Silent Reckonings [Yord Fandar x OC]

Chapter 16

Master Norin noticed the tension between the two, attributing it to Elara's occasional bouts of frustration and unreasonableness—traits he was diligently trying to eliminate. The two barely spoke, their communication reduced to glances, mostly from Elara. Yord seemed to avoid looking at her, leaving Elara questioning the nature of their shared moment. Was it all a lie, a fleeting lust? She felt deceived.

In the training hall, Elara stood with Master Norin, along with the others: Master Sol, Padawan Jecki, Jedi Knight Yord, Tasi Lowa, and others. Elara sat on the benches, watching other padawans train with their masters. Master Norin called her to duel with him and the other masters in the room, one by one. He had been preparing her for something significant, sensing she would be needed soon.

The first to duel her was Master Lyra, a Jedi Knight a few years older than Yord. With pale blonde hair, pale blue eyes, and a soft hint of pink in her lips and cheeks, her bright green lightsaber was as striking as her presence. Elara ignited her pale blue lightsaber, holding it in front of her chest. The duel commenced. Master Lyra's talent was evident; at first, Elara could barely block her blows, but she managed to keep up, ending the duel with their lightsabers clashing inches from their faces.

The room was thick with anticipation as Master Sol stepped forward. His lightsaber, a vivid pale blue that glinted like ice, was a stark contrast to Elara's more subdued blade. The hum of his weapon filled the air with a chilling note, reflecting the icy determination in his eyes.

Elara, drenched in sweat from the relentless pace of her training, faced Master Sol with a mixture of fear and resolve. His strikes were precise and unyielding, each movement a testament to his formidable skill. She struggled to keep up, her arms trembling under the force of his relentless blows.

The padawans watching could barely breathe as the duel continued, their eyes wide with a mix of awe and trepidation. The rhythm of the combat seemed to pulsate through the room, a dance of light and shadow as Elara fought to keep her footing.

Then, a glimmer of opportunity appeared. Elara found a fleeting opening, her instincts honed by countless hours of practice. With a swift, decisive move, she managed to disarm Master Sol, sending his lightsaber skidding across the floor.

The room erupted in shocked gasps and murmurs of disbelief. Master Sol, rarely ever bested in combat, looked momentarily stunned as he deactivated his weapon and stepped back. His eyes met Elara's with a mixture of respect and surprise.

"Well done, Elara," Master Sol said, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic warmth. "You've shown great skill and determination today. Not many can say they've disarmed me."

As the duel with Master Norin began, Elara faced him with a mix of trepidation and resolve. His bright orange lightsaber cast a fierce, flickering glow that highlighted the determination etched on his face. The initial movements of their combat were measured and deliberate, each strike and parry carefully calculated.

Elara's heart raced as she adjusted to the rhythm of her master's strikes. The duel seemed almost manageable at first, with Norin maintaining a steady pace. However, without warning, Master Norin's attacks intensified. His strikes became rapid and unpredictable, each move a test of Elara's reflexes and focus.

The sudden escalation caught her off guard, and she found herself barely keeping up. Her lightsaber moved in a blur as she deflected blow after blow, her arms aching under the pressure. Norin's fierce determination was palpable, and his speed was daunting.

Elara's face flushed with effort, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Just as it seemed she might be overwhelmed, she drew on her training and newfound confidence. She adjusted her stance, her movements becoming more fluid and precise. With a focused mind, she managed to block Norin's unpredictable strikes and stabilize her position.