Private Urgent Developments

[Everest Vale]

The shop positively shone with precious metals. Stepping into the place, it was like hibernating within the heart of a star with how much light twinkled across the place. Eve trailed delicate, pale fingers just above the many display cases, careful not to touch the glass, and her silver eyes scanned over each one thoughtfully.

In truth, she had no idea what she was looking for. There was far too much choice, and they all looked so lovely. She had never seen so much sparkle in her life. The only jewellery she had known growing up was her mother's earrings and father's locket, but not much else beyond what some of her Jedi companions would occasionally wear. To Eve, all of this was just so... new.

She composed herself, taking in a heavy breath, as her eyes flitted between the endless options.

It didn't take long, though, for two helpless eyes to look back at Valery in desperation, as the level of choice began to stun her into an inescapable sense of indecision. She stood there, seizing up, thoroughly overwhelmed by it all.

Everest Vale​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery watched Everest's excitement shift into something else — she was overwhelmed. The sheer volume of choices stretched before her, each piece dazzling under the soft shop lights, and it was clear she didn't know where to start. Valery chuckled softly, stepping forward and placing gentle hands on Everest's shoulders. "Alright, breathe," she murmured warmly before giving her a playful little nudge forward. "Let's start simple — necklaces first. We'll look at bracelets after, okay?"

She guided Everest toward a sleek display of silver chains, some plain, some adorned with delicate pendants, others set with colorful gemstones.

Valery's fingers skimmed lightly over a few pieces before she turned her attention back to Everest. "Do you want something simple?" she asked, her tone light and patient. "Or something with a gem?"

The choice was hers.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

The way Valery held her by the shoulders made her feel a sense of childlike safety she hadn't felt in years, allowing a sense of both joy and embarrassment to come to her, as a gentle pink flushed her cheeks. She breathed as instructed, and stepped closer to the displays.

There were so many stunning pieces, it was hard to know what would look good on her, if any of them. Then Valery's guiding words helped provide a better clarity.

Something simple...? Or something with a gemstone...?

The stones on display were all utterly sublime, glistening in a multitude of rich colours that caught against the silver of her irises. In silence, her eyes drifted from one to the other, trying to determine whatever reached out to her the most.

And then she saw it.

It wasn't so over-the-top, but it spoke a certain elegance. Delicate silver chains cascading down like a small waterfall, all meeting in the centre to hold a a small, glistening quartz polished to perfection. Her hands hovered over the glass directly above it as her heart became enraptured with it. Something about it just felt right.

She didn't say anything, but she turned back to her Master with a knowing, enamoured expression on her face, her eyes sparkling as bright as the sea of gems and precious metals within which they stood.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery watched Everest's eyes light up the moment she found the one. It was subtle, that shift — no words, no grand gestures, just the way her gaze locked onto the delicate silver chains, the soft cascade that met at the polished quartz. Like it had been waiting for her all along.

Valery smiled. That was the look of someone who had found something that spoke to them.

Without hesitation, she reached for the necklace, her movements careful as she retrieved it from the display. "Good choice," she murmured, the warmth in her voice unmistakable. "Here — let me."

She stepped closer, gently brushing Everest's hair aside before unclasping the necklace. The cool metal settled lightly against her skin as Valery fastened it behind her neck, letting her fingers linger just a second longer than necessary to make sure it sat just right.

Then, she stepped back, tilting her head slightly as she took in the sight before her. It suited her perfectly. Simple but elegant. Strong but delicate. A reflection of the young woman standing before her.

"Beautiful," Valery said softly, her voice carrying something more than just admiration for the jewelry. Her fiery gaze met Everest's silver one, and for a moment, it was like the whole shop had faded away.

Then, her smirk returned, playful but warm. "Alright, bracelet next?"

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Eve could only stand there and watch as Valery carefully and delicately placed the necklace against her. It made her eyes sparkle in unison with it, or perhaps that was due to the small tears that gently welled in them. The boutique's soft lighting illuminated the delicate silver chain, the pendant resting just above her collarbone. The gemstone, a subtle shade that complemented her eyes, caught the light with every movement. Eve's fingers brushed against it, feeling the cool metal warm beneath her touch.

Gentle pink grazed against her cheeks as Valery shared her thoughts. She glanced at her reflection, the necklace transforming her simple attire into something elegant. It was more than just an accessory; it was a symbol of the journey she was about to undertake, stepping into a world so different from her own. Eve turned to Valery, gratitude evident in her gaze.

But it evidently wasn't over yet.

As they moved further into the shop, Eve's gaze fell upon a nearby display case, where bracelets of different metals and designs rested on velvet-lined cushions. Some were simple, thin bands of silver or gold, while others were more intricate; engraved with filigree, studded with tiny crystals, or woven together with fine chains.

She hesitated. The necklace already felt like more than enough; more than she ever imagined wearing, more than she deserved. But Master Noble's eyes had held a firm assurance that it was perfectly okay, and she was finding it difficult to argue. She did want to find something that would match. Something small, something that wouldn't feel too extravagant.

Her fingertips hovered over a slim silver bracelet, the metal twisted in a pattern reminiscent of Echani knotwork. It was subtle, almost unassuming, but there was meaning in the shape, in the way it looped around itself endlessly.

She swallowed, suddenly unsure. Would this be too much? Would she look ridiculous, trying to wear something like this, pretend she belonged among people who probably dressed like this all the time? She released the breath she was holding and shook the doubts off, her delicate fingers hovering above the display.

"Th-this one..."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery watched Everest's fingers hesitate over the bracelet, her uncertainty written in the way she hovered, as if afraid to claim something that was already hers. But the moment she chose — the moment that soft, uncertain whisper left her lips — Valery was already reaching for it.

"Good choice again," she murmured, her tone warm, steady.

Just like before, she didn't hesitate. With practiced ease, she unclasped the delicate silver band and took Everest's wrist in her hands. The cool metal settled against her skin, and Valery fastened it with a quiet click, letting her fingers brush lightly along the intricate design. The Echani knotwork suited her — an unbroken loop, a symbol of connection, strength, continuity. She let her hands linger just for a moment longer, making sure it sat perfectly.

Then, she stepped back and grinned.

"Perfect."

Valery's fiery gaze swept over her, taking in the way the silver caught the light, the way it complemented the necklace — the way it complemented her and her new dress. "See?" Valery said, folding her arms. "Told you we'd find something that suits you."

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Eve looked at the bracelet as it comfortably sat around her wrist, rotating her arm gently to inspect every angle. It was truly beautiful. Simple but elegant, and sparkled as magnificently as the necklace did. The thought that both of them, and the dress, were hers to have, to wear, was almost overwhelming, but not as much as how kind her Master had been to her this day. She didn't expect so much unquestionable generosity, such selfless kindness. Her eyes welled as she glanced to her.

"Th-thank you, Master... For... For all of this..."

She stood there for a moment, lost in the deep ocean of gratitude that washed over her.

"I—"

She tried to say more, wanted to say more, felt she needed to, but she found herself completely unable to. Instead, she simply ran into Valery head-on, wrapping her slender arms around her waist, bringing her into a gentle hug.

Was it too much? Maybe. But Eve seldom knew how to express herself with words, and she supposed that was because of being Echani. Nevertheless, of all the words she could have stumbled over in a desperate attempt to convey her gratitude for everything Valery did for her, a simple hug sufficed for it all.

And it wasn't just for today, but for everything.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

For just a second, Valery froze, caught off guard as Everest suddenly closed the distance and wrapped her arms around her. She felt the hesitation, the uncertainty, but more than anything — she felt the warmth. The unspoken gratitude. The trust. A slow, gentle smile curved Valery's lips.

She didn't hesitate anymore.

Her arms folded securely around Everest, pulling her close in return. She held her there, steady, warm, letting her know without words that it was okay — that she was here. The soft scent of the marketplace still clung to them, hints of spice and fresh linen mixing with something uniquely Everest. Valery squeezed just a little tighter, resting her chin lightly against Everest's head for a brief moment before finally easing back, just enough to meet her gaze.

"You don't have to thank me," Valery murmured, her tone softer now.

She reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Everest's ear, her touch light, affectionate. "You're my Padawan, so you're almost like family to me."

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

The brilliant quartz of Eve's eyes welled at her Master's words. Family. Aside from her mother, she didn't have much to do with that word. To have someone care for her in such a way outside of blood was so strange. It shook her; something that she had never expected she would find coming to the Jedi. The thought of such kindness only made her feel more overwhelmed by the love she felt from Valery.

But she didn't cry. Swiftly blinking away the tears that threatened to fall from her, she let a bashful smile break out, paying no attention to the quivering of her lower lip. She didn't say anything. Her eyes said it all.

Master and Padawan made their way out of the boutique, bags in hand. The noise of the street seemed to completely consume the previous quietude that graced the shop the moment they stepped out the door. Once again, it was immediately dizzying, but Eve persisted, taking in a deep, measured breath, keeping close to Valery as they navigated themselves, weaving through the crowds.

They made their way out of the main shopping precinct and up towards a small cafe where they could finally rest and recuperate. With a pot of 'Special Coruscant Blend' tea — whatever that meant — they settled into a moment of relaxation. Eve's eyes drifted out to the window beside their table, watching the rush of people back and forth, entirely concerned with what was immediately front of them. Eve could understand it.

But her mind drifted elsewhere. Somewhere warm, and loving, with a tinge of excitement blended with apprehension.

Now that she had everything she needed for the ball, it all felt suddenly very real. Tigris' face rested in her mind's eye. Those beautiful mahogany eyes smiled at her through her imagination, and without realising she let out an involuntary, blissful sigh at the thought of her, as she nestled into the sensation of new — and first — love that bubbled within her heart.

And she couldn't pull herself from the gratitude she felt for her Master on that day. The innate, unflinching kindness she had given her, without asking for anything in return. One day, she promised, she would return that kindness a thousandfold.

Valery Noble​