Private A Light Rekindled

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery stood in the quiet Council Chambers, her fiery eyes scanning the expanse of Coruscant's skyline as the city bustled below. But despite the peaceful atmosphere, her thoughts were heavy with the tragedy that had befallen the young Padawan she was about to meet. She had read Mere's file carefully — the loss of her Master, the encounter with the dark presence, and the permanent damage she had suffered. The serenity of the room was in stark contrast to the weight of the task ahead — an attempt to offer her support and help her get back on her feet. Valery knew these scars well, having gone through her own series of traumatic events.

Now, she hoped to use that experience to make a difference for one of the Order's promising students.

Turning away from the massive windows that overlooked Coruscant, Valery took a slow, calming breath, her thoughts lingering not just on the file she read, but also on the future — on the ongoing wars, and how they would play a role in shaping the young Padawan's life. Losing a Master was like losing a parent, and Valery understood better than most what further losses a war on two fronts could cause. She'd have to approach the situation carefully and figure out a way forward that would prepare the girl for what was to come.

Hearing the turbolift approaching, Valery set her thoughts aside and maintained a positive, welcoming smile. She knew the Padawan was likely nervous to come up to the Chambers, so she would do her best to feel warm, inviting, and welcoming.

Mere ​

 

[Mere]

Mere's stomach lurched as the turbolift raced up through the spine of the Jedi temple.

The Farghul grimaced, reaching to brace herself against one wall as her center of gravity was thrown violently to one side. Her other hand moved to clutch at her ear; her injury having seemingly affected her balance as much as it had silenced half of her world.

There is no emotion; there is peace

The code was as deeply-ingrained into her as her own name, but it seemed so far away now, like grasping at smoke. How could there be no emotion? Every time she closed her eyes she could still see what had happened, feel the fear surrounding her again. She could hear his cry, followed by that awful crunch and then...

The turbolift elegantly slowed to a halt and the doors slid open with a hiss; spread out before them lay the impressive council chambers and the entirety of Coruscant beyond. Since returning home, Mere had either been in medical or hiding in her quarters. This space felt so... big, so exposed. As one paw stepped across the threshold, she realized with a sudden pang of guilt that this was the first time since she had been inducted that she had entered the council chambers without Master Yun at her side. Instinctively, she found herself glancing to her left, as if to check that he was truly not there.

Her heart was racing, her large triangular ears tilted back against her head.

Every step into the chamber felt like sacrilege. How could she be here without him? Walk the halls he had guided her through? How could there be no emotion at a time like this? Was it even worth it anymore? Her tunic and robes felt like some ridiculous costume; a vicious mockery of a role she could never have truly hoped to fill.

Mere blinked, realizing with a sobering jolt that there was indeed a part of her that was hoping that the council would blame her for what happened. If she was thrown out, at least she could find some far-off corner of the galaxy where there were no reminders.

As she reached the figure of the woman silhouetted against the enormous windows of the chamber, the Padawan drew in a deep breath, shoving all those thoughts to the back of her mind. Her voice was small; smaller than usual. Mere had left on her mission a young woman, but now she felt more like a frightened child.

"I was summoned?"

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery turned slowly from the vast window, her fiery gaze softening the moment she laid eyes on the young Padawan standing nervously at the entrance of the Council Chambers. She could feel the turmoil, the weight of grief and uncertainty Mere carried within her, like a storm barely held back. Her heart ached for the Farghul, knowing all too well the depth of pain that came with such loss.

With a gentle, reassuring smile, Valery closed the distance between them. Her steps were slow, her presence calm and inviting as if trying to lessen the enormity of the room around them. The Council Chambers, with its grand view of the Coruscant skyline, could easily feel intimidating, especially when weighed down by grief and doubt.

"Padawan Mere," Valery greeted warmly, her voice steady and full of compassion. "Thank you for coming." She dipped her head respectfully and paused just a few steps away from the Padawan, her tone gentle as she gestured toward one of the seats positioned around the chamber. "Why don't you come in and sit down? There's no need to stand on ceremony here. I know this is difficult, and you've been through more than anyone should have to."

"Let's at least be comfortable."

Valery took a step back, giving her the choice to sit down or remain standing. Regardless of her choice, Valery continued with a calm tone, "I called you up here to talk about what happened and see how you were holding up. It's terrible to lose someone so close to you — I've been through it myself. So maybe I can help you."

Mere ​

 

[Mere]

The Farghul realized she had been holding her breath, and let it out in a low sigh when the woman turned to approach her, exuding a comforting aura, rather than the authoritative, disapproving one she had been expecting.

Already, Mere was adjusting to her new circumstances, turning her head slightly to the right so as to better hear the Jedi Master. Her ears lifted slightly, the comforting words threatening to put a crack into her resolve. She had been given a few condolences and well-wishes by the few in the temple, but there was weight to what Valery said, an understanding that she shared that transcended the words themselves.

"Thank you" Mere replied, keeping her gaze close to the floor. She moved towards the seats, sinking down into one as her gaze remained pointedly anywhere but on Valery. As the Jedi Master spoke, Mere seemed to tense up and brace herself, until she spoke of her own loss, and of helping the padawan.

Mere raised her head, her ears and whiskers perched forward just a little,

"You're... not exiling me?" She asked, timidly, "Even after I... what happened?"

She could feel her heart start to race in chest as her stomach churned. Just as she felt a tiny spark of hope, it was overwhelmed with a knot of shame and guilt within her. How dare she even hope to remain in the Jedi? She didn't deserve that, she had not even been able to recover the body. It should be Mere down there, lying in the bowels of that ruin...

She shook her head to banish the thoughts,

"I... thank you." She mumbled.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's heart softened even further at Mere's timid question, her fiery gaze filled with compassion and understanding as she settled into the chair across from the Padawan. She leaned forward slightly, her tone gentle but firm.

"Exile you?" Valery shook her head, her voice calm and reassuring. "No, Mere. You're not to blame for what happened. Sometimes, even with all our strength, we can't control everything. The Force, and the Galaxy, often test us in ways that feel unfair." Having nearly lost her husband and her child, Valery understood this feeling more than most realized.

She paused for a moment, letting the weight of her words settle. "You did everything you could. You survived something terrible, and now you're here — that's what matters." Valery offered a warm smile, hoping to ease some of the fear and shame that she could feel within the young Padawan. "I know that losing your Master is incredibly hard, but every Knight or Master will do anything they can to protect their Padawans. Because we care more about you than anything else."

"Sometimes, that means sacrifice." Valery felt a hint of sadness in her chest but made an effort not to frown or betray her own emotions. She wanted Mere to feel comforted. "You're still a Jedi, Mere. You still have a path ahead of you, and I want to help you find it again. We're not here to punish you, but to guide you through this."

Her tone grew even softer as she added, "Your Master gave his life so you can still live yours. To continue your journey and to become the person and Jedi you were meant to be." Valery leaned back slightly, offering Mere the space to process her words if she needed it.

"We want to help you feel confident and happy with that journey."

Mere ​

 

[Mere]

Valery exuded an aura of calmness.

No, it was more than that. She was comforting, understanding, empathetic. The Padawan could feel her soft words and sincere gaze chipping away at the guilt and shame that had built up ever since she had dragged herself back to her Master's ship, so far away.

You did everything you could.

At first, the Farghul felt her cheeks grow hot, everything she could, and it still hadn't been enough. Her tail flashed with frustration, anger at herself for not being enough. The feeling was compounded as Valery went on to explain how much Jedi Masters will do anything they can to protect their Padawans. How much more, then should she have gone back to fight?

But as she opened her mouth to protest, she closed it again.

Your Master gave his life so you can still live yours.

In an instant, everything was reframed. Suddenly, the guilt and shame that had accompanied her out of those ruins was quelled, a silly reaction that no longer had any place in her mind. The only shame that remained was how she had let herself wallow so much, and how disappointed Master Yun would be.

Mere raised her tear-filled eyes up to meet Valery's,

"I hadn't... Thought of that."

She leaned forward slightly, her tail going still as she drew in a long breath and let it tumble out of her in a long sigh. The cat could feel the next words rising within her, and the weight they would carry. She hadn't felt that sense of duty since Master Yun had first selected her as an initiate.

"I want to... Honour his memory." She said finally, "I want to make Master Yun proud."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery listened intently as Mere's voice trembled with emotion, her heart heavy with empathy for the young Padawan. When Mere's tear-filled eyes rose to meet hers, Valery's expression softened even more, and she stepped closer, gently placing a comforting hand on the Farghul's shoulder.

"Mere," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth, "The fact that you want to honor him speaks volumes about your strength and heart. Your Master would be incredibly proud of you — for your resilience and for wanting to carry his memory forward."

Valery paused, offering a reassuring squeeze of the Padawan's shoulder before continuing, "You survived for a reason, and now, your journey continues. Every step you take from here, every lesson you learn, will keep his spirit alive. But remember, you don't have to walk this path alone."

She offered Mere a gentle smile, her fiery eyes reflecting not just compassion but also pride for how the young Padawan had responded. "I'm here to guide you, and the Jedi Order is always your home. Together, we can ensure that you make him proud."

Her words carried a quiet strength, hoping to help the young Padawan regain her sense of purpose.

Mere ​

 

[Mere]

Mere felt lighter.

It was as though a colossal weight had been lifted from her shoulders. While the deep, aching grief of her Master's loss still remained, it as as though the wound had been sterilized, and now would actually one day be able to heal. This was what her Master had been trying to teach her; this was the Jedi order that he had called home, and would remain home for her, too.

"Thank you, Master Valery."

Her gratitude was softly-spoken, but rang with deep sincerity.

Valery squeezed her shoulder, and the Padawan leaned into the touch, closing her eyes as she realized how little physical comfort she had allowed since the whole ordeal had gone down. Through the sensation, she also felt the Jedi Master's own sincerity, her warmth, her genuine yearning to help make things right.

It steeled Mere's resolve.

Her Master was with the force, now. But so many more were not. She had a duty to him to honor his memory; but also to the rest of the Jedi order. Her Master had not taken her on in a vacuum. He cared for this family as much as they now cared for her, and she wanted to step up for them now.

"So... Where do we begin?" She asked, "I want to find the people who did this. They need to be brought to heel."

Mere felt something stirring within her, a dark resolve, it felt to her like righteous fire; to track down whomever had set that trap and drive her Master's lightsaber deep into their hearts.

"Someone has to pay."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's gaze softened as she watched Mere's fierce determination rise, but concern stirred behind her warm expression. She understood the weight of loss and the powerful pull of wanting justice, but she knew where such emotions could lead. It was important not to go too far and lose more than she already had.

With a calm, measured tone, Valery spoke, her hand still resting gently on Mere's shoulder. "I understand how you feel — losing someone that close to you is... unbearable. But seeking revenge won't heal that pain, and it's not the Jedi way." She paused, letting her words settle before continuing.

"Justice, yes. We will seek justice. But it must come from a place of peace and understanding, not from anger or a desire to make someone 'pay.' If we let those feelings drive us, we lose sight of who we are. Then you'll not have just lost your Master, but you've lost track of the very path your Master was wanting and helping you to walk."

Valery offered a small smile, her fiery gaze meeting Mere's. "Let's focus on honoring your Master, on being the Jedi he believed in. We'll find those responsible, and we'll stop them. But we will do it the right way."

Her hand gave a reassuring squeeze. "This is your path forward, Mere, and I'm here to walk it with you."

Mere ​

 

[Mere]

Valery spoke, and the words churned inside Mere.

She was so confused; her fiery anger quenched by hot shame as she realized that the Master was right; it was not the Jedi way. But that did not soothe the growing tempest of emotions within her; she was left to battle those herself. The anger was big and loud - it covered up the hole that Master Yun had left - but it wasn't her, it wasn't right, and as Valery spoke, the padawan realized it was a path that potentially led to her becoming more like whomever took him.

The Farghul dropped her head into her hands, smoothing them over her hair as she drew in a long, deep breath in, and then out.

"I'm sorry, Master Valery" She sighed, "You're right. I... I don't know what I'm doing. I walked in here expecting to be--"

Her voice cracked and she paused, closing her eyes to swallow back the emotions that threatened to break forth. She met Valery's gaze, returning the squeeze as the woman reassured her.

The padawan straightened,

"I... didn't think I'd be able to stay."

She let out a sigh, it was all still so fresh. Mere had come back, been to medical, and received her council summons almost as soon as she was cleared. It occurred to her that she hadn't really stopped yet, she hadn't actually let it properly sink in yet. Some of Valery's words stuck with her, about honoring her Master. She hadn't done that yet, either.

"Thank you, Master Valery. I want to do right by him, and right by the Jedi. But... might I take some time? I'd like to visit the thousand fountains. I haven't had time to meditate, and I owe it to Master Yun... and myself, I guess."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery watched the young Padawan with a softened expression, allowing her the space and time to process everything. The turbulence of emotions Mere was going through resonated deeply within Valery — she understood all too well what it meant to feel such loss and confusion. Valery had gone through something similar herself, both when her own Master had died, and when she believed her husband was killed.

With a gentle squeeze of Mere's hand, she nodded slowly, her voice soft but steady, "Take as much time as you need, Mere," Valery said warmly. "Grief isn't something that fades quickly, and you shouldn't feel pressured to rush your way through it. The Thousand Fountains is a beautiful place to meditate and connect with yourself and Master Yun's memory. Reflect, let your emotions flow… and when you're ready, I'll be here to support you, no matter what."

"Myself and so many others."

Her fiery gaze met Mere's with a deep sense of understanding and empathy. "I know that finding balance again will be challenging, but I believe in your strength. And don't hesitate to reach out if you need someone to talk to or just be there with you, alright?"

Valery offered a reassuring smile, one that conveyed her commitment to standing by Mere's side through every step of her healing journey.

Mere ​

 

[Mere]

Mere had entered the council chambers expecting to be expelled from the order. When the doors had opened, she had felt more alone in the galaxy than she even knew possible. Even though there was still a huge, gaping hole in her heart, she realized now - as Valery's fiery gaze found hers - that she had been so wrong.

The order was not here to judge her; they were her family, they were here to hold her in her grief, to share the burden.

With the realization came the shame at how selfish her thoughts had been. It wasn't just Mere that had lost Master Yun, after all, it was all of them.

"Thank you, Master Valery," She replied softly, returning the smile. Her own was barely visible, but genuine as her large ears lifted ever so slightly, "for everything."

She stood to leave, now feeling lighter than she had when she'd entered. There was still a long journey ahead of her, but she had the Jedi order with her.

She had hope.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery watched as Mere stood to leave, feeling a sense of warmth and pride swell within her chest. It was only a small step forward, but it was an important one — a sign that the young Padawan was beginning to open herself up to healing, to embracing hope.

"Take care of yourself, Mere," Valery said gently, her voice carrying that steady, comforting tone. "And remember, you're never alone in this. If you ever need a friend or guidance, you know where to find me."

She offered a final, supportive nod, her gaze lingering on Mere with a touch of fondness. "I'm proud of you."

Watching the Padawan leave, Valery let out a soft breath. There would be more difficult moments ahead, but she was determined to stand by Mere's side — just as her own mentors had once done for her. With that thought, she turned and quietly left the chambers, hoping that the promise of solidarity and shared strength would be enough to carry Mere through the days to come.

Mere ​