Post by Kella on Apr 25, 2009 23:18:00 GMT -5
Name: Sellah Bellae (seh-lah Bell-hay)
Race: Selonian
Age: 28
Height: 5'9
Weight: 160 lb, all muscle
Appearance:
Selonians in General:
"A furry, burrowing species from the Corellian system, Selonians were large musteline carnivorous mammals with long, flexible spines. They were equally comfortable with traveling on all fours or upright. Most Selonians were infertile females. One in every hundred was male, and five in every hundred were fertile females. Selonians lived in clans called "septs," always headed by a female. Septs were organized into dens, which were made up of sterile females and a small number of breeder males and females. Although they did possess advanced technology, they generally stayed on Selonia. " ~ Wikipedia
Sellah is a sterile female, making her one among the largest and strongest of her race.
Sellah can usually be found walking on two legs, though it's a preference developed for ease-of-blending with other bipedals, though being inconspicuous is hard when one is a Selonian. Sellah is short for her species, standing three inches below the average. She has a defined muzzle, though it's a bit rounder and shorter than her fellows'. The fur of her belly is light tan, which blends to darker brown everywhere else. Three black stripes run down her back, from the crown of her skull to the tip of her tail. The backs of her arms and legs are dappled with spots of warm-brown fur, just a shade lighter than that on her back.
Her eyes are a deep golden, almost brown, and they sparkle when she has an idea. Sellah's fangs are quite pronounced, and it's somewhat unsettling when she smiles, though she rarely does.
In the way of clothing, Sellah needs none, being covered with short, dense fur. She wears a circular earring in her left ear. The ring is made of brushed gold, strung with a single grape-sized sapphire. Upon each wrist are three bangles; each has its own story, but you're a lucky one if you can compel her to tell.
Sellah wears a bandoleer of rich, dark leather; almost the same color as her fur. The whole length is lined with bits and pieces of rock and metal, sewn into a mosaic along its three-inch width. Another story she's reluctant to tell.
At the base of her tail, she wears a brushed-gold band, two inches wide and inlaid with all sorts of semi-precious stones. Sellah is more willing to tell the story of this piece; She bought it at a Corellian market because she thought it was pretty.
Sellah's movements are always smooth and supple. When sprinting, she'll often drop to all-fours, to improve her speed. When she stands, her tail is about an inch short of touching the ground, making it useful for balance but not cumbersome.
With her bearing and appearance, Sellah exudes a no-nonsense sort of elegance. She can be quite intimidating, even to those who tower over her.
Her race is naturally inclined to serious temperament and no-nonsense point-of-view. She is brutally honest and rather frank, and looks upon lying as a serious offense.
Over the years of being away from Selonian society, Sellah has developed her own unique sense of humor; a mixture of irony and wryness. Unless one has spent much time with Sellah, it's often rather difficult to tell whether she's joking or being serious. To catch her genuinely smiling is a rare occurrence, and quite an accomplishment.
Sellah is committed deeply to the light side of the force. If one were able to break this cable, Sellah and her passion would quickly go tumbling to the dark side. Even so, Sellah's stubborn enough that it would take a great deal of effort to twist her mind.
She's generally well-intentioned, if not a bit gruff at times. Sellah cares for those around her, especially children, and is sometimes chided as being a great big teddy-bear, though she resents the comparison.[/ul]
Birth place: Selonia
Faction: Jedi
Rank: Knight - Guardian
Lightsaber: Shoto (for better handling/mobility)
Sellah's saber comprises a Durindfire Crystal and a Rubat crystal, giving it a silvery sheen and a clear, crisp blade (which enables Sellah to better keep track of her blade when she's practicing Form IV.)
Because she so enjoys the water, and her home planet is quite aquatic, Sellah invested the effort to install a Bifurcating Cyclical-Ignition, making her saber water-proof.
Color: Dark forest green with a silver sheen.
Practiced Lightsaber forms:
Shii-Cho - 5
Makashi - N/A
Soresu - N/A
Ataru - 4
Shien / Djem So - 2
>>Sub-form Backhanded - N/A
Niman - N/A
>>Sub-form Jar-kai, or Dual Wield - N/A
Juyo - N/A (much to her frustration. ;)
Double Bladed Combat - N/A
Force-Sensitive Abilities or practices:
Telekinetic: 5
Telepathic: 1
Body: 6
Sense: 4
Protection: 2
Healing: 1
Destruction: N/A
Specialized Skills: Tracking
Attributes:
Physical Strength: 7
Intelligence: 5
Speed: 7
Leadership: 3
Unarmed: 7
Melee Weapons: 2
Ranged Weapons: 1
Force Attunement: +6
Bio:
Sellah Bellae's birth was both ordinary and extraordinary. She was born just as each of her sisters, just another female, another member of the den. The extraordinary, however, came about not at her birth, but at her naming.
Sellah's mother, a gentle but stern creature, observed a particular and unique tradition. A tradition involving names. To Sellah's mother, names were the prophecies of life, the way one identified with the world. Each member of Selonian society was born for a specific purpose, and it was this purpose which greatly affected the name each was given. Terre was one of the earth, Ceil destined to work above, to fly ships in the sky. Langa spoke many tongues, Shaelah a creature of peace, so on and so forth. Sellah's mother had a knack for such things, and never took more than a week to decide upon a name. Religiously and zealously, Sellah's mother never strayed from tradition.
Such experience explained why Sellah managed to miff her so. She was born without a name... and she stayed without a name. For two full years, as she grew and matured, and the daughter remained without a name.
'Little', as her mother called in the meantime, curiously enjoyed being outside; playing on the many beaches of Selonia. She could be found running her hand along the tunnel walls, smiling suddenly or giggling at things only she could hear.
She found no niche in the digging of tunnels, felt no great affinity for the skies. She despised being confined, but that was hardly a purpose in life. The den mother was at a loss.
Until, that is, the daughter accompanied an elder sister, a rare trader, to one of the orbital shipyards.
There, a grey Jedi Zabrak stumbled across the pair whilst repairing his ship. He was quick to point out that the young Selonian was force-sensitive. Scoffing, 'Little''s sister pointed out that there were Selonians did not become Jedi; it has never happened before.
In true Zabrak spirit, the grey Jedi, Draedock Ster, sought to beat the odds and prove the notion wrong. He was quick to shift his focus, abandoning the repair of his ship in favor of meeting with this young Selonian's mother.
After quite a bit of explaining and persuading, Draedock was able to convince the den mother of 'little''s potential.
And so, in a moment bitter-sweet, the mother was finally able to give her daughter a name; a going-away present.
Sellah Bellae.
Sellah, meaning 'she is freedom'. For Sellah would embody freedom, and bring freedom to others. Bellae, like the ringing bell; for her voice, her influence would spread far.
Both names of the same vowel and consonant structure, (h being a vowel), for Sellah's life would begin and end the same; in happiness, if not a bit lost in the world.
The two Ls, next to each other; parallel paths; for Sellah's path in life would be straight and true; it would not waver to the left or to the right.
In the care of Draedock, she then left Selonia. No longer was she 'little'. She was Sellah Bellae. And so Sellah's new life began.
Intent upon proving a Selonian's ability to become a Jedi, yet not willing to take on the responsibility himself, Draedock resolved to take Sellah to the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine, where he himself had been trained. There were certainly other academies around; however, Draedock had an old friend on Dantooine and he knew Sellah's acceptance would be certain.
It was indeed, and Sellah was taken in. After nine years as a Youngling, she was assigned to master Kandri Mat'key, a Bothan, as her Padawan. Since they were both somewhat animal-istic humanoids, Sellah was able to train more easily with Kandri than she might have with other Jedi. She soon proved herself to be an innovative thinker, always trying to come up with new ways to work her species' advantage into the way she handled her lightsaber.
Despite Kandri's efforts to convince her Padawan otherwise, Sellah had little patience for learning the subtle ways of the force. She studied telekinesis for its application it battle, meditation as another way to train her body. She was ever enthusiastic, though Sellah always took her lessons quite seriously.
Naturally a pack-rat, Sellah began collecting bits and pieces from everywhere she went with her master, beginning with a pearl from the oceans of Selonia, the location of her first mission with Kandri. Kandri, who knew much of Sellah's personality, plucked the pearl from the sands of the beaches, and so presented Sellah with the meaning of her name, which she'd been to young to understand when it was first given. Sellah kept Kandri's words as close as she kept the pearl. "Never, ever forget-- You are Freedom.
Sellah began to add to her collection; a bright rock from Felucia, a desert-stone from Tatooine, a lost golden coin, beaten on the streets of Coroscant.
Eventually, Kandri found Sellah's stash. Sellah, knowing 'battle-tokens' where vehemently discouraged, feared for her collection. She adamantly insisted that they weren't tokens of battle, but memories. She proceeded to go through the stash, and tell Kandri each bit's story, ending with the pearl Kandri had found for her. Kandri was quite impressed; through the tokens, Sellah remembered more about some assignments than Kandri herself had. Convinced that such a thing was more help than harm, Kandri helped Sellah figure out a way to display her treasures. Kandri took Sellah's bandoleer, (which she'd been given to help hold her saber), and helped the young Selonian work out a way to display her treasures along it length, so she could keep them with her always.
Whilst training as a Padawan, Sellah befriended one of the many Laigrek lurking in the bowels of the Enclave.
She was sent to a basement storage room, to fetch a particular crystal. While rummaging around, she stumbled across a young Laigrek. She was instantly captivated; for it was Albino.
Its blood red eyes glittered at her in the darkness. What light there was shone upon its white body and light pink under-belly. Small, faint pink lines ran across its legs and down its length. The Laigrek was young and timid, and Sellah easily captured it. Taking a liking to the little critter, she proudly brought it up to show Kandri. (Who instantly informed her that she'd neglected to get the crystal she'd been sent for.)
Sellah gained the trust of the little Laigrek, keeping it as a pet. Ever creative, she named it 'Grek', and addressed it as a 'he', even though she had no idea what its true gender was. Grek never grew as big as his cousins. He still remained aggressive though, and only ever let Sellah touch him. As a result, Sellah began to use him as a bit of a pack-mule, allowing him to tote around whatever things she didn't want stolen.
Grek stayed home at the Enclave just as often as he accompanied Sellah, depending on the nature of the mission. He always was able to fend for himself, though. He was quite fully loyal to Sellah.
Sellah was sixteen when disaster struck. Whilst investigating a disturbance in the force upon Corellia, quite close to Sellah's home-planet, the Master and Padawan were ambushed by a pair of Dark Jedi, master and apprentice. One of their 'cult' had been killed by Kandri a decade past, and they sought revenge.
Kandri hesitated in her handling of the situation; vacillating between reasoning with the Jedi and just plain offing them, especially since the apprentice seemed quite young and impressionable, though that might have just been a trick of the race. She would attack, then jump back, and attempt to reason, attack, then retreat. Sellah attempted to aid her master, but she simply did not have the proper skills. Sellah was forced to look on as her master was slowly killed, watching the brutal effects of revenge take their course.
Sellah flew into a despairing rage and suddenly attacked. She killed the inexperienced apprentice before she suddenly realized what she was doing. Fearing the Dark side of her which had just shown itself, Sellah fled. She fled from the battle, fled from revenge.
She carried with her from then on an intense aversion to indecision. Her innate passion became all the more accentuated, and she began to denounce the grey area.
This put her at odds with her new master, a subtle old Miraluka. The Miraluka, Trillian, attempted to calm his Padawan's passion, to make her favor peace and neutrality. Sellah refused, however, and they eventually reached an accord, continuing with Sellah's training.
Previously, the Padawan had been studying Form V; a compromise between Sellah's aggressive style and Kandri's desire for her to learn the defensive, for she feared Sellah would become too fixed upon the aggressive. (Kandri herself favored Form VI) Kandri's concern had been well-placed, and her 'plan' worked; by the time Sellah inevitably moved on to a more aggressive form, she'd developed an appreciation for the Defensive.
Sellah threw herself into studying Form IV, Ataru, under her new master Trillian. She took full advantage of her natural flexibility and mobility as a Selonian, honing her strength and putting a great deal of effort into her acrobatics.
When Sellah was nineteen, and had come quite a long way in form IV, Trillian began insisting that she once more study Form V. Sellah resumed her previous studies.
Two years passed, and Sellah was 21. The time for her trials was approaching. She had settled in an effective combination of forms V and IV, depending upon the circumstance, and found she favored a shoto blade.
Once more, she and her master were to go to Corellia, this time to bust a drug-ring.
Through a twist-of-fate, Sellah and Trillian (literally) ran into the same Dark Jedi who had killed Kandri so many years past. Sellah's nightmares seemed to repeat themselves as Trillian was quickly knocked unconscious by a hidden accomplice, another Dark Jedi, though Sellah believed him to be dead.
Sellah was alone with her enemies.
She could kill them, especially the first, make them die slow and painful deaths for what they'd done, and nobody would be the wiser... She could take her revenge.
But Sellah refused. Her passion, which had so worried Trillian, was in the right place. She adamantly refused to seek revenge, and so willingly employed the defensive side of Form V for the first time. She sought not to attack the Dark Jedi, she simply wanted to guard the body of her master, to make sure it retained its honor. And so she did.
The two Dark Jedi took turns attacking, chiding her, taunting her, willing her to give into her hate. She almost relented... once. But then she cast those thoughts away and cleared her mind. It was then that she was able to see the way one of the Dark Jedi kept leaving his saber-hand exposed... a well-place swipe sent his hand, and his saber, skittering away across the ground.
The first Dark Jedi's mood turned suddenly dark. He had easily killed this Padawan's first master... but he was not so sure the Padawan herself was worth the effort. And then there was the matter of the master; with his partner screaming and yelling as he was, if the Miraluka were to awake... well, he'd be outnumbered. The Dark Jedi decided it would be fruitless to stick around.
When the proximity was clear, Sellah turned to wake Trillian. As it turned out; the master had been unconscious only seconds. He had chosen to stay where he lay, observing Sellah's actions. (He did, after all, see with the force.)
And so, Sellah was brought before the Council.
Her trial of Skill: Fending off two experienced Dark Jedi, alone. Trillian argued that it took great strength of will, and skill of adaptation, for an aggressive creature such as Sellah to act on such a defensive level.
This trial was supplemented by an Enclave presented obstacle-course, in which Sellah demonstrated her mastery of Shii-Cho, and her progression in Ataru. She also displayed her ability to use the force to supplement her acrobatics.
Her trial of the Flesh: The loss of her first master, Kandri. The two were very close, and Kandri was almost a mother to Sellah. In coping with the loss in a constructive manner, and showing the ability to look upon that past without flinching, it was determined she'd passed the trial of the flesh.
Her trial of Courage: Sellah consistently proved her willingness to defy the odds, (perhaps a trait left over from her brief time with Draedock), most notably her duel on Corellia. However, in many other instances, Sellah consistently proved her courage, and so was declared as being adequate.
Her trial of Self: There was some debate in the council as to whether or not the particular instance was countable as a trial of self, being so far in the past, but in eventuality it was decided the duel surrounding the death of Kandri was Sellah's trial of self. She saw for the first time the darkness within her, and her desire for revenge. While she bent momentarily, she came back around and fled from revenge, renouncing that dark part of her.
Her trial was completed during the second duel on Corellia, the one with Trillian. Sellah was presented with the opportunity to take revenge, and not be burdened with the guilt and repercussion. (Though that wasn't the actual case.) Still, she did not take that chance. She saw what darkness still remained, what part of her still sought revenge, and quickly dispelled it. And so she passed the trial of Self.
Sellah was knighted when she was twenty-two. Since then, she has gone on various missions for the Jedi council. Her ability to focus passionately on a singular task, while still remaining aware of her surround (a Selonian instinct), Sellah was pre-disposed to working investigative cases. Her main occupation was breaking-up drug and smuggling rings, though her favorite missions included the confrontation of Dark Jedi.
When Sellah works investigative cases, she is usually paired with one or two partners. They rely on her observational skills to gather evidence, and she relies on them to put the pieces together. Sellah is usually (and quite happily) in charge of arrests.
If she's tracking someone, however, Sellah prefers to work alone. Her animal-istic traits make her a natural tracker, for she benefits from that instinctual mindset. Her true element, however, is light-saber battle; her favorite moments are those moments of thrill. She'll drudge through bad tip-offs and information for months and months just to finally battle, and dispose of a Dark Jedi. Luckily, she resists the temptation to drag out her battles for fun; her battle-aggression pushes her to complete the job efficiently. When not out on a mission, she's back at the Enclave, fine tuning her form V and form IV. She aspires to eventually become a master of Form VII. However, that would require being a master, and becoming a master would require having a Padawan, and that's not likely to happen anytime soon, seeing as the Council most likely would not trust her with one.
While she was still newly a Knight, Sellah once more returned to Corellia, to finally complete a mission of years past; she was going to crack the smuggling ring which had centered around that accursed group of Dark Jedi. Sellah, along with two other Jedi, uncovered a deep and twisted plot. In the end, it turned out that the Dark Jedi were blackmailing certain members of the Hyrn Family, an old, prestigious, and quite wealthy family tree centered in Corellia. The charges against the family were ultimately false, the subject of black-mail a mild embarrassment.
Through investigating and destroying the smuggling-ring, the Jedi inadvertently freed the family of their burden. Anonymous, they presented each Jedi with a rare gift.
To the first, a Master, a Viridian crystal was left. To the second, a Knight, (who a son of the family had taken a particular fancy to,) a small rainbow gem was given. Sellah was gifted with a rare Durindfire crystal, passed down from generation to generation since its original exportation from Tatooine.
Not able to return the gifts, for they knew not who gave them, and not wanted to leave such valuables for the Dark Jedi of Corellia to discover, the Jedi, ever suspicous, brought the three gems before the Jedi council. Once it was determined there was no threat, each Jedi was given the opportunity to keep the 'gift', seeing as each was a very useful piece, and due to their conduct upon Corellia, well-earned as determined by the council.
Much to Sellah's dismay, the master handed over his Viridian crystal to the council. Not wanting to appear greedy, and following proper example, she did the same. Though, the other knight kept hers.
As it turned out, it was Trillian who ended up with the Durindfire crystal, for he had a bit of a hobby for the crystals. To commend Sellah for her giving up of the crystal she so desperately wanted, in the name of doing the right and proper thing, he 're-gifted' her the gem. Elated, Sellah was quick to modify her lightsaber, accommodating the new-found addition.
During this stay on Corellia, Sellah made friends with another of her species, an eccentric old Ambassador, officer of Selonian affairs in Corellia. As a token of kindness, the old female gave Sellah an earring, brushed gold with a grape-sized sapphire. Sellah treasured the feisty Selonian's words: 'When death looks you in the eye, kick it in the gut.'
Not three days later, the Ambassador was killed when a bounty hunter ransacked her dwelling, searching for a particular antique the Selonian held. She attacked the intruder, but was quickly killed.
Sellah found hope, oddly enough, in the Selonian's death. For the Ambassador had done just as she'd said; kicked death in the gut. She had died fighting. And so Sellah resolved to die the same way. Whenever she felt like giving up, the weight of the earring would remind her of her vow, and she'd not relent.
Even after all these years, little Grek still loyally stays by Sellah's side. Sometimes, she has to leave him behind, but he usually tags along, serving as watch-Laigrek and pack-animal. He still seems to be in wonderful health, and seems to be benefiting from a lengthy life-span.
Over the past fifteen years of working with her personal lightsaber, Sellah has developed a unique style of combat. She's taken quick quickly to her role as Jedi, for it could be said that in all technicality, Sellah was born to be a Jedi. (Each Selonian is bred for a purpose.) She benefits from a strong body and a focused mind, and is a quick learner. This is responsible for her seemingly early mastery of certain forms.
Sellah's case is unique in that concerning lightsaber training, she threw herself into learning the techniques. Form V she has studied since she began studying Shii-Cho, though after five years, she cut off her training. (She'd have about a 3 in Shii-Cho and a 1 in Form V)
For the next five years,(until she was knighted) Sellah advanced to about a 3.5 in Form IV, her favorite. She also studied Form V at Trillian's insistence, bringing her Form V to a 2. She has an understanding of the two techniques, however, she rarely puts them into practice unless circumstance demand. (more than one enemy, droids that employ blaster fire, etc.)
It's been another four years since Sellah was knighted, in which time it would be rational to say she advanced up to a 4.5 in form IV. She almost has it mastered, and there's not really much anyone else can teach her; she's at the phase where she must evaluate her own performance and find the shortcomings. In the same four years, her understanding of Form V has also kicked up a notch.
Sellah's high stats are balanced by her low endurance. The harder she fights, the less time she can sustain combat. If a battle finishes quickly, she's in her element, but if it does not, she's forced to work with more conservative techniques, with which she's not as skilled or familiar. However, Sellah will fight her hardest to the very end -- even if it becomes the death of her.
Sellah frequently butts heads with those higher than her in the Jedi order. They see her passion as a threat, and a direct violation of the Jedi code. Those who get to know Sellah, however, realize she is fully and entirely devoted to the light side of the force. Were that to change, a small sort of chaos would surely erupt. She doesn't know it, but Sellah is constantly walking the edge of the cliff. Even so, her footing is sure and always has been.
Sellah locked eyes with the Chiss. Gold and red, Light and Dark, each flicking with fire, yet each sharp as crystal.
Enemies.
Sellah sized up her opponent... he looked to be strong; he was well-built. He would be quick, she was sure of that. As his red saber ignited, the wavering light tinged his blue skin purple.
Dark Jedi.
Sellah's eyes narrowed. He would receive no mercy... this was a kill; this was not an arrest. Sellah was not the first to attempt his arrest. He'd escaped several times. Her direct orders from the Council; give him two options. Quit or Die. He'd chosen Die.
Sellah began to circle. Slowly, she made her way to the right, and slowly, the Chiss followed her movements. They circled, breaks in the rows upon rows of crates becoming visible. Darkness and shadows clung like cobwebs to the warehouse, dispelled by simple lights, high above, and the glow of two saber blades; one red and one green.
Sellah attacked. She charged forward, her claws clicking furiously over the hard cement ground. She ran directly toward the Chiss, watching as he raised his blade in a defensive stance. Sellah suddenly dove to the right, then jumped into the air, She twisted around, found footing on a box, then kicked forward, giving herself a downward angle toward the Chiss. Her saber flashed out as she passed the Chiss, coming down toward his shoulder. However, he raised his saber in quick parry, and ducked out of Sellah's path.
She landed on her front paws, body folding to account for the impact, coiling like a spring. She used her momentum to swing her back half along the slick floor, so she was once more facing the Chiss.
Immediately, she moved into her next attack, sliding like a silken scarf across the ground as she moved on all-fours.She brought a swipe quickly up, hoping to break through the Dark Jedi's defenses.
However, he again anticipated her attack, jumping suddenly into the air, and Sellah's blade swung where is feet had been moments before, biting no flesh.
Sellah growled as the Dark Jedi came back down, blade aiming straight for her. She rolled to the side at just the last moment, but was caught by the rippling wave of energy which cast through the ground.
Her breath was knocked from her lungs, and Sellah quickly stood, though her chest ached and throbbed and her limbs still tingled with pain. This was not a fight she was going to loose...
She charged forward again, twisting to the side and rolling along the ground before vaulting herself into the air, spinning over the Chiss and landing beside him, blade arcing down.
But again, he was too fast, and their blades met. Sellah's eyes narrowed, and she thrust into the parry.
The two blades roared as they were pressed into each other, each blade willing the other to bend, each Jedi willing the other to break.
But Sellah would not snap, no, she would never relent, ne--
Ah! Suddenly, the Chiss aimed a well-placed kick at Sellah's wrists. Her blade went spinning away, falling between two distant crates, blade extinguished.
At the same moment, the Chiss brought his saber down, free now in the absence of Sellah's blade.
Sellah was quick to fold over backwards, supple as a snake; a feat of flexibility not expected by her Chiss counter-part.
His swing had been across her body, so the blade came down mere inches from her, singeing her fur on the way. She took full advantage of the Chiss's momentary distraction, and flipped onto her feet, skittering away across the floor. She leapt up onto a nearby crate, then turned around to watch the Dark Jedi.
She turned just in time to see his blade come hurtling toward her, spinning around in the air. Sellah launched herself skyward, suspended a moment in the air as the blade flew under her, humming as a hive of wasps. As her feet touched the crate again, she immediately launched into another jump, leaping forward. She curled through a front-flip then spun as she fell, aiming to land just to the Chiss's right...
There! She twisted suddenly in the air, her claws raking across the Dark Jedi's chest, ripping through his cloak with the ease a hot knife cuts through butter.
A guttural sound between a scream and a yell leapt from between his bared teeth. Sellah hoped to take advantage of this distraction.
And now she was on the ground, right at the feet of the Chiss.
She had to make a split-second decision. She could attack the Chiss once more, and risk meeting his lightsaber with none of her own.
Or, she could dash off again, dodge his saber-throws, and attempt to fetch her own saber...
She would attempt to find her saber.
Sellah rolled away along the floor, reaching a stack of three crates just as the Chiss again put hands on his saber.
Sellah heard his footsteps approaching from behind quick and hard like a Kath Hound's sprint, smelled blood like rust in the air. She jumped up, her claws digging into the soft wood of the crate, and the saber passed inches below her tail, slicing through the panel with a hiss and the smell of burnt wood.
Sellah continued to climb, even as the bottom crate collapsed, its corner no longer stable. She leapt to another crate, twisting in the air so her head was facing down, eyes watching the Chiss. He was preparing to throw the saber again.
Could she make it? Sellah had only milliseconds to decide; for that is as long as her momentum would keep her fixed in her precarious position, aided somewhat by the force....
She could make it.
Sellah jumped forward. The saber passed just below her belly, slicing off her fur as it spun, scoring a line across her foot as she wavered...
But she ignored the pain. It was inconsequential. She continued in her leap, moving right for the chest of the Jedi... Suddenly, as unstoppable as a freighter, she rammed into his chest. Sellah heard bones crack below, and the Chiss's head smashed into the concrete, dis-orienting him. His hands flashed forward, shoving at Sellah's chest from his position below her. He managed to grab her around the neck, then used her own weight against her and rolled on top of her.
Sellah struggled on the ground, feeling the weight against her windpipe... she had only seconds before his saber would return...
Sellah placed a well-aimed kick to the Chiss's gut, her shorter legs providing her better leverage. His grip loosed for a moment, and Sellah rolled herself to the top.
Suddenly, vicious as a Vornskr, Sellah thrust her head forward. The Chiss's arms buckled as Sellah's maw flashed wide open. She closed her jaws around his neck; hard. For a moment, she tasted blood. And then she suddenly twisted her head to the side.
With a mournful snap like the clicking of a latch, the Chiss's neck snapped.
He breathed no more.
Sellah relaxed. The fight was over. Her breathing heavy, she began to remove her fangs from the Chiss's neck.
Then, suddenly, his saber came flashing toward Sellah, she heard it roaring behind her--
Silence.
The hilt of the blade flew three more feet in the air, the Force no longer keeping it ignited under the Dark Jedi's command. It then dropped to the ground, making a low Ssskkkkaaat as it slid along the smooth concrete, still spinning.
Sellah's heart pounded, she panted to catch her breath, her every nerve stood on end.
How could she have been so stupid?! The battle is never over. She should never have let her guard down; what if the Dark Jedi had accomplices? They could have been lurking, waiting for her to slow. No, that sort of mistake could never, never be repeated.
Even so, Sellah had made her move just in time. The Chiss's death had saved her life. Sellah slowly stood, letting her muscles relax. She spread out her awareness, making sure the warehouse was still empty... it was, save for the usual critters and pests.
Sellah strode across the floor, picking up the Dark Jedi's blade. She turned it over in her hand, examining it. He had been a worthy opponent; for his blade was well-built. But he had relied on his blade... it was only in the blade's absence that Sellah was able to attack him.
Sellah quickly dismantled the blade, making perfect mental record of its construction. She had been expecting to find a synthetic crystal, a trade-mark of Dark Jedi blades. She was surprised to find a crystal from the unhatched egg of a Kinrath, as well as a Stygium crystal.
No wonder he was so hard to find... Trillian will love this... Sellah re-assembled the saber, thinking as she did. One could learn a lot about a Jedi, dark or light, by the way he constructed his saber. This Chiss was a thoughtful one...
Another lesson learned, another thought tucked away, Sellah slipped the saber through a loop on her bandoleer.
Now, only one question remained.
Where the Kath is my lightsaber?[/ul]
Race: Selonian
Age: 28
Height: 5'9
Weight: 160 lb, all muscle
Appearance:
Selonians in General:
"A furry, burrowing species from the Corellian system, Selonians were large musteline carnivorous mammals with long, flexible spines. They were equally comfortable with traveling on all fours or upright. Most Selonians were infertile females. One in every hundred was male, and five in every hundred were fertile females. Selonians lived in clans called "septs," always headed by a female. Septs were organized into dens, which were made up of sterile females and a small number of breeder males and females. Although they did possess advanced technology, they generally stayed on Selonia. " ~ Wikipedia
Sellah is a sterile female, making her one among the largest and strongest of her race.
Sellah can usually be found walking on two legs, though it's a preference developed for ease-of-blending with other bipedals, though being inconspicuous is hard when one is a Selonian. Sellah is short for her species, standing three inches below the average. She has a defined muzzle, though it's a bit rounder and shorter than her fellows'. The fur of her belly is light tan, which blends to darker brown everywhere else. Three black stripes run down her back, from the crown of her skull to the tip of her tail. The backs of her arms and legs are dappled with spots of warm-brown fur, just a shade lighter than that on her back.
Her eyes are a deep golden, almost brown, and they sparkle when she has an idea. Sellah's fangs are quite pronounced, and it's somewhat unsettling when she smiles, though she rarely does.
In the way of clothing, Sellah needs none, being covered with short, dense fur. She wears a circular earring in her left ear. The ring is made of brushed gold, strung with a single grape-sized sapphire. Upon each wrist are three bangles; each has its own story, but you're a lucky one if you can compel her to tell.
Sellah wears a bandoleer of rich, dark leather; almost the same color as her fur. The whole length is lined with bits and pieces of rock and metal, sewn into a mosaic along its three-inch width. Another story she's reluctant to tell.
At the base of her tail, she wears a brushed-gold band, two inches wide and inlaid with all sorts of semi-precious stones. Sellah is more willing to tell the story of this piece; She bought it at a Corellian market because she thought it was pretty.
Sellah's movements are always smooth and supple. When sprinting, she'll often drop to all-fours, to improve her speed. When she stands, her tail is about an inch short of touching the ground, making it useful for balance but not cumbersome.
With her bearing and appearance, Sellah exudes a no-nonsense sort of elegance. She can be quite intimidating, even to those who tower over her.
Her race is naturally inclined to serious temperament and no-nonsense point-of-view. She is brutally honest and rather frank, and looks upon lying as a serious offense.
Over the years of being away from Selonian society, Sellah has developed her own unique sense of humor; a mixture of irony and wryness. Unless one has spent much time with Sellah, it's often rather difficult to tell whether she's joking or being serious. To catch her genuinely smiling is a rare occurrence, and quite an accomplishment.
Sellah is committed deeply to the light side of the force. If one were able to break this cable, Sellah and her passion would quickly go tumbling to the dark side. Even so, Sellah's stubborn enough that it would take a great deal of effort to twist her mind.
She's generally well-intentioned, if not a bit gruff at times. Sellah cares for those around her, especially children, and is sometimes chided as being a great big teddy-bear, though she resents the comparison.[/ul]
Birth place: Selonia
Faction: Jedi
Rank: Knight - Guardian
Lightsaber: Shoto (for better handling/mobility)
Sellah's saber comprises a Durindfire Crystal and a Rubat crystal, giving it a silvery sheen and a clear, crisp blade (which enables Sellah to better keep track of her blade when she's practicing Form IV.)
Because she so enjoys the water, and her home planet is quite aquatic, Sellah invested the effort to install a Bifurcating Cyclical-Ignition, making her saber water-proof.
Color: Dark forest green with a silver sheen.
Practiced Lightsaber forms:
Shii-Cho - 5
Makashi - N/A
Soresu - N/A
Ataru - 4
Shien / Djem So - 2
>>Sub-form Backhanded - N/A
Niman - N/A
>>Sub-form Jar-kai, or Dual Wield - N/A
Juyo - N/A (much to her frustration. ;)
Double Bladed Combat - N/A
Force-Sensitive Abilities or practices:
Telekinetic: 5
Telepathic: 1
Body: 6
Sense: 4
Protection: 2
Healing: 1
Destruction: N/A
Specialized Skills: Tracking
Attributes:
Physical Strength: 7
Intelligence: 5
Speed: 7
Leadership: 3
Unarmed: 7
Melee Weapons: 2
Ranged Weapons: 1
Force Attunement: +6
Bio:
Sellah Bellae's birth was both ordinary and extraordinary. She was born just as each of her sisters, just another female, another member of the den. The extraordinary, however, came about not at her birth, but at her naming.
Sellah's mother, a gentle but stern creature, observed a particular and unique tradition. A tradition involving names. To Sellah's mother, names were the prophecies of life, the way one identified with the world. Each member of Selonian society was born for a specific purpose, and it was this purpose which greatly affected the name each was given. Terre was one of the earth, Ceil destined to work above, to fly ships in the sky. Langa spoke many tongues, Shaelah a creature of peace, so on and so forth. Sellah's mother had a knack for such things, and never took more than a week to decide upon a name. Religiously and zealously, Sellah's mother never strayed from tradition.
Such experience explained why Sellah managed to miff her so. She was born without a name... and she stayed without a name. For two full years, as she grew and matured, and the daughter remained without a name.
'Little', as her mother called in the meantime, curiously enjoyed being outside; playing on the many beaches of Selonia. She could be found running her hand along the tunnel walls, smiling suddenly or giggling at things only she could hear.
She found no niche in the digging of tunnels, felt no great affinity for the skies. She despised being confined, but that was hardly a purpose in life. The den mother was at a loss.
Until, that is, the daughter accompanied an elder sister, a rare trader, to one of the orbital shipyards.
There, a grey Jedi Zabrak stumbled across the pair whilst repairing his ship. He was quick to point out that the young Selonian was force-sensitive. Scoffing, 'Little''s sister pointed out that there were Selonians did not become Jedi; it has never happened before.
In true Zabrak spirit, the grey Jedi, Draedock Ster, sought to beat the odds and prove the notion wrong. He was quick to shift his focus, abandoning the repair of his ship in favor of meeting with this young Selonian's mother.
After quite a bit of explaining and persuading, Draedock was able to convince the den mother of 'little''s potential.
And so, in a moment bitter-sweet, the mother was finally able to give her daughter a name; a going-away present.
Sellah Bellae.
Sellah, meaning 'she is freedom'. For Sellah would embody freedom, and bring freedom to others. Bellae, like the ringing bell; for her voice, her influence would spread far.
Both names of the same vowel and consonant structure, (h being a vowel), for Sellah's life would begin and end the same; in happiness, if not a bit lost in the world.
The two Ls, next to each other; parallel paths; for Sellah's path in life would be straight and true; it would not waver to the left or to the right.
In the care of Draedock, she then left Selonia. No longer was she 'little'. She was Sellah Bellae. And so Sellah's new life began.
Intent upon proving a Selonian's ability to become a Jedi, yet not willing to take on the responsibility himself, Draedock resolved to take Sellah to the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine, where he himself had been trained. There were certainly other academies around; however, Draedock had an old friend on Dantooine and he knew Sellah's acceptance would be certain.
It was indeed, and Sellah was taken in. After nine years as a Youngling, she was assigned to master Kandri Mat'key, a Bothan, as her Padawan. Since they were both somewhat animal-istic humanoids, Sellah was able to train more easily with Kandri than she might have with other Jedi. She soon proved herself to be an innovative thinker, always trying to come up with new ways to work her species' advantage into the way she handled her lightsaber.
Despite Kandri's efforts to convince her Padawan otherwise, Sellah had little patience for learning the subtle ways of the force. She studied telekinesis for its application it battle, meditation as another way to train her body. She was ever enthusiastic, though Sellah always took her lessons quite seriously.
Naturally a pack-rat, Sellah began collecting bits and pieces from everywhere she went with her master, beginning with a pearl from the oceans of Selonia, the location of her first mission with Kandri. Kandri, who knew much of Sellah's personality, plucked the pearl from the sands of the beaches, and so presented Sellah with the meaning of her name, which she'd been to young to understand when it was first given. Sellah kept Kandri's words as close as she kept the pearl. "Never, ever forget-- You are Freedom.
Sellah began to add to her collection; a bright rock from Felucia, a desert-stone from Tatooine, a lost golden coin, beaten on the streets of Coroscant.
Eventually, Kandri found Sellah's stash. Sellah, knowing 'battle-tokens' where vehemently discouraged, feared for her collection. She adamantly insisted that they weren't tokens of battle, but memories. She proceeded to go through the stash, and tell Kandri each bit's story, ending with the pearl Kandri had found for her. Kandri was quite impressed; through the tokens, Sellah remembered more about some assignments than Kandri herself had. Convinced that such a thing was more help than harm, Kandri helped Sellah figure out a way to display her treasures. Kandri took Sellah's bandoleer, (which she'd been given to help hold her saber), and helped the young Selonian work out a way to display her treasures along it length, so she could keep them with her always.
Whilst training as a Padawan, Sellah befriended one of the many Laigrek lurking in the bowels of the Enclave.
She was sent to a basement storage room, to fetch a particular crystal. While rummaging around, she stumbled across a young Laigrek. She was instantly captivated; for it was Albino.
Its blood red eyes glittered at her in the darkness. What light there was shone upon its white body and light pink under-belly. Small, faint pink lines ran across its legs and down its length. The Laigrek was young and timid, and Sellah easily captured it. Taking a liking to the little critter, she proudly brought it up to show Kandri. (Who instantly informed her that she'd neglected to get the crystal she'd been sent for.)
Sellah gained the trust of the little Laigrek, keeping it as a pet. Ever creative, she named it 'Grek', and addressed it as a 'he', even though she had no idea what its true gender was. Grek never grew as big as his cousins. He still remained aggressive though, and only ever let Sellah touch him. As a result, Sellah began to use him as a bit of a pack-mule, allowing him to tote around whatever things she didn't want stolen.
Grek stayed home at the Enclave just as often as he accompanied Sellah, depending on the nature of the mission. He always was able to fend for himself, though. He was quite fully loyal to Sellah.
Sellah was sixteen when disaster struck. Whilst investigating a disturbance in the force upon Corellia, quite close to Sellah's home-planet, the Master and Padawan were ambushed by a pair of Dark Jedi, master and apprentice. One of their 'cult' had been killed by Kandri a decade past, and they sought revenge.
Kandri hesitated in her handling of the situation; vacillating between reasoning with the Jedi and just plain offing them, especially since the apprentice seemed quite young and impressionable, though that might have just been a trick of the race. She would attack, then jump back, and attempt to reason, attack, then retreat. Sellah attempted to aid her master, but she simply did not have the proper skills. Sellah was forced to look on as her master was slowly killed, watching the brutal effects of revenge take their course.
Sellah flew into a despairing rage and suddenly attacked. She killed the inexperienced apprentice before she suddenly realized what she was doing. Fearing the Dark side of her which had just shown itself, Sellah fled. She fled from the battle, fled from revenge.
She carried with her from then on an intense aversion to indecision. Her innate passion became all the more accentuated, and she began to denounce the grey area.
This put her at odds with her new master, a subtle old Miraluka. The Miraluka, Trillian, attempted to calm his Padawan's passion, to make her favor peace and neutrality. Sellah refused, however, and they eventually reached an accord, continuing with Sellah's training.
Previously, the Padawan had been studying Form V; a compromise between Sellah's aggressive style and Kandri's desire for her to learn the defensive, for she feared Sellah would become too fixed upon the aggressive. (Kandri herself favored Form VI) Kandri's concern had been well-placed, and her 'plan' worked; by the time Sellah inevitably moved on to a more aggressive form, she'd developed an appreciation for the Defensive.
Sellah threw herself into studying Form IV, Ataru, under her new master Trillian. She took full advantage of her natural flexibility and mobility as a Selonian, honing her strength and putting a great deal of effort into her acrobatics.
When Sellah was nineteen, and had come quite a long way in form IV, Trillian began insisting that she once more study Form V. Sellah resumed her previous studies.
Two years passed, and Sellah was 21. The time for her trials was approaching. She had settled in an effective combination of forms V and IV, depending upon the circumstance, and found she favored a shoto blade.
Once more, she and her master were to go to Corellia, this time to bust a drug-ring.
Through a twist-of-fate, Sellah and Trillian (literally) ran into the same Dark Jedi who had killed Kandri so many years past. Sellah's nightmares seemed to repeat themselves as Trillian was quickly knocked unconscious by a hidden accomplice, another Dark Jedi, though Sellah believed him to be dead.
Sellah was alone with her enemies.
She could kill them, especially the first, make them die slow and painful deaths for what they'd done, and nobody would be the wiser... She could take her revenge.
But Sellah refused. Her passion, which had so worried Trillian, was in the right place. She adamantly refused to seek revenge, and so willingly employed the defensive side of Form V for the first time. She sought not to attack the Dark Jedi, she simply wanted to guard the body of her master, to make sure it retained its honor. And so she did.
The two Dark Jedi took turns attacking, chiding her, taunting her, willing her to give into her hate. She almost relented... once. But then she cast those thoughts away and cleared her mind. It was then that she was able to see the way one of the Dark Jedi kept leaving his saber-hand exposed... a well-place swipe sent his hand, and his saber, skittering away across the ground.
The first Dark Jedi's mood turned suddenly dark. He had easily killed this Padawan's first master... but he was not so sure the Padawan herself was worth the effort. And then there was the matter of the master; with his partner screaming and yelling as he was, if the Miraluka were to awake... well, he'd be outnumbered. The Dark Jedi decided it would be fruitless to stick around.
When the proximity was clear, Sellah turned to wake Trillian. As it turned out; the master had been unconscious only seconds. He had chosen to stay where he lay, observing Sellah's actions. (He did, after all, see with the force.)
And so, Sellah was brought before the Council.
Her trial of Skill: Fending off two experienced Dark Jedi, alone. Trillian argued that it took great strength of will, and skill of adaptation, for an aggressive creature such as Sellah to act on such a defensive level.
This trial was supplemented by an Enclave presented obstacle-course, in which Sellah demonstrated her mastery of Shii-Cho, and her progression in Ataru. She also displayed her ability to use the force to supplement her acrobatics.
Her trial of the Flesh: The loss of her first master, Kandri. The two were very close, and Kandri was almost a mother to Sellah. In coping with the loss in a constructive manner, and showing the ability to look upon that past without flinching, it was determined she'd passed the trial of the flesh.
Her trial of Courage: Sellah consistently proved her willingness to defy the odds, (perhaps a trait left over from her brief time with Draedock), most notably her duel on Corellia. However, in many other instances, Sellah consistently proved her courage, and so was declared as being adequate.
Her trial of Self: There was some debate in the council as to whether or not the particular instance was countable as a trial of self, being so far in the past, but in eventuality it was decided the duel surrounding the death of Kandri was Sellah's trial of self. She saw for the first time the darkness within her, and her desire for revenge. While she bent momentarily, she came back around and fled from revenge, renouncing that dark part of her.
Her trial was completed during the second duel on Corellia, the one with Trillian. Sellah was presented with the opportunity to take revenge, and not be burdened with the guilt and repercussion. (Though that wasn't the actual case.) Still, she did not take that chance. She saw what darkness still remained, what part of her still sought revenge, and quickly dispelled it. And so she passed the trial of Self.
Sellah was knighted when she was twenty-two. Since then, she has gone on various missions for the Jedi council. Her ability to focus passionately on a singular task, while still remaining aware of her surround (a Selonian instinct), Sellah was pre-disposed to working investigative cases. Her main occupation was breaking-up drug and smuggling rings, though her favorite missions included the confrontation of Dark Jedi.
When Sellah works investigative cases, she is usually paired with one or two partners. They rely on her observational skills to gather evidence, and she relies on them to put the pieces together. Sellah is usually (and quite happily) in charge of arrests.
If she's tracking someone, however, Sellah prefers to work alone. Her animal-istic traits make her a natural tracker, for she benefits from that instinctual mindset. Her true element, however, is light-saber battle; her favorite moments are those moments of thrill. She'll drudge through bad tip-offs and information for months and months just to finally battle, and dispose of a Dark Jedi. Luckily, she resists the temptation to drag out her battles for fun; her battle-aggression pushes her to complete the job efficiently. When not out on a mission, she's back at the Enclave, fine tuning her form V and form IV. She aspires to eventually become a master of Form VII. However, that would require being a master, and becoming a master would require having a Padawan, and that's not likely to happen anytime soon, seeing as the Council most likely would not trust her with one.
While she was still newly a Knight, Sellah once more returned to Corellia, to finally complete a mission of years past; she was going to crack the smuggling ring which had centered around that accursed group of Dark Jedi. Sellah, along with two other Jedi, uncovered a deep and twisted plot. In the end, it turned out that the Dark Jedi were blackmailing certain members of the Hyrn Family, an old, prestigious, and quite wealthy family tree centered in Corellia. The charges against the family were ultimately false, the subject of black-mail a mild embarrassment.
Through investigating and destroying the smuggling-ring, the Jedi inadvertently freed the family of their burden. Anonymous, they presented each Jedi with a rare gift.
To the first, a Master, a Viridian crystal was left. To the second, a Knight, (who a son of the family had taken a particular fancy to,) a small rainbow gem was given. Sellah was gifted with a rare Durindfire crystal, passed down from generation to generation since its original exportation from Tatooine.
Not able to return the gifts, for they knew not who gave them, and not wanted to leave such valuables for the Dark Jedi of Corellia to discover, the Jedi, ever suspicous, brought the three gems before the Jedi council. Once it was determined there was no threat, each Jedi was given the opportunity to keep the 'gift', seeing as each was a very useful piece, and due to their conduct upon Corellia, well-earned as determined by the council.
Much to Sellah's dismay, the master handed over his Viridian crystal to the council. Not wanting to appear greedy, and following proper example, she did the same. Though, the other knight kept hers.
As it turned out, it was Trillian who ended up with the Durindfire crystal, for he had a bit of a hobby for the crystals. To commend Sellah for her giving up of the crystal she so desperately wanted, in the name of doing the right and proper thing, he 're-gifted' her the gem. Elated, Sellah was quick to modify her lightsaber, accommodating the new-found addition.
During this stay on Corellia, Sellah made friends with another of her species, an eccentric old Ambassador, officer of Selonian affairs in Corellia. As a token of kindness, the old female gave Sellah an earring, brushed gold with a grape-sized sapphire. Sellah treasured the feisty Selonian's words: 'When death looks you in the eye, kick it in the gut.'
Not three days later, the Ambassador was killed when a bounty hunter ransacked her dwelling, searching for a particular antique the Selonian held. She attacked the intruder, but was quickly killed.
Sellah found hope, oddly enough, in the Selonian's death. For the Ambassador had done just as she'd said; kicked death in the gut. She had died fighting. And so Sellah resolved to die the same way. Whenever she felt like giving up, the weight of the earring would remind her of her vow, and she'd not relent.
Even after all these years, little Grek still loyally stays by Sellah's side. Sometimes, she has to leave him behind, but he usually tags along, serving as watch-Laigrek and pack-animal. He still seems to be in wonderful health, and seems to be benefiting from a lengthy life-span.
Over the past fifteen years of working with her personal lightsaber, Sellah has developed a unique style of combat. She's taken quick quickly to her role as Jedi, for it could be said that in all technicality, Sellah was born to be a Jedi. (Each Selonian is bred for a purpose.) She benefits from a strong body and a focused mind, and is a quick learner. This is responsible for her seemingly early mastery of certain forms.
Sellah's case is unique in that concerning lightsaber training, she threw herself into learning the techniques. Form V she has studied since she began studying Shii-Cho, though after five years, she cut off her training. (She'd have about a 3 in Shii-Cho and a 1 in Form V)
For the next five years,(until she was knighted) Sellah advanced to about a 3.5 in Form IV, her favorite. She also studied Form V at Trillian's insistence, bringing her Form V to a 2. She has an understanding of the two techniques, however, she rarely puts them into practice unless circumstance demand. (more than one enemy, droids that employ blaster fire, etc.)
It's been another four years since Sellah was knighted, in which time it would be rational to say she advanced up to a 4.5 in form IV. She almost has it mastered, and there's not really much anyone else can teach her; she's at the phase where she must evaluate her own performance and find the shortcomings. In the same four years, her understanding of Form V has also kicked up a notch.
Sellah's high stats are balanced by her low endurance. The harder she fights, the less time she can sustain combat. If a battle finishes quickly, she's in her element, but if it does not, she's forced to work with more conservative techniques, with which she's not as skilled or familiar. However, Sellah will fight her hardest to the very end -- even if it becomes the death of her.
Sellah frequently butts heads with those higher than her in the Jedi order. They see her passion as a threat, and a direct violation of the Jedi code. Those who get to know Sellah, however, realize she is fully and entirely devoted to the light side of the force. Were that to change, a small sort of chaos would surely erupt. She doesn't know it, but Sellah is constantly walking the edge of the cliff. Even so, her footing is sure and always has been.
Sellah locked eyes with the Chiss. Gold and red, Light and Dark, each flicking with fire, yet each sharp as crystal.
Enemies.
Sellah sized up her opponent... he looked to be strong; he was well-built. He would be quick, she was sure of that. As his red saber ignited, the wavering light tinged his blue skin purple.
Dark Jedi.
Sellah's eyes narrowed. He would receive no mercy... this was a kill; this was not an arrest. Sellah was not the first to attempt his arrest. He'd escaped several times. Her direct orders from the Council; give him two options. Quit or Die. He'd chosen Die.
Sellah began to circle. Slowly, she made her way to the right, and slowly, the Chiss followed her movements. They circled, breaks in the rows upon rows of crates becoming visible. Darkness and shadows clung like cobwebs to the warehouse, dispelled by simple lights, high above, and the glow of two saber blades; one red and one green.
Sellah attacked. She charged forward, her claws clicking furiously over the hard cement ground. She ran directly toward the Chiss, watching as he raised his blade in a defensive stance. Sellah suddenly dove to the right, then jumped into the air, She twisted around, found footing on a box, then kicked forward, giving herself a downward angle toward the Chiss. Her saber flashed out as she passed the Chiss, coming down toward his shoulder. However, he raised his saber in quick parry, and ducked out of Sellah's path.
She landed on her front paws, body folding to account for the impact, coiling like a spring. She used her momentum to swing her back half along the slick floor, so she was once more facing the Chiss.
Immediately, she moved into her next attack, sliding like a silken scarf across the ground as she moved on all-fours.She brought a swipe quickly up, hoping to break through the Dark Jedi's defenses.
However, he again anticipated her attack, jumping suddenly into the air, and Sellah's blade swung where is feet had been moments before, biting no flesh.
Sellah growled as the Dark Jedi came back down, blade aiming straight for her. She rolled to the side at just the last moment, but was caught by the rippling wave of energy which cast through the ground.
Her breath was knocked from her lungs, and Sellah quickly stood, though her chest ached and throbbed and her limbs still tingled with pain. This was not a fight she was going to loose...
She charged forward again, twisting to the side and rolling along the ground before vaulting herself into the air, spinning over the Chiss and landing beside him, blade arcing down.
But again, he was too fast, and their blades met. Sellah's eyes narrowed, and she thrust into the parry.
The two blades roared as they were pressed into each other, each blade willing the other to bend, each Jedi willing the other to break.
But Sellah would not snap, no, she would never relent, ne--
Ah! Suddenly, the Chiss aimed a well-placed kick at Sellah's wrists. Her blade went spinning away, falling between two distant crates, blade extinguished.
At the same moment, the Chiss brought his saber down, free now in the absence of Sellah's blade.
Sellah was quick to fold over backwards, supple as a snake; a feat of flexibility not expected by her Chiss counter-part.
His swing had been across her body, so the blade came down mere inches from her, singeing her fur on the way. She took full advantage of the Chiss's momentary distraction, and flipped onto her feet, skittering away across the floor. She leapt up onto a nearby crate, then turned around to watch the Dark Jedi.
She turned just in time to see his blade come hurtling toward her, spinning around in the air. Sellah launched herself skyward, suspended a moment in the air as the blade flew under her, humming as a hive of wasps. As her feet touched the crate again, she immediately launched into another jump, leaping forward. She curled through a front-flip then spun as she fell, aiming to land just to the Chiss's right...
There! She twisted suddenly in the air, her claws raking across the Dark Jedi's chest, ripping through his cloak with the ease a hot knife cuts through butter.
A guttural sound between a scream and a yell leapt from between his bared teeth. Sellah hoped to take advantage of this distraction.
And now she was on the ground, right at the feet of the Chiss.
She had to make a split-second decision. She could attack the Chiss once more, and risk meeting his lightsaber with none of her own.
Or, she could dash off again, dodge his saber-throws, and attempt to fetch her own saber...
She would attempt to find her saber.
Sellah rolled away along the floor, reaching a stack of three crates just as the Chiss again put hands on his saber.
Sellah heard his footsteps approaching from behind quick and hard like a Kath Hound's sprint, smelled blood like rust in the air. She jumped up, her claws digging into the soft wood of the crate, and the saber passed inches below her tail, slicing through the panel with a hiss and the smell of burnt wood.
Sellah continued to climb, even as the bottom crate collapsed, its corner no longer stable. She leapt to another crate, twisting in the air so her head was facing down, eyes watching the Chiss. He was preparing to throw the saber again.
Could she make it? Sellah had only milliseconds to decide; for that is as long as her momentum would keep her fixed in her precarious position, aided somewhat by the force....
She could make it.
Sellah jumped forward. The saber passed just below her belly, slicing off her fur as it spun, scoring a line across her foot as she wavered...
But she ignored the pain. It was inconsequential. She continued in her leap, moving right for the chest of the Jedi... Suddenly, as unstoppable as a freighter, she rammed into his chest. Sellah heard bones crack below, and the Chiss's head smashed into the concrete, dis-orienting him. His hands flashed forward, shoving at Sellah's chest from his position below her. He managed to grab her around the neck, then used her own weight against her and rolled on top of her.
Sellah struggled on the ground, feeling the weight against her windpipe... she had only seconds before his saber would return...
Sellah placed a well-aimed kick to the Chiss's gut, her shorter legs providing her better leverage. His grip loosed for a moment, and Sellah rolled herself to the top.
Suddenly, vicious as a Vornskr, Sellah thrust her head forward. The Chiss's arms buckled as Sellah's maw flashed wide open. She closed her jaws around his neck; hard. For a moment, she tasted blood. And then she suddenly twisted her head to the side.
With a mournful snap like the clicking of a latch, the Chiss's neck snapped.
He breathed no more.
Sellah relaxed. The fight was over. Her breathing heavy, she began to remove her fangs from the Chiss's neck.
Then, suddenly, his saber came flashing toward Sellah, she heard it roaring behind her--
Silence.
The hilt of the blade flew three more feet in the air, the Force no longer keeping it ignited under the Dark Jedi's command. It then dropped to the ground, making a low Ssskkkkaaat as it slid along the smooth concrete, still spinning.
Sellah's heart pounded, she panted to catch her breath, her every nerve stood on end.
How could she have been so stupid?! The battle is never over. She should never have let her guard down; what if the Dark Jedi had accomplices? They could have been lurking, waiting for her to slow. No, that sort of mistake could never, never be repeated.
Even so, Sellah had made her move just in time. The Chiss's death had saved her life. Sellah slowly stood, letting her muscles relax. She spread out her awareness, making sure the warehouse was still empty... it was, save for the usual critters and pests.
Sellah strode across the floor, picking up the Dark Jedi's blade. She turned it over in her hand, examining it. He had been a worthy opponent; for his blade was well-built. But he had relied on his blade... it was only in the blade's absence that Sellah was able to attack him.
Sellah quickly dismantled the blade, making perfect mental record of its construction. She had been expecting to find a synthetic crystal, a trade-mark of Dark Jedi blades. She was surprised to find a crystal from the unhatched egg of a Kinrath, as well as a Stygium crystal.
No wonder he was so hard to find... Trillian will love this... Sellah re-assembled the saber, thinking as she did. One could learn a lot about a Jedi, dark or light, by the way he constructed his saber. This Chiss was a thoughtful one...
Another lesson learned, another thought tucked away, Sellah slipped the saber through a loop on her bandoleer.
Now, only one question remained.
Where the Kath is my lightsaber?[/ul]
) There's a bit more depth to the bit about the crystals, though no DJ were involved. 