"I want to get out of this cave with my skin intact," Johte shot back.  "I want to see the sun again.  I<i>want</i>to take a<i>bath.</i>I don't see how fighting with you will accomplish any of those things, for me or for you.  That's not denying myself, that's being practical."<br/><br/>His stance wasn't quite a mirror of Procion's own, facing him with his body turned partially sideways, feet planted apart.  For the moment he stood with his hands at his sides, the Sith's lightsaber in his right hand, his bare left hand nearest to Procion.  Even as he spoke, he was playing it cool and not giving his opponent much to go on- only the placement of his hands would indicate an aggressive or defensive stance.  Though from the line of conversation, defense seemed more likely, and saber-to-saber Procion would be in for a long fight.  He hadn't triggered the lightsaber yet, but he did twirl the hilt in his fingers even as he spoke, betraying a certain undercurrent of tense anticipation.<br/><br/>"Can we make another bargain?  A duel, with no intent to maim or kill, though it still seems a waste of energy, or- or I could kiss you, if that's what you really want.  I'm not sure either would sate your passions but it's all I have to offer."<br/><br/>He gave his head a little shake, though his gaze remained fixed on Procion.<br/><br/>"It wasn't my intent to challenge you.  I was just running my mouth. I'm sorry."<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>