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In this chapter Kyp talks with Tionne about his recent encounter with Terris Carol.

Chapter 3

Despite the fact that there was a war on and that he was having to work closely with Corran Horn, Kyp couldn't keep the smile from his face. He was presently walking the halls of the Jedi Temple bathing in the rush from his very recent exchange with Master Terris Carol.

It had started out innocently enough; if you consider being called a Sithly oaf, innocent. But the tension had soon eased and could have been cut with a wooden practice sword rather than a lightsaber. Each of them confessed a physical attraction; he thought she was sexy-she said he was 'pretty hot'. She had apologized for her outburst and complimented him as Jedi Master, though she thought his manners still needed work.

He had brought up Jaina; as a joke, yet she wanted to be sure that he wasn't still carrying a torch for her. As much as he now realizes he was kind of an ass to her, she was able to get him to open up even if just a bit. That meant something. He was beginning to think she meant something.

Exiting his reverie, Kyp noticed he had arrived at the entrance to the Initiate's Wing. It took only a moment for his mind to jump from 'how did I end up here?' to 'I wonder if Tionne is around.'

As he entered, he saw initiate Lens Eli sitting at a desk, furiously scribbling into a journal. It was an odd sight to be sure, because most journals were kept on data pad, but the boy writing on real paper.

"Good afternoon, Lens," Kyp said, doing his best droning impression of Corran Horn.

The young man glanced in his direction, but returned to his scribbling unabated.

Kyp stepped closer and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. Lens jumped at the touch, apparently startled.

"Stang!" Lens exclaimed, whirling to see who had intruded on his writing. "Can't you see I'm b-"

"Hello," Kyp said in a sing-song voice, waving a hand patiently at the boy's outburst.

"Oh!" Lens started, recognizing the Master and standing. His countenance quickly changed from annoyance to embarrassment. "Master Durron. Sorry about that. Definitely preoccupied. What can I do for you?"

"I'm looking for Master Tionne," Kyp replied, amiably. "Is she around?"

"Yeah," Lens said, eagerly. "She just started her rounds in the Crèche."

"Thanks," Kyp said, stepping past Lens and heading toward the Creche. It wasn't his favorite place. He liked kids well enough; he just didn't like babies. They were so small and dependent and smelly and floppy. And they cried. He didn't like that at all.

When he found Tionne, she was leaning over a small crib, speaking softly to a pink faced, dark haired baby boy.

The silver haired Master looked up as he approached and smiled warmly.

"Hello Kyp," she said softly. "This is a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I'm not really sure," Kyp responded with equally quite tone. "I just ended up here.

Tionne's smile became a knowing grin; which was odd because the demure Master did not often express such overt emotions.

"What are you grinning at?" Kyp asked, slightly unnerved.

"Well," she began. "It appears you've made your bed. Now you have to sleep in it."

"I am feeling tired, but I don't recall making my bed this morning. It's been hot, you know, even in the temple."

"You don't have to play dumb with me, Kyp," she said, shaking her head at his antics.

"Who's playing?" he retorted, before realizing his mistake. "Wait, that didn't come out right."

"It sure didn't," Tionne agreed, before taking him by the elbow and leading him from the nursery. "No matter, though. You're here about Terris."

Kyp knitted his brow in consternation not sure how to respond. "I'm feeling rather out of sorts, Tionne."

"I imagine you are. Terris is quite a force to be reckoned with."

"I've discovered that first hand," Kyp replied. "She basically flayed me alive right in front of Corran."

"I was afraid she would do something like that. She was quite angry with you."

Kyp gave a self deprecating smile. "Apparently with good reason. I wasn't very nice to her."

"No," Tionne said. "You weren't. There are better ways to court someone, Young Man. You could have just asked her out on a date."

Kyp huffed in amusement. "Am I that obvious?"

"You must be. Though Terris thought you really disliked her. She couldn't see past her own insecurities to think you might find her appealing."

"I just don't see how Terris could feel insecure," Keep protested. "The woman is gorgeous."

"That, in and of itself, could be why she's so defensive. Being beautiful doesn't always breed confidence in a person. As for Terris, she's always felt like she needed to prove herself. She wants to be known for her intelligence and skill above and beyond her physical attributes."

Kyp nodded in understanding. "A noble goal. But this isn't the Corporate Sector, Tionne. She wouldn't be advanced because of her looks without the accompanying knowledge and aptitude."

"True," the silver haired woman replied. "But it doesn't make her any less conscious of added attentions, both positive and negative, from Initiates, Knights, and Masters alike."

"Touche'," Kyp said.

They walked in silence for a while before Tionne asked: "So, how did it end?"

"A draw," Kyp quipped. "However, we decided to reopen negotiations later this evening in a more suitably, dare I say, romantic, setting."

Tionne patted his arm. "That is good to hear. Is it an official date?"

"It's not official because we aren't leaving the Temple. But, at least, we're past 'You're a jerk!' and 'You just can't take a joke.'"

Tionne chuckled. "Sometimes an immovable object needs an unstoppable force to remind it of its purpose. If my opinion carries any weight, I think the two of you could be good for each other."

"Of course your opinion matters!" Kyp replied, exuberantly. "And, I think so too. I just need to make Terris see things the way we do."

"I have an idea for a good first step," Tionne offered, sweetly. "It's guaranteed to win you some points."

"What is it?" Kyp asked, suddenly desperate to find ways to earn Terris' trust and goodwill.

"Apologize to Master Katarn."