Private Coruscant Nights

[Amelia von Sorenn]

Of all the commodities in the Galaxy that an individual could easily acquire, it seemed that time, was always the most precious among them. Sitting at the edge of the Unknown Regions was a planet, verdant and filled with flora and fauna, a place that one could easily become lost exploring. Few knew of its location, fewer still would know of the plans that the woman had for the planet. Had she no other commitment, no other reason drawing her back into the Galaxy, she could have easily allowed herself to fall to the trappings of the unknown and the draw of the adventure that lay around the next corner. However, it was not to be, and despite the desire to remain, the responsibilities that had been left behind soon drew the two companions back into the heart of the Galaxy.

In their time away the turmoils of the Galaxy had not ceased, and the Alliance remained besieged upon all sides by enemies that sought to claim the stars for themselves. Imperials, Sith, and Mandalorians, all rose and saw the Galactic Alliance as the natural threat, the largest power to prove themselves against. She could have easily slipped away, found peace in the unknown, and remained hidden from the Galaxy; yet, she couldn't pull herself to abandon the people of the Alliance and she knew that her companion couldn't allow herself to do the same. It was with a heavy heart that they stepped away from what they had discovered, leaving it for the future as they returned to the present.

The moments that had passed since they returned saw them drawn to their duties, and it was only brief passings that saw them reunite from time to time. However, the Galaxy would settle for a time as thousands upon thousands of Star Systems fell into the festivities and celebrations of various winter seasonal holidays and the Galactic Alliance was no different. It presented an opportunity to allow the two to reunite once more and enjoy the presence of the other. The woman stood silently at the front door of the apartment, her hand gently rapping against the door before she brought both up and took a firm hold of the helm on either side. A soft hiss slipped out as the helmet was released, the woman pulling it free and allowing the tresses of silver-white hair to cascade over her shoulders and down her back like a waterfall; golden-yellow hues remained locked upon the door as she waited patiently for the occupant to answer.

Valery Noble​

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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery stood in her apartment, her amber eyes scanning the small but cozy living space she used to call home. The faint aroma of freshly brewed caf lingered in the air, blending with the warmth of the soft lighting she preferred over the harsher glow of the overheads. It was a rare moment of peace, a brief respite from the chaos of galactic conflict and her unyielding responsibilities.

The knock at the door broke the stillness, drawing her attention immediately. She set the steaming cup of caf down on the small table beside her and approached the door with deliberate steps, her curiosity piqued.

As the door slid open with a quiet hiss, Valery's gaze fell on the familiar figure standing just beyond the threshold. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she saw the silver-white hair cascading over her companion's shoulders, her golden-yellow eyes sharp and steady.

"Amelia," Valery said warmly, her voice carrying a hint of surprise but no less affection. "You made it."

She stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter. "Come in. It's been too long." Valery's tone softened, a mixture of warmth and relief evident in her expression. Despite the distance and time, the connection between them was unshaken — a steady anchor amidst the ever-changing currents of the galaxy.

As Amelia stepped inside, Valery closed the door behind her and turned to face her, studying her friend briefly before speaking again. "How was the trip back? I know the Unknown Regions aren't exactly the easiest place to leave behind." There was a knowing twinkle in her eyes as she folded her arms across her chest. "But I'm glad you're here."

Amelia von Sorenn ​

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

"Valery."

The woman spoke plainly, her tone singular as she carefully bowed her head and ducked under the threshold of the door that permitted her entry into the room beyond. Golden-yellow hues slowly scanned the room, taking in every little detail and decoration that revealed more of the woman. Turning back to her hostess, a slight smile was permitted to cross her lips as she carefully set her helm down on the counter, gently tucking it out of the way.

"It was difficult."

She said, almost as though it were a whisper, her mind flashed back to the moments that they shared, the adventures on the undiscovered planet that they kept hidden away. Part of her had been reluctant to return to Coruscant, yet, she knew that her duties could not be postponed or delegated longer than they already had. A soft sigh slipped from her lips as she took another moment to look over the small apartment, each step calculated as to prevent her from slamming her head into some low-hanging object.

"Thank you for having me. It seems though, that you're embracing the Jedi belief of minimalism to heart."

Amelia said with a teasing tone as she continued to take in the small living quarters. Her hand came to rest on the hilt of her blade, her left hand slipped down and freed the sheath from the clip that held it fastened to her belt. Removing the blade, she carefully sat it down, ensuring that she had nothing hanging on her or off of her that would accidentally knock something over if she moved this way or that.

Valery Noble​

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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery chuckled softly at Amelia's teasing remark, her amber eyes twinkling with amusement as she leaned lightly against the wall. "I do try to take it to heart," she admitted, gesturing around the cozy apartment. "But, well, the family outgrew this place a long time ago. The triplets alone would have turned this into a battlefield within a week with how big they've grown."

She smiled warmly, the mention of her family bringing a glow to her expression. "We have a house now — something more spacious and suited for all of us. It's still nothing extravagant, but it's comfortable. Enough room for the kids to have their own space, and for me and Kahlil to have some quiet moments." Her tone turned playful as she added, "Not that those moments come often, with Eryx being as needy as he is."

Her gaze softened as she glanced around the apartment again. "This place, though… it's special to me. It's where I lived before everything changed, before the galaxy demanded so much more. Coming back here, even just for a little while, reminds me of who I was and why I keep fighting." She looked back at Amelia, her voice quieter but no less sincere.

With a small, inviting gesture, she motioned toward the modest seating area. "Come on, sit down. I'll get us something to drink. Caf? Tea? Or is there something else that caught your fancy while you were out there in the Unknown Regions?"

Amelia von Sorenn ​

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

Amelia took another moment to permit her attention to wander over the small apartment, noticing the small moments of history that the Jedi had kept. The clutter, if one could call it that, seemed more in line with mementos and reminders of events and history, rather than possessing an item just to have possession of it. For her part, the few memories she had of her past, there were perhaps only a few times in which she resided in such cramped quarters; all of which had been during her time with a mercenary company when she was younger.

"I have lost count of the places in which I've resided. I believe there is still some residence on Naboo and Ukio awaiting my return. Perhaps, someday in the far future, I may find myself back there..."

Her voice trailed off for a moment as her memories shifted, flashes of those moments when she called the Confederacy of Independent Systems her home. The cottage on Naboo tucked away deep in the Lake Country was likely still standing if another had not already taken it as their shelter and it had not fallen to the elements. When the offer of a drink was brought up, her attention was pulled back to the moment, those golden-yellow hues falling upon Valery as she shook her head slightly.

"No, thank you. I never could get used to Caf, as for Tea..."

She trailed off again, the memory of an old friend from Commenor bubbled to the surface before she pushed it back down, a soft smile upon her lips as she carefully took a seat. Leaning back, she slipped one leg over the other, her hands coming to rest in her lap as she looked at Valery.

"I haven't touched Tea since an old friend of mine passed years ago."

Valery Noble​

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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's smile softened as she listened, her fiery eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and warmth. Amelia's words carried a weight that Valery could recognize — the quiet burden of memories that shaped the person you became, even if they sometimes brought a sting of loss.

"Tea it is," Valery said gently, her voice laced with a quiet resolve. "And don't worry, I'll make sure it's the best of the best. Even if it's been a while, you deserve something special."

She turned toward the kitchenette, her movements calm but deliberate, as though the simple act of preparing tea carried its own weight of care and intention. As she worked, she glanced back over her shoulder, her tone light but sincere. "You know, you should take a day to visit Naboo or Ukio sometime. Even if it's just a short trip to walk through the places that meant something to you. I know you're always busy, but focusing on yourself every now and then can make all the difference."

Valery paused for a moment, placing the tea leaves in the pot and letting the water steep. Her expression grew thoughtful. "I say this because I've learned it the hard way. It's easy to get caught up in the demands of the galaxy, but there's strength in reconnecting with who you were, in remembering the things that brought you peace."

She returned with a tray carrying two cups of steaming tea, placing one in front of Amelia before settling into the seat across from her. The soft aroma of the steeped leaves filled the air, bringing a sense of calm to the room. "No pressure, of course," Valery added with a warm smile. "But if you ever decide to go, I hope it feels like coming home."

She lifted her own cup and took a small sip, her gaze resting on Amelia with quiet curiosity. "So, what's next for you out there? The Unknown Regions aren't exactly known for offering quiet days and peaceful nights."

Amelia von Sorenn​

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

Amelia did her best to relax, her back pressed firmly against the seat as her shoulders dropped, though there was still a tension that remained. It was as if she were a spring that had been wound too tightly and only her constant attention ensured that it did not snap. Her ears perked up as she listened to her hostess, her eyes closing for a moment as she thought back on those locations that she had called home, shaking her head slightly.

"No, I think for now it is best that I do not return least I question if I made the right decision. Many of those who had tethered me to Naboo and Ukio, who drew me to that region of space now reside with the Sith. Even the Moon of Selun, a temporary respite has fallen under the sway of Imperials."

Her eyes snapped open as she heard Valery move closer, watching as the tray was set down and the tea placed in front of her on the small table. Leaning forward, she gently grasped the cup, lifting it from its place and staring into the gold-tinted liquid, watching the steam rise slowly as she permitted a soft sigh to escape from her lips before setting the cup down once more. Her mind flooded with the memories of her old friend, one who had previously led Commenor and provided her a home on that same planet.

"Thank you."

Amelia said softly as her attention settled on Valery, as she intertwined her fingers and kept her hands resting in her lap. When the question arose about what was next for her, she seemed to be at a loss. Her attention shifted momentarily, her golden-yellow hues peering out the window as she watched the traffic of the various repulsorlifts and starships slipping through the skies of Coruscant.

"Maybe..."

She said for a moment before stopping short, taking the time to let out a soft sigh before taking in a deep breath. There had been a location she thought about for many years now, a place with just as many questions as there were answers.

"Wild Space... There's a planet there, on the fringes of the Galaxy, the homeworld of my species. Not the homeworld I found for them, the original homeworld destroyed thousands of years ago."

Valery Noble​

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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery took a slow sip from her cup of tea, letting the warmth spread through her as she moved from her seat to join Amelia on the couch. She settled in beside her, the steam rising from her cup swirling faintly in the air. For a moment, she said nothing, simply enjoying the calm between them.

Lowering the cup gently into her lap, Valery tilted her head slightly, her fiery eyes soft with curiosity. "Your original homeworld," she said quietly, her voice calm and inviting. "That must carry a lot of meaning for you. Have you ever been there before?"

Her gaze lingered on Amelia for a moment, reading the subtle emotions that flickered across her features. She knew the weight of longing for a connection to one's roots — it was something many carried, even those who had lived among the stars for years.

"Are you planning to go alone?" Valery asked, her tone gentle but tinged with something more — an unspoken offer lingering in her words. She lifted her cup again, taking another sip of tea before lowering it back to her lap, her eyes still on Amelia.

"If you'd prefer company, I'd be happy to join you," Valery said after a beat, her smile warm and reassuring.

Amelia von Sorenn​

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

Amelia shook her head slightly as she listened, her attention being drawn away from the outside world as Valery settled in the seat near her on the couch. Her golden-yellow hues slipped away as she looked at the cup of tea that sat in front of her, though remained untouched. Her lips parted as she let out another gentle sigh, before turning her head to face the woman.

"I was born on Panatha, however, I do not remember much. Akeldama was already destroyed some two thousand or so years before my birth. It had been at the center of a large Slave Empire, feeding from millions across Wild Space. I've been there once before to recover an ancient artifact of my species."

She turned away for a moment, her attention settling once more on the cup of tea in front of her on the table. Watching the steam rising from the liquid as it cooled before she slowly rose from where she was sitting. Stepping away from the couch, she made her way to the window, once more peering out upon the vast cityscape that dominated the horizon of Coruscant. A planet covered in Durasteel and Duracrete, a history of conflict and peace, billions of individuals all seeking their own lives, and that was not even taking into account those that somehow eeked out a living in the Underlevels.

"Akeldama is not a place for you."

Amelia said softly, though took a moment to realize just how it sounded before she took in a deep breath. Her mind collected her thoughts for a moment as she closed her eyes, arms slipping behind her back as she clasped her hands together.

"It is not a place for Jedi or the Sith... for anyone that can touch the Force."

She slowly turned, her golden-yellow hues settling upon Valery once more as she kept her attention on the woman.

"The planet is a wound. It is a void in the Force."

Valery Noble​

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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery remained quiet as Amelia spoke, her fiery eyes fixed on the other woman, her expression thoughtful and calm. She didn't interrupt, allowing Amelia the space to share what was clearly a weighty piece of her history. The mention of Akeldama — a void in the Force, a wound left to fester for centuries — struck a particular chord within her.

As Amelia turned back from the window, her golden-yellow eyes meeting Valery's, the Jedi Master gently set her cup of tea aside. For a long moment, she simply studied Amelia, as though searching for the right words.

"It's not the first time I've been to a void in the Force," Valery said softly, her voice carrying the weight of personal experience. "I've been to places like that before — a planet where the Force feels... absent. It's not comfortable, and it can be hard to stay grounded without that connection. It makes you feel isolated."

Her gaze dropped briefly to her hands, her fingers curling slightly against her thighs. "But if it's important to you, Amelia, I'd still go."

She looked back up, her fiery eyes warm but steady, offering quiet reassurance. "It's your decision but you're a dear friend, and I'd be more than happy to join you."

Amelia von Sorenn​

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

Amelia shook her head slightly, a soft sigh slipping from her lips as she closed her eyes again to collect her thoughts. It wasn't just that Akeldama was a wound in the Force, there was much more to the planet. It was a world filled with dangers, and there was one above all else that she'd rather not potentially expose her friend. Stepping forward, she closed the distance between them, her eyes opening again as she looked at Valery, listening to the woman as she spoke about her past experiences with such wounds.

"It's not just that it is a void in the Force. It is contaminated, covered in a mineral that corrupts. You may have seen it in my own home, the large red crystal kept safe within a thick and protective display case."

She reached into a small case on her belt, pulling out a small disc that sat snuggly in the palm of her hand before she lightly squeezed the side. The image of the large crystal flickered to life, rotating slowly as Amelia leaned forward. Leaning over the back of the couch, she managed to place the small holoprojector on the table before she stood once more, her attention focusing on the display.

"It's called Vampirikite... It is a dangerous crystal that has taken over much of the planet."

Amelia took a moment before she once more slipped down into the seat, leaning back as she slipped her left leg over her right. Her hands came to rest on her knee as she looked at the displayed image of the crystal still rotating slowly.

"It is the memory of the Vampirika, of all those that died on the planet when it was destroyed.

Valery Noble​

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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's eyes widened slightly as the holographic image of the Vampirikite crystal flickered to life, its deep red glow spinning slowly in the center of the room. The ominous aura of the projection alone seemed to carry weight, its mere presence a reminder of the dangers Amelia was describing. Valery leaned forward slightly, her elbows resting on her knees as she studied the image with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Vampirikite," she repeated softly, her voice thoughtful. She hadn't heard of the crystal before, but the way Amelia spoke of it — with a combination of reverence and caution — made it clear just how significant and dangerous it was.

Valery's gaze shifted back to Amelia, her expression softening. "Well, you know the place better than I do. But you also know me — if there's a way I can help a friend, I will." Visiting the planet was perhaps not a sound option, given all the risks and immediate dangers for a Jedi, but surely there had to be another way to support a dear friend?

"If you feel drawn to go back there, you should go, though."

Amelia von Sorenn​

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

Amelia shifted slightly, leaning back and attempting to relax as much as she could, though there was a noticeable tension that remained in her shoulders. Her eyes focused on the image of the crystal, her thoughts shifting back to the specimen that she kept in her home, secured behind thick transparisteel and shielding to prevent the more harmful side-effects from leeching out. A soft sigh slipped from her lips as she pulled her attention from the image, those golden-yellow hues falling upon Valery as she seemed worried about her friend.

"If you decide to join me, I need you to understand just how dangerous this crystal is, let alone the planet and whatever has come to call it home."

She looked back to the image briefly before pulling her attention once more. Centering herself, she closed her eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath before slowly releasing it as she collected her thoughts. Slipping her eyes open, she leaned forward, lightly pressing a button on the side of the projector to switch it to another image that appeared to be an individual covered in the substance.

"Vampirikite is like a parasite. It infects an individual and then slowly takes over their body until they are nothing more than just another formation. My species seems to have an immunity to its effects, however, it still affects Lesser Vampirika. Those that have been exposed talk about hearing whispers, voices that urge them to delve deeper into the dark side of the force."

Amelia looked away from the image, her golden-yellow hues falling on Valery once more. The concern remained, the worry shown as Amelia furrowed her brow before she returned her attention to the image once more.

"It changes people... and not for the better."

Valery Noble​

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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's gaze remained fixed on the hologram as Amelia spoke, her expression darkening with every word. The transition to the image of an individual covered in Vampirikite was jarring, and the visual impact only deepened her concern. She leaned back slightly, exhaling a slow breath as she processed what Amelia was telling her. The tension in her shoulders mirrored her friend's, though her voice remained calm, steady, and reassuring.

"I understand," Valery said softly, her fiery eyes shifting to meet Amelia's golden ones. "This isn't something to take lightly. If I decide to go, I'll be prepared." Her voice carried a weight of experience — she had faced countless threats in her time, but something about this crystal felt different, more insidious.

She glanced back at the image, her jaw tightening slightly. "That said, we've both faced the darkness in different ways, and we're both still standing. Whatever this crystal is, whatever it's done to others, we can handle it if we're prepared. Not while we've got each other to keep us steady."

A faint smirk tugged at her lips, a glimmer of her usual warmth breaking through. "Besides, if I let you go alone, I'll miss out on some great adventure."

Amelia von Sorenn​