Silent Reckonings [Yord Fandar x OC]

Chapter 41

Months had slipped by, each day inching Elara closer to the point where her secret could no longer be concealed. Despite her efforts to hide her growing belly under loose, oversized Jedi uniforms borrowed from Master Norin, the evidence of her pregnancy became increasingly difficult to obscure.

Master Norin, ever vigilant, conducted her check-ups discreetly within the confines of her room. He brought a droid with him for each examination, meticulously transferring the data to his datapad before erasing the records from the droid's memory. The routine, while necessary, was a constant reminder of the precarious situation they were in.

Elara, now 18 weeks along, had begun to feel the strain of maintaining her secret. As Master Norin entered her room with a new bag, she eyed it curiously.

"What's in the bag?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Master Norin smiled faintly, setting the bag down. "Just some of my old Jedi uniforms. They no longer fit me, but they should be loose enough for you to wear."

Elara nodded, her fingers brushing against the fabric. "Thank you. I've been thinking... Could Yord visit me again this week? I really need to talk to him."

Master Norin hesitated, a shadow of concern crossing his face. "I'll see what I can do. I'll bring him later this week." He placed a container of food on the small table beside her. "Make sure to eat this. I've ensured it contains the nutrients you need."

He paused, then continued, "Elara, Master Sol and I have been discussing your situation. We think it's time to move you out of the Jedi Temple. You'll stay with Osha. She's agreed to the plan."

Elara's eyes widened in surprise. "Isn't it too soon?"

Master Norin shook his head. "It's better to move now while my robes can still cover up your growing belly. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to keep this hidden."

Elara took a deep breath, absorbing the weight of his words. "Thank you, Master Norin," she said quietly.

With a final nod, Master Norin erased the data on his datapad and prepared to leave. As he opened the door, Elara's voice followed him.

"Thank you," she said again, her tone carrying a depth of gratitude.

Master Norin offered a reassuring smile before stepping out, leaving Elara alone with her thoughts. The room felt quieter in his absence, the weight of her circumstances pressing heavily on her shoulders as she awaited the day she would see Yord again.

•••

The next day, the Council summoned Elara and Master Norin to the meeting hall. The full presence of the Jedi Council in the chamber signaled the gravity of the occasion.

Just outside the chamber doors, Elara's heart raced, and she felt as though she might pass out. Master Norin, despite his own racing thoughts, couldn't find the words to offer her comfort. He stood silently beside her, his usual composure replaced with palpable tension.

Elara's hands were cold, and even Master Norin's robes couldn't shield her from the internal chill she felt. She gulped, bracing herself as the door opened with a swish.

Master Norin straightened his back, attempting to project confidence despite his inner turmoil. Elara's eyes widened when she saw Yord emerging from the chamber. He avoided her gaze but couldn't resist a quick glance. Elara's eyes were filled with worry, while Yord's expression remained unreadable—was it guilt?

Yord quickly averted his eyes again and briskly walked away. Elara's heart broke. What had the Council told him?

Master Norin ushered Elara into the chamber, shooting a seething glance at Yord's retreating figure.

They moved to the center of the room, the Council's eyes tracking their every step. The silence was heavy, filled with unspoken judgments and concerns. Elara felt the cold seeping into her bones, a chill that no robe could ward off.

Finally, Master Windu broke the silence, his voice a blend of authority and concern. "Master Norin, Jedi Knight Tannis, we have called you here to discuss a matter of great importance."

Elara's throat tightened, her gaze flicking to Master Norin. He nodded subtly, urging her to remain composed.

Master Yoda's wise eyes focused on Elara. "Know, we do, of your situation, young Jedi. Hidden, it cannot be."

Elara's breath caught in her throat. The secret she had fought so hard to keep was now out in the open. She felt a wave of nausea, the room spinning slightly.

Master Norin stepped forward, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Council, if I may—"

Master Windu held up a hand, silencing him. "This is a serious breach of the Jedi Code. We understand the circumstances are complex, but the integrity of the Order must be maintained."

Master Shaak Ti spoke next, her tone gentle yet firm. "Elara, we must ask you to make a difficult decision. The Council has deliberated, and given the nature of your situation, we offer you two paths."

Elara's eyes filled with tears, the enormity of the moment crashing down on her. She could barely breathe, her heart aching with every beat.

Master Windu continued, "You must choose between leaving the Jedi Order to raise your child with or without Jedi Knight Yord or remaining within the Order and giving up the child. Should you choose to stay, you and Yord will be assigned to distant temples in the Outer Rim, far from each other, with no further contact."

The words hit Elara like a physical blow. She felt Master Norin's presence beside her, a silent pillar of support. He finally spoke, his voice thick with emotion. "I will find a way to protect her, Council. At all costs."

Master Yoda's gaze softened. "Difficult, this is. But necessary, it must be. Protect, we must, the Order and the lives intertwined within it."

Elara's tears spilled over, her body shaking with the force of her sobs. The reality of the decision before her was almost unbearable. She looked at Master Norin, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears, and knew that whatever path she chose, she would not walk it alone.

Master Plo Koon then spoke up, providing the explanation that weighed heavily on everyone's minds. "We discovered your secret through an unfortunate turn of events. A droid brought in for maintenance had its recently deleted data retrieved by accident. Among the data were records of your medical check-ups, Elara."

Elara felt a fresh wave of despair wash over her. The meticulous efforts to keep her secret had unraveled due to a simple technical mishap. The realization was crushing.

Master Windu's voice cut through the silence. "In the meantime, no communication between Jedi Knights Yord and Elara will be permitted. Any connection between the two of you is strictly forbidden, including any attempts by Master Norin to facilitate communication. Each party must respect the other's decision. You must make your choice by tomorrow afternoon."

The Council watched in silence, the weight of their responsibility heavy upon them. In the midst of the tension, Master Norin's whispered words reached her ears. "We'll find a way, Elara. No matter what, we'll find a way."

Elara broke down, her sobs wracking her body as she held her face in her hands. Master Norin moved closer, his arm around her shoulders, offering what comfort he could as she cried. The Council remained silent, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on everyone present.