All Stories are True

[Scherezade deWinter]

It had been little over a day since she'd said goodbye to Josh and Jason and had gone off to Felacat for her interview with the Knights Obsidian. Her mood was elevated; not even the few hours’ worth of time on the hyperlane managed to subdue it. She'd only made one stop along the way.

In her excitement, she had not called Josh as she'd said she would. Going to see him would've been better. She'd been given nearly a week to prepare before her activity with the Knights began, so there was plenty of time to go see her best friend. Besides, she'd sent him a message that there were over a hundred applicants present at the station, so maybe he wasn't expecting an answer from her before tomorrow anyway.

When she arrived on Kashyyk, the Sithling let her presence radiate through the Force, though she added a small nudge to it to alert those who didn't know her that she did not come with the intent of harm.

As soon as the Nutcracker settled on the ground, Madalena ran out of it, sensing for Josh.


[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He hadn't heard from her, and had to wonder if perhaps in this new reality for her, he wasn't as important as she had indicated. All of a sudden, she had just not contacted him anymore and while he worried for her welfare, the odds of something getting the better of her was very much unlikely. So when he did receive a message, while relieved, he knew he was going to be giving her a hard time.

Though when she would instead show up unannounced and radiate her presence, the Jedi Master would walk out of his quarters with Jason, knowing immediately it was her and that odds are, she was here for him. The two of them would walk to the hanger, looking around for her. Of course Josh already had quips prepared. He'd had a little while, after all.

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

She followed their presence and scent through the Force, letting it guide her as she broke into a run. As soon as Josh and Jason were in view, a huge smile spread on her face. She wanted to jump on Josh with a hug, but she made herself stop in front of them instead, producing a huge stuffed Porg toy. It was twice the size of Jason, and when certain parts of it were touched, it made those cute Porg sounds that the kid liked. As soon as his chubby hands grabbed it, Madalena flung her arms around Josh, hugging him.

"I did it!" she almost screamed with excitement, "I'm in! I'm a Knight! I start five days from now! And I was the first person they interviewed!"

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"Ah!" Jason cried out as he would wrap his arms around the large stuffed porg, and hug it tightly. The unexpected gift for Jason would bring a big smile to Jason's face, as well as to Josh's, who had completely brightened up upon seeing his son so happy. The moment he realized it made noises, Jason would immediately start doing what you would expect any two year old to do, and that was hit the buttons over and over again, which got a laugh out of Josh before he had to catch Madalena in a hug.

"Congrats~" He chirped as he would grin warmly. He was still quite happy and gracious that she had gone out of her way to consider Jason like that on her way back, but he was happy as well that she seemed to finally be getting somewhere in the CIS. "Why don't we go out somewhere to celebrate? I know a nice place on Naboo, it's my favorite steak spot."

Also a spot of ill memories, considering it was his, Shmi's and Jason's spot before... But he also knew that memories spoiled by abandonment couldn't just stop him from doing everything. That was a lesson that Scherezade had never been able to learn, and her failure to do so had hammered home even further the need to adhere by it.

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Madalena giggled as she saw the little kid's pure joy and happiness at the gift she had gotten him. She hoped it would be good enough to satisfy him for some time to come, since her ability to bring more surprised like that would be compromised for some time. Then again, he was only two years old, it was quite possible that two days from now he would be completely over his Porg possession.

She looked at Josh as he offered a steak house, and nodded enthusiastically. "Steak two day in a row," she said, "must be my lucky streak." She almost offered cocktails to go with the steaks as well, but then remembered her promise to herself from the previous day and said nothing about it.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Considering Jason's love for animals, odds are he would treasure it for some time at the least. The child was completely enamored with the stuffed toy and just sat there hugging it tightly, letting it make noises over and over again. It warmed Josh's heart to see it. Josh watched this with joy of his own, before turning and in a surprising move, would lean over and place a playful little peck on Madalena's forehead, which while a thanks was also just a bit of a tease too. "Thanks, Maddie" He spoke softly as he hugged her tight.

Though he would laugh when she would note that indeed, it was steak two days in a row. "Well, today's a special occasion, we can forget common sense for once, right?"

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

"Pfffft on you and your common sense," Madalena laughed, but yes. They were going to celebrate, and it was going to be awesome. "Come on Jason," she said to the kid, "you can bring your new Porg friend with you. Did you think about giving him a name?"

With a smile, she turned to Josh and motioned that they could leave.


[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Jason shook his head. He hadn't thought of it yet. "Before we head off, I need to grab something from my quarters, do you mind if we detour?" Josh would inquire toward Madalena as he would quickly start to head toward it, wanting to get it done and over with quickly. When they would enter their quarters, they would be greeted by a porg that had begun flying about the room when the door opened. "Hey Porgbert" Josh called with a laugh as the porg would land on Jason's head and stare down at the giant, stuffed version of itself.

"Lookie, Porgbert! It's a you!" Jason chirped as he held up the stuffed porg. Porbert would be startled by the sudden raising of it, letting out a cry as he would toddle off his head and soar about the room again. Josh would chuckle a bit as he would grab his datapad that he'd left here when he had sensed Madalena's presence. "Alright, lead the way. Let's head out. Your ship, then? Or mine?"

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Madalena nodded and followed the two to their quarters. Once inside, she only now realized she'd never actually seen it before. Somewhere inside her mind told her that she should question that, because they had been friends for so long, but another part of her laid that to rest. The memories had no way to shift for something like this, and so, they did not.

When she saw the real Porg, her mouth stretched into a smile, which then turned into a deep laughter as Porgberg plainly did not enjoy the toy she had gotten for Jason. Still, she did not care much. A few moments later and she held her hand out, the Porg flying to sit on it as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

Madalena carefully pet his feathers, and jumped her hand to let him know he could go back before the three headed off.

"Yours!" she answered Josh, "mine is too... I decided it's too bland. I need to buy some paints and stuff, paint some murals on the walls. Give the ship a bit of personality and soul, y'know?"

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Josh would wince a bit when she would touch Porgbert, as if remembering in that moment that Scherezade had already blown up a porg once. Maybe this was a mistake? He would never forgive her if she blew up Jason's pet. Jason would probably never forgive her either if she did. Luckily, she did not and Josh let out an exhale in relief as she seemed to handle Porgbert just fine. As well, to be fair to her... It was rare that anyone stepped into his quarter in the Rest. He just didn't tend to get visitors much, since he was usually quite busy. He was always out and doing something, after all.

Eventually, the three would be off, and Josh would nod his head as Madalena would choose The Final Dragon as her vessel of choice. "So you're saying you want to ride the Dragon?" Josh would pun, shooting her a cheeky grin in turn. It was an old joke, from his time back in the old Galactic Republic when many of it's members considered the young Jedi Knight at the time a bit of a heartthrob, a joke he found awkward at first but learned to laugh about it. It was the first time he'd referenced it since he had gotten married though. Or even in maybe a year or so before he got married for that matter. So maybe it was about time to bring this gag out again.

They would board the Dragon, and Josh would call for R4 to set course for Naboo as Porgbert had found himself nestling on Jason's head when they were leaving. They didn't tend to leave him behind if the whole family was going somewhere. Usually he'd stay on the ship. And stay in their quarters if they were spending extended time on Kashyyyk. As the ship would begin to soar, Josh would strap Jason in and sit down in the pilot's chair, strapping himself in.

"Sweetheart, do me a favour and make sure Jason's secure before we jump to lightspeed?" Josh called out back to Madalena.

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Madalena dramatically rolled her eyes at the mention of riding the Dragon. She had no witty comeback to it though, so she just let Josh have his silly fun with it. Once boarded, she followed the other two into the cockpit, seeing Josh strapping Jason in, which made her wonder why she had to make sure he's safe at all.

Shrugging, she checked the belt, and left the kid with a kiss on the forehead before taking her own seat. She wanted to ignore the seat belt, but Jason was looking, and she didn't want to set a bad example. She still grumped about it though.

She glanced back once to see Jason still sitting securely, Porgbert still on his head.

"I don't like it when you call me Sweetheart," she said quietly to Josh, making sure her words did not reach Jason. She was still smiling though. There were no dagger glares, no screams to stop. Just a simple request from a friend. "Maddy sounds better than that."

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Of course Josh was going to have her double check, why wouldn't he? This was Jason they were talking about, one check, two checks even, that wasn't enough before going into hyperspace.

Josh heard her grumbling about the safety belt and gave her a look. Yes, indeed, she needed to set a good example for Jason. She was an adult here, even if she didn't act like one much of the time, and Jason would be looking up to her for guidance, especially as he got older. She needed to set a good example if she was going to be an influence on him.

When she would express her disdain with the nickname, Josh would shrug his shoulders. "I like to rotate nicknames. I'll strike that one though" He answered calmly and openly. He could think of a couple hundred others. No big deal. Once they were all strapped in, the ship would activate hyperdrive and Josh would hold his breath as they rocketed forward. Eventually, they would stop as they had properly entered hyperspace. Josh finally let out a deep exhale and unstrapped himself as he allowed for R4 to take over again.

"So, anything you wanted to do in the meanwhile?" He asked Madalene as he would help Jason get unstrapped from his safety belt. Porgberg had held on tight, and was still on his head.

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

What she wanted to do in the meantime? Truth be told, when Josh said he knew a place, she hadn't expected they'd go planet hopping. His question about which ship to take should have tipped her off, but she was still luxuriating in the sense of her accomplishment with the Knights and making Jason so happy.

Releasing the stupid belt, she sighed as she tried to think of something. The trip wouldn't take too long, but there was still enough time they had to burn. Offering to cook was out of the question since they were going to eat. Sparring maybe?

[SIZE=11pt]"Would Jason be okay if we sparred while he was awake and able to watch it?" she asked Josh, "Exercise always helps work up an appetite anyway. It's sort of weird though, I was sure I was going to be ravenous by now since I haven't eaten since the meal we shared on my ship. My stomach's being so weird."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt][member="Josh DragonsFlame"][/SIZE]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

To be fair, there weren't much for eateries on Kashyyyk. Nothing that'd be appetizing to them anyway so when he mentioned steak, that probably should have tipped Madalena off in the first place. Either way, for now he left the subject of what to do in her hands. There was always sitting down for a movie, or Pazaak... Though he didn't really play Pazaak in the first place honestly.

She suggested sparring, and while he tilted his head when she mentioned it as indeed, Jason was there, he would shrug his shoulders. "Suppose I don't see why not" He spoke. "Just be warned, I spar in ways you might not be used to" He teased, firing her a cheeky little wink. He was curious as to if Scherezade had accommodated for the flirtatious mannerisms he'd exhibited on their first meeting, before he'd become more reserved around her. Madalena hadn't been surprised by the teasings before, so it made him wonder.

"I'm sure Jason will probably occupy himself anyway, but he should be okay to watch. Never tried before."

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

An hour and a half later, sweat was pouring down from Madalena. She had improved a lot since that first session they'd had not too long ago, her control over her dual sabers increasing. Josh was still better than her, obviously, but she was slowly starting to shrink that wide margin. She wasn't even fighting with her usual style, sabers in hands and knives in the air, but the sabers were important. She didn't really know why, but she knew they were.

When they finally stopped, Madalena opened her mouth to curse but covered it with a hand before the first dirty word came out in front of Jason.

"I didn't bring a bag," she sighed, realizing she was going to have to stay in the icky clothes until they were back on Kashyyk.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Josh had held back, but he hadn't needed to as much as the last session, which was good for her progress. But he still had a long way to go, despite her improving quickly. He doubted it would be long before she was fighting at a Knight's level though. She was learning saber combat fairly quickly, which was also good. Fire and Smoke fit her well.

Though he would quirk a brow when she almost cussed, staring a hole through her, but nodding his head when she would stop herself. Though he laughed a bit when she she mentioned she didn't bring her bag. "Sheeesh" Josh remarked, shaking his head. "And I suppose mine will probably be too big for you, huh?"

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

"I've seen your Jedi Robes," Madalena shot back with a grin, "it's not that they're too big. They're too... Baggy? I like clothes with more slink to them."

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"I prefer my clothing less tight, aye" He answered with a shrug. "If you're gonna be picky, then I guess you're gonna have to deal with the icky clothes, Maddie" Josh would remark with a chuckle as he would start to walk out of the training room, with Jason toddling behind him still holding the stuffed porg. "We can always throw them in the wash, if you can stand to wear something out of your usual zone for the time being" He would offer. Best he could do, really.

"Want pajamas?" He asked her, jokingly, shooting her a grin.

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

"Yeah, okay," she agreed. So apparently they had enough time to wash and dry her clothes. "I can wear whatever in the meantime."

Normally, she'd have commented that she could wear nothing in the meantime. There was no shame in her about her body, and she didn't really care too much about casual nudity. But there was a Jason there, and she didn't really know what- Actually. No. She was going to ask.

"What's your stand about casual nudity when Jason is in the room?"

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

They did have a few more hours left, so there was certainly time. A quickie in the wash would take about an hour at the most, and the dryer didn't take long either. The marvels of space-faring technology, right? But when Madalena would ask about nudity in front of Jason, Josh would stare at her with a look that almost screamed absolute terror. He would shake his head.

"With you, I wouldn't mind it that much if we were alone" He spoke calmly. He'd already seen her naked as Scherezade, seeing it again as Madalena wouldn't make a difference. But with Jason in the room, Josh was in complete dad mode. "With Jason, it's a no. Sorry."

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]