Private Flames in Motion

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Red Epicanthix Dress

The soft glow of Niv Hani's sun played across Valery's crimson dress, its fabric shimmering like liquid fire as she moved. The gown was a masterpiece of design — its deep red hue adorned with delicate gold trim that traced along the neckline and hem, emphasizing the grace of her movements. The dress clung to her figure in a way that was both elegant and alluring, the fabric flowing effortlessly with every subtle shift of her body. A high slit exposed a toned leg with each step, while the fitted bodice accentuated her control.

Valery stood barefoot in the center of a grass field her hair cascading freely down her back, illuminated by the flickering glow of the flames that encircled her. But they weren't torches — these flames, conjured through the Force, swirled and danced around her in intricate, mesmerizing patterns. They trailed along the curve of her hips, spiraled gracefully around her waist, and flickered like golden ribbons over her limbs. The flames weren't just a visual enhancement; they were an extension of her, synchronized perfectly with her body as she moved to the beat of an unseen rhythm.

Her feet pressed softly against the grass as she shifted into the first movement, her arms raising fluidly to guide the flames upward. The fire curled around her chest and shoulders, casting a hypnotic glow that drew the eye like moths to a flame. Her hips swayed in a slow, deliberate motion, the flames wrapping around her midsection in response, creating the illusion of molten gold pooling at her waist. Every twist and turn of her body was precise yet effortless, each movement imbued with the cultural significance of the Epicanthix fire dance.

Her amber eyes were sharp with focus but softened with the warmth of intent. This performance wasn't just a dance — it was a gift, a piece of the culture she shared with her husband, an expression of love and admiration. She could already imagine the way his eyes would light up when he saw her at the festival, dressed like this, flames accentuating her every move.

The dance's pace quickened, her arms weaving arcs of flame that spiraled out and then back toward her, like a phoenix taking flight. Her body moved in perfect harmony with the fire, her every gesture radiating confidence, power, and a subtle allure. As Valery reached the final sequence of the performance, her movements slowed, the flames dimming and settling in closer, framing her form in a glowing outline of light. She paused at the end, her breathing steady. A small, satisfied smile curved her lips as she looked up, knowing that this dance — her dedication to perfecting it — would make an impression not only on her husband but on anyone who witnessed it.

For now, though, this was practice. And she wasn't alone.

"Aris," she began with a smile. "What do you think? I'm hoping to impress your Dad with it. I've been practicing for months." And today, she'd be sharing all that she learned with her son.

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

So this was why he kept smelling fire outside the house, yet couldn't ever spot where it was coming from. Aris sat cross legged on the ground, idly leaned forward as his hands rested on his ankles. And he watched. Flame dancing had become something incredible for the Epicanthix after the Ember of Vahl was folded into their culture. The celebration of flame, it's beauty. It's power. It was lessened from the more brutal displays here on Niv Hani, but the dance had never faded or left. Usually it was done with fire swords.

But Valery had the ability to shape and dance with the fire itself. Aris rarely ever displayed emotion, especially growing up. In the last year he'd started to show more, grow more confident in his own feelings to not process them in his mind and just let himself feel them as they formed. This was one of those times. His eyes were wide with wonder and joy. It was art to him, this dance. And it was beautiful.

Aaat least until his mind pieced together the dance and the fact that she did this for Kahlil. His awestruck expression turned to confliction even if he was still smiling, him giving a nervous laugh in response.

"I'm.. Sure he'll absolutely love it, mom. Without a doubt."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Red Epicanthix Dress

Valery's smile brightened, her amber eyes fixed on Aris with warmth as his response registered. But his slight hesitation didn't go unnoticed, and she tilted her head curiously, a playful edge to her tone as she teased, "You don't sound too convinced. Are you sure it's good? I've worked hard on this, you know."

Her hands moved to smooth the fabric of her dress, the crimson silk catching the light from the dying flames still flickering faintly around her. With a soft sigh, she raised a hand to fix her hair, brushing it back over her shoulder as she glanced down at her son again. "Well, I'll take that as a yes," she said with a smirk, deciding not to press him further.

Extending her hand to him, Valery's smile softened into something more inviting. "Come on," she said, her tone warm and encouraging. "You're not just going to sit there and watch, are you? I want to teach you."

Her hand remained steady, waiting for him to take it. "It's not just about the fire or the movements — it's about finding your rhythm, your connection to the flame. You've got the blood for it, so let's see what you can do."

Her amber eyes sparkled with excitement, eager to share a piece of herself — and their shared heritage — with him.

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

"It's very beautiful. For dad especially so, I think."

Aris cleared his throat and.. Blushed. It was just a little blush, but he really didn't want to be thinking about how much dad would end up enjoying that kind of dance. It was a beautiful dance! Mesmerizing and just, fun! But no, no he didn't need the thought of why his dad would enjoy it burning in the back of his mind. Thankfully, mom seemed to realize that much at least, so she at least didn't keep trying to embarrass him.

Not that it stopped the flustered red that tinged his ears.

Whiiiich was pretty much replaced by him blinking in surprise, then pure wonderment as he got to his feet. "Wait you're going to teach me!?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Red Epicanthix Dress

Valery’s smile softened at Aris’s words, her amber eyes sparkling with warmth. "I hope so," she said gently. "I’ve worked on this for months to make it something special." Her tone carried a note of pride, but also a quiet affection for the man she’d crafted the dance to impress. She left the rest unsaid — some things her son didn’t need to hear, after all.

As she glanced back at Aris, she noticed the faint blush spreading across his cheeks and the slight reddening of his ears. Her smile turned slightly sheepish. Had she embarrassed him too much? She didn’t always realize when she pushed a little too far, but seeing him flustered like this gave her pause.

For now, she decided against mentioning it.

"Of course, I’m going to teach you," Valery said, her voice warm and encouraging. She reached for his hands, pulling him gently toward the clearing. "You’re my son, Aris. This is as much a part of your heritage as it is mine. And if you want to join me at the festival, you can. I’m leading the entire dance, but it would mean a lot to me to have you there too."

Her amber eyes gleamed with excitement as she guided him into position. "Now, let’s start with the basics," she added, her tone turning playful. "Without fire, let’s find your rhythm first." She invited him to stand next to her. This was not a dance where people locked hands and swirled together. This one was side-by-side but synchronized.

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris nodded quickly, following Valery's pull with a bright, warm smile. He could join her? He would absolutely join her! The excitement in his gaze was palpable as he was quick to match her stance. Find his rhythm. That made sense. "Hey, can I invite a friend to watch me? I think she'd like that." Knowing Zaiya, yeah, she'd like it just like Aris did. Something beautiful to enjoy.

His brow did knit together a little though. ".. Hey mom? What do you do if you.. Like, like someone?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Red Epicanthix Dress

Valery's smile widened at Aris's enthusiasm, her amber eyes shining as she watched him settle into position. "Of course you can bring your friends," she said warmly. "As many as you'd like. The fire dance is the grand opening of the festival, so they'll get to see the whole celebration start with something truly special."

Her tone softened as she added, "And it would mean a lot to me to have you there, especially if your friends get to see what we've been working on together."

As he mentioned his question about liking someone, Valery perked a brow and tilted her head slightly, her protective instincts flaring up just enough to make her pause. But she caught herself quickly, her expression softening into a gentle smile. Aris had grown up so much, and seeing him open up about something as personal as this was a special moment.

"Well," she began, her tone gentle, "That depends — everybody is different. Is there someone you really like?" Her amber eyes searched his face, curious but encouraging. "If there is, you can tell me a little about her. I promise not to embarrass you too much," she teased lightly, though her voice carried a genuine warmth and a hint of excitement to hear more.

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

Bringing his friends would be a pretty great way to start the festival. Ayhan , Mahsa , Braze Kai'el , Loomi . Zaiya Ceti . He smiled warmly. Though seeing her reaction to his question had a more nervous smile form. Aris had gotten too good at reading other's expressions to miss the protective flare in her eyes. And yet, she'd offered to help. That brought a sheepish smile to his face.

"Well- .. Zaiya. She's my best friend. She's smart. And I mean really smart. These bits I'm wearing behind my ears, she made them for me because of what happened on Tython where my ear drums blew out. Then she made a helmet that-" He reached up, hitting a button. The helmet would form around his head before he pressed the button again. "It protects my eyes. It's fun to banter with her. We've been eating different burgers whenever we get the chance, all across the galaxy because of yours and- .. She's really pretty." That last part had him actually blush a bit, reaching up to rub the back of his neck.

"We both sorta said it, that we like like each other. But I dunno what that really means or what we do or.. Anything."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Red Epicanthix Dress

Valery listened intently, her smile softening as Aris began to speak about Zaiya. The mention of her name sparked a flicker of recognition in Valery's mind, bringing her back to the first time they'd met. Zaiya — the colorful, spirited girl with her radiant, shifting hues — had been caught sneaking into a Knighting ceremony she wasn’t supposed to attend.

And now, Zaiya was the one Aris liked. It wasn’t surprising, but it made Valery’s heart swell with warmth but also motherly protectiveness.

As Aris continued, describing Zaiya’s intelligence, her creativity, and the joy he found in their shared adventures, Valery nodded along. She could see how much Zaiya meant to him, not just as a friend but as someone who had brought new light into his life. The blush creeping onto his cheeks at the end of his words brought a playful but gentle smile to Valery’s lips.

At his age, she had felt the same way about people around her, but the traditional ways of the Jedi made it impossible for her to ask for advice, let alone act on it. It made her entirely unprepared for anything romantic, and for most of her adult life, she had worried that she'd never be able to find true love and be comfortable with herself in a relationship.

Then she met his father.

Now, she understood that she had to be there for him. To give him what she had so thoroughly missed in her own life.

"Zaiya," Valery said softly, her tone carrying both recognition and warmth. "I remember her. She’s certainly a vibrant soul, and it sounds like she’s been a wonderful friend to you." Her amber eyes searched Aris’s face for a moment, then softened further.

Valery reached out, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "It’s okay to not know what to do or how to feel," she said gently. "You’ve grown up in a unique way, Aris, and things like this might not come as naturally to you as they do to others. But that’s okay. Emotions, relationships, and understanding what it all means — they take time. They’re not something you have to figure out all at once."

Her smile grew slightly as she continued, her voice steady and encouraging. "For now, just focus on being there for her. It sounds like you’re already doing that — sharing your adventures, supporting each other, laughing and learning together. That’s what matters most. As you both grow, you’ll figure out the rest, step by step."

Valery paused for a moment, her amber eyes sparkling with motherly pride. "And if you ever need to talk about it, or if you’re unsure about anything, you can always come to me. I’ll do my best to help, and I promise I won’t embarrass you." A playful smirk tugged at her lips, lightening the mood. "Well, not too much anyway."

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris listened to his mother in relative silence. So all this not knowing wasn't a bad thing? He had a feeling it wasn't, but a part of him also knew there was a lot he just.. Didn't know yet. Emotions he'd been figuring out as he grew as a Jedi. Friendships he'd made, the hardships and triumphs he'd had. It was hard for him to balance out which was his upbringing before he was adopted into the Nobles, and just normal teenager stuff.

He smiled after a moment though. Even as he blushed a bit at the fact she was fully planning to tease him on it.

".. Thanks, mom. I don't- really have any questions at this point. I think- I'm gonna go to an amusement park with her soon. Is there a uh, park you recommend, I guess..?" His flusteredness certainly didn't fade, but he was focused on at least working the dance and following Valery. Just standing there would've been death of the teenager with how embarrassed he really was.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Red Epicanthix Dress

Valery's smile softened as she watched Aris process her words, his quiet demeanor giving way to a faint blush and a hesitant smile. She recognized the signs of him working through his emotions, and it warmed her heart to know he was opening up, even if just a little. He was growing, step by step, and she couldn't be prouder.

As he spoke again, mentioning the amusement park, Valery's lips curled into a sly smirk. "An amusement park, huh?" she teased lightly, guiding him through the first steps of the dance. Her movements were graceful but slowed down for his benefit, the rhythm deliberate and easy to follow.

She gave him a playful nudge with her elbow, her tone warm but teasing. "That's fun. Just don't chicken out on the rides if she drags you onto something crazy. You've got to keep up if you're a Noble."

As they moved together, Valery's expression softened again. "You know," she began, her voice lighter, "Your dad and I went to Hologram Fun World once. It's a perfect place for something like this — lots of fun, lots of variety. Plus, it's a classic." Her amber eyes sparkled with a hint of nostalgia.

Valery tilted her head slightly, her smirk returning with a playful edge. "But, Aris," she added, her tone shifting to something more mock-serious, "If Zaiya like likes you, I think I'm going to have to talk to her. You know, to make sure she's not trouble." She chuckled softly, clearly teasing but letting her words carry just enough weight to keep him guessing. "I might be okay with her sneaking into Jedi ceremonies, but liking my son? That's a whole different thing."

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

"Why would I chicken out?"

It was a genuine question. From what he'd read up on these sorts of places, there was no reason for him to. Fast falls weren't something that could bother him as far as he was aware, especially since he could drop off a building and land fine on the ground. He did pause his dance though, nodding. Hologram Fun World did seem like the best idea. All the more so if mom and dad went there too. Then he could have some idea on what's good and what's not!

He smiled brightly at the thought before he blinked again and glanced to Valery. Rather than embarrassment or flusteredness though, his eyes lit right up with excitement. "Can I invite her over for dinner tonight then!? We could have your burgers! Zaiya and I have been trying as many different kinds as we can like I said, and I've really wanted to show off my mom's but I didn't want to impose. But then you can talk to her too so it's a win win, right?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Red Epicanthix Dress

"Well, let's just say your dad almost did. That massive slide at Hologram Fun World? Yeah, he was not a fan." She chuckled softly, her expression warm.

As Aris's excitement shifted to the idea of dinner with Zaiya, Valery paused in her movements, a thoughtful look crossing her face. She hadn't expected him to suggest it so soon, but the enthusiasm in his eyes was undeniable, and she could hardly resist his bright smile. A mother's weakness. The idea of finally meeting Zaiya properly — not as a colorful, sneaky kid but as someone important to Aris — was one she knew she couldn't delay for long.

Besides, Kahlil wasn't home tonight, and she had already planned to cook. Making a few extra burgers wouldn't be an issue.

"Hmm," Valery mused, tapping her chin with mock seriousness. "You know, I think that's a pretty good idea. I was going to make burgers anyway, so we might as well have some extra for your friend. Plus…" Her smirk returned, playful but with a hint of her protective nature. "It gives me a chance to talk to her. Just a little, of course," she teased, though the motherly undertone was unmistakable.

She stepped closer and gently ruffled Aris's hair, her expression softening. "Alright, invite her over. I'll start prepping dinner soon. First though... we have a dance to finish." They had only practiced without flames, and it wasn't going to be a firce dance without setting things ablaze.

Or themselves, in this case.

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

Dad almost chickened out?

Aris, for once, looked actually shocked. The idea that Kahlil would be scared of anything was such a surprise to the boy, he didn't even have a chance for his mind to process it as rapidly as everything else he did in his life. No way. .. But mom wouldn't lie. .. Huh. He ended up chuckling a little, shaking his head. Dad wasn't perfect, he knew that, so, it was kinda.. Nice, to know more about him like that. Not just his father or the once prince of the Epicanthix.

He nodded once though, smiling warmer. Inviting Zaiya to dinner- yeah, he'd get right to that. After the dance. Valery reached up to ruffle his hair though, so, he leaned over to make sure she could, even as he pouted in annoyance. It was embarrassing to say the least, but he wasn't about to stop his mother.

"Okay- okay. I've got a good idea on the rhythm. What do we do next? I can't really catch flame like you did."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Red Epicanthix Dress

Valery's smile brightened as she managed to ruffle Aris's hair, her fingers tousling the strands as he leaned down just enough for her to reach. She chuckled softly, the sound warm and affectionate. "You're a good sport," she teased, giving his hair one last playful tousle before stepping back.

Sometimes, she missed the days when all her kids were little.

As Aris straightened and focused back on their dance, Valery nodded, her own posture shifting back into the graceful, measured stance of the fire dance. She tilted her head slightly, her amber eyes locking on his. "Alright," she began, her tone encouraging. "It's not about replicating exactly what I do. It's about finding your own way to dance with the flames."

She stepped closer, her movements slow and deliberate, as though guiding him through the rhythm without words. "First, sync with my rhythm," she said softly, her voice steady as she began to sway, her feet moving in precise, elegant patterns that matched the tempo of her breath. "Let the fire feel like an extension of yourself, not something separate."

She extended her hands, her fingers tracing an invisible flame that seemed to flicker in the air around her. "You might not be able to manipulate the flames the same way I do, but that's what makes this special. You'll guide them in your way, with your own connection to the Force. It's about elegance, strength, and control."

Valery paused to watch his movements, her fiery gaze encouraging. "Let the fire tell your story, Aris. That's what makes this dance come alive."

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

Fire as an extension of himself?

Aris shifted his stance as he started to follow Valery's lead, matching her steps, her dance. Focus. Elegance, strength, and control. He could match that much, couldn't he? But he didn't give off any real flames. His body heated to the point he could touch something and set it alight, but actual sparks and fire? Or- His eyes widened after a moment in realization before another excited glimmer formed in his eyes. When he used what Jonyna Si had shown him in how to control the natural current of electricity in his body, he'd spark in that way.

Who said those were the only kinds of sparks that could form around him?

Little by little he broke away from Valery's specific dance, finding his own rhythm. Sparks of blue danced across his skin as he let his mind drift to those sensations again, the lessons he was taught. He couldn't feel the Force, but he could feel himself. Blue flashed to white as his skin glowed with the heat Valery had shown him to generate and control within himself. There was so much he'd learned to control.

What if he let it free?

Flame rippled around him in an instant, whipping up his hair which seemed to be flame itself now. The fire danced along his skin with every moment, shifting with his movements. Dancing with him like a partner as a serene smile took over his features. He found not fear or panic in his lack of control over the heat he exuded, but beauty and joy.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Red Epicanthix Dress

Valery's amber eyes widened as she watched Aris break away from her exact movements, his rhythm shifting into something entirely his own. The sparks of flame dancing across his skin were mesmerizing, and the subtle glow that followed reminded her just how far he'd come. He wasn't merely imitating her steps anymore — he was creating something unique, something that truly reflected his own connection to his inner power.

A proud smile spread across her lips as the flames erupted around him, his hair seeming to become fire itself, his every motion blending seamlessly with the dance of heat and light. The once tentative boy who had hesitated to trust himself was now standing tall, moving with a confidence that exuded both elegance and strength.

That's my boy.

Valery took a step back, letting him take the center of the dance. She crossed her arms lightly, her expression soft with pride and admiration. "Beautiful," she said softly, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "This is your dance, Aris. You've found it."

The flames around him moved like an extension of his body, responding to his movements with grace and precision. There was no fear, no hesitation — only joy and harmony. It was a testament to his growth, not just as a Noble, but as someone finding his own way forward.

"You've always had this in you," Valery added, her tone warm and encouraging. "This control, this strength. It's not about doing things the way others do. It's about finding your path, your story, and letting it shine through." She paused, her smile widening as she teased, "Just make sure you don't set the house on fire, or your dad will never let us hear the end of it."

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris paused his dance to settle himself down some, smiling still but standing rather than moving. He watched the flame flicker over him. It wasn't so much flames over his skin as just him being the flames, or maybe it was just a trick of the eye? He wasn't sure, but the flame faded. "I would never trash the house just messing ar-" He paused again, blinking slowly as the memory of real life fruit ninja with Vera crossed his mind.

".. I promise."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Red Epicanthix Dress

Valery's warm smile shifted into a knowing smirk as Aris paused, his hesitation as telling as if he'd confessed outright. Her amber eyes narrowed playfully, her hands settling on her hips as she tilted her head to the side.

"Mmhm," she murmured, her tone teasingly skeptical. "That pause tells me there's a story you're not sharing, young man." She took a step closer, her expression caught between mock sternness and amusement. "Unless it's about that time you and Vera cut up every piece of fruit and all vegetables in the house."

Her gaze sharpened just a touch, but the twitch of her lips betrayed her playful mood. As cute as Aris seemed, he could be real trouble sometimes. Especially when Vera was involved.

"So, do you want to practice more? Or do you want to head back?"

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

"That was the only time that happened."

Aris nodded his head once. That wasn't a lie in the slightest, after all. But it was what he'd meant. His gaze fell back to his hands as he clenched and unclenched his fists, watching them flicker with flame now. It was.. Freeing, oddly. This flame that was his, that he could control and yet let free. It was something that was his and his alone. "I can't wait to show them."

He looked back up to Valery, smiling warm and joyful as ever. Maybe even more so.

"Lets head back."

Valery Noble