Private Corellia by Night | Tales of the Alliance

[Aliyah]

Tag: Valery Noble
Location: Corellia, Central Plaza

Corellia is a wonderful place, rich of history. Being the homeworld to some of the most famous and infamous people in the Galaxy both past and present, as well as historical events which shaped the course of an era. Under the Galactic Alliance that prosperity grew, introducing other cultures did well in defeating the isolationist sentiment that 'Corellia was Corellians', it made people ask- WHAT is a Corellian? And the answer was rather simple.

Wanderlust, plenty of it. Talk to each and every person and most would tell you of a journey they had, no matter how short nor the distance they travelled, it is the very journey which brought them so much pleasure. Now, add a diversity of cuisine that comes with being in the Alliance, and then all the different people coming through - and Corellia easily becomes some of the most economically successful planets, tourism is at all times high. And cantinas are FILLED with people eager to share their own stories, or listen to the stories of others.

The night over Corellia did not make the place look dark, glittering lights from advertisement signs as well as ambient light of fixtures lit the streets, paving path to a number of cantinas, food stands, peacekeepers walked about. People were in large groups, and although not all of them could be called law-abiding, they could not necessarily be called ruthless pirates either - but people with a spirit of freedom burning bright. Perhaps unique to Corellia, a small chat could turn into long winded conversation. And just buying food would get one hooked into an interesting story about fleeing from pirates during a cargo run on a shady trade route.

Not everyone enjoyed it however, seeing as one girl awkwardly shifted her footing. She stood out like a sore thumb, not the best at social interactions, she wanted to have her food and then to leave. Feigning interest, she mumbled. "Uh-huh..." Once in a while, but the constant glancing around was a way for demure young girl to call for help, and to look at the line that was forming behind the food stand, perhaps such culture did have some drawbacks, all things considered.
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Dress

Valery stepped into the bustling streets of Corellia, her presence both commanding and graceful in the deep green dress she'd chosen, its Keshian design hugging her form and highlighting the elegance of her heritage. The golden accents along the waist and shoulders shimmered faintly in the streetlights, catching the attention of a few passersby as she moved through the crowd. She was here to visit friends, but the lively, story-filled streets had drawn her in for a quick taste of the city on her own.

As she made her way through the lines of food stalls and vendors, Valery's attention shifted to a young woman who seemed decidedly out of place amidst the Corellian crowds. The girl stood near a food stand, fidgeting and glancing around with a clear discomfort, her attempts at polite conversation coming off as more of an awkward struggle. Valery's gaze softened, instantly recognizing the discomfort.

With a gentle smile, Valery approached, her steps quiet yet purposeful. She leaned slightly toward the girl, offering her a friendly nod. "These lines can feel endless, can't they?" she said, her tone warm and reassuring. "Mind if I join you? I could use some company while I wait for my food."

She gave Aliyah a friendly, encouraging look, her presence calm and unintrusive, as though inviting the girl to find a bit of ease in the crowded, lively night.

Or, she could simply enjoy some peace and quiet.

Aliyah ​

 

[Aliyah]

Tag: Valery Noble
Location: Corellia, Central Plaza

There was something weird about this girl, the Grandmaster, although relaxed - could certainly feel that, her presence within the Force felt suspiciously low, as if she was trying to blend in, and go unnoticed by those with sharp senses on the invisible energy. And that'd usually work, but certainly not on a Jedi of great tenure such as Valery. This girl - the Force is strong with her.

The girl notices Valery giving a softened gaze to her, and she seems to relax, letting out a shaky sigh as the Grandmaster approached, though no less awkward than before. "Yeah, they do feel endless." The girl agreed with a nod. "I..." The girl tilts her head from side to side, as if considering Valery's offer, stressed.

"I guess you can?" She softly mused, her brows furrowing, the girl was overthinking this interaction, every word she spoke had a touch of caution, as if she was considering them carefully. "I'm not a great talker, though."

The girl has enough confidence, built up over a short bout of silence, blurting out. "...Compared to others, who are more talkative." The girl says, her tone is a touch calmer, but the way she weaves her words, it feels as if there's some suspicion and also curiosity about Valery's decision, and she's trying to gently question it.

​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Dress

Valery met the girl's hesitant gaze with a warm, calming smile, sensing the tension behind her careful words. "No need to worry about making conversation," she said softly, her tone as gentle as the warm Corellian breeze. "Sometimes, it's enough just to have company who understands the quiet."

She tilted her head thoughtfully, picking up on the girl's curiosity and lingering suspicion. "But I must admit," Valery continued, with a playful twinkle in her eye, "I was drawn here by something... familiar." She paused, allowing the girl a moment to absorb her words. "There's a calmness in you, but also strength. For someone who claims not to be a great talker, I'd say there's a lot more you could share."

Not that Valery would pressure her to.

Valery's gaze remained steady, inviting trust. "Are you from here? Or are you just passing through like so many others on this lively planet?" The question was open-ended, light, a gentle nudge to ease the girl's worries and let her open up at her own pace.

Aliyah ​

 

[Aliyah]

Tag: Valery Noble
Location: Corellia, Central Plaza

The girl listened to Valery, nodding at her words, the fact that she wasn't forced to talk made it easier for her to relax, she could take as much time as needed to formulate her response, or none at all if she wished. There are no words spoken, yet she nods in approval.

"Not a lot of people tell me that..." She brings her hand to comb through her own hair, pondering on the Grandmaster's words. "...Suppose, I could. Should I though?"

The demure girl cants her head to the side, though it is unclear whether she's asking Valery or herself. "You sound like an undercover agent that's been sent after me, but assuming you're not..." It was a ridiculous insinuation on the girl's part, but her softspoken voice and clear lack of sarcasm in it betrayed the fact that she was completely serious in her accusation, this inherent distrust seems to be deeply embedded in her, a part of her personality.

She lifts her hand, thinking of what to say. "No, I'm not from here. I just love travelling." Her expression softens, from one of distant concern to a slight smile as she brings that hand to hide her lips, and a chuckle that escapes them. "I suppose, I'm not that different than most people here. But I'm not used to things being lively, the noise, and all the people being so talkative."

The young girl takes a risk, and strays from the path paved to her by the lady in front of her, a step that seems to utterly insignificant, yet on the girl's part it takes a lot of effort to go through with it. The words she speaks feel coherent and well-put together when compared to quiet mumbles and uncertain statements, it is as if she has been rehearsing those lines in her head this whole time, and found a great segue to use it. "There was this lady that asked me for directions to a certain cantina, can you imagine?" She asks of Valery, as if somehow this question was a taboo. "I had to wonder if she was biding time, or if she was there to kill people in the cantina, and so on, and so on... And when I told her yes, she just said 'Thanks', and went on her way. Isn't that weird? The people can just ask something that could have so many implications like that and then... Walk away??"

That was just an average encounter while out and about on just any planet, yet the encounter felt special enough that it resonated with the girl, she was confronted with culture and method of interacting that felt so utterly alien to her. Sure, maybe it wasn't any epic story or a quest, but at least she opened up more than she usually does.
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Dress

Valery listened intently to the girl's story, her gaze soft and encouraging as she took in the young woman's guarded words and layered thoughts. The serious, almost paranoid accusation of Valery as an undercover agent made her smile with a quiet amusement — she wasn't used to such a unique perspective on everyday encounters.

"Sometimes it really is just that simple," Valery replied with a lighthearted laugh. "For most people, it's easier to walk up and ask something straight out without really thinking about all the possibilities." She paused, considering the girl's point. "But I think there's a wisdom in your caution. It shows that you observe things deeply, maybe even see more than others do."

Valery leaned against the wall beside her, crossing her arms and letting her tone soften. "I can understand how chaotic this place must feel to you. Corellia has that effect on most people. But there's something in the variety of people here — in the unpredictability, even — that helps bring out new sides of ourselves." Her gaze grew thoughtful, and she watched the girl's reaction as she continued, "Maybe that's why you travel, to find pieces of yourself in places and people that feel so different from what you're used to."

She met the girl's gaze, her smile warm and inviting. "What do you think?"

Aliyah ​

 

[Aliyah]

Tag: Valery Noble
Location: Corellia, Central Plaza

The girl chuckles softly as Valery explains to her that the cultural shock she experienced seems to be just a normal thing around these parts, her gaze softens a touch as the Grandmaster does not ridicule her overly cautious nature.

"Where I come from, the government watches every move you make. So you're really ought to be as careful with your words as you can be, and... Well, trust very few people, I might come off as observant... But back home that's just basic self-preservation, really."

Feeling comfortable to divulge more information about herself, she twiddled with her fingers, looking around as often as possible. Wanting to make sure if the line moved, but also to make sure that people weren't staring, or eavesdropping, many seemed to be preoccupied with the stories of their own. Though no doubt soon would be their turn to get the coveted Corellian cuisine.

"Ha." She chuckles, covering her lips with an open palm of her hand. "I'm quite the hypocrite, then. Travelling to find pieces of myself in what is not really me, and getting all confused and upset over finding out that not everything is how I'm used to it." Her voice takes on a touch somber note. "But that'd also require knowing what defines 'me'... I suppose, that'd be what's this odyssey is about, I'm trying to figure out where I stand, and also to learn more of the Galaxy-... It is so large, so big... And where I lived, in comparison, is like a cage."

A tired sigh escapes her, as she looks off into the distance briefly, but her eyes go back to Valery in a moment. But eye contact seems like a fickle thing for the young girl, who quickly shifts to look at the ground, or in vague direction of the lady.

"Going back to who I am, I can't really answer that in full yet - but at least I know that I'm Aliyah." She introduces herself, there was a good moment or two of hesitation, she hadn't heard the sound of her own name in quite a while.

​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Dress

Valery's gaze softened further as she listened, picking up on the girl's quiet strength wrapped in a layer of caution. Aliyah's words struck her, and she could feel the weight behind them — the contrast between freedom and constraint, trust and suspicion, each word weaving a picture of where she'd come from.

"Aliyah," Valery repeated with a warm smile, letting the name settle. "That's a beautiful name. I'm Valery, and it's a pleasure to meet you," Valery said to introduce herself as well.

She gave the girl a moment to let her words breathe before responding, choosing her own carefully, "Self-preservation is wise, especially when it's all you've ever known. It keeps you grounded and safe. But I think," Valery said with a slight tilt of her head, "You have a deeper wisdom than that. To break out of that cage and to travel, even if it's disorienting, that's incredibly brave. Not everyone would choose to leave what's familiar behind."

Valery's eyes drifted momentarily to the crowd bustling around them, the lively voices and carefree laughter that likely seemed foreign to Aliyah. "You'll find pieces of yourself in unexpected places, sometimes in the people you meet, and sometimes in the way you feel about those places and people. Even in the moments that challenge you, you're closer to finding those answers."

She leaned in just slightly, her tone gentle but carrying a note of encouragement. "And you don't have to figure it all out at once. There's no rush to define who you are. You're doing exactly what you should be — exploring, observing, taking it all in."

Valery paused and offered a reassuring smile. "I know we're only just meeting, but I believe you're going to find what you're looking for, Aliyah. And in the meantime, if you ever need a guide — or someone to simply share the view with — I'd be more than happy to pffer advice."

Aliyah ​

 

[Aliyah]

Tag: Valery Noble
Location: Corellia, Central Plaza

The girl had the aura of sadness around her, she stared off into the distance, thoughtful. Not unlike the gaze of plenty philosophers, weighing the meaning of life and their place in it, yet the more she spoke to Valery. The more she settled into a version of herself that was just herself. With as little layers between her and the conversation partner, it was a weird- new experience for her. To have a conversation that wasn't related to someone needing something from her, she grown too accustomed to it being purely transactional, it did help that the girl was shut-in enough that she didn't know the importance of Valery's name in the Galactic Alliance, that'd come with tons of anxiety and stress.

"It is brave, but not uncommon in the galaxy, Valery." She vaguely points over with her hand to all the tourists. "If the galaxy was such a good place, and the planets that those people came from, or stations or ships- were stable and perfect... Then there would be no need to emigrate at all, and I feel like there would be far less explorers."

"After all, if you were to be born with everything and could achieve anything by remaining within this tight-knit bubble... Then you would have no reason to seek out pieces of yourself elsewhere, nor seek a better life, there'd be no better life like home." She lifts her index finger, pointing it up, an addendum is made. "Not to say that all exploration would cease, that is to say it wouldn't be so widespread."

Her gaze shifts to look at Valery directly, if for a few seconds. "My home planet isn't a great place, even if it IS home- even if it made up a good part of who I am. I don't think I'd leave it if I was fully content with my life."

She turns away, shy as ever. But in the corner of her eyes the girl notices that the line was open, they were next. She quickly grabs her food- though not biting into it right away, smiling subtly.

"You have a lot of faith in someone you just met, Valery." That smile turns into a small grin. "We can talk more, and you could be a guide of mine... But guides are meant to help you walk your path, rather than to guide you on a path they consider right, it'd be silly to expect you to guide me if the path I take might not allign with your ideals."

She flicks her gaze back at the Grandmaster, nodding with approval. "Regardless of the path that I'll take, I do think you are a nice person to talk with."
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Dress

Valery listened intently, her amber gaze warm as she took in Aliyah's words. She could feel the complexity of emotions layered beneath each sentence, and it only deepened her respect for the young woman. This wasn't just someone seeking purpose; Aliyah was someone who questioned, who sought to understand herself and the galaxy on a level beyond her years. That kind of awareness was rare, and Valery could see that despite her youth, Aliyah had already experienced the kind of struggles that shape a person.

"You're right," Valery said softly, acknowledging the wisdom in her words. "The galaxy isn't perfect, and home isn't always the haven we want it to be. That search for something better, for pieces of ourselves scattered across the stars… it's a journey many take, and it's a brave one, even if it comes from hardship."

She paused for a moment, watching as Aliyah collected her food with a subtle smile, the slightest hint of a grin forming in response. "As for faith," she added, "I don't need to know everything about someone to see their strength and potential. And I can sense a lot of both in you."

When Aliyah mentioned that a guide should help someone walk their own path, Valery nodded, her expression thoughtful. "You're absolutely right. My role as a guide, as a Jedi, has never been about pushing people toward the path I think they should take. My hope is simply to offer support, so you're strong enough to take whichever path calls to you. Or just so you have a different perspective." She smiled warmly, her voice a bit lighter now, almost playful.

"And it means a lot to hear that you think I'm a nice person to talk to. You are, too."

Aliyah ​

 

[Aliyah]

Tag: Valery Noble
Location: Corellia, Central Plaza

It was awareness that made it all the more tragic, from a certain perspective. A person who's supposed to enjoy their life, and to slowly start entering their adulthood likely went through so much that they are years ahead of where they should be, not by choice - but by force of circumstance. Not that many people in the galaxy get the choice of it, especially those that shine so brightly like a force-sensitive.

"Is it betrayal to others, to seek a better life, even if you choose to leave your home behind? That choice to me sounds selfish, but I do guess that not all selfish choices are bad, self-preservation and seeking happiness... It is the natural state of all sentients, after we can survive, we start to seek luxuries of life, I didn't want to be stuck on surviving my whole life, and I feel like only specific type of people would've wanted to."

Aliyah's lips tremble, there's a crack in her otherwise demure expression as she inclines her head towards Valery, observing her. "You're a Jedi?" Her tone of voice betrayed surprise, it was almost as if she felt a touch offended, too. There's a small pause, during which the girl takes a heavy sigh, processing this information. Her words carefully chosen as she spoke.

"The home I come from despised the Jedi, and their peace... Seeing the Alliance as guilty of spreading the propaganda and being influenced by them... I, am of slightly less extremist opinion." She tilts her head to the other side. "I do believe that as it stands, the New Jedi Order has a lot of influence in the Alliance. I feel like the power it possesses creates the idea where the religion which you follow is starting to directly influence other branches of government too, military doctrine and the federal ensemble." The girl began to explain carefully.

"At least, that's how I see it, as someone who travelled about in the alliance for a little while." There was no critique of the Order's beliefs, she did not seek to offend Valery or somehow start telling that all her beliefs are wrong, rather, she focused on what was more tangible, and that is the influence of a religious order over the government, and how that affected the Alliance as a whole, an issue she and perhaps others thought was very much real. "It is a touch undemocratic, in my opinion."

A small pause is followed by a nod of her head, and a chuckle which she hides behind an open palm of her hand, in spite of it all, she's not used to taking compliments.

"Thank you, Valery. I'm a bit eccentric I do suppose... Or- I just have a creative view of the Galaxy, maybe both. But we all try to do our best, that is what I counts."
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Dress

Valery's expression softened as she listened to Aliyah's perspective, her surprise evident but tempered by understanding. Aliyah's thoughtful critique was not an attack but rather an earnest observation, and Valery appreciated the courage it took to voice such concerns.

After a moment, she leaned forward slightly, her amber eyes meeting Aliyah's with sincerity.

"I can understand why it might seem that way," Valery began gently. "The Jedi have a long and complicated history, and I know our presence within the Alliance can raise concerns. But things have changed significantly over time. The Jedi don't hold military authority or votes in the Senate. We're not in positions of government power. Our role is strictly as peacekeepers and representatives of our Order's values, much like how certain corporations or other organizations have representation but no direct control over the government's decisions."

She let that sink in for a moment, her tone remaining calm and open. "We serve as advisors when called upon, and we do our best to aid in times of crisis. But we don't command fleets, and we don't dictate policy. The Alliance's government operates independently, and its military follows the chain of command separate from the Jedi Order."

"In fact, when we fight on the Battlefield, the soldiers have authority over the Jedi. But practically, they will usually collaborate and also ask for advice."

Valery offered a small, understanding smile. "I know it's easy to feel like our presence could sway things. The Jedi do have a strong cultural and symbolic influence, and that alone can cause tension or give the impression that we're pulling strings behind the scenes. But the truth is, we're held accountable just like any other group within the Alliance."

Her gaze softened further as she added, "I'm not saying your concerns aren't valid — quite the opposite. It's important for people to question and hold those in positions of influence accountable. But I hope this helps clarify our place within the Alliance a little."

Valery leaned back slightly, her smile growing more playful. "And for what it's worth, I think a creative view of the galaxy is exactly what we need more of. Eccentric or not, it helps us see things from perspectives we might otherwise miss."

Aliyah ​

 

[Aliyah]

Tag: Valery Noble
Location: Corellia, Central Plaza

The girl lets a soft sigh as Valery grazes her with an understanding and sincere expression, she eases up, releasing some of the tension that she had in her posture.

"I earnestly have grown to question authority a lot, I think part of that comes with having freedom of speech, and suppose- power to get away with it if you're in the corners of galaxy where the practice itself is unpopular. What you say is true, at the very least I feel like it is based on rational arguments, but I cannot really hold that conversation for too long... I've not lived in Alliance for too long, and not seen most of it to draw conclusions. Just questions, lots of them..."

A soft chuckle escapes her, which she hides behind an open palm of her hand. "That goes for a lot of stuff in life, the more I explore, the more questions I get, even though I'm looking for answers." She releases a tired sigh.

"Imagine." She gestures broadly with her free hand. "You are living your life, you're... Not content with it, but you're still living it, because that small bubble is all you have. Sometimes you're sad, angry about it. But ultimately you give up and realize that it is not worth the effort to burst out of it, so you grow used to this limited world, knowing that the sea of stars is just one trip away. Gradually, you forget about your dreams, about luxuries of life, instead you focus on survival. The act of existing, rather than living." There's a small pause, as she tries to pick the right words. "But then, one day. A bunch of people find you, corner you. And start telling that you're somehow special, so you decide to listen to them- and then that bubble bursts, forcefully."

"Suddenly you have responsibility on your shoulders, a burden, and then there's all those people that you never met who either want to be your friends or enemy, and piles upon piles of ancient history, and that impossibly large undertaking of managing that, while trying to just figure out where you stand in the galaxy, or figure out what galaxy is."

At this point, the girl was ranting, swinging her hand as she made judicious use of gesturing while speaking, there's emotion in her voice. Loudness, she's telling a story. Even though she voiced her woe about doing such, having found courage to tell it to someone, even if with most of the context veiled, requiring a double take.
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Dress

Valery listened intently, her amber eyes steady and warm as Aliyah poured out her thoughts. The weight behind the young woman's words was undeniable — each one a reflection of the turbulent journey she had experienced. Valery didn't interrupt, allowing Aliyah to fully express herself, her gesturing hands painting a vivid picture of a life upended by unexpected revelations and the sudden weight of responsibility.

When Aliyah finally paused, Valery leaned forward slightly, her expression one of deep understanding.

"I can't pretend to know exactly what you've been through," Valery began softly, her voice carrying a calm strength. "But I know what it's like to have your world turned upside down. To feel like everything you thought you knew is suddenly so much bigger, more complex… and more daunting."

She smiled gently, her hands folding on the table. "When I was first brought into the Jedi Order, I was just a child. My bubble was burst early, but the feelings you described? They stayed with me for a long time. The weight of responsibility, the endless questions, the uncertainty about where I fit into this vast galaxy." Her eyes softened further, reflecting a shared vulnerability.

"It's a lot to take in, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed by it. What matters is that you don't have to face it alone. Those people who found you, who saw something special in you — they may have disrupted your life, but they also saw your potential. They believed in you, and from what I've seen, they weren't wrong."

Valery leaned back slightly, her smile growing more reassuring. "The galaxy is vast and filled with challenges, but it's also full of possibilities. You don't have to figure it all out at once. Take it one step at a time, ask your questions, and let yourself explore. You'll find your place, Aliyah."

"And if you end up needing a different direction... well, there's always a choice."

Aliyah ​