Private Upon a Star

[Katherine Holt]

It had taken some time, but Katherine had finally been given permission to leave the Prosperity. Albeit, said permission came with a number of caveats. Two particular ones being that she couldn’t leave alone nor go to any places that were deemed dangerous or hazardous to her.

Wasn’t exactly like the Padawan could just get up and run from trouble.

But the physical therapy had been going well enough, to a point Katherine could at the very least get herself in and out her hoverchair. It took some effort and shaky legs, but it was doable now.

Upon receiving the news of her ‘release’, Katherine did not hesitate to pick a destination.

Niv Hani.

No other place was even considered in the redhead’s mind. It was home to the Noble household, one of the few places in the galaxy she could call home. The nature surrounding it was a big factor in the choice, a stark contrast to the metal and uniform feel of a ship, even one as large as the Prosperity. But it was those quiet times there, when Katherine was left to her own devices that were the worst.

She couldn’t shake the familiarity she felt between being on a ship, and on the space station that had been her prison for months. It had deprived her of sleep almost every night, and Katherine had hoped being away from it would help.

It hadn’t, at least not as much as she had hoped.

Night had long since cloaked the sky, and Katherine had decided to fall upon an old habit. Even confined to a hoverchair, the Padawan was able to find her way onto the rooftop of the Noble’s home. It had always provided a wonderful view of the night sky, and tonight was no exception.

Katherine just laid on the roof, eyes staring upon the stars above.

Valery Noble
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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

"The sky is clear tonight, huh?" Valery spoke softly, hoping she wouldn't startle the other woman, and shifted closer to lay down beside her. With the planet only recently populated, there was no air or light pollution that made it difficult to see the stars. So, on cloudless nights such as this, it felt as if the Nobles could look across the entire Galaxy.

And they often did.

"It's good to see you back home," Valery added, choosing to call the homestead just that. It was home to all the Nobles, but it was also home to their Padawans, and Katherine was particularly close to the family. The kids loved her, Valery loved her, and she knew just how fond Kahlil was of her.

He'd do anything to protect her.

"The kids made you some welcome home drawings. Have you seen them already?"

Katherine Holt ​

 

[Katherine Holt]

Katherine didn’t react to Valery making herself known. In part because she was too focused on the stars, but also because she figured someone would come. If there was one thing the redhead was bad at, it was hiding her emotions, especially so when troubled.

“It’s good to be back,” she replied quietly. Katherine had felt a sense of relief when she awoke in the bacta tank, within the safety of the Prosperity. But it was nothing compared to being back here again. The moment she was able to ‘set foot’ within the house, a number of tears had been shed.

A smile appeared as Valery mentioned the welcome home drawings. They were the first things Katherine had seen upon entering her room.

“I have yeah, took me by surprise.” Which was an understatement, the Padawan really hadn’t expected to be greeted by such a sight. One of the drawings in particular warmed her heart. Depicting a moment where Katherine had been reading them a story, with each of the triplets huddled beneath her wings.

A silence settled over the two, but it didn’t take long for the Padawan to speak up again.

“I remember when I first did this, it felt calm, serene and familiar. Back then I couldn’t quite place why I felt the latter. It wasn’t until after…after everything with Lorelei, of regaining those memories.” Katherine paused, feeling her mouth dry a little. “It’s because I remembered being a young child, going out into the backyard late at night to stare up at the stars. A single happy memory, despite what my parents would eventually do.”

Valery Noble​

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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

"I'm glad you did," Valery said with a warm smile, her eyes reflecting the gentle glow of the stars above. "They really love you."

Valery's gaze softened as she looked up at the vast expanse of the night sky, the constellations twinkling like distant memories. The serene stillness of the moment was a stark contrast to the turbulence that often defined their lives as Jedi. But here, under the stars, with Katherine by her side, there was a sense of peace, a fleeting but precious reprieve from the chaos.

She could feel the weight of Katherine's words, the memories she was revisiting, and the emotions that came with them. Valery knew all too well how the past could linger, casting long shadows even on the brightest of days. But she also knew that the stars above, so far removed from their world, could offer a kind of solace, a reminder that there was more to life than just pain and struggle.

"Katherine," Valery began softly, her voice carrying a mix of understanding and compassion, "The fact that you can find a moment of peace and familiarity in the stars, even after everything you've been through, speaks to your strength. You're carrying those memories with you, but you're also finding new ones — better ones. Like tonight, here with family."

She turned her head slightly, her fiery eyes meeting Katherine's, and offered a reassuring smile. "You're not alone anymore. Whatever you face, whatever memories resurface, we're here with you. Always."

Valery reached out and gently squeezed Katherine's hand, the warmth of the gesture contrasting with the cool night air. "So let's make more of those happy memories. Because you deserve them, just as much as anyone else."

Katherine Holt ​

 

[Katherine Holt]

"You're not alone anymore.

The redhead turned to look at Valery, looking at her with bloodshot eyes, bags all too evident beneath them. Her words sunk in, and Katherine squeezed her eyes closed, attempting to stem the tears that were threatening to spill.

Right towards the end, Katherine had been on a knife’s edge, dangerously close to losing her balance. Each torturous blade dug into some part of her psyche, where it was physical, emotional or mental. Trying to break the Padawan down however they could. She remembered the taunting, haunting her still during the quieter moments.

You’re alone.​

No one is coming to rescue you.​

They’ve abandoned you.​

“You were my strength, both of you were, everyone was.” Katherine felt her heart beating erratically, breathing suddenly drawing short. Until she felt Valery grab her hand, a pleasant warmth that helped calm the Padawan. “Not just because of what I learned; of strengthening my body and mind. But also because of the memories, they were my shield as they tried to break my mind.”

She could still feel the Shadow Hand’s attempts to get deep into her mind, somehow both elegant and brutal at once. “Some nights I still feel the…sensation of him trying to get into my head.” Katherine knew she hadn’t the strength to build proper walls, but a massive, confusing labyrinth had done the trick. Albeit, it had only served to piss the Sith Lord off.

Katherine opened her eyes, using an arm to wipe away the tears. She turned her head to look back up at the stars once more.

“But I’m worried…worried that I’m not going to fully recover from this.”

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery listened quietly, her heart aching for Katherine. She could feel the weight of the trauma that lingered, the fear that healing might never fully come. After a moment, she tightened her grip on Katherine's hand, offering comfort through the silence.

"You've been through so much, and nobody expects you to recover overnight. Healing takes time, but I believe in you," Valery said softly, her voice steady but filled with warmth. "What you experienced… it left scars, but those scars don't define you. Your strength does, and it's already clear how strong you are."

She paused, her fiery gaze turning to the stars above them, before continuing.

"I know it still haunts you — I understand what it's like to carry that darkness with you. But you're not alone, Katherine. We're all here to help, and with time, you'll build those walls stronger." Valery just knew that she would, even if there were doubts now. Katherine was one of the most resilient Padawans she had ever met, so nothing would bring her down for good.

"Mommy?"

Valery blinked and turned her head to see Aeryn standing on the roof, her plushy Vornskr in her hands. The young Noble — almost a carbon copy of her Mother but much younger — looked between the two and shifted closer, "I had a nightmare and I can't sleep," she said, her voice awfully timid for the otherwise chaotic Noble.

Then, she looked at Katherine.

"Is Katherine sad?" she asked curiously.

Valery's smile softened, as she beckoned her little girl closer, so she could lay down between her Mom and Katherine, "I think she might appreciate a hug, sweetie. She really loved the drawings you and your siblings made."

Katherine Holt ​

 

[Katherine Holt]

Valery’s words were that of warmth, comfort and confidence. And yet, Katherine couldn’t shake off the shroud of concern, worry that threatened to smother them. She knew, and had to constantly remind herself of the fact, that it was all still early days. The healers had given her a prognosis on her recovery, of how long the recuperation was likely to take.

But it was more than just the damage to her legs, the very real and physical toll it had taken.

It was also the damage to her nervous system, the trauma it had gone through when her wings had been severed. And not to forget the poisons her captors had used throughout her torture. Thank the Force she had learned Curato salva prior. But Katherine couldn’t shake the feeling that despite what the healers had said, they weren’t all completely gone.

Katherine went to speak, only to pause when she sensed a familiar presence. She hadn’t heard Aeryn make it onto the roof, but could sense her moments before the young Noble made herself known.

The redhead smiled slightly when Aeryn asked if she was sad. Katherine wasn’t sure if it was just because the child had picked up on the fact she had been crying. Or instead had sensed the emotion. It would be the child that looked the most like Valery, who’d acquire the same natural gift towards empathy.

Katherine smiled, giving the young girl a nod before Aeryn did her best to wrap her up in a hug. “Thank you Aeryn, and Vexy too of course.” She remembered her first time meeting the triplets, all of them were fascinated by her wings. But Aeryn? One of the first things she did was introduce the Padawan to her friend, Vexy the plushy Vornskr.

“You know, Aeryn. I recently made a new friend myself.” Quite literally so in this case. “Would you like to meet her?”

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery watched the interaction between Katherine and her daughter with a softened expression, her heart swelling with affection as Aeryn hugged the redheaded Padawan. The innocence of a child's embrace, untainted by the darkness that loomed over them, felt like a glimmer of light in the midst of it all. For a moment, it made everything else seem distant — a reminder that there was hope and love still to be found, even in the darkest of times.

Then, Katherine mentioned a friend, and Aeryn perked up quickly.

"What kind of friend did you make, Katherine?" Valery asked softly, her curiosity genuine as she coaxed her daughter to settle in her lap. Aeryn's big, curious eyes widened as she turned back to Katherine, clearly excited by the idea of meeting someone new.

"Is she really nice? Does she like hugs too?" Aeryn asked eagerly, clutching Vexy closer as she looked up at the Padawan with childlike wonder.

Valery chuckled softly and hugged her daughter close, the warmth of the moment shared between the three of them. It was moments like these that brought true healing — not just physical recovery, but the kind that soothed the heart and soul. She glanced at Katherine with an unspoken promise in her gaze: We'll get through this together.

Katherine Holt ​

 

[Katherine Holt]

The question of what kind of friend lit an almost-mischievous sparkle in the Padawan’s eyes. She looked over at Valery, “oh…one you might be familiar with, maybe.” Katherine replied, a small cheeky smile on her face.

“She’s really really nice, and loves hugs.” The Padawan said, eyes flickering over to Aeryn. “And somewhat excitable too.”

“Harmony?” Katherine called, turning her gaze upwards. Several seconds passed before a light blue fox ‘popped’ into existence before them, floating in the air. Harmony let out a cute yawn as she stirred.

Yawn. “Katherine?”

“Sorry for waking you Harmony, but I thought you'd like to meet Valery and Aeryn.”

“Oh?” The spirit opened her eyes, blinking bleary until she could finally focus. “Oh!” Without missing a beat Harmony excitedly floated down towards both Nobles, focusing immediately turning to Aeryn.

“Hello! You must be one of the small Nobles.”

'Somewhat excitable' might’ve been understating it, as the fox spirit practically zoomed around the two Nobles looking them over.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Aeryn's eyes widened with wonder as the little blue fox materialized before them. For a moment, she was completely still, as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Then, without warning, she erupted into an excited burst of energy, her small feet bouncing her up and down with unrestrained joy.

"It's a foxy! A blue foxy" she squealed, clutching Vexy even tighter against her chest as she watched Harmony zip around them. "She's so pretty!" Aeryn turned her big, starry eyes to Katherine. "Can I hug her? Can I, please?"

Valery couldn't help but laugh softly, the warmth of Aeryn's excitement spreading to her. She reached out, gently placing a hand on her daughter's shoulder to keep her from launching herself at the spirit. "Harmony might need a second to adjust to all this excitement, sweetie," she said with a smile.

With a soft, amused shake of her head, Valery glanced up at the spirited fox as it darted around them. "She really is beautiful, Katherine. Did Kahlil help you find your familiar?" Valery asked, her own curiosity piqued by the sight of the ethereal creature. It was very similar to her own.

...whose name would not be mentioned.

Katherine Holt ​

 

[Katherine Holt]

Katherine couldn’t help but smile at the sheer excitement in both Aeryn’s voice and expression. So young and innocent, not yet old enough to step into the galaxy proper. It was a reminder to the Padawan, another to the list that this was one of the reasons they fought. To ensure the next generation and on, wouldn’t have to face or participate in the horrors of war.

“Well, I think that’s really up for Harmony to agree on. But I don’t think she’ll-” She barely finished her sentence, before the fox spirit practically flew into Aeryn’s arms.

That time Katherine let out a small laugh, shaking her head in amusement. She watched the two interact for a few moments, before turning her attention to Valery. “He kind of did, yeah. When Kahlil first brought me here, one of my first experiences was meeting both of yours’ familiars.”

A flash of clashing emotions crossed Katherine’s face, but she was able to smoothly brush them aside.

“Towards the end, Lorelei used the last of her…” Katherine paused, thinking of the right word. “...Self, alongside that memory in order to find help. Turned into this one popping into existence in the middle of the living room here.”

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery's eyes softened as she watched Harmony dart straight into Aeryn's arms, a gentle smile spreading across her face at the sight. Aeryn's delighted giggles filled the air as the blue fox nuzzled into her, and Valery couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and gratitude toward Katherine for bringing such joy to her daughter.

"Looks like Harmony doesn't need much time to adjust after all," Valery murmured, her gaze shifting back to Katherine as she listened intently to the story behind the fox's creation.

When Katherine mentioned Lorelei, Valery's expression turned more serious, reflecting empathy and understanding. "She used the last of her strength to guide you… to bring Harmony into your life," Valery repeated softly, her voice filled with respect and admiration. "That's incredibly powerful, Katherine. Lorelei must have truly believed in you and your journey, in the end."

She took a step closer, her tone gentle. "If Harmony is here, it's because you deserve that connection, and I'm sure she'll be there for you every step of the way."

Valery then glanced back at Aeryn, who was completely enraptured by the fox's playful energy. "It looks like she's already become part of the family," she said with a chuckle. "Thank you for sharing her with us."

Katherine Holt ​

 

[Katherine Holt]

The redhead nodded, a sad smile as Valery talked about Lorelei. “We came to an understanding during that time, she even took over at points to spare me some of the…pain.” Katherine’s voice almost broke towards the end. “She was just scared originally, can’t fault that given what happened to her, before me.”

She could only feel a sense of regret when she thought about Lorelei, of her past self. Only just really getting to know her, when things were dire for them both. And then just like that Lorelei was gone.

Katherine smiled as she watched Harmony try and outdo Aeryn’s own playful and excitable energy. Valery’s next words though, had the redhead turn away slightly, feeling her eyes watering again. Though these were much more happier tears.

“Always Valery, always.” She said, glancing towards the woman. To Katherine, this was in a way part of her repaying the Nobles for all they had done for her, ever since Kahlil had found her.

“Thank you. You and Kahlil, for...everything.”

Little did Katherine know, those would be words she’d be repeating in the not too distant future.

Valery Noble​