Star Wars: Jedi Prodigy

Daliss N'dal: Jedi Knight

In the next couple of days after securing that old Dofomian fortress, Daliss began her preparations for a knighting ceremony on Dofom, since Todak and Daliss can't just leave the planet for Coruscant in the middle of war. Preparing herself in a shower room, Daliss is feeling very nervous for a couple of reasons: She is going to be knighted, which is something she's dreamed about since she was a little girl, and she doesn't have Wac with her. Since Daliss set foot on Dofom 3 years ago, she's spent almost every day with Wac. He's supported her through thick and thin and even though he isn't so far away, Daliss just wishes he could be with her.
The padawan, soon to be a knight, left her purple scarf behind and is looking in the mirror, putting her hair in a loose bun, keeping her bangs out of her face. She also put on more traditional, tan robes with the loose sleeves that she never liked wearing. But she wants to look formal for the ceremony, even though it won't be at the temple.
Daliss steps out of the bathroom and finds her way to the mission briefing room in the fortress to meet Todak. He is right in front of the map, looking at the battlefields, wearing his own formal robes and looking fresh and clean himself.
"I'm so proud of you, my padawan." He says to Daliss once she appeared at his side. "I beat master Kenobi in raising a padawan to knighthood sooner than he could."

"Skywalker become a knight three years ago." Daliss says, chuckling.

"Yeah, but he was 19 then, and you're 18 now." Todak continues in a boastful tone, his head held high. "You're a year younger than Anakin was when he was knighted."

"Well I had a great master to teach me." Daliss said sweetly. "For what it's worth, I'm proud of you too."

"That's worth more to me than you could know." Todak says with a big smile.

This conversation makes Daliss think about a padawan for herself. She is nervous about the very thought of such a prospect, but she would ultimately love training a padawan.
"Well, as much as I'd like to chat." Todak says finally. "A council member is awaiting you for the ceremony. Are you ready to become a knight?"

"Sì, master."

The two head into the courtyard of the fortress where Qerreth, along with one other Jedi are waiting. Along the walls, some of the diamond squad troopers are lined up uniformly. They've all grown to admire and respect Daliss and those who can be here, are proud to watch her be knighted. Although, it is unfortunate that Wac couldn't be here...
The Jedi master and council member here to contuct the ceremony is an old Abednedo woman in long, dark brown robes. Her name is master Sana Dei. Todak stands next to Sana and on her other side is Qerreth. Dalissshuts her eyes and kneels in front of them all and bows her head with her lightsaber on the ground in front of her. Following after master Sana Dei, Todak and Qerreth ignite their lightsabers. Almost like a strange omen, it begins to rain just then. But nobody is bothered and the ceremony begins.
"We are all Jedi." Sana Dei says, her voice old but strong. "The force speaks through us. Through our actions, the force proclaims itself and today we are here to acknowledge what that proclamation."

She lowers her yellow lightsaber to Daliss' right shoulder. Her heart is pounding through her chest in this pivotal moment in her life.
"By the right of the council," Sana continues, moving the lightsaber over to Daliss' left shoulder. "By the will of the force, I dub you, Daliss N'dal, Jedi knight of the Republic."

After that, Sana Dei cuts Daliss' padawan braid off and the new knight is hit with a rush of adrenaline when she hears it hit the ground.
"Rise Daliss N'dal, Jedi knight."

Daliss grabs her lightsaber and stands up, rain pouring over her face and thunder in the distance. Todak Naatsudah is beaming with pride for her, and she walks off, signaling the completion of the ceremony. When she steps past the doors into the fortress, Crater and Hoarse, and even the diamond squad commander among other troops were waiting to congratulate the new knight. She is so happy she could almost cry. Daliss throws her arms around Crater to hug him, surprising the trooper with the first hug between them.
"Good job, kid." The commander says, patting Daliss on the shoulder.

She and the commander haven't exactly gotten along, but it is a bit liberating to hear praise from him. Daliss didn't need his approval but it is nice to have earned it anyway.
"Captain will be here later today, Daliss." Crater said as they went further into the fortress together.

"He said he's feeling all better too." Hoarse adds. "Said that something was taken out of his head, and his migraines are nonexistent."

"Buona!" Daliss responded happily. "I only wish he could have seen my ceremony..."

As much as everyone just wanted to celebrate with Daliss, the war is still waging and it is time to move on to the next task: Capturing general Keth. It will be a hard fight but they have a plan and some determination to win. With the boosted morale from capturing that fortress and the excitement of Daliss' newly appointed knighthood, spirits are high and revved up for action. Although, Daliss would just be waiting for Wac the whole time.