Private Convening in the Garden

[Taam Moghul]

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Tag: Valery Noble

Location: New Cov Jedi Temple

There was a surreal feeling to New Cov. It was familiar. Taam felt as if he had been there only yesterday, and yet, the events of his last visit felt as if they unfolded so long ago. It was Jonyna Si who had first guided him through the jungle to the restored temple. Their fiery love affair began there in the temple, and together they had hunted the perilous rain forest surrounding the sacred compound. But that was now the past. Fond memories that must remain memories. Time moved on, as she had, and as Taam himself must in turn.

That was the reason for his visit to the remote temple. The Cathar knight was to meet the Grandmaster at the place she once walked in a different time, the place she had restored to life. Taam had returned, renewed, after his rocky history within the Order, first with the death of his padawan that sent him wandering, and more recently, his humiliation and defeat at the Battle of Tython. But he needed to declare his dedication, his loyalty, to the order. He had done so with Jonyna, and now, he wished to address the Grandmaster herself, and present himself willing and able to serve as she deemed fit.

The big cathar refreshed himself from his journey, and was directed to the gardens, where he would meet Grandmaster Noble. The Sentinel tread the manicured paths, his steps quiet, the brush of his robes a hushed rustle. He moved quietly for a man so large. It was the predator in him, the cathar, instinctual rather than intentional. As he strolled, Taam studied his surroundings. The gardens, with their carefully planted and tended flora, were beautiful and serene, a contrast to the noisy, random thickness of the jungle that spread out before and below the great temple. Taam thought about how it reflected a larger reality, how a place like the New Cov temple offered order and serenity, in a galaxy rife with the cacophany of strife and overgrowth of peril.

His ear flicked idly as he sense the presence of another.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

The soft rustle of robes brushing against the garden path reached Valery's ears before she saw him. The Cathar's towering frame emerged from between the carefully cultivated greenery, his quiet movements almost at odds with his sheer size. Valery blinked once, her fiery gaze sweeping up to meet his, a flicker of surprise crossing her features at just how tall he was. At 5'9, she wasn't short by human standards, but Taam loomed over her like one of the great trees of New Cov's jungle.

She adjusted quickly, her warm smile lighting up her face as she stepped forward to greet him. The tranquil setting of the gardens seemed to match her demeanor — a beacon of calm amidst the chaos of the galaxy.

"Knight Moghul," Valery began, her tone light but sincere. "Welcome to the Temple. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Her amber eyes softened as they studied him for a moment, taking in the quiet strength and the air of determination he carried with him.

"You've traveled far," she continued, gesturing lightly to a nearby bench shaded by the wide leaves of a flowering tree. "Please, make yourself comfortable. The jungle isn't always kind to its visitors, but the gardens are meant to offer peace after a journey."

Her tone was warm and inviting, leaving no doubt that he had her full attention. Despite the formality of the setting and her title, there was nothing cold or distant about her presence. Valery was here as both a leader and a peer, ready to listen and guide.

Taam Moghul ​

 

[Taam Moghul]

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Tag: Valery Noble

Location: New Cov Jedi Temple

He parted the long stalks of twin palm bushes that stretched over the path. Beyond them stood Valery Noble. Having seen her only a few times from a distance, The garden meeting was the first opportunity to meet the Grandmaster face to face. She was an impressive woman, as much by her natural demeanor and presence as by her physical appearance. Though his gaze had to lower to meet hers, Taam's respect for the Master was not diminished. Her amber eyes were a fiery intensity, in contrast to the cool version of his own more golden amber hues.

The smooth serenity of her greeting set the atmosphere, relaxed, informal, intimate. The Cathar knight bowed his head respectfully. At Valery's invitation to sit, the large leonine man gracefully settled on the bench. "The pleasure is mine." He offered sincerely. "I've traveled much in recent years, I've grown used to it." Taam had made a point to visit most every enclave, even Ahch-To.

"I was just noting to myself the contrast between the garden and the jungle, the serenity and the chaos. There is a lesson there I believe." Taam crooned in a deep baritone. One hand rested on his thigh, while the other laid upon his hip, the motion exposing his wooden-hilted lightsaber

"I appreciate you making the time to meet with me, Grandmaster. I am sure you are familiar with some of my recent... events..." How familar, Taam was unsure. "First, I want to emphasize my dedication to the Order." Taam began, "Second, I seek guidance in the role that best serves the Order, and the Alliance."

It was humbling to make such a confession to a leader of Valery's status. But he felt guided to seek her, above others, for this personal request. Taam had wandered for some time, peforming deeds in the name of the Jedi Code, and nominally, in the name of the NJO. But he had returned, and finding his place was crucial in serving to his full potential.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's fiery gaze softened slightly as she studied the Cathar Knight before her. Taam's presence was striking, not just because of his size or the way his eyes glimmered in the sunlight, but because of the quiet strength and sincerity he radiated. She tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a warm smile as she gestured toward the wooden bench beside her.

"I've heard of your return, but I'm not fully familiar with the events that have brought you back. I imagine there's quite a story there, and I'd like to hear it — if you're willing to share."

She settled onto the bench gracefully, her brown robes shifting with the movement, and gestured to the small teapot resting on the table before them. "But first, perhaps we can sit down for some tea? It's always easier to discuss important matters in good company and with a warm drink." Her voice carried a motherly warmth, but her amber eyes sharpened slightly as they looked him over, not in judgment but with a keen, assessing gaze that reflected her years of experience.

This would be an interesting meeting.

She was eager to listen, to help him find clarity in his path, and her body language made it clear she was giving him her full attention. "The path of a Jedi is not always a straightforward one," she added gently. "But with reflection and guidance, the Force will always light the way."

"I'd be more than willing to help."

Taam Moghul ​

 

[Taam Moghul]

Tag: Valery Noble

Location: New Cov Jedi Temple

Taam joined Valery for tea. He still found the serenity of both the garden, and that which seemed to emanate from the Grandmaster herself, profound. The big cathar was a bit surprised to find such calming peace coming from a Battlemaster so acquainted with war and strife. But the knight did not miss the discerning gaze that studied him as he settled in to share the drink. A tuned fighter assessed everyone, foe and friend.

Taam did not relish rehearsing his recent past, having worked hard to overcome it. But The Grandmaster deserved an explanation nearly as much as Jonyna had. Taking a sip of the aromatic warm tea, the cup seeming so small in his large hand, Taam paused, then looked out over the garden. "I had a promising padawan. So much potential, and fierce. She had fallen in battle early in the Hyperspace Wars. We became separated, I could not reach her. She was surrounded and slain. I tried to save her, but couldn't. I blamed myself for her death and went wandering." Taam recited the history, his voice quiet but steady. He was never accused of misconduct or neglect, but the guilt of failing to save Kalisha had eaten him up.

"I wandered for several years, then visited the jadeites at Ahch-To. Matsu Ike counseled me, and in that place I finally healed and determined to return to Coruscant. But first, I wished to visit this place, as it was so newly restored. That is when I met Jonyna Si ." A small smile touched him muzzle. "We fell for each other fast and hard in that very temple." His eyes darted to the structure behind them.

The smile slipped away. "At the Battle of Tython, we faced a powerful Master of Ren. We both fought hard against him, but he bested me. He leveraged my life to convince Jonyna to stop her attack. I was humiliated. I felt unworthy of the love of such a valiant woman. My failure with Kalisha, and there on Tython, with my wounds, sent me spiralling down again and I vanished. Now, I am back, again."

A short deep grunt rumbled in his chest to indicate he had finished. There was no weakness in his delivery or demeanor, in spite of the failures described. Taam was a man determined not to allow his past mistakes to determine his future. Strength, good counsel, and the Force had restored him, and with a determination not to fall a third time. The cathar took another sip of tea, his amber gaze returning to the patient Grandmaster.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery listened intently as Taam recounted his story, her fiery gaze never wavering from him. She didn't interrupt, letting him share his journey without judgment, her expression a blend of compassion and understanding. When he finished, the soft rustling of the garden's leaves filled the silence, a gentle counterpoint to the weight of his words.

She took a slow sip of her tea, giving the moment room to breathe before setting her cup down on the table. Her amber eyes, sharp yet warm, met his steady amber gaze, and a faint smile tugged at her lips. "It's clear to me that you're not here to dwell on your past or let it define you. You've faced loss, pain, and the weight of failure, but you're sitting here now because you've chosen to rise above it. That takes strength — the kind of strength that not everyone finds."

Her hands folded neatly in her lap, and she tilted her head slightly, her tone carrying the wisdom of countless battles and hard-fought lessons. "As Jedi, we all face moments that challenge us to our core. Moments where we question our place, our choices, and our worth. But the Force is a guide, not a judge, and it flows strongest in those who are willing to keep walking forward, even after they've stumbled."

Valery's smile deepened slightly, a motherly warmth radiating from her as she leaned forward just enough to emphasize her next words. "I'm glad you've found your way back, and that you're ready to find your place again."

She gestured gently to the garden around them, the serene environment mirroring the balance she hoped to help him find. "If you'd like, I can help you with that. Whether it's honing your skills, finding clarity in the Force, or simply offering guidance. I'm always willing to assist."

Taam Moghul ​

 

[Taam Moghul]

Tag: Valery Noble

Location: New Cov Jedi Temple

Though he had once again revisited those events and rehearsed them before the Grandmaster, the defeated feelings once attached to them were but an echo that quickly faded. Part of it, Taam knew, was his own victory over them. But part of it was the place the where they sat and the person with him. The Force ebbed and flowed in the serene gardens like an easy tide, and around and through Valery Noble. When she finally spoke, her words were quiet strength and gentle authority.

The Battlemaster framed with poignancy where Taam was at in his life, discerning more than his words had revealed. In Varlery's words were not forgiveness, but the suggestion that there was nothing to forgive. What was was, what is and what lay ahead were what was important. Her generous offer to avail herself to him as needed struck a deep tenor within the cathar Knight. It was more than he had hoped, and it would not be taken lightly.

Another sip of tea was taken, the cup set silently upon the table. "Grandmaster Noble, your kindness and wise words are more encouragement than I could have expected." Taam replied. "I am already feeling stronger, more focused. But I would like to stay here a few more days and take advantage of your offer. I sense peaceful moments like this will be more rare in the coming days. There is Darkness all around us."

Taam's respect for Valery Noble had increased ten fold after their brief conversation. Not only as a leader among the Jedi Order, but as a person and a woman. The big cathar Sentinel would enjoy Valery's company as long as he could.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's smile softened as she listened to Taam, her fiery gaze steady and warm. "Knight Moghul," she began, her tone teasing just slightly, "If you're trying to charm me with all this flattery, you're doing a pretty good job." She chuckled and leaned back in her chair, her hands wrapping around her cup of tea, the serene garden around them accentuating the moment.

Her expression shifted into something more genuine as she added, "But really, I'm glad you're feeling stronger. You're right about moments like this being rare — it’s important to savor them. And if staying here for a few days helps you center yourself, then I’m glad you’ll be here. We’re always stronger when we take the time to ground ourselves in the Force before stepping into the chaos."

Valery tilted her head slightly, her smile growing just a little playful. "That said, I might have to put you to work while you’re here. You know, make use of some of that newfound focus of yours. Think you’re up for the challenge?"

Her words hung in the air for a moment, light and warm, but her gaze held a deeper note of sincerity. "It’s good to have you back, Taam."

Taam Moghul ​

 

[Taam Moghul]

Tag: Valery Noble

Location: New Cov Jedi Temple

The Grandmaster's jovial comment peeled away a layer of formality from the interaction. Taam's large frame also relaxed slightly, indicating a new level of comfort in the company of the Master Jedi. "Flattering or not, the words stand true, Grandmaster Noble." The cathar retorted with a grin on his muzzle.

The maned head nodded at Valery's next statement. Her words were true, taking time to restore one's connection with the Force was vital, regardless the rank of a jedi. The Force was a jedi's guide, his ally, and an anchor. After the noble statement, another playful smirk touched the woman's lips as she threatened work, and offered a challenge. Taam's small smile continued, his frame leaning a bit closer as his large hand idly handled the tea cup. The Grandmaster had piqued Taam's interest and excited him with opportunity to get back to work.

"Meditation and grounding are well and good, Master, but work, activity, can strengthen one's bond with the Force as well. Consider me at your service." Taam announced. His wry grin turned to a genuine smile. "It's good to be back, Grandmaster Noble." With that, he downed the last of his tea, looking forward to his brief stay at New Cov.