Private Finally Crossing Paths

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Eshan
Outfit: Summer casual (w/o the sword)
Tag: Everest Vale

Lily took some time away from the High Republic and the Jedi Order, wanting to visit her mother and grandmother as well as mentally take in everything that had gone on in the High Republic. Lily was never someone who was great with changes, it was something that caused her anxiety and adjusting to the changes took her more time than it did for others. So coming home where there was still familiarity and a routine in how things went. That helped her a great deal in adjusting to the other changes that were going on in her life, some stability in a sea of chaos. There was some negatives in coming home, she had to deal with the ongoing family dramas. Her aunt's disappearance and rumours of Kat pursuing mercenary/criminal work. There was also the issue that Lily was still just a Jedi Padawan and not progressing in the Order, as well as the fact that Lily was still very happily single. Something her mother and grandmother were not as happy about.

So dealing with the constant mentions of arranged marriages, or dates as well as questions on when Lily was going to be promoted to Jedi Knight, whether she heard about her aunt recently. Lily needed a break, time away from the family manor and a chance to just walk around the city. She was wearing something considered summer attire, enjoying the warmer weather on Eshan as she had her hair tied in a loose bun and decided to wander around the park. It was peaceful, quiet this time in the morning and it was also still a little chilly but being in the sun had Lily feeling warm enough that she wasn't regretting her choice in attire. She also enjoyed quiet walks, minding her own business as well as enjoying the way her mind wandered around randomly.

"High Republic. The Jedi Order. Big shifts in the work and I am still figuring out how to use the Force," Lily gave a sad laugh, she knew that there was never going to be a time that she was commanding the Force in big, bold displays of power like some of the Sith she had fought, or seen from some of the Jedi Masters she had trained with. Lily was a warrior in a physical sense but if she wanted to demonstrate that she was going to be the most powerful version of herself. Then Lily needed to demonstrate she had progressed to some level. "Maybe I need to make a list, start figuring out how I will progress things in my life. What is it that I need to achieve to satisfactorily move forward in my life." Working on a life goal list was something that Lily felt gave herself some confidence in the changes and some control in her life once again.

"That's the easy part. Dealing with mother and grandmother attempting to set me up... Heh... That's a whole other beast." Lily exclaimed to herself with a deep sigh as she continued to wander aimlessly around the park.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Lily Decoria

The soil was still under her fingernails. Eve sat alone on the edge of the park’s stone bench, elbows on her knees, the warmth of the morning sun slanting through the leaves above. In front of her, a new bed of native flowers stretched in gentle lines — silver-throated talunias, early-blooming echalunes, and hardy mountain duskroses that would take root by season’s end. The petals fluttered in the breeze like little prayers.

She exhaled softly, watching the way the wind danced through them. Isari lay at her feet, curled in a relaxed sprawl of silver limbs, fur catching the sun in soft, ghostly hues. The fox’s eyes were half-lidded but alert, following a butterfly with just enough interest to twitch her tail once.

"You like it here, huh?" Eve murmured, reaching down to brush her fingers through Isari’s fur. "Not so different from the wilds outside the Mama's."

Isari gave a quiet huff and tucked her head against Eve’s boot. Eve smiled faintly. The band of earth-stained cloth tied around her wrist shifted with the motion — a remnant of the morning’s planting, still damp in places from sweat or soil. She leaned back a little, letting her gaze wander across the park.

Children played in the distance. An older couple laughed softly as they passed. The light was brilliant gold now, spilling across the whole park, illuminating it in summer joy.

She didn’t expect anything from the day, not really. She hadn’t come here for answers. Just to plant something beautiful. Just to be home.

And to listen.

Always… listening.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Eshan
Outfit: Summer casual (w/o the sword)
Tag: Everest Vale

Lily gave polite half smiles to those that passed her by as she wandered around the park. Humming to herself as she continued to think about organising her life goals a little more. Developing more of a timeline when she wanted to achieve things, when to figure out if there was a path she wanted to go down. Such as when was the cut off point in figuring out if she ever wanted children now? When would she be interested in marriage? Right now it seemed to mature of a notion. Something that happened to people who were much older than she was. How many kids were enough for her? Did she want an ever growing family like the Nobles?

...Probably not, that sounded far too painful in Lily's opinion.

It did make her smirk as she thought about the different life goals, when she desired to be a Knight by, when she wanted to be skilled enough to reach Master, or be considered one of the best fighters in the Jedi Order. She wasn't even sure what else there was to really achieve in terms of a career. Did she need to think about training Padawans? Giving lectures on how to fight... She did that already so that didn't seem too difficult in a task. Would Briana expect her to work towards becoming a council member for the Order? That seemed daunting, from what she had seen, no one enjoyed being in that position so why should she?

Perhaps she needed to take a moment to sit down, things were spiralling once again in her mind. As she looked for a spot that would be comfortable to sit down. Perhaps a bench or dry patch of grass, her eyes lingered for a moment on a woman sat with a Miralune fox companion. Lily was never much of an animal companion but the fox seemed to be docile which was good since it meant that she could approach without fears of being attacked by some wild animal.

"Hey... I, I think I've seen you around the New Jedi Order before," Lily stated, speaking clearly so the other woman could hear her, "I'm Lily. Lily Decoria." She introduced herself, with a hand extended for the other woman to shake. Curious to learn more about the Echani Jedi since it was someone that Lily had been meaning to meet long before now. She had met a few other Echani Jedi that were around before, always hoping for a fun spar that could spark the fighting communication that most other Jedi lacked due to the language barrier.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Lily Decoria

Eve blinked as the voice drew her back to the present, her thoughts still half tangled in the memory of sunlight catching on the ring at her finger. Her thumb had been idly brushing against it again — she hadn’t even noticed.

She looked up, a little startled, and found herself face-to-face with a countrywoman. That alone made her blink again. There were so few of them in the Order.

"Oh—sorry, I was miles away," she said with a sheepish smile, standing quickly and brushing her palms against her shorts. "Hands are a bit dusty—I’ve been planting those." She gestured toward the freshly tended flower bed nearby, where the bright native blooms were just beginning to catch the sun.

She took Lily’s offered hand with care, bowing slightly in the traditional way, still Echani through and through.

"Everest Vale. Eve. And yes—NJO."

She gave a soft chuckle, tapping her fingers lightly against the black band of her eyepatch.

"I guess this thing makes me a bit easier to remember, huh?" Then she nodded to the bench beside her. "Nice to meet you, Lily. Please—take a seat, if you’d like. I don’t mind the company."

Isari, who had been dozing with a paw tucked beneath her, opened one gleaming silver eye and gave the newcomer a lazy once-over before deciding she wasn’t a threat. Her tail thumped once against the grass, then stilled.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Eshan
Outfit: Summer casual (w/o the sword)
Tag: Everest Vale

Waving her hand, she did not mind that the other woman had been miles away. It made sense since Lily approached suddenly and surprisingly since they had not agreed to meet beforehand nor were they planning on interacting. This was Lily being forward in a surprise twist of fate. She was keen to try and do her best in coming across as interesting and fun person.

"Oh, that is fun. Are you a part-time gardener?" Lily asked, wondering why someone might be planting flowers in a public park. It seemed to be something you were doing for sentimental reasons or because it was part of your job. Lily was attempting to figure where Everest stood. "Pleasure to finally meet you, I believe I have heard about you from some friends. I help them out, I was part of the NJO, I moved to Naboo and the Order of Shiraya there with my Master." Lily mentioned.

It felt important to state the reasons behind her move. She was happy with where she was but it wasn't something she had planned on doing, more it felt like the right thing to do in following her Master wherever she was. Briana needed her help more often than she would allow Lily to help.

"Oh, you are choosing to keep the eyepatch? No cybernetic eye?" Lily asked, she was curious on the decision behind that. Maybe it was a fear of new technology. "It was mostly the way you move, you carry yourself with the energy of Jedi, not someone who would be purely trained as an Echani." There was slight differences in how people moved between the two, only another Echani would notice such minor differences. "Sure, a seat sounds pleasant enough."

"Have you been visiting long?" Lily asked, figuring it was likely a short term visit like her own.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Lily Decoria

Eve tucked a few stray strands of silver hair behind her ear as Lily settled beside her on the bench. A faint smile touched her lips.

"I’m from the southern continent, pretty far out in the countryside. So… plants and nature are just part of me, I suppose. My mother and I always kept gardens — flowers, vegetables, herbs. You know." She gestured lightly toward the freshly planted flower bed. "So even when I’m visiting the city, I can’t help myself. I see an empty patch of soil, and I start thinking what could grow there." She let out a soft laugh, the sound tinged with quiet warmth.

"Maybe I am a part-time gardener after all."

At Lily’s mention of hearing about her, Eve blinked, a hint of surprise flickering across her features. She supposed maybe it was because she was Valery's student.

"It’s nice to meet you properly too, Lily," she said quietly, perhaps a little awkwardly, but she did smile gently at her countrywoman.

When the question about her eyepatch came, Eve paused, fingertips lightly brushing the edge of the black cloth at her temple. She didn’t explain, but her answer was calm.

"I’m choosing to keep it, yes. No plans for a cybernetic eye."

She shifted a bit on the bench, smiling faintly.

"I’ve been bouncing back and forth lately. I visit my mother whenever I can, but thought I’d spend a few days in the city first before heading back to Tython. Eshan feels different every time I come back… but also exactly the same. I... don't know if that makes sense."

She tilted her head, studying Lily curiously.

"So, Naboo. That must feel very different to Eshan. I've not been there yet, but I hear it's beautiful. I was thinking it would be a nice place to take my fiance on holiday. And, I'll admit, I'm not familiar with the Order of Shiraya."

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Eshan
Outfit: Summer casual (w/o the sword)
Tag: Everest Vale

Lily nodded her head, "spreading the beauty of nature out and about. That's sweet." Lily thought it was a nice sentiment and she was intrigued by someone who was not living close or in the city. Most of the Echani that Lily had met or interacted with were from the capital and they usually didn't talk much about life outside of the city. Her own family did have a country manor, but it was something distant from others and just used currently for when her mother and grandmother needed a break.

It perhaps could end up being a home where she raised her own family, but that was plans for the far future in her mind.

The reasoning behind learning about Everest was less to do with Valery and more to do with the friend group connections Everest had been making were ones that Lily had some connection to as well. And everyone had only had nice things to say about Everest. It was a good sign and Lily knew she needed to meet the other Echani, part because it was a fellow Jedi of her own people but there was also the fun opportunity for a spar. Lily was very open with how much she loved to spar as a way to get to know people.

"Things change, places move forward with time but the air, the views, the atmosphere around Eshan. It always seem to stay the same. I get it, I travel back here less than I would like but other commitments draw my focus." Lily stated, completely understanding where Everest was coming from. "Naboo... It is different but not too drastic. Nothing like Tython, Coruscant and other places." She confessed, "but most planets don't have the culture we do."

She smiled to Everest, "it is gorgeous, especially in the warmer climates, the lake country is a perfect spot for a honeymoon or holiday destination for people wanting to relax. Theed is better if you want more of a foodie, shopping, cultural experience." Lily mentioned, she was always good at assessing where locations were best for the most fun, especially since she loved to host people coming over. "I would recommend considering it. The Order, it isn't too different to being a Jedi in the NJO. It is a lot of training, growing in skills, helping others out and fighting the Sith and criminals out there trying to hurt others."

"How are you finding things in the NJO?"

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Lily Decoria

Eve’s lips curved into a soft smile.

"Naboo sounds beautiful. I’ll have to make a point of going one day, and if I do, maybe I could let you know I’m there."

Her silver eye brightened faintly with the thought before she nodded at Lily’s question.

"The NJO has been… incredible. I don’t think I ever imagined I’d become who I am now without Master Valery’s guidance, or the people I’ve met along the way."

Her voice softened, almost absentmindedly, as her gaze drifted out across the park. For a few quiet seconds, she seemed lost in it, the distant warmth of memory, the countless faces and moments that had shaped her since she’d left home.

Then, with a small blink and a quiet laugh under her breath, she pulled herself back to the present and looked to Lily again.

"Sorry—lost in thought."

She straightened slightly, her smile returning, a little brighter this time.

"If you’d like, though… maybe we could spar? I'd like to know you properly, sister."

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Eshan
Outfit: Summer casual (w/o the sword)
Tag: Everest Vale

Nodding her head, "I would be more than happy to meet up and show you around some of my favourite places. Even provide a list of locations and eateries for you and your partner to enjoy a romantic date or three." Lily grinned, she was always more than willing to help others find the ideal spots for dates. It was nice to try and help others with how to spend their times and what to experience. It was why Lily enjoyed hosting parties and organising hang outs since it was a way to gather friends, new and old, to meet and interact.

Forge new bonds and friendships or strengthen old ones.

"That's good, I enjoyed some of the limited training I did with Master Noble when I still with the NJO. She showed me some combat meditation skills as well as some tips for training in Vaapad. Helpful and made me all the more excited to grow my skills and become a Battle Master." Lily mentioned as she reflected on her experiences with Valery Noble. Looking back over to Eve, "look forward to seeing the style of Jedi you become. Maybe we will even end up working on missions together someday." Lily grinned to Eve, she was always keen on seeing others in action and learning what they were like in a fight. It was a way to learn and prepare.

Lily chuckled and nodded her head, "this location is a good place to get lost in thoughts."

As soon as Eve mentioned a spar, Lily leapt to her feet and dusted herself off. "Spar? Yeah, totally! I have a sparring dojo at my place, not far from here. Unless you have somewhere better in mind?" It was clear that the idea of fighting and getting into combat was exciting and all too much on the mind of the Jedi Padawan as she looked down at Eve with a grin etched on her lips.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Lily Decoria

Eve smiled, a quiet chuckle escaping her.

"I'll have to hold you to that tour," she said with a soft smile, brushing a lock of silver hair behind her ear. At the mention of Valery, Eve's expression softened with a more thoughtful warmth.

"She's changed everything for me," she said quietly. "Helped me in... more ways than I can say." Her gaze drifted for a moment, caught on the breeze shifting the nearby trees. "I'm still figuring out what kind of Jedi I'm meant to be. But I'd like to think I'm getting closer."

Lily's eagerness made her grin. Eve rose too, brushing off her robes and picking up her satchel.

"Your dojo sounds perfect. Please, lead the way."

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Eshan
Outfit: Summer casual (w/o the sword)
Tag: Everest Vale

Placing her hands behind her back, Lily walked with the well rehearsed grace of someone who had been taught every movement was important that even walking provided insight and needed to be deliberate. "Masters tend to do that. Mentors in general. Guiding us on our path and helping us avoid the dangers that life provide." Briana had been a great influence on Lily and those around her that helped Lily discover the best version of herself as a Jedi and a warrior.

"I shall be curious to hear the style of Jedi that you wish to be. Always interesting to see the differing ways we all become as a Jedi." Lily mentioned, she was probably the most typical look of what an Echani Jedi would be, a warrior to the core but she was curious where others went and what pulled them in those directions. "I believe the pursuit of understanding one self and developing as a person is never fully achieved. We are always constantly growing." Lily mentioned, "so don't feel like you are the only one ever attempting to grow as a person."

Exiting the park, Lily continued to walk with a measured grace, "it shall be exciting, I haven't sparred another Echani in so long. I am looking forward to seeing your personality through your actions." A grin formed on Lily's lips as she looked over to Eve.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Atrisian Dancer, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Lily Decoria

Eve fell into step beside Lily, her pace steady, the weight of her satchel brushing lightly against her hip. The other woman's movements had that unmistakable Echani poise — every step measured, deliberate, as though the ground itself demanded respect. Eve couldn't help but admire it. Her own stride was quieter, less trained, but she tried to match the rhythm without thinking.

The city air was brisk, carrying the mingled scents of stone, earth and the faint sweetness of budding trees. Isari trotted ahead, tail flicking, nose twitching at every breeze. Watching her fox dart a few paces forward before circling back brought Eve a small, private warmth.

She glanced sideways at Lily as she spoke of mentors and growth. The words touched something in her, a gentle ache of recognition. Eve knew too well how the guidance of a single voice could change everything. She gave a small nod, silver hair shifting against her cheek.

"Thank you. That is actually really reassuring. I'm not sure yet. All I know is... I want to continue to work with nature, and I want to be able to help others, to heal, to care. But... I don't really know where this path will lead me..."

There was a light in Lily's grin when she spoke of sparring again, and it stirred a quiet anticipation in Eve's chest.

"I admit, it's been such a long time for me too... I... can't even remember when... I was actually... never very good at it. But I like to think that's changed. I feel, I don't know... more... fluent?"

Her gaze lifted to the path ahead, where the park was already giving way to the city beyond. Somewhere there, Lily's dojo waited, and with it, a conversation she hadn't realised how much she had missed.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Eshan
Outfit: Summer casual (w/o the sword)
Tag: Everest Vale

As Lily walked into the large, luxurious apartment that she owned on Eshan. It was decorated with a mixture of martial arts history, weapon history and adorned with weapons to comfort, blankets and novels of fantasy romance and more traditionally feminine aesthetics. It was a place that represented the duality of Lily. She walked into the kitchen, grabbing a bowl from the shelf before heading to the tap and pouring water into the bowl. "I figured your companion might enjoy a drink while we fight. I also have a spare water bottle if you want one during the fight." Keeping hydrated and ensuring those sparring with her in her home were hydrated was very important to Lily.

Placing the bowl on the ground for the fox, Lily then headed to a pair of double doors, opening it up and revealed the large and well cared for training room. There was a large sparring mat in the middle with lifting and heavy duty gym equipment surrounding the training room. It was clear that Lily was in this room a lot with a love for the things in the room. "Did you wish to change or fight as we are?" Lily asked, stretching her limbs as she get her body more limber for the fight.

It was clear that Lily was happy to go all out and fight as hard as she could.

A grin on her lips as she was so excited for this. "Don't worry about this being the first time in a long time and I am sure you will do great. Fighting is all I do, all I enjoy doing as a Jedi at least. But no Force, shall be interesting not using that." Lily admitted, it had been a while since another person put such a severe limitation on themselves as well as Lily holding that aspect of herself back. "Main purpose of this is learning more about one another, connection over the idea of a winner or a loser, right?" A grin etched on Lily's lips since a true Echani duel was never about winner or loser amongst the two fighters. It was all communication.