Hearts of Kyber

[Tycho Draykon]

It has been about a week since Ashlynna had returned. In between missions and his duties as an officer Tycho has been taking care of her, making sure she had everything that she needed to ensure that the Jedi will recover.

Now with her strength returning and health improving. Tycho thought that the two can get away from the Alliance for a bit.

How does he plan to do that? A trip to Jedha. He knows that Ashlynna has not been to the planet before. It maybe just the thing that the woman needs. She can see the planet that is so important to the Jedi and he can get away from his duties for a bit. Along with other perks.

As part of the trip. Tycho was only equipt with his blaster pistol and a few extra rounds. All of his other weapons were left in his office on The Valhala. He didn't think that the other weapons will be needed. To add to that the man wore only his civilian clothing, no armor.

Successfully landing the overhead freighter on the landing pad. Tycho looked over to Ashlynna, "Are you ready to do some exploring?" He asked her with a grin as he unfastened the safety belt as he shut down the ships systems one by one.

@Algarus

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

Ash was a tad excited to be away from the Alliance and back in known space, especially with Tycho by her side now. The newly appointed jedi knight, a promotion that shocked the hell out of her, was curious about the jedi structures on Jedha, which certainly would help with finding her way around the planet. Ash had gone with a more casual approach, though she still wore her utility belt and lightsaber, though she doubted anyone other than Tycho knew she was armed.

She glanced over to him, unable to stop the smile that came across her face as she looked to Tycho. "I'm more than ready, general." She giggled, standing up from her chair, waiting as he slowly cut the ships systems off one by one. "So, how long has it been since you came here? You said it had been a while." She said, backing up slowly as he would begin to exit the ship. She was looking forward to seeing an actual jedi temple for once, but the fact she was alone with him after so long didn't calm her nerves either.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho finished shutting down the ship's systems and looked to Ashlynna. He wondered if he had told the Jedi that she didn't need to refer to him by his rank. He hears enough of that from others. The man stood up, "You don't have to call me by my rank, Ash." Tycho gently reminded her.

After stretching a little he grabbed his coat, "It has been a while. Haven't been back since those few missions that I did here." He told the excited Jedi, "So you have really not been to Jedha?" He asked his close friend as the Officer opened the door and lowered the boarding ramp. The noise of the bustling city invading the silence of the ship immediately. A welcome change to what it was like here the last time the man visited the city all those years ago.

@Algarus

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

Ash smirked at the reminder he had given her. She knew she didn't need to call him by that rank, but she just found it rather fun. "I'm sorry general, I can't allow that." It was such a cool rank too, made her feel all giddy and important. She knew better than to be using that in public however, so she swiftly went back to the name she was so used to using with him. "Well least one of us has been here then." Ash commented, as the pair exited out the ship, marching out onto the cityscape outside. It was rather loud, especially for as low tech that this place seemed to be. Rather intresting. "Nope, never had the chance to come here. I was busy training when that first operation came through here." Which was certainly true, Ash didn't know how else to put it, she never had the chance to stop by here. As the pair would begin their little tour, there was some conflict within the newly minted jedi knight that was brewing. Ever since that one night in med bay, Tycho hadn't mentioned it again. A small part of the woman wondered if maybe he had reservations, maybe he didn't want to get involved with her after all.

Then again, Tycho had been married before, so maybe this was all a little much for him. Ash kept this at the back of her mind of course, after all, emotions were nice, but letting them sit and stew like this wasn't very jedi like. She could at least enjoy being in the company of a dear friend if nothing else. "So, where is our first stop?" Ash asked, having to stop herself from taking Tycho's hand, and made it look like she was stretching her arm instead. She had to remind herself that this was still a radical change for them both. He had thought her dead up til a week ago, so even though five years worth of feelings were wanting to make themselves known, the proper thing was to just wait until it was the right time.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Exiting the ship he nodded. Then yes of course she had not been here. While he took part in the operations that took place she was off training. Which is of course just as important, "Well. Now you are here and can explore to your hearts content." He noted. Wondering where to take the Jedi to first. There are a lot of options. Making the task of choosing a bit difficult.

The General looked around the buzzing landing pad. Even at the spaceport people were rushing about. And boy was the spaceport packed with people. It made him wonder how packed the streets will be. Judging from all the noise. Very packed.

While the General was feeling a bit conflicted. He wanted to be with Ash. But he questioned his ability to keep her safe. He had been married before and lost both his wife and child. If the same happened to Ashlynna.. Tycho forced the thoughts away. The man wanted the Jedi to be with him and himself with her. But how and when to show it. That was one thing to show when the time is right.

Stepping to the edge of the busy street the General looked up and down wondering which way to go. Of he remembered correctly there was the one main temple and a few other smaller ones. Smirking a bit Tycho replied as he pulled Ash close to him by wrapping a arm around her waist, "There is a small temple near here I can take you to first. If you like." He will say to her, bringing his head close to hers so Ash can hear him through the noise. Plus it was Tycho's odd little way of showing some affection without making it obvious to others. Surely the Jedi will catch on to it.

@Algarus

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

Ash threw a smile back to Tycho as he mentioned she had free roam of the city, she wondered if he would really be up for that. "Careful Tycho, might drag you on an all day shopping trip if you keep making promises like that." There wasn't a chance of that happening, Ash didn't like shopping at all; except for repair parts, that was fun. The pair came to a halt, as Ash was a tad in front of Tycho, trying to get a feel on the city; though it was a little hard doing so within the confines of a spaceport. Ash closed her eyes and reached out with the force, getting a feel for the planet as a whole, sensing that the force was alive and well within this world. She found that rather remarkable, given how desolate the world seemed from above, and yet here was proof that life flourished in the most unlikely of places.

She sensed only a small amount of the conflict with her close friend, but she dared not pry into it; the force should never be abused in such a way after all. Ash felt Tycho wrap an arm around her waist, causing her to open her eyes, as a bolt of electricity slammed into her. This was a pleasant surprise. She could feel his breath on the back of her neck, as a slight shiver worked through her system. Whatever game he was planning, it was working; what a jerk. Ash cautiously put her hand over his, understanding where they were going, and weither or this was going to be an actually 'date' or not. "I think I'd like that." Ash whispered back, leaning into Tycho just a tad. Oh Ash caught onto it alright, now the only question was where this would go next.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho smiled as Ashlynna agreed with going to see the small temple first. It will be a good start to their trip at least. Removing his hand from her waist seeing that she got the message that the rebel officer wanted her to stay close to him, he instead held her hand as the man led the way to the temple.

Tycho found navigating through the crowded streets to be rather easy for the most part. Some politely moved out of the way while others refused to move.

"Well it certainly is more lively than the last time I was here." The man noted as he looked down to Ashlynna, "If you.. Want to do some shopping there is a market we can stop at too." He told the Jedi. Well he is not sure if Ashlynna is one of those types of women that like to do some shopping while visiting a planet.

Coming to a stop at the corner of the temple the General took a look at the entrance. Luckily there is not a crowd of people waiting to get inside. Infact. There is no one. Except for perhaps a few citizens or tourists like themselves walking in or out, "Looks like we missed the temples busy hour. You will be able to see everything in there without a crowd of people blocking your view."

@Algarus

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

A nervous laugh escaped through her lips, as she took the generals had in hers. It just felt...right, there was no other way to say it. If he wanted her to stay close, that's what he would get, as the pair were temple bound now.

"I imagine it would be, this place isn't a warzone anymore." She grinned, taking a glance at the market, and some of the unsual wares that were being peddled about. She glanced back up to him and gave a small shake of the head. "I'd rather not. I'm saving up for a new deflector shield relay on my fighter." Not to mention she didn't have anywhere to put things that she bought, coupled together with the fact she didn't like shopping. "I got all I want right here." She added, looking away so he wouldn't catch the blush that swiftly followed in her wake.

Arriving outside of the temple, it seemed that it wasn't as busy as Tycho might have feared. Which was fine with her, they could use the alone time, there was still alot they had to catch up on. "Well that makes it easier, why don't you show me around? Heck, at this rate you probably know more about the order than me." Which was probably true, being out of the loop for five years was....well Ash was pretty far behind on the happenings of the world.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho shrugged when Ashlynna turned down his offer about taking her to the market, "Alright. If you say so." He will reply. What she said next? Well that was a bit of a surprise but also wasn't.

Now his knowledge about the Order? The General does not have that much knowledge besides what he heard when around the Grandmaster or another Jedi who has a lot of knowledge. Even then if they were talking about it at a bad time.. It is safe to say it went in one ear then out the other. The General chuckled a bit as he led the way to the temple entrance, "I uh... Do not know much. Some. But not much I'm afraid. Didn't always pay attention." The man admitted to Ashlynna as he led the way into the small temple.

Stepping into the building it was safe to say that Tycho was surprised by the sight. The last time he was here this temple was in shambles. And now it looks like nothing had happened, "Kriff... This is gorgeous." He admitted as the rebel officer looked around, "This was in ruins the last time I was here." He told Ashlynna as he looked down to her.

@Algarus

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

"You've been leading the way for the last five years. Don't give me that." She smirked, nudging him with her elbow, snickering at his comment about not paying attention. "Well, the important part is that you tried." She relented, though she was still pretty sure that Tycho was more aware of the state of the order than herself. But that honest was part of what drew her towards him, among other things of course. Moving into the temple, Ash found herself awestruck by the iconography on display. The decadent statues and tapestries that decorated the site caught her eye. "Oh wow." She muttered, taking a moment to drink in the scene before her. She has never seen another jedi temple, especially not one that was this ancient. Ash glanced back up to Tycho, a sly grin coming across her face. "Well, now because of you, we have this." She stated, knowing Tycho would probably try and dismiss this compliment. She was tempted to lean in closer, but decided against it. They were taking it slow, no need to let her emotions get the best of her. She needed to keep those temptations at bay, else she'd open herself up for potential danger; bother for herself and him.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho looked down at Ashlynna. Did he feel that he deserved the praise? No he did not feel that. But the man did appreciate it. The rebel officer smiled a bit, "Thank you Ash." The man said quietly. The General did want to do more than just thank her verbally. But they are taking it slow. And well he does not want to come across as a softy. Well mostly it is because they are taking it slow.

Looking around from where they stood in the small temple the General gestured to some artifacts, "Go take a look at thoughs. They had those hidden from the cult that were here. I believe they are of some importance to the Order." He told Ashlynna as the man led her over to the objects encased in a protective glass case to prevent the items from being stolen. The General has no idea what these objects are or just important they are. But there is a chance that Ashlynna does.

@Algarus

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

It's funny that Tycho thought Ash might know what the artifacts would be, because frankly Ash didn't know what the hell she was looking at. It looked like some parts of an old stone table, perhaps an ancient lightsaber, and...something that vaguely looked like a broken holocron. "Huh, I'm not sure what this stuff is, but it looks really old." Ash was probably not the embodiment of the order, she understood some of the history and what not, but something like this...well, she didn't really know what to make of it.

Still, she didn't want to seem ungrateful, he had taken time out of his day just for her. "I'll be honest, I'm not too keen on the history of our order, well, not as far back as this." She commented, giving the old relics a hard look, before spinning back to face the General. She smiled at him for....probably the umpteenth time. "Do you know much about the jedi Tycho? Like...about what it is we do?" He probably knew more about the roster and organization's status, but did he know about what their purpose was? If nothing else, she could give him a brief rundown.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho pondered on the question that Ashlynna asked him. In all honesty. The General does not know much about the Jedi or what they stand for. Yes, he has an idea or two. But that was just it. Ideas. Nothing more.

The man looked from the displayed artifacts to her, stepping to the side so some other people can take a turn to look. Guiding Ashlynna away he shook his head, "Honestly Ash. I do not know much about the Jedi. Even before joining the war. I knew they existed after meeting a bloke who used the force to bring his cane back to him after some soldiers knocked it away from him. But I never took the time to learn about the Jedi or what they do or stand for." The man admitted. If there was one excuse as to why he never took the time to learn about the Jedi. It was because Tycho was too busy playing soldier.

Between battles, writing reports, training and whatever else took up his time. There was no space left for studying. But it is never too late to learn a thing or two.

"Do you mind giving me a rundown?" He will ask as the two stood in the small temple.

@Algarus

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

She was a tad surprised to hear that Tycho knew next to nothing about the order. She had thought she told him about it, but perhaps she was wrong. She smiled, taking him by the arm as she would find a small stone bench and sit him down. This was going to talk awhile, not to mention there were all sorts of people about. "Well, where do I start...." Ash muttered, leaning on Tycho's shoulder, as she stared up at the ceiling, before looking the handsome general in the eyes. "Jedi are an old order of scholars who learned that they could affect life with...their own will power." She began, smiling as she wrapped her arms around Tycho's. "They swore that this power was to be used to help all life in the galaxy, that they would use it responsibly, to protect and serve those who lacked it. That was the first jedi order, least what my master once told me."

Ash set her head on his shoulder, pressing against him. "But this code came along with rules, forbidden attachments, emotions, that we must look beyond ourselves and our needs for the greater good of the galaxy, for it's people." Her smile faltered, as she glanced back up at the general, wondering if she could let him go again, like she had before five years ago. She cared about him, deeply, no one else knew the depths that her past life had driven her to, no one else had known her in her own life. "Tycho...my code as a jedi...it doesn't want me to have this. To have you." She stated, reaching up and cupping his chin in her hand. It bothered her to think about normally, and it was practically killing her now. "It makes me feel conflicted in times like this. I don't want to have to chose between the two of you."

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho listened intently as Ashlynna began to explain to him the basic rundown of the Order after the two took a seat. So that they were out of the way of the other people in the temple. He figured that even with the rundown that there will be a lot that the woman next to him will have to explain.

Ok maybe he has heard other Jedi explain it in a similar fashion and he had failed to commit it all to memory.

As Ashlynna leaned against him, he put his arm around her shoulder. Continuing to silently listen. Wait what ? There was no way that the officer could let her go again. Tycho has no idea what he would do if he lost Ahlynna again. No. He can't let her go.

Turning a bit to face her the man for once struggled to form words. He began to talk but stopped himself. How should he handle this? The man struggled but one look good look at her and he knew what to say, "Ash.. I think you can commit to the Order and the Codes.. As well as what you wish to happen in your personal life.. If it is about you going down what the Order calls the Dark path.. I think that is impossible to happen to you. You are too caring.. Good hearted person to do that." The man paused for a second or two, gently holding her hand in his as he took another brief pause as he swallowed a few times to calm down his nerves, "Will you marry me Ash?" He had been wanting to ask her that question for months... No longer than just months. But just couldn't find the right opportunity to ask. However now felt right.

@Algarus

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

She knew he wouldn't understand. She couldn't expect him to, the life of a jedi...it was a sacrifice. Yes you could move things around with your mind and do cool things with a laser sword, but it was so much more than that. She only hoped he could learn to see things her way, but that was highly unlikely.

She hadn't heard him at a loss for words in a while. Clearly her words struck him more than she had intended to. The realization caused her to frown, though that sadness was quickly washed away by his following words. He truly believed her to beyond the reach of the dark side, beyond the corruption that it held. She wished that was true, but deep down she knew it was true. Did he truly think so highly of her? Oh, what a foolish man she had fallen for. "My sweet Tycho..." She muttered, but she was soon struck by what he followed up with. Marriage? Here? Now? Ash felt several emotions at once slam into her, confusion, joy, fear, excitement, with just a touch of frustration. She stared at him, tears welling in her eyes, knowing just how much this meant for him. "T-Tycho....I..." A few tears broke through, most of them happily shed. "I....I will but, not now. I..." Ash laughed, swiping at her eyes with her free hand before trapping Tycho's hand with her own. "I know you still love your wife, and I want you to know I don't want to replace her Tycho. I would never want to do that to you." She spoke, still smiling as she drew closer to the man. "I'll let you know when I'm ready, but...I need to find myself with the order before I spread my commitments." She kissed him on the nose, looking him in the eyes. "But don't ever think I'm not in love with you." She whispered, meeting his lips with her own. For the five years of her journey through the stars, she had never not thought of him, other than the codes she followed, he was the only other guiding light in her life. The thought of losing him again, she didn't want to even entertain, but she knew that deep down it might come to that. She could only hope to the force that would never happen, maybe she could find happiness as well as living out her duties.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

When Tycho saw the tears the General wondered if he had said something wrong. Yes! She said yes... Well of course not right now. The man held back the chuckle to avoid upsetting her, "Ash.. Don't think that you are a replacement for my previous wife. Because you're not." He paused for a second, "I love you for who you are. Everything about you." Leaning down Tycho kissed the top of her hand. He nodded in understanding at what the adorable woman had to say next, "I will wait for as long as you need."

The man chuckled as she kissed his nose, "You have no idea how much I am in love with you, Ash." As the two's lips met reality seemed hit him.

There are other people around them! And they are staring. That is worse!

Time to leave!

"And.. There is some other places to show you." Tycho will say as he quickly got to his feet. Helping Ashlynna up the General quickly guided her out of the temple.

@Algarus

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

Oh she knew she wasn't a replacement, but it was still sweet of him to take her feelings into account. Her face was starting to ache from all the smiling now. It was nice to have someone who valued you for who you were. They were both reformed criminals, trying to just find something worthwhile in this life. Hopefully they had found it with each other, if the order would allow for that. In classic Ash fashion, it hadn't clicked with her that she and the general had garnered an audience with that marriage announcement. She merely smiled like an idiot at the man, before the reality of the situation began to settle in.

A bit of color came to her cheeks, as she could only snicker at what was occuring. Silly her. Tycho seemed to have some place he wished to show her, and Ash saw no reason to delay it. Raising to her feet with his hand in hers, Ash needed little convincing to come with the general. "Other places?" She smirked, as she was being lead out of the temple. Now this was a pleasant surprise. "Where am I being whisked away to now?" She teasingly asked, maybe even skipping a little as the pair vacated the temple and moved to locations unknown. Ash could always peak and spoil the surprise, but firstly that was wrong, and secondly it was more fun not knowing.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho could hear people chatting or whistling as the two left the small temple they had been visiting. The General figured that the two should leave before they draw too much attention.

"I thought that you would like to see the main temple that was rebuilt after we kicked the occultists out of here." Tycho told her, "Out of all of them I heard it is the one that was rebuilt that the Jedi have been going to for training." Tycho paused, "Well out of the ones here." Unfortunately to get there meant having to navigate through the market place. Which right now was almost like a sardine can with all the people packing into the small area to see what the vendors are selling.

The man pulled Ash close to him to avoid losing her in the crowd. Which seemed to only get bigger as the two will make their way through.

One particularly dense group of people caused Tycho to move the two of them aside to let them past, "We'll let this group get past." He told the Jedi. The two still have quite a distance to walk in order to reach the temple he is taking her to now. But Tycho is sure that Ashlynna will enjoy every bit of it.

@Algarus

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

Ash snickered at the small cheers they had garnered as they left the temple, seemed that the onlookers approved of the two's relationship; though something told her the grandmaster wouldn't think the same. "Oh, you mean the cult that you helped drive out?" She asked, keeping close to the general as the pair hurried along on the street. "Sure, I'd love to see it!" Especially since she was probably going to start training padawans soon enough, the order was in need of masters after all. That was if they would allow her near padawans after all.

The crowd only served to drive the two closer together, which she didn't mind at all. Pressing against a wall, she waited for the crowd to funnel past them, though she found it rather sweet he was trying to get her readjusted to the life she had been so detached from. She was a tad surprised at the number of people that were trying to funnel past them , but given this was a populated planet, she couldn't have been to surprise. "Surprised you aren't be swarmed with adoring fans, the handsome General Tycho having single handily saved them." She teased, knowing it would only embarrass him a tad. She had to poke at him now and then, he took himself too serious so often.

@Nommie