Private Fire and Ruin — Scars of Keshi

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's voice slipped into Kahlil's mind as quick as a dagger, her teasing tone carrying an almost mischievous spark. <Bombs? That sounds like a great idea. Maybe I should whip up a few while I wait for you to catch up, Captain.>

The humor in her words was undeniable, but her fiery eyes remained sharp as she continued coordinating the townsfolk's evacuation. The last of the pirates had been dealt with, their weapons and makeshift defenses dismantled. The village was secure, but that didn't mean the weight of the situation had lessened.

When the shuttle descended, her attention shifted instantly. The sight of Kahlil stepping out onto the dirt street brought a warm, relieved smile to her face, but that expression faltered ever so slightly when the Keshian warrior followed close behind him. Valery's fiery gaze flicked toward the woman, just for a moment, her brows lowering as a hint of something unfamiliar and unwelcome stirred within her. Jealousy.

It was subtle — nothing more than a tightening of her jaw and a slight squint in her fiery eyes — but it was there.

She quickly pushed it aside, reminding herself of the mission and everything that was at stake. With a steadying breath, Valery walked up to Kahlil, her smile returning, though it carried a weight behind it now.

"The town is clear," she said softly, glancing over her shoulder at the exhausted but grateful villagers who were gathering by the Faedra. Her smile flickered, turning sad as her gaze settled on Kahlil again. "It's time to get everybody out."

Her voice dipped lower, and the emotion behind it was undeniable. He knew his wife, so as necessary as this was, he'd understand just how much this frustrated her.

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Jealousy, was it?

Kahlil chuckled softly to himself once he was off the shuttle, standing beside Valery as he observed people gathering up to join the evacuation. People together, helping one another in a crisis. It never ceased to amaze him how people could work together. He reached up, gently ruffling Valery's hair. "We did good with this. We'll take care of this, of them. Get allies to take Keshian back. We've got this."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery felt Kahlil’s presence beside her, grounding her in a way that only he could. As his hand ruffled her hair, a soft chuckle escaped her lips, though a faint hint of her earlier emotions still lingered in the way her fiery eyes flicked toward him. Without a word, she reached out and gently slipped her hand into his, giving it a subtle squeeze. It was an instinctive gesture — one born from love, reassurance, and maybe just a small reminder to the galaxy that Kahlil was hers.

Not that it was ever in question.

Her gaze softened as she looked at him, the faint tension in her shoulders easing at his words. "We did good," she agreed quietly, her voice carrying a mix of relief and determination. But her fiery gaze soon turned toward the horizon, her thoughts shifting ahead to what still needed to be done.

She let out a soft sigh, her grip on his hand tightening briefly before she released it. "We’ll regroup on Niv Hani," Valery said, her tone steady but laced with an unmistakable edge of eagerness. "From there, we’ll launch the assault on their fleet? Maybe the Epicanthix can help? Or we contact the Hapans. The Queen did seem to like you." Valery grumbled, having to say that out loud. It still bothered her to even think about it.

She stepped forward, resting a hand lightly against his chest, her expression softening, "I just want to end this." Then she paused, and looked up into his silver eyes, "And for the record, I'm not jealous," she stubbornly denied, though with a faint smirk on her lips.

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Jealous suggests you crave something that's not yours."

Kahlil just smiled. He was hers, without a doubt. He nodded though, his gaze turning ahead as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder to hold her close. "We will. There's a lot of people we can ask for help, ad we will. No one else is going to loose their world. For now, the can stay on Niv Hani as we set up the counter attack, yeah?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery leaned into Kahlil’s embrace, resting her head lightly against his shoulder as his arm wrapped around her. For a moment, she was quiet, letting the warmth of his presence steady her. Her arms slipped around him in a soft hug, and after a few heartbeats, she tilted her head to meet his gaze.

A small smile tugged at her lips as she looked into his silver eyes. "You’re most mine," she murmured, her voice low and warm, carrying the weight of her love for him.

But the moment of quiet affection didn’t last long before her mind turned back to the task ahead. She straightened slightly, though she stayed close to him, her expression shifting to one of thoughtful determination.

"Should we really ask the NJO and the Alliance for help?" she asked, her fiery resolve reflected in the question. "With the Keshians and Epicanthix, I think we can handle it. It would take time to get more allies, and what if that allows these pirates to plunder everything before we arrive?"

She paused, her gaze searching his face for his thoughts.

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Let them plunder if it takes time to get the allies needed. Keshain isn't a place, it's a people. We'll keep the people safe. We don't know if they've put out a call for the main fleet, especially with the Sith we killed when they're found out. Whoever is behind this, I want to make sure we have enough people to keep our losses nonexistent. We'll return here and kick the pirates out without any more loss of life."

He paused though, his expression stern and serious as he spoke. It wasn't about what he was talking on though, which became far more apparent as he looked down to Valery again. Then reached up to boop her nose.

"Most mine, Master Noble."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery sighed softly, her shoulders relaxing as Kahlil's steady reasoning settled over her like a calming wave. She ran her fingers lightly over his chest, tracing a faint pattern as she nodded. "You're right," she admitted, though the reluctance in her tone was hard to miss. She was a stubborn woman, after all.

Her fiery eyes softened as they met his. "Thank you for hitting the brakes on me a little. It's just... hard, you know? To leave my homeworld behind like this. Even when it's the right call, it doesn't feel any easier." She paused, exhaling quietly, her hand lingering against his chest as if drawing strength from him.

When he suddenly reached up to boop her nose, and paired it with the teasing "Most mine, Master Noble," Valery blinked and then smirked, though a sheepish smile quickly followed. "I'm in trouble, aren't I?" she murmured, her tone laced with playful resignation. She glanced away for a moment, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. Hearing him call her Master Noble in that way? It always meant trouble.

But there was more to her plan than the simple words. She had known exactly what would happen when she'd said "Most mine." And just as she predicted, right as Kahlil spoke the words, the Keshian warrior passed by, her sharp gaze briefly flicking toward them before she continued on. Valery followed the woman with her own fiery eyes, watching her expression carefully as she walked away.

Her smirk deepened just slightly, and she turned back to Kahlil, her gaze gleaming with subtle mischief.

"I'll accept it if you offer mercy. I'd hate to have to beat you in battle twice in one day~"

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Ah.

Kahlil felt the rush of smugness then and there as he spoke. The reality of what she'd done, baiting him into the challenge as the woman from before walked by. Bemusement filled his mind as he looked towards his wife. Not the other woman, he couldn't bring himself to look at anyone else now. "You are certainly in trouble, my darling wife. Of that we can both agree without a doubt."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's fiery gaze locked onto Kahlil's, her smirk deepening into a playful grin as the world around them seemed to fade away. Even as the last shuttles departed, taking the villagers and the Keshian warrior with them, her focus stayed entirely on him. The soft hum of the Bastion's systems provided a quiet backdrop, but all that mattered now was the two of them, standing together in the aftermath of their efforts.

"Trouble, huh?" she asked with a teasing lilt, her arms slipping around his waist as her grin widened. She tilted her head slightly, a spark of mischief dancing in her amber eyes. "You have to admit, though, I had you there. You didn't see that coming."

She leaned in just a fraction, her voice softening but losing none of its playful edge. "It wasn't entirely necessary, I know," she admitted, her fingers brushing lightly against the fabric of his tunic. "But sometimes, I just like the world to know. To remind it, and everyone else, that you're mine." Her hand trailed upward to rest gently against his chest. "And I'm yours. Always."

Her smirk softened into a fond smile as she looked up at him, her voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "But if that counts as trouble, then I guess I'm guilty as charged. What are you going to do about it, Captain Noble?" She arched a playful brow, daring him to answer.

"Keelhaul me now that you're a pirate?"

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil took a calm breath as he turned his gaze from Valery up to the ships as they pulled away. A calm smile, a calm demeanor. Everything about him was pure serenity as Valery continued to try and tease him on. It was when the last ship left that he let out one last breath. Then just hoisted Valery up and over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, carried in one arm. "I'm thinking the brig is best suited for these crimes of yours. Don't you think?"

He glanced over his shoulder to her with a brief smile before just walking right up the ramp of the Bastion. She was in a lot of trouble now, and there wasn't anything that was going to stop him now.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery let out a surprised squeal as Kahlil hoisted her over his shoulder like she weighed nothing more than a training dummy. Her fiery gaze turned wide with playful shock, and she lightly slapped his back, though her laughter betrayed just how much she was enjoying this sudden turn of events.

"Love!" she exclaimed, her voice half a laugh, half a protest. "You can't just haul me off like this!"

As they made their way up the Bastion's ramp, Valery's grin turned mischievous again, her tone dripping with playful defiance. "But babe," she started, resting her elbows on his back like she had fully accepted her fate, "I'm a notorious Jedi Shadow. How do you ever plan to keep me from escaping? Hmm?" She tilted her head to try and catch his expression. "Did you bring cuffs?"

Her smirk widened, and she couldn't resist adding, "You better watch out. I'm known for my escape tricks. One moment you're dragging me to the brig, and the next... I'm sitting in your chair, eating your snacks, and plotting my revenge."

She kicked her legs gently, still very much along for the ride, as her laughter echoed lightly in the ship's corridor.

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"You must be really scared for your punishment if you're going to talk this much, huh." Kahlil just chuckled as they did make their way into the Bastion. He'd set it to take off to keep with the rest of the Keshain and bring them to Niv Hani, but his focus was only on his wife and her cheeky attitude. "You know you can't actually escape me, so, I hope you're ready for what comes next."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery gasped dramatically, her fiery gaze lighting up with playful defiance as she feigned offense at his words. "Punishment? For me?" she asked, placing a hand over her heart as though utterly scandalized. "But I'm innocent, love~" Her tone was dripping with mock sincerity, her smirk growing wider as she leaned into her bratty act.

"This is all a misunderstanding."

As he teased her about escaping, Valery tilted her head, her grin sharpening into something mischievous. "Can't escape, huh?" she echoed, her tone challenging. Without warning, she phased right through him with her Force abilities, slipping free of his grasp and reappearing a few steps in front of him.

She turned to face him, her eyes sparkling with delight as her grin widened. Slowly, she bit her lower lip, her fingers tugging at the zipper of her jumpsuit. She pulled it down just enough to tease him, revealing the faintest glimpse of the skin underneath.

"You're probably right," she said, her voice playful but edged with a sultry undertone. "I might not be able to escape you." She stepped closer, her movements deliberate, her fiery gaze locked on his.

"But why would I ever want to?" Valery added, her smirk softening into something warmer, though the teasing glint in her eyes remained. "Being caught by you doesn't seem so bad, does it?"

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"There's nothing innocent about you. You should feel fortunate that the trip home isn't that long."

Kahlil rather casually just dropped Valery on the bed, smiling faintly. Danger. It wasn't the kind and warm smile, but the dangerous kind of smile. The kind of smile Valery knew well. He leaned over to kiss her forehead gently, the last one until they made it home, before standing up straight to idly stretch his arms a bit. "Gonna be making the most of it, though. Aren't we?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery let out a squeal of mock protest as Kahlil plucked her up from the floor once again, her fiery eyes lighting up with impish defiance. She landed on the bed with a bounce, her hair splaying around her like a halo as she feigned dramatic distress. "Love, you can't just treat me like this!"

She leaned into the kiss he placed on her forehead, her playful smirk softening for a brief moment. But when he stood and began to stretch, her amber eyes locked onto him with a flicker of something far more heated. Her gaze traced the lines of his form, her lips parting slightly as her heart skipped a beat. God, he's hot... The thought came subconsciously but with no less intensity, her cheeks flushing faintly as she propped herself up on her elbows.

Her grin returned, sharper and filled with a playful edge as her gaze snapped back to his face. "Oh, we'll definitely make the most of it," she murmured, her voice dipping into a sultry tone as she pushed herself closer to the edge of the bed.

The distance between them disappeared quickly, her teasing smile never faltering as she reached for him. Whatever banter might have followed was lost as their bodies moved closer.

---

Next was a stillness, the faint glow of the cabin's ambient lighting casting soft shadows across the room. Valery lay tangled under the blankets with Kahlil, her hair messy and her cheeks still faintly flushed. Her chest rose and fell in time with her breaths, the weight of exhaustion and satisfaction settling over her like a warm blanket.

She turned her head, catching his gaze as a sly grin tugged at her lips. "You know," she started, her voice breathy and teasing, "You really couldn't have been a little more gentle with me, huh?" Her tone carried the bratty playfulness he knew so well, but the way her fingers brushed against his arm softened her words.

Her grin melted into something more tender as she leaned over to press a soft kiss to his cheek. "Not that I'm really complaining," she whispered, her voice warm and filled with affection. But when she shifted slightly, a sharp groan escaped her lips, and she winced. "Ow…" she muttered, laughing softly despite herself.

She settled back against him, resting her head on his shoulder as her fingers idly traced small patterns on his chest. "You know, I was wondering about something..." she said, her voice quieter now, more thoughtful. The teasing edge was gone, replaced by the softer, more vulnerable tone she reserved just for him.

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I can be, when it's appropriate."

Kahlil chuckled softly as he kissed her forehead gently. Though, he did tilt his head as the tone seemed to shift again. A smile took over as he reached up, gently poking her forehead. Whatever she was wondering about, she was getting in her own head about it already given how quiet she'd gotten. "You don't have to get shy. Feel free to speak your mind, love."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery smirked, her fiery gaze flickering with playful mischief as she reached out and poked his abs with a teasing little prod. "Ah, so I shouldn't tease you as much, huh?" she mused, her voice taking on a sing-song lilt as she grinned. "But it's so much fun~"

Her grin only widened as she leaned into the gentle kiss he placed on her forehead, her expression softening as warmth bloomed in her chest. She snuggled in closer, letting the comfort of his presence wrap around her like a second blanket. Even now, after everything, he made her feel safe. Whole.

Then, his finger tapped against her forehead, and she blinked in mild surprise before chuckling, reaching up to gently flick his hand away. "I'm not shy," she said with an amused shake of her head. "It's just..." She hesitated for half a beat, but there was no real reluctance — just that dreamy sort of wistfulness that made her thoughts harder to put into words.

She sighed softly, her fingers tracing slow, idle circles against his chest as she let herself sink into the moment. "Lately, I've been having these dreams," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "Not nightmares — nothing like that. Just... dreams of us. Our life together. A life after being Jedi."

Her fingers stilled for a moment before she tilted her head up to look at him, her amber eyes filled with something thoughtful, something deeper. "I know it's not something we think about much," she murmured, "But sometimes, I wonder."

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Being a Jedi forever. Hmm. I don't see that for either of us, in truth." Kahlil hummed in thought as he spoke, his eyes focused now on the ceiling. It was something he'd thought on before, and likely would continue to think on. Knowing that Valery was too, whether just dreams or not, brought a faint smile to his face. "I think I might take up baking more when we do retire. Maybe open a shop in town."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery let out a soft hum, her fingers idly tracing along his chest as he spoke. A shop. A quiet life. Something warm and simple. It was such a contrast to the life they led now, but somehow, it suited him. Still, she wasn't about to let him get lost in thought. With a slow, playful movement, she curled her finger under his chin and gently guided his gaze back down to her. The moment his eyes met hers, she leaned in, capturing his lips in a soft, lingering kiss — slow, sweet, just enough to make her point.

When she pulled back, she smirked. "A shop, huh?"

Her tone was light, teasing, but there was a warmth behind it — something deeper. Something that said she liked the thought of it too.

Then, her smirk turned mischievous as she shifted, propping herself up slightly. "So let me get this straight — you're gonna retire, open a bakery, and start sharing your amazing baking with the whole town?" She placed a hand over her heart in mock offense. "You're making me jealous, love. I thought that was supposed to be all mine."

Her grin softened as she relaxed against him again, pressing another fleeting kiss to his shoulder before she exhaled, her voice quieter now. "As for me…" She trailed off for a second, thoughtful. "I think I'd love to do something with children."

She glanced up at him, her grin returning, wide and playful. "Our children, of course," she added, amusement dancing in her fiery eyes. "But also others. Helping them grow, guiding them, teaching them… maybe not as a Jedi Master anymore, but just as a person."

She sighed, her fingers drifting lazily along his arm as she let the thought settle. "I think I'd like that."

Kahlil Noble ​