Private Down on the Corner

[Valery Noble]

NJO Temple

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers
Tag: Kahlil Noble Amara Niri

"Another new Padawan joining the order. Isn't it great?" Valery asked her husband while they waited for the new arrival at the entrance to the Temple. She didn't know much about Amara yet beyond the few things she read up on in her file, but this would be a good opportunity to change that. Together with her partner for life, a fellow Council member as well, she'd show the young woman around and help her get settled into the New Jedi Order. Nothing new for either of them, but it was always exciting.

The Order was growing, and even though the times were changing again with the Sith threat out there, she couldn't be happier about it. Together, the Jedi were at their strongest, so the more they could teach and train to help others around the Galaxy, the better it would become.

"She's an Aruzan as well, which is quite rare. They're very pacifistic people, so even the Jedi's views are often too much." She then paused and sighed softly. "I actually shot down one of Kyrel's Knights of Ren over their homeworld once, and killed him there. Everything that happened between myself and Kyrel, and later with you, started right there." It had also sparked a violent response against an Aruzan village at the hands of an Aruzan Sith, but she didn't want to linger on negative memories for now.

"She should be here any moment now."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Yeah."

He was excited to meet another prospect of the Jedi. There were still so few after everything that had happened, and with the fall of the Silvers Jedi were slowly becoming that much more rare all throughout the Galaxy. The more that arrived, the more presence they could try to rebuild in a hopes of making the Galaxy as a whole better than it's been. And yet, he couldn't hide his frown. Or his apprehension through the bond he shared with Valery.

".. Her timing isn't the best, all things considered. I hope she'll be able to keep to her beliefs no matter what happens with the Order. Or at least, she doesn't loose herself in the coming conflicts." He paused before letting out a sigh and a chuckle.

"I suppose that's our job, though. To help protect her and the others. So we got that, at least."

Valery Noble | Amara Niri

 

[Amara Niri]

AMARA NIRI

TAG: Valery Noble Kahlil Noble

Amara was quite nervous about meeting high-ranking Jedi at the very beginning. She had recently been taken from her home and now found herself in a galaxy she hardly knew. Would it be hostile? Or would it turn out to be a pleasant place? She didn't know, and there were many questions she needed answers to. When the time finally came to meet her masters, she prepared herself as best she could. She tied her hair neatly, wore fresh and presentable clothes, and gave herself reassuring pep talks in front of the mirror.

"Don't worry too much... You'll be fine. They're just people you don't know, on a planet whose distance from your home is uncertain... Okay, no. This was a mistake... I can feel my anxiety getting worse..."

She spoke to herself in a panicked tone, although no one could hear her. She was lost in her thoughts. Oblivious to any potential dangers lurking within the Order or the galaxy, she was simply excited about the prospect of honing her abilities. Then she set off for the temple. She wanted to present herself as reliable, and if not for her intuition, she might have taken longer to arrive. Fortunately, she didn't waste much time as she noticed two Jedi waiting for someone, possibly even her, which made her smile nervously. Placing her hand on the back of her head and giving a slight self-assured stroke, she offered a silly grin.

"Um... Hello there! I am... I am Amara! I believe... I was supposed to meet you, yes, masters? I... I hope I haven't confused anyone, heh..."

Her voice clearly conveyed her nervousness.
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[Valery Noble]

NJO Temple

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers
Tag: Kahlil Noble Amara Niri

For just a very brief moment, Valery reached over to grab and squeeze his hand. She could feel his apprehension, and recognized her own tension in him as well. It wasn't that long ago that they talked about how they wanted the new generation of Jedi to not grow up and be trained in a time of war, but now it seemed as if that choice was being taken from them again. The Sith were not a threat they could ignore or hope to solve diplomatically.

They'd have to be willing and ready to defend themselves and others. But luckily, the Jedi were much stronger than they've been in a very long time, and with several more experienced Jedi on the Council now too, she believed that they could keep others on the right path.

"We'll make it work. A lot of amazing Jedi have grown up in difficult times," Valery said, referring not only to herself, but also to many Jedi around them. Jasper, Amani, their Padawans — they had all either seen the entire war, or at least the brutal end to it. "Now, they have even more Jedi able to help guide them." She smiled and let go of his hand as she felt a presence approaching. There was an aura of nervousness around her, but a welcoming warmth as well.

"You must be Padawan Niri," Valery said one the Aruzan arrived. "I'm Master Valery Noble, and this is Master Kahlil Noble." There was a faint smirk as she introduced them both, but a very friendly smile shifted back to the Padawan. "We'll be helping you get settled in here," she said before eyeing her husband for a moment.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Of course we'll make it work. I just.. Wish we didn't have to."

She was right that they would. And that there were far more Jedi here now to help than ever before. But it still filled him with a longing for a day they wouldn't have to prepare the Padawans for violence and war. But he pushed those thoughts aside. This was the reality, so there was no reason to let his negativity linger. They had to make the best of what they could, not dream of what they couldn't.

He blinked as the Padawan did arrive. Nervousness, the tick of rubbing the back of her neck.

Reminded him of him, weirdly enough.

"Nervous, right?" He chuckled, turning and offering a nod towards the temple doors. "Many folks who come here for the first time are. But.. There's no reason to be. It'll make sense once you get inside and settle. Not saying you shouldn't be nervous. Just that, y'know, there's uh." He cleared his throat, scratching at his chin in thought.

".. We'll help you feel welcome, I guess, is what I mean."

Valery Noble | Amara Niri

 

[Amara Niri]

AMARA NIRI

TAG: Valery Noble Kahlil Noble

Listening to the two of them, her hands nervously intertwined, fingers overlapping each other in an anxious state. It wasn't just about proving herself; she wanted to ensure they would see her potential and not assign her to menial tasks that wouldn't allow her to shine. But with the overwhelming anxiety she felt, it wasn't easy to present her best self. She nodded slightly in response to Valery's words, not realizing she hadn't even mentioned her own name.

""Oh... Yes, I'm sorry! I didn't introduce myself! I am... I am Amara! Amara Niri, at your service!"

Amara's voice trembled slightly as she hurriedly shared her name, eager to make a good impression on the high-ranking Jedis before her. And then the words of Kahlil got to her.

Feel welcome. There's no reason to be nervous. If only he knew, she thought to herself. She had lived in a secluded village, and then she was taken away like a fruit plucked from a tree. Her family, friends, and mentor were all gone in the blink of an eye when she set foot on the ship that whisked her away to a galaxy she had never seen before, filled with various species she had only heard about in stories. Oh yes, there were many reasons for her to feel nervous. Her eyes darted quickly from one person to another until she eventually looked down.

"Um... With all due respect, M... Master... I don't mean to step out of line, and I hope I'm not... But there are many reasons to feel nervous. I don't agree with your statement. This planet, the galaxy... Even you, your skin, facial features... Your scars. It's all a culmination of new experiences for me. I used to live in a secluded village, and the only people I knew were... Well, they were of my own race, until now."​

 

[Valery Noble]

NJO Temple

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers
Tag: Kahlil Noble Amara Niri

"A new experience takes time to get adjusted to," Valery said with a dip of her head. "You will be given as much of it as you need, but what my husband is trying to say, is that we'll do our best to make that process as easy and comfortable as we can." She smiled and briefly glanced at her husband before turning back to Amara. Valery knew enough about the Aruzans to understand that this could be quite a big change, but she wouldn't be here if she didn't want to give her all, right?

Everything was going to be just fine.

"My idea is that we'd start with-" she paused as the sound of her comms interrupted her, but it wasn't just her own either. Both Valery and Kahlil were pinged on a channel meant for the Council. But whatever this was, it was being directed directly at the two of them.

<Masters Noble? Please come in. We need you down at-> the transmission turned static, but their comms showed the signal came from down in the lower levels somewhere.

"Love? What should we do?" She asked before glancing at the Padawan. "We can't just leave her here."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil blinked slowly as he watched the Azuran. Then, a much calmer smile formed as he dipped his head. "You're right. My apologies. I don't know what it's like for you, and I shouldn't have assumed as much. Forgive me." He was far from the type to be raised in a small village. Coruscant, Dromund Kaas, Bastion, the worlds he spent his childhood on had or simply were some of the largest cities in the galaxy.

He glanced to Valery briefly, before frowning. Danger, perhaps? It wasn't something they could ignore when their comlinks cut off. His gaze shifted to Amara. Watched for a moment longer before he let out a sigh.

"It is something we have to check on. I understand this is all already overwhelming now, but if you'd like to come along and help, you're welcome to. But if you don't feel comfortable, don't feel pressured to do so. I can of course go on my own, I think."

Valery Noble | Amara Niri

 

[Amara Niri]

AMARA NIRI

TAG: Valery Noble Kahlil Noble

She shifted her eyes from one master to the other, her grip on her fingers tightening even more upon hearing Valery mention "love." The thought of upsetting one of them and potentially jeopardizing her status as a padawan troubled her deeply. After all, annoying one might end up damaging relationship between the two of them. Back with her old master, she didn't really need to worry about competition.

Listening intently to their conversation, she realized that a dangerous path lay ahead. While still a padawan with limited experience, she couldn't deny the thrill that welled up within her. The opportunity to prove herself to both masters stirred an undeniable excitement. A smile, resembling that of an eager child, formed on her face. Despite her growing enthusiasm, she couldn't help but question the legitimacy of her emotions.

Summoning her courage, she mustered the confidence to express her desire to join them. Her voice, tinged with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

"I would be honored to accompany you both on this journey. Though my experience may be lacking, I am determined to demonstrate my worth. I... I hope that I can live up to your expectations."

As the words left her lips, a brief wave of self-doubt washed over her. She wondered if her outburst of enthusiasm made her appear foolish or overly eager. Desperately seeking validation, she shifted her gaze between Valery and Kahlil, silently pleading for reassurance through their expressions.
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[Valery Noble]

NJO Temple

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers
Tag: Kahlil Noble Amara Niri

Much like her husband, Valery wondered if Amara was going to be up for it. She had expressed some anxiety about all of this change in her life already, and now they were asking her to jump into some potential danger. A threat they didn't even know anything about yet either. But despite all of those feelings, she seemed eager to want to prove herself, and Valery could only smile as a result.

"I'm sure that you will, and the two of us will make sure you're safe too," Valery said, hoping it would help reassure the younger woman a little. "The lower levels can be quite dangerous and overwhelming, so just stay close and don't jump into anything too quickly. Sometimes, things aren't what they seem down there." From Sithspawn to criminals, to innocent civilians — Valery had encountered it all down below, and this time she wasn't sure yet what they'd find.

"We'll take one of the speeders and head down to the last source of that signal we got," Valery then said before turning to her husband. "Are you driving or am I?"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil chuckled.

It was always a wonder to him how eager Padawan's were to help people. When he first joined the Jedi, he couldn't bring himself to try. Fear of getting in the way, of being judge for his past, certainly limited him. He glanced briefly to Valery before shaking his head and turning to start heading towards the hangar.

"It's your speeder love. We both know you want to be the one to drive. Let's not keep them waiting."

Valery Noble | Amara Niri

 

[Amara Niri]

AMARA NIRI

TAG: Valery Noble Kahlil Noble

She didn't have much to contribute to the conversation, so she simply nodded in acknowledgment. Valery's assurance that they would protect her struck a chord within her, though it carried a hint of discomfort. It wasn't that she felt annoyed or angry with her master, but rather that she didn't want to become a burden or rely too heavily on their defense. For her, it was crucial to prove herself capable. However, the outcome of their upcoming endeavors would ultimately determine the true extent of her abilities. She then would follow the duo.
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[Valery Noble]

NJO Temple

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers
Tag: Kahlil Noble Amara Niri

"You know me too well~" Valery said, totally feeling called out, but in a fun way that made her smile. Just for a moment though, because as soon as she sat down in the pilot seat and waited for her fellow Jedi to get seated, Valery became a bit more serious. They were doing down into the depths of Coruscant, a dangerous place even without an emergency call coming from it. This requires them all to be focused, and as their driver, she'd be the first to make that shift.

"It's quite far down, but traffic control was alerted about the emergency, so we get a quicker ride down," she said, a brief grin flashing across her lips as she pushed down the throttle and accelerated into the Corucant sky. Soon enough, they reached one of many large pipes going down into the lower levels, and Valery went through it rather quickly and at quite the angle too. But as soon as they were at the right level, she straightened out the speeder and took off.

Until an orange glow became visible not too far away.

An entire block was set ablaze, and the Force felt much weaker - as if life had been stripped away from much of this part of the city. Valery frowned when she saw it, and quickly brought them down onto the ground, so they could look around.

"I have a very bad feeling about this."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil took his seat, pretty calmly strapping himself in. Really strapping himself in. Before she even said it, he knew what was going to happen. He glanced briefly towards Amara, giving her a sheepish smile before he motioned to the straps she'd have in her own seat. Valery was not the calmest driver. Especially when she was given permission to go fast. And sure enough, she had been.

He looked calm all the while, but he was certainly white knuckling one of the grips of his seat by the time they made it all the way down. He'd say nothing about it though. There was something happening below. He frowned, his eyes narrowing as he let the rune at the base of his spine light up. There was so much death here.

"Where's the one who contacted us?"

Valery Noble | Amara Niri

 

[Amara Niri]

AMARA NIRI

TAG: Valery Noble Kahlil Noble

She boarded the ride with her fellow masters, strapping herself in, uncertain of what lay ahead. Considering the speed at which they drove, this was an experience she never anticipated. Back in her village, such encounters were infrequent, and she had never had the opportunity to ride or drive in a speeder. Some might argue that her life had been rather uneventful. Despite wearing the safety belts, she instinctively grasped the seat, ensuring she wouldn't lose her balance or encounter any mishaps.

Upon disembarking, she let out a sigh of relief, unaware of the imminent danger that surrounded them. In a fleeting moment, she realized their arrival and nervously shifted her gaze between Valery and Kahlil. Determined to maintain composure, she suppressed any excessive excitement or fear. Adopting a professional stance, she awaited instructions from the masters, ready to respond to any potential threats or unforeseen circumstances.

"Um... Masters, what should I be prepared for? Should we prioritize finding the person who contacted us? Or... could this be a trap targeting either of you?"

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[Valery Noble]

NJO Temple

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers
Tag: Kahlil Noble Amara Niri

<I saw that look,> Valery told her husband through their bond with a grin. She knew exactly why he was strapping in like that - she was definitely not a slow driver, but a reasonably fast one. Or that's what she liked to tell herself, anyway. He probably had his own opinion on it, but messing with her while she was behind the wheel would be something he'd regret.

Right now, it also got them down to where they needed to be really quickly, and every second counted for the people who lived here.

"No idea who our contact is but look..." Valery gestured down the street, where sewer covers had been entirely blown off. Fire was still erupting from the sewers as well, and it seemed as if the Force behind this blast had been tremendous. Buildings on each side of the street had been damaged, with walls collapsed and windows shattered everywhere.

It looked like a war zone.

"I don't think this is a trap set for us. But I have a bad feeling about how this started. It almost looks like a gas explosion, but so much has to go wrong, and so many safeties need to fail for this to happen." She frowned and looked at the two.

"Maybe this was just the beginning of something bigger that was planned down here."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I hope it's not something larger. If there is a problem, though, you'll stay behind us. You're always welcome to help, but your safety is just as important as figuring out what's going on." Kahlil stared out, his frown clear on his face. This wasn't what he expected to sea. The news probably was already spreading, so at least more than just them would be arriving to help. Well, if communications weren't completely cut off.

"Alright. Survivors first. Do you know how to feel out for people?"

Valery Noble | Amara Niri

 

[Amara Niri]

AMARA NIRI

TAG: Valery Noble Kahlil Noble

She gave a slight nod towards Valery, acknowledging that maybe it wasn't something bigger than she had thought. But regardless, there was still a nagging feeling in her head that there might be something more than meets the eye. Their comments about her safety did hit her a little because, while she understood their concern, she viewed their lives as being just as important as hers, if not more so. After all, she was just a Padawan, and they were her Masters. As it had been back in the village, replacing an elder was much harder than someone with little experience.

However, she decided not to voice these thoughts to them, fearing they would deflect it or become slightly annoyed by such comments. So she concluded that it wasn't the right time to be completely open about her feelings, at least not until she had a deeper understanding of them. As they looked around, trying to figure out what had exactly happened, she heard Kahlil's comment and shook her head slightly.

"Feel out for the people master?"


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[Valery Noble]

NJO Temple

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers
Tag: Kahlil Noble Amara Niri

"I agree. We can't help anybody if we get ourselves in trouble," Valery said with a nod at her husband, before she stepped forward a little, and even moved right between two of the huge fires coming up from the sewers. She raised her hands, drew in a deep breath, and suddenly it was as if her fiery eyes began to glow. The flames were instantly killed, but after she lowered her hands, the flames just reignited again and Valery frowned.

"This will be difficult, but this area should be clear enough for emergency teams to arrive and help." She turned back to the others, and nodded at Amara.

"When you stand near us, do you feel anything different?" she asked with a soft smile. "We all have a presence in the Force, and by honing our senses, we can learn to pick up on people around us, or even those far away if their presence is strong enough. There are survivors out here, perhaps trapped in debris or injured. We can locate them through our senses."

Valery looked back at Kahlil in particular now, "We should also head down into the sewers and find the source of the fire. If we bring people out here to help survivors, we risk exposing them to secondary explosions."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Hmm.."

Two missions, both important. Splitting their focus between the two wasn't ideal. Find the problem, find the survivors. His gaze shifted about, looking for any sort of relief effort. Something was really off about this. Especially with the flames immediately coming back as Valery put them out.

"Then we head down. Keep your senses about. We'll see who we can find on the way."

Valery Noble