Private Playing with Fire

[Anneliese Kaohal]

​

Items: Lightsaber I Engagement Ring I Outfit X X II Equipment X X X I Theme Song I Bloodline Tattoo

Valery Noble
​

Anneliese stood before her Master, her vibrant green eyes wide with excitement, reflecting the sun's rays that bathed the training ground. Her fiery hair, as wild and untamed as her spirit, danced in the light breeze. She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling as she absorbed every word Valery spoke, the weight of her Master's lessons settling into her heart.

"Yes, Master," Anneliese replied, her voice a mixture of eagerness and solemnity. "I understand the responsibility that comes with this power."

Her mind raced with the possibilities that pyrokinesis could offer, but she remained grounded by the wisdom imparted by her Master. Anneliese's fingers twitched slightly, her innate connection to the Force sensing the latent energy around them. She knew that control was paramount; the line between creation and destruction was delicate, and she was determined to master it.

She glanced at the empty space Valery had gestured toward, imagining the fire that could be both a gentle warmth and a raging inferno. Anneliese's freckles seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, her resolve shining through her skin. She understood the potential for harm, but her heart was set on using this ability for protection, for light in the darkness.

"I promise to use this skill wisely," she continued, her tone resolute. "I will never forget the importance of compassion and precision. Fire will be a tool for good in my hands."

Anneliese's thoughts briefly wandered to the countless days spent training, the hours of dedication to honing her physical and mental prowess. Her slender, athletic build was a testament to her hard work, and she knew that mastering pyrokinesis would be no different. It would require the same diligence and perseverance that had driven her throughout her life.

Her mind settled, Anneliese focused on the warmth of Valery's hand on her shoulder. It was a gesture of trust and support, a bond between Master and Padawan that gave her strength. She felt a surge of gratitude and determination, ready to channel her energy into this new challenge.

With a calm breath, she extended her hand, sensing the molecules in the air, the latent heat waiting to be guided. Her eyes met Valery's once more, filled with unwavering confidence and a hint of playful mischief. "So.... can we start?" she asked, her tone hinting at the young woman's eagerness.

The lesson ahead was one of balance and control, of understanding the dual nature of fire. Anneliese was ready to embrace it, knowing that with Valery's guidance, she could transform this powerful force into a beacon of hope and protection. The journey of mastering pyrokinesis had begun, and Anneliese was determined to walk this path with strength and integrity.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery watched Anneliese carefully, the fire-haired Padawan's enthusiasm tempered by a genuine understanding of the responsibility that came with this power. That was what mattered most — not just raw talent or excitement, but the willingness to approach it with wisdom and restraint. A small smile curled at the corner of her lips, a mixture of pride and amusement.

"I'm glad you understand," Valery said, her voice warm. "That's the most important part of learning a skill like this. Power without control is dangerous, and fire... well, it doesn't take much for it to spiral out of control." Her smile widened slightly as she took a step back. "But I think you're ready to start."

She motioned for Anneliese to follow her, leading her across the training ground to a set of targets placed at varying distances. They were made of heat-resistant material, designed to withstand fire without immediately turning to ash. Some were standard practice dummies, while others were shaped into more dynamic targets — things that could help the Padawan refine her focus.

"While pyrokinesis should almost never be used against a person," Valery explained, stopping in front of the targets, "It's safer to practice it by directing the fire at something external rather than trying to shield yourself from it. Fire is unpredictable, and if you lose control while trying to defend yourself, the consequences could be... painful." She shot Anneliese a knowing look before folding her arms. "So for now, we'll focus on projection."

She extended a hand toward one of the targets, her fiery gaze sharpening. "Pyrokinesis isn't about simply creating fire from nothing — it's about manipulating the energy that already exists. You do this by exciting and agitating the molecules around a target, causing them to vibrate faster and faster until ignition occurs. It's a delicate balance — push too hard, and it can explode out of control. Too little, and nothing will happen."

Valery turned her palm slightly, her focus narrowing. The air around the target shimmered, faint heat waves bending the light before — whoosh — a flicker of flame erupted along the surface. It wasn't a violent burst but a controlled, steady blaze, wrapping around the target without consuming it entirely. Valery held it there for a moment, then closed her fist, extinguishing the flame in an instant.

She exhaled softly, then turned back to Anneliese with a smirk. "Now, let's see what you can do." She gestured toward the targets, her expression both expectant and patient. "Start by focusing on the air around them. Feel the energy that's already there. Don't force it — just guide it."

There was a challenge in her gaze, but also a deep trust. Anneliese was ready, and Valery was eager to see her rise to the occasion.

Anneliese Kaohal ​

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber I Engagement Ring I Outfit X X II Equipment X X X I Theme Song I Bloodline Tattoo

Valery Noble

​

Anneliese stared at the targets as she stood squarely before them, the wind catching her hair and setting it aglow like wisps of flame. Valery's words echoed in her mind—a stern reminder of the danger inherent in wielding fire. A shiver raced up her spine as she recalled the horror of having fire used as a means of defense; it was a power reserved only for the direst circumstances, its mental toll too heavy a burden to bear lightly.

Raising her hand, she drew in a deep, steady breath and felt the Force swirl around her. That breath was far more than mere oxygen—it was the very wind that could fan a dying ember into a brilliant blaze, a signal for her inner flame to awaken. As she exhaled, Anneliese envisioned the air carrying her intent, its rhythm echoing like a heartbeat that soothed even as it ignited. Slowly, with her palms held gently apart, a brilliant spark materialized between them—a tiny, trembling orb of fire that mirrored the fierce passion she had nurtured within. Each flicker, each gentle surge of heat was nurtured by the cadence of her breath, every exhale feeding the flame like tender kindling. In that moment, it seemed as if her soul poured into the flame, embodying the raw, untamed spirit that defined her.

Every pulse of that nascent fire testified to the countless hours of grueling training, both in solitude and in the company of her mentors. It was the culmination of sheer effort and unwavering will.

Her eyes, glinting fiercely like a precious stone in the high sun, met Valery's gaze just as a contagious smile broke across her face. An infectious giggle rang out into the open as she exclaimed, "Master—I—I did it! I did it!"

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery watched in silence, her arms loosely folded across her chest, as Anneliese began. She felt the young woman's focus, the way she drew in the Force and centered herself with each breath. And when the first spark flared to life between Anneliese's palms, a proud, radiant smile blossomed across Valery's face. The giggle that followed — pure, vibrant, alive — made Valery's heart swell with warmth. She took a slow step forward, the firelight dancing across her features, and crouched slightly to bring herself level with Anneliese's hands.

"You did it," she said warmly, her voice soft but charged with pride. "And you did it exactly the way it should be done — steady, measured, with your heart guiding you." She let the moment linger, giving Anneliese time to truly feel her accomplishment.

"Now," Valery continued, her tone still gentle but threaded with encouragement, "Hold onto that feeling. Stay connected to it — not by gripping tighter, but by breathing with it. The fire responds to you because you aren't trying to dominate it. You're moving with it."

Valery smiled even wider, a gleam of excitement in her fiery eyes.

"Let's see if you can guide it now. Choose a target, and — just like with the spark — nudge the flame toward it. No rushing. Trust yourself."

Her presence remained close — a steady, supportive anchor, ready to catch if needed, but giving Anneliese the space to shine.

"You've got this."

Anneliese Kaohal ​

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber I Engagement Ring I Outfit X X II Equipment X X X I Theme Song I Bloodline Tattoo

Valery Noble

​

Anneliese's heart swelled with gratitude as she listened to Valery's heartfelt praise. Every word of encouragement from her had from the begining been a guiding light, a rally that led her to this very moment. Now, standing before the targets with the wind catching her fiery locks of hair, she felt that deep-seated warmth mixing with the intensity of her own inner flame.

With deliberate intent, she drew a deep, steady breath. In her mind, every lesson, every moment spent under Valery coalesced into an inner strength that nurtured the tiny, trembling spark between her palms. Without forcing it, she fed it with measured exhalations; each release of breath was a quiet hymn of gratitude and resolve, echoing the justice that roared softly within her soul.

Stepping away from Valery by a few cautious paces, Anneliese fixed her gaze on the array of targets ahead. Her breathing still a steady, almost melodic cadence—a ritual that allowed the small orb of fire to grow in intensity, its light reflecting the righteous passion that defined her. The gentle swell of the flame was an outward manifestation of her inner truth, a beacon of the fire that had been kindled by Valery's faith. Every drop of sweat that gathered on her brow was both a testament to the struggle of control and a promise of her commitment to mastering its power.

Then, as she consciously began to guide the growing flame toward a chosen target, something unforeseen shattered the serene focus. Instead of the controlled projection she had labored to perfect, a sudden surge of energy erupted—a violent Force Combustion that overwhelmed her delicate balance. In an explosive burst of light and heat, the empowered flame roared out of its confinement, hurling her backwards with a force she had not anticipated. The world, for a brief moment, dissolved into a chaotic interplay of searing brilliance and cascading sparks.

Lying in the soft embrace of the earth, her body still smoldering from the unforeseen force, Anneliese's eyes flashed first with surprise—but that fleeting wonder quickly shifted into a storm of frustration. The unexpected explosion of energy, though painful and disorienting, kindled within her a fierce, unyielding resolve. Tiny cuts and singed burns marred her skin, each a subtle reminder of the price of her audacity, yet they only seemed to fuel the fire within her spirit.

With a determined grit, she pushed herself upward, her hands brushing away the dust as she rose from the ground. Every movement in was an opportunity, whether in victory, or failure -- a testament, a refusal to surrender; this was such a moment in her eyes. Anneliese's eyes blazed with resolute determination as they met with Valery. In that fierce look, there was both the sting of disappointment and the promise of relentless defiance—a silent vow that no setback would extinguish the righteous flame burning within her.

​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

The thunder of the explosion had faded, but the scent of scorched earth still hung thick in the air. Embers glowed where the fire had struck, their heat pulsing faintly through the space — and yet, none of it had spread. Not a single tree had caught. Not a single target had ignited. The destruction had been held tightly, impossibly so, as if the air itself had formed a wall to contain it.

And standing at the center of that stillness, untouched by the chaos, was Valery.

She hadn't moved far from where Anneliese had stepped away, but now her hand was still half-raised, fingers open — the subtle shimmer of the Force slowly dissipating around her. She had shielded everything the moment the balance broke, and her eyes, glowing softly with firelight and focus, were now locked on her Padawan.

Not with disappointment.

Not with concern.

But with something fiercer — steadier.

When Anneliese looked up, winded and battered, her fire-touched hair disheveled and smoke curling from the edges of her clothes, Valery took a step forward. Then another. She crouched, close enough to meet her eyes, and for a long second, she said nothing. Just let the moment hang between them like a drawn breath.

Then, firmly. Simply.

"Again."

Her voice didn't bite. It didn't scold. It challenged.

Valery extended her hand, an offer not just to rise — but to rise stronger. Her expression was calm, but behind it burned the same unyielding fire she saw now in Anneliese's eyes.

"You fell because you lost control," she continued, her voice low, but steady. "But you didn't run. You didn't break. That matters more than getting it right the first time." A small smile, laced with pride, tugged at the corner of her lips.

"Now, do it again."

Anneliese Kaohal ​

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber I Engagement Ring I Outfit X X II Equipment X X X I Theme Song I Bloodline Tattoo

Valery Noble

​

Frustration tugged at the edges of her resolve, but Anneliese didn't allow it to take root. She wasn't about to give up. She couldn't. Failure wasn't an option, not when she had come this far. She wouldn't let this setback define her. She would rise again.

Her breathing was heavy, each breath a sharp reminder of the explosion's force, a lingering ache in her chest. The impact had knocked the air from her lungs, and it hurt — she could feel it, deep in her ribs, every inhalation pulling at her wearied body. But even in that pain, there was strength. And she would hold onto it.

Valery moved, and for a moment, Anneliese's fiery gaze met hers — steady, unwavering, like a flame that refused to be snuffed out. Val's presence wasn't a rebuke. It was a challenge, pure and simple. And it ignited something in her, something more than frustration. Something deeper.

"Again."

The word was quiet but firm, an invitation to rise. No, not just rise — to stand taller. To control. To conquer.

Anneliese straightened, letting the heat of her body settle. She wasn't going to flinch. She wasn't going to let her frustration control her. She would control it.

She brushed the ash and dust from her clothes, her breath steadying as she took a few steps away from where she stood. The weight of Valery's gaze remained on her, but Anneliese welcomed it. She knew what it meant — it wasn't about failure. It was about progress. And progress required struggle.

Her feet found firm purchase in the soil, grounding her, connecting her to something solid. She closed her eyes and let her mind focus, the rhythm of her breath soft and controlled.

In and out. In and out. The light within her, pure and undisturbed, was always there — she just had to reach for it. With each breath, it grew, stronger, more resolute. The fire within her was not an uncontrolled force; it was a part of her, a natural extension of who she was. She would not let it rage — not yet. It was time for discipline, for patience.

A spark, small but fierce, leapt between her palms. It was the crack of lightning, the promise of what was to come. She held it there, contained, coaxing the heat to respond to her will. Her hands pulsed with warmth, but there was no frenzy. No fear. Just the fire.

She opened her eyes. There was no hesitation now.

The ball of flame she launched toward the target dummies was perfect — not too much, not too little. The fire moved with purpose, controlled but wild in its beauty. She watched it ignite, consumed by the flames, and for a moment, she simply stood there, breathing deeply.

Her hands steamed, a quiet testament to the effort it had taken to reach this point. And then, a small, satisfied smile tugged at her lips. She had done it. She had controlled it. She had brought it under her command.

​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery watched in silence as the fire formed — not like before, not as an outburst or loss of control, but as something deliberate. Measured. Alive — The flame obeyed. And as it arced toward the dummies and engulfed them in clean, purposeful heat, Valery didn't move. She let the moment breathe, her expression unreadable but her presence unwavering. When the smoke cleared and Anneliese stood there — quiet, steady, smiling — Valery finally stepped forward.

"That," she said, her voice low, "Was fire worthy of a Jedi." She came to stand beside her Padawan, eyes briefly scanning the scorched remains of the target before turning her full focus back to the young woman.

"You did well. You controlled and understood it. That's what this is really about. Not domination. Not suppression. Harmony." A hand touched Anneliese's shoulder — a rare gesture, but an honest one. "You're not the same girl who walked into this field. You stood back up, faced the thing that knocked you down, and guided it without losing yourself. That's the lesson."

She let the praise settle for just a moment, then her brow lifted ever so slightly.

"Now," she added, that faint spark of challenge returning to her eyes, "How many more times do you think you can do that before your arms give out?" The smile that tugged at her lips was unmistakable now — warm, teasing, but proud.

Anneliese Kaohal ​

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber I Engagement Ring I Outfit X X II Equipment X X X I Theme Song I Bloodline Tattoo | Sigil Bead Necklace ( Gift )


Tags: Valery Noble​

Hours of training had brought Anneliese to this moment. The campaigns, the missions, and the battles where she had fought alongside soldiers and Jedi alike—none of that had been easy. Her hands, calloused and worn from repetitive drills and endurance training, were a constant reminder of the price she'd paid to stand here now. But the challenges had forged her into something more than just a Padawan. She was the living testament to the legacy of the New Jedi Order's Grandmaster, a legacy she was determined to carry on. She would live up to that legacy, and in her heart, she knew she was no longer the same girl who had stepped foot into these fields years ago.

Taking a deep breath, Anneliese once again took a strong, square stand in the dirt and gravel beneath her. The fire within her simmered, always ready to burn. She exhaled slowly, centering herself, and imagined the flame once more—red-hot, unyielding, alive. The Force was her guide, and as she extended her hands forward, she felt it—the energy, the strength, the power.

Unlike before, this wasn't an explosion of raw emotion, a flaring of uncontrolled force. No, this time, the fire was calm, deliberate, and focused. Her hands guided the flames with practiced ease, each arc of fire purposeful, clean, and deadly. She was in command now, not of the fire, but of herself.

A smile tugged at her lips, her canines flashing briefly as sparks danced from her fingertips. She stepped forward, sending the fire toward another target. The ball of flame engulfed it with a hiss, but this time, she didn't stop there. Her voice rang out—a battle cry of exhilaration—as she launched a barrage of fireballs, each one slamming into a practice dummy with brutal force.

Pivoting fluidly, she shifted direction, her movements quick and precise. Another volley of flame followed, this time striking two dummies simultaneously, the heat of the flames singing the air around her.

Time, though, had begun to lose its meaning. How long had she been at it? Mere seconds? Minutes? The fire was the only thing that mattered now, and she didn't think to check the world around her. The smoke and ash billowed into the air, growing thicker with each passing second. Those training in the neighboring fields had begun to notice. Their eyes flicked over in concern, their brows furrowed, but it quickly passed. They knew who stood nearby—Valery, the Master, ever-present, ever-watchful.

Anneliese barely noticed. She had lost herself in the rhythm of the flames, in the battle against her own limitations. Her body screamed in protest as her arms grew heavier, the strain of the power she wielded beginning to take its toll. But still, she pushed forward, throwing one final volley. Another cry left her lips as the fire erupted, crashing against the dummies in a glorious explosion of heat and force.

Finally, her body reached its breaking point. The fire ceased, leaving behind nothing but the charred remnants of the targets. Anneliese stood there, panting, sweat streaking down her face. Her hands were raw from the flames, her breath ragged, but she didn't drop to her knees. She was still standing.

She turned toward Valery, her eyes tired but unyielding. The silence between them was heavy, filled with the scent of smoke and ash, but she said nothing. Her gaze was all she needed to say—had she exceeded her expectations? Or had she failed? Anneliese stood, waiting, the world around her dim and blurred by the haze of her exertion.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery didn't interrupt. She stood at the edge of the training field, arms folded, her expression unreadable — but her presence in the Force radiated calm. While Anneliese unleashed the full rhythm of her flame, Valery watched with unwavering focus. Not to judge. Not to critique, but to witness. Because this wasn't just training anymore.

This was transformation.

When the final burst of fire crashed into the blackened dummies and the smoke swelled high, Valery raised a hand. The Force pulsed around her fingers, sweeping outward in a smooth, circular motion. The remaining embers sizzled and dimmed, and smoke pulled away.

Then silence.

Valery stepped forward slowly, boots crunching against scorched gravel, until she came to stand just in front of her Padawan. The girl was exhausted — sweat-soaked, trembling, raw in a way no form or kata could disguise. But she was still standing.

"I'm proud of you," Valery said, her words steady and simple — and, for once, entirely without challenge or lesson. Then, with the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of her lips:

"You've done really well, and you continue to impress me, Annie." She smiled, warmly, and placed a hand atop her shoulder, "I think this lesson is over. Why don't we get some rest and maybe I can cook us a good meal?"

Anneliese Kaohal ​

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber I Engagement Ring I Outfit X X II Equipment X X X I Theme Song I Bloodline Tattoo | Sigil Bead Necklace ( Gift )

Tags: Valery Noble​

Anneliese didn't answer right away.

Her chest rose and fell, still struggling to keep pace with the aftermath of what she'd conjured. Ash clung to her arms, her tunic, her hair—like the remnants of something ancient and buried finally unearthed. Her limbs ached, her fingertips burned, but none of it compared to the heaviness that clutched her ribs: not pain, not pride—something between.

When Valery's hand settled on her shoulder, her breath hitched just slightly. A flicker of something unspoken passed through her.

She turned her head—just a little—and finally let her eyes meet her Master's. That smirk, that warmth, that grounding strength. Anneliese's lips parted like she might speak, but no sound came. Instead, she gave a small, tired nod until finally she spoke.

"…Yeah, I continue to impress me too." she breathed, a hint of teasing in her voice, the corner of her lips curling upwards, the tone hoarse from fatigue. "Food...sustenance -- Yeah, I'd like that."

She lingered there a second longer, hunched forward with her hands braced against her knees. Her shoulders rose and fell with each strained breath, and sweat clung to her skin like a second layer. When she finally straightened, it was slow—every muscle protesting, a soft groan escaping as the exhaustion hit her all at once. The kind that settled into her bones and refused to leave.

Her arms dropped to her sides, heavy. Fingers flexed instinctively, still tingling from the fire she'd poured through them.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery watched Anneliese straighten with all the grace of someone who'd just gone a few rounds with the galaxy itself — and won. The sight brought a warmth to her expression, a quiet smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth as she stepped closer.

Without a word, she reached out and gently wrapped an arm around Anneliese's shoulders, steadying and guiding all at once. Not because the girl couldn't stand — but because she didn't have to do it alone.

"Yeah," Valery said with a soft chuckle, "That's what happens when you burn through your entire reserves of energy and confidence in one go." Her voice was teasing, light — but the pride behind it was unmistakable. She gave her Padawan's shoulder a small squeeze and started leading them off the field, boots crunching over scorched gravel now cooling under the early evening air.

"You've earned the break. So," she added, glancing sideways with a grin, "What will it be? You're calling the shots. I'll cook anything — well," she smirked, "Anything I won't burn."

Her brow lifted in challenge. "But no ration bars. This deserves real food."

Anneliese Kaohal ​

 

[Anneliese Kaohal]

Items: Lightsaber I Engagement Ring I Outfit X X II Equipment X X X I Theme Song I Bloodline Tattoo | Sigil Bead Necklace ( Gift )

Tags: Valery Noble​

Anneliese leaned into the embrace without hesitation, drawn by the quiet steadiness Valery always seemed to carry — a warmth like the sun after too long in the dark. She didn't say anything at first. Just breathed. Let herself be led.

Her body ached in places she hadn't even realized she'd used, muscles loose now that the fire inside her had finally dimmed. But with Val's arm draped around her, anchoring her steps, the weight didn't feel so heavy.

"You say that like I had any reserves to begin with," she murmured with a tired smirk, head tipping briefly toward her Master's shoulder. "Confidence was optional."

The mention of food pulled a soft sound from her — almost a laugh, almost a sigh.

"No ration bars?" she echoed, feigning shock. "Who are you and what've you done with Master Noble?"

She looked up at her then, green eyes a little brighter beneath the ash and sweat. "Alright. My call." A beat. "Something real. Something hot. Meat and… caramel and raspberries. I don't care how weird it sounds — I'm craving all of it, together. You promised no judgment."

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery chuckled, the sound low and genuine as they walked, "Hey," she said with mock offense, "I rarely eat ration bars. I make my husband cook for me instead — it's called delegation." Her smirk turned sly, but warm. She cast a sideways glance at Anneliese when the odd combination of cravings hit the air — meat, caramel, raspberries — and her brow arched. There was a heartbeat of silence.

"…That's either culinary brilliance," Valery said, "Or something the Healers are going to interrogate me over later." A dramatic sigh followed. "But I promised no judgment. So I'll find a way to make it work. Might need to bribe the ingredients into cooperating." They were nearing the Temple now, the evening breeze rolling through charred training grounds, already beginning to cool the scorched gravel.

"But," Valery added after a pause, her voice softening just a little as she looked ahead, "I've got a better idea."

She glanced over again, smile gentler now.

"How about we don't eat here?" she asked. "I was going to head home after our lesson anyway, and I know a kitchen with a lot more space… and a husband who's very good at making raspberry-glazed things not taste like mistakes."

Then, more softly still, "You're like family, Anneliese. The little ones would love to see you. And truthfully… so would I." Her arm gave another light squeeze as she added with a smirk, "Besides, if anyone can stomach meat with caramel and berries, it's Kahlil. He married me."

Anneliese Kaohal ​