Private And Life Goes On

[Valery Noble]

Valery couldn't help the way her smile softened as she listened to the kitchen chorus — the sizzle of meat, the soft clink of utensils, and Yvaine's delighted babble growing more animated by the second. The littlest Noble was vibrating with joy, her tiny fists waving in the air as she babbled a story full of wild inflections, dramatic gasps, and the occasional squeaky laugh. It was complete nonsense, of course, but it had passion.

In the living room, Aurra had gone quiet — suspiciously so. Valery turned just in time to catch her youngest daughter tiptoeing after Colette with the stealth of a trained Padawan. Valery raised an eyebrow, but didn't stop her. Let her follow. If nothing else, Colette could use the company — even if it came in the form of a wide-eyed shadow in tauntaun slippers.

With a soft laugh, Valery turned her attention back to the triplet who wasn't sneaking away.

"Alright, you," she said, sweeping Eryx into her arms.

He giggled instantly, his small hands reaching to grab at her hair like it was the most fascinating toy in the world. But Valery was faster — she bent her head down and planted a loud, squishy kiss right on his belly, making exaggerated raspberry noises.

Pffffbt!

Eryx howled with laughter, kicking his legs and wriggling in her arms like a delighted little thing. His laughter was so pure, so bright it seemed to fill the whole room. Valery pulled back just enough to nuzzle his cheek, eyes sparkling.

"You're trouble, you know that?" she whispered, her voice full of affection. "Just like your siblings."

She glanced toward the kitchen, where Colette and Aurra had vanished, and where the scent of mint and nerf meat was growing stronger by the second.

This was what she fought for. What she lived for.

And she'd protect it with everything she had.

Kahlil Noble Colette ​

 

[Colette]

Valery Noble / Kahlil Noble

Mint and nerf mixed into one, put into a tube, fried up, stuck into a sweetbread. Colette smiled at Kahlil as he and Yvaine worked the kitchen together. Valery and Eryx joined them, Aurra cradled her tauntaun and quietly followed along.

"We should grill something later." She mused and looked over at the frying meats. "I like fried, but nothing beats charred meat over a fire."

"Add a clear sky of stars, some cold breezes and a blanket, and you have a good evening on your hands."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I do prefer grilling, but pan searing gives some good ways to make a sauce. You can't save the cooked juices when they drip down into the fire after all." Kahlil glanced to Colette, flashing a smile. He wasn't going to deep fry or shallow fry anything for Colette. The more natural, the better he figured. Or, the less heavily processed kind of things like with frying.

"We could go camping some time though, if you wanted?"

Valery Noble | Colette

 

[Valery Noble]

With Eryx still giggling in her arms, Valery wandered into the kitchen, the soft padding of her steps barely noticeable over the happy hum of their home. The smell of seared nerf and fresh mint hung warm in the air, wrapping around her like a blanket. She paused in the doorway for a moment, just watching — Kahlil at the stove, Colette nearby, and little Yvaine babbling her life story at them both.

Valery smiled.

This was the kind of quiet joy that caught her off guard sometimes. Her arms tightened slightly around Eryx as she stepped fully into the room, her eyes softening at the sight of her husband. She tilted her head as she watched him work, love flickering in her eyes at the ease of him — the gentleness in how he moved around the kitchen, the way he looked at their daughter when she spoke.

Then came his question.

Camping?

From three separate corners of the room, a chorus rose up in perfect chaotic harmony:

"Can I come?!"

Aurra popped out from behind Colette, clutching her tauntaun like a tactical plush. Eryx threw his arms in the air with wild enthusiasm. Valery blinked — then laughed, her head tipping back as the sound filled the room.

"Family camping trip?"

Kahlil Noble Colette ​

 

[Colette]

Kahlil Noble

A meat grilled in just the right way didn't need a sauce. The fat of the meat might have burnt away, but the fiery-ness was just that good. It was unrivaled in the field of food preparation and Colette felt a content smile spread across her lips just thinking about it.

Kahlil wanted to go camping? Colette perked up. Hell yeah!

"I'll get the bags, you get the food." She exclaimed rather enthusiastically. "And hell yeah you guys are coming with." Colette grinned as she turned around to face the oncoming gaggle of kids. "We'll set up tents, sleep rough, huddle around the fire…"

Ah, the memories!

"And then, we hunt and we dress it, and we learn how to live with nature again!"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"It has been a bit since we've gone out." And the triplets were at an age where learning how to field dress an animal was customary for the Epicanthix to teach. He nodded once, affirming his agreement as he continued cooking the steaks. "Just let us know when you feel up to it. You're still healing, but you'll know best when you're capable of camping, yes?"

Valery Noble | Colette

 

[Valery Noble]

"Yay!!"

The shout came like a thunderclap from three directions at once.

Aeryn threw her hands in the air and started spinning in delighted little circles. Aurra bounced on the balls of her feet, clutching her tauntaun plush like it, too, was ready to brave the wilds. Eryx — still held snug in Valery's arms — began kicking excitedly, giggling so hard his whole body wriggled like a contained explosion.

Valery let out a warm laugh, eyes crinkling at the corners as she looked toward her husband.

"Oh no," she teased lightly, her voice playful. "I know that look."

Her gaze flicked briefly toward the excited children, then back to Kahlil, an amused smirk tugging at her lips. "You're going to start teaching them all the Epicanthix survival stuff, aren't you? Tracking, foraging, tiny little knives…" She sighed dramatically. "The idea of them with blades is mildly horrifying, but… also kind of adorable."

Then she turned toward Colette and gave her a nod. "You decide when we go. When you're feeling up to it, we'll be ready. I'll pack snacks, blankets, probably way too many medp—"

"Marshmallows?" Aeryn asked with wide, hopeful eyes.

Valery paused, then grinned. "And marshmallows. Obviously."

The triplets erupted into another round of cheers, practically vibrating with excitement, and Valery couldn't help but laugh again.

Kahlil Noble Colette ​

 

[Colette]

Valery Noble / Kahlil Noble

The most immediate reaction would be excitement followed by confusion. Colette appreciated the kindness of waiting for her to get better, but if there was a camping trip on the line then she would most likely "get better" really soon.

"Hey, those survival lessons will be invaluable when they need them." Colette said and crossed her arms. "But, yes. Once I feel better. Once my legs aren't jelly."

As for marshmallows… Well, Colette despised those especially. She frowned for a moment at the kids' excitement for them before she sighed and shook her head.

"I'll make us trail mix." She said and shrugged as she unfolded her arms. "Something that isn't sugar and sugar. Topped on sugar. With more sugar."