Private Kindling the Spark

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

The quiet hum of the Jedi Temple's corridors was a sound Valery had come to find soothing. Sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting golden beams across the polished floors. Statues of long-passed Jedi Masters stood silently, their expressions serene and contemplative, as if they, too, awaited the arrival of a new student.

Valery stood near the center of the hall, her hands clasped loosely behind her back. She was dressed in her typical jumpsuit, though her lightsaber hung openly at her side, a subtle reminder of her readiness to teach and protect. Her amber eyes, warm yet intense, drifted toward the grand entrance where she knew the Padawan would soon arrive.

Today marked the beginning of a new journey, not just for the Padawan, but for Valery as well. Each new student brought with them unique challenges and opportunities — a fresh perspective that often helped even the most seasoned Jedi grow. She had read the Padawan's file, understood their potential, and sensed the spark of the Force within them. But no dossier could replace the importance of a first meeting, face to face.

Taking a slow breath, Valery allowed her gaze to wander briefly. The Temple was alive with purpose, Jedi moving with quiet determination, Padawans sparring in distant training rooms, and the faint murmur of discussions echoing through the halls. It was a place of both tradition and growth, and today, it would become a cornerstone for one more young Jedi.

Hearing the distant sound of footsteps approaching, Valery straightened slightly, her expression softening into a welcoming smile. She could feel the Padawan's presence growing nearer, a mixture of nervous energy and quiet excitement carried through the Force.

It was time.

Mica Raha ​

 

[Mica Raha]

For as long as she could remember, and possibly well before that, Mica had never learned to breathe properly. She lived through many hardships. Misfortunes. And it always felt like something worse was around the corner. A lot could happen on Empress Teta, after all, and most of it bad. So she went about her days and waited.

It felt like she was constantly holding her breath.

But she wasn't on Empress Teta anymore. She was on Coruscant, at the Jedi Temple. Mica's soft footsteps echoed. Her head was tilted down in her usual way, yet cognizant of her peripheral vision. Balosarian antennapalps were slightly protracted from her head, picking up the faint sounds of commotion and Jedi activity. She wasn't on Empress Teta anymore, but those streets shaped her. The lessons she learned were ingrained, like sculpted mountains shaped over a millennium of exposure. Practicing hyper vigilance while being inconspicuous was just part of her now.

She was told she'd be meeting Valery Noble, a Jedi Master. The Grandmaster. She didn't know what that was, but it sounded important. Mica was nervous and excited. She tried to push those emotions down, but try as she might, she couldn't. It was a welcome feeling compared to the grief she'd been experiencing lately, at least.

As she traipsed through the grand entrance, Mica's blue-gray eyes immediately found an older woman, clad in a jumpsuit, standing in the center of the hall. With a lightsaber hilt hung from her side, she stood with a protective poise Mica had never seen before. The woman's amber eyes burned.

Mica felt guided towards the woman. She knew that was who she was supposed to meet. She didn't know how she knew, but she did.

"Hello," Mica lowered her head slightly. She didn't know the proper etiquette, but it seemed appropriate. "Are you Master Noble?"

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Mica exhaled.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's smile deepened as the young Balosar approached, her soft greeting carrying a hint of hesitation. The subtle dip of her head and the careful, measured steps told Valery much — this Padawan was both cautious and resilient, traits often forged through adversity.

"I am," Valery replied, her voice warm and steady, offering a sense of calm in the towering expanse of the Temple hall. "And you must be Mica." She inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment, her amber eyes meeting Mica's with a reassuring gaze. "It's good to finally meet you."

Valery's hands unclasped from behind her back, one extending slightly in an open, welcoming gesture. "I hope your journey here wasn't too overwhelming. Coruscant can be a lot to take in, especially compared to other worlds." Her tone carried a subtle invitation for Mica to share her thoughts, but Valery wouldn't press — she wanted their connection to unfold naturally.

"You're stepping into a new chapter, one that will challenge and shape you in ways you might not expect." Her eyes softened as she continued, "But you won't be walking this path alone. The Jedi Order, and I, will be here to guide and support you."

Valery stepped slightly to the side, gesturing toward the expansive hallways that branched deeper into the Temple. "How about we walk and talk? I'd love to hear more about you and what brought you here." Her voice carried gentle encouragement, a steadying hand offered as Mica began this important journey.

Mica Raha ​

 

[Mica Raha]

Valery Noble smiled and confirmed her identity. She inclined her head and glanced reassuringly down at Mica. Mica took that as a sign her own head nod was acceptable. The tension in her shoulders decreased. "It's nice to meet you, too."

Right off the bat, Valery was disarmingly charming. That, and Mica's fundamental impulse to look for a protective figure like Fyrin, caused her to uncharacteristically lower her guard. She didn't even realize it was happening.

The halls were towering and exquisite and overwhelming. Mica just tried to focus on Valery and her calming presence.

"Coruscant is nice," it was fine, so far. "Reminds me of…" she was about to say home. It wasn't home anymore. "It reminds me of Empress Teta, actually. I've never been anywhere else." She hated Empress Teta. She loved it, too. "Have you been?"

A new chapter. Mica tentatively liked the sound of that. She always had a spark in her. Everything in her life so far had threatened to smother it. Except Fyrin. He protected her little fire from being extinguished. He was gone… yet now Mica felt like she could breathe again and fill her metaphorically oxygen-deprived lungs. And the thing about oxygen was it fueled fires; an unbreakable natural law. She was ready for what comes next. Or as ready as she was ever going to be.

Mica wasn't really sure how to respond to that, though. She didn't really know what a Jedi was. She didn't know who "we" was. So she just nodded politely.

Mica walked down the hall beside Valery. "Well… uh, you guys brought me here. 'Cus of what happened on Empress Teta…" she trailed off. Her memories of the invasion were murky at best. What she remembered most was the time after, when she woke on an Alliance transport shuttle. She cried for what felt like days. The memory of that suddenly made her aware of her disarmed stupor. Her antennapalps protracted. Her gait lost vigor. Her guard rose up, again. "When do I get one of those?" Mica gestured to Valery's jumpsuit, clumsily trying to shift the conversation. She did actually really want one, though.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery smiled softly, the warmth in her amber eyes unwavering as she walked alongside Mica. She noted the shift in the young Padawan's demeanor — the way her antennapalps extended and her gait lost its earlier ease. It was a familiar pattern, one she had seen in others who had endured more than their fair share of hardship.

"Empress Teta," Valery repeated, her voice thoughtful. "I have been there," she said with a chuckle, "I even used to live there for a while with my family." Her tone softened further, a subtle acknowledgment of the invasion without prying into details Mica might not be ready to share.

As Mica's attention shifted to Valery's jumpsuit, she let out a light chuckle, grateful for the Padawan's attempt to steer the conversation. "This?" she asked, glancing down at her attire. "We don't have strict policies for clothes, as long as they are appropriate. Figure out what you like, and we'll help you get enough for all your training and assignments."

They passed by a large window, the view offering a sweeping panorama of Coruscant's endless skyline. Valery paused, turning slightly to Mica with a gentle smile. "It's okay to feel unsure about all of this," she said, her voice steady and reassuring. "Nobody expects you to have all the answers right now. All we ask is that you take it one step at a time, and trust yourself along the way."

After a brief moment, Valery resumed their walk, her tone lightening again. "So, tell me, Mica. What excites you most about being here? There's a lot to take in, I know, but there must be something that's caught your attention."

Mica Raha ​

 

[Mica Raha]

"You used to live on Empress Teta?!" Mica perked up a bit. "Why?" Her little brows furrowed.

She couldn't understand anyone choosing to live on Empress Teta. It was hard to imagine a world outside the dilapidated tenements and impoverished streets she used to call home. Who would want to live there? But no, that wasn't right. The planet had billions of inhabitants. So many people, so many different lives. She just got the short end of the stick. Death stick, more like. She wondered what Master Noble's life was like there and how it differed from hers.

Mica nodded as the elder Jedi explained the clothing situation. She tried to picture herself in a jumpsuit and imagined Fyrin laughing at her. The young padawan forgot herself and giggled. "I definitely want one of those."

The Coruscant skyline came into view. The buildings were majestic in their stature and design; a pretty pastiche of culture and time. Mica could even see the sun, airspeeders, everything. She could count on one hand the amount of times she'd seen the open sky. Now she could look at it whenever she wanted.

Mica nodded as Master Noble talked and felt grateful for her steady, reassuring words, though it would take time for her to understand the full weight of them.

"To be honest... I'm not sure. I don't really know what a Jedi is or what's expected of me."

Mica stopped talking when she felt a small tug at her stomach, then a rumble of hunger that went on for waaaay too long. Her cheeks flushed as her blue eyes bashfully ascended Master Noble's tall figure.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

"Why?" Valery chuckled and shrugged her shoulders, "At the time, it was quite an upgrade for my husband and I. We just had our first baby and we didn't have a home beyond his ship."

When Mica giggled at the thought of wearing a jumpsuit, Valery smiled warmly, glad to see even a flicker of lightheartedness in the young Padawan. "Oh, you'd look great in one. We'll make sure you get something comfortable but practical for training. And who knows — maybe it'll grow on you," she teased.

As they paused by the window, Valery let her gaze drift over the skyline. It was a sight she'd seen countless times, yet it never lost its beauty. She noticed Mica's silent awe and felt a pang of sadness for the girl's past. It was clear she'd been denied so much.

Turning back to Mica, Valery addressed her earlier uncertainty. "Not knowing is okay, Mica," she said gently. "Being a Jedi is about growth, learning, and finding your place in the galaxy. At its core, it's about protecting life and helping others. We each bring our own strengths to that goal, and along the way, we discover who we are. You'll figure it out, step by step."

When Mica's stomach growled loudly, Valery's expression softened further, and she suppressed a chuckle to spare the Padawan any embarrassment. "Well, it seems like you already know what you need right now," she said with a playful smile. "Come on, let's head to the dining hall. We can talk more over a good meal. Trust me, the Temple chefs make sure nobody goes hungry here."

She gestured toward the hallways leading deeper into the Temple and added lightly, "Besides, you'll need your energy. Jedi training can be exhausting, but it's much easier on a full stomach." With that, she began to guide Mica toward the dining hall, her presence steady and reassuring as always.

Mica Raha ​

 

[Mica Raha]

"But why Empress Teta of all places? Why not here, for instance?"

If Mica had even a smidge of galactic geographic knowledge, she could have suggested more idyllic or quiet places for habitation. Besides Empress Teta and now Coruscant, the only other planet she was aware of was Cathar. But Fyrin had told her of its treacherous landscape. There were monstrous beetles — carnivorous, and some even the size of towering buildings! Mica didn't know if she should believe him, or if they were just scary bedtime stories. Either way, it was hard to imagine Valery Noble , husband and child in tow, living there.

Mica giggled again at Master Noble's teasing. Since leaving Empress Teta, the young girl had barely cracked a smile. Now the elder Jedi had her laughing and acting silly.

Master Noble spoke so gently, reassuringly, and confidently, Mica didn't have room in her heart to doubt what she was saying. One step at a time, she'd figure things out. This was the first step. The second? well, thanks to Valery, Mica was confident she could be guided there. A deeper feeling within her confirmed this. She wondered what that was about.

"What kind of training?" Tantalized, an eyebrow piqued.

As the pair approached the dining hall, savory smells wafted in their direction. Mica's stomach rumbled and growled so fiercely she thought it might burst from her stomach. The array of food available was dizzying; Endorian chicken, bantha beef tenderloins, Chandrilan salad, red fruit burrata, seared Kashyyyk whitefish, and more. It was cafeteria-grade, of course, nothing a noble would even want a sniff of, but for a streetrat like Mica it was marvelous. She hadn't even heard of most of these dishes.

"I can just take anything I want?" she stared in disbelief.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery smiled at Mica's question, her expression thoughtful as she recalled that time in her life. "Empress Teta felt right for us," she began, her voice warm and reflective. "At the time, Coruscant had just been attacked, and as much as I love this planet, I didn't feel safe bringing my newborn here. Empress Teta was secure, beautiful, and offered us a chance to settle down as a family. It wasn't perfect, but it gave us what we needed then."

As they continued down the hallway, Valery glanced at Mica, noticing her curiosity about training. "Jedi training," she explained with a small smile, "Is a lot of things. It's about discipline, pushing your limits, and honing your connection to the Force. You'll learn how to fight, of course, but you'll also learn to heal, to think critically, and to use your abilities to help others. You'll even learn a lot about the Galaxy. It's not always easy, but it's rewarding. Every challenge you overcome shapes you into the Jedi you're meant to be."

The savory aroma of the dining hall grew stronger as they approached, and Valery chuckled softly at Mica's wide-eyed reaction to the spread of food. "Yes, anything you want," she said warmly. "And as much as you like. The chefs here make sure there's plenty for everyone, so don't be shy."

She gestured toward the serving counters, encouraging Mica to take her time choosing. Once the young girl had her tray filled, Valery guided her to a nearby table. It was set off to the side, offering a little more quiet and privacy amid the bustling hall.

Taking a seat, Valery folded her hands in front of her, her amber eyes shining with quiet encouragement as she watched Mica. "Enjoy," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "You'll need the energy for all the steps ahead. But for now? Let's just take it one bite at a time."

Mica Raha ​

 

[Mica Raha]

Mica practically bolted. Her stomach growled in protest, evidently upset she wasn't moving faster.

White-knuckles gripped a tray as she began grabbing food. Mica avoided the bantha beef tenderloins. Red meat upset her stomach. The less said about that, the better. So, bantha beef aside, she took one serving of every other dish. Except the dessert, blue bantha milk fruit whip, she took two of those.

As the pair settled into a quiet space in the dining hall, Mica offered anything on her tray to Master Noble, even though she could have grabbed anything she wanted herself if she wanted anything. Then, the padawan chowed down something fierce. It was less one bite at a time and more like the vacuum suction of a teenage-girl sized cleaning droid, replete with spontaneous chirps (of pleasurable sustenance).

Following up on their conversation, Mica asked, "Coruscant was attacked?" Unfathomable. Right? Look at this place! Then again, her even being here was unfathomable until just recently. "Well, I'm glad you were okay."

"You said something about the Force? What's that?" She knew, deep down, whatever the Force was, it was at the heart of all this. Fyrin had told her more fantastical stories, about people manipulating things with their mind. It seemed ridiculous, even more so than the Cathar beetles. But still, sometimes weird things happened around her and she didn't know why. Being in this place, talking about these things, it was gnawing at her in a way she never felt before.

"So, what's next?" Mica said as she wiped her mouth with her sleeve, feeling stuffed but rejuvenated. She smiled from ear to ear.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery chuckled softly as she watched Mica devour her meal with an enthusiasm that was both endearing and impressive. She declined the young girl's offer to share, smiling warmly as she gestured for Mica to enjoy everything she'd picked. It was a small but meaningful moment — seeing someone who had likely known hunger now able to eat to her heart's content.

When Mica finally slowed down and began asking questions, Valery leaned forward slightly, resting her forearms on the table. Her expression turned thoughtful as she prepared to answer.

"Yes, Coruscant was attacked," Valery began, her tone calm but carrying the weight of the memory. "It was a difficult time for many of us. The galaxy can be... unpredictable and dangerous, even in places that seem so full of life and hope. But the Jedi work hard to keep as many people safe as possible, and we're always prepared to face those challenges." She offered a small, reassuring smile. "And I'm glad we were okay, too."

At Mica's next question, Valery's amber eyes brightened slightly, a spark of passion clear in her expression. "The Force is… well, it's everything," she said, her voice taking on a quieter, almost reverent tone. "It's the energy that binds all life together. It flows through every living being, connects us to each other, and to the galaxy itself. Some people can feel it more strongly, and those who can learn to harness it — to move objects, sense danger, even heal wounds. That's what makes a Jedi."

She paused, giving Mica a moment to process before leaning back with a thoughtful smile. "As for what's next… well, first, you'll need some time to settle in, get to know the Temple, and learn the basics of what it means to be a Jedi. You'll meet others your age, start some basic training, and work on strengthening your connection to the Force. It'll be a lot to take in, but you don't have to do it alone. I'll be here to help guide you every step of the way."

Valery's gaze softened, and her voice turned gentle yet encouraging. "This is just the beginning, Mica. There's a lot to learn, but there's also a lot to discover about yourself. One step at a time, like we talked about earlier. You're stronger than you think, and you've already taken the hardest step by coming here."

Mica Raha ​

 

[Mica Raha]

Mica leaned forward and placed her elbows on the table. It was an unconscious mirroring of Master Noble's movement—a sign of respect.

"Who would attack Coruscant?!" she asked, half indignantly, half ignorantly. She didn't know all of the big players on the stage of galactic politics. The Galactic Alliance, of course. And the ones who attacked Empress Teta—the Dark Empire. But that was it. "Did the Dark Empire attack Coruscant, too?"

Mica smiled back at Master Noble's reassuring smile, but underneath she felt uncomfortable. Coruscant had been attacked and Valery had been fearful enough she avoided the planet. Then Empress Teta had been attacked. Could the Jedi really protect people?

Master Noble's respect and reverence for the Force was obvious in the way she spoke of it. But for Mica, it was hard to make heads or tails of something so intangible. Or at least it was intangible for her since she'd never learned how to harness it. "Wait.. so you can move objects with your mind? So Fyrin wasn't lying! I'd heard stories, but it sounds so hard to believe. Sensing danger, though... that feels familiar somehow."

Mica looked down at her hands, fidgeting with them while she took in her next steps and the struggles she would face. She looked thoughtfully into Master Noble's amber eyes. "It sounds like you speak a lot from experience, Master."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery watched Mica with quiet amusement as the girl mirrored her posture, a small sign that she was settling into their conversation. But the indignation in Mica's voice drew a soft chuckle from the Jedi Master, her expression turning more serious as she prepared to explain.

"Yes, the Dark Empire was behind the attack on Coruscant," Valery said, her tone steady but somber. "They are dangerous and relentless, and their actions hurt many people. But every time they strike, the Jedi and the Galactic Alliance stand together to push back and protect what we can." She leaned forward slightly, her gaze earnest. "We can't stop every attack, but we fight to give people hope and a chance to rebuild stronger."

At Mica's mention of moving objects, Valery's lips curved into a warm smile, her head tilting slightly as she nodded. "That's right. Jedi can move objects with the Force, among many other things. It can seem hard to believe at first, but once you start to feel it for yourself, it becomes as natural as breathing." She chuckled softly. "And your friend Fyrin wasn't lying — we'll have to teach you those tricks in time."

Her smile softened as Mica mentioned sensing danger. "That's something many Jedi develop early. Sometimes we call it a danger sense, but it's really the Force guiding you, helping you to protect yourself and others. If you've felt that before, it means you're already connected to the Force in a special way."

When Mica finally looked into her eyes and commented on her speaking from experience, Valery's expression shifted. Her gaze turned thoughtful, and her voice carried a quiet strength. "I do speak from experience. Being a Jedi isn't easy, and the galaxy can be harsh. But every challenge I've faced, every struggle I've endured, has taught me something important. About myself, about others, and about the kind of difference I want to make."

She reached out, resting a reassuring hand on the table between them. "You're starting that journey now. It will have its difficulties, but it will also have moments of joy and triumph you can't imagine yet."

Mica Raha ​

 

[Mica Raha]

Mica's tiny hand balled into a fist. "I hate them," she said with an anger she didn't know she possessed. "I hate them. I want to crush them. All of them. I want... justice." This was starting to become too familiar. Her emotions churned inside her, constantly changing faster than she could keep up. It was as if Fyrin had kept her grounded and now she had nothing to tether to. Like she was just exposed to the whims of the wind.

"I'll get stronger, then," Mica said coolly after Master Noble explained the Force. "I'll get stronger and stop the Dark Empire."

"What kind of difference do you want to make?" Mica asked. Not protecting Empress Teta, apparently. The thought flashed in her mind briefly. But that obviously wasn't fair, so Mica didn't repeat it. She felt ashamed for even thinking it.

Mica felt herself reaching out to Master Noble's hand. The elder Jedi's reassurance was appreciated, again. But joy and triumph? That sounded like a fantastical story Fyrin would tell. She wasn't convinced. "What happens if I can't do it? Be a Jedi, I mean?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's amber eyes softened as Mica's fist clenched and her anger spilled out. The intensity of the girl's emotions was palpable, and Valery let the moment hang in silence, giving Mica the space to express herself without judgment. When the girl declared her resolve to grow stronger, Valery leaned forward slightly, her tone gentle but firm.

"It's good to want justice, Mica," Valery began, her voice calm and steady. "But justice isn't about hate or crushing others. It's about protecting the innocent, standing up for what's right, and making the galaxy a safer place for those who can't fight for themselves. Hate and anger can feel powerful, but they only cloud your judgment and lead to choices that hurt yourself and others."

She paused for a moment, letting her words settle before addressing Mica's next question.

"The difference I want to make?" Valery smiled faintly, her expression turning thoughtful. "I want to leave the galaxy better than I found it. Not just by fighting the Dark Empire or other threats, but by helping people like you — people with the potential to make the galaxy brighter. I want to guide, teach, and inspire hope, so even when I'm gone, the light continues to shine."

When Mica's small hand reached toward hers, Valery gently closed the distance, resting her warm palm over the girl's tiny fingers. Her gaze softened even further as she addressed Mica's quiet, vulnerable question.

"What happens if you can't do it?" Valery echoed, her tone laced with understanding. "Being a Jedi doesn't mean being perfect. It doesn't mean never failing or always having the answers. It means doing your best to learn, to grow, and to keep going, even when things feel hard. If you stumble, I'll be here to help you back up. If you doubt yourself, I'll remind you of the strength I see in you."

As far as Valery was concerned, there would be no failing.

"Though always remember, it's a choice to be a Jedi. If you end up feeling like this path isn't for you, there's always a different way to help people."

Mica Raha ​

 

[Mica Raha]

Mica frowned, furrowing her brows. She knew deep down that Master Noble was right. Her voice was kind even if firm, but she couldn't shake how she felt talked down to. She knew that wasn't the intention, but it didn't matter in the moment. Stubborn was stubborn.

"But sometimes you have to crush to protect others, right?" she asked. She suddenly felt kinda silly. What the hell did she know about this stuff? As for hurting herself and others, well, she wasn't sure she could feel anymore hurt. She already lost the one thing she cared about. So what did it matter?

"That sounds... noble," Mica replied. Master Noble was so calm and genuine, her expressions thoughtful. It was oddly intense in a way Mica hadn't experienced. It was like staring into the sun or something. "I've never had to think about these things before. It feels like a lot."

Mica stared at Master Noble's hand. Her own was pale and soft, though her nails and cuticles looked worn down and bitten. In contrast, Master Noble's hand was more... experienced—harder and rougher.

"I guess I'll try my best," Mica said, trying to resist how Master Noble's kindness, warmth, and reassurance influenced her. It was hard to do, but she persisted. "And what happens if I don't wanna help people? What if I just wanna be... normal?"

Valery Noble