>>5801121Kessarion's eyelids fluttered open, the haze of dreams and memories fading as the familiar hum of a starship enveloped him. The liquid embrace of the bacta-tank receded as Lord delicately removed him, placing him on a comfortable bed in one of the ship's quarters.
"Easy now," Lord murmured, ensuring Kessarion was settled.
Blinking against the gentle light, Kessarion turned his head, noting Meriada and Lorrha nearby. Their faces, tinged with relief, broke into smiles at his wakefulness.
"Lorrha, Meriada," Kessarion whispered, his voice hoarse. He tried to sit up but felt a wave of weakness and laid back down. "What happened?"
Meriada approached, her hand reaching out to gently pat his arm. "You gave us quite a scare, Kessarion." Lorrha's eyes shimmered with emotion. Through a series of guttural growls and grunts, she expressed her happiness at his recovery and her gratitude to Lord.
Kessarion looked between them, noting the easy camaraderie that seemed to have developed in his absence. "How long...?" he began.
"Almost twenty standard cycles," Lord informed him, the weight of concern evident in his voice. "You were gravely injured during your confrontation with the creature. Most Resourceful Lady Lorrha managed to get you back to the ship in time." Guilt gnawed at Kessarion's heart. "Erinth...?"
Lord raised his arms and explained. "We searched, Master Galat. But there was no sign of the young padawan. We had to make the difficult decision to leave Sorrus, assuming our rescue mission had failed. We have some additional news also," he began. "While you were recovering, we established contact with Keelyvine Reus."
Kessarion's eyes widened slightly at the mention of his former master. "Master Reus? Is she well?"
Lord inclined his head, a gesture that seemed almost human in its subtlety. "Indeed, she is alive and currently resides on Rori, one of Naboo's moons. However, during our conversation, she made it explicitly clear that she should no longer be addressed with the title 'Master.' She stated unequivocally that neither you nor Lorrha, nor even herself, are Jedi any longer and the Jedi Order has been completely destroyed. Strangely enough, she did not seem aggrieved or forlorn. Instead, she exhibited a calm, almost peaceful disposition, as if a great weight had been lifted from her. There was even a hint of joy in her voice." Lorrha growled, her deep voice tinged with curiosity. "It was odd, Master Kessarion. For someone who have lost so much, she appeared... content."
Kessarion lay back, trying to digest this new revelation.
