Thal-ion could tell she was really trying to get to know him more, but the words simply would not tumble out of her mouth smoothly.  He was not much better at such things; being somewhat of a recluse, but his Master had wanted him to learn more about diplomacy.  Those lessons had given him some ability to speak rather than trip over his words, but he was still getting use to such things.  Interaction with others was not easy for him.  Doing so often brought visions of them from the Force...the past, the present, the future...old friends long gone.  Yet, Thal-ion knew she was right in the attempt.  After all, they needed to understand one another, and while the training session together had been one filled with insight...it was only on that level.<br/><br/>"I am learning how to interact more with people," Thal-ion began.  "Master Tionne, she is my Master, says I am bit of a recluse, and did not think such a role was meant for me.  So, she began teaching me about diplomacy and dealing with others."  Thal-ion paused as he motioned for his companion to sit across from him.  Only after she did so would he continue his thoughts.  "Master Tionne said it was important for me to learn the fine art of diplomacy.  That not by combat alone was a Jedi always able to solve things.  I confess," he chuckled a bit, "I am still learning what she was talking about, but she assures me I have quite the actual talent for such things.  Me, the quiet and reclusive Jedi student.  The very idea of me negotiating with people seems rather silly, but apparently I read people well...a talent necessary for diplomacy."  Again, the young Jedi paused as he gazed into Alethea's eyes for a moment.  The gaze continued for several more heartbeats before he looked down at the glass of water he was holding.  "You might say she believes I have some true ability for such things.  Perhaps she is right...I do not know.  Of course, she also says I am way too hard on myself...and too modest.  She could be right about that as well," Thal-ion laughed more clearly.<br/><br/>He looked back up at her, and genuinely smiled.  Despite the disturbing vision moments earlier; he could not help smiling at Alethea.  It actually felt good to do so...and strange at the same time.  Certainly he could not recall ever smiling for any female before - except two:  his Master, and Lady Skywalker.  They were the only two who had ever been able to get him to smile...at least those that were women.  Even Lady Solo, her daughter, and other Jedi women at the Academy had not been able to get Thal-ion to smile.  It wasn't that he was cold towards them, but he simply liked to focus on his studies...which he found did not really include smiling and laughter.  He had been solemn even as a young boy, and a smile from him was rare.  To smile at Alethea so freely felt wonderful for reasons he could not explain.<br/><br/>"I suppose all of us must learn other things outside of lightsaber combat and using the Force," he added with a slight shrug.  "I bet your instructors taught you a variety of other lessons."