Silent Reckonings [Yord Fandar x OC]

Chapter 9

The soft knock on Elara's door jolted her awake from a deep slumber. Her room, though modest, was a sanctuary of quiet and calm, the early morning light filtering through the small window. As she stirred, her tunics—large and slightly rumpled from sleep—shifted around her, barely reaching her upper thighs. She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the grogginess as she made her way to the door.

When she opened it, she was met with the unexpected sight of Master Yord standing in the hallway. His Jedi uniform was impeccably arranged, the robes neatly draped over his shoulders. His expression was a mix of determination and awkwardness, and Elara couldn't help but notice the faint flush that colored his cheeks as he took in her disheveled appearance.

"Master Yord?" Elara's voice was tinged with confusion and sleepiness. "What are you doing here so early?"

Yord cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure despite the sudden surge of nervousness. "Good morning, Elara. I was sent by Master Norrin. He instructed me to conduct an early training session with you. He mentioned that you have a tendency to sleep in, and he wanted to ensure that you're on track."

Elara blinked, her mind still foggy from sleep. She glanced at the clock on her wall, realizing that it was much earlier than she was accustomed to waking. Her oversized tunics, though comfortable, were not the most flattering attire, and she felt a twinge of self-consciousness under Yord's gaze.

"Early training?" she murmured, rubbing her eyes once more. "I didn't expect that."

Yord's eyes briefly flickered to the floor, his cheeks still flushed. "I apologize for the early interruption. If you're not ready, I can come back later."

"No, it's fine," Elara said, stepping aside to let him in. "Come in. I'll just... quickly get dressed."

Yord awkwardly entered her small quarters, trying to avert his gaze as he took in the simple surroundings. He noticed the modest furnishings and the personal touches that made the space uniquely hers. As he turned to face her, he tried to focus on the task at hand, though his thoughts kept drifting back to the sight of her in her night clothes.

Elara, now more awake and a bit flustered by the early visit, hurried to change into her training gear. She emerged from her small closet moments later, dressed in her standard Jedi attire. Yord, visibly relieved to have her properly dressed, offered a polite smile.

"Thank you for accommodating this," Yord said, his voice slightly steadier. "Let's begin the training."

They moved to the training area, the early morning light casting a soft glow over the room. Despite the awkward start, Elara quickly fell into the rhythm of the session. Yord, though initially uncomfortable, found himself appreciating the dedication and focus Elara brought to her practice.

As they trained, the initial awkwardness between them gradually faded, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. The session was intense, but it was clear that Elara was committed to improving her skills, her movements sharp and determined. Yord, despite his earlier nervousness, felt a growing sense of respect for her dedication.

By the end of the session, Elara was sweating and breathless but satisfied with the progress she had made. She looked at Yord, who was still slightly flushed but visibly more relaxed.

After the intense training session, Elara and Yord found a quiet spot in the corner of the training hall where they could rest and catch their breath. The early morning light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. They settled onto a pair of benches positioned side by side, their bodies still tingling from the exertion.

Elara took a deep breath, stretching her arms and letting out a satisfied sigh. "I didn't realize how much I needed that," she said, glancing at Yord. "It's strange how an early start can make such a difference."

Yord nodded, his expression more relaxed now. "Yes, sometimes a change in routine can be refreshing. You did well today, by the way. I can see the improvements you've made."

Elara smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thank you. I've been working hard. It's nice to see it paying off."

There was a moment of comfortable silence between them, the earlier tension now replaced by a more relaxed atmosphere. Yord glanced at Elara, his eyes thoughtful. "You know, Master Norrin mentioned you've had some challenges adjusting to early mornings. How have you been managing?"

Elara chuckled softly, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. "It's been a struggle, to be honest. I'm not a morning person, but I'm trying to get better at it. Sometimes it feels like I'm always a step behind everyone else."

Yord's gaze was empathetic. "I understand that feeling. When I was a Padawan, I struggled with my own challenges too. It can be hard to feel like you're not measuring up."

Their hands brushed briefly as they both adjusted their sitting positions, a fleeting contact that sent a subtle jolt through them. They both froze for a moment, the touch lingering longer than either had anticipated. Yord looked at Elara, his eyes meeting hers with an unspoken understanding.

"I guess we all have our struggles," Yord continued, his voice softer. "But it's important to remember that we're all learning and growing, no matter where we start."

Elara nodded, her gaze steady. "That's true. I've been trying to remind myself that progress takes time."

Yord smiled, his fingers twitching slightly as he tried to regain his composure. "It's easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others, but we have to focus on our own journey. You're doing great, Elara."

Elara's cheeks warmed slightly at the compliment. "Thank you, Master Yord. That means a lot coming from you."

Their hands brushed again as they both reached for the same spot on the bench, the touch more deliberate this time. They looked at each other, a shared moment of connection passing between them. The quiet comfort of their conversation was a contrast to the intensity of their training, and it left both of them feeling a bit more grounded.

As the morning sun continued to rise, they talked more about their personal experiences, their hopes, and their challenges. The conversation flowed easily, and the space between them felt less formal, more like a genuine exchange between two people who understood each other's struggles.

When it was time to part ways, Elara and Yord stood up, the early morning light casting long shadows on the floor. They exchanged a smile, a new warmth in their gaze.

"Thank you again for the early training," Elara said, her voice sincere.

Yord nodded, his eyes lingering on her. "Anytime, Elara. I'm looking forward to our next session."

•••
Author's note:

Can the two of them just kiss already? 🙄