Monument Plaza - Menrai Mountain, Coruscant
The famous Monument Plaza, one of the gems of Coruscant, is placed atop one of the original mountains of Coruscant; the peak of Menrai Mountain. The crater-like park is surrounded by nothing but blue skies, but if one were to climb to the safely guarded lips of the crater, they could look down over the growing city beneath them. To many, the thought of touching the Corusca gem, embedded in the shrine at the top of the mountain, one can find eternal serenity. This park offers not only the chance to touch the mountain, but also to see its collection of statues, a large attraction on its own. Private security officers control access to the TRAM station, and make sure that everyone leaves the park at closing time.
Tai returns Moira's smile, his hand resting upon her cheek. "Moi... I know. Even from the mistakes we make in our lives, we're still growing... learning." Gazing into her eyes, he feels a slight blush on his cheeks growing. "But I promise not to come into your room in the middle of the night to wake you up... well, ok. I won't unless I'm desperate."
Ashton emerges from the tram, head slightly bowed as he makes his way up the path to a certain point. There is a ledge just above where he stops, and he looks up toward it for a moment. No, best he didn't jump up to his favorite meditation spot, despite the fact that it has the best view. Not that many of those present would be surprised, but he wasn't much up for displays today. Instead, he leans up against the rocky wall, and faces the west, focusing on the point where the sun has already set. He doesn't seem to have seen Tai and Moira yet, but its probable that he knows they are there.
"I did say, 'anytime you need me,' after all. So I ought to be prepared for late night visits. Though I really appreciate the consideration for my sleep- not waking me up because you've stubbed your toe would be greatly appreciated. However, if it's important, please don't hesitate." Moira, by now, is smiling again. "Feel any better?" she asks. "And, if you need help with that guy, and I can be of assistance, I will offer it. That is, assuming he decides he wants help." As Ashton's usually hard to detect via the Force, it's not until her eyes spot him that she reacts. "Tai," she says. "Ashton's here. Think we ought to go say hello?"
Glancing in the direction Moira indicates, Tai hesitates for a second before nodding. "Normally he would approach us... however I haven't seen him in several days. Perhaps he's been busy and could use our company." Why would Ashton want to hang out with loser Padawan anyway? Hah. Standing up, Tai offers his hand to Moira to help her up. "Just remember, next time I break a nail, I'm coming to you and crying on your shoulder until you feel pity for me." There's a smile on his face, teasing, but undoubtedly he'll be doing that as well, simply because it's the way he is.
Ashton glances up as intentions are directed his way. His less-than-happy mood brightens just a bit as he sees the pair of padawan, and a small smile does cross his face as he straightens slightly. He waits for the pair to pick their way toward him.
Taking the hand, Moira stands. A grin spreads across her face, and she replies in a cheerful voice. "Feel free, Tai. I've got two shoulders, which ought to be plenty." Now standing, the girl begins making her way to the Knight, Tai in tow.
Tai is thus dragged behind Moira as the smaller woman pulls him by his hand towards where Ashton is. Chuckling at her energy for it, he himself picks a little up. Perhaps the small blonde is a contagious entity. Approaching the knight, he takes the opportunity to speak to him first out of the pair of Padawan. "Evening Ashton, how goes?" So informal, then again, they are out of the complex.
Ashton nods slowly in greeting to Tai. "Peaceful, for once..." he notes, raising an eyebrow at Tai. The humor behind his eyes says what he doesn't vocalize. Peaceful with Tai out of trouble. He doesn't bring up the matter of the bar fight on Corellia. He was there as an observer only. He smile widens just a bit as he turns to Moira. "I hear you are advancing through your studies..." he nods to Tai as well. "You too, Tai. I hear you're completing the creation of your lightsaber."
Moira the contagious disease. Well, perhaps, but hopefully being infected isn't so bad. "Yes, s..." Moira cuts off the 'sir' just in time for it to become an elongated 's.' "Ashton. Thank you." she finishes. Should she get into what's going on with her studies? Well, no...seems like he has an inkling of what's going on. And if he wanted to know specifics, he would ask. She turns her head instead, to look at Tai.
Tai smiles at Ashton and nods, "Indeed... I believe Master Phanton will be overseeing me during the quests and what not... I am anticipating it warily." His words are rather wise for something Tai would normally say; perhaps old age is catching up with him. "Indeed though, it is nice that it's peaceful... a quiet opportunity for once."
Ashton shrugs only slightly, "I think you'll do just fine. I'm kind of interested in seeing what kind of lightsaber a quiet, studious type like you constructs." He flashes a comical grin as he remember what Tai /used/ to be like. He then nods to Moira. "Speaking of which... you are getting to the point where you can start thinking about constructing your lightsaber. Of course, I'd like to work with you on some training with the one you have been practicing with."
Constructing her own? The girl blinks a few times in surprise. The old wash of worry is gone, thanks to some serious thinking on the subject of weapons in general, but she definitely wasn't expecting it to be, well, so soon. "Um, of course. I, err...well, sure. Is there a specific time you want me to find you, to work with you?" After the surprise wears off, she's fairly concise about what she has to say. Thank goodness- otherwise Moira would keep them there all day.
Tai quirks an eyebrow at Moira and smiles at her with a swelling of something in his chest, perhaps it's pride at her accomplishments. Odd he doesn't feel them for his own, but for hers. "That's exciting Moira... I'm truly impressed by your growth and improvement." Looking back to Ashton now, the Padawan continues to have a quirked brow for whatever reason.
Ashton chuckles as he picks up on Moira's surprise. He crosses his arms casually and maintains his smile, but the vocal tone changes. "I know you're apprehensive about it, but when you are trained with your lightsaber, it helps you to focus and attune yourself to the Force. The creation of your own lightsaber will test your connection to the Force. Your continued training with it will only make your link to the Force stronger, and not just in combat." And that's it. Lesson over and his vocal tone returns to a more normal state, almost brightening. "So you guys up here celebrating Tai's birthday?"
"His what!" Moira exclaims, turning to fully look at Tai. "Tai! You didn't tell me. Happy Birthday!" The lightsaber, saber practice, and saber construction are forgotten in the birthday discussion, probably only to be thought about later on. "How old are you? And goodness, I didn't get or make you anything..."
Tai blinks while looking at Ashton as he reveals the statement about his birthday. Furrowing his brow, he suddenly chuckles. "It is, isn't it... I'd honestly forgotten with being busy all this time. In fact this happens every year I think with me forgetting." Looking at Moira, he blushes very slightly. "I'm 20 now... and you don't have to do anything special for me Moi." He offers her hand a gentle squeeze. "Just the fact that you care is enough."
Ashton chuckles. "Well, I think with your training, it's no surprise you forgot. Truth be told, I only knew about it because you got a communication from some friend you had when you were on Ossus. It's in your quarters." He raises an eyebrow, glancing at Moira. "Well, hey, you two probably have some celebrating to do. I've got to get back to the temple." He pulls away from the wall. "You guys have fun..."
The girl turns to look at the Knight, offering him a smile. "Thank you, Ashton. I hope your business goes well." Moira leaves her attention on the full-fledged Jedi, respectfully, until he's gone. Then she turns to Tai, continuing on her train of thought. "Of course I care, Tai. Hey! Do you know where Kastanje and Cerin are? I bet they'd want to wish you a good birthday, as well." She can see how he forgot, as well, so she leaves the topic of Tai's memory alone.
Tai nods to Ashton, "Have a pleasant evening Ashton... and thank you for remembering for me." He also waits as the knight leaves before turning and looking at Moira. For a moment he stares at her, then actually closes his eyes to concentrate. "Kastanje is off planet I believe... and Cerin is in training and will be for quite awhile." If he could sound disappointed, he might. But that's not an option for him so he merely continues to smile at Moira.