clear. At the back of the group, stood a Jedi Padawan, slow at first, but then the rhythm and the beat became more and more attuned with the Jedi as was the living force. He found himself dancing, whether it was good or not was to be seen. However he wasn't concerned with that in the slightest right now. It seemed the key right now was to have fun, and thus the learning would ensue.

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

When the music started, Nina merely stood awkwardly and watched the others jump into action. Although her brother was more of a crawl, even he managed to get into the rythm and the pure fun of it. Nina had no such luck, and attempting to pull off the occasional dance move as demonstrated by [member="Zak Dymo"] only ended in disaster. This wouldn't do, so rather than following the beat of the music, she instead followed the beat of her heart.

Closing her eyes, Nina let the Force flow from the centre of her being to the very tips of her fingers and down to her toes. It guided her movements, dictating when and how to move. The motions that followed were those of a calm river, serene and graceful, more akin to those of a ballet dancer. In the world that she'd now created for herself, there was no music or even other people present. There was just her and the Force, united as one.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Orihime Ike"] | [member="Aston Jacobs"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

As she moved about the room, watching each and every one of them, Coci smiled. The whole display was nothing short of entertaining to her even if they did not think it this way. Some of them like Zak and Orihime are naturally talented getting into the more modern dance and their foot work was fantastic which coupled with movement when using the lightsaber would benefit them greatly.

Coci smiled and nodded to a new comer to the lesson as he entered and took up position toward the back of the room. The eldest of them all and without much shyness to participate, he went into a freestyle of his own which to her mind is the best, it is what she does when the mood hits. You know those quiet moments in ones quarters when time permits, some loud music, loose clothing and a healthy want to sing along with the artists, for good or bad. Or your personal ground speeder is another place to open the lungs, no one can hear you sing! Everyone becomes a star in these moments.

Theo and Nina, maybe we shelter them too much, this thought crossing her mind as they seemed very hesitant or over thinking the moment. But little by little Theo began to loosen up and found his own form, his normal heavy tread lightening somewhat. Nina, like always, delved within herself, Coci could sense her retreating not so much from shyness but to the safety of place that she always goes, the force or within herself, so guarded. This can be a dangerous thing to do, to much of it, to hide in oneself to shut off from those around you that are there wanting to help or simply get to know you. It speaks to Coci of a lack of trust, not only in others but a self disbelief. However, as Nina open up through the force her dance was beautiful and graceful. Although fueled by the trust in the force, it would have been wonderful to have seen the trust in the girl. To have seen Nina Heavenshield.

As the music stopped, Zak continued.

"That was very good, all of you have an ability to move in whatever way you wish. Lets try something else now", she moved back to the control panel and selected the next piece of music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC8RKY2qF9o​

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"Alright everyone pair up. If you are without a partner, I will step in". It was time to waltz.

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[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Aston Jacobs"] | [member="Orihime Ike"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | Théodred Heavenshield​

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

The masked padawan was roaming the halls, datapad in hand, as his golden eyes danced side to side, absorbing information in as rapid a pace as he could muster. He was so engrossed that his idly stepping tread wound him into a part of the academy he rarely visited.

He nearly slammed into [member="Aston Jacobs"] as the masked padawan rounded a corner. Blinking his way back into reality, he registered that this was, in fact, NOT the way back to his dormitory. In fact, he'd only been in this wing a handful of times, as a vast majority of his lessons took place out on the grounds, off world, or in Master Cathbodua's preferred training areas.

But, this was a lesson of a nature unknown to Ryn. His head would cock towards one shoulder, mask angling slightly, as he leaned to peer past Aston. Faces he knew, to varying degrees of familiarity, were just past his fellow padawan. [member="Zak Dymo"], of perpetual motion. [member="Théodred Heavenshield"], of constant curiosity. [member="Orihime Ike"], his severe rival. [member="Nina Heavenshield"], the quiet. And then there was Master [member="Coci Heavenshield"]. She made mention of 'pairing up'. Ryn'Dhal retreated a couple steps, and elevated his datapad more, in a feeble attempt to hide himself and his curiosity. The information was much more intriguing to himself than the prospect of close proximity with another person. Dancing was like fighting. It was intimate. You got to know more about a person after a dance or a duel, than you would by just an idle conversation.

He didn't feel too comfortable about any form of intimacy of that prospective nature, especially in front of others who could speculate who-knows-what.

 

[Orihime Ike]

[member="Ryn'Dhal"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Nina Heavenshield"] [member="Aston Jacobs"] [member="Zak Dymo"]

Orihime was looking at the master when she told them to pair up as she stopped t the internal soundtrack in her head. Thoughts going to a couple of the ones there as she saw Ryn enter and he was looking at them as she froze in place for a moment and almost ran into one of the other padawans. Her voice coming out as she looked for someone to pair up with and pointed towards [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] and nodded. "Hey come on." Not one to want to be stuck trying to explain why she was getting distracted she went for who was close and listened. "I have no idea who you are but come on. I'll start and you join in." She offered a nervous chuckle and was wanting something to strike her like lightning while trying to hide the blush to her cheek and leaving her control of her pheromones slip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnku4o3tRB4

 

[Aston Jacobs]

Things seemed to be going rather well, to Aston's mind anyway. As his moves seemed to be placed rather well. The music was just in the background, just like a behind the scenes thing. After halfway into this he felt the music start to fade, more and more and there was just the people around him. Jedi, like himself and the Padawan and the force as his ally. The only thing that interrupted that was the voice and presence once more of the Jedi Master that was leading this charge. Aston stopped almost right after the music came to a halt and he took a deep breath centering himself with the force, as he had done so many times before.

A what.....? Partner...?

Aston chuckled nervously as he glanced around and looked towards [member="Nina Heavenshield"]. Aston cleared his throat as he took a step forward or two and held his hand out towards her.

"Uh, Shall we?" Aston said offering her an encouraging smile. Aston in his own right has his own reasons for travelling as much as he did. While he had hope to learn abroad and continue his training. He had also hoped to forge something stronger.... friendship, that was the greatest gift to have, especially in a galaxy such as this one. For him anyway.

[member="Orihime Ike"] [member="Ryn'Dhal"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Zak Dymo"]

 

[Micah tol Powl]

When you were immature enough, the details didn't matter and pride or personal space weren't really concepts that had fully set in to the personality.

The small Nautolan did, indeed, continue dancing even while there was no music playing. At least, no music that anyone could hear. In his own mind, the boy was rocking some tags to the lyrical stylings of 'Gentlewookiee' by the Naboo hip-hop group Gunganlicious.

When Master Theo's Mom had replaced the track with a classical listing, the child had seemed to pause for a moment -- though the astute would have noticed the one foot tapping to try and catch the timing and the slight bob of his head-tendrils as he worked to try and catch hold of the beat.

As he made a series of short movements, recognizable as the basics of dance -- variations on isolation and patterns -- the boy's dark eyes watched as the big chick was partnered up. And the new brah grabbed up Nina.

No girls left on the playing field. THANK THE FORCE!

...well, there was Master Theo's Mom. But she was a mom, not a girl. There was a difference.

Swinging his hips in time to the rhythm he was getting on this new jam, the child slid with bare feet across the smooth floor over toward the masked brah.

Hadn't he seen this brah somewhere before?

Whatever.

The apprentice to a Jedi Knight, who was also a Chandrila noble, there was a rare case of class as the boy bowed his respect, genuflect, and then very politely said, "My lord, pray, would thou grant me this dance?"

Okay, so maybe he'd spent too much time around Nef Sovint's archaic and overly formal protocol droid.

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"Pair up?", this small comment, these throw away words put fear in his heart. It was then heightened when the older girl approached him asking, no demanding to be his partner! His eyes widened, it .. it isn't to late to run is it?

He took a step backward as she came ever closer, in his mind it was like some creature stalking him ready to devour him. And how was he suppose to dance with her? He can only just shuffle his feet let alone do this weird dance where one holds the other. He shot a look toward Nina for help, pleading almost, but she had troubles of her own with some new guy approaching her so she was no help, Zak! No, he was clever and quick he got to Padawan Ryn first .. that made sense and clever, he had escaped the enemy.

When the older girl encouraged him more he blushed, Join in? join in what!? Hell had engulfed the room and mother the devil..

"I don't know who you are either!", he almost screamed at her out of nerves. He wanted to add Go away! but didn't out of pure fear she might attack him or something. But the jig was up! Before Théo could do any more protesting the girl grabbed him and soon literally, swept him off his feet. When his feet DID touch the ground, they paddled like a duck in hope to run, but no. Théo remained in his girls arms sliding around the room in the most awkward of movements and hoped he would not tread on her toes. To try and break the tension, "Théo", he managed to say by way of introducing himself but would not make eye contact, wasn't that the best thing to do when faced with a fearsome creature?

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[member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Aston Jacobs"] | [member="Orihime Ike"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

When the call for partnering up came, Nina froze where she stood. Her hands dropped to her sides and her shoulders slumped somewhat, knowing the awkwardness that awaited. She'd seen mom and dad dance on multiple occasions, not the least on their wedding day, but... they were in love and stuff. And they knew how to dance, which would come in handy when having to... dance. When suddenly a young man approached her, she shied away from him and took a step back. Just after that her eyes were drawn to her brother having the same excruciating experience.

Steeling herself, she met the gaze of the older padawan and took him by the hand. "Come with me," she mentally spoke to him while leading him to where Théo and the young woman were "dancing". Nina calmy placed a hand upon the girl's shoulder to interrupt their dancing, and when she turned around she simply placed the young man's hand in hers, replacing Théo's. She offered [member="Orihime Ike"] and [member="Aston Jacobs"] both a smile and a bow before grabbing Théo and stepping aside. "You owe me one," she told him with a smirk before standing opposite him. She then took his left hand and placed it at the small of her back and took his right in hers.

"I've watched mom and dad dance a hundred times by now. I know the basics," she then said, waiting to make sure Théo was ready to begin.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Ryn'Dhal"]​

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Ryn couldn't help but chuckle. He'd give a visible shift in his posture, the laugh cutting short. "Well, my good sir, I shall endeavor to keep apace, but I warn you, my capabilities shall be lacking somewhat." He'd say, bowing slightly, and stiffly, to the smaller youngling. Ryn only stood about a head taller than [member="Zak Dymo"], but a glove hand would be offered, and he'd let the more energetic of the two of them lead off. His own natural grace and agility, coupled with his capacity for seeing one's potential course of action ahead of time, enabled Ryn to at the very least keep up with the hyper-active youngster.

He'd actively keep his attention on his dance partner, making it easier to manage the potentially awkward scenario, being as shy as he truly was. Especially given the daughter of Matsu in the lesson as well. That was a conundrum of 'awkward' he'd rather avoid at the moment. It'd been weeks since their spar, but the memory of it was still burnt in his mind as if it were only the day before.

Step, slide, turn, and spin. Their movements seemed almost natural, fluid, but also full of energy and fervor. Though, Ryn was more of a compliment to Zak's natural exuberance, being unable to match the joyful energy of the younger even when at his own best. This would go on for many moments, until ultimately a very slight misstep would cause a chain reaction of pulls of muscles throughout his body.

A sharp intake of breath, followed by a full halt to his movements, aside from hands darting to his side as he'd double-over slightly, panting slightly behind his mask. Eyes wide, and watering, he concentrated for a few moments, before compartmentalizing the pain and shoving it away. All this transpired over the course of a couple of seconds. Standing up, he'd put on another smile, and lower his head slightly, his warm melodic voice leading the way in an apology. "I apologize. I... didn't intend to interrupt anything. We... can continue, yes?"

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Aston Jacobs"] | [member="Orihime Ike"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Spoiler: a song of dance and healing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5zFnGRaO0E​

The road to saber practice is paved with good intentions.

Whatever Master Theo's Mom intended, whatever lessons from this day might have added to form or style in combat, the Nautolan responded to the sudden distress in his partner from a completely different skill set or knowledge.

Swaying from side to side, the boy continued moving in a kind of dance, but one that moved to the melody of the Force. Circular movements of his arms came in sweeping gestures, as the youngling tried to fathom the ebb and flow around him. His eyes were closed. He didn't need them. He need only seek that which was so near. Surrounding him. Penetrating him. Binding him to the people in this room.

To be aware of their presence, not their appearance.

To touch their spirit, not their bodies.

To know how they touched the Force. How the Force touched them. How they touched each other.

Be the Force.

Drawing both hands to himself, the child opened himself to the Force. Let go the boundaries of self. He was in the Force. The Force was in him. The Force was in Ryn'Dhal.

He was Ryn'Dhal.

Pain. Discomfort. Disquiet. The green-skinned Nautolan stretched one hand out toward the Felacatian's injured side. Even without physical contact, a surge of energy passed between them as the youngling summoned forth the ability of the Force to mend the physical body and alleviate discomfort.

No sooner had the surge passed from out of Zak to Ryn, than the boy was aware of a fleeting sense of vertigo. The training room in which they'd practiced was spinning in his eyes as he opened them. His arms shot out awkwardly, trying to catch himself but without the ability to see clearly whether he was falling forward or backwards.

Dropped to his knees, the Nautolan doubled over only to floor as the room continued to spin inside his mind and he feared, for a moment, that he might become sick.

Picking his head up, the child flashed the Felacatian his best fake smile. "Dancing works better with sabers," the boy noted, breathlessly.

[member="Ryn'Dhal"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Aston Jacobs"]​