Private The Silver Strands of a New Beginning

[Everest Vale]

It was shaping up to be a warm morning at the temple. The soft early spring sun made its slow pilgrimage across the sky's first quarter, awakening a gentle, cool blue overhead. Despite the temple being a part of a planet-wide metropolis, there was an undeniable stillness here, and even the gentle sound of birds overhead. Everest Vale looked up to catch a brief glimpse of their silhouettes shimmering in the sunlight. Since arriving on Coruscant, she had struggled to get used to how different everything was compared to Eshan. The city was loud and busy. Eve had never seen so many people before, and it was a sobering contrast to the gentle slopes and rivers of her homeland's southern woodland regions where she had grown up. Even Eshan's capital felt like a village compared to this place.

A week had gone by since her arrival at the Temple and she was still getting used to it all. All the new names and faces, inductions, timetables, registrations, tours, assemblies... It was a lot, but she was doing her best to keep up with it all. On this day, however, she finally felt she had some time to herself again, and she had made her way to the temple's main courtyard to savour some silence for a while. She sat below the shade of the magnificent uneti tree, its leaves rustling gently against the soft breeze that moved through the courtyard. The tree thrummed softly against her in a way she couldn't quite put into words, but she knew that it gave her a sense of calm. She looked curiously up at it for a moment, and it almost felt as though it sang to her in dulcet tones of rest and peace.

Her eyes scanned the courtyard. Across the other side a class of Padawans were being instructed in something or other, whilst all about were scattered the occasional student who had the same idea as her to savour the morning warmth and stillness. She looked down at the papers clutched in her hands - timetables and book lists - and she sighed. She was missing home. She was missing her mother. Aside from the brief exchange of holomessages upon her arrival on Coruscant, she hadn't spoken to her since. She hadn't managed to make any friends in any of her classes yet either, and that was getting to her. The bustle of the planet, the enormity of the temple itself, and so many new strangers. It was almost enough to make her want to run all the way back to Eshan, back to the safety of home.

Eve breathed in sharply through her nose and exhaled just as intently, blinking out a sparkle that threatened to surface from her eyes. No, she would do her best. She would do her mother proud. She nodded, as if telling someone other than herself. Lost in thought, she dwelled a little more on Eshan, and then on what might come with her time on Coruscant, so deeply that the courtyard seemed to melt away a while.



Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery walked the length of the courtyard with her usual grace, the warm morning sun casting a soft golden glow on her features. Clad in her typical jumpsuit, the Grandmaster carried an aura of calm confidence. She often found herself wandering the courtyard during moments of quiet, offering her guidance to those who seemed to need it most.

Her steps slowed as her attention settled on a young woman seated beneath the sprawling uneti tree. Valery recognized her immediately, though they had not yet met. Everest Vale. The name had crossed her desk along with the other new arrivals, and Valery had made a mental note to keep an eye out for her. The girl's father, a Jedi Knight who had vanished on a mission into Sith space a decade ago, was a name she hadn't forgotten.

The uneti tree's gentle hum resonated in the Force, a soothing melody that Valery had grown familiar with over the years. It seemed to reach out to Everest, calming her, grounding her in the present even as her thoughts drifted elsewhere. Valery approached quietly, her footsteps soft against the stone path, not wanting to startle the young woman.

When she was close enough, Valery paused and offered a warm smile. "Mind if I join you for a moment?" she asked gently, her tone as soothing as the breeze that rustled the leaves above. She gestured to the ground beside Everest, her presence calm and inviting.

As she settled herself onto the grass, Valery let her fiery gaze linger on the young Echani for a moment, studying her with a quiet kindness. "Padawan Everest Vale, right?" she asked, though she already knew the answer. "I've been meaning to introduce myself. I'm Master Valery Noble." She gave a small, reassuring smile, and awaited her response.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Suddenly snapped from her daydreaming, Eve's eyes widened, and she found her posture suddenly straightening up and tensing into some kind of formality. The woman didn't need to introduce herself at all, for anyone across Alliance space would recognise those golden eyes and scars anywhere, whether they were Jedi or not. She wasn't just faculty at the Temple, but the Grandmaster herself. Eve caught her breath in her mouth as she spoke again to her. She knew her too? It took all she had in her to stop herself from trembling.

"I... Y-yes, Master," she said timidly. "E-Eve," she added, eyes finally meeting hers. Up close, she had a much softer feeling about her compared to the overly heroic and fierce portrayals on the posters and holo-sheets she had seen of her. Her smile set her at ease a little, and for a moment there was stillness again as she bashfully smiled back. "I just got here a week ago... from Eshan," she added, hoping that she wasn't coming across as either uninterested or uninteresting.

Her thoughts turned a moment back to her home, and as she did the papers in her hand slipped as the breeze returned with a vengeance, blowing them out of her grip and up into the air. Eve gasped, and she leapt up to reach for them.
"S-sorry!" she exclaimed in needless apology as she chaotically tried to pluck them back, the breeze seemingly conspiring against her. Oh Eve you've really done it, she thought to herself as she panicked about reaching for the papers. Now you look like a total idiot in front of her.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's warm smile never faltered as Eve straightened up and stammered through her introduction. The tension in the young Echani's posture was palpable, but Valery's presence remained calm, like a steady flame in a storm. "Eve, it's a pleasure to meet you," she said gently, her voice carrying an almost motherly reassurance. "And welcome to the Temple. Adjusting to life here can take some time, but you're doing just fine."

The breeze suddenly whipped through the courtyard, and Valery's fiery gaze shifted to the fluttering papers as they were swept into the air. She watched Eve spring to her feet, her frantic attempts to grab the loose pages drawing an amused chuckle from the Grandmaster.

"No need to apologize," Valery said with a smirk, as she crouched down to help her pick up some papers. "Sometimes, the wind has a mind of its own. It's good practice for quick reflexes, though."

Valery rose to her feet, brushing off her hands and offering Eve a reassuring look. "It's okay to feel nervous, you know," she said, her tone soft but steady. "You're not the first Padawan to feel overwhelmed meeting someone new. But this—" she gestured to the courtyard and the Temple around them, "—this is your home now. A place to learn, grow, and make mistakes. You'll find your footing soon enough."

Her fiery gaze settled on Eve once more, her expression brimming with kindness. "So, tell me, Eve," she said, her tone lightening. "What brought you to the Jedi? Was it your own choice, or something you were encouraged to explore?"

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Pink flushed Eve's cheeks as she bashfully collected what the Grandmaster had caught for her. When she thanked her, it came out as barely a whisper. But it was her words that followed that suddenly put her at ease. The tone of her voice reminded me of her own mother. She was strong and so naturally wise, just like Master Noble seemed. The sense of respite and calm washed over her in a way she couldn't explain, but she accepted it as control of her breathing slowed.

"Thank you for saying," she finally managed, at last the true light in her starting to shine. She closed her eyes for the briefest of moments and reminded herself of the lessons of her people; to find solace and quietude within to act as a lighthouse against the night; to listen to the ancestors of old to inspire that same grounding they so masterfully maintained; to remember to be kind to oneself. She exhaled slowly, forgetting for a moment where she was, before her surroundings emerged again into her awareness. She looked to the Grandmaster and a warm smile emerged at last.

Master Noble brought the conversation back to her, and thoughts of her father came to her.
"My father," she started. "He was a Jedi Knight, he even studied here too." There was a sense of pride beginning to swell in her gentle voice as the memory of his photos flashed in her mind. "He... When I was little, he didn't come back." It was still a deep, unresolved wound that threatened to make her cry, but she bit her lip in rebellion and forced herself through it. "He was my hero. I always wanted to..." But she couldn't quite finish. "My mother always supported me. She helped get me here. I miss her, but..." Eve knew she probably wouldn't see her again for a long time. "But I'm here now," she finished with a little nod, more so assuring herself than anything.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's fiery gaze softened further as Eve spoke, her words carrying the weight of loss and hope intertwined. She listened intently, her warm presence offering a steady foundation for the young Echani as she shared her story. When Eve hesitated, Valery's kind smile never wavered.

"Your father would be proud of you," Valery said gently, her voice steady and filled with sincerity. "Not just for being here, but for carrying his legacy with such strength and courage. It takes a lot to step into this path, especially when it's tied to someone you've loved and lost."

She paused, giving Eve a moment to breathe and process her emotions. "It's also okay to miss your mother and to feel uncertain about what lies ahead. You've already shown great strength by making it this far, and you don't have to face these challenges alone. That's what the Jedi are here for — to support each other as we learn, grow, and heal."

Valery crouched slightly to meet Eve's gaze more closely, her expression full of reassurance. "And if you ever need someone to talk to, whether about your father, your training, or anything else, I'll always make time for you." Straightening up, Valery smiled warmly again, a glimmer of pride in her eyes. "You're here now, and that's a big first step. One day at a time, we'll make this place feel like home."

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

The compassion and strength in the Grandmaster's voice as she spoke cut straight through her. She hadn't realised it up until now, but it was exactly what she needed to hear. As she spoke in gentle words to her, Eve looked downward to conceal her face behind her hair, as suddenly she cracked from the weight of the love and space being offered to her, and with a single exhalation through her mouth, she felt the tears streak down her cheek. She delicately covered her mouth in humility as she accepted the moment for what it was, finally at ease with all that was offered from Master Noble.

Giving herself a moment, she politely wiped her cheek and composed herself, flinging her hair back out of her face. Her eyes had reddened a little, but she was feeling better now that the week-long tension had finally broken. With sparkled eyes, she smiled at the Grandmaster, this time with a newfound confidence that surprised her as it warmed across her face.

"Thank you, Master Noble," she said with a certain seriousness. "I'm feeling much better." She wanted to say more, but the words would not come to her. "I think I have a class coming up," she said suddenly, checking the timetable amidst her papers. Her finger scanned down until it reached the upcoming slot. "'History of the Order'. Classroom A46. Master Noble, do you know how I might get there?" The thought of navigating through the huge temple complex still intimidated her.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's warm smile deepened as she noticed the change in Eve's demeanor. The reddened eyes and softened expression spoke volumes — the young Padawan had taken an important step forward, even if it was just finding a moment of peace. When Eve brought up her class, Valery glanced at the timetable and chuckled softly.

"History of the Order in A46? I know the way, and I can guide you there," she said warmly, her tone light but inviting. Then, her fiery gaze softened even more as she added, "But if you'd like, we can skip this one class. It's not every day you get to settle into the Temple, and there's still plenty of time to learn about the Order's history."

She folded her arms gently, tilting her head slightly. "We could head to the training room, and I can show you some of the basics. Or, if you'd prefer, we could find a quiet spot in the gardens or the café for some tea and talk a bit more." Her voice carried no judgment, only kindness and an openness to let Eve decide what felt right for her in the moment.

If she preferred to attend her class, that would also be fine.

Valery crouched slightly again, her gaze meeting Eve's with genuine care. "Whatever you choose, it's about finding what helps you feel more at home here. What do you think, Eve?"

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Eve grinned, lighting up her face in a way it hadn't done since she had arrived. The thought of bunking off class would normally have flared up her nerves right back again, but the very fact the Grandmaster herself was suggesting it was something else entirely. Her heart fluttered in excitement. She nodded in a soft affirmative as Master Noble spoke, realising there was still so much she hadn't seen of the Temple. The thought of a leaf tea and a slice of cake made her well up with a sudden joy.
"Oh my goodness, a tea would be amazing," she said, her raw, honest self shining through, as if she was speaking directly to her mother again, and she blushed a little as she started coming to terms with how relaxed she had become in the last hour in Valery's presence.

She stood up again, clutching at her paperwork, and the two began to walk out of the courtyard and through the corridors leading to the Temple cafe. The breeze followed them for a while, trailing along the floor against the edges of Eve's robe, but it was no longer a threatening thief of papers but a calming, refreshing friend.
"Master Noble," Eve started as they walked, suddenly cautious that her pending questions would prove to be too intrusive. "If it's not too much to ask... How did you become a Jedi? I-If it's not rude of me to ask," she reiterated at the end, reminding herself how forward it was to ask such a thing.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's warm laughter filled the corridor as Eve's excitement shone through, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in the Padawan's ability to let herself relax. "Tea it is," Valery said with a gentle nod, her fiery gaze softening further as they walked side by side through the Temple's serene corridors. The warm ambiance of the Temple seemed to match the lightness in Eve's demeanor, and Valery was glad to see her feeling more at ease.

When Eve hesitated to ask her question, Valery glanced at her with an encouraging smile. "It's not rude at all," she assured her, her tone steady and kind.

She paused for a moment as they walked, her eyes briefly shifting to the calming view outside the windows before turning back to Eve. "I was very young when I was brought to the Jedi," Valery began, her voice carrying a note of quiet reflection. "My parents lived on a world where the Force wasn't always understood. They knew I was different — that I had this... gift. But that gift also came with danger, and they wanted to ensure I was safe and had a future where I could thrive."

Her fiery gaze softened further as she glanced at Eve. "So they made the difficult decision to let me go, trusting the Jedi to guide me and give me a chance to grow into who I was meant to be. I didn't fully understand it at the time, but looking back, I know how much love it took for them to make that choice."

Especially now that she was a mother herself.

Valery smiled again, her voice warm as she added, "It's not always easy, but it's a path I'm grateful for every single day. And now, I get to share it with others, like you."

As they approached the Temple café, Valery glanced over at Eve with a reassuring look. "Does that answer your question?" she asked gently, genuinely curious about Eve's thoughts.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Everest listened intently to the Grandmaster. She spoke with a weighty conviction and inherent calm that reminded her so much what she could remember of her father. She couldn't help but let a smile out when Master Noble finished. She was grateful she shared so much of her story to her, and she had become so engrossed that she barely even realised they had arrived at the café.

The place smelled of roasted coffee and sweetcakes. The clattering of metal on ceramic echoed out through the surrounding hallways, melting into the breeze upon reaching the nearby courtyard. Eve knew this place was here from the holomap given to her, but she was far too shy to venture here all by herself, and now that she had finally come, a beam found its way across her face as she imagined the romantic image of studying with a tea and cake in the afternoons, watching the spring rain fall outside.

When they finally sat down - a generous pot of deychin leaf tea carried with them, and Eve opting for a small slice of lemon drizzle cake - she could finally return her mind to the conversation at hand. Something was bothering her, and she was hesitant to speak it.
"Master Noble," she began, eyes falling on her cup. "Have... Have you ever been able to visit your family again, since becoming a Jedi?" She wondered if she would ever see her own mother again, now that she was training to be a Jedi, and even if she could, would she be the same person? Would her mother even recognise her if she did see her again? She fell suddenly quiet.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery settled into her seat across from Everest, her hands carefully pouring tea into both cups. The warm, earthy aroma of the tea leaves filled the air, mingling with the faint sweetness of the lemon drizzle cake. She took a sip of her tea, letting its calming warmth wash over her before turning her attention back to the young Padawan.

Everest's hesitation didn't go unnoticed, and when the question finally came, Valery's fiery gaze softened further, a flicker of old memories reflected in her eyes.

"It's a complicated story," Valery began, her tone gentle but touched with the weight of her past. "When I became a Jedi, it was during a time when attachment was forbidden. We weren't allowed to maintain connections with our families because the Order believed it could lead to emotional conflicts that might pull us away from our duty."

Her hands cupped her tea, fingers brushing the ceramic surface as her gaze drifted to the courtyard outside. "I never got the chance to see my family again. I went on a mission and... I ended up in stasis for a very long time. When I woke, thousands of years had passed, and my family was long gone."

Valery paused, her fiery eyes lifting to meet Everest's. "But," she continued, her voice growing steadier, "Through the Force, I was granted a vision of sorts. For just a brief moment, I was able to see my parents again, to speak with them. It wasn't the same as being with them in person, but it brought me a sense of peace and closure I never thought I'd have."

She let the silence hang for a moment, giving Everest time to absorb her words before offering a reassuring smile. "As for you, things are different now. The Jedi understand that connection and family can make us stronger, not weaker. If you ever want to see your family again, you can. You don't have to lose them to follow this path."

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Everest wasn't sure how many times she'd audibly gasped at Master Noble's story, but by the time she let the silence hang, she realised her mouth was hanging open. Embarrassed, she quietly brought herself back to formulate her thoughts on the whole thing. Thousands of years, she had said. That would place her in the time of the Old Republic. Eve didn't know what to say. When she spoke on the closure she found, she also felt a deep sense of relief for her naturally well in her. She recognised that the Master's life was so more vastly profound and complex than her own had ever been or perhaps would ever be, but she recognised a certain familiarity wherefrom shone the love of family, and that was enough for her to understand.

But she smiled in return when the Master's encouragement emerged once more. She was very grateful for the assurance. Even if it wasn't for a while before she could see her mother again, Eve knew at least it would not be forever. She thought to send another holomessage to her soon to tell her all about Master Noble, and the brightness returned to her almost at once.
"Thank you for sharing, Master." What else could she say to such a fantastical story? But her voice was heavy with genuine appreciation.

Eve took a sip of the tea, still steaming, and allowed the floral fragrance to fill her senses. She let out an unconscious sigh, as if brought right back home. To complement it, she took a humble slither of the lemon drizzle cake and let it melt on her tongue. Her cheeks warmed to a soft pink as she was stunned to heavenly silence, suddenly lost in the dream of home. Her mother's face shone before her.

"Every Benduday," she quietly started after taking another sip of tea. "Me and my mother would hold a tea ceremony at our home. Just the two of us. It was our little tradition." She smiled as her eyes looked beyond into the memory with warm reflection, before snapping back. "So, I'm grateful you brought me here. Truly." She was quiet for a little longer before adding with a sudden enthusiasm, "I hope, maybe one day you can meet her. She's an amazing woman." Just like the Master was, she thought. "Strong, and tough, but loving and kind too... and she means everything she says. I wouldn't be here without her." Her thoughts dwelled a little on the vague memories of her father, and she swallowed once. "When my father disappeared, it was just us. She went through a lot of bad times. She always tried to hide it from me, but I knew. But she never stopped loving me, and doing her best to give me a good life." She wouldn't cry over this. Not this time. Not anymore. Her eyes locked with Master Noble's as she nodded with a firm assurance. "And she did it. I'm here, and I have a future. It's all because of her."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery listened intently, her fiery eyes softening as Everest shared her memories. She could see how deeply the Padawan cherished her mother, and every word seemed to resonate with Valery on a level that went beyond her role as a Jedi Master. It wasn't just the love and strength Everest described — it was the way she talked about her mother's sacrifices, her unwavering devotion, and her ability to keep going even when life was unimaginably hard.

Valery understood it all too well.

A gentle smile spread across Valery's lips, one filled with warmth and a quiet pride. She reached across the table, her hand brushing Everest's lightly for a brief moment before she withdrew. "Your mother sounds like an incredible woman, Everest," she said softly, her voice carrying a weight of sincerity. "Strong, tough, kind — I see where you get it from."

She took another sip of her tea and set the cup down carefully, her gaze never leaving Everest's. "As a mother myself, I can tell you that what she's done for you, the way she's loved and fought for you, is what makes it all worthwhile. There's nothing in this galaxy I wouldn't do to give my children a chance at the future they deserve." She paused, her expression briefly touched by the fierce protectiveness of a mother's love before it softened again. "And seeing you here, with so much potential and determination, I'm sure she feels the same way."

Valery chuckled softly and leaned back slightly, her fiery eyes sparkling with warmth. "You know, I'd love to meet her one day. It's not every day I get to thank someone for raising such a bright and promising Jedi." She grinned playfully, hoping to lighten the mood just a little. "Besides, I'm sure we'd get along. We moms always seem to have a way of understanding each other."

Valery let the moment settle, allowing the warmth of the tea and the quiet joy of their conversation to linger. This wasn't just about training or missions — it was about connection, growth, and helping Everest feel the strength of her roots as she reached for the stars.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Eve could feel her eyes welling up again, this time not from any sadness or yearning for home, but from the very simple ease of which Master Noble offered love to her. It was a very motherly love that was so familiar as something offered to her, and from someone who had been through everything she was going through, in far more difficult ways than she could ever imagine.

Gratitude washed over her, and the Grandmaster's very simple gesture of brushed hand against hers made more tears come. She wiped them away delicately and smiled through it, this time not remorseful or sad, but being so small delicate, sometimes she just had to let a little out to keep a level head. She nodded gratefully, visibly excited at the prospect of these two wonderful women meeting someday. She let the daydream move through her mind a little while before bringing herself back, taking another slither of lemon cake. The citrus excited every taste bud, the experience only enhanced by the slight bitter of the tea that washed it down. She let her thoughts hang on motherhood a moment.

"If it's not too personal of a question, Master," she began, a little cautiously. "Did you always know you wanted to be a mother?" She thought about how she didn't really seem to have that impulse herself at all inside of her. Even as a child, she would sooner play in the trees with the birds than with dolls and other 'girl things'. Her thoughts carried themselves on to further conclusions she wasn't quite ready to acknowledge, and she distracted herself from them with another question for the Master. "How many children do you have, if you don't mind me asking?"

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's smile softened as she listened to Everest, her fiery eyes shimmering with warmth and understanding. She rested her hands lightly on the table, her fingers tracing the edge of her teacup as she considered the Padawan's question. It was a deeply personal one, but Valery had always been open about her life, especially when it came to the things that shaped her so profoundly.

"For a long time, I didn't think motherhood would be part of my life," Valery began, her voice gentle and thoughtful. "I've always felt my emotions strongly, and I've always formed bonds easily with others. But in the time of the old Jedi Order, attachments were forbidden. Relationships, families... they believed those connections could lead to conflict or cloud our judgment."

She paused, her fiery gaze drifting for a moment, as if recalling those earlier, more rigid years. "I followed those teachings because I believed in the Order, but I also felt like something was missing. It wasn't until I met Kahlil Noble that everything changed."

Valery's expression brightened, and a fond smile tugged at her lips as she spoke his name. "When I fell in love with him, I finally understood what it was like to truly love and be loved in return. He showed me that those connections, those attachments, aren't weaknesses — they're what give us strength. And that's when I knew I wanted to be a mother, because I couldn't imagine raising children with anyone but him. He made me want to share that love, to bring life into the galaxy and give them a chance to grow up in a family built on love and trust."

She chuckled softly, her gaze returning to Everest. "Since then, life has been... busy, to say the least. First, Kahlil and I had Vera, our eldest. Then, a little while later, we had triplets — Aeryn, Adam and Aurra —who have kept us on our toes ever since."

Valery's smile grew as she continued, the pride and joy in her voice unmistakable. "After that, we adopted Aris and Colette. Then we had Eryx, and just recently, little Yvaine was born. So, to answer your question," she added with a playful grin, "We have a full house."

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Eight children! Eve was amazed. Between what must be such a busy life as Grandmaster of the Order, plus married life, plus eight children - eight children! - this woman wasn't just a Master Jedi. She was a superhero. Eve's eyes were lit up with fiery excitement as she listened with intensity to Master Noble's story. Her heart fluttered. It was so romantic, as if straight out of a classic romance novel.

She swooned quietly at her words, not realising quite how much she was unabashedly smiling. She thought on how the present incarnation of the Jedi Order was certainly more lax with the requirements of love and family. The thought that she might have never seen her mother again, or missed out on the kind of love Master Noble had described, had she been born in another time, sent a chill down her.

But she didn't need to worry. Master Noble had assured her of that a hundredfold. In such a short space of time, she had felt the Master's words cause some manner of change within her that she had no idea she was capable of. A few hours ago, she never would have anticipated she would be having tea and cake with the Grandmaster herself, who had offered an unconditional support and love she was more in need of than she had realised, and right out the gate. It was so moving, this capacity for love she shared so freely with her.

"Master Noble," she started quietly. "Thank you for today. Really." She had never meant anything more in her life, or so it felt, and her voice carried a newfound confidence in it that surprised herself. "I don't know what I would've done if I didn't meet you today." She took a moment of silence to dwell a little on what she else she would, could or should say, until finally settling on, "I hope we can have tea again soon."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's warm smile deepened as she watched Everest, the young Padawan's genuine gratitude and growing confidence bringing a light to the moment that she cherished deeply. She reached out, gently placing a hand over Everest's on the table, her fiery eyes meeting hers with a soft but steady gaze.

"Everest," Valery said, her voice tender and full of sincerity, "It has been my pleasure to spend this time with you. Sometimes, all we need is someone to remind us that we're not alone and that we have the strength to face anything. You have that strength, and I'm so proud of the steps you're taking."

She paused, her smile turning playful as she added, "And of course, I'd love to have tea with you again. Maybe we can make it a regular thing? Tea, cake, and perhaps even a little training. I promise it won't be anything too intense — unless you're up for a challenge."

Her hand gave a gentle squeeze before she withdrew it, leaning back slightly as she took a sip of her tea. "The Jedi path can feel overwhelming sometimes, but moments like these? They remind us why we do what we do, and why we push forward. So, thank you for reminding me, too."

Valery's fiery gaze softened, and she added with a grin, "Besides, I think we've made a pretty great team today. I can't wait to see where your journey takes you, Everest. And if you ever need a cup of tea or just someone to talk to, you know where to find me."

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

The Master's words meant more to Everest than perhaps she could know, and she nodded joyfully in agreement to her offer, giving a soft squeeze of the Master's hand back in response. There weren't any more words to say, and yet a thousand-thousand more for another day.

Everest could feel the sense of tension, that had been otherwise plaguing her, lifted from her from the seemingly effortless presence of Master Noble, the celebrity Jedi legend herself who, in reality, was one of the most authentic people she had the joy to meet, and who had given her what she had never realised she so desperately needed.

The day melted away. The midday sun spread its chalk-like light across a field of brilliant blue, and the chatter of hopeful Padawans echoed through the many hallways and across the many courtyards of the Jedi Temple. Walking through the central temple courtyard alone on her way back to her dorm, Everest looked upon the great uneti tree that stood as the centrepiece, and smiled.