She checks. Looks good to me.

Rhoda gives a shy smile, and there's a definite sensation of her being pleased about getting that right.

It's nice doing things when there isn't someone on your case about it, huh?

She thinks about that, and then nods. It's strange not having someone on her case, but it is, in fact, nice. I like being- No. Those words are wrong. I like helping people? Which is true, and she's only just realising it that it's enjoying helping people rather than liking being useful.

Yeah. Me too.

Have they finished watering the garden? Can Rhoda cross over to near Pradnakt? Not quite close enough to hug, but definitely within arm reach.

It's not a huge garden but it's not that small. That's okay. They can water side by side; it's less efficient, but the plants don't care.

Well, if the plants don't care, and Pradnakt isn't going to direct Rhoda somewhere else, that's what they'll do then.

Good.

I should practice my forms, she says, when they're done. She considers for a moment - I think it will be okay for you to stay and watch, as long as you don't get too close. If you want to.

I...would like to? she manages. If you think it's okay? I...would the tree be an okay place to be?

Yeah, that's fine. The danger would be if you got close while I was distracted and I didn't realize who you were; that's not very likely even if you do get close, but - not a risk I want to take. I'm not going to come after you, though.

That gets a slight nod, a small smile, and Rhoda will put the watering can back where she got it from before scaling the tree and settling in its branches.

And Pradnakt goes to practice her saber forms. Her body language loses the softness she's gained over the last few days as she walks to the middle of the yard - firm, aggressive, almost predatory. She pauses, for a moment, and then launches into it without preamble, her saber's glow casting odd shadows on the ground and walls as she strikes and turns and parries.

The change in body language scares Rhoda slightly (it reminds her, somewhat, of Ma'am, and the others on her ship), but it's different - Pradnakt seems stronger somehow.

When Pradnakt starts moving however, Rhoda is entranced, because she is spectacular, and breathtaking (and terrifying, but in a strangely good way?).

It's like dancing, as she whirls and steps and leaps across the space, saber working against invisible foes. She usually takes an hour, and she shows every sign of being at it at least that long today.

And she will have an avid audience for that hour. Rhoda probably couldn't look away if she wanted to.

She pushes herself harder, at the end - moving faster, striking harder, pulling off acrobatics that can't possibly be done without the Force. And then, suddenly, she comes down from a leap and just stops, still, watchful, breathing just a little hard, and then after a moment stands and lets her saber go out.

All right, I'm done.

Rhoda pauses for a moment - not entirely sure herself whether she is giving Pradnakt or herself the moment. Then she slithers out of the tree, wondering if it's okay to say something about Pradnakt practicing forms - about how pretty it was to watch, something like that...

She echoes that pretty-to-watch sentiment back, gently; yeah.

The rule, for Sith, is that we're allowed to do whatever we want, as long as we're strong enough to beat anyone who complains about it in a fight. You have to be very strong, to be able to be gentle without people deciding it means you're weak; I am, and it's good to really feel that sometimes.

She nods, because...that makes sense to her? That way of doing things. The rule of back ho- of back where she had been had been the strongest person was in control. She likes Pradnakt's way better, she thinks. You- it seemed like you could stop anything, she sends, not entirely sure that it's something she should be saying, but she's taking comfort in that thought. (Pradnakt and Daisy haven't hurt her, and Pradnakt could stop anyone who tried.)

Close to, yeah. Anything that's likely to bother us, definitely.

That gets a small, relieved smile, and Rhoda takes a step towards Pradnakt, before rocking back on her heels, head tilting. (She's not even entirely sure what she'd been going to do.)

Hug?

Hug then. Although part of her still wants to shy back from the contact, she's doing her best to ignore it (it hasn't proven dangerous yet).