Private Hither Homeward, Where the Silver Fields Call

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Casual
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Valery Noble

The ship shuddered gently as it cut through Eshan's upper atmosphere, sending a quiet tremor through the floor beneath Eve's boots. She barely noticed. Her eyes were fixed on the viewport. Beyond the glass, silver stretched endlessly below. The light of the sun cast soft gleams across the mountains, illuminating rolling fields and quiet farmsteads that dotted the land.

Home.

It looked the same. Just as she remembered. And yet, it felt different. A hand pressed against the window — a finger tapping idly on the glass — as the familiar landscape grew closer and closer. She wasn't sure what she was feeling. Excitement. Apprehension. Something tangled between the two. She had dreamed of this moment so many times; coming home, stepping off the ship, and seeing her mother's face again. There had been nights where she had wondered if she ever would. But now she was here — really here — and suddenly, she wasn't sure she was ready. Her breath hitched softly, her heart beating at a rhythm she couldn't quite steady.

What if it wasn't the same?

What if she wasn't the same?

She swallowed, forcing herself to exhale slowly. The fields were stretching wider now, the town coming into focus. Her gaze remained fixed, too nervous to look to Valery beside her, too nervous to take her eyes off of the landscape before her, for fear it might suddenly disappear if she looked away.

The ship's landing gears hissed as they deployed. The hum of the repulsorlifts shifted in pitch, a signal that they were almost there. Eve pressed her palms against her knees, trying to quiet the way they shook just slightly. The ship touched down, engines humming into an unsettling silence. Eve sat frozen for just a moment longer, staring out at the home she had once known.

Then, with a quiet inhale, she stood, swinging her backpack up around her and against her back. She turned to her Master and forced a smile, as quartz eyes locked with citrine, searching for just an extra dash of encouragement.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery had been watching Everest carefully from the moment the planet came into view. She could feel the tension radiating from her Padawan — woven into the way she sat, the way her hands rested against the viewport, the way she barely breathed as the familiar landscape stretched out beneath them.

A homecoming should have been exciting. Something to cherish. And yet, Everest looked like she was about to walk into a battlefield. As the ship settled onto solid ground, its engines winding down into silence, Valery finally spoke, her voice warm but laced with quiet amusement. "You're acting like we're about to step into a war zone."

She leaned forward slightly, tilting her head to catch Everest's gaze, searching her expression. "This is home. Your home." There was a softness to her voice, a gentle reminder. "It should be something to cherish, not something to fear."

She let the words settle for a beat before adding, more teasingly, "Unless there's something I should know about the locals? Should I be preparing for an ambush the second we step outside?" A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, an attempt to lighten the mood, to ease the tension she knew Everest was carrying.

But beneath the humor, her eyes were knowing. Because she knew the truth — going home was never as simple as it seemed, not when you're a Jedi.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Casual
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Valery Noble

Eve breathed out a small chuckle, as the tension in her finally cracked open into a more genuine smile. She couldn't quite still the tiny shakes through her core, but Valery's teasing was welcome and had worked.

"No, no, they shouldn't do," she said with a chuckle. "It's just..." She fell silent for a moment, and then forced an exhalation, but didn't finish. Instead, she shook her head with a smile, pushing the doubt aside. "Let's go."

Eve took a slow breath as she stepped onto the stone-paved streets, her boots touching Eshan's soil for the first time in months, but it felt like longer than that. The town of Terrak wasn't large; a simple market square, winding paths, and pale stone buildings that caught the light of the midday sun. It smelled of fresh bread from a nearby stall, of speeder oil from a mechanic's shop, of something undeniably familiar yet distant all at once.

They didn't linger. They moved swifty through the port and towards the other end of the town. Seeing Echani life as exist normally, as it always did, gave Eve mixed feelings that she wasn't quite sure how to interpret. As they reached the edge of town, they hailed a speeder taxi that took them out beyond the suburb and into the wild.

The ride was quiet, save for the steady hum of the engine as they wove past fields of silver grass, the wind running through Eve's silver hair as the taxi brushed through tall stalks like waves on an ocean. Eve kept her eyes on the horizon, drinking in the rolling hills that spilled endlessly toward the mountains. The landscapes were vast, untouched, unbothered by the war-torn galaxy beyond. And yet, she had once seen this land from the eyes of a child. Back then, the fields had felt endless. The villages had seemed so far apart. Now, they felt smaller. Familiar, yet not the same.

The village came into view before she was ready. It was little more than a handful of houses and a single communal hall, nestled between the low hills. There was no spaceport here, no grand buildings, just life as it had always been, simple, quiet. The kind of life that existed without the need for holonews updates, or battles fought across the stars.

As they dismounted, it all started to feel real. This was the point of no return. There were no roads beyond the village, only trails, and the final stretch of the journey would be on foot. The path began with a steady incline, winding through the hills. Long grass whispered against their clothes as they walked, shifting with the breeze. The sounds of the village faded behind them, replaced only by the wind, the rhythmic crunch of boots against the dirt, and the soft murmur of the river that stretched alongside them.

Eve didn't say much as she brushed her hands against the stalks of grass whilst they walked, feeling the way the land still breathed beneath her fingertips. It was still the same world she had left behind. But was she still the same girl who once belonged here? About an hour into the hike, she glanced over to her Master.

"How are you doing?" Eve was used to hiking and walking, used to being so deep in nature like this. The breeze against her skin. The heat of the midday sun. The buzz of idle insects. But she had realised not everyone shared the same feeling. Besides, maybe she was trying to distract herself, as the hills stretched around them, their final destination getting closer and closer.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery walked beside Everest, her gaze sweeping over the rolling silver fields that stretched endlessly toward the horizon. The sun bathed the landscape in a soft, ethereal glow, and the whisper of wind through the tall grass carried a kind of serenity that she hadn't realized she'd been craving.

It was beautiful.

"I'm doing great," she finally answered, glancing toward her Padawan with a small smile. "You don't have to worry about me."

And she meant it. While many Jedi had been shaped by the towering cities of Coruscant or the endless chambers of temple halls, Valery had always felt at home in places like this. The quiet, the vast open land, the hum of life all around — it reminded her of the places she had been, the journeys she had taken.

Eshan was familiar in another way, too.

Her gaze softened slightly as she looked ahead, watching the path stretch forward like a ribbon woven through the wilds. "I've spent time on Eshan before," she admitted after a beat, the memories drifting back like echoes. "Kahlil and I came here a few times. It was… peaceful." Her lips curled faintly at the thought.

Yeah... peaceful.

She let her hand brush against the grass as they walked, feeling the way it tickled against her fingertips. "It makes sense why you'd miss it."

Her gaze flickered toward Everest, studying the way she carried herself, the way she watched the land ahead like it was something fragile — like she wasn't quite sure if it would still feel like home. Valery didn't push. She knew that homecomings could be complicated. That the longer you were away, the more you started to wonder if you'd ever fit back into the place you left behind.

So, instead, she just walked, matching Everest's pace, letting the silence stretch in a way that wasn't uncomfortable, but understanding.

"Are you looking forward to seeing family again? I'm quite curious about them myself."

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Casual
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Valery Noble

Eve's chest suddenly puffed out a little in pride of her home, knowing that her Master had seen it before. It made sense, being the Grandmaster she had doubtless seen a lot of the galaxy, especially within Alliance space. But something about knowing she knew her home made Eve swell with joy. She nodded, but remained relatively quiet, still thoughtful.

"Mhm." A multitude of emotions were now rushing through her that it was almost stunning her to complete silence. "I'm really excited for my mother to meet you, and for you to meet her."

Thoughts returned to her last day here before she left for Coruscant. It was equally full of so many emotions, but that person who left Eshan felt almost like a stranger now. She also thought of the day she first met Valery, and the equal amount of emotions she was feeling. She felt so out of her depth, like she didn't belong and could never belong. But so much had happened since then, and she was now finding her purpose in a way she had never anticipated.

They rounded a corner, following the stream more closely now that weaved between the hills. Suddenly, it was in view. Down the wide slope she was met with a sight so familiar, so burned into her memory, it was so immensely surreal to see with her own two eyes again.

The farmstead.

Nestled among the hills, small and simple, but whole, untouched, still there after everything. The wooden frame of the house stood strong against the breeze, the windows reflecting the golden light of day. Smoke curled gently from the chimney, a faint wisp against the sky, and near the entrance, the faintest outline of a familiar figure moved beyond the doorway.

Eve's breath caught.

She slowed, almost without thinking. Her fingers twitched at her sides, then curled into the fabric of her tunic. For all the battles she had fought, all the horrors she had faced, this moment terrified her the most. Would she still fit here? Would her mother see her and recognise her as she once was, or only as what she had become?

But every doubt melted in an instant as her feet started moving automatically down the hill. One foot in the front of the other, she moved, her careful steps getting faster, the slope adding to her speed. The figure in the doorway moved too, and as she rapidly approached she could barely see through the blur of tears that had surfaced. A wash of emotions came to her, endless and unrelenting. Every pain, every joy, every anxiety, every love. It all swept through her in an instant and then dissolved, replaced by the face and the love of one person, who was now right in front of her.

"M-M-Mama!!"

The moment the word left her lips, her voice cracked, shaking with too much feeling to contain. Her mother barely had time to step forward before Eve collided into her, arms wrapping around her with an urgency that felt like she might never let go. A sob broke free, muffled against the familiar warmth of her mother's shoulder. She squeezed her eyes shut, as if trying to hold onto this moment forever.

The scent of home, of woodsmoke and dried herbs, of warmth and comfort, flooded her senses. It was the same as she remembered, and yet it felt even more precious now. Her mother gasped softly, then folded her arms around Eve, holding her just as tightly, as if afraid to wake from a dream.

"Oh... Eevee...!"

The name hit Eve like a wave, like something deep in her soul had been brought back to life. The familiar way her mother said it, the love woven into each syllable, it shattered whatever walls she had left. Eve clung tighter, shaking against her as the emotions — months and months of longing — finally poured out.

"You're really here," her mother whispered, voice thick with emotion. "Oh, my sweet girl, my brave girl..."

A hand, roughened by years of work but still so gentle, brushed through Eve's silver hair, just like it had when she was little. The touch made another fresh sob rise in her chest, but she couldn't bring herself to care. She had dreamed of this moment for so long. Through every hardship, through every moment of doubt, through every battle that had nearly broken her, she had longed for this, and now, she was home.

Finally, she managed to lift her head, her silver eyes shimmering with tears. She pulled back just enough to see her mother's face, to take in every detail as if trying to memorise her all over again. Her mother was as strong and as beautiful as ever.

"L-Look at you," her mother whispered, hands cupping Eve's face. "My little star, you've grown so much."

Eve let out a watery laugh, hiccuping through the tears.

"I... I missed you so much, Mama."

Her mother smiled, though her own eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"Oh, my love… I missed you too. More than you will ever know."

She drew Eve close again, pressing a kiss to her forehead, lingering there as if she could somehow shield her from all the pain she had endured. And for the first time in a long, long time, Eve truly felt safe.

After what felt like a lifetime, but still not long enough, they finally broke away from one another. Eve wiped her damp, reddened face as her periphery caught the glimpse of her Master catching up. She felt the moment her mother recognised Valery for who she was. There was a shift, not in fear, not in intimidation, but in the quiet weight of realisation. Valery Noble, Grandmaster of the Jedi, the woman who had guided Eve through some of the most harrowing moments of her life, was standing before her now, on this very soil, in front of her home.

For the briefest of moments, no one spoke.

Eve swallowed hard, her fingers tightening slightly around her mother's arm. She suddenly felt so small again, caught between two worlds, the past that had made her, and the path that led her who she had become.

Her mother broke the silence.

"...You must be Master Noble."

Her voice was gentle, warm, but there was a quiet strength beneath it, a strength that Eve had known all her life. Her mother's silver eyes, so much like her own, studied Valery carefully, taking in not just the title, but the person. Eve nevertheless flushed, suddenly feeling incredibly exposed.

"Mama—"

But Mariana simply smiled, turning fully to Valery. She stepped closer to her and took the Jedi's hands in her own, squeezing them.

"Thank you."

The words were soft, but heavy with meaning. And then, without hesitation, she pulled Valery into a firm embrace. Eve's jaw nearly dropped. Her mother was never this forward with strangers. But as she stood there, arms wrapped around Valery in quiet gratitude, Eve understood. Her mother knew. She knew how much Valery had done for Eve, and how much she had been there when her mother could not, and there were no words strong enough for the kind of thanks that deserved.

Finally, she pulled back, though her hands remained lightly on Valery's shoulders, eyes full of warmth.

"I'm Mariana Vale. Please, come inside," she said, the hint of emotion in her voice barely concealed. "Both of you. You must be tired from your journey."

She turned to Eve, reaching to brush a stray tear from her daughter's cheek with a mother's tenderness.

"You're home now."

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery remained at the top of the hill as Eve bolted down the slope, her long hair catching in the wind like a silver flame. The Grandmaster didn't move right away. She just stood, letting the moment breathe, letting it be theirs. The kind of moment so few were lucky enough to have — when all the noise of the galaxy faded away, and the only thing left was love.

The reunion was raw and beautiful, a picture painted in tears and joy and the kind of bond that distance couldn't break. A quiet smile tugged at Valery's lips as she watched them — the way Eve clung to her mother like a lifeline, the way Mariana folded around her daughter as if to shield her from the rest of the world. No words were needed. It was everything.

Only once she felt the moment beginning to shift did Valery finally start down the hill.

She took her time, walking slowly, her boots brushing through the tall grass as the soft wind carried the scent of smoke and herbs from the farmhouse below. The closer she got, the warmer it felt — not just the air, but the energy of this place. It was peaceful. Whole. A real home. A safe one.

By the time she reached them, Eve had stepped back just enough for Valery to be acknowledged. Her gaze briefly flicked to her Padawan first, her smile deepening with a subtle nod of reassurance — you're okay. I'm proud of you.

Then her attention shifted fully to the woman now standing before her.

Valery didn't hesitate to take Mariana's hands in her own when they were offered. Her grip was gentle but grounded, firm with respect. "It's truly a pleasure to meet you, Mariana," she said warmly, her voice full of sincerity. "Your daughter speaks of you with so much love. Being here… it's easy to see why."

The sudden hug caught her slightly off guard — Valery blinked once, but then melted into it with a small laugh and returned the embrace, her arms wrapping around the older woman. There was strength in Mariana, but softness too. It reminded Valery so much of what she wants to be for her own children.

When they parted, Valery's hands rested gently at her sides. "We'd love to come inside," she said, her smile bright, the lingering fatigue from the journey fading behind it. "And… thank you. For welcoming me into your home." She turned just enough to glance at Eve again, her eyes warm with encouragement and quiet pride.

This was her moment. Her home, her family.

And Valery was honored to be a part of it.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Casual
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Valery Noble

The door creaked open with a sound Eve could never forget, low and familiar, like the start of a lullaby. The scent hit her first. Warm herbs. Old wood. A whisper of smoke from the hearth. The faint sweetness of spiced roots drying in the rafters of the balcony. It was the scent of home, exactly as she remembered.

The familiar layout of the farmhouse wrapped around her like a shawl; the firepit glowing low in the centre of the living area and spilling out against the walls, the wooden floor worn to a gentle polish, a pair of boots tucked beneath the bench where she used to sit and untie her own. The wooden beams along the inner balcony and across the kitchen wall still held bundles of drying herbs, giving the air that comforting tang of ocha, sweetroot, and soft lavender.

She had barely taken three steps into the house when a low, familiar thump-thump-thump of a tail against the wooden floor made her freeze. A pause... then a joyful scrabble of paws.

"Cid!" Eve breathed, eyes widening just as a blur of thick, pale fur came bounding around the corner.

The enormous dog was already in motion, his fluffy coat swaying like a living cloud as he skidded toward her with all the coordination of a sack of potatoes — and none of the care. She barely had time to brace herself before the weight of him collided into her shins, and she let out a breathless laugh as she dropped to her knees, arms open.

"Hi, baby! I missed you!"

He let out a happy bark and immediately shoved his head into her chest, tail wagging furiously, his whole body vibrating with joy. His fur still smelled faintly of earth and herbs, and he panted with that wide, slightly dopey grin she had missed more than she could say. Eve buried her face in his neck and let herself stay there for a moment, breathing in home. Cid flopped over dramatically, offering his belly like it was a sacred rite, and Eve chuckled as she obliged, rubbing gently as his legs flailed with glee.

Only once he was satisfied, or perhaps distracted by Valery's entrance, did he move away, tail still wagging like a banner of peace. Eve rose slowly, brushing fur off her tunic, her smile still lingering.

"Cid is king of the house," she said with a fond look toward Valery, as Cid took a moment to sniff the newcomer with curiosity before padding away, nestling in his usual favourite spot beside the fire.

Eve returned to soaking in the living room, a smile forming on her face. She could hear her mother moving with ease through the kitchen, already preparing the kettle with practised hands.

"Go on and get settled, you two." Mariana said with that warm tone that allowed for no argument. "Tea won’t take long."

Eve gave a small, quiet nod, her fingers tightening slightly around the strap of her bag as she stepped deeper into the house. Her boots tapped gently on the floor, the occasional board squeaking in response. Every sound was so achingly familiar. She passed the open door to the pantry, the curtained window in the corner that still had that tiny chip in the frame. Each detail reached out and folded her back into place, not just into the house, but into herself.

Her room was just down the hall. The door was slightly ajar, exactly as she had left it the day she taken that long journey to Coruscant.

She pushed it open slowly.

It was like stepping into a memory she didn’t know she still carried. The low bed still rested beneath the window, the handmade quilt slightly faded now but carefully tended. Her old desk was tucked against the wall, and her lantern still sat on the shelf, unlit but ready. There was dust on the windowsill and a few curls of parchment still pinned to the wall; drawings of strange animals, pressed leaves from Eshan’s woods, a half-written letter to nobody.

She set her bag down with care. Then stood still.

Her breath hitched slightly. Just a moment.

Silence.

Not the heavy, painful kind she’d known too often lately, but a soft, enveloping quiet. She closed her eyes and let it fill her, like stepping into warm water. For a heartbeat, she let herself be just a girl in her old room. Not a Jedi. Not a survivor.

Just Eevee.

She opened her eyes, smoothed a hand across the quilt, and turned. By the time she stepped back into the hearth room, her mother had already set a tray of cups on the table, and the scent of deychin tea filled the air; a family tradition. As Mariana ushered them both to sit, Eve glanced toward Valery with a quiet smile, her eyes brighter now, calmer, but she didn't say anything.

With them all now facing one another, Eve felt the surreality of the situation all settle in. Seeing her own Master – who had pulled her through so much, had brought her to who she is now, had given her all the tools she needed to become who she was meant to be – sitting beside her very mother – who had given her everything and never asked for a single thing in return, had unconditionally loved her despite what challenges arose for her – was overwhelming in the quietest, gentlest way. They weren’t speaking yet, just sitting, Mariana silently working through the courteous movements of a tea ceremony.

The warmth of the fire behind them, the familiar clink of ceramic on wood, the distant rustle of wind through grass outside the window. All of it created a cocoon around the moment, and in the centre of it sat two of the most important people in Eve’s life, sharing space for the first time. It made her chest feel too small for her heart. If Tigris had been here too, she might have died on the spot. Mariana shot a loving glance to her daughter, causing Eve's focus to pull in again. She returned the smile that so easily warmed between them both.

Mariana poured the tea for them all, it arriving already at the perfect temperature. Its fragrance was as relaxing as ever for Eve, and it blended into the scent of the room so naturally as if it was made for it. Mariana raised her cup with soft grace.

"Master Noble, I'm humbled to have you in my home, you are always welcome at my hearth. May you always be at peace," she said, her voice dashed with practised ceremony, before taking a sip. Eve did the same, a soft smile.

"Oh, stars," murmured her mother suddenly, setting her cup down with a soft clink. "I nearly forgot, I baked a lemon drizzle this morning. It’s in the pantry, covered with that cloth with the chrysanthemum pattern. Eevee, would you fetch it?"

"Mhm."

Eve stood and moved quietly across the house, her posture suddenly shifting into fluent Echani grace that she hasn't realised had been distant from her since leaving, and yet came to her so instinctively now. As the door swung gently shut behind her, Mariana let the quiet stretch just a beat longer. The smile faded a little, not into a frown, but something more thoughtful, more real. Her eyes found Valery’s, and when she spoke again, her voice had dropped slightly in volume.

"She’s grown so much..." she said slowly. "But... you can always tell, can’t you? When something’s still sitting heavy on someone’s heart."

Mariana folded her hands around her cup again, fingers lightly tapping against the ceramic.

"I see the strength in her. I see how you’ve helped her find it. And I’m… endlessly grateful for that." A pause. A breath. "But as her mother, I need to ask you... is she really alright?"

She didn’t ask it with panic or desperation. There was no demand in her tone. Just the gentle, grounded concern of someone who had rocked that child to sleep through storms and firelight, who knew her silences as well as her laughter.

"I know she wouldn’t want to worry me," she added quietly. "But I also know she’s seen things no one her age should ever have to face." She sighed. "Yet... I know this is the path of the Jedi. I know this is the path she has chosen for herself, the life she has chosen to live." For a moment, her eyes gazed down to her tea, in the same way Eve would do when bothered by something, but she just as quickly raised them again, her motherly resolve still utterly unstoppable.

"Is she okay? Is she... happy?"

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery sat quietly as Mariana poured the tea, her posture as composed as the moment called for. This wasn't a battlefield. It wasn't the halls of the Senate or a Jedi temple. It was a mother's home, and Valery could feel the weight of that — the safety it offered, the sincerity of every gesture. It reminded her of her own home.

She bowed her head graciously at Mariana's ceremonial greeting, and lifted her own cup to return it before she took a sip. The taste settled over her tongue like memory. Earthy, calming, subtly sweet. It was perfect. And then, as Eve stood and made her quiet exit, the shift in the room came like a subtle breeze.

Valery felt it before Mariana even spoke.

She turned slightly, meeting the older woman's eyes. Not with the confidence of a Jedi Master, but with the softness of a fellow mother — someone who knew exactly what it meant to live with your heart walking around in someone else's body.

"She's strong," Valery said, setting her cup down carefully between them. "Stronger than most Jedi twice her age. She has this incredible will… this heart that refuses to be anything but kind, even when it's hurting." Her smile faltered just a touch, just long enough to acknowledge the truth.

"But yes," she admitted softly. "She's been through things no one should have to face. And I won't lie to you — some of that will always live inside her. It changes you. I know that from experience." Her fingers lightly brushed the rim of her cup. "But she's not carrying it alone."

Her gaze lifted again, resolute now.

"I'm helping her through it. And there are others in her life offering support too." She allowed a small, fond smirk to touch her lips. "Even a certain new girlfriend seems to be helping quite a bit." Right on cue, the door swung open, as Eve re-entered the room, just as Valery's teasing little smirk began to spread the corners of her lips.

"She's not just surviving anymore," Valery said, her voice lower now, more certain. "She's growing. And yes…" She smiled, warmth blooming behind her amber eyes. "I think she's happy." She looked back toward Eve, her pride shining quietly, deeply.

"But of course, she's also happy to be back here. As we all would be."

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Casual
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Valery Noble

Eve stood in the cool little pantry, eyes wide with disbelief and quiet wonder. The familiar scent of lemon and sugar had hit her the second she stepped in. There it was, on its little ceramic stand, under its delicate cover, Mama's lemon drizzle cake. Her favourite, just like she remembered. She stared for a long moment, hands pressing to her mouth, trying to stifle the grin that pulled there. For a heartbeat, she was ten years old again. She exhaled, then gathered the plate with great care and made her way back.

* * *​

As Valery spoke with an honesty greatly needed, Mariana's fingers rested lightly against the rim of her teacup, but she didn't lift it. Her gaze lingered there instead, as if watching the slowly dancing steam might give her courage to speak. Her eyes visibly glistened, something deep within her reflecting through the silver of her irises. They showed something more than just warmth; there was grief, worry, maternal love, and perhaps most of all, gratitude.

"Th-thank you," she said finally, barely a breath. She would have said more, wanted to say more, but what Valery said next caused her to blink. Girlfriend?

Before she had the chance to respond to any of it, Eve had already emerged from the pantry and back out into the living area, the warmth of the fire coming to her in a flash. Catching the last words of her Master, she blushed gently as she smiled proudly at her, suddenly shy. Whatever they were talking about her, clearly it was nice. She didn't say anything, but she set back down as Mariana started cutting slices for them each, a soft, knowing smirk shooting across to Valery in silence. Placing them on small plates, she passed one to Valery as Eve helped herself.

Eve could barely contain herself, and as she took a slither of cake with her fork and took it into her mouth, she almost shivered with satisfaction at how delicious its flavours melted on her tongue, her feet tapping on the floor as she grinned.

"It's so good, Mama!" Mariana smiled, pleased as ever to see her daughter enjoying herself. She took a slither for herself and the three enjoyed a silence for a while, dashed only by the occasional clink of metal on ceramic, and ceramic on wood.

"So," said Mariana finally after a while, casually as she stirred her tea as if discussing the weather. "Tell me more about this girlfriend of yours..."

Eve choked.

Coughing, wide-eyed, she reached for her cup and sputtered a little as she tried to swallow the bite of cake and breathe at the same time.

"I—uh—wh-wh-wha..."

"Well, you didn't think I'd let that slip by, did you?"

Eve's face turned a brilliant shade of pink in a matter of seconds. Her whole body stiffened as if someone had frozen her with a stun bolt. She looked like she might turn into a puff of steam and vanish altogether. Her silver eyes darted to her Master, wide and in abject shock, as if to communicate to her 'What the frick did you do!?' Valery, of course, was the picture of composed serenity, or at least she was trying to be. Eve knew that look. That subtle twitch at the corner of her Master's mouth; that was the "I may have orchestrated this chaos" look. Eve's mouth dropped open, betrayal painted across her entire face. A strangled squeak finally escaped her throat.

"You told her?" Eve groaned softly, then buried her face in her hands.

Mariana, meanwhile, was enjoying this far too much. She leaned forward ever so slightly, fingers still stirring her tea with exaggerated nonchalance, as though she were just talking about the price of root vegetables in the market, not the life-altering revelation of her daughter's romantic life. Eve's voice, when it finally came again, was barely above a squeak coming from behind the hands that hid her.

"I was going to tell you... later..." she croaked, shrinking ever so slightly into her chair. "When I'd... y'know... built up to it..."

"Mm," Mariana hummed, as if tasting the words, letting her daughter squirm for just a moment longer. She then broke the tension, unable to contain herself, and chuckled warmly, The sound — despite the embarrassment — was like sunshine.

"I'm glad you're happy, Eevee," she said, her voice gentler now. "I hope she's good to you."

Eve nodded, not quite able to speak yet.

"You deserve all the love in the world."

Another awkward squeak came from Eve, and she peeked between her fingers, cheeks still a fierce crimson.

"Okay but... can we not do this over tea and cake?"

"Too late for that, darling." Mariana passed her another slice of cake with a sly wink, and then another to Valery.

Eve sighed, defeated, but took the plate anyway. Because, let's be honest, she might be mortified, but it was still lemon drizzle cake. And she could survive anything with that...

...Probably.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery accepted the slice of cake with a graceful nod and a soft, "Thank you," though the slight glint in her eyes suggested she was enjoying this far more than her calm exterior let on. She took another sip of her tea, letting the silence stretch just long enough to let Eve stew in the moment. Then, very slowly, she turned her head to look at her Padawan.

And smiled.

Innocently.

Too innocently.

Her amber eyes sparkled, and the subtle upward tug of her lips — just the tiniest twitch — betrayed every ounce of mischief she was trying and failing to hide. "What?" she said, all soft and sweet, as if she hadn't just tossed Eve into the lion's den. "It might have come up in conversation... in passing…" She sipped her tea again. "Mariana and I were having a very heartfelt moment, and I might have mentioned that your heart is very spoken for these days."

Another bite of cake. She was really savoring this.

"And besides," Valery added with a wink, clearly doubling down, "Tea and cake is the perfect time to talk about these things. I mean, what better way to share major life updates than over something warm, sweet, and slightly emotionally destabilizing?" She tilted her head toward Mariana, her tone conspiratorial now. "I completely agree with you, by the way. It's never too early to ask the important questions. Like what's her name, how serious is it, have you met her family yet…"

She trailed off with a hum, eyes sliding mischievously back to Eve. And with that, she took another bite of cake. Because lemon drizzle makes everything better.

Probably.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Casual
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Valery Noble

This can not be happening right now.

Eve stared at her Master, mouth slightly open, fork suspended midair, lemon drizzle trembling on its edge like it, too, was in shock. She blinked. Once. Twice. Three times.

"Wha—you—!?"

A sputtering sound emerged from the back of her throat as her brain desperately tried to reboot. Meanwhile, Valery continued to sip her tea like she hadn't just completely weaponised motherly curiosity in the middle of what was supposed to be a peaceful homecoming.

"Mama..." she pleaded, wide-eyed, turning toward Mariana like a betrayed child seeking sanctuary. "She's... She's exaggerating! She does this. She says things that— that sound way more dramatic than they actually are—!"

"Oh?" Mariana replied sweetly, one brow raised and her teacup held delicately in hand. "So you're saying you don't have a girlfriend?"

Eve opened her mouth. Closed it. Opened it again. Her voice came out in a tiny squeak.

"I mean—yes! I mean no! I mean—yes I do but—"

Eve set her fork down with the utmost care, her cheeks now glowing a vivid scarlet. She suddenly looked as if she were trying to manifest into the nearest piece of furniture.

"She's wonderful..." she said at last, quietly. "Her name is Tigris . She's... brave. Kind. Tough, really tough. She's been through a lot..."

She hesitated, and released a breath, as the comedic sense of the moment stilled, melting to something deeper, something more important.

"...But so have I... and... she's been there for me a lot. She's... She's wonderful... It just... makes sense. It feels... It feels really right."

She glanced shyly at Mariana now, then sidelong at Valery, who was still far too pleased with herself. But her attention was brought back to her mother, who had reached out with her hand, placing it against Eve's warm, reddened cheek, gently guiding her head to turn so they could look eye to eye. She smiled warmly at her daughter, but said nothing, her coy teasing now nowhere to be found, replaced with a wordless understanding from her eyes. Eve only blushed more, but smiled too.

Mariana's thumb brushed once across her daughter's cheek — a soft, grounding motion — before she withdrew her hand and sat back with a thoughtful breath. Her smile lingered, touched now not with teasing, but something far deeper.

"I'm glad," she said simply, her voice quiet but steady. "You deserve something that feels right."

There was a silence then, not awkward, but full; the kind that came after honesty, after the unspoken things had finally found air. Mariana turned her attention to her tea again, taking a sip as if to settle her thoughts.

"I always wondered what kind of person would capture your heart," she added, glancing between the two women seated at her table. "It never occurred to me that I'd get the full story over cake and tea with the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order, but... well..." A faint smile returned, dry but affectionate. "Life has a way of surprising you... Don't you agree Master Noble?"

Eve giggled shyly, the tension in her shoulders easing.

"Come on then, both of you. There's still warm water in the kettle, and the bread's rising — but if you'd like, I'll show you the orchard after we clean up. It's not what it used to be this late in the season, but the pear tree by the ridge is stubborn. Still insists on giving fruit."

As Mariana stood with measured grace, a low whuff suddenly echoed from across the room — and before anyone could react, a large, fluffy blur launched itself at Valery's side with the force of a small landspeeder. Cid, tail wagging like a metronome gone mad, had apparently decided it was his turn for affection. His massive paws thudded against Valery's lap as he leaned in with the full, unrelenting weight of his love, tongue out, aiming for her face with alarming enthusiasm.

"Cid!!" Mariana turned with a mixture of fondness and horror. "Off! Off the Grandmaster, you dopey thing!"

Even if Valery attempted to fend off the brutish beast, it would have been all far too late. A wet splat of tongue met her cheek before Cid finally obeyed, bounding down with a pleased huff and a proud puff of his chest. Mariana sighed, shaking her head as she opened the door.

"Out you go, hooligan. You've left your mark."

Cid trotted outside with a satisfied bark, clearly proud of his diplomatic success. Inside, Eve was giggling uncontrollably. Another exaggerrated sigh came from Mariana as she moved towards the kitchen, her daughter following with the rest of the washing up. She took a moment just by the door to stop and turn to Eve. She looked at her, gaze still full of pride, and spoke then at a level that only she could hear.

"I'm so proud of you, Eevee... and I hope I get to meet Tigris sometime." She placed a hand on her cheek again. Eve was stunned to silence, the pink creeping into her cheeks once more, but she smiled and nodded. With that, Mariana smiled, took the rest of the plates and moved toward the sink, humming softly under her breath, the scent of lemon still lingering in the air.

Eve moved back into the living area, looked at Valery, and grinned wide.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery barely had time to process the rustle of movement before it was too late. One moment, she was sipping her tea — regal, composed, savoring the sweet victory of a flustered Padawan and a glowing mother. The next?

Whuff.

A fluff missile collided with her side.

"Wha—?!"

THUD.

Too late. A warm, wet tongue splatted right across her cheek. Valery recoiled with a sputtered laugh, trying valiantly to fend off the fluffy onslaught with one arm while keeping her tea from spilling with the other. Mariana's mortified scolding and Eve's giggles filled the room as Cid, now quite pleased with himself, bounded off with the swagger of a knight who had just conquered the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order in honorable tongue-to-cheek combat.

Valery blinked, slowly setting her tea down.

She dabbed at her cheek with a napkin, her lips twitching. Then she turned, very deliberately, to face her Padawan — who was grinning. A big, wide, entirely unrepentant grin, her eyes practically sparkling with joy.

Valery raised an eyebrow, deadpan.

"Well," she said slowly, "I see someone is going to need a little extra PT the next few days." She paused just long enough for the implication to land, then grinned and reached over, tousling Eve's hair with affection, still smiling. "You're lucky I like lemon drizzle."

Then, rising to her feet, she added with a wink, "Come on — let's see this stubborn pear tree." And with that, she followed after Eve and Mariana with a smile, the scent of cake and laughter still lingering in the air.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Casual
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Valery Noble

The thought of doing yet more laps sent a shiver down Eve's spine, but her sudden concern melted in an instant when her Master ruffled her head with a grin. As she moved to the door, she could hear the light sounds of her mother washing the plates in the kitchen.

"I'll join you both soon, my love," she heard her voice come.

On the way out, Eve spotted the woven basket — an old friend — resting by the door and promptly picked it up. The golden sun filtered through scattered clouds, casting a soft glow across the garden and fields beyond. The scent of herbs drifted on the breeze — thyme, rosemary, and something distinctly Echani she hadn't smelled in months. It hit her all at once; the way the air always felt different here, crisp and damp with the stream running close by, birdsong humming through the trees, insects chirping lazily in the distance.

Everything was... still. Quiet in a way only home could be.

Eve walked slowly, her fingers brushing along the tops of the herbs, the basket swinging gently in her grip. Cid started digging something up that must have been vitally important judging by how eagerly his massive paws were working through the soil, and how hard his tail was wagging. He didn't even notice that his latest victim had just walked past him. Beyond the garden, just past the well, the orchard stretched into the light, a line of proud old trees, many bare now at the end of their season, save for one. The old pear tree. Its twisted branches still bore fruit in scattered bunches, golden and green in the dappling sun, stubbornly alive. Just like always.

Eve paused a few steps away from it, her voice quiet but filled with something deep and warm.

"My dad... planted that one. Said it'd be the last tree to stop bearing, even if the rest gave up." She glanced at Valery, then offered the basket with a soft look. "Want to help me gather a few?"

It was a moment that didn't need grand speeches. Just shared peace, quiet, and the soft rustle of leaves as two women stood in a place where the galaxy's noise couldn't quite reach. Eve reached up on her toes, plucking one of the ripened pears and carefully placing it into the basket. The soft rustle of leaves overhead and the gentle creak of branches were the only sounds for a while, broken only by the occasional thump of fruit landing in the basket. A light breeze stirred the strands of her silver hair, and the warmth of the sun spilled down over the two Jedi like a blessing.

Eve stopped for a moment and rested a hand on the old tree. Suddenly, she started whispering quietly to it. It was a soft prayer of thanks and of love under her breath. Her eyes closed as she became lost briefly in the moment, her inner light in the Force shining forth to the tree, which in turn seemed to reciprocate to her. She could always 'speak' to the plants and the animals of her home growing up, but now she was a Jedi, now she had actual training in the Force, the language they spoke to her was so much more vivid, so much more beautiful. It caused a deep, teary smile to come to her from the base of her heart. It was like hearing the voice of a loved for the first time, after a lifetime of deafness.

"Your father used to talk to it, you know," came her mother's voice, pulling her from her meditative state. She blinked, and turn turned to see Mariana coming up along the orchard path. "Said if it ever stopped blooming, he'd know it was time to pack up and let the land rest. Hasn't missed a season yet, though."

There was a quiet pause, the kind that settled not from silence, but from understanding. Then, with a nod toward the basket, Mariana added with a smirk, "If you two are raiding my orchard, I expect at least one of those pears to end up in a crumble tonight."

Eve laughed, the sound light and unguarded, and passed the basket to her mother.

"Deal."

The three of them stood together then, beneath the stubborn old tree, its branches swaying gently in the breeze like it, too, was glad to be remembered.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery stepped up beside Eve, the warmth of the sun brushing across her shoulders as she looked up at the old tree. Her hands reached out automatically, brushing along one of the low-hanging branches. The bark was rough, familiar in the way old things often are, and something about it — the scent of the soil, the way the leaves rustled overhead — made her chest ache in the best kind of way.

She reached up, fingers curling around a ripe pear, and gently twisted it free. It landed in her hand with a soft thump, and she smiled, turning it once before placing it carefully in the basket Eve held.

"Did I ever tell you," she began, eyes twinkling as she reached for another, "That I once punched an apple tree?"

Valery smirked. "True story. I was about sixteen. My Master and I were on this backwater world, and I was very hungry. So, naturally, I thought the best way to get the apples down was, well…" She mimed a sharp jab into her palm. "One well-placed punch and boom — the whole thing shook. Apples everywhere. It was glorious."

A beat passed.

She looked up at the old pear tree again, and her tone softened.

"But… not this one," she said quietly. "This one's too important." With slow, careful steps, she moved to the other side of the tree and reached up to pluck another pear, gently easing it free. The leaves whispered overhead like they approved.

"Trees like this…" Valery murmured, glancing toward Eve and Mariana, "They remember. Not just the seasons or the wind, but the love they've been given. The voices that talk to them. The hands that cared for them." She looked to Eve, eyes warm. "Your father did something special here."

She didn't say more. Didn't need to. Her hands continued to work, methodically collecting the golden-green fruit and lowering them one by one into the basket. Occasionally, she'd pass one directly to Mariana with a sly little smile, "This one looks crumble-worthy,"

It was a moment suspended in time — the scent of herbs on the breeze, the creak of the branches above them, and the rustle of leaves underfoot as three women, Jedi and family, stood beneath a tree that refused to stop giving.

Just like them.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Casual
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Valery Noble

Eve blinked.

"You... punched... an apple tree?"

The way she said it was equal parts disbelief and amusement, her silver eyes wide as if trying to imagine the elegant, composed figure of Grandmaster Valery Noble slugging a tree into submission. The image alone made her giggle — a soft, bright sound that carried into the rustling of leaves above them.

"You really are unstoppable," she murmured, shaking her head fondly. But then, as Valery's tone shifted, Eve fell quiet. Her eyes followed the slow movement of her Master's hands plucking another pear, and her breath hitched — just a little — when she heard her father mentioned again. The words weren't loud. They didn't need to be. They sank deep, like water into soil.

She didn't reply aloud. Not this time. Instead, she lowered her gaze to the earth beneath her boots, grounding herself as her thumb brushed lightly over the side of the basket. She let herself feel it — the quiet ache of memory, the warmth of the day, the comfort of knowing she wasn't alone in carrying it all anymore.

* * *​

The sun had dipped below rolling fields, casting the Vale homestead in a soft, golden wash before dusk descended fully. Inside, the kitchen glowed with lanternlight, soft and flickering. The air was thick with the scents of herbs, spices, and slow-cooked love — a balm to body and soul alike.

Mariana had outdone herself. The table was covered with a linen cloth the colour of fresh cream, and atop it, a feast fit for ten, though only three would share it. There were warm, flaky cheese pastries, their buttery shells still steaming as they were set out on a wooden board. A roasted vegetable tart followed, its golden crust cradling thick slices of tomato, courgette, red onion, and goat's cheese, all baked in a rosemary custard that filled the room with a savoury perfume.

A hearty stew simmered in a clay pot by the firepit — root vegetables, wild mushrooms, and creamy legumes swimming in a spiced broth that smelled faintly of cumin and bay leaf. Mariana ladled it generously into handmade ceramic bowls and garnished each with a sprig of thyme. There were bowls of marinated olives, cracked pepper flatbreads, and a fresh salad of bitter greens and pear slices, tossed with crushed walnuts and a sharp, tangy vinaigrette made from citrus and honey. In the centre of it all stood a loaf of warm brown bread, dense and nutty, with a pat of soft butter already beginning to melt into a small dish beside it.

For drinks, there was a chilled herbal infusion with notes of mint, wildflower, and lemon — refreshing and fragrant — poured into tall glasses with cubes of ice. Mariana, despite her modesty, looked ever so slightly proud as she placed down the final dish — baked root dumplings stuffed with spiced lentils, crispy on the outside and soft within.

"Now," she said, brushing her hands on her apron and casting a playful look between the two Jedi, "If either of you leaves this table hungry, I will be offended."

"Mama..." Eve managed, her face the very definition of the word 'wow'. "This is amazing." Mariana smiled warmly.

"I need to do something special when my baby comes home." She reached and let her thumb gently run over her daughter's cheek affectionately. Eve grinned, cheeks flushing pink, eyes glistening from how much she had missed this. As they settled, Mariana offered the dishes in turn for everyone to take their own portions. After some time into the meal, she turned her attention to Valery.

"Do you have children, Master Noble? If you don't mind my asking." She let a soft smile come to her, gentle and knowing. The way she behaved, spoke, held herself, and treated her daughter, Mariana could tell the answer already. Eve would have said something, but alas, she was too busy stuffing her face with a third pastry.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery sat with a quiet smile as the table filled with more food than she could have dreamed. The smells, the colors, the sheer love folded into every dish — it wrapped around her like a hug she hadn’t known she needed.

“Mariana,” she said softly, “This is incredible.”

She reached for one of the pastries first, letting the warmth soak into her fingertips. Her eyes drifted across the tart, the salad, the bread and stew — and her smile only deepened. “My husband would adore all of this. He’s the cook in our house. Baking, searing, roasting… if it’s edible, he’s mastered it. And this—” she gestured gently to the spread, “—this reminds me of him.”

A bite, a blissful hum.

As the warmth of the meal settled into her bones and the laughter began to rise again, Mariana’s question reached her.

Valery paused just long enough to swallow and dab lightly at her mouth with the corner of her napkin. Her eyes twinkled as she chuckled.

“Eight,” she said, unable to hide the affection in her voice. “We have eight kids. My oldest three are training to be Jedi, I have triplets, and the youngest two…” she shook her head fondly, “All chaos. All heart.”

She leaned forward slightly, eyes gleaming with a mischievous kind of pride.

“Would you like to see pictures?”

Even as she asked, her hand was already moving for the small holopad clipped at her belt. Because of course she had them ready. What mother didn’t?

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Casual
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Valery Noble

Mariana let out a startled laugh, her hand briefly flying to her chest.

"Eight?" she echoed, eyes wide with something between admiration and disbelief. "Stars, you must have nerves forged from beskar." She leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on the table as a grin tugged at her lips. "I had my hands full with just one, and she was hardly any trouble." She gave Eve a playful sideways glance, her tone teasing and warm. "Don't know how you do it."

As Valery offered to show pictures, Mariana's eyes lit up. "Yes, absolutely. I insist!" She reached for her cup again, her smile still glowing with amusement and respect.

Across the table, Eve had grown quiet. She wasn't withdrawn, but there was a softness in her expression. Her eyes wandered a little as the two women spoke, resting on her empty plate, then drifting to the flickering candlelight beside the bread basket.

Eight children.

She tried to picture what it might be like to grow up like that — surrounded, supported, challenged, a space full of all manner of personalities, where excitement never ended. And then she thought of her own quiet upbringing. The whisper of wind through tall grass. Her mother's gentle voice, and silence thick enough that you could hear the trees breathing.

Not better or worse. Just different. She smiled faintly to herself.

Perhaps, maybe one day, she'd get to help build a space like that too. A place of light. A place that welcomed others in. Perhaps not with eight children (eight children!), and certainly not any children of her own, but a place where others could feel safe, and whole.

Eve looked up again, her smile small and content, letting the quiet hum of the conversation wrap around her like the scent of the orchard outside.