Location: Hospital
Valery's hand rested on the back of Iris' head, as she held the girl tightly against her chest. Her Padawan had never been someone to talk a lot, but so much had happened recently, and finally, it was all coming out at once. A wave of emotions struck Valery as a telepathic bond formed, and she just listened while she held Iris close.
For however long it took to let it out, Valery would remain quiet.
<I just, I want to go back! I don't want to think anymore! I don't want to worry about people, or care, or get hurt. I want it to stop!>
"But that isn't who you are, Iris," Valery said softly, her voice soothing and clear. "From the moment we met, you've always been there to help others even if nobody was there to help you. It's in your nature to show compassion, and to be kind. But life, especially that of a Jedi, is not always kind in return."
"It may be easy and comfortable to hide in the colors, to let nothing enter your own world, but there is so much out there worth opening up for. To make friends, to discover and experience love — they are examples of what makes life worth living. But loss, failure, and pain are part of life as well that we can't avoid."
Valery was quiet for a moment. She knew what it was like to lose friends and to lose someone you love. Her time in stasis had meant losing everything, and even before that her life had largely been shaped by those around her who she'd never see again. But she had made a new life for herself, and Iris could as well.
"They all shape us in different ways, but nothing should ever stop us from pursuing a good life. One where we don't become like the demons that hurt us, and one where we protect others against them."
Valery pulled back slightly and brought a hand up to Iris' cheek to wipe away a few tears, but also to look her Padawan in the eyes.
"Iris, don't give up on who you are, and don't give up on those you feel you've lost. It's when we no longer have hope in ourselves and those around us that we truly lose everything." Valery said with a tone that made it clear she knew exactly how that felt. She had lived through it all herself.