Bal-Savi
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Post by Bal-Savi on May 11, 2014 10:30:31 GMT -8
*The large gates opened and closed, letting a lone Tusken confront him. He was dressed as if he was a high rank in their clan. Bal bowed his head in respect and then laughed.*
"An answer for freshwater? All I can really say, is that I was led here. I am just a wanderer who is here to learn and protect. The galaxy has led me to your territory, so I assume I must have something to learn from your people, if you would have me?"
*Bal sounded sincere in his voice, but naive because of his young assumption of thinking everything has a purpose, even his foolish travels, wandering bare landscapes. He hid his shock of the Tusken knowing Galactic Basic. He assumed he would have to learn their language from scratch in order to speak to them.*
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 11, 2014 10:51:56 GMT -8
Kal'Shor tossed the water bladder to the young man, satisfied with the answer. He knew of the Force, and how it influenced the minds and actions of those it touched. He assumed that was what the man was referring to when he spoke of being guided here. He was not force sensitive himself, but he often meditated with the Shamans in search of the inner peace they looked for.
-Kal'Shor-
"You are lucky to have found us first. Other clans would see you dead and hung by your entrails on a Tatooine tree. I am Kal'Shor'Rik'Or'Kir'R'Crurak, Sentry Dunewalker, of the R'Crurak Sentries. You may call me Kal for short, if it is too difficult to remember and say. You stand in the territory of the Krish'Rak'R'Crurak clan. We are peaceful, and welcome Outsiders...so long as your intentions are true, and you do not plan on slaughtering us while we sleep."
Kal'Shor crossed his arms and chuckled.
-Kal'Shor-
"Not that you would be able to.....What is it you wish to learn from the R'Crurak? Are there no more Temples or Schools in the worlds of the Outsiders? You do not seem like a scholar, with such a weapon on your back."
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Bal-Savi
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Post by Bal-Savi on May 11, 2014 11:59:36 GMT -8
*Bal smirked and then reached back to grab his blade. He pulled the sling over his body and held the sword out front so Kal could see it. Like Bal's outift is was a decorative black sheathe with a metal hilt and guard. It looked like a simple blade to most, but it had powers even Bal couldn't unleash.*
"I'm not a Scholar, but in my travels, I have faced a few factions I deemed were able to train me in their ways of combat, each showing me a new perspective of how they fight and how they execute peace. I wish to learn yours. And once I have become decent with the techniques you give me, I would request a duel with one of your best. If they cheat in the heat of an honest battle, I will not hesitate to kill them."
*With the last sentence, Bal's voice grew utterly serious. He wished to learn from every faction, clan and group he could. He did not take kindly to those who would cheat in battle for a simple victory, so even though he has sworn a duty to protect innocents, he also swore a personal duty to kill anyone dishonorable.*
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 11, 2014 13:00:10 GMT -8
Kal'Shor nodded his head approvingly at the sword. He reached to his own back and pulled out his Gaderffii stick, brandishing it to show the boy a true weapon.
-Kal'Shor-
"So it is combat you wish to learn, then? You came to the right place. R'Crurak Sentries are known throughout the sands as the most formidable force seen since the Kumumgah Sentries of old. You were wise to come to us."
Kal'Shor put his Gaderffii back into its carrier on his back.
-Kal'Shor-
"What makes you think you are worthy to train with the R'Crurak? You are an Outsider, who has yet to so much as give us his name. You come from...'civilized worlds.' Surely they have forces able to train whelps like you in combat?"
Kal'Shor said the word whelp with emphasis, trying to bait the Outsider into getting angry. It was a time proven test, to test whether he was hot headed or calm during conflict.
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Bal-Savi
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Post by Bal-Savi on May 11, 2014 13:25:04 GMT -8
*The Tusken called him a whelp. He also stated that he was just an outsider without a name. A young man who came from a civilized world that trains the weak to become strong. Apparently his walk through the sandstorm was nothing but foolish luck in their eyes. Bal lowered his head and shook it a few times before picking it back up and looking Kal'Shor in the eyes. He placed the sheathe back around his chest, letting the sword fall against his back once more.*
"I wouldn't call my past... 'civilized'. And whatever forces out there that will train someone like me are militaristic factions that want nothing but peace in the name of full scale battle, cheap tactics and an army of allies at their back. I don't fight with anyone. I prefer to fight solo and keep the corrupt at bay. There is always a corrupt man willing to strike down anyone. I have sworn myself to an oath to protect those people who do not wish to fight, and I am here to strike down corrupt individuals who would do anything to succeed."
*Bal rose his right fist up against his chest and clenched his other fist and placed it against his side*
"The name is Bal-Savi Jxen. Bal is what most people call me. I do have to say that calling me a whelp when I have proven no skill in combat is a smart idea. I am naive in the way I walk through life, but anyone who has yet to prove themselves receive no title of skill except for the word threat. I swear to you, Kal of the R'Crurak, that I will prove myself to be as strong, or stronger, than the men who fight for your clan."
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 11, 2014 13:44:01 GMT -8
Kal'Shor bowed his head slightly as Bal introduced himself by name. Crossing his arms once more he looked the boy over.
-Kal'Shor-
"Well, Bal-Savi Jxen. Consider yourself my personal student. If you fail in your training you will be exiled from our territory. If you pass......well....leave the rewards to the imagination."
Anyone else would have had to get permission from the Council, but as a Dunewalker he was given freedom to do as he wanted, so long as it did not endanger the clan. Several Sentries who were listening in on the conversation cursed their luck. Each of them had been hoping to be chosen individually to be picked for training as a Dunewalker. Kal'Shor gestured for Bal to follow him and began walking deeper into the Enclave, heading to the trial up to the mountain plateau, where the Sentry training grounds were.
-Kal'Shor-
"And just so you know, I fight for this clan. In my thirty seven years as a Dunewalker I have never been defeated in combat. Before that the fifteen years I served as a Sentry as well. Be it during a training exercise or on the battlefield. For two Dunewalkers to fight would most likely mean the death of both. We are trained to never give up. You will be trained as one of us, if not harder because of your....faults."
Kal'Shor was referring to Bal's status as an Outsider. But it did not sound as if he said it like it was a bad thing. If more Sentries had the drive this boy did, they would be unstoppable.
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Bal-Savi
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Post by Bal-Savi on May 11, 2014 13:59:56 GMT -8
*Bal smiled when Kal said he would be trained as Kal's personal student. The grin stayed there as he followed Kal into the Enclave. From the looks of it, Kal already wanted to test out Bal's abilities. Bal began to commend himself. 'Once again, you have proven yourself with Dad's negotiating skill. Now just to prove yourself really worthy big shot.' As Bal followed he had noticed that Kal had said he was a Dunewalker for 37 years and 15 years as a Sentry. Putting the numbers together, the guy he followed must be over 52 years old. Bal gulped at this fact, because if Kal wasn't kidding about the skill and strength of his clan, Bal really had to make sure he didn't fail even within an earshot of this guy. 'Good job. You may be solo but this guy is going to kick your choobies if you don't fight for your life in this place.' He said this to himself as his smile dissipated. But this didn't turn into sadness. It turned into courage and stubbornness, combined with a will to pull off what he knew he could do and better.*
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 11, 2014 14:14:38 GMT -8
-Kal'Shor-
"Silence becoming for a Dunewalker in training. Silence will be your friend in the sands when you are alone in enemy territory, surrounded by people who will kill you without a second thought."
Halfway up the trail to the mountain top Kal'Shor abruptly drew his Gaderffii and swung at Bal, coming down from the right down to the left diagonally. He continued talking through the exertion of the newly started fight.
-Kal'Shor-
"But when your enemy knows where you are, and you are surrounded, and they are closing in, you have no choice but to fight or run. Running is never an option for a Dunewalker! Fighting is the only choice!"
Kal'Shor stepped forward as he continued his swing, to overtake Bal's stance.
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Bal-Savi
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Post by Bal-Savi on May 11, 2014 14:29:06 GMT -8
*Listening in silence, Bal did not even think of missing a single word. But then Kal stopped. This asked for questioning of what his new trainer was doing. And then it struck him. There was no waiting for the enemy to strike. There was deflecting the attack before they even too out their weapon to take you out. With quick movements, Bal hoped backwards, still caught off guard from the sudden swing attack from Kal'Shor as he continued to talk. Bal had now taken out his sword, which was gripped in his right hand only. He trusted his right arm to deflect most attacks with the strong blade. He knew only a lightsaber could break his blade. At least that's what he was told as he blocked the remaining portion of Kal's swing with a strong underhand parry swing in an attempt to catch his new trainer off guard so he could catch his own breath. The sentence that labeled Bal as surrounded, meant that he was either foolishly was led into a trap or this was a test he wasn't used to. His naive mind only hoped he didn't have to kill anyone, but he wouldn't hesitate to knock them unconscious. Whether he dodged the attack or successfully parried the attack, Bal held his sword a few feet in front of him and his left arm hanging back in the air. The young boy stood in a simple parrying stance, but he knew it would be a little weak due to his unfamiliarity with the environment and the enemy before him.*
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 11, 2014 14:42:51 GMT -8
Kal'Shor smirked beneath his mask as Bal moved fast enough to parry the attack and take a step back. Kal'Shor took a step forward, his Gaderffii close to his center. Several Tuskens walked guiding a Bantha down to the ground level of the Enclave and simply shook their heads as they saw the Dunewalker symbol painted on the shoulder of his robes in weathered blue.
Kal'Shor ignored the looks as he ran forward, not swinging, but instead looking like he was going to tackle Bal.
-Kal'Shor-
"I said fighting is the only option!"
When Kal'Shor was closer he swung up from the bottom right with his Gaderffii, bring it up towards Bal's chin.
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Bal-Savi
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Post by Bal-Savi on May 11, 2014 15:07:23 GMT -8
"Then hit me!"
*Watching closely, more Tuskens stopped behind him with a Bantha. For some reason they were shaking their heads, perhaps at his small hop backwards. He smiled as Kal then began to rush him. Bal stood there in waiting, knowing that no one would draw their weapon and attempt full melee contact unless they were desperate. 'There!' He saw the strike. coming from the bottom up to his chin was the directional path of Kal's strike. Quickly lifting his sword up, Bal grabbed the hilt with both hands and took a step forward to gather momentum for his swing. What he planned to happen was to strike down the stick with force and with the forward momentum he gave himself, he would begin to flip forward. The result of this would be one of his feet hitting Kal in the head or allowing him to simply sail over the Tusken trainer. and do a somersault behind him. Either way he expected to graciously get back to his feet, truning to face his opponent. This time his stance switched to that of a casual stance with the sword arm against his side.*
"My turn!"
*With a smirk on his face, Bal began his run at Kal and lifted his sword up to the right of his face with both hands on the hilt once more. Once he got within a few feet of his target, Bal rolled into another somersault and then launched into the air with his sword arm high in the air. He spun in the air a couple times to bring more power into his strike and then fell fast at his target to strike the man's left shoulder. He decided to bring his blade farther across the left only to nick his target only if Kal wasn't fast enough to take and block the strike. But for the momentum he gave himself in the air, he expected the attack to at least be notice by his Tusken Trainer.*
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 11, 2014 15:41:23 GMT -8
Kal'Shor raise his arm as Bal aimed his foot at his head, blocking the blow with his forearm. He watched as Bal twirled and somersaulted in the air. Pointless moves to him. If he needed extra momentum to bring his attack to full force he needed more muscle strength in his upper body. When Bal brought his sword down to his left shoulder Kal'Shor raised his Gaderffi and let the blade slide down the side to the bent angle. The corner of the bend would catch the sword, and Kal'Shor would then grab Bal's arm and quickly jab the elbow joint painfully with his thumb as hard as he could to loosen his grip on the sword. He also stepped on Bal's foot to keep in in place.
-Kal'Shor-
"No need to hit you when I can disarm you and capture you for torture and execution. You would tell me everything I'd need to know about rival clans. Warrior Movements, weapons, supply lines. All easy to take from your dying lips."
Whether his jab into the elbow join succeeded or failed, Kal'Shor brought his head down in a headbutt.
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Bal-Savi
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Post by Bal-Savi on May 11, 2014 15:55:29 GMT -8
*'Well.... Sithspit.' His attack was successful, but it was caught. And with that catch he landed on the ground and Kal jabbed his thumb into his elbow. The unexpected jolt of pain forced him to lose grip of his sword. Bal's face grew red with anger and pain as he looked at his trainer who now stepped on his foot to keep him in place. The sword toppled to the ground and Bal listened to the Tusken. His response came quick as he decided to force his head forward to contest with Kal's own headbutt. He knew at best their heads would be pressed against each other, and at this stage, he most likely would fall backwards. The words that came from his lips did not even crack or stutter as their heads clashed.*
"And you would receive no information from me. I never rat out my friends, even if death is the consequence. And if I did have allies..... I wouldn't carry anything linking me to them. I don't like being recognized as part of another."
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 11, 2014 16:11:45 GMT -8
Kal'Shor dropped his gaffi from his hand and reached up to Bal's neck, lifting him up off the sand with the one hand. His voice boomed over the growing bustle of the Enclave below.
-Kal'Shor-
"A Dunewalker knows everything about his own forces. Not because they told him, but because he is the best. Nothing is hidden from his eyes. A leaf falls from a Tatooine tree in an oasis. There is no wind, but the passing of fifty score of your allies marching to the enemy camp explains the breeze created from their passing. They are counting on your abilities to take out the Chieftain before they arrive. You should know exactly when they are going to to arrive and who you need to take out besides the Chieftain before they arrive based on their weapons."
Kal'Shor began to tighten his hand around Bal's throat.
-Kal'Shor-
"You should not have been caught off guard in the first place. Your fellow warriors were counting on your success. Now they are all fighting for their lives in a losing battle because you were too weak to complete your mission. You should know each of their names because it is your fault they are going to die, and your fault that your clan is now horribly undefended when the enemy clan regroups and attacks your camp."
Kal'Shor threw Bal on the ground, his breathing heavy. He knelt over and picked up Bal's sword, looking it over. He turned it over and held the hilt extended to Bal.
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Bal-Savi
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Post by Bal-Savi on May 11, 2014 16:28:28 GMT -8
*Gripped by the neck, Bal did not struggle to escape, except for the small wheezes coming from his lungs as he was held in the air. He had to try and breathe through his nose as he listened. He did his best to put himself in the position Kal described and closed his eyes as even he was held by the throat. His pants grew heavier as Kal described his would be failure and when he was thrust toward the ground he groaned and whispered 'No.' His eyes opened slowly as he held his neck with his left hand. He took his sword by the hilt with his right hand, away from Kal'Shor. Coughing, the boy stood up, but remained ready for another attack in case Kal wanted to pursue Bal's ability to withstand a long battle even after he was beaten.*
"Then next time, should there be one, I will redeem myself."
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 11, 2014 16:55:03 GMT -8
Kal'Shor sheathed his Gaderffii and advanced on Bal. His movement was filled with anger, but he was not going for an attack.
-Kal'Shor-
"You don't understand, do you? Because of your failure your clan is dead. Your loved ones are dead. You are alone. Even if you live, you are dead. The only course of action for you if you do survive is to eradicate your enemies and then take your life, and pray the spirits of your fallen brethren accept you in the afterlife for allowing them to die before their time. There is no redemption from failure."
Kal'Shor continued walking up to the mountain top. He spoke without turning, assuming Bal was following.
-Kal'Shor-
"Your life belongs to those you serve. If you only serve yourself your life is meaningless. Dunewalkers operate alone, and yet they always have hundreds at their command. You take the strength of the clan to fight with you. Without that strength burning inside you, knowing one failure can mean the death of thousands, you are weak and useless."
Kal'Shor continued walking up the trail.
-Kal'Shor-
"Dunewalkers are the elite of the R'Crurak clan. We have been fighting battles that are only rumors in the ears of the common Sentry. We are the force that strikes before the enemy has a chance to become a real threat. We are the force that dives into the heat of the war after it has blown up and slays eleven score of their numbers before even breaking a sweat."
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Bal-Savi
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Post by Bal-Savi on May 12, 2014 15:33:20 GMT -8
*Bal's eyes grew wide again. To know that everyone that he ever wanted to protect could fall dead, because he could not beat his opponents... was not far fetched. He had researched many stories of old, even some of those that surpassed the birth of the Old Republic. One man could fail, and his whole nation could fall at the hands of the enemy. But Bal could not believe or condone the actions Kal spoke of as he was lost in his trance, following his trainer. Eradicating his enemies, and then taking his life? He wouldn't be ble to do that. Not when more enemies lay unknown. He couldn't just rid himself of his hatred and his sorrow in hopes that his friends and family could accept him with open arms. Yet Kal spoke true of something else, a feeling that had only slightly developed. His life was dedicated to those he swore to protect. To use their strength and their belief in him could keep him going on in battle. He would use their courage to help his own so he could keep fighting for them. If he couldn't do that, then was he worth the effort of his allies? What would they do without him? What would he do if he failed his friends, or even the people he trained under, like Kal? Bal almost whispered to himself*
"Then I won't fail. I will not fall to people who threaten my friends."
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 12, 2014 18:25:55 GMT -8
Kal'Shor laughed.
-Kal'Shor-
"I expect greatness from you, Bal-Savi Jxen. You have done well so far, and we barely even begun. I hope you are as stalwart physically as you are mentally."
The trail leveled off and the plateau opened up. The landing area for the ships was cleared, but Jawas and Tuskens alike were running around as if preparing for their soon returns. To the far left was the training barracks and two separate obstacle courses with seven sparring rings, drawn in rock outlines. The setup was impressive for people who lived in the sand.
-Kal'Shor-
"Welcome to whatever you consider hell, Bal-Savi Jxen. Until you prove yourself as a Dunewalker, you are trapped here. Try and escape and you will be killed for being a coward. You are lucky. You are the only current Dunewalker apprentice. I get to pay extra attention to you."
Kal'Shor walked into one of the barracks and opened a chest, pointing to traditional Tusken robes inside.
-Kal'Shor-
"I suggest you change, and leave your sword. You will need to earn it back. You will train with the traditional Tusken weaponry until then."
It might be becoming increasingly clear that the Dunewalkers were almost like a cult, but without the crazy religious beliefs. They were just a selective, extremely small group knit closer by the fact they were the first and last defense of their brethren.
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Bal-Savi
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Post by Bal-Savi on May 13, 2014 2:34:37 GMT -8
*Bal's smile almost returned as Kal'Shor commended him. To be expected great things at the beginning of his training was unusual for him. Previous teachers had refused to accept the boy, just due to the fact of what he was. An unknown child who carried a sword with mystical powers. Mystical powers that its user can't unleash. But he was glad he gained some trust from Kal. It would make the training go by faster knowing he was expected to do well here. The training area was vast, and Bal only chuckled at the mention of Hell. It was something he never really thought about. He tried not to be sentimental on his journeys, but it didn't work much. When they entered the barracks, he was ordered to strip and change and later earn his sword back. This was smart, for he was now bound to the small clan he would train under. He handed over his zword to Kal, took a pair of Tusken robes to change into and soon came back with his own clothes folded.
"How many Outsiders have trained with your Dunewalkers?"
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on May 13, 2014 10:43:16 GMT -8
Kal'Shor took Bal's sword and clothing and locked them up in the chest, taking the key and hanging it on a chain around his neck, which he tucked beneath his robes.
-Kal'Shor-
"Two. One is dead. The other is still serving his people proudly as a Dunewalker. They gave up their past lives as Outsiders and gave themselves wholly to the Tusken. The one still alive has not regretted a day of it."
Kal'Shor walked over to a wall lined with Gaderffii, the traditional weaponry of the Tusken people, and took one off, tossing it to Bal.
-Kal'Shor-
"Get to know it well."
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