Elaki’s deep affinity for food and his habit of falling asleep under tables might have seemed at odds with the traditional image of a disciplined Jedi, but these eccentricities hid a keen mind and a peaceful heart. Elaki believed that small pleasures—like a good meal—connected one to the living Force, allowing for reflection and grounding in moments of chaos. 

While other Jedi might have considered such indulgence a flaw, Elaki’s colleagues and students saw it as part of his charm. His presence brought calm and comfort to those around him, and students often sought him out not just for guidance but also for his infectious laughter and good company.

 

Despite his fondness for naps and meals, Elaki possessed a sharp sense of judgment, and his insights in Council meetings were always measured and thoughtful. He rarely raised his voice and preferred to guide others with gentle encouragement rather than forceful direction. His laid-back demeanor was never mistaken for laziness—those close to him knew that when the moment called for it, Elaki could be as resolute as any Jedi Guardian.

 

Master of Ryy Laa

Among his many students, Ryy Laa stood out as one of his most promising and challenging Padawans. Elaki saw her potential not only in combat but also in the inner struggles she faced—her emotional complexities and her deep connection to both jewelry and the Force. Instead of trying to strip Ryy of her quirks and unconventional traits, Elaki taught her to embrace them as part of her identity, much like he embraced his own indulgences.

 

Their relationship was marked by an almost fatherly dynamic, with Elaki offering calm and patient guidance when Ryy’s temper flared or her insecurities overwhelmed her. Where other masters might have been frustrated with Ryy’s defiance, Elaki saw only an evolving soul, understanding that her path would be forged by mastering her duality. He often reminded her that the greatest battles a Jedi fought were within their own hearts and not on the battlefield.

Under Elaki’s tutelage, Ryy grew into a formidable Jedi Guardian, wielding her blade with confidence. But more importantly, she found balance—a lesson Elaki had instilled not through lectures, but by example. His own balance between indulgence and duty became the model Ryy would later carry forward, especially in the dark days that followed the fall of the Yavin IV Academy.

 

Elaki’s Role During the Tranquil Years

During his tenure on the Jedi Council, Elaki presided over an era of relative peace, when diplomacy and wisdom were valued more than combat prowess. He acted as a mediator in minor disputes between systems, often settling disagreements with a feast and friendly conversation, using his natural charm and warmth to defuse tension. His ability to connect with people, Jedi or not, was unparalleled, and even the most hardened soldiers or skeptical diplomats would find themselves opening up to the good-natured Ortolan over shared meals.

 

Though his missions were not as thrilling as those of the Jedi Guardians or Shadows, Elaki's contributions were no less significant. His compassion and patience fostered unity among Jedi and helped preserve the fragile peace between planets. While other Jedi sought to prove themselves through heroics, Elaki's philosophy was simple: peace is most often found in the quiet moments of understanding, not the clamor of battle.

 

The Fall of Yavin IV

When the Zakuul Empire invaded and laid waste to the Yavin IV Academy, Elaki fought not with his saber but with his mind. Though his years of combat training had long passed, Elaki ensured that his students escaped to safety, doing what he could to buy time for them to flee. Witnesses recalled that even in the face of danger, Elaki maintained his calm demeanor—assuring frightened younglings with gentle words, guiding them through the chaos as though leading them to a banquet hall rather than to escape shuttles.

 

Though he survived the fall of the Academy, the loss of Yavin IV weighed heavily on Elaki in his later years. He retreated to a quieter life, spending his final days in meditation and reflection. He would often say, “Even the Force rests from time to time,” justifying his long naps beneath the dining tables of the cantina where he had once made so many memories.

 

Legacy

Elaki Kneev’s legacy lives on through the many Jedi he influenced—none more so than Ryy Laa, whose actions as a Guardian and founder of the Dac Academy reflect her master’s teachings of balance and acceptance. Though Elaki’s contributions might seem small to some, those who knew him understood that his wisdom, patience, and ability to find joy in life were as vital to the Jedi as any grand act of heroism. He taught that even in turbulent times, one could find peace—be it in the Force, a warm meal, or the quiet companionship of friends.

 

Elaki Kneev may never have sought glory or recognition, but his students and fellow Jedi remember him as a beacon of kindness and serenity, reminding them that sometimes, the simplest joys are the greatest teachers.