Private Catching Up

[Valery Noble]

Niv Hani

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Lyrrin

"Mommy?" Aurra asked when Valery seemed distracted for a moment. She had been reading Aurra's favorite book, but having felt the approach of her old friend, Valery stopped paying attention for a moment. "Sorry, sweetie. Let's go look at the Tauntaun, hm? Your favorite!" Valery chuckled while Aurra squealed. It didn't matter that she had read this book a hundred times already — almost every day, she crawled into her Mother's lap to look at various animals in the Galaxy. And every day, she spent just a little longer looking at the Tauntaun.

Aeryn and Adam were also in the room with her, always under careful watch, but they were playing on their own. Vera was up in her room, and Aris was likely studying to get ready for his upcoming assignment as Padawan.

It made the Noble household a little quiet, but also relaxing.

"I think Mommy's old friend is coming any moment now. Do you want to go open the door with me?" Valery asked Aurra, and her little girl just nodded excitedly. Together, they walked down the hallway, and awaited the arrival of a good friend. It had been too long since they met outside of work-related things, so she hoped to just catch up a little.

 

[Lyrrin]

Tag: Valery Noble

---

Before Valery and her daughter made it down the stairs they'd hear a click and the sound of the door sliding open. When they arrived it was apparent Lyrrin had let himself in as he was standing at the front door which he was closing behind him gently, his other hand stuffing some sort of device into his pant's pocket. His keen ears perked and he looked over to Valery with a grin "Oh, here I thought you weren't home" he playfully started his usual banter "Guess I can't steal the holoscreen. I'll just have to settle for the credits." Lyrrin looked down to see a child he didn't recognize.

She looked familiar, as all of Valery's children did, but different at the same time. Lyrrin paused as he looked at her with a mix of curiosity and surprise. After a moment the Farghul slowly squatted down while offering his hand to her, palm outwards, his long tail coming to rest on the floor as he lessened his stature to be more eye level with the child "Hello there. And who are you? You're not Vera are you?" he asked softly trying not to startle the little girl.

 

[Valery Noble]

Niv Hani

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Lyrrin

"You should be careful with that. After Vera was kidnapped from our home once, we've been a little paranoid. If I didn't know it was you, I'd have probably folded you in half already," Valery said with a serious look in her eyes for just a moment. Then, she smirked and walked over to pull him into a quick hug. She had missed him and she wasn't afraid to show it at all, whether he liked hugging her or not.

He'd simply have to accept it.

But from behind Valery, the little blonde Aurra appeared as well, and she stared at him with wonder in her eyes. "I'm Aurra," she said while she looked at the Far'ghul with big eyes.

"Aurra here is my curious little bookworm," Valery said with a motherly tone, and Aurra just nodded along while she kept staring at Lyyrin. Then, she noticed his tail and she decided to step forward. Her little hand reached out, not to take his, but to very gently pat him on the head.

Aurra loved kitties, and he looked like a big one!

Valery snickered and looked at Lyrrin with an almost apologetic smile, "She means well."

 

[Lyrrin]

Tags: Valery Noble

---

Lyrrin accepted the hug and returned it in kind with a firm squeeze of his friend "I didn't know, I'll keep that in mind." he'd not heard of Vera's kidnapping though that was a discussion for another time. He'd keep the unpleasant discussions for a more appropriate time.

Then when he returned his attention to the little girl he repeated the name "Aurra, its nice to meet you." he glanced up towards Valery then looked to Aurra "Is that so? What's your favor-" he felt the patting on his head. Lyrrin was absolutely stunned. Initially he gritted his teeth at the indignation but then his posture softened and he sighed with an understanding smirk "Its alright." Lyrrin retracted his hand and the placed it on Aurra's head and would pat in the same manner before he stood up, on his way up he grabbed the little girl under the arms and hoisted her up into his arms then looked towards Valery "Do you have somewhere else in this place we can talk without standing in the door? I know Jedi have some weird tastes but this is just primitive." he said in mock sass. Lyrrin looked away from Valery to miss her surely unimpressed expression, towards Aurra "Did you know that your mom and I once found a really cool 'book' of sorts that led us to the Si- uhh... really bad guys? Sure you already know your mom's a hero but I am to. I'm really cool. " he tried to convince her giving her a shake in his arms "Us and your aunt Kalie." there was a somber tinge to his smile as he mention her "I'll tell you the story sometime."

 

[Valery Noble]

Niv Hani

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Lyrrin

Valery chuckled and nodded, "I know, and I can still tell friend from foe. I just figured you should know." Kahlil especially was immensely protective of their home and the safety it was supposed to offer to his wife and children. If anything remotely seemed to threaten that, he'd be here in a heartbeat to end the threat.

She wouldn't want Lyrrin to be caught in that storm.

Valery then watched Aurra interact with Lyrrin, and seemed quite relieved that he didn't get upset. She was a child, so she didn't know any better, but Valery still didn't want her to look at Lyrrin and think kitty. "Little princess, Lyrrin there is not like the fluffy friends you read about. He's one of Mommy's first and closest friends," she said, and Aurra just blinked before turning back to listen to Lyrrin speak.

Of course, what he said gained an eye roll or two from Valery, but Aurra just giggled and clapped her hands for him. "I like books," she said at the mention of one, and Valery just nodded along. "Mommy said you're really nice."

"Sometimes..." Valery muttered softly, and with a teasing smirk.

"But come in, Lyrrin. The couch is comfortable, so make yourself at home. Maybe I can get you something to drink or eat while we chat?"

 

[Lyrrin]

Tag: Valery Noble

---

"Well what do you feel about datacrons, hm? They're like books but made of light. You can even stack them like blocks" he pointed out as if this was epitome of coolness for literature delivery devices - which it totally was.

Lyrrin laughed at the 'sometimes' comment from Valery and looked at her while moving towards the couch with Aurra "Something to drink would be nice, surprise me." he softly tossed Aurra onto the couch before he got there and then sat down with one leg crossed over the other while he put an arm over the back of the couch. Lyrrin gave the little girl a squint "Now listen here Aurra-" he started in a playfully serious tone "I'm not your cat. If you make any cat jokes I'll put you in a cargo crate and ship you off to Endor to live with the other Ewoks. You understand me Aurra?" he reached out and tried to tickle her with his nearest hand "Huh? You understand? Right off to Endor! No more books! They only have trees!"

 

[Valery Noble]

Niv Hani

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Lyrrin

"She hasn't really seen a datacron yet. I've just bought her plan old books for now," Valery said with a chuckle, while Aurra didn't really seem to understand the discussion. She just smiled along and let Lyrrin carry her over to the couch, where he put her down. She crawled over to her favorite spot, then turned to him.

"I'll be right back, you two," Valery smirked and walked into the kitchen while Lyrrin explained he wasn't a cat. The serious tone and playful threat made her lips tremble, and her large eyes turned a little teary. But as soon as he reached over to tickle, she giggled and flailed her limbs around.

Now it was just playing to her, even if she understood the message.

Two more pairs of eyes soon appeared, one silver, the other orange. Aeryn and Adam had heard their little sister, and wanted to know what was going on.

"Aurra!" Adam called out.

"Hmmm!" Aeryn yelled as her battle-cry, before the two toddlers ran over to tackle the stranger in their home. He was attacking their sister, so now he'd have to deal with all three of them.

 

[Lyrrin]

Tag: Valery Noble

---

Lyrrin seemed happily entertained by his interaction with Aurra but then her siblings came to her rescue. Lyrrin looked at the pair of them with a quizzical expression only to find himself set upon by the primates. As the other two toddlers ran into him he leaned back into the couch and put up both of his hands, his comparatively large, hands gripping their faces lightly as he held them at bay.

"Now, now - don't hurt yourself." he told them both at the same time as he'd let his arms give a little so they could feel like they were making progress before he slowly positioned them away again. He didn't want them to feel like they had no hope in succeeding! Lyrrin looked over to Aurra as his prehensile tail snaked out from next to him and pressed against her chest lightly, poking her every now and then with just enough force to try to keep her in the fun as well "Val, your monkeys are trying to attack me. I think... I don't know but maybe they're trying to take me to their cave?" he said loud enough for her to hear but also in a way that clearly meant for the children to be taunted by "So which ones are you? Phil? Sarah? Matt? Lily?" he smirked with every generic Human name, clearly egging them on to tell him their names in a fun way

 

[Valery Noble]

Niv Hani

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Lyrrin

Valery rolled her eyes and peeked out from the kitchen to look over, "Hey, don't call them monkeys if you don't want to be called a kitty," Valery teased back with a grin before she disappeared again. The triplets were all squealing and laughing because this was pure play time to them. The wrestling, the waggling of his tail — they loved it. Luckily for him, though, they ran out of energy eventually and plopped down.

Just in time for Valery to return with a home-made juice from local fruits. A glass for each triplet, and Lyrrin, were put on the table and she smiled.

"I'm Aeryn!" the oldest of the triplets then finally said.

"I'm Adam," the boy said before sipping from his juice.

Valery looked at them and patted Adam on the head before she turned to Lyrrin, "What have you been up to recently? Work keeping you busy?"

 

[Lyrrin]

Tag: Valery Noble

---

Lyrinn had to admit that Valery did have a point when it came to not calling the near-Human offspring 'monkeys' if he didn't want to be referred to as 'kitty'. Though, of course, he'd never give her satisfaction of actually admitting that. Lyrrin took the glass from Valery and gave her a nod "Thanks." then he looked towards the triplets as he took a sip of his juice.

"Aeryn, Adam, Aurra - good names." he offered with an encouraging smile then he looked towards Valery when she asked about his work and what he had been up to "Well, recently I've been in and out of the fringes of Alliance space. There was a certain incident during the Mandalorian att-" he paused when he remembered the kids were around "-visit. They were not the best guests. One in particular liked explosions. I'd say I'm lucky to be all in one piece but we both know that would just mean I'm being modest." he took another sip of his drink as he looked deadpan at Valery "Because I am the most humble." then Lyrrin looked towards the surface of his drink as he considered what else he had been up to "Aside from that? Not much. To be honest with you Valery I'm not sure if the Agency is still where I belong." he looked up from the drink "Not to be sentimental, but it hasn't been the same since M, Kalie, and yourself have uhm - 'moved on'."

Taking a moment to let those words settle Lyrrin turned towards Aurra and gave her a soft pat on the head "So how have you been, and Kahlil? He hasn't dropped any suspicious hints about a certain Imperial remnant or a prediliction towards red hued flags - right?" he was joking of course. His tone was teasing, calling back to the past of the former Sith aligned man. Something that took Lyrrin many, many months to be sure that he wasn't a danger or a double-agent biding his time. Lyrrin supposed Kahlil could potentially be in it for the long-con. Though when the agent looked towards the family that Valery and him built he couldn't take that kind of suspicion seriously. Sith were patient but not in this way. They were volatile, ambitious, prone towards conquest.

 

[Valery Noble]

Niv Hani

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Lyrrin

She didn't need him to admit it, she knew she was right~

With a grin, Valery sat down on the couch and sipped from her own juice while she observed him interacting with the little ones. The triplets were a curious bunch, and very playful too. True Nobles — energetic and wild, but very calm and quiet if they were given snacks and juice. So, while they enjoyed what Mom had made for them, Valery focused on their conversation.

The idea that he had been there to fight the Mandalorians made her frown, but then again, he had never avoided danger. Their first meeting had been to collect a Maw wayfinder, and that had been an extremely dangerous mission.

But it had also brought them together as friends.

"Yeah... the agency hasn't been what it was in general, to me." Valery frowned and looked up at him. "At Exegol, the SIA ejected me into space after I had used a station with their tech on it to end the war. Once a member, now betrayed." She shrugged and took a sip from her juice. "I liked it much better when it was you, Kalie and I."

Valery then began to smile when he asked about her and Kahlil, only to snicker at the question that followed after that, "He has been the perfect husband," Valery said, as she thought about Kahlil Noble and their years together. "We're both doing great, and with all these kids, life is just... really good right now, even with the war." She couldn't stop smiling, and tucked some long strands of hair behind her ear.

"But something like this, meeting up with a friend like you, is the cherry on top. It's really good to see you again, Lyrrin."

 

[Lyrrin]

Tag: Valery Noble

---

Lyrrin looked at her with quiet shock as he learned of the betrayal of the agency against Valery. He had never known the reason she left, but this was not the reason he imagined in the slightest. It totally blindsided him. The Agency that he had bled for, the Agency he had killed for - would turn on someone who was once at the Director's inner circle? The words about Kahlil well on deafened ears, filled with the sounds of his own rushing blood. He had gone to the ends of Alliance space and beyond to try to save Kalie, he'd do not an iota less for Valery. To be a part of the Agency that attempted to kill her. He believed himself both complicit, in some form, and personally betrayed in another.

Between this revelation and the sweet comments of his dear friend, Lyrrin, couldn't believe that this family that she had built was mere moments from never having been born. No Aurra, Aeryn, or Adam. No Vera. Kahlil would have certainly reverted to his old ways in Lyrrin's mind. Not because of the Brotherhood of the Maw or their machinations but because of the SIA. Because of the Alliance. Lyrrin's hands tightened around the cup in his grasp until it creaked with strain. His jaw was firmly set as Lyrrin's pupils became thin lines. Lyrrin's stress responses betrayed the despairing anger welling up within him.

Lyrrin stiffly looked away from Valery and towards another side of the room as he spoke with a conscious attempt to keep his composure around the children "I didn't know... They didn't say... that." his head twitched towards her as if he wanted to look at her but couldn't "I love you to." the word was foreign coming from the ever snarky Lyrrin. It was a rare admission and one that he had only told her and Kalie perhaps only one time over the years "It seems..." he began with a slight waver in his voice "That the choice has been made for me." Lyrrin leaned forward and tried to scoop up the triplets to sit with the two of them on the couch. Lyrrin looked towards Valery, his pupils no longer stressed slits but dark circles but deep circles full of saddness. Valery knew Lyrrin long enough and through enough pivotal moments, that she'd be able to tell that Lyrrin, in this moment, had left the Agency "I'm lucky I ran into you."

 

[Valery Noble]

Niv Hani

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Lyrrin

There was quite a shift in him.

Valery had known Lyrrin for a long time, and through what happened to Kalie, she had seen a lot of different sides of him too. But the pain in his eyes when she mentioned the betrayal of the Agency felt far more intense to her. This time, it hadn't been some evil, external source who caused them pain, but the people who they had trusted and risked their lives for. Valery had felt that same pain, but family and friends had kept her on her feet.

Now she wanted to be there for one of her closest friends.

"It's okay, Lyrrin," Valery said with a comforting smile, while the triplets crawled around them. "I love you too — I couldn't ever wish for a better friend." She said, and this time, she shifted a little closer. Lyrrin picked up two of the little ones, who stayed with him after noticing something was up, and Valery wrapped an arm around his shoulders. She pulled him close, and used her other hand to ruffle the hair of her kids.

She didn't want them to get upset.

"If you need a place to stay, or if you don't want to be alone for a while, you're welcome here."

 

[Lyrrin]

Valery Noble

---

When she said "I love you too — I couldn't ever wish for a better friend." Lyrrin quickly responded "I know." though the way he said it sounded like he was only really referencing her being unable to ever possibly wish for a better friend than him, Lyrrin, the greatest friend in the cosmos. In true Lyrrin fashion. In his own way it was his only method of broaching deeper topics.

Lyrrin smiled "I'll take you up on that offer for a bit. But not in the house, I'm going to be in a tent." then he realized he probably should explain that statement "I uh.. always have a survival kit with me, just in case. It has a tent. I haven't gone camping in awhile, also I don't think I could sleep if I had to hear you snore anyhow."

He looked down to the triplets and gave them a kind shake "Hey, did you know your mom snores? This one time when we were on Gigaboo, a planet near the Jigglewatt sector, she snored so loud that she woke up a Rancor? True story." he nodded sagely as he recited this fictitious, slanderous, but probably accurate portrayal of Valery's sleeping habit "Legend says that's how she defeated Darth Insomnia." Lyrrin looked from the triplets to Valery and canted his head as he gave her big, sympathetic, eyes "Its true."

 

[Valery Noble]

Niv Hani

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Lyrrin

Valery rolled her eyes.

"Well, if you feel like camping, you could set up in the backyard," Valery said with a chuckle. "If you prefer more open nature, there's a forest not even 5 minutes away from here. If you follow the path, you'll end up at a large lake, so it has everything for a good camping trip." She'd leave that to him though — she wasn't his Mom, so she wouldn't force him to sleep anywhere he didn't-

"Hey, did you know your mom snores?"

Valery glared at him, while the triplets all laughed and started hopping around their Mother to see if it was true or not. Valery just sighed, shook her head and met his eyes with a dangerous little sparkle in her gaze.

She'd get him back for that one.

"I don't snore, and we have plenty of guest rooms here, you know. But it's your choice, Lyrrin. I just think it'd be fun to maybe take some days off and do something fun." Especially now, if he was leaving the SIA behind him.

 

[Lyrrin]

Tag: Valery Noble

---

Lyrrin appreciated the tips for a good camping location and gave her a wink at the suggestions to acknowledge them while also not throwing off his comedic timing to spur the children onto their little laughter crusade. As the kids got up and jumped around Lyrrin gave them a few encouraging nods and claps of his hands then looked towards the glaring Valery "It will be fun, I promise not to be too far. I'll visit often. Perhaps once I've had my fill of the outdoors i"ll take you up on the guest room."

He seemed to be in better spirits though the drastic change he had committed to just moments earlier still hung over his head. He wouldn't dwell on them here or the implications. Lyrrin brought his legs up and crossed them under him on the couch as the children interrogated their mother over her reported snoring behavior "What kind of things do you all get up to around here? When you're not playing house that is." he grinned at her "Float through the air? Levitate rocks? Ponder the deeper meaning of levitating rocks?" Lyrrin's opinion of the Jedi clearly hadn't changed in the years he's known Valery. Floating rocks and overly do-goody was about the summation of his beliefs about them "Speaking of.. you're going to have your hands full whenever they start doing those things without asking. I wonder, do you have shatter proof plates?"

 

[Valery Noble]

Niv Hani

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Lyrrin

"I'd like that," Valery admitted with a warmer smile this time, "It has been too long, you know? I like to keep my friends close if I can, so please, always feel welcome here." She was sure that he knew that already, even if he was good at hiding how he really felt behind his humor. But sometimes, it was still important to say some things out loud, and especially now that he was taking such a huge step in life, she felt it was important to share.

She also really hoped he would take her up on the offer to stay a little longer, but that, she did hide.

"When we're home, we try not to be Jedi. We leave our training and duty at the Temple as much as we can, though we keep up a little with practice here." She chuckled and shook her head. "These two are going to be difficult though, hm?" She glanced at Aeryn and Adam, who were both tugging on one end of a pillow they each wanted for themselves.

Typical Noble behavior.

"Aurra here, though, isn't going to be causing any problems." She looked at Lyrrin and held her little princess close. "She's the only one in the family without Force-sensitivity."

 

[Kalie Alverez]

Valery Noble Lyrrin


How long has it been? Months? Years?

Her soft footsteps brought Kalie closer to the door of her dear friend, Valery, while the former SIA agent's mind raced along a variety of random paths and memories. Many were focused on Valery. And Lyrrin. And the SIA.

Some were tempting to drift towards Tiresh and Isla, but her internal barricades had been developed securely enough to resist such endeavors.

For her own sake.

Ever since she had learned that she was a replicant, it had thrown her world into chaos. Everything she had thought she had known, about herself, about the galaxy, had been utterly dismantled. Finally, she had simply disappeared one day… choosing an unknown path throughout the galaxy in an attempt to rediscover herself apart from the life she had been programmed with.

She couldn't continue in the shadow of Kalie and Tiresh… she needed to find her own way forward in this galaxy on her own merit. And so, all the traditional markers of her past self had been abandoned… the SIA… the Senate… the Galactic Republic… even her friends… her past lovers… all in order to discover who she truly was. To find some sibilance of peace in her world of chaos.

And today, after being off the grid for so long, she had finally determined within herself to pursue some of her previous relationships. Whether it would be for closure, or to rekindle a friendship in a new light that was truly her own, she did not know. But whatever the outcome, she knew this was the next step for her own healing.

Kalie Alverez, the reprogrammed replicant, finally reached the threshold of the door to Valery's house. She paused for a moment, pondering how these next interactions might progress, and wondering if Valery would be happy to see the shadow of her good friend.

Or if her presence would merely open up old wounds.

Her knuckle rapped against the panel, and she took in a sharp breath, awaiting for the door to open.

 

[Lyrrin]

Valery Noble Kalie Alverez

---

Lyrrin looked toward Valery with an understanding smile, he did appreciate her offers and he knew she knew that well enough "Well you'll never catch ole Lyrrin here saying no to a well deserved offer of hospitality or companionship. And, well, I've never not come when you've asked. Because I'm the best." the Farghul looked towards Aurra when Valery had made mention that she was the only one of the Nobles that was no Force sensitive. The implications of that were clear to Lyrrin. She would face a hard life of ridicule or doubt in herself for being the only one of the her family lacking the connection to the Force "Is that so? Well, I suppose an imminently gifted young lady like Aurra could never expect to accel in a set of circumstances by those who wouldn't know how to train someone like her." Lyrrin grabbed Aurra by her foot while Valery hugged her and gave it a shake "So I accept your request Valery, I'll do my utmost to teach her. My fees will be minimal. Just to cover the material costs, I'm sure you understand, and then a small gratuity of pies. I do love pies." Lyrrin let go of Aurra and tapped his chin as he thought over the possibilities of what to teach this NFU "Hmm... basic acrobatics... yes that'll be something we need to start soon."

Then Lyrrin's ears perked at the sound of the door knocking, he glanced towards Valery then towards the sound. It was too light to be Kahlil's fist, it didn't sound soft enough or frantic enough to be a child. It was probably a woman "Are you expecting a friend of yours?" without waiting Lyrrin motioned towards the two little boys "Go and answer the door for your mother. If its a saleswoman tell her we'll take three of everything."

 

[Valery Noble]

Niv Hani

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Lyrrin Kalie Alverez

Aurra giggled while Lyrrin played with her foot, but Valery just looked at him with a quiet smile. Behind all that humor and far beyond those silly comments about being the best, was a very caring friend. He understood that Aurra was going to have a difficult path ahead as the one Noble without Force-sensitivity. Even Vera and Aris were already drawing a lot of attention to themselves, and they were only 13 years old.

The expectations for the triplets was the same, but Aurra would have to find a different way to make a difference.

"Train her, hm?" Valery looked down at her little girl and placed a kiss atop her head. "We want all our kids to choose what they want to do themselves, but I suppose some training would never hurt. I'd at least like her to be able to defend herself if she has to. Whether they like it or not, carrying my name puts a target on them." Images of Vera being kidnapped briefly flashed through her mind again, but she set them aside to focus on the here and now.

Then, Valery heard the knocking on the door as well, and a more guarded expression took over, "No, I'm not expecting anybody," she said, her tone a tad more serious than it had been before. Valery put Aurra down on the couch and looked at Aeryn and Adam with an expression that said more than enough — they were to remain here.

"I've got it," Vera said, who finally came walking down the stairs. At 5ft6, the oldest of her kids was already growing into a young woman. She walked over to the door, opened it up, and looked at the redhead with her multi-colored eyes. "Hello?" Vera asked with a friendly, but slightly suspicious smile.