Private Tiny Visitors

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons:

The soft hum of conversation and the faint footsteps of Jedi filled the halls of the Temple as Valery pushed the stroller containing her two little ones toward the Jedi Museum. It was a rare moment of relative calm in her busy life, and though she'd originally planned to leave Eryx and Yvaine with Efret for the day, things had taken a slight turn.

Valery glanced down at the pair nestled in the stroller and couldn't help but smile. Eryx, the bigger one of the two but brimming with boundless energy, was beaming up at her with wide, curious eyes. He reached up occasionally, tiny fingers grasping at the air as if hoping his Mama might scoop him up. His enthusiasm was infectious, and Valery couldn't resist reaching down to ruffle his soft curls.

"You're in a good mood, aren't you, little one?" she cooed, her fiery amber eyes sparkling as Eryx responded with a delighted giggle.

Next to him, Yvaine sat with her arms folded across her chest, her pout so dramatic it could rival her father's calmest stoic moments. Her tiny eyebrows furrowed as she stared resolutely ahead, refusing to meet Valery's gaze. Every now and then, she let out an impatient little huff, clearly unimpressed by the fact that Dad wasn't around.

"Sweetheart, I promise Daddy will be back soon," Valery said soothingly, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on Yvaine's forehead. The little girl scrunched her nose but finally glanced up at her mother, her pout softening just slightly.

The sound of distant chatter and the quiet hum of a holoprojector greeted them as they entered the museum wing of the Temple. Valery's gaze swept over the familiar exhibits — ancient artifacts, holograms of historical battles, and relics of Jedi long past. It was a place she always found inspiring, and today, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to introduce her little ones to the history of the Order.

"Well, looks like Efret got caught up in her work," Valery murmured, her tone amused, and certainly not annoyed. She adjusted the stroller's handle and began weaving gently through the exhibits, her voice soft as she narrated for the children. "This is the holocron display, where we keep the lessons and wisdom of Jedi Masters from across the ages. And over there is—"

Her words trailed off as her sharp senses caught a familiar presence nearby. Efret. Valery's smile returned as she spotted the scholar engrossed in one of the displays, her head tilted as she examined an ancient artifact with rapt attention.

Valery chuckled softly to herself, shaking her head. "I think our friend is right there," she said to the babies, her voice light and teasing.

Eryx babbled happily in response, his little legs kicking in excitement, while Yvaine simply sighed and rested her cheek against her hand, clearly unimpressed by the whole situation.

"Come on," Valery said with a warm laugh, gently steering the stroller toward Efret. "Let's go surprise her, huh?"

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

They couldn't surprise Nirrah who, hearing Val's voice and approach, fluttered from Efret's onto the glass artifact cabinet to look at the trio.

The scene did surprise Efret though. She set the artifact down on its stand and closed and locked the door before tuning around. Her face wasn't red but it had fallen in a way that was common body language for embarrassment. "Ashla around us." Through the voice of her interpretation unit came in a more or less even intonation, her facial expression indicated that she was making an exasperated expression. "I felt like I was forgetting something. I'm very sorry, Val."

As she stepped to peer into the stroller, Nirrah flew onto her shoulder again so they both could look at their temporary wards. "Hello, little joys. How are you two?" She immediately glanced up to Val, one side of her mouth twitching to the side with concern. "Yvaine looks grumpy." Slight regret passed through Efret at having promised to babysit. She tried not to let it show but, being Lorrdian, it probably did. Her doubt was only that she wouldn't be able to impress the baby girl any of her planned methods.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons:

Valery's smile widened as she noticed Nirrah fluttering toward them.. But her gaze quickly shifted to Efret, who turned to face them with an expression that was unmistakably one of mild embarrassment. The Lorrdian scholar's demeanor only made Valery chuckle softly, her fiery amber eyes twinkling with understanding.

"There's no need to apologize, Efret," Valery said warmly, waving off the concern. "You were clearly caught up in something important. The little ones and I decided to come find you instead."

As Efret and Nirrah leaned closer to peer into the stroller, Valery watched Eryx's face light up with excitement. He let out an enthusiastic babble and stretched his arms upward toward Nirrah, fascinated by its fluttering form. Meanwhile, Yvaine remained true to her current mood, her tiny pout firmly in place as she avoided eye contact.

Valery followed Efret's glance and smiled softly at her daughter's grumpy little face. "Ah, Yvaine," she said with a gentle laugh, reaching down to lightly stroke the toddler's soft, dark curls. "She's a Daddy's girl through and through. When he's not around to give her attention, she tends to pout like this."

She shook her head fondly. "But don't worry — a little playtime or reading her a story usually does the trick. She just needs something to distract her, and she'll be smiling again in no time."

Valery straightened, her fiery gaze flicking between her two children. "They're both adorable, though, aren't they? Eryx is a little bundle of energy, and Yvaine... well, she's got the most dramatic pout in the galaxy." Her tone carried equal measures of pride and amusement.

With a light tap to the stroller's handle, Valery turned her smile back to Efret. "So, what were you working on? Something interesting?"

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

After Val had explained her babies' personalities, Efret glanced back into the stroller. She held a finger out to Eryx, playing with him for a few moments if he reached back out before withdrawing and looking up to his mother again.

Efret answered, "I've been making some last checks before we pack up the collection." She and her archeological team in the final stages of making the transfer that they had discussed with Valery at Field Camp Nu. "Sodus, you remember him, found a great location for a temporary museum. I'll speak to Master San Tekka soon about security, and Ran about helping me set it up." Efter knew that the new councilmember would love the opportunity to be involved in this project.

"I just..." She glanced over the shoulder Nirrah was not on back to the artifact she had been examining. It was a sun stone. Her gaze found Val's sheepishly. "The Zeffo artifacts remind me of Bogano." That was to say, she could get easily distracted by them whenever she walked through the exhibits. She was quick to shake her head though. "Don't. I don't want to talk about him. I want to spend the next few hours thinking about nothing but your babies."

She failed to see how that might have an affect related to the one she was trying just now to avoid by not discussing her romantic tension with Elias.

"We'll have fun together, won't we, cuties?" she asked Eryx and Yvaine rhetorically.

She then told Val with a sweet, confident smile, "I can find my way back to your quarters." She hadn't been there before but, given Val was the grandmaster, she was aware of their whereabouts. "I'll text you or your husband if anything happens that I can't handle."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons:

Valery's fiery amber eyes lit up with interest as Efret mentioned the plans for the temporary museum. "That sounds like an incredible project," she said warmly. "I remember Sodus mentioning a few ideas back at the Field Camp, but hearing you've found a solid location is great news." There was a note of pride in her voice — the kind that came from knowing the work being done would inspire others.

When Efret's gaze shifted to the Zeffo artifacts, Valery noticed the brief flicker of emotion that crossed her face. As Efret mentioned Bogano, Valery remained quiet, her expression softening with understanding. She offered her a small, reassuring smile, a silent acknowledgment that some topics didn't need to be discussed unless Efret wanted them to be.

Her attention was drawn back to the babies, though, as Eryx let out a delighted squeal and reached out his little hands toward Efret. His bright, emerald eyes sparkled with excitement as Nirrah fluttered nearby, and his babbling filled the room with pure joy. Yvaine, despite her earlier pout, turned her gaze toward Efret with curiosity. Though she tried to maintain her grumpy demeanor, a tiny giggle escaped her lips as Eryx's infectious energy proved too much to resist.

"Oh, it looks like they've already decided they love you," Valery said with a laugh, watching as Eryx flailed his little arms some more.

When Efret reassured her about handling things and mentioned finding her way to their quarters, Valery nodded. "I appreciate it, Efret. And thank you for looking after them — I know they'll be in good hands." Her tone carried genuine gratitude as she adjusted the stroller and began to step back, ready to head out.

But just as she turned toward the exit, a little voice called out, "Mommy!"

Valery paused mid-step and turned back to see Eryx stretching his arms toward her, his face beaming with anticipation. She laughed softly and crouched down, leaning in to plant a big kiss on his forehead. "Alright, alright, Mommy's not leaving without a proper goodbye," she said, her voice full of warmth.

Turning to Yvaine, Valery brushed her thumb over her cheek and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead too. For the first time that day, Yvaine's pout melted away completely, replaced by a sweet little coo that made Valery's heart melt. "There we go," Valery murmured with a smile.

Rising to her feet, she gave Efret one last look, her expression a mix of gratitude and affection. "Thank you again. Have fun, you three."

As Valery finally left the museum, both Eryx and Yvaine turned their wide, curious eyes toward Efret, their little faces filled with expectant wonder. Eryx babbled happily, and Yvaine's cooing continued as if to say, Alright, what's next?

It was clear they were ready to charm Efret completely.

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

Soon enough, Efret let herself into Val's quarters. She gently pushed the stroller past the door before closing it behind herself.

"Alright, babes," she said with one hand as she continued to push them, stopping approximately in the center of the room. "You first, dear boy." She bent slightly at the waist to pick up Eryx, then lay him on his stomach on a cushioned blanket that had been made up for floor time. "You too, lovebug." She repeated the process with Yvaine. Finally, she lay on her own stomach too, looking at them with a big smile.

"You're both so well behaved. What shall we do? Play or read?"

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Eryx was the first to respond to Efret's cheerful question, his little legs kicking wildly as he let out an excited squeal. His tiny hands flailed as if trying to grab the very air around him, and his emerald eyes sparkled with pure delight. Yvaine, ever the more composed of the two, turned her wide gaze toward Efret, her pout having long since disappeared. She let out a soft, musical coo, her little hands reaching out and brushing against her brother's kicking feet.

The two babies seemed to be having an unspoken conversation, their sounds mixing into a symphony of baby babbles and laughter that filled the room with warmth. Eryx rolled slightly, his face lighting up even more when he ended up closer to Efret, while Yvaine batted at the edge of the blanket, her curiosity piqued by the soft texture beneath her.

They were utterly captivated by her presence, their trust and joy radiating through their little movements and sounds. It was clear they were completely enamored with their new caretaker.

Then, a voice cut through the sweet chaos of their playtime.

"Ah, you're up for handling the little ones this time?"

There, leaning casually against the doorway with a smirk, was Vera. The older girl's multi-colored eyes gleamed with mischief, and her expression carried the playful confidence of someone who thoroughly enjoyed catching others off guard.

Yvaine and Eryx, however, seemed thrilled by the arrival of their sister. Eryx let out a loud, delighted giggle, his little body wriggling in excitement, while Yvaine responded with a soft, curious coo, her bright eyes fixed on Vera.

"They love you already," Vera teased, folding her arms as she stepped further into the room

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

Nirrah landed on the back of Efret's head soon after she laid down on the floor. The babies' noises covered the sounds of Vera's entrance, but soon enough, the convor was looking up at the girl after Eryx did so first.

Nirrah hopped onto Efret's shoulder as she pushed herself onto her haunches. "Vera," she said as soon as her hands were free. "I thought you would have been out." Val had only asked for Efret to babysit the two youngest Nobles. As a padawan, it was highly likely that Vera could be home alone even if she was relatively young herself still, but asking her to take care of two siblings by herself would have been unfair, or so Efret assumed.

"It's good to see you again. How have you been?" They hadn't had a chance to talk since Gholondreine β and Efret was determined to make the most of this opportunity. Even though Vera had been a bit of a handful in a few ways, Efret was fond of her.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Vera smirked as Efret shifted her position, her casual demeanor softening just a little as she stepped further into the room. Yvaine and Eryx were still wriggling with excitement, their happy coos and squeals filling the air. Eryx, ever the little explorer, reached for Efret's convor, his tiny fingers stretching toward Nirrah with pure fascination. Yvaine, on the other hand, seemed content to watch, her curious gaze flicking between her siblings and the adults.

"I was supposed to go on an assignment," Vera began, plopping herself down cross-legged on the floor near the blanket, "But it got canceled last minute. So, I figured I'd come hang out with these two troublemakers instead." She reached over to ruffle Eryx's little tuft of hair, laughing softly when he responded with a delighted giggle.

"I mean, who could resist this face?" she teased, leaning closer to Yvaine, who responded by reaching up and gently batting at Vera's cheek with her tiny hand. "And this one's always plotting something," Vera added with mock seriousness, pointing at Yvaine, who let out a soft coo as if to defend herself. "She's already got that Noble smirk."

Settling back a little, Vera grinned at Efret. "I've been great, though! Learning a ton. My Master has been pushing me harder, but honestly? I love it. Feels like I'm finally starting to understand what it means to be a Jedi."

Her multi-colored eyes sparkled with excitement, but her expression softened as she tilted her head, genuinely curious. "What about you? How've you been? It's been a while since Gholondreine β."

As Vera spoke, Eryx rolled toward Efret, his tiny fingers finding the edge of her sleeve, which he promptly decided was a toy. He gurgled happily, tugging at it with surprising determination. Yvaine, not to be outdone, reached up toward Nirrah, her wide eyes sparkling with awe as she watched the convor perched on Efret's shoulder.

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

Efret frowned somewhat when Vera revealed that her planned assignment with her master had been cancelled—and at the last minute no less. "I'm sorry about that. Cancellations always make me a bit sad," commented the archeologist.

She rested her hands in her lap as Vera spoke, then was about to raise them to answer when Eryx tugged at one of her sleeves. Her body jerked forward towards his little body. "Wow. You're strong." Her tunic was sleeveless but she had the brown cardigan robe on over it that she normally wore in the Temple Museum. It tended to get chilly in those rooms for some reason and it was better to have a form-fitting outerwear so as not to knock around artifacts with billowy sleeves or trip over long hemlines.

She glanced up at Vera again. "I've been keeping busy. Your mother runs a tight ship." A light smile formed on her lips.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Vera's smirk softened into a faint, bittersweet smile as she leaned back on her hands. "Yeah, I was really looking forward to the assignment," she admitted, glancing down at Eryx, who was now fully absorbed in tugging on Efret's sleeve with surprising determination. "But honestly? Spending time with these two troublemakers — and you — isn't such a bad way to make up for it."

Her multi-colored eyes flicked up to Efret, sparkling with a playful warmth. "Besides, it's nice to see someone else get a taste of how strong this one is." She gestured to Eryx, whose tiny fingers were still firmly latched onto the fabric of Efret's cardigan.

As Yvaine let out a soft coo, her wide eyes still fixated on Nirrah, Vera leaned closer to her sister with a soft laugh. "And you, little one. Plotting something, aren't you?"

Vera's grin widened at Efret's mention of her mother. "Oh, Mom definitely keeps people busy," she said with a knowing chuckle. "But she means well, even if it feels like she's got everyone running at lightspeed sometimes. She's just... Mom, you know?"

She paused, her gaze lingering thoughtfully on the little ones as they wriggled and cooed, clearly delighted by the attention they were getting. After a moment, her expression softened even further, and she looked back up at Efret with a smile. "Hey, do you think it'd be alright if I brought the triplets by the Museum sometime? Aeryn and Adam are already doing their youngling classes, but I've been trying to find ways to make sure Aurra doesn't feel left out. She can't become a Jedi, but... she still loves learning about all of this stuff."

There was a gentle hopefulness in Vera's voice, her tone tinged with a rare vulnerability. "I think it'd be fun for all of them. And knowing Mom, she'd probably love the idea too." She chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

"Oh, Vera," Efret began, her eyes somewhat sad as she sat down on her shins. She took a few moments to shrug off her cardigan and drape it over the lap so that Eryx could still have access but she could use both of her hands to communicate. Before she returned to signing, though, she lovingly stroked the back of his head. Then she looked back at Vera. "I'd love for you all to visit the Museum, but we've started the process of relocating the collection to the Fondorian underground today. You're more than welcome to visit it there. I'll be sure to let you know when it's set up."

A sense of anxiety flowed into Efret's body. She rose a hand to pet Nirrah, who softly hooted. "Has she been around animals before?" Efret asked Vera, gesturing down to Yvaine. "Nirrah's feeling a little nervous."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Vera tilted her head at Efret's reply, her multi-colored eyes widening in mild surprise before her expression softened. "Fondorian underground, huh?" she mused, glancing down at Eryx, who was now thoroughly entertained by the soft fabric of Efret's cardigan. "Sounds like quite the move. Let us know when you're all settled there — I think the triplets would still love it, no matter where it is."

Her gaze flicked toward Yvaine, who was still utterly transfixed by Nirrah. The little one reached out a tentative hand toward the convor, her tiny fingers curling and uncurling as if trying to beckon the bird closer.

Vera chuckled softly and glanced up at Efret. "She's been around animals before," Vera said warmly. "Fuzzy, my Racyon, has been part of their lives since the day they were born. He's amazing with little ones — so gentle and patient." Her grin widened, and she added with a playful sparkle in her eyes, "I think he secretly enjoys being the center of attention, so he makes it easy for them to love him."

She leaned forward slightly, addressing Yvaine directly with a soft tone. "Yvaine, let Nirrah come to you when she's ready, okay?" The baby cooed in response, her wide eyes still sparkling with fascination but her hand lowering just a touch.

Vera looked back up at Efret with a grateful smile. "I think Yvaine just likes new friends."

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

Efret nodded, her gently smile returning to her face. "I'm glad to hear that," she said. "But racyons and convorees are very different animals. For example, convorees like most birds have lightweight bones that allow them to fly, some of which are even hollow." The flailing arms or overexerted strength of a baby could easily damage them. Suddenly, the master's smile dropped. "She's more nervous about accidents now than she's ever been.

"I dueled a Dark Jedi Elite on Jedha during the last pilgrimage and barely escaped. As I was seeking medical aid, I accidently stepped on Nirrah and broke her wing." Efret looked down at Yvaine, then returned her gaze to Vera. "No one knows that but Elias. Please don't tell anyone. I know I should be able to let the shame go but I can't."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Vera's expression softened immediately as she listened to Efret's confession. Her multicolored eyes, usually so full of energy and playfulness, brimmed with warmth and understanding. She reached out gently, her hand resting lightly on Efret's arm as if to ground her in the moment.

"I would never tell anyone. That's your story to share, or not share, as you choose. And trust me, I understand why it still weighs on you. But..." She glanced toward Nirrah, who perched serenely, her feathers puffed ever so slightly as Yvaine cooed at her. "Look at her now. She's calm, safe, and warm. She's with you because she trusts you. That kind of bond doesn't survive without love and forgiveness."

Eryx, as if sensing the mood shift, toddled over to Efret, his tiny arms reaching up to hug her leg tightly. He let out a happy little chirp of his own, nuzzling his face against the fabric of her robe. Vera chuckled softly, her grin spreading as she gestured to the little one.

"See? Even the little one can feel how much you care. They're better at picking up on that kind of thing than most adults." Vera's tone was warm and encouraging, her gaze fixed on Efret with the kind of confidence she so often showed in abundance. "You made a mistake, but who hasn't? What matters is that Nirrah feels safe with you now. And she does. That much is obvious."

Yvaine, not wanting to be left out, let out a delighted squeal and stretched her arms again, though this time to Efret. She was more than ready to offer a hug of her own!

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

So much warm emotion surged through Efret that her signs left her. Instead, she pressed a kiss to her own fingertips, leaned forward carefully, and softly touched them to Vera's forehead, brushing through her bangs.

As the master sat back, she gently stroked down Eryx's back. She noticed then that Yvaine had her little arms outstretched, so picked her up and cradled her in her lap. She closed her eyes for a few moments, enjoying the feeling of the baby's warmth and the up-down of her chest brushing against her arms.

When she opened her eyes again, she remembered how to speak. She eased one of her arms free. "You're such big kids," she said, looking at Eryx first and then Yvaine. "You can feel big emotions, can't you? Thank you for the help. They can get heavy." She booped both of them on the nose when she finished signing.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Vera's heart swelled as Efret pressed her fingertips to her forehead, the tender gesture catching her off guard but filling her with warmth. Her multicolored eyes softened even further as she watched Efret cradle Yvaine, the serene moment shared between them grounding the space in a quiet peace. Eryx, ever the tiny bundle of energy, nuzzled closer to Efret, his little hands gripping her robe as if sensing the comfort she offered.

Yvaine giggled when Efret booped her nose, her chubby hands clapping together with delight. Eryx, not to be outdone, raised his arms high, his wide grin making Vera laugh softly. "Big emotions, huh?" Vera murmured, crouching slightly to be closer to their height. She gently brushed her fingers over Eryx's soft hair, her gaze warm as she looked up at Efret. "You've got that right. They might be little, but these two have hearts big enough to carry the whole galaxy."

Vera leaned back, settling comfortably on her knees as she reached over to gently squeeze Efret's arm. "You're really good with them, you know," she said, her voice soft and sincere. "They can feel your warmth and care. That's something special. Mom and Dad have it, too. It makes them good parents and I'm sure you'd be one too if you decide to have kids someday."

As Yvaine snuggled into Efret's arms, Vera smiled and straightened up slightly. "Can I get you something to eat or drink? You've been so wonderful with these two, and I'd love to help out a bit." She grinned at him, and he immediately chirped excitedly, his little hands clapping.

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

Efret's smile grew when Vera said that she thought she make a good mother, but in the sort of way that masked a flick of sorrow. She didn't respond to that comment yet, instead answering Vera's question, "You know what I'm craving? Golden milk." Her smile became genuine again. "I can substitute in for you master today and teach you something. What do you say?" Surely this hadn't been on the docket for her Jedi training, but perhaps Vera would benefit from knowing how to make the Lorrdian remedy. Eryx might even enjoy a taste if they diluted it with even more milk.

Either way, Efret got up to follow Vera towards to kitchen. She offered her free hand down to the toddler to help lead him.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

Vera's multicolored eyes lit up at Efret's suggestion, her warm smile growing into an expression of delight. "Golden milk? Iet me see what we have," she said enthusiastically, her excitement genuine. "And a little lesson from you sounds perfect. I'm always up for learning something new!"

Eryx, catching onto the change in atmosphere, clapped his hands and wiggled in excitement. When Efret extended her free hand to him, he wasted no time grabbing it with his tiny fingers, his other hand flapping as he let out an adorable squeal. "I think Eryx likes the idea too," Vera said with a soft laugh as the little boy wagged along, his short legs trying to match Efret's steps.

Yvaine, still nestled in Efret's arms, giggled and watched her brother with wide, curious eyes. Vera stood and followed the trio, her gaze warm as she admired how naturally Efret connected with the kids.

As they neared the kitchen, Vera glanced at Efret, her smile softening. "Thank you for this," she said sincerely. "It's really nice to see how you enjoy the little ones."

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

All Efret could do as they walked was smile back at Vera, since she didn't want to take her hand away for Eryx. However, when she found a seat, she was able to lean down, wrap her arm around him, and hoist him up onto her knee. One hand free to speak, she said with a teasing smile, "I'm happy to do it, but who's doing who a favor, really? I probably won't have my own children."

Efret was quick to move on from the subject. It either didn't bother her at all or she wasn't allowing herself to think more on it for a reason. "Okay. So you need four ingredients: milk, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and honey or sweet syrup. Do you have those? If not, we can try to figure out substitutes."

Valery Noble​