Private One Fish, Two Fish

[Roman Vossari]

Jedi Enclave | Lake​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Cerrik

​

Roman nodded, absorbing every word, the warmth of Cerrik's hand a grounding presence on his shoulder. "I understand." he said, his voice filled with earnest determination. "Compassion and intention... I will strive to embody those principles in every interaction, every decision."

Roman's eyes, now shone with a newfound clarity. He craved the wisdom Cerrik offered, the path towards a Jedi life that aligned with his inner peace. He yearned to learn how to resolve conflict without relying on the harsh edge of a lightsaber, to find a way to use the Force to bring harmony, not just silence, to the galaxy. He was ready to shed the weight of his past doubts and embrace this new, more compassionate path, under the guidance of a Jedi Master who truly understood the true meaning of their calling.

 

[Cerrik]

Cerrik's gaze lingered on Roman, his tone growing softer but no less resolute. "Remember this: mistakes will happen. Doubts will resurface. That is part of the journey. What matters is how you carry yourself through it. Trust your instincts. Trust the Force. And trust in your ability to be a light in even the darkest of places."

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Jedi Enclave | Lake​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Cerrik

​

Roman nodded slowly, absorbing Cerrik's words like a sponge soaking up water. He carefully placed his fishing rod down on the sandy bank, the gentle lapping of the waves providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. "Master Cerrik," he began, his voice filled with a newfound respect and eagerness, "Would you have the time to show me now, or perhaps would you prefer to meet elsewhere to demonstrate this… this hand-to-hand combat you spoke of?" His eyes held a hint of anticipation, a desire to begin his journey towards a more peaceful yet undeniably powerful form of defense.

 

[Cerrik]

Cerrik's calm gaze rested on Roman, his lips curling into a warm, approving smile. He adjusted his posture slightly, folding his hands loosely in front of him. The breeze ruffled the edges of his robes, but his presence remained as steady as the earth beneath their feet.

"I admire your eagerness, Roman," he said, his voice carrying the gentle cadence of a teacher who valued patience. "The willingness to learn is the first and most crucial step on any path. Hand-to-hand combat isn't just about the body—it's about the mind and the spirit."

With a small, encouraging nod, Cerrik stepped forward, his movements deliberate and fluid. "Now, Roman, show me your stance. Defense begins with knowing where your feet stand in the moment."

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Jedi Enclave | Lake​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Cerrik

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Roman stepped closer to Cerrik, his own gaze fixed on the master's face, a flicker of nervous anticipation in his eyes. He planted his right leg firmly behind him, shifting his weight slightly, and assumed a defensive guard, his arms held protectively in front of his chest. Hand-to-hand combat had become a consuming passion for him lately, hours upon hours spent honing his reflexes and technique. He hoped, desperately, that some of that dedication was evident in the stance he now held before Cerrik.

"How's this?" he asked, his voice a little breathier than usual, eager for the master's assessment.

 

[Cerrik]

Cerrik tilted his head slightly, his calm gaze sweeping over Roman's stance with a mixture of scrutiny and approval. He stepped around him slowly, hands clasped loosely behind his back, his presence unhurried yet purposeful.

"Not bad," he said, his voice as steady as ever, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Your foundation is solid, but your weight distribution could use some adjustment. You're leaning back just too much. Its fine for defense, but it leaves you vulnerable if you need to counter or evade quickly."

He paused, tapping lightly on Roman's left forearm. "And here...keep this tighter. Overextending opens gaps you can't afford in close quarters. Always think about how to minimize openings while maximizing your control over the situation."

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Jedi Enclave | Lake​

Lightsaber: X | Talisman: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Cerrik

​

Roman, ever eager to learn, nodded slowly, absorbing Cerrik's words like a sponge. He shifted his weight, feeling the subtle change as he leaned slightly forward, his stance becoming more grounded. The pressure on his left forearm was a revelation, a tangible reminder of a vulnerability he hadn't considered. He tightened the muscles there, feeling a newfound sense of stability and control in the position of his arm. His breathing slowed, his mind racing to integrate the new instructions.

He tried to envision the fluid movements Cerrik described, the ability to shift from defense to offense seamlessly, like a predator poised to strike. He felt a surge of determination, spurred by the master's subtle encouragement and the knowledge that with each correction, his skill grew closer to true mastery. "Like this?"

 

[Cerrik]

Cerrik stepped closer, his gaze calm but attentive, scanning Roman's posture with the precision of a sculptor evaluating their work. "Better," he said with a nod, his voice steady, carrying the kind of reassurance that only comes from experience. "Feel the balance. It isn't just in the arm but throughout your entire stance. Each movement should flow like water... smooth and adaptable."

Cerrik raised a hand, motioning for Roman to mimic. "Now, imagine your arm isn't just a defense but an extension of your intent. When you move, it's not just a block or strike. It's purpose, controlled, and deliberate."

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Jedi Enclave | Lake​

Lightsaber: X | Talisman: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Cerrik

​

Roman mirrored Cerrik's graceful hand movement, his mind working to translate the abstract concept into physical action. He focused on the core of his being, trying to feel the interconnectedness of his body, the way each muscle, each joint, contributed to his overall balance. With a slow, deliberate exhale, he shifted his weight, the movement fluid and precise, a far cry from his earlier, clumsy attempts. His arm, once a rigid barrier, now extended like a carefully sculpted branch, adaptable and ready to respond to any challenge.

"Purpose," he whispered under his breath, the word echoing the essence of Cerrik's teachings. Every movement now held a deeper meaning, a clear intent. It wasn't simply about blocking or striking, but about embodying the very essence of his training -- control, grace, and the subtle power that resided within the flow of movement. A smile touched his lips, a flicker of understanding and excitement. He was far from mastering the art, but with each guided step, with each correction from Cerrik, the path to true mastery felt clearer, more attainable than ever before.

 

[Cerrik]

Cerrik watched Roman intently, the subtle shift in his student's movements catching his eye. The rigid, hesitant energy that once dominated Roman's attempts had begun to give way to something more fluid, more deliberate. A quiet smile curved his lips, a reflection of his inner satisfaction.

"If you would like to see it in practice, I will show you. Try and hit me."

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Jedi Enclave | Lake​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Cerrik

​

Roman's breath hitched in his throat, a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. Cerrik's words, a casual invitation laced with challenge, ignited a fire within him. He couldn't help but feel a flicker of doubt, a ghost of his old hesitation, but it was quickly extinguished by a fierce determination. With a mix of fear and exhilaration, Roman lunged forward, his body a blur of motion as he aimed a practiced strike at his master's chest. His fist, clenched tight, whipped through the air, a testament to the weeks of relentless training, the hours spent honing his technique, all culminating in this single, desperate attempt.

 

[Cerrik]

Cerrik moved with fluid grace, his right hand rising up deflect Roman's strike away, almost like he was swatting a fly. At the same time, his left hand came rushing towards Roman's chest. Though Cerrik purposely stopped his fist from connecting. He didn't want to actually hit Roman, merely show him how he fights without a lightsaber.

"Try again."

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Jedi Enclave | Lake​

Lightsaber: X | Talisman: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Cerrik

​

Roman recoiled, a jolt of surprise shooting through him as Cerrik's hand effortlessly stopped his attack. The Master's casual grace, the way he'd moved with such deceptive speed, solidified the vast gulf between their skills. He'd underestimated Cerrik, allowed a flicker of bravado to cloud his judgement. Now, fully understanding the extent of his master's strength, Roman's mind raced. He couldn't rely on brute force alone.

With a swift change of tactic, he feigned an attack with his left, a jab designed to distract, followed by a powerful, Force-aided right uppercut. It was a gamble, a desperate attempt to exploit even a momentary lapse in Cerrik's seemingly flawless defense. The air crackled with the raw energy of the Force as Roman's fist shot towards his master's jaw, hoping to catch him off guard.

 

[Cerrik]

Cerrik's expression remained serene, his eyes fixed on Roman with an almost meditative calm. As the feigned jab came, he didn't even flinch, his instinct honed enough to sense the true intent beneath the attack. When the Force-imbued uppercut surged upward, Cerrik moved, tilting his head just enough for the strike to miss by a hair's breadth.

He extended his hand in a fluid motion, palm open but charged with energy. Cerrik gave a quick, controlled nudge of his hand, a gentle push with the Force designed to unbalance rather than harm, testing Roman's stance.

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Jedi Enclave | Lake​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Cerrik

​

Roman, though slightly off-balance, managed to regain his footing with a wobbly, but determined stance. The Master's speed and effortless control were unnerving, a constant reminder of the gap in their abilities. How could he possibly penetrate such a seemingly impenetrable defense?

A new strategy was needed. He couldn't just rely on raw power and Force-enhanced attacks. With a renewed focus, Roman faked another attack, mimicking the previous combination of a left jab and a right uppercut. But this time, as the feigned jab launched, he dropped low, aiming a powerful sweep with his right leg, targeting Cerrik's ankles. It was a gamble, a desperate attempt to exploit any weakness in the Master's otherwise flawless posture, hoping to finally knock him off balance.

 

[Cerrik]

Cerrik's eyes followed Roman's movements with measured calm, his instincts finely attuned to every shift in weight, every flicker of intent. The feigned jab was a commendable mimic of Roman's earlier strikes, and for a split second, it might have worked against a less experienced opponent.

As Roman's leg swept low, Cerrik shifted his weight smoothly onto his back foot, lifting his forward leg just enough for the sweep to pass harmlessly beneath it. Without hesitation, Cerrik pivoted on his heel, using the momentum to step into Roman's exposed side. He gently tapped his hand against Roman, as a way to tell him he would have been hit if this was a real fight.

"Are you starting to see how one can handle agressive situations without the use of lightsaber? The easiest way to simply dodge and deflect, letting the aggressor tire themselves out. The quickest way is to render them unconscious. May not be the best option in every situation, but sometimes it needs to be done."

Roman Vossari