Silent Reckonings [Yord Fandar x OC]

Chapter 36

Elara, Yord, Jecki, and Tasi returned to the Jedi Temple, the echoes of their recent mission still fresh in their minds. The stranger they had captured was now secured in the Jedi Temple detention center, a fortified area within the southwest quarter of the Temple on Coruscant, specifically designed to contain dangerous individuals.

Inside one of the Temple's meeting chambers, Elara and Yord stood before Masters Norin and Sol, who had also recently returned to the Temple. The atmosphere was tense, the weight of the previous mission heavy on their shoulders.

Master Norin began the discussion, his voice calm but probing. "Tell us what happened on Valtor."

Yord took the lead, recounting the events. "They encountered a small encampment that seemed abandoned. Elara and Tasi moved in to investigate. That's when she was ambushed by that man who claimed to know Elara's father."

Elara's heart pounded in her chest as the memories replayed vividly in her mind. She felt Yord's eyes on her, filled with confusion and concern.

Master Norin leaned forward, his gaze soft with concern. "Elara, how are you holding up?"

"I'm fine, Master," Elara said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Just a few gashes on my stomach, but they're healing properly." Despite her attempt at composure, her voice cracked slightly. The concern in Master Norin's eyes touched her deeply, and she felt tears welling up.

Master Norin's expression softened further. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Elara nodded, though her sniffling betrayed her. "Yes, I'm sure," she replied, her voice trembling.

The three men—Master Norin, Master Sol, and Yord—exchanged confused glances, their concern palpable. Yord stepped closer, his brow furrowing. "Elara, are you sure there's nothing else you need to talk about?"

Elara shook her head, struggling to regain her composure. "No, it's nothing," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper. Her tears continued to flow, despite her attempts to hide them.

As the silence stretched, Elara wiped her tears and took a deep breath. "Perhaps it's... my cycle," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Master Sol's expression softened with understanding. "That could explain the emotional upheaval," he said, nodding slightly.

Yord, however, looked puzzled. "Cycle?" he asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

Elara nodded quickly, her cheeks flushed. "Yes, it's a natural part of... my human physiology. It happens periodically."

Master Sol glanced at Yord, who was still looking uncertain. "It's a common occurrence and can affect one's emotions. It's nothing to be concerned about."

Yord seemed to grasp the situation slowly. "Ah, I see. Well, if there's anything you need or if you want to talk, I'm here for you."

Elara managed a faint smile, her embarrassment fading as she appreciated the concern.

Master Norin nodded, then asked, "Does the Council know about your connection to the Sith?" Yord look at them with confusion on his eyes.

Elara hesitated, wiping her tear stained cheeks. "Not yet," she said, glancing at Master Sol, who quickly added, "But they need to be informed."

Taking a deep breath, Elara confessed, "My father is actively trying to contact me through the Force, asking me to join him."

Yord looked bewildered. "Who is your father?"

She hesitated, shifting on her feet, then met Yord's eyes. "The Sith we encountered... he introduced himself as my father. He's been trying to communicate with me through the Force. Do you remember the first day I led the Padawan training? When I almost lost my balance and got a nosebleed? It was because he was trying so hard to penetrate my mind."