Private Sword Guard

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Valery Noble ​

Following the tumultuous events on Coruscant, Matthew found himself with two crucial tasks entrusted to him by the venerable Zark San Tekka . The first was to watch over the young Padawans, ensuring their safety during social opportunities. The second was to serve as the guardian to the Sword of the New Jedi Order, Valery Noble.

Matthew strode through the halls of The Prosperity, a picture of serene strength in stark white garb adorned with intricate golden filigree patterns. His face was concealed by a masked helm, but his presence was unmistakable, marked by the long, thick cloak that draped over his wings, featuring unique slits allowing his prismatic appendages to extend gracefully through the dense fabric.

At a towering 7 feet tall, Matthew exuded an imposing aura, a formidable deterrent to any who might wish harm upon Valery Noble. His wings, glistening with a prismatic sheen, were a distinct identifier even as his face remained hidden. His mission today was clear: to safeguard Valery against potential attackers and bounty hunters as she attended to her duties.

The atmosphere aboard The Prosperity was one of tranquility and safety, a perfect setting for the day's endeavors. Matthew's presence alone was a warning to any adversaries. He moved with purpose, his eyes scanning the surroundings, ready to meet up with Valery Noble and commence his guardianship, ensuring that they both started the day on the right foot, within the safety of The Prosperity.

​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

"So... you were assigned as my guard?" Valery couldn't believe it. She had recognized Matthew the very second she saw him walking down the halls. His height and the wings were a dead giveaway, but so was his aura in the Force. They had worked together on a few extended assignments already, so recognizing him wasn't very difficult. Understanding it was another. He had offered to help the New Jedi Order when she first met him, but never had she thought he'd walk among their ranks like this.

Was he an official member now?

Valery raised her chin to be able to look him in the eyes and smiled, "I'll be honest, I wasn't very enthusiastic at the idea of having a guard with me. But at least it's not a masked stranger." She paused and looked him up and down, noting the entire set of armor he was wearing. A true Temple Guardian, which meant he had talked to Zark San Tekka .

Was that old man sending Jedi after her now?

"Are you uh... following me everywhere I go?"

Matthew of Valendale ​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Valery Noble ​

Matthew spotted her ahead and offered a cordial bow, drawing one gloved hand out to the right before curling his fingers into a fist and bringing it to rest over his heart. His opposing hand gently draped aside his cloak as he greeted her with the elegant bow. "You are correct, Master Valery Noble," he said in a clear, pleasant tone, though it was oddly terse, perhaps a touch overtly polite.

"I am but a humble servant of the light. You may address me as Temple Guard, Guard or Guardian. I serve at the behest of the Order and go where I am needed. It has been determined that my presence may best serve as escort and protection for the Sword of the New Jedi Order." He trailed lightly before adding,

" As brightly as she shines in the light of justice, so too does she cast a shadow, and what hidden blades lay in wait grow with every passing hour, seeking to be her undoing," he explained simply. "It is prudent to set forth precautionary measures, that may see to your safety."

He paused, his gaze meeting hers through the visor of his helm. "Our paths may have crossed before, but here, within these walls, my duty to the Order takes precedence above all else. It is my honor to ensure that you may continue to shine without fear of what lurks in the darkness. Know that my loyalty to the Order, and to your safety, is undying."

Matthew straightened, his wings catching the light, adding a soft glow around him. "If ever there is a moment you feel uncertain, Master Noble, I am here. The shadows may grow, but so too does our resolve. I stand vigilant against any threat that dares approach."

Despite the formality of his words, there was an unspoken tension in the air, perhaps even a subtle allure in his unyielding dedication. Matthew's eyes, hidden behind his helm, seemed to watch Valery with a depth that went beyond duty. Their shared history added a layer of complexity to their interaction, a subtle dance of professionalism and unacknowledged connection. The silent guardian and the Sword of the New Jedi Order, were now bound together by the strings of fate and duty.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

When Valery had learned that guards would be assigned to her, she wanted to protest. Before her time in stasis, her old Enclave had a Council Guard, rather than a Temple Guard. They'd follow around members of the Council on missions, whether they were actually dangerous or not. They'd shadow them across temple grounds and always be ready to protect them. It had its purpose, but it was frustrating at times.

It made it harder to find some time alone.

But now that she stood before her guard and listened to him, her expression softened. A gentle blush struck her cheeks when he spoke to her with that usual knightly charm. As her guard, they'd have to maintain a certain distance and remain professional, but she was quite happy that her guard would be someone who at least understood her. Someone she had a connection to.

"Alright, then. I'll have to admit, I wasn't enthusiastic about having a guard with me. But recent developments have been worrying, not just to me, but to my family." Vera had seen a troubling vision and Kahlil had been immensely worried as well. She couldn't allow that to continue. Not when she had options to minimize risk.

"Is there anything you need of me? If I can help make your job easier, please tell me."

Matthew of Valendale ​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Valery Noble ​

Matthew's voice carried a whisper of amusement, a subtle undercurrent that hinted at secrets yet to be shared.
"Yes, there is indeed something we need; Something you can do for me—a special word," he murmured, the idea seeming to amuse him further.

"A unique code word, something just between us. A word so rare and distinctive it's untouched, and un marred by everyday chatter, ensuring no chance of misunderstanding." His voice tapered into a soft echo, inviting the trailing semblance of intrigue with every syllable.

One could imagine that Matthew's smile was almost audible, a hidden grin laced with the thrill of intimacy, yet behind that mask who could tell?
"Imagine a word as our clandestine embrace, a single utterance that holds the weight of a thousand unspoken promises," he whispered, the sound of his voice painting the air with a touch of anticipation. "It would be our guardian of secrets, as soft as a whisper's caress upon the ear, yet as powerful as the heart of a storm... This word, our word, would stand as a light house in the dark, a signal so strong that it speaks volumes when words fail."

He leaned closer, his tone dropping to a conspiratorial hush whisper so that only she may hear his next few words. "When the world grows too loud and danger whispers close, utter it, and though you may only speak it softly, I will hear it as a clarion call. It will be our hidden language of protection— a signal that you are not safe, and I must come."

He allowed the weight of his words to linger, an echo of solemnity touching the air as he addressed the Sword of the New Jedi Order, his voice softened with a hint of amusement. "Though I serve to protect the sword that guides the order, I believe a sword itself could symbolize our pact. A name that's sharp and penetrating, just like the one who wields it. Perhaps... Excalibur might suit this purpose," he suggested, the name itself cutting through the silence.

"But let me ask—how might I be of service to you, Master Valery Noble? If there are ways in which I can facilitate your endeavors or lighten your burden, I invite you to share them with me. How can I assist in making your responsibilities not just manageable, but effortless?"

 

[Valery Noble]

​

A word?

Valery considered the idea and couldn't fault it. She wasn't ever going to allow a guard to follow her everywhere. Some missions required her to go alone, and she wanted her privacy as well. But there was always that chance that those private moments turned into situations where she'd need his help.

But how could a single word summon him?

"Your proposal is fine with me." Excalibur as their chosen safe word. "But how will you know when I say it?" Was it as simple as her having to carry a comms unit? Or was there an ability or some way to bond that'd let him know? She had a strong telepathic connection with some of her friends and with all of her family.

But few could hear her utter a word across the stars.

"As for what I need..." she paused and hummed in thought. "I need you to resist my stubbornness when it's necessary." Again, Valery blushed faintly, but this time it was a hint of embarrassment. She knew she was stubborn and not always easy, especially not towards a guard wanting to shadow her.

She needed a guard who could tell her no.

Matthew of Valendale ​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Valery Noble

​

Matthew inclined his head slightly, his voice measured and deliberate. "Excalibur, a name of power, shall be our sacred bond. You can call upon me through our connection with in the Force, and I will sense your desires. Your voice may also ring clear in a sharp call. We shall also employ a discreet com-link, ensuring your call reaches me wherever you are."

He paused, a hint of a smile playing on his lips evident in his tone behind that mask. "And lastly, there are other means at my disposal. But what fun would it be to reveal all my secrets? Were I to disclose every method within my repertoire, it would likely hinder my dominion over the ability to protect you fully."

His eyes, though hidden behind his helm, seemed to watch her intently. "To temper your resolve with caution and shield you from your own defiance is my sworn duty. You must afford me a luxury few can give implicitly. Trust. Trust in my vigilance, for your safety eclipses all else. Your burdens, though many, shall not be borne alone."

He leaned in slightly, a subtle playfulness in his tone. "Rest assured; I am well-versed in using both pleasant incentives, platitudes and discipline to guide even the most... spirited of charges. Escort missives are not foreign to me, and I assure you, applying pressure where necessary is my expertise. In my experience, desirable results are more easily conceived from honeyed words over leather straps... Perhaps you may be so kind as to enlighten me as to what you respond best to? "

 

[Valery Noble]

​

"Alright, keep your secrets," Valery said rather playfully, a smirk spread across her lips. "But I appreciate the approach." He had clearly prepared for this conversation. Either that, or he was a natural at this. A guard who made sure to be thorough, which in turn made it far easier to trust him. Each mission he joined her would revolve around that, after all — trust. She'd have to be willing to put her life in his hands, but also trust him to take care of himself.

She was far too willing to jump in after those who wanted to protect her.

When Matthew leaned in and continued, Valery blinked and felt some heat rising in her chest. It passed into her cheeks, neck and ears, producing a rosy color.

Mind out of the gutter, Val.

"Well, uh," she blinked and rubbed the back of her neck, "I suppose the combination of the two. I'm not so stubborn that I can't be reasoned with. But I know from experience that I sometimes need a more sturdy approach." She was somewhat ashamed to admit it, but she needed him to know.

Matthew of Valendale ​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Valery Noble ​

"It's alright. " He stated simply. "I'm sure we'll find the right measure. If you're going to be stubborn, I suppose I'll just have to try and be extra charming to convince you. And I'll just have to be extra clever to even keep up with you," Matthew offered lightly.

"What proximity would you prefer today? Distant and observational, or... up close and personal? And what tasks do you have that need taking care of? I want to ensure we're both ready for whatever comes our way. Perhaps there's something particularly... challenging you could use an extra hand with?"He asked, his tone laced with perhaps just a touch of... mischief?

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Valery chuckled and raised a hand, fingers passing through her long hair while she looked at him, "A charming approach might work, and being clever never hurts." Especially in his case. Matthew already had his way with words - he was almost poetic in the way he spoke, and it drew her attention.

It was hard not to focus on him and listen.

His next words sent heat up her cheeks again, and she felt her heart beating a little faster. Not just over his choice of words, but his tone as well.

"I was planning to go for some training. So...up close and personal, I'd say." She smirked and loomed him over, dressed in his Temple Guard attire. "Perhaps you can help me train?"

Matthew of Valendale ​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Valery Noble ​

Matthew smiled gently. "Valery, your offer is tempting, but my main duty is to keep you safe. Training with you could compromise that."

He paused, looking at her warmly. "My job is to watch over you... So I will keep an eye on you whilst you preform such. "

 

[Valery Noble]

​

"It could also teach you more about how I fight, and how you can best help me." She smirked and flicked some hair over her shoulder. He made a good point, though, so she understood that he wasn't going to join her for training. Perhaps having him observe would also give him some more information.

And she had just the right idea for it.

"I'll do a quick routine, so I don't keep you standing around forever. Afterward, we could maybe meditate to center ourselves. That won't compromise anything, right?" She teased with a little grin.

Matthew of Valendale ​