I held my Padawan tightly, listening to her cry, trying to unwind the ball of stress and panic that was Barriss's mind. I whispered soft words of comfort while I gently probed our bond. Barriss was usually so calm and collected, something drastic had to have happened to cause this change.
Stupid. I cursed internally. You should have noticed sooner. A strangled sob drew me back to the present, and I pulled my focus off myself. Your Padawan needs you, do something!
"Shh…" I whispered, running a hand lightly down her back. Her breaths came in short, labored gasps. This is not good. I added an edge to my voice, and cupped her face in my hands. "Barriss, you must relax." The firm tone got her attention; her watery eyes stared into mine intently. I leaned forward until our foreheads touched, and wove our minds together within our bond.
/Breathe with me Padawan. Nothing else, just breathe./
I took a breath, slowly and carefully, listening to my Padawan do the same, the air coming roughly. We took another, together, and the breath came easier, for both of us. Her heart rate was beginning to slow.
/Excellent, Padawan./ I praised, and she responded, a slight nudge, asking to continue. I eagerly obliged, and there we sat, content to just breathe together. Her emotions were still tangled, but they no longer had a hold over her. I had her, wrapped her in the peace of the Force.
I was strict, I knew. Perhaps, too strict. And I expected her to give me her best, but I also loved her, as any Master would love this magnificent young woman I held. But perhaps she did not know that, was unaware; just as I was unaware of how much she was struggling.
No more, I vowed, and as we pulled away from each other, I was determined to set things right.