Private A Dantooine Dawn, a Fuzzy Mind

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Temple Gardens
Lightsaber: X | Talisman: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Valery Noble

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Roman awoke with a jolt, a vivid nightmare shocking him awake. His head throbbed, a dull ache that resonated with the lingering effects of the previous night's festivities. The Jedi Ball, a grand affair meant to foster camaraderie and celebrate the Jedi, had proven a tad too potent for the young Padawan. He was sprawled amongst a collection of shrubbery, twigs and leaves poking at his tunic and skin. Roman, with a groan, disentangled himself from the improvised bed, rolling to the cool grass of the temple gardens.

His mind, still clouded with the remnants of a hazy evening, struggled to recall the events of the night. The last clear image was of him introducing Aiden to the blue-tinted drinks, encouraging the other Padawan to try more, for some incomprehensible reason. Roman winced. That was utterly foolish. He scanned the garden, searching for Aiden, hoping his companion had managed to stumble back to his quarters. Aiden was nowhere to be seen, leaving Roman to assume he was the only one who had failed to make it to his bed before succumbing to the effects of the Jedi Ball's celebratory refreshments.

With an unsteady stride, Roman made his way towards the main temple building. Spotting a weathered stone bench, he made a dash for it, a wave of nausea washing over him. He slumped onto the cool stone, the events of the previous night slowly creeping back into his weary consciousness. "Oh no…" he muttered, the realization of his actions dawning on him like the rising sun. He remembered his unfortunate encounter with Thurion, the embarrassment he had inflicted upon himself in front of Valery and Kahlil. The memory was a bitter pill to swallow. An uncharacteristic lapse of judgement, a foolish display of immaturity in front of his peers. Roman had always strived for composure, for the controlled demeanor expected of a Jedi Padawan. How could he have been so careless? What had possessed him?

Roman knew that if his recollections were even partially accurate, he would be facing a series of apologies later that day. But for now, he needed to quell the swirling discomfort in his stomach and regain some semblance of composure. The Jedi Ball might be over, but its repercussions were just beginning to unfold.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Keshian Dress

Valery had been wandering the temple gardens, drawn by the peaceful serenity of the early morning. The soft hum of the nearby fountains and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze were a welcome reprieve from the lively chaos of the Jedi Ball the night before. Though the event had been a success in fostering camaraderie and celebration, it had also left more than a few participants feeling... less than their best.

Dressed in a flowing, emerald-green dress that shimmered faintly in the morning light, Valery paused mid-step when her amber eyes fell upon a familiar figure slumped over a stone bench. Her brow furrowed slightly as she approached, the soft sound of her heels clicking against the stone path announcing her presence.

"Roman?" she called gently, concern threading through her voice. She stepped closer, noticing the weary slump of his shoulders and the slightly green tinge to his complexion. Her lips quirked into a small, sympathetic smile.

"Are you alright?" she added lightly, her tone warm and laced with a touch of humor. She crouched slightly to better meet his gaze, the emerald fabric of her dress pooling gracefully around her.

"Did you drink enough water?" she asked, her voice soft but with the practiced authority of someone who'd seen too many Padawans underestimate the consequences of overindulgence. She tilted her head slightly, her amber eyes searching his face for signs of dehydration or lingering discomfort. "And before you even try to downplay it, I can tell you're not feeling great."

Roman Vossari ​

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Temple Gardens​

Lightsaber: X | Talisman: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Valery Noble

​

Roman's stomach lurched. Breathe in, breathe out. The cool morning air, a blessed balm against the churning nausea, helped, just a little. He focused on the rhythm of his breath, the familiar technique of meditation a lifeline in this swirling vortex of self-loathing. He had to find some semblance of calm, he'd done this a thousand times before. Though now it felt… different. Like trying to meditate while simultaneously being pummeled with tiny, nauseating fists. Why, oh why, hadn't they advertised the morning-after effects of those potent Jedi Ball concoctions?

His name, soft and concerned, broke through the fragile peace he'd managed to construct. He kept his head down, wishing for the world to swallow him whole. Embarrassment, thick and suffocating, threatened to choke him. "Good morning, Master Noble… I'm fi--" The lie died in his throat, Valery's perceptive gaze had already seen through his feeble attempt at denial.

He raised his head, the morning sun a little too bright, a little too harsh. He leaned back against the cool stone, the weight of his actions pressing down on him. "I'm sorry," he mumbled, the words barely audible. "I'm never drinking again." The mortification was complete. The previous night's antics -- the encounter with Thurion, the ridiculous display in front of Valery and Kahlil -- were a fresh wave of nausea washing over him. He had failed. He'd let her down, again.

"How was your evening?" he managed, offering a weak gesture towards the space beside him on the bench. The words tumbled out, followed by an afterthought born of a sudden, sharp memory. "I don't think your husband likes me." The image of Kahlil's disapproving stare lingered, a stark reminder of the less-than-stellar first impression he'd made on a very important Jedi Master. He'd made a fool of himself, and he knew it would be hard to come back from that.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Keshian Dress

Valery's expression softened further as Roman finally looked up, his attempt at a brave front quickly faltering. She settled onto the bench beside him, the elegant fabric of her dress draping over the cool stone. Her amber eyes remained warm, offering no judgment, only understanding as he stumbled through his apology.

"Roman," she began gently, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I think most Jedi who attended the Ball have sworn off drinking at some point. It's practically a rite of passage." She chuckled softly, the sound light and comforting, hoping to ease some of the tension weighing on his shoulders.

Her gaze turned briefly toward the garden, her expression thoughtful as the morning breeze carried the faint scent of blooming flowers. "My evening was... lively," she admitted, amusement flickering in her tone. "And I wouldn't worry about Kahlil. He's protective by nature, especially at events like that. But he doesn't dislike you, Roman." Her eyes twinkled with reassurance as she looked back at him.

"What matters more is how you move forward. We all make mistakes, and it's clear you already regret last night. That's enough. Learn from it, and don't let it weigh you down." Her hand rested lightly on his shoulder, a grounding gesture meant to convey that she wasn't disappointed in him — not in the slightest.

"You're a good Jedi, Roman. A little hungover right now, but still good," she added with a teasing smile. Then, her tone shifted, becoming a touch more playful as she leaned back slightly. "But next time, maybe stick to that blue juice they had there? It's a safer choice."

Her lighthearted comment hung in the air, leaving space for him to process and respond without feeling the weight of his self-criticism too heavily.

Roman Vossari ​

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Temple Gardens​

Lightsaber: X | Talisman: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Valery Noble

​

Roman shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips despite himself. A rite of passage? The idea that everyone had sworn off drinking at some point filled him with a strange mixture of disbelief and grim determination. He'd felt utterly wretched, truly wretched, and the thought of repeating that experience was enough to solidify his vow. Never again. Still, a flicker of amusement sparked within him, the memory of his and Aiden's antics the previous night – ridiculous, yes, but also undeniably hilarious – surfaced, a small, defiant counterpoint to the mortification. Maybe Valery knew more about this "rite of passage" than he initially thought.

Valery's hand, a comforting weight on his shoulder, snapped him back to the present. Her sincerity was palpable, washing away some of the suffocating guilt. "You're right. I need to learn from it." he said, a newfound resolve hardening his voice. "I'll put my best foot forward now, especially with Master Kahlil." The thought of the disapproving stare still stung, he desperately wanted to make a better impression on her husband.

Her teasing comment about the blue juice brought a genuine laugh to his lips, a lightness he hadn't felt in hours. "Maybe that's what I should have done in the first place." he chuckled, the warmth of her words spreading through him. The simple fact that she'd called him a good Jedi, a title he sincerely strived for, resonated deeply. Valery's opinion meant the world to him.

Emboldened by her understanding, he decided to share a bit more of himself. "Have you… ever been in a similar situation?" he asked, a hesitant question born of a desire for common ground. "I… I only started drinking because… well, it felt like such a grand, romantic night, and I was alone. I kept wishing Anneliese was here to dance with me." The admission felt vulnerable, but in Valery's presence, he felt safe enough to be honest.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Keshian Dress

Valery's amber eyes softened further as Roman opened up, his vulnerability palpable in the gentle quiet of the garden. She listened intently, her posture relaxed but fully engaged, her hand remaining on his shoulder for support. When he asked if she'd ever been in a similar situation, her lips curled into a faint, almost mischievous smile.

"Oh, I've definitely been in similar situations," she began, her tone light but genuine. "Though one, in particular, comes to mind. A long time ago, I got... well, a little too carried during an undercover mission. We ended up at a cantina, and let's just say I had a bit too much to drink."

Her smirk widened, amusement flickering in her amber gaze. "Next thing I know, I'm up on a table, dancing in front of the whole crowd. Not my finest moment." She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head as if still embarrassed by the memory. "But you know what? I learned from it. That's what matters most."

Her gaze returned to Roman, warm and reassuring. "And Roman, you're already far ahead of where I was that night. You're reflecting, learning, and showing humility. That's what makes you a good Jedi."

When he mentioned Anneliese, Valery's smile softened, and her expression took on a maternal warmth. "She's crazy about you, Roman. I know her better than most — she's my Padawan, after all — and I can promise you she hasn't forgotten about you."

Valery's hand squeezed his shoulder lightly, grounding him. "She's been busy with missions, training, and all the responsibilities that come with her path. But she'll show herself again soon, and when she does, she'll be very happy to see you."

Her voice turned playful again, a sparkle in her eyes. "Just, uh, maybe skip the drinks when that moment comes. I doubt she'd want to pull you off a table mid-dance."

Roman Vossari ​

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Temple Gardens​

Lightsaber: X | Talisman: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Valery Noble

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"Really?" Roman accidentally blurted out, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. The image of Valery, usually so composed and elegant, dancing on a cantina table was unexpectedly… amusing. He quickly got over his surprise, Valery's words settling like a balm on his still-raw feelings. It was comforting to know that even someone as seemingly perfect as Valery had stumbled and learned from it.

"I know, I know." he murmured when she spoke of Anneliese, shaking his head slightly. The anxious thoughts, the creeping fear that Anneliese had moved on, were quieted by Valery's words. He knew, deep down, she was busy, that her devotion to the Jedi Order demanded everything of her. This separation was temporary, a small storm in their otherwise sunny relationship. Their connection, forged so quickly, meant this period felt extra hard.

A light chuckle escaped him at Valery's playful shift in tone. "I'll skip the drinks, I promise. She would be surprised I even let myself get to that point last night… so maybe don't mention this?" he suggested, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

He paused, then another wave of memories from the previous night washed over him, sparking a fresh question. "What was the deal with Thirdas? Is he always like that?" Roman asked, still a little bewildered by the intense young man's behavior. "I've met his father before. I didn't expect his children to be that intense..." he added, a hint of amusement laced with genuine curiosity in his voice.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Keshian Dress

Valery's laughter came softly, a melodic sound that matched the calming atmosphere of the garden. She tilted her head slightly, her amber eyes sparkling as Roman's playful grin spread across his face. "Your secret is safe with me," she assured him with a smirk. "But only if you promise not to bring up that cantina story of mine. Deal?"

She gave his shoulder a playful nudge before leaning back slightly, her expression turning thoughtful at the mention of Thirdas. "Ah, Thirdas..." she said with a chuckle and a shake of her head. "He's... intense, yes. But he's also fiercely loyal and dedicated to his family and friends. Once you get past his rough edges, there's a lot of good heart in there."

Her gaze turned skyward briefly, her tone softening as she continued. "He's a lot like his father in that way. Both of them can be brash, a little overwhelming at times, but they always mean well. It's just... how they show it that can catch people off guard."

Valery's eyes flicked back to Roman, her smirk returning. "I'm sure you handled him just fine, though. You're adaptable, and it sounds like you survived the encounter without too much trouble."

Roman Vossari​

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Temple Gardens​

Lightsaber: X | Talisman: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Valery Noble

​

He smiled at Valery, "Deal." Roman didn't know how he would keep this secret though. As soon as he saw Anneliese next, it would be hard to not joke about how they wished they could have witnessed such a rebellious act from the Grandmaster herself.

He felt better already; her presence was grounding, and her forgiveness for the previous night's antics brought a better sense of peace to him out in the gardens. He listened intently when she discussed Thirdas. "Rough edges..." Roman mumbled, "There were a lot of rough edges when it came to that mountain of a man."

"His father has only been kind to me, saved a few of us back on Bogan," Roman admitted. "I guess I didn't expect to be dragged out of the party for being just a little under the influence."

Roman leaned back on the bench, recounting how Thurion and his squad nearly took his head off, or at least that's what the threats sounded like. "I barely survived that encounter, I don't know if I would call that adaptable."

Roman paused for a moment, letting a moment of silence flow between them. He was comforted by her presence, yet he didn't want to say the wrong thing. Small talk was never his forte when it came to his superiors; he could talk for days with his peers, but this was different. "Soooo... How is the rest of the Noble clan doing? I've seen Aris—he's as tall as a tree now." Roman started to sweat again. Don't say anything wrong, you've messed up enough.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Keshian Dress

Valery's smirk softened into a warm smile as Roman spoke, her amber eyes lighting up with amusement at his comments about Thirdas. "Surviving Thirdas and his rough edges is no small feat, so give yourself some credit. He has a way of... keeping people on their toes."

As Roman shifted the conversation to her family, Valery's smile widened, her expression softening even more. "The Noble clan is doing well," she said, a touch of pride in her voice. "Aris, yes… He's grown so much. It feels like just yesterday he was a little boy wrapped up in his blankets, and now he's taller than me." She chuckled lightly, her gaze turning distant for a moment as she pictured her eldest son.

"Vera is as sharp as ever — always coming up with some new experiment or theory to explore. I think she'll rival some of the greatest Jedi scholars one day." A very strong hint of pride seeped into her voice. Vera, her little star, was their first and that still meant something to her.

The start of her finally having a family of her own.

"And Eryx…" Valery shook her head with a fond smile. "He's the little firecracker, always demanding my attention and keeping me on my toes. I wouldn't have it any other way, though."

Her gaze returned to Roman, and she tilted her head slightly, her tone softening. "If you haven't met the others, I'd love to introduce you sometime. I'm sure the kids would love you."

There was a pause before she added with a teasing smirk, "And if you ever need tips on dealing with Thirdas again, just let me know. I think I've gotten pretty good at it over the years."

Roman Vossari​

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Valery Noble

​

Roman took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. He loved the way Valery's smile lit up her entire demeanor, and he found himself hanging on her every word. The thought of having a family one day, just like hers, sent a wave of longing through him. The idea of little Vossaris running around, filled with curiosity and the spirit of adventure, seemed like a distant yet tantalizing dream.

"That would be great! I've only met Aris so far, but he spends most of his time around Zaiya." he said with enthusiastically.

As the conversation shifted back to his dilemma with Thirdas, Roman's expression turned serious. "Honestly, that man is a force of nature. I thought I'd seen everything while training, but he just has this… presence. It's intimidating," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But if you think you can help, I would really appreciate it. Especially if we have to cross paths again."

He looked back at Valery, his expression softening. "Thanks for being understanding. It means a lot."

Roman leaned back again, a small smile returning to his face. "And I would love to meet your family. Just let me know when! I think it would be amazing to spend time with you all." His laughter came easy, the idea filling him with warmth. "Who knows? Maybe they'll help me figure out how to handle Thirdas too!"

As he spoke, the sun cast a soft glow around them, the garden humming with life, giving Roman a sense of hope that, despite the turbulent waters he faced, there were brighter days ahead, perhaps filled with laughter and little lessons—just like family should be.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Keshian Dress

Valery's smile deepened as she listened, the warmth in Roman's tone bringing a lightness to the moment. She leaned back slightly, letting the sunlight wash over her as she folded her hands in her lap.

As Roman spoke about Thirdas, Valery couldn't help but laugh, her amber eyes sparkling. "Intimidating is definitely one word for him," she said, her tone light but knowing. "He has this larger-than-life way of commanding a room, doesn't he? But beneath all that gruffness is someone who cares deeply. It's just… buried a little."

When Roman expressed his excitement about meeting her family, Valery's smile grew even warmer. "You're always welcome, Roman," she said softly. "They'd love to meet you. Vera would probably bombard you with questions about every topic under the sun, and the triplets... well, they'd make sure you don't sit still for too long."

Her voice carried a warm sincerity as she added, "They're my everything, and I'd love to share that part of my life with you. Family has a way of grounding us, even in the chaos."

She tilted her head, her teasing smirk returning. "And who knows? Maybe they'll help toughen you up for your next encounter with Thirdas. If anyone can prepare you for him, it's the triplets."

With that, she settled back against the bench, her gaze sweeping across the garden. "You know, I think you're going to do just fine, Roman," she said softly, her voice carrying the confidence of someone who'd seen him face challenges and knew he was capable of far more than he realized. "Family, Jedi, life... you're stronger than you give yourself credit for."

Roman Vossari​

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Valery Noble

​

Roman nodded, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow as Valery spoke of Thirdas. "Yeah," he murmured, "larger-than-life is a good way to put it. Maybe… maybe he's just… lonely. I mean, the way he reacted that night… it wasn't entirely his fault. I was pretty agitated myself. Maybe we both just… needed someone to talk to."

He ran a hand through his hair, a self-deprecating chuckle escaping him. "I jumped to conclusions, I think. Probably misread the whole situation. Maybe he's got burdens he carries silently, like… like everyone else."

A flicker of empathy shone in his eyes, a sudden understanding painting itself on his features. He could almost picture Thirdas, alone in his quarters, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. The idea resonated with Roman's own experiences. Perhaps they were more alike than he'd initially assumed.

His smile warmed a bit. "If you or Master Kahlil ever need a babysitter, count me in." he declared, hoping to win a few points in her book. Realistically he didn't know how they did it, balancing the weight of the Order and all those kids they had. It was truly impressive. "I think I'd have a fun time with them." he said, although he didn't really know anything about caring for children let alone spending time with them. The closest he had to a younger sibling was Lysander, the brother of Cora. But he usually steered clear of the younglings at the temple. Maybe he needed to be hardened a bit by the chaos that is all the Noble children.

Roman watched as she observed the garden. Now that he was feeling a little less sick and a little less anxious, it really was remarkable. He truly loved this planet and all it had to offer. "I appreciate the kind words, Master Noble," he smiled at her. "I'll do my best to make you proud," he declared. He was happy she saw strength within him. Sometimes it felt like he was weak and not very useful, but if she saw it in him, that would be something that could give him hope that he would become the man he hoped to be.