Private Urgent Developments

[Everest Vale]

​

Eve was on clouds. Her first outing with the young Recopian Padawan Tigris — the entirely bewitching young woman who had compelled and drawn her in so mysteriously — had gone off without a hitch. She had learned so much about her in a single day, and it had only affirmed how drawn to her she truly was, and Eve had started coming to conscious terms with herself that what she was feeling was an undeniable attraction. It was a realisation that shaken her with all sorts of feelings. The mere thought of it — not even mentioning the fact it was reciprocated by Tigris herself — made Eve melt into a blushing, fluttering ball of smitten chaos.

But something else had happened which Eve had completely shocked herself over. She had asked her to a second date. And not just any second date, but the upcoming Zinder-hosted ball she had heard so much about on the datafeeds. Silently, she scolded herself at how silly an idea it was in hindsight. She couldn't dance. She had no idea what one was supposed to do at these things. She didn't own makeup, she didn't own a dress, she just didn't do this kind of thing. Ever.

So panic set in.

Oh Eve, why do you always do this? You've really put your foot in it this time. You're gonna make yourself look like an idiot and ruin your chances with her and she'll never speak to you again and and—

She reminded herself of the mindfulness lessons Master Noble had been giving her, and sought intentionally to bring her awareness back to a centrepoint with gentle, rhythmic breathing. Then the solution came to her.

~Master, can I see you privately when you're next free? It's kinda urgent. Café?~
​

It was a simple enough message that Eve hoped wouldn't panic her Master, but she nevertheless wanted to convey the sense of urgency that had been rising within her in the following hours, and when Master Noble had agreed to come meet her, her mind suddenly started to feel more at ease.

She'll know what to do, she thought to herself as she sat at the corner booth of the temple café, finger tapping nervously against a fresh glass of iced moogan tea. She always does.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery was in the middle of tidying up after her kids when the message reached her. She glanced down at her datapad, her fiery gaze scanning the words as a soft smile tugged at her lips. Urgent, huh? The phrasing was vague, but there was no sense of distress or danger in Everest's presence through the Force. Just nerves. Excitement, maybe?

Whatever it was, Everest had reached out to her, and that meant something.

With a quiet hum, she finished tucking a blanket around a half-asleep Yvaine and pressed a kiss to Eryx's forehead, smoothing back his dark curls before rising to her feet. "I'll be back soon," she murmured, brushing a hand lightly over the little one's heads before slipping out of the room.

It didn't take her long to make her way to the café. As she stepped inside, her sharp gaze swept the space until she spotted Everest at a corner booth, fingers tapping anxiously against her glass. The sight made Valery's smile widen just a little.

Moving with the effortless grace of someone who had long mastered both patience and presence, Valery approached and slid into the seat across from her, setting her forearms on the table as she settled in. "Well," she said, her voice warm and teasing. "You've got me curious, Eve. What's going on?"

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Master Noble came promptly, more so than Eve had anticipated, but she was grateful for it. Her silver eyes darted up to her and she gave a trademark timid smile to her.
"Thanks for coming, Master," she said quietly, before taking a few gulps of her iced tea. The refreshing, creamy beverage sent a wave of cooling feeling through her and she took a moment to breath.

But now that she was faced with the reality of having to admit what indeed was going on, she froze. Where should she start? How was she supposed to say it? There were so many feelings whirling through her mind and her heart that she felt dizzy.
"I—" she began, but the words wouldn't come quite just yet. "It's about—", but she stopped again.

Tigris' face shone in her mind's eye, giving her a sense of warmth and excitement, anticipation and nervousness all at once, and then her whole face flared a bright red.

Come on, Eve.

"I— Um... I, uh... I like someone..."

It was barely a whisper, audible only if you were sitting close enough to her to hear.

"And I need your help, please..."

She was so embarrassed. She'd never felt anything like this before, about anyone, ever. Thoughts hung on Tigris a while longer. Those deep, mysterious eyes that spoke of so much. The soft smiles that transformed her face. The soothing sound of her voice. Those strange, fascinating tattoos all over her...

"Sh-she's—"

Eve wasn't entirely sure she was ready to admit that she was only interested in girls, but the fact she let the single word slip from her made her somehow blush harder than she already was. Before she said anymore, she thought the best thing to do was simply show her Master. She reached for her datapad and tapped at it a few times before sliding it over the table to her.

The screen read 'Zinder in collaboration with Lady Velvet presents: The glamorous ball from Mutually Assured Devotion'

Eve looked at the screen a moment, and back to her Master, the look on her face as if to ask herself 'What the hell have you gotten yourself into'.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery watched Everest carefully, her warm smile never wavering as the young Padawan fumbled over her words. The deepening blush, the hesitation, the way she seemed to wrestle with every syllable — it was endearing, and Valery was determined to make sure she felt comfortable.

Then, Everest finally managed to get it out.

"I like someone..."

Valery's smile softened further, a quiet warmth settling in her fiery gaze. Ah. So that was what this was about. She had seen it before — young Jedi finding their first real connection with someone, stumbling through the whirlwind of emotions that came with it. It was always a little messy, a little overwhelming, but it was also a part of life. And Valery, above all else, wanted Everest to know that it was okay to feel this way.

But then, Everest hesitated again. "Sh-she's—"

Valery caught the stutter, the way her blush darkened, and she said nothing — offering only a small, reassuring nod, as if to say, You don't have to explain anything to me, not if you're not ready.

Instead, she remained patient as Everest finally reached for her datapad, sliding it across the table. Valery picked it up, glancing down at the screen—

And immediately perked a brow.

She recognized the name. Lady Velvet. She kept her expression neutral, offering nothing more than a small, knowing smile. Of all the events Everest could have picked… Still, she said nothing about it. That would be her secret. Instead, she gently set the datapad back down and leaned in slightly, resting her forearms on the table.

"So," she mused, her tone gentle and supportive, "Who is it that's caught your attention?" She smiled. "And how can I help?"

Because that was what mattered. Everest clearly cared about this person — cared enough to be this flustered, to come to her for guidance. And Valery would help in whatever way she could.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Eve awkwardly shrunk a little in her seat at Valery's question, and thoughts of Tigris flooded her mind. She was so beautiful, so mysterious, and so caring and gentle towards her all the time. In the Room of a Thousand Fountains, they had gotten closer than Eve had expected. They had learned so much of one another that day, having both peered a little into each other's hearts just enough to cultivate a strong mutual attraction between them that was already starting to bloom bright just like the Recopian flower she had given Tigris on their date. It made her blush even harder just thinking about it all.

"T-Tigris," she finally said timidly, but as she did, she felt a sudden relief wash over her. It was as if speaking her name out loud to somebody else finally affirmed to herself the reality of the situation.

She was falling hard and falling fast for the Recopian Padawan who had stolen her heart.

Her heart fluttered and she gasped at her own real-time realisation, her eyes too shy to meet her Master's, but she had said it, affirmed it, made it real. She turned her attention to the datapad again.

"Master, I— I don't know... anything about... all of this." The thought of whatever going to a ball might entail allowed the swelling of anxiousness to build again. "I— I— I don't..." She had never had a date, or any love interest. There were no other girls around her home growing up, and if there were they wouldn't have been interest in her in that way. She didn't know the first thing about dates, about love, about dresses and balls and makeup. Makeup. Oh goodness, did she have to wear makeup too?

"H-how do I..." She gestured helplessly at the ball poster on the screen. The woman on the cover wore a magnificent dress, beautifully made up, stoking a fire of passion in her eyes, as her lover held her from behind. She was everything Eve wasn't. Confident, beautiful, passionate. She wanted to be like that too — Everest, the farm girl of Eshan, wanted to be like that — and finally she managed what she was trying to say, in a small squeak.

"I want to be beautiful."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery’s heart warmed as Everest finally spoke the name, and the relief that followed was palpable. She saw it in the way Everest’s shoulders relaxed, the way she gasped like she had just uncovered something deeply important, something real. And it was real.

Tigris.

The name carried weight now, spoken aloud in the quiet space between them. Valery recognized that feeling — the rush, the uncertainty, the thrill of something new and terrifying all at once. It made her smile, soft and knowing, as she patiently listened to Everest stumble through her thoughts.

Then, Everest whispered the words that truly struck Valery’s heart.

"I want to be beautiful."

The words were so small, so hesitant, yet so full of something aching and vulnerable that Valery felt them settle deep within her. For a moment, she didn’t speak. Instead, she reached across the table and gently took Everest’s hand in her own, her touch steady, warm.

“Everest,” she murmured, squeezing lightly, “You are beautiful.”

She let the words settle, holding Everest’s gaze with quiet conviction. “Not because of a dress, or makeup, or some perfect hairstyle. You — the way you care, the way you feel, the way you light up when you talk about her — that’s what makes you beautiful.”

Her smile deepened. “And Tigris already sees that. She’s drawn to you for who you are, not for what you wear.”

She let her words linger before adding, “That doesn’t mean we can’t find something that makes you feel amazing, though.” A playful glint entered her eyes. “If you want a dress, we’ll find one. If you want to try makeup, I can help. But only if it’s something that makes you feel good. Not because you think you have to.”

She tilted her head slightly. “Confidence doesn’t come from looking a certain way — it comes from feeling comfortable in your own skin. And I promise, the moment you believe in yourself, the moment you own this, you won’t need a dress or makeup to turn heads.”

Then, with a smirk, she added, “But if you want to have some fun with it, I do know a few places that could help you look like you stepped right out of one of those ball posters.”

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Valery's words touched her deeply, and Eve tried so desperately to believe her completely. As always, it was everything she needed to hear, and deep down she knew she was right. Her tone had adopted that familiar motherly tone she had so often heard her take with her, and every time it came out she couldn't help but trust her completely.

She was going to thank her for being so kind with her words as always, but instead she gave a shy nod, too humble to really, truly accept out loud that she was already beautiful, but able to express enough how grateful she was.

After a moment of silence between them, Master Noble continued, and Eve couldn't hide the anticipation that started to brew inside her.

"But if you want to have some fun with it, I do know a few places that could help you look like you stepped right out of one of those ball posters."

Her mind was suddenly awash with images of herself in one of those dresses. Those beautiful, elegant dresses that she had absolutely no business being near. Yet the very fantasy of wearing one made her so excited she couldn't hide it from Valery, as her face lit up.

"Y-yes please, Master."

But there was just one problem that hadn't even crossed her mind until now.

She had no money.

A farm girl with practically nothing to her name, she was never able to afford much. Her clothes growing up were all hand-sown by her mother, and later herself, and they never owned any gadgets, nor did they even have power. She shrunk as the realisation hit her that this fantasy would remain exactly that, after all.

"Um— M-Maybe we can't after all... I, uh..." She was visibly embarrassed, ashamed even, at the fact she was so poor, but she forced herself to get it out. "I don't have any money..." She intentionally avoided her master's eyes.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

The moment Everest's face lit up, Valery knew.

That little spark of excitement, that hesitant but eager yes — it was all she needed to see. And honestly? It made her just as excited. Maybe even a little nostalgic.

But then Everest shrunk, her shoulders drawing in as embarrassment settled over her like a weight she shouldn't have to carry.

I don't have any money…

Valery blinked. Then, slowly, a soft chuckle rumbled from her lips. She leaned back in her chair, tilting her head as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Everest," she mused, her smirk playful but warm, "Do you really think I'm letting you pay for this?" She arched a brow, her teasing expression making it clear that this was never going to be a question.

"No," she grinned. "I'm paying. That's not up for debate."

And honestly, why stop at just Everest? Valery had been so focused on Jedi duty for so long — maybe it was time to have a little fun herself. Kahlil wouldn't be expecting it. And the thought of surprising him with something special, something just for them—

Yeah. That was a fun thought.

But Everest didn't need to know that part.

So instead, Valery smirked and pushed herself to her feet, extending a hand toward her apprentice. "Come on, then," she said, her fiery gaze glinting with amusement. "We've got a dress to find. And I refuse to let you walk out of this looking anything less than perfect."

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Valery's voice was extremely sure, tinged with the natural authority that always seemed to emanate from her. It was impossible to go against her word, and while Eve became shy at the thought of having things bought for her, she didn't want to argue over the matter. She wasn't sure she would've been capable to even if she did. But she did allow a smile to form on her face, and she nodded in acknowledgement.

"Thank you... I— I don't know what to say..."

Valery extended her hand and, taking it with an uncharacteristic smirk at her kind and gentle words, elevated herself up and out of the booth. Already, thoughts started coming to her envisioning what the day ahead was going to be like. She imagined herself in one of those dresses, and it made her blush. She thought about being in a grand mansion with Tigris — beautiful as ever — whilst they enjoyed whatever it was people enjoyed at such functions, and she blushed again.

The two made their way down to the commercial districts, and Eve realised that other than the instances where she had to use the spaceport, she had spent literally no time in the city proper. This would be her first time seeing Coruscant 'on the ground', and that both excited her and made her nervous. She was so used to quiet, to calm, to trees and wind and blue skies. Coruscant was anything but that, and she genuinely did not know what to expect.

But the place was loud. There were people everywhere, and Eve couldn't quite hide the fact she was feeling a little overwhelmed by it all, as they made their way to the first of doubtless many shops. Nevertheless, she did her best to push aside the anxiety, and reminded herself why she was here. The thought brought a sudden warmth to her.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

The vibrant hum of Coruscant's commercial district surrounded them, a constant buzz of life and energy that never seemed to quiet. The towering skyline stretched far above, neon signs flashing, speeders zipping through the air in steady streams. It was a far cry from the peaceful, open spaces Everest was used to, and Valery could feel the way she tensed, the way her presence shrank just slightly amidst the overwhelming tide of movement.

So, with a reassuring smile, Valery gently nudged Everest forward, stepping beside her rather than ahead — letting her set the pace as they walked.

It wasn't long before they reached their destination.

The boutique was massive, its glass doors sliding open with a quiet hiss to reveal elegant rows of gowns, shimmering displays of silks and satins, rich fabrics arranged beneath the soft glow of golden lights. Chandeliers hung overhead, their light bouncing off delicate embroidery and finely woven lace. The space was refined, high-end — exactly the kind of place that catered to gala-goers and socialites alike.

Perfect.

Valery turned toward Everest, her smirk teasing but warm. "Alright," she mused, folding her arms as she let her gaze drift across the showroom floor. "We're here."

She gestured toward the dresses, her fiery eyes glinting with amusement. "Go ahead. Take a look. Tell me what you like."

Her smirk softened into something gentler. She could still feel Everest's nervous energy lingering, but this wasn't about rushing her into something unfamiliar — it was about her. What she wanted. What made her feel confident.

And whatever that was?

Valery was going to make sure she found it.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

The place was so... magical. The store shone with elegance and beauty. Streams of joyous shoppers poured through the place, but Eve was no longer overwhelmed by how many there were. The sense of wonder being in such a place completely arrested her senses as she mindfully stepped inside. There was so much going on, Eve struggled to know where to look, and her attention flitted about from place to place, perpetual wonder intoxicating her with an undeniable brewing of excitement that welled up within her.

"W-wow~" she gasped, unable to hide her childlike astonishment, as her silver eyes shone and glistened beneath the chandelier lights. In all of her life, she had never been to a place like this, nor had she ever expected to. Yet here she was. She caught a glance of her Master and, even though there was some part of her that threatened to make herself feel self-conscious again, it melted away before it even had the chance to present itself, and all she could do was shoot Valery an uninhibited, wide and goofy grin, teeth and all.

They worked methodically through the shop's first floor. So overwhelmed by having so much choice, she found herself picking up far too many potential dresses that she started to have a hard time carrying them, until a shop assistant came valiantly to her rescue with a much needed basket.

At the changing rooms, nerves started to set in once more, as she realised she didn't actually know how to wear a dress. It was like a robe, except... not? Clumsily, she stepped into a red dress she had picked out — the first of many options — and had a hard time actually getting the back zip to move of its own accord. Behind the curtain of her booth, she awkwardly called out for help.

"Um, M-Master...?"

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

The quiet call from Everest brought an immediate smile to Valery's lips. She had been waiting patiently just outside the changing room, arms folded, watching the excitement unfold in her Padawan with no small amount of warmth. Seeing Everest so enraptured by all of this, so open and uninhibited—it was more than just picking a dress. It was a moment.

And she was going to make sure it was perfect.

Stepping inside, Valery gently swept the curtain shut behind her before turning to Everest, her expression amused but kind. "Trouble already?" she teased, her voice low and playful.

Valery only shook her head fondly before stepping closer, her fingers brushing lightly against the fabric as she carefully took hold of the zipper. "Here, let me," she murmured. With slow, practiced ease, she slid it up, securing the dress into place. She didn't stop there.

With deft hands, she adjusted the way the fabric sat against Everest's shoulders, smoothing out the fit. Then, as an afterthought, she reached up and gently gathered some of Everest's hair, tucking a loose strand behind her ear before arranging the rest so it cascaded neatly, accentuating the elegant line of the dress.

Stepping back just slightly, Valery looked her over, a glimmer of satisfaction in her fiery gaze. "Alright," she said softly, "Now you're ready."

Without giving Everest a chance to hesitate, she took her hand and gently guided her out of the changing room, leading her toward one of the full-length mirrors positioned in the showroom. With careful, steady hands, Valery placed them lightly on Everest's shoulders and turned her to face her reflection.

"Well," Valery murmured, her voice warm, almost reverent.

She leaned in just slightly, her gaze meeting Everest's in the mirror.

"What do you think?"

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Valery was so gentle and warm with her, truly like a mother as she guided her to the mirror. Eve gazed at the reflection in front of her. The figure of a beautiful young lady stared back in abject disbelief. The dress accentuated her figure in ways she had never seen herself before, and she stood in awe at whoever this person was; striking, elegant, strong. A small gasp escaped her as she murmured under her breath without realising.
"Is that... me?"

She realised as soon as she said it how silly it sounded, but it was enough to make her realise that yes; it was, in fact, her, and as she looked at herself she could feel a joyous warmth rising up her whole body, settling on her cheeks. Her eyes glistened as the lighting around her complemented her image. She was stunned to silence.

But something wasn't quite right, she finally was able to think. Red was so... loud? It made her eyes dull in comparison, and she started to feel a little self-conscious with how bright and 'showy' it seemed on her. All these thoughts, she couldn't quite articulate for herself, but she did manage to say enough.

"It's... a bit much, I think."

She glanced to the basket that held a lot of her other choices, and knew it was about to be a long morning.

Going one by one through the dresses, she couldn't quite deny a looming sense of demoralisation set in as she wondered if she could find something that truly worked for her. At least, until she saw it. An elegant silver dress that seemed to positively sparkle and shine beneath the chandeliers. After some fiddling around again she finally managed to make it look 'nice' on her, as nice as she was capable of. Stepping out for the umpteenth time out of the changing room, she stood in front of the mirror and looked at herself. She could hear a shop worker let loose a humble gasp as she walked past, which made her blush.

She looked... She couldn't quite manage a word to describe it, but her eyes shone with the sparkle of the dress, like two silver stars burning bright with love. She seemed thoroughly transformed. Through the reflection, she shyly looked at Val behind her, as if looking for confirmation she had found the one.

"W-what do you think?"

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery had watched Everest move through the dresses, patiently letting her explore and find what truly felt right. She had seen the flickers of doubt, the hesitation, the quiet frustration that came with not quite finding the one.

But now?

As Everest stepped out of the changing room in that silver dress, something shifted.

Valery's fiery gaze softened instantly, her expression warming as she took in the sight before her. The way the shimmering fabric caught the light, the way it framed Everest's figure without overwhelming her — this was it. Not just because of how stunning it was, but because of her. Because for the first time, Everest truly looked at herself, and there was no hesitation in her eyes. No uncertainty.

Just wonder.

A slow, approving smirk curled at the edges of Valery's lips as she stepped closer, arms crossing lightly. "Oh, I think you've found it," she murmured, tilting her head slightly. "The red was nice, but this?" Her gaze flicked over the dress once more before meeting Everest's in the mirror. "This is perfect."

She let the words settle before letting out a quiet chuckle, her smirk deepening with a playful glint in her amber eyes. "But, you do realize what you've done, right?" she teased, stepping just a little closer. "If you wear that, I'm going to have to fight people to keep them away from you."

Her tone was light, full of warmth, but the sentiment behind it was real — Everest looked breathtaking. More importantly, she felt it. And that? That was what Valery had wanted all along.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

The beam that stretched across Eve's face was unlike anything anyone aside from her mother had seen before. Her eyes lit up with a wonder both childlike, yet with growing maturity and passion that burned brilliantly like phosphorus. For the first time in her life, a confidence shone from her like a thousand suns. Her soft smile showed someone who wasn't just a little girl playing dress-up, but a grown woman full of life and love, completely comfortable in her own skin.

A blush still came to her when Valery spoke. The idea of being attractive to others made her shy, and yet she couldn't help but agree with her Master's teasing. Yet as she looked at herself in the mirror, admiring her shining figure and the newfound confidence she suddenly seemed to emanate, all she could think of was one person, and one person alone. At the further reaches of her imagination, she could even see Tigris beside her, holding her by the arm, and further warmth spread to her cheeks.

"I..." She hesitated at the thought of speaking her feelings out loud even more that she already had, and yet the words seemed to come on their own accord regardless. "I just want her." She turned to Valery, and their gaze locked, Eve's silver eyes burning with a bright sureness that she had never felt before. Something about Tigris had so strongly arrested her, captured her heart in a way she was never expecting, and her feelings towards here were so rapidly growing. It made her little heart flutter. Yet as she turned to face her Master, she could only speak with minimal, humble words, but her voice carried a level of devotion that surprised even her. "I... just want Tigris."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's smirk deepened, her fiery gaze flickering with warmth as she watched Everest — watched the way her entire presence seemed to glow in that dress. Not just from the way the silver fabric shimmered under the showroom lights, but from something far deeper. A confidence, a quiet certainty that had never been there before.

And then she said it.

Valery's smirk softened for just a moment before returning, knowing, understanding. Oh, she knew that feeling. Knew what it was like to have her heart so utterly drawn to someone that the rest of the galaxy faded into the background. Kahlil experienced that love from her side, every day they were together.

Valery exhaled, amused but entirely fond. "Oh, I get it," she mused, tilting her head slightly. "Believe me." Then, as if she hadn't just dropped one of the most teasingly smug looks Everest had probably ever seen, she reached out and gave the younger woman a light pat on the shoulder. "And that is just all the more reason for me to fight off the rest," she added, her voice carrying an easy playfulness. "Can't have too many eyes on you, now can we?"

She punctuated the words with a wink before stepping back slightly, letting Everest soak in the moment a little longer. But she also wasn't about to let it end just yet.

"So," Valery said, arms crossing as she arched a brow. "Would you like to look for more? Another dress? Some casual clothes?"

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

When Valery gave her a look of profound knowing, and expressed how much she understood her sentiment, all Eve could do in response was blush and smile as the feeling of it all washed over her. All she could think about was her. Those dark eyes were permanently etched into her memory. The way she seemed so gentle with her. The way she always spoke with such intention and conviction. They way they seemed to complement each other perfectly, like polar opposites drawn to bring balance to them both.

Eve looked again at herself, and the woman in the mirror smiled at her brightly, warmly. She really was beautiful. She looked exactly as she had dreamed of. Her hands held together at her front, she bit her lip with excitement at the prospect of being like this with Tigris, and swayed back and forth slowly as if unable to contain her anticipation suddenly. She felt childish, but she didn't care. She was happy. Valery teased her, and she blushed at the prospect.

"So... Would you like to look for more? Another dress? Some casual clothes?"

Eve thought for a moment. Something was missing with the whole outfit but she wasn't sure what. She looked at herself some more, trying to gauge what would complete the look, until she delicately placed a hand along her collarbone. She looked at Val through the mirror.

"Um... Is it normal to have jewellery for these things?" She genuinely didn't know, but she could see a lot of the other shoppers were adorned in all sorts of sparkling attachments. The thought of her Master spending her money on more than just a dress, but jewellery too no less, made her suddenly shy again. It was too much to ask of her, and she immediately regretted even mentioning it in the first place.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery watched Everest sway, her excitement radiating from every little movement, every soft smile she cast at her own reflection. It was a kind of joy that couldn't be faked, and it made something warm settle in Valery's chest. She had seen Everest grow into herself, little by little, and now? Now she was seeing a young woman on the verge of truly embracing who she was.

And then — jewelry.

Valery's smirk deepened slightly as Everest hesitantly asked the question, her fingers brushing along her collarbone as if already imagining something delicate resting there. But then, as if realizing what she had just said, the younger woman immediately shrank back, like she was regretting even bringing it up.

Oh, no. Valery wasn't about to let that happen.

She stepped forward, placing a hand on Everest's shoulder, her touch steady but light. "That's a great idea," she said, her tone full of certainty, as if there was no room for debate on the matter. "A necklace, maybe a bracelet to match. Something silver to go with the dress… or do you think gold would be better?" She tilted her head slightly, watching Everest's reaction through the mirror.

Then, with a knowing smirk, she added, "And before you even think about telling me it's too much, let me remind you—" She gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You deserve to feel stunning for this, Everest. And besides…" Valery leaned in slightly, her voice dipping into playful conspiracy, "If you're trying to make a certain someone weak in the knees, the details matter."

She winked, then straightened. "So. Silver or gold?"

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Valery's insistence was as always so firm but compassionate, and spoke of an assurance that made her instantly accept without feeling any sense of pressure. She was so persistent with her kindness. It was enough to make her eyes well from how lovely she always was to her. If only she knew how to express how grateful she was.

"If you're trying to make a certain someone weak in the knees, the details matter."

The thought made her blush again. Just the thought that she would look genuinely attractive to others was enough to make her want to giggle with giddiness, but the fact she was doing this exclusively for Tigris... it made her weak in the knees just thinking about it. A satisfied hum escaped her before she had the chance to stop it.

She thought for a moment, looking at herself in the mirror a while longer, her pale fingers trailing along her collar bone as she imagined the fantasy.

"Silver," she said under her breath, but with a newfound certainty. She was already so silver, her shimmering features framed exactly as an Echani's should be. Somehow, it just seemed right to complete it so.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery smiled warmly as Everest spoke with newfound certainty, her fingers tracing lightly over her collarbone as if already envisioning the perfect piece.

"Silver it is," Valery confirmed with a soft nod, pleased that Everest was allowing herself to embrace this moment fully. No more hesitations. No more shrinking back. Just confidence — exactly as she deserved.

With that, she stepped toward the counter, handing over the credits to finalize the purchase. Once the dress was carefully packed, Valery led Everest out of the boutique and onto the busy streets, the city lights glowing softly around them.

"Now, jewelry," she murmured as they stepped into the next shop, this one filled with shimmering displays of silver and gold, delicate chains and brilliant gemstones. The air smelled faintly of polished metal and velvet-lined cases. Valery gave Everest a gentle nudge forward. "Go ahead," she encouraged, her voice light, reassuring. "Pick out whatever you like."

She folded her arms, watching Everest with quiet pride as she browsed the selection. "Remember, details matter," she added with a smirk. "And if you want to make an impression, now's the time to make it count."

This was her day/

Everest Vale ​