Silent Reckonings [Yord Fandar x OC]

Chapter 11

A few weeks had passed since the incident in the training room, and the memory of Elara's injury had slowly begun to fade. Life at the Jedi Temple returned to its usual rhythm, but the bond between Elara and Yord had subtly deepened. Their shared experiences had created a connection that neither could easily ignore.

On a quiet evening, they found themselves in the Temple gardens, the setting sun casting a warm, golden hue over the serene landscape. The garden was a place of tranquility, a haven where Jedi could reflect and meditate. Tonight, it served as a backdrop for a rare moment of personal conversation.

Elara sat on a stone bench, her eyes tracing the patterns of the surrounding flowers. Yord stood nearby, his gaze fixed on the horizon. They had been talking for a while, their conversation drifting from one topic to another, finally settling on their personal lives as younglings.

"I remember my first days at the Temple," Elara said, her voice soft. "I was so homesick- missing my mother so much, and felt so lonely."

Yord nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I felt the same way. It was hard at first, but I found a sense of belonging here."

The evening sun cast a soft, golden glow over the Temple gardens as Elara and Yord sat together, enjoying the tranquility of the moment. The gentle hum of distant conversations and the rustle of leaves created a serene atmosphere, perfect for their rare personal conversation.

Elara gazed thoughtfully at the vibrant flowers around them. "I wonder what my mother's life was like after I left," she said softly, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

Yord turned to her, his curiosity piqued. "What do you remember about her?"

Elara's eyes grew distant as she recalled her mother. "My mother was everything to me. She was strong, independent, and incredibly loving. She worked hard to provide for us, even though we didn't have much. She always made sure I knew how much she loved me, even when things were tough."

A wistful smile crossed her face as she continued. "I remember her laughter, how she'd tell me stories to make me smile when I was sad. She was my rock, my only constant. As an only child, I didn't have any siblings to share my life with. It was just us."

Yord nodded, sensing the depth of her emotions. "It sounds like she was a remarkable woman. You talk about her a lot."

Elara looked at him, her gaze thoughtful. "I suppose I do. I don't know why I always bring her up. Maybe it's because she was my anchor, my only connection to a world outside the Temple. My father... I never knew him. My mother never spoke much about him, only that he wasn't good to her."

Yord listened intently, his expression a mix of empathy and concern. "What happened?"

Elara sighed, her expression becoming more somber. "My mother told me that my father wasn't a good person and after she left him, he started stalking and harassing us. She said it was one of the reasons she agreed to let me come to the Jedi. She was worried for our safety and felt that it was the best thing for me."

She paused, her gaze fixed on the flowers again. "She was very young when she had me, and she raised me alone. When the Jedi visited our home at twelve, she didn't know I was Force-sensitive. She just thought I was a normal kid with weird ways of doing things-and she wanted to give me a better life, away from the danger my father posed."

Yord's expression softened with understanding. "That must have been incredibly hard for her. And for you, growing up with just her."

Elara nodded. "It was. I've always felt a bit of loneliness, not having siblings or even knowing my father. But my mother did her best to make sure I knew I was loved and valued. I owe everything to her, and that's why I think about her so often. She's a part of who I am."