Private Shards of the Past

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery stood in the middle of the open grass field at the New Cov Temple, the gentle rustling of the breeze weaving through the tall blades of green. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the serene setting, warming the dew-covered ground beneath her boots. Birds chirped softly from the surrounding trees, their melodies adding to the peaceful ambiance of the training grounds.

In front of her sat a simple wooden box, unassuming in appearance but holding a purpose much greater than its modest exterior suggested. Its surface was weathered, marked by years of use, and the faintest traces of engravings hinted at a history that would remain a mystery for now.

Valery's fiery gaze lifted toward the temple's pathway, sensing her Padawan's approach. She clasped her hands loosely in front of her, her expression calm but tinged with anticipation. Azurine had already demonstrated natural talent with Psychometry, a rare and powerful ability, but mastering it required precision and control. Today, Valery intended to help her refine that skill.

As Azurine came into view, Valery's lips curved into a warm smile. "Good morning, Azzie," she greeted, her tone light but carrying an underlying focus. She gestured toward the box as her Padawan closed the distance. "I thought we'd work on something special today."

The faint rustle of the grass and the open expanse of the field provided the perfect backdrop for this lesson — a place of clarity, free from distractions. Valery's gaze settled on Azurine, her expression softening with pride and encouragement.

"You've already shown incredible potential with Psychometry," Valery began, her voice steady and warm. "But this ability requires not just sensitivity to the Force but also discipline. Today, we'll explore what lies inside this box and use it to take your skills to the next level."

She tilted her head slightly, her smile turning playful. "Are you ready to dive into the past?"

Azurine Varek ​

 

[Azurine Varek]

Echoes

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Companion: Cinnamon
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azurine’s boots barely made a sound as they pressed into the soft, dew-soaked grass, but her heartbeat was far less quiet. It thudded in her chest like a drum, a mix of excitement and nervous energy. She had come far in her levels of control with psychometry in the year since she'd been pulled out of stasis, but it was a volatile ability, and her progress felt as fragile as the wooden box sitting between her and Valery. The sun's warmth on her face was a comfort, though, as was her master’s steady presence.

Cinnamon, the tiny racyon kit, was nestled comfortably on one of Azzie’s shoulder, her soft, bushy tail draped like a small warm scarf. The little creature’s tiny paws kneaded gently at Azzie’s hair, her claws catching slightly but never pulling too hard. She allowed a smirk to tug at the corner of her lips. “At least I didn't have to get up at the butt crack of dawn, or else I'd be hoping there was coffee in that box,” she replied, her voice steadier than she felt.

Azzie's gaze shifted to the box, its weathered surface practically humming with a history waiting to be unraveled. She didn't have to be asked to be able to see the echoes that flew off of it, similar to an aura. Even though she’d gotten better at controlling her visions, they could still spiral into chaos, showing her fragments of pasts she wasn’t ready to confront. The open field was perfect for clarity, but Azzie knew that clarity came with risk. Sometimes, seeing too much was as dangerous as seeing too little.

The faint carvings caught her eye, and her mind began to whirl. It wasn't too long after that for her overwhelming curiosity to completely outweigh any anxious thoughts. What stories do you hold? What secrets are etched into your surface?

Discipline. Control. These were lessons Azzie had heard often, and yet, they still felt like tightrope walking over a pit of her own fears. But she wouldn’t let those fears show, not now. Not when Valery looked at her with such pride.

"I'm practically a living relic myself, right? So I'm sure that box and I will get along." She teased to lighten her own self-doubt as she moved to carefully pull the glove off of her hand, remaining biological hand. She was still not comfortable with the idea of being without it, but she hoped that would change sooner rather than later. "So, what am I looking for here?"

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery chuckled softly at Azurine's teasing and folded her arms across her chest. "You're lucky I prefer to use my early mornings for my own training and meditation," she replied with a smirk, her fiery eyes glinting with amusement. "Otherwise, you'd probably be running laps before sunrise."

As Azurine stepped closer, Valery turned her attention to the weathered box. With a calm, deliberate motion, she crouched and lifted the lid, revealing the contents inside. Nestled within were three items, each distinctly unique: a shimmering crystal that seemed to hum faintly with its own energy, a weathered lightsaber hilt bearing signs of extensive use, and a strange talisman carved with unfamiliar, intricate symbols.

Valery's gaze lingered on the items for a moment before she looked back at her Padawan, her expression thoughtful. "Each of these objects holds a history," she began, her voice carrying a calm intensity. "They've been touched by the Force and the lives of those who once carried them. Each one carries vastly different emotions and memories — some light, some dark, but all powerful in their own way."

Valery straightened, her fiery gaze locking onto Azurine's. "The challenge here is not just to see these memories but to remain in control. To stay present. I want to help you master your ability so you can study the past without being consumed by it. Today, we'll work on that together." She smiled warmly, her pride and confidence in her Padawan evident.

"Now, which one do you believe is easiest is to tap into? And which one calls to you first?"

Azurine Varek ​

 

[Azurine Varek]

Echoes

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Companion: Cinnamon
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azurine studied the objects within the box, her amethyst eyes narrowing in contemplation. The objects before her radiated with power, their auras distinct and vivid. Each carried a strong echo, a resonance of the lives and moments they had witnessed. But unlike living auras, which ebbed and flowed with emotions and decisions, these were stagnant—frozen patterns etched into the Force itself. They felt like ancient songs, forever playing the same melody.

"Alright, I can do that." She said, nodding at the instructions she was given.

Her gaze lingered on the crystal. Its faint hum resonated within her like the distant memory of a familiar tune. Kyber crystal, she thought. Probably. If it is, I’ve handled a couple before—sometimes temperamental, but at least I know their quirks. A quiet confidence stirred in her. The crystal’s aura pulsed with clarity, sharp and steady, unlike the chaotic swirl of the talisman or the jagged weight of the lightsaber hilt. For all she knew, they could have all come from the same person, though if they did, then the patterns would have some similarity with each other.

Before Azzie could speak, Cinnamon, nestled on her shoulder, let out a curious chirp, clearly fascinated but too timid to move from her spot. She chuckled, having not been fully comfortable with leaving her alone on her ship just yet. She turned and stepped closer to Valery, holding out the bundle of soft fur. “Here,” she said, her voice unusually tender. “You take her. I’ll need both hands for this.” The kit gave a reluctant squeak as she was transferred, and Azzie couldn’t help but chuckle. "Hey, I trust her, so you can trust her, too."

As her hands freed, she turned back to the objects. The lightsaber hilt seemed to stare back at her, heavy with the weight of battle. The talisman was darker still, its symbols whispering promises of mystery she wasn’t sure she was ready to uncover just yet. Not after the mission with Aadihr on Terlath Prime and the walls of those ruins threatening to pull her under. She swallowed and focused her attention on the crystal, its steady hum calling her like an old friend.

“I think the crystal will be the easiest to work with,” Azzie said finally, meeting Valery’s gaze. “Its aura looks... steady. And I’ve worked with them before. I’d rather start with something I understand, or think I do at least.” She didn’t say it aloud, but she could feel the echoes of the other objects pressing against her consciousness, each daring her to dive deeper. One step at a time, she reminded herself. With her glove fully removed, she waited for the approval of her master before picking up the object and preparing herself for what may come from it.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery chuckled softly as the little kit was passed to her, cradling Cinnamon gently in her arms. The creature let out a soft, questioning chirp, its tiny nose twitching as it adjusted to its new holder. "Don't worry, Cinnamon," Valery said with a warm smile, her voice soothing. "You're safe with me."

She glanced back at Azurine, her fiery eyes filled with a mix of pride and encouragement. "Good choice," she said, nodding at the crystal. "Starting with what feels familiar is wise. The Force often rewards a steady approach."

As Azurine prepared herself, Valery's demeanor shifted slightly, her tone calm and guiding. "Remember, this is as much about controlling your own emotions as it is about connecting with the object's history. Let the crystal's resonance guide you, but keep your presence anchored here and now. You're not just seeing its past — you're interpreting it through the lens of the Force."

Valery stepped closer, Cinnamon nestled securely in her arms, and tilted her head slightly, her fiery gaze focused on Azurine. "If you feel the memories starting to overwhelm you, breathe and let go. You don't have to hold onto everything you see or feel. Just observe, like watching a river flow past you."


As Valery watched, Cinnamon settled into the crook of her arm, watching Azurine with an almost curious intensity of its own. The Jedi Master's presence in the Force remained steady and calm, a beacon of reassurance for her Padawan to lean on if the visions became too much.

"Take your time," Valery added softly, her tone full of patience and confidence. "The past doesn't rush forward — it waits for those willing to see it."

Azurine Varek ​