Private Noble Intentions

[Kassandra Zambrano]

It had been a very very long time since Kassandra had last set foot on Coruscant. Her family name wasn’t exactly a welcome sight in the heart of the Galactic Alliance. Fortunately for Kass however, she wasn’t really known in the public eye. Unlike the majority of her Sith-aligned family, Kassandra could (mostly) travel freely without having someone try and arrest, capture, kill, or maim her.

Not like they’d be able to do any of those to begin with.

Kass had never delved too deeply into the same dark pools as her family. Not publicly anyway. Her interests had always been more in the occult, specifically witchcraft. Dathomirians had been a major point of interest growing up, much to the chagrin of her mother. Sometimes Kassandra wondered what would have happened, if she had ever actually accepted the Ember of Vahl.

She wouldn’t have her freedom, that was for certain. Not like it was right now, where she could travel the galaxy without any chains of devotion holding her down. Her choices had led her into this lifestyle, and she wasn’t able to let that go anytime soon.

Kassandra had come to Coruscant for one reason, to find her brother Kahlil. Sometime ago she had felt something, something off. Like a flame, one familiar to her that had suddenly been extinguished. It had felt like a stab to her heart at the time, but there had never been any answers.

And then even more recently, she felt that familiar flame suddenly rekindle itself. Refreshed, revived, reborn. This time she recognized the embers to be that of her brother. One of the few that had escaped the chains of the Zambrano name.

The towering form of Kassandra strode out onto the streets of Coruscant. A majority of her form was covered in an expansive cloak, a hood concealed her head, and a mask covered her face. The only thing that was visible were a pair of mismatched eyes.

Oh, and the giant wrapped up sword that was resting on her back.

“Hmm, where are you little brother?”

Kassandra reached into her cloak, pulling out a necklace of stones. The central one began to glow with green spirit ichor, levitating for a moment before settling back down.

“I know you’re here somewhere.”

Valery Noble | Kahlil Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

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Outfit: Operative Suit | Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble Kassandra Zambrano

"Hmmm..." Vera suddenly whined in the middle of a meditation session with her mother. Valery had her eyes closed and was trying to focus but opened her eyes when she noticed that something was off with Vera. It wasn't entirely uncommon — meditation often allowed Vera to fall deeper into the Force, and that could spark visions or expose her to feelings in the Force she hadn't yet experienced. It's one of many little things Valery tried to help her with.

"What's wrong, sweetie?" Valery asked after a moment.

"I see a scary lady..." Vera said with a frown, and immediately, Valery felt something ignite within. In just the last few months, there were several assassination attempts targeting her daughter, so even vague visions that bothered her were taken very seriously now.

"Do you see anything else?" Valery then asked carefully.

"She's coming here."

That was all Valery needed to hear — she got up, summoned the hilt of her lightsaber into her hand, and clipped it to her belt while she walked into the main living area of the apartment. "Hey, babe?" Valery asked as she looked for Kahlil. "Vera's seeing something that can mean trouble, and it's coming right for us. A woman she doesn't recognize but she scares Vera."

Vera stepped out of the small meditation room and quietly looked between her two parents. She knew that look in her mother's eyes, and anybody with a connection to Valery could feel a rising intensity within her. Especially Kahlil; through their bond. "I'm not going to wait for her to reach our home." Her fiery eyes were burning and with a weapon strapped to her belt, she really looked like she was already counting on a fight. But despite it, there was also a calmness — her experience as a Jedi, and the self-control she had.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil stared out the window. Right in the direction he could feel her. A frown was all he had as he glanced towards Valery. A frown, and an intensity behind his eyes. "Kassandra. One of the few Zambrano's that aren't Sith. I'm not sure why she's here."

He glanced to Vera, his expression softening. So she was frightened? Made sense. Zamrbanos were always a terrifying sight. But he wasn't going to let Valery go face her down alone. A wave of his hand and the lightsaber was pulled to his hip. Ready, just in case. "Stay here with BB, alright Little Star? We'll go handle her."

Valery Noble | Kassandra Zambrano

 

[Kassandra Zambrano]

The streets of Coruscant were a bustle with activity, all manner of people were going about their lives. So someone of Kassandra’s stature wasn’t given much of a second glance. Well, aside from the folks that weren’t watching where they were going and ran into her.

Happened more than enough to start annoying her, but she brushed it aside and focused on her purpose.

She initially thought about the Jedi Temple, but that was just asking for trouble. Despite how removed she was from the family. Kass figured Jedi could smell Zambrano blood like it was a virus invading the body.

Rather than just standing around with her thoughts, Kassandra approached a man that seemed focused on a nearby HoloNet board.

“Afternoon good sir, I was wondering if you could help me with something?”

“Well, I don’t know much I could help-” The man turned around as she approached, his voice falling into a stammer the more he had to look up to reach her eyes.

“I am unfamiliar with Coruscant’s layout. Oh! And he’s a Jedi too, if that helps.” Well, Kass was taking a guess that her little brother was a Jedi now. The last time they had run into each other, he seemed to be teetering towards that direction. But far too much time had passed between then and now. Kass felt as though she had missed a lot.

“Oh, I uh-well…” The man continued to stumble over his words, eventually pointing her first to the Jedi Temple, then the Residential District. But then he mentioned there were some residential skyscrapers that had been built a bit closer to the temple.

A short trip later and Kassandra found herself in the area, but as she did she felt something. Kass pulled the sleeve of her cloak back, revealing a bracelet of teeth. The central one had a gem embedded in it, glowing faintly in a certain rhythm.

“Well then, I guess I won’t need to keep looking.”

The towering woman walked over to a nearby bench. She pulled her covered weapon off her back, resting it against the seat before sitting down herself. Kassandra kept her hood up as she waited.

Valery Noble | Kahlil Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

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Outfit: Operative Suit | Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble Kassandra Zambrano

"Well, at least she's not a Sith. But I'm not taking any risks." It had to be a good thing that the woman was no Sith because it likely meant she wasn't closely tied to her father. But Valery's protective side would never allow her to make assumptions when a situation involved her daughter's safety. A single glance in Kahlil's direction as he pulled his saber into his hand, and she knew that he felt the exact same way.

They'd confront the woman together to settle this in a friendly manner or, if necessary, they would defend their home and daughter.

"Okay, daddy," Vera replied before she returned to her room and looked for Bee. He'd be there for comfort and, of course, to play with her while her parents were going to meet the scary lady.

After leaving behind the apartment, Valery and Kahlil reached the lowest level of the skyscraper, but once outside, Valery stopped and blinked. "She's close but... not getting closer." Perhaps she knew they were coming and waited for them? Either way, Valery turned towards the source and began to move.

It didn't take long to reach the small park, where Kassandra was sitting on a bench. Either she was very confident about coming here and confronting both Nobles, or she really wasn't here to cause trouble.

"You uh, want to open up conversation, love? I assume she's here for you, not for me."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"She probably is, isn't she?"

Kahlil frowned just a little as he glanced towards his sister. Sitting there. A Zambrano just sitting there, on a bench. On Coruscant. It wasn't that long ago that their father was the cause of so much pain on these very streets. He let out a sigh before nodding to Valery. Gave her a smile. He's got this, probably. Maybe. The smile didn't linger as he walked over. Took a seat casually on the bench as he followed Kassandra's gaze up.

"Hood doesn't do much to hide who you are, Sis. Probably scares people more."

Kassandra Zambrano | Valery Noble

 

[Kassandra Zambrano]

Kassandra peered up from beneath her hood, feeling her brother’s presence drawing closer. While she noted the woman beside him, her focus was on Kahlil at that moment. He looked the same as ever, though he had cut his hair since their last meeting. But then her thoughts drifted over to the woman, and her eyes widened slightly in realisation.

There was no not recognizing Valery Noble.

Huh, well ain’t this an interesting development…

She let out an amused chuckle, glancing over at Kahlil after he had spoken. Kass pulled her hood back just enough to reveal her face. She followed that by pulling down the mask that covered her mouth.

“That’s the point little brother, intimidation through being imposing. Only fools would try and interrupt or stop someone like me. Someone just minding their business like any other person on the street.”

Albeit, Kass was sure if she had been walking around visibly in armour, with a giant sword strapped to her back, she’d more than likely get the local authorities on her arse.

Her gaze shifted away from her brother, settling on the woman who had arrived with him.

“So, to what do I owe the honour of the Sword of the Jedi’s presence?”

Valery Noble | Kahlil Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

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Outfit: Operative Suit | Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble Kassandra Zambrano

The comment about intimidation by being imposing left a bad taste in her mouth, and Kahlil could likely feel a fire grow inside of her. Not because she feared that this woman would attack them for some reason, but because of her protectiveness when it came to her family. That included both Vera and Kahlil, even though he hardly needed her protection.

The woman's gaze then shifted between them both, but ultimately settled on Valery, much to her surprise.

"I'm here because I assume you came to find my husband," Valery said, her eyes turning to Kahlil for just a moment to make it clear what their relationship was. She still didn't know what she wanted and why she came all the way out here for it, but her eyes made it clear that she demanded to know.

Usually, his family visits weren't exactly memories to cherish.

"Why are you here?"

 

[Kassandra Zambrano]

"I'm here because I assume you came to find my husband,"

Kassandra blinked.

Her mouth was agape, surprise clear on her face. Eyes affixed to Valery initially until they shifted over to Kahlil. His expression too was one that caught Kass by surprise, so much so she did a double take before turning her gaze to the Master Jedi.

A couple more back and forths after, and Kass’ mouth clamped shut. She crossed her arms and leaned further back into the bench, small chuckles escaping her lips. Of which grew into a light laugh as she reclined her head back. The act of which caused her hood to fall more, allowing for tresses of black and white hair to slip out when she lifted her head back up.

“I’ll be damned, of all the things I expected to learn today. That was certainly not one.” Kass looked back at Kahlil, surprised and impressed clear in her expression. “My little brother, married to a Jedi, to the Alliance’s Sword of the Jedi no less.” Another bark of laughter escaped her, still very amused by the revelation. “Oh, I’m sure father loved hearing about that.” Kass muttered those last words amongst her chuckles.

“Guess I've missed quite a bit then.” She grinned at her brother, giving him a light and friendly punch to the shoulder. “A belated congrats to you, Kahlil. For becoming a husband…and father.”

Kassandra’s eyes were on her brother, but as the last two words slipped from her lips, she glanced over at Valery.

Valery Noble | Kahlil Noble​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"He was indifferent, as he always is now. The Dark has consumed anything left that resembled who he was before." He kept the calm expression, he always did. But even he was on edge with his family here. Kassandra was far from the worst, but the grim memory of Joycelyn claiming his arms was still there in the back of his head.

He did his best not to flinch at the punch. He didn't, visibly.

"It's a life I've worked hard to get and keep safe. Even with Father, our siblings, even the real Kahlil coming to try and take it for themselves. So I'll have to echo my wife. Why are you here, Kass?"

Valery Noble | Kassandra Zambrano

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

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Outfit: Operative Suit | Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble Kassandra Zambrano

The woman's chuckle and subsequent laugh were met with Valery's burning gaze narrowing even further. She knew this woman wasn't a threat to their family the way Carnifex had been, but Valery didn't like the feeling she got from Kassandra at all. But she wasn't a Jedi Master if she allowed such emotions to completely control her.

"A belated congrats to you, Kahlil. For becoming a husband…and father."

Valery caught the way Kassandra looked at her, and paired with the gentle punch to her husband's shoulder, Valery had enough. She took a visible step forward, placing herself a little more between the two, and was about to demand what she wanted, when Kahlil asked the same question.

He was tense too, but perhaps a little more controlled.

 

[Kassandra Zambrano]

“What? A girl can’t come and pay her brother, and the little family he’s created a visit?” Her tone was jovial, but it was clear to see the tension was building with the two Nobles. Especially with Valery, who had taken a step forwards, closer to where the siblings were sitting.

Kahlil seemed to be the mediator between the two of them, although Kass wasn’t too surprised. There was nothing like the protectiveness of a mother, ready to retaliate against any threat to her family.

Oh, Kass was tempted. All it would probably take was pushing a few more buttons to have the Sword instigate a fight. She was always eager to test her skills against worthy opponents. And a renowned Battlemaster would surely be one.

But that wasn't the reason she was here. Kass had no desire to cause a scene while in the heart of the Galactic Alliance.

“Something happened, it was a good while back…” She began, leaning back into the bench and crossing her arms. “I was exploring, setting up camp for the night.” Kass looked up at the sky, or rather the lines of traffic that were flowing above. “I found myself looking up at the stars, just thinking about stuff. And then I felt it.”

“At first it felt like…discomfort, that very quickly gave way to pain. As though someone or something had taken a hold of my lungs and heart, squeezing them.” Kass closed her eyes, it was not a pleasant memory. “I couldn’t breathe, and I could hear my heart beating in my ears. Felt like it lasted forever, but it was gone before I knew it. I could breathe again, but my heart still felt as though something was clutching it.”

“I never was able to figure out what it was, what had happened. Eventually it became a thing that was left to the back of my mind, unfocused but still there.” Kass paused again, as if recalling back to those moments. “Until a more recent time, when that feeling returned. Only this time it was comfort, relief. The pressure on my heart was removed. And this time I sat on it, meditated to try and find the source. Through that, I realised what had happened, what it was that I felt.”

Kassandra posture straightened, turning to face Kahlil with a serious expression on her face.

“Death and rebirth.” Her eyes were affixed to her brother’s. “What happened?”

Valery Noble | Kahlil Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Coruscant

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Outfit: Operative Suit | Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble Kassandra Zambrano

"Don't pretend like you actually care."

Valery's words for the woman were harsh, and her tone was just as cold. She didn't care about how the woman felt when it all happened, or how she was able to explain what it was like to her. Kassandra had never been a part of their lives — she had never once shown to care about her brother who had to fight so hard to break free of his father's hold over him. And now she suddenly showed up to check in on him and his family?

Valery couldn't care less.

"Where were you these last few years when so many more terrible things happened to him? To his family?" she narrowed her fiery eyes and felt her body tense. But as much as she wanted this woman to leave, Valery wasn't going to let anger control her. She took a small breath and shook her head dismissively.

"You have no idea how much we've had to struggle, and now you decide to show your face and act in a way to make us worry, just for your own amusement?" She had noticed how much she reveled in the tension, and after everything that already happened — the assassination attempts targeting her during her pregnancy, the attacks targeting her daughter...

"You are not family, never will be, and I'm not entertaining this any longer." She shot Kahlil a look, and turned around, ready to leave and head back to her daughter.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I died. Or, at least, the Force decided I needed to."

Kahlil was the one to answer. Even as Valery stood up to leave, he spoke to Kassandra before reaching over to gently set a hand on Valery's shoulder. He knew better than most just how detached his sister was from their family. So he gave her a smile, calm as he could.

"She means no ill will, Val. She doesn't know what happened. Any of it."

Valery Noble | Kassandra Zambrano