The Crucibles of Conversation

[Venatus Phoenix]

Spoiler: Visual

Here he was again, at the very same mock arena he had fashioned for himself, Jace and Aliyah a short walk away from the main holy city on Jedha. It had served as a staging ground for many of their missions together, and it also happened to be one of the most brutal training courses Venatus had ever devised. Meant to strengthen every aspect of a Jedi's connection to the Force, and test it to its limits in the heat of battle, the area which had been lovingly dubbed 'The Crucible' certainly reflected its name. A mock ring was marked with nothing more than embedded sticks in the ground, several heavy durasteel crates of various sizes rested along the edges and outskirts of the dueling area. A large collection of stones sat in an array all about the locale, as though waiting to be used.

Venatus calmly strolled to and fro in the middle of the ring, awaiting his fellow knight. The one simply known as Kane had found common ground and mutual respect with the Vahla, and the Phoenix had thought to invite him to a sparring match. It had become something of a habit of his, to challenge his fellow Jedi to battle as an initial meeting. It would allow the pair to learn more about each other than they would have in a social situation - his first Master had taught him the truth of it. You learned more about somebody when you place them against the wall, put them in situations that tested their resolve and mettle. Only then could he truly get a read on someone, and in times of war he wasn't simply willing to wait for an enemy to attack for that observation to take place.

So, here he was, breathing calmly and passively, centered in the Force. Anyone looking at his aura alone would see a gentle flame, roaring with a calm and controlled power. Like all fire, it was prepared and poised to destroy at a moment's notice, but instead gave off warmth and light. He could feel the elderly Jedi's presence approaching through the Force, and cocked his head sideways towards the man.

"Don't mind the mess. I don't bother to clean up after the sparring sessions, drifters rummage through what's here on a regular enough basis anyways."

@One For Sorrow​

 

[Kane]

Kane looked around as he entered the place known as 'The Crucible' where Venatus Phoenix was waiting for him, the Valha Jedi had not made any false pretenses in hus invitation here. They were here to fight. The old Sentinel looked forward to surprising the younger Jedi with how uncharacteristically spry he was for someone who had hit seventy years old.

"Oh no bother there friend. I have seen libraries less organized." he said in response to Venatus' apology.

He dropped his robe, revealing his regular Jedi clothing and Vibro claws before moving to unbuckle the weapons from.his forearms. He had only worn them for the walk outside of the city, not to use them in this sparring match.

"I must admit I was surprised to get an invitation from you." he said as he dropped both sets of claws onto his cloak, bundling them up in it and depositing the bundle just out side of the ring. He had not had much chance to look at Venatus, but he had to admit -if only to himself- that the Valha's eyes unnerved him slightly. Even with all the years behind him he had never met a Valha and the fact that the eyes were really the only distinction the old Sentinel could find between Venatus' species and a human. Amber sclera was definitely not something you saw every day.

 

[Venatus Phoenix]

"A disorganized library? Now that's an oxymoron if I've ever heard of one."

Kane was wearing regular Jedi robes, as befitting his status, discarding his cloak and allowing it to fall freely. Venatus right eyebrow flitted upwards in curiosity at the vibro-claws the Jedi wore, a curious choice of weaponry. He himself preferred the afforded security of a trusty blade by his side, whether that was his longsword, Rau'karah, or any other straight-edged weapon was hardly a concern. The claws seemed to suggest the older Jedi used his fists in combat just as often as anything else, but that remained to be seen. Many in the Order, as well as its opponents, had taken to describing Venatus' fighting style as a mixture and incorporation of all his skills. From his pyromancy to his martial prowess, and finally, the years spent honing the blade. He was more than just his weapons, he was a living weapon, forged for battle and nothing else. He had since grown past the mold made for him, but the harsh lessons of the past were always fresh in his mind.

"On most missions, I'm extremely serious and to the point, but that is more a front than anything else. The younger Jedi need to see firm and controlled leadership, Knights who don't hesitate to act on instinct and trust in the Force. I try to lead by that example whenever I can, though I fear it's begun to dehumanize me already."

His reputation in the Order had been growing steadily, from the mysterious and dark warrior who boldly claimed the title for himself, only now reflecting his true persona as a deeply caring and equally generous man. He had to be careful not to delve too deeply into this romantasized version of himself the Order seemed to be bandying about. Those who heard of his past as an Ember of Vahl were surprised at how similar his doctrine and training had been to the Jedi Code, but in truth, the Vahla only ever sought to better themselves. It was the Goddess who killed them for it, something Venatus had tried desperately to prevent, to no avail. He could see that Kane was observing him, and the instant the elderly Jedi's eyes met his own, he averted his gaze slightly. Venatus couldn't help but smile, his glowing eyes were probably off-putting. Allowing his inner spark to calm, the hue of his eyes began to drain of their amber color and change back to the purple hue they had been at birth, before immediately returning to the crackling fire of their former state.

"The more a Vahla uses their pyromancy, the stronger our connection to the Force. Most Vahla don't have eyes like mine, my allegiance to the Light makes the hue unique. It is a true reflection of what I bear inside."

He touched his chest slightly, feeling the warmth of his metaphysical connection to the Force (his spark) before returning his hand to his side. He had chosen long ago to shed the identity of his youth, Eiric Van Alasdaire, and take up his familial mantle of the Phoenix of Vahla. Following in his progenitor's footsteps, Venatus had completely shed his former identity in favor of a new, better life. Effectively remaking himself into the man that fought so valiantly for the Order today, with the very same conviction that drove him ever onwards in the Embers' name. He flicked his wrist downwards, and his hilt fell directly into the right palm of his hand, the compartment that held the saber clicking open from his gauntlet. He motioned to the entire ring, giving the Jedi whatever space he needed.

"Besides, I have always found the best way to learn about someone is through combat and conversation. Keeps us honest, on our toes. You will see the truth of who I am in my actions, and I will see who you are by your own."

 

[Kane]

Kane chuckled at Venatus' response to his comment about a disorganized library. "Yes, on mission focus and the willingness to act can be the difference between life and death. I have seen far too many Jedi with great potential fall due to indecisiveness." he said on the more serious note. "Those who dehumanize and demonize people who focus on the task at hand have no business in the field as far as I am concerned, they are the most likely to get themselves and others killed." he continued before Venatus explained his eyes. "That, is fascinating. I have never met a Vahla before so I am sorry if my surprise offended in any way." Kane realized of course that Venatus did not seem offended, but he had learned to cover his bases just in case.

"I like that philosophy, it is important to truly know your allies."

 

[Venatus Phoenix]

"No, no, I'm so offended right now, you have no idea."

His voice was chalk full of friendly sarcasm. Venatus chuckled slightly as Kane apologized to him for his reaction. It was exactly the reaction he wanted people to have, the fear of something unnatural and out of place. Most people in the Galaxy hadn't seen a Vahla, ever, and it worked to his advantage. The rumors about his people were harsh and very dark, but that made most enemies think twice before attacking him.

"In the present circumstances, we've had so many betrayals from within our own ranks it's one of the few ways I can know for certain. Few people realize, but this is just as much a test of loyalty to the Order as anything else - those who practice the Dark Side will always fall into the same combat pattern. I am happy that I haven't met any traitors yet.

...Don't worry. I wouldn't have invited you alone if I believed you in question."

He spoke truly if he suspected someone he never outright told them, but he was always accompanied by his former apprentice or current ally on the off-chance he was outright attacked by the Jedi in question. Nobody liked distrust, and it was absolutely horrid for morale, so he didn't let that information slip out often. Once again, an uncharacteristic show of trust. Venatus was attempting to be more open with his fellow Jedi, in hopes that their doubts in him would eventually fade. He expected the masters of the Order to be suspicious of his intentions, no matter how he had fought for them. Or trained one of their own into one of the finest examples of a Jedi Knight, going as far as to adopt the girl who had spent her entire life without any parental figures. Aliyah had looked up to Cregan Drast, and she'd raved about him for days - his betrayal hurt them both deeply, in ways the former Jedi would likely never understand. To Venatus, Cregan seemed to be the shining beacon of what the Order represented, but it had all been a deception. Only afterward had he learned the truth of how he had truly behaved. Since then, he had remained constantly vigilant, even with those he considered friends.

"I am planning something, Kane, a strategy the will hopefully turn the tides in our favor before we lose all ground. I was a Chosen once, which was basically the equivalent of force-wielding special forces, and in that capacity, I learned many strategies on how to combat more powerful opponents. There may come a day I call upon you, for reasons beyond getting to know each other better."

 

[Kane]

Kane chuckled at Venatus' joke, he was quickly starting to like his fellow Jedi.

"Oh no worry there at all my friend. I understand the need for caution in these dark times."

It was true, one could never be too careful. Especially with the rapidly expanding Sith Empire on the horizon. Venatus was a smart man, as Kane had heard. Though he was far more personable than some of the stories made him seem.

"Interesting, I would be interested in joining this endeavor when I can. I would assume that the fact that there is a plan in the works is all you can tell me right?"

That was how things had to be these days, kept quietly under wraps until it had to happen. Strategies openly discussed almost exclusively lead to the enemy knowing wjat you were about to do.

"I must admit I have been looking forward to this since I recieved your message Venatus, in regards to both the conversation and the duel. I will not deny the fact that there are few people -even within our own order- who I would agree to meet outside of the holy city for the purpose of combat."

 

[Venatus Phoenix]

"The planning process is being kept under lock and key, only I am privy to the full scope. When the time comes, and I have all the information necessary to move ahead, I'll make what needs to be said known. I need to confirm with my sources and do quite a bit of intelligence work before that happens. False intel or lack of planning... well, it's begun to take its toll on us already."

Strolling to the nearby durasteel containers, each of differing weight, Venatus began to tap them gently. The reverberations let him know whether or whether not the insides were hollow, and he waited until he found one full of the very same stones he had used for Aliyah's concentration tests. Reaching out with the Force, he brought the container to waist height and held it there, drawing his longsword from his hip and impaling it into the ground nearby, before strolling into the center of the ring. Kane had mentioned he was looking forward to this conversation and duel, and Venatus had heard similar comments before. Most people changed their tune when they realized exactly how strenuous his training exercises were.

"Well, I'm a little flattered. I hope the bruises don't change your mind... This isn't going to be your run-of-the-mill training day. I think we're both well versed in battle, so I figure I'll mix things up a little bit."

He replied in a singsong voice, though it wasn't really sarcasm. He meant what he said because this was one of the few moments that Venatus could somewhat let loose. He had not once used the full scope of his skills in combat, for fear of going too far, knowing full well every attack and defense he had been taught was meant for a single purpose; killing his enemy as quickly and efficiently as possible. His battle against Talion on Balmorra only proved that his skills were still as sharp as ever - and since he was taught to harness his anger as a focal point to overcome pain, it was dangerous. Every force user has a certain weakness and specific strengths. This crucible was meant to reveal those weaknesses and allow the user to discover and improve upon them. For he and Kane, he knew the most strenuous thing for them was lifting heavy objects through the Force, and maintaining that concentration even in the heat of battle. It was difficult for any Jedi, but Venatus wholeheartedly believed that Kane was up to the challenge.

"Pick a container. I'd advise choosing a medium weight one for now, like I did. The objective of this duel is going to be pretty simple: destroy my crate, or defeat me. You lose if I destroy yours, or I take you down. The catch? We have to keep these things above waist level for the entire fight.

Fair warning, if I'm disarmed it won't matter, I don't stop until the battle is over. Don't hold back, I've been looking forward to an actual challenge."

 

[Kane]

"Hmm. An intriguing challenge."

Kane looked at the containers, trying to discern how you could tell the weight of each. He walled over to one that was about the same size as the one Venatus had chosen and lifted it with the force as his -now opponent- had. It seemed to be about a medium weight, so he decided to stick with it.

He walked to the opposite side of the ring and drew his lightsaber, activating it and assuming a Makashi stance.

"Ready when you are Phoenix." he said, a grin spreading accross his face.

 

[Venatus Phoenix]

Venatus remained silent, respectfully allowing his fellow Jedi to collect his durasteel crate and lift it above chest level, turning back to the Vahlan Knight and activating a single yellow bladed lightsaber. He had been seeing the yellow blade a lot more often than usual as of yet, knowing full well it required the Living Force to recognize a users ability in both the Force and combat prowess... It was a warning to their foes as much as it was a symbol of status. His own lightsaber, which was still grasped in his right hand, crackled to life and sent the bright glow of a white fire extending from the finely crafted silver hilt. The crossguards, forming an X over the single blade, gave the lightsaber the appearance of a small star. The crystal had been his mother's, he had opted against finding his own and instead kept to his lineage and namesake. Kane swung his blade low, with the tip down, the movements as majestic as a dancer - telltale signs of a versed user of Makashi. He did not settle into a known saber stance, however, spinning his blade upwards to his right shoulder and allowing the tip to dip downwards, arcing towards his opponent's blade. In truth, he would likely switch to his own combat style.

He was unique in that his training on Vahla taught him many techniques, but none of them were attributed to a single style, all of the saber forms simply melded together in his mind. It was confusing, but he tried to stick closer to Soresu and Djem So than anything else, something the elderly Jedi would no doubt notice in his footing. Venatus began to gently circle around the ring, alert and strung like an elk prepared to bolt. He didn't reply openly, simply nodding in understanding before his eyes flared with power. Immediately, the durasteel container would surge forward and attempt to knock Kane's aside, mainly off kilter. If he could interrupt the concentration now, it would be a very quick battle. Jolting forward, Venatus brought his blade downwards in a controlled strike to his opponent's right shoulder, making sure his hand stayed just above the pommel for control.

 

[Kane]

Kane was intrigued by Venatus' stance and had a feeling that the Vahla's combat style would be interesting to witness first hand.

He charged in, deciding to keep his opponent on the defensive. Nobody would expect a man of his age and usual deliberate movements to be able to move so quickly and fluidly, but here was Kane closing the distance in seconds and starting with a low sweeping strike towards Venatus' legs. He would follow this up with a slash from the other direction at his opponents shoulder.
At the same time he lifted his crate up and away from the incoming attack Venatus had sent at it.

If at any time it appeared he would hit Ve atus Kane would stop his blade just short of making contact.

 

[Venatus Phoenix]

-Your Highness-​

As his opponent began to surge forward, Venatus brought his left foot backwards ever so slightly as his fellow Knight made a sweep for his legs. Bringing his saber down with the same velocity, he parried his opponent's golden blade to the ground instead, intent on holding him there in a lock. As his opponent attempted to disengage and strike at his shoulder, he kept his white blade ever present and clashing, circling from the ground to his left side in an effort to maintain the lock. Simultaneously, he stepped in with his right foot and closed the distance until the two of them were nearly face to face. Pushing forward, he attempted to bring Kane into a bind, allowing his saber's crossguard to magnetically lock with his opponent's single blade whilst twisting the hilt in a circular motion.

A simple yet effective disarming technique, though from his current position he had a few alternatives to consider should the disarm fail. His opponent's crate lifted high above his own, which swung with slight force. He ensured the crate was safely out from beneath Kane's before sending it upwards and at equal height, allowing it to hang in preparation for what his sparring partner might do next.