Private A Walk in the Park

[Alicio Organa]

"Mmm..." Alicio considered the notion, not letting his eyes leave his family, as they began acting out a grand medieval scene on the playground. It barely felt like any time had passed since they were born, and look at them now. "In that case... I'll enjoy the time my babies are still little, while I can. After all, their games of knights and queens won't be games forever."

Valery's next words brought a frown to his features. That was how it went. Visions were nearly always vague, due to the chaotic nature of the Future itself. If she hadn't felt anything specific, maybe he was worrying over nothing...

"But Vera has seen... something troubling. She saw a vision of my dying in the war."

The King's blood froze.

Alicio turned to Val, his face suddenly sharp with concentration, his cloudy-day eyes inscrutable. It took him a moment to formulate his words before he spoke. "Visions... are rarely as straightforward as showing what will exactly happen. I receive my most vivid visions when I make things. When I made my crystal, it showed me a vision of Sanctuary City bleeding away- I used to think it meant my city was in danger, but I think it was actually showing how I would have to let it go, to move on."

"But... Recently, I had Jenn Kryze help make me a helmet, and... I saw a few things, too." He paused.

"I saw a broken lightsaber. A bloody body beside it."

"...Yours."

- Valery Noble -

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Wedding Ring

"...Yours."

Everything he had said up until that point suddenly vanished from her mind, shoved away and reduced to background noise. Vera's vision had already troubled her and kept her up at night, but now another had seen something similar? There was an uncomfortable look in her eyes at the revelation, and she quietly shifted around where she sat. Unable to find words that described her feelings, but the way her gaze dropped likely told him more than enough.

She felt vulnerable.

"I see," she said after a moment of silence, purely to avoid the situation from getting too tense or awkward. But her sudden change in demeanor was enough reason for worry. So much so, that even little Eryx seemed to notice. He began to whine and flailed his Arms towards his Mom, hoping to get her attention.

But Valery's eyes were down on her lap.

"I, uhm." She looked up with a pained expression, "I'm scared, Alicio. I know that visions aren't set in stone and often don't show the entire truth. But... you and Vera both?"

She frowned and shifted awkwardly from side to side, "I don't want to leave my family behind."

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio could sense his friend's anxiety, both with the Force and with his eyes.

He frowned, trying his best to peer into Valery's soul. She was brave, fearless in almost all situations... but receiving two visions of your demise, from two people you trusted, would be enough to rattle anyone. And even now... Alicio could tell she wasn't scared for herself. Her family occupied her thoughts.

What could he say? What was there to say?

Alicio paused. Then, with a thoughtful hand, he pushed Eryx's stroller towards his mother.

"Val... What do you believe about the future? Do you believe in fate? Destiny?" His words were slow, but uncharacteristically charged. He was going somewhere with this.

- Valery Noble -

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Wedding Ring

Valery blinked and slowly looked up when Alicio pushed the stroller closer. It forced her eyes on Eryx, who seemed worried and continued flailing his arms. The little squeals and sounds from him told her all she needed to know, and she quickly leaned forward to pull him into her arms. Instantly, she seemed more relaxed and even managed to look up into Alicio's eyes with a grateful smile.

He hadn't said a word but comforted her just the way that would help her the most.

"I..." Valery drew in a deep breath and briefly rested her head against her son. "I don't believe that every part of our future is already set in stone. I believe some things are perhaps meant to be, but I don't believe there is a destiny for us all." She looked at him and wondered why he was asking her.

"I've always believed the future to be in motion, and I know that's why I shouldn't worry about every vision. But it's unsettling to hear this from two people I care about. Visions don't always come true, but they appear for a reason."

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Valery's thoughts on the future was different than what Alicio expected.

His face had paled a little since they'd begun speaking, but it was set in an unyielding expression. "I don't know why, or if there even is a why. Maybe it's a warning for you, and just knowing about it will save your life. Maybe it's the Will of the Force, and there's nothing we can do." He couldn't help his tone from souring, uttering those particular words. "All these years of studying the Future... and I'm just as clueless as when I started."

"But I do know this- you have friends and family that would fight Destiny for you. If we all fight it together... well, who knows what might happen?"

Then, Alicio's hands folded in front of him, as one leg crossed over the other. "And if the worst does happen... your family won't be alone, either. You can take that prophecy to the bank." He huffed a little laugh, looking at Val with curious eyes.

- Valery Noble -

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Wedding Ring

He was right.

Valery listened to him and appreciated his honesty, even as he mentioned the chance of this vision being inevitable. She'd rather hear that and face her fate head-on than be given false hope. A smile began to pull on her lips again, while her eyes were focused on the baby in her arms, "Thank you, Alicio. That means a lot to me." Her family would have so many friends to count on, and even if they lost her, she knew they'd be strong enough to keep moving forward.

It's what she'd want them to do.

Having cuddled Eryx but not quite snapped from her own mind, the baby suddenly reached up and booped her forehead, exactly the way Kahlil Noble would to make her stop overthinking everything.

As with her husband, Valery blinked and snapped to reality, her eyes still on her baby, "Aren't you a clever little one?" She chuckled and held his head gently over her shoulder to embrace him.

"Do you want to grab some food together and bring the kids along?" Valery asked her friend with a smile, "It'll be on me."

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

A warm breeze drifted through the park, as Alicio gave a contemplative smile. There was never a right thing to say, no perfect series of words to comfort, in these situations. But Alicio was glad Val had found some solace in what he'd offered.

"Do you want to grab some food together and bring the kids along? It'll be on me."

"Ah ah ah," the king tutted, his smile turning sharper as he stood, and stretched his back. "We're in my city, on my planet, that I am the ruling monarch of. Lunch is on me." He chuckled a little bit. "You had to pay for fuel to get here. It's only fair."

Alicio looked out over the playground, the Force twisting curiously around him. Liana perked up from across the park, and starting waving at the others. "Hey! Daddy says it's time for food!"

"Hwa?" August obviously wasn't paying attention. Lia pointed at her father, then at her head. Auggie suddenly seemed to get the picture. "Oh! Food!" The Organas led the charge back to the parents, telling the Nobles all about the nearby restaurants. Sanctuary was a melting pot of cultures. There was a litany of options, inspired from planets the galaxy over, from Coruscanti burger joints to Csillan ramen shops.

- Valery Noble -

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Wedding Ring

"Fine," Valery said with a roll of her eyes, choosing to accept rather than be stubborn for once. She then leaned forward to put Eryx back into his stroller, which came with some protest until even the littlest Noble understood it was time for food. When his siblings heard the same from Lia, they were up on their feet quickly and began to sprint.

"Here they come," Valery said with a smirk.

Right behind the two Organas, the triplets were coming in fast, eager to try out food on Alderaan. This wasn't their first time visiting, of course, but usually, they were just dropped off at the Organas and taken care of there.

"So, King Organa~" Valery teased, "Where are we going to eat?"

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Ah, sweet victory.

Alicio didn't try to keep the smug look from his face, turning to watch the stampede of children headed their way. Liana and August reached Alicio first, the former rushing to grab his hand, and the latter hopping around with too much excited energy. "Hungry!" he finally said, laughing.

"Hmm..." Alicio put a finger to his chin in thought. "Thranta Street is right down the way. It's Sanctuary's market district. There should be plenty of food vendors around right now, so everyone can get what they want."

Alicio started walking, still holding Lia's hand. As they walked further into the city, more people began to decorate the walkways. Sanctuary City truly was beautiful- shining buildings, natural parks dotted throughout, a beautiful mixing pot of music, flavors, cultures, coexisting in a way that seemed almost fictional.

Alicio's daughter looked up at him with big, pleading eyes. "Can we get nuna nuggies?"

"Nuggies! Yeah!" August was quick to jump on the bandwagon with his sister.

Alicio rolled his eyes. "If they're around... sure." The children celebrated, as Alicio leaned towards Val. "I swear, all they ask for is nuna nuggets. It's gotten to the point that our kitchen staff buys them in bulk."

"Otherwise, there's street tacos, fish fries, even a few restaraunts we can quickly stop at. There's one that sells authentic Csillan chili ramen."

- Valery Noble -

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Wedding Ring

He was looking awfully punchable when he flashed his smug little grin, but Valery restrained herself and watched the horde of children running at them instead. Aug and Lia were the first to reach their father, clearly excited to get some food. The triplets were right behind and swarmed their mother, equally as hungry.

It barely mattered to them what they'd eat.

Until Lia mentioned nuggies.

"Nuggies!" Aeryn called out, having tried them once before. Adam jumped along, showing his own excitement to get some nuggies as well. Only Aurra remained quiet, choosing to stand next to the stroller to watch her little brother. She never wanted Eryx to feel left out, even if he didn't really understand everything yet.

"I think we best find some nuggies, hm?" Valery smirked and began to push along the stroller. Aurra still stayed close, but the other two were running ahead a little.

Never too far, though. They've always been taught to stay within eyesight.

"Oh, I was wondering. Do you and Amani plan to ever, you know, get more children?" Valery aksed curiously. Shad had obviously been expanding the family quite a lot, so she wondered if Alicio wanted a bigger family one day or if this was more than enough for him.

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"The council has spoken," Alicio replied to Val, a laugh catching the back of his throat. "We'll try to find some nuggies."

A chorus of small, high-pitched cheers followed the king's decree. He shook his head, and continued walking, letting the twins get a little ahead of him, as well, but never too far. They knew to stay within a few seconds of their father, when they were out and about. Just in case.

Thranta Street was more busy than the park, with parents toting children and workers traveling between various food stalls and restaurants, toy shops and mechanic stations. More than a few people stopped and stared as they passed, some even brave enough to offer a smile and a wave, which Alicio happily returned. For once, his face was more famous than Val's. It made sense; the people of Sanctuary knew how much time and effort he'd put into rebuilding their lives. He'd personally interviewed many of the families that had moved here, all those years ago.

"Oh, I was wondering. Do you and Amani plan to ever, you know, get more children?"

Alicio gave the question ample time to sit in the air, before returning an answer. "Amani and I haven't talked about it. But we haven't been... trying for more, yet." His cheeks took on a slightly rosy hue. Even after all these years, he still wasn't used to conversations like this. "I think we've just been focused on raising the twins, recently. And with the war, and how busy we are without having young children again... I don't see our family growing, in the near future."

"Maybe if things ever... go back to being simple, again."

"And you? Is seven finally enough?," he teased.

- Valery Noble -

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Wedding Ring

The triplets cheered along in victory when the adults agreed to nuggies. Valery just rolled her eyes and began to guide them along as they left behind the park. Just like her little ones, the Organa twins also remained within eyesight, and Valery couldn't help but keep an eye on them, too. The Organas were not family by blood, but they were as close as one could get to being part of the family.

A bond that would last beyond just one generation.

Speaking of which, Valery had to ask about these new generations and looked at him when he spoke of not having tried to expand the family. That rosy color on his cheeks and the way he avoided her eyes — Valery had to teasingly smirk at him. There was something adorable about a King getting flustered over this.

"That makes sense. I wouldn't want to get pregnant now either. Not with a two-front war about to escalate." She chuckled and kept her gaze on him.

She didn't struggle at all talking about these things.

"Would you be surprised if I told you that I already convinced Kahlil to get more kids?" She grinned and flicked some hair over her shoulder, "When the time is right, of course."

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio saw that look on Valery's face. When it came to reading people- especially him- Val was vexingly perceptive. He looked away with a tiny, embarrassed smile. It wasn't the first time her forwardness had bumped up against his Alderaanian noble sensibilities.

At least he was getting better.

"That makes sense. I wouldn't want to get pregnant now either. Not with a two-front war about to escalate."

"Mmm-hmm." In that, they were in agreement. He felt himself drawn towards his anxieties for the future, for one brief moment... before escaping it's gravitational pull. Now wasn't the time to ruminate. Now was the time to have fun with a close friend, and find some nuggies.

"Would you be surprised if I told you that I already convinced Kahlil to get more kids? When the time is right, of course."

"Really?" Alicio's eyebrow rose coyly. "And how, pray tell, did you convince him to do that?"

"Actually, no. I've changed my mind. Don't tell me that."

"Daddy! Auntie Val!" Liana's voice rang out, her accent a charming mix of her parents'. She was pointing at an open-air burger restaurant. A child sitting at a nearby table was attacking a cardboard container of nuna nuggets. "There!"

- Valery Noble -

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Wedding Ring

It was cute how he averted his eyes and smiled with embarrassment. Even after all these years, she could still get a King to blush by being a little forward and direct about certain topics. It showed their differences, mostly in upbringing, which only made it more amazing that they turned out to be such close friends. At this point, Valery couldn't imagine a Galaxy anymore where the Organas weren't a close and important part of her life.

She wanted to keep it that way, so perhaps she'd tease a little less-

"Really?" Alicio's eyebrow rose coyly. "And how, pray tell, did you convince him to do that?"

Nevermind, he was asking for it now.

Alicio quickly tried to undo his question, realizing his mistake, but Valery smirked and looked at him, "You sure? It's something Amani might try as well one day, so you better be prepared." She waggled her eyebrows and suddenly gave him an almost pleading look, puppy eyes, and head tilt included, "I first looked at him like this, and asked him with a sweet voice like this," she continued, her tone now matching the look in his eyes.

"Then, I-"

"Daddy! Auntie Val!"

Saved by the kids.

Valery looked at Liana with a smile and followed her pointing to see the burger joint. They have the nuggies they want, so that's where Valery began to guide the herd of gremlins to.

"So, are you going to take nuggies, too? Or do you prefer a burger?" Valery asked him before she looked at the menu. Immediately, her stomach growled, and she realized that it was her turn to order as well. So it was also her turn to blush, knowing she ordered enough for a family of three just by herself.

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio pointedly turned away, sensing the route Val was about to take in their conversation. It was a rare thing for Alicio's face to entirely flush, but it got pretty close. He attempted to drown out the Jedi's suggestive tone with his own voice, acting more like an annoying younger sibling than a world leader.

"Nope, not listening, so may as well stop talking. La-la-la-la~..."

Thank the Force the children inherited his talent of perfect timing. Breathing an inward sigh of relief, the darkly-dressed man considered the menu on display. "I am not a nuggies man, no. I was thinking the tip-yip salad, though." He usually thought they tasted bland, wherever he ordered one, but maybe this time would be different. And Amani wasn't here to tell him to give it up...

Alicio stepped up to the counter decisively, both Organas holding the tresses of his coat in anticipation, bouncing on their heels. "Hello. Could we get, ah, five children's meals with nuna nuggets and fries, a chicken salad, and..." He looked at Val knowingly, letting her fill in her order. This wasn't the first time they'd eaten at a burger joint together. He knew what to expect.

- Valery Noble -

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Wedding Ring

"Hey!" Valery laughed and even snorted when he turned away and began to la-la-la. She was even preparing to poke a finger into his side to draw his attention back to her, but the kids came to his rescue. Still, Valery squinted at him and kept a satisfied smirk on her lips, all the way to the counter. That's when it faded in an instant, knowing she was about to double their order just by adding a meal for herself.

And she was hungry, too...

"Nuggies!" Aeryn chirped when Alicio ordered the kid's meals, but then it was Mom's turn. The triplets turned, looking up with unconditional love and affection.

They were used to this.

"I'll uh, take... a large fries, two burgers with extra cheese, some nuggets and, hrm." She blushed and cleared her throat, "A milkshake and a salad." She didn't look at Alicio at all, choosing to focus on the kids as they jumped and cheered, "Milkshakes!" they chirped in unison, before looking at Alicio with pleading eyes.

They wanted one too, now.

Stepping back from the counter, her cheeks and ears still red, Valery turned her gaze to the King, "One word..." she threatened while she looked at him with an embarrassed smile.

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio busied himself with paying for their meal, doing his best to turn his modest, amused smile away from Val as she ordered. It wasn't the first time they'd eaten together, so he knew how ravenous the Jedi could be. And far be it from him to judge his good friend. But it was a little funny.

It seemed Val's kids had picked up on her dessert, and wanted milkshakes of their own. And with his own kids quickly joining in, and adding on the pressure... he relented, sighing. "Why not? Milkshakes for the kids' meals. Smalls."

"Daaaaaddy..."

"Smalls." Alicio rested a hand on his pouting daughter's head, tousling her hair. "Nice try, lovely."

"One word..."

"Hmm? I don't know what you mean" His smile sharpened.

Yes, just a little funny.

It was only a short wait until bags were passed over the counter, and Alicio divvied out the meals to the kids, letting Val take her food. "There should be a free table or bench around here somewhere for us..."

- Valery Noble -

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Wedding Ring

Lia was a clever one.

Alicio denied her a bigger shake, but Auntie Valery smirked at the little girl and placed a hand on her shoulder, "When you're older, we'll get you the biggest milkshake ever." She looked at Alicio with a smile, not wanting to make it seem like she was overruling him or going around him. It was just a silly promise for when she was older.

And to have her giggling again.

When the food was ready, and Valery had made her threat, the group moved together to find a large table. Valery sat on the opposite side of Alicio so they could chat, but the kids were all over the place. Adam was very quick about sitting next to Alicio, but Aurra stayed close to her Mom.

It was always cute to see their personalities like this.

"So, how are the nuggies?" Valery asked the group before she bit down into her burger, "Hmm, so good..." Valery said, then realized she was talking with a mouth full of food.

Oops.

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Liana raised an eyebrow at Val. With that expression, and with her father's grey eyes, she looked a lot like Alicio in that moment. "With chocolate and strawberries and whatever I want?"

Lia was an expert at pressing her luck. Which was fine with Alicio, because she was so damn cute.

Sitting down at a table, Alicio watched on as the kids attacked their meals. Of his children, August was the worst offender, forcing Alicio to remind him to take smaller bites, please. Lia was more dignified, but had quickly begun collecting drops of milkshake on her face. For his part, Alicio opened up his salad, collected a few bits on his fork, and took a bite...

His expression ticked down for a breath, before neutraling out again.

"So, how are the nuggies?"

"Yum!" August did a big thumbs up, his other hand still wrapped around a nuggie. Liana nodded, still drinking her milkshake.

"Very... good," Alicio added, suppressing a frown. He thought it would taste different this time.

"So... Aeryn, Adam, Aurra... After lunch, would you like to do or see anything else on Alderaan?"

- Valery Noble -