The Champion listened closely to what his spouse told him, scooting even closer to where they were sitting on the same side of the bed. Even though they had gone through harrowing circumstances before, Aria was right: this was terrifying. He wanted to assure her that they could push through this, but she shushed him with a hand and continued to tell him that her fears weren’t all about the operation they were undertaking. There were a few times when he had wanted to tell her that he WOULD get over this no matter what he had to do, but a small part of him laughed at the idea of “getting over” what was building. He chuckled at her apology, motioning for her to draw closer as he told her:
“I love hearing what you have to say. That’s how we became best friends in the first place, remember? Going on walks that lasted suspiciously way too long and people thinking we were…well, you know.” When she was next to him, he took the liberty of placing an arm around her shoulders, kissing her forehead as he gently leaned against her, their breathing and the low hum of the slip space drive the only audible sounds(well, the hounds too, but they breathed surprisingly quiet when they were asleep). In some strange way, this was the most peace they had earned in…what, since their honeymoon? Yerbol didn’t want to ruin the ambiance that had settled into their room, but he did want to address what Aria had confessed to him.
“I don’t know what we’re going to find out there, but if you think that I’m going anywhere, you are sorely mistaken.” The hand attached to the arm around her shoulders began to gently draw a circular pattern on her bare shoulder as he continued:
“And no, I’m not going to just ignore what’s happening to me. I need some kind of guidance.” A sigh.
“You know what’s weird? I kinda miss Renso in situations like these. You still hear him in your head every so often? I do. His voice was one that you don’t easily forget…or maybe it was just the profundity of his wisdom. Or both.” A question then came to his mind that he voiced aloud:
“I haven’t even mentioned this to the Elders, have I? Probably should. Who do you think would have the best insight to…this?” He motioned with his other hand in a nebulous motion, which ran parallel to how vague his “condition” was. 
“I can reach out to them on Alderaan. Maybe whoever I talk to can give me some advice on how to handle this…exhaust.” He then added:
“You know that example about being angry wasn’t about me, right? That was more of an illustration to show that people who don’t have a connection to the Force don’t have to worry about massive consequences. I guess I’m just…” He paused, trying to search for a better word, but then settled on the one that first came to mind:
“Tired. But it’s more than that. Like I said before, it’s like the Force is becoming too much of a burden to handle and I just want to let go…of the Force! Not my life, mind you. I’m here as long as you’ll put up with me.” He looked down at her with a warm smile, free hand caressing her cheek.
“I love you, Ari. I promise you that whatever happens, I will always be there for you.” He could almost hear Roan’s silent nod of approval from the afterlife. 
“But here I am, talking up a storm like you said you were earlier.” He leaned against the headboard, shifting his weight before resuming: 
“How do you like being a Master so far? Not too bad, right? Your apprentice seems a bit more…teachable than mine.”