Blood In The Water

Chapter 21: The Knighting Ceremony

Once I was fully healed, I prepared for my knighting ceremony. The day before the ceremony, I went to the heart of Tranquility Spire, there in the empty chamber I mediated, thinking about my future. As I mediated, I heard Uncle Qui's voice.

"Congrats Iretia, I knew you could do it."

My eyes lit up. "Uncle Qui! It's so good to hear you again...this past year has been quite a lot."

"Indeed, you had quite a struggle. However despite being pulled in two different directions, you chose the light side. You chose redemption, Iretia, that's what separates you from Dooku and others who have fallen to the dark side." Uncle Qui informed me.

I smiled at his words. "Thank you, Uncle Qui for everything."

"You are family, Iretia. It is what family does." He replied. "You have a bright future ahead of you. I am certain you will continue down this path. Remember your teachings that Obi-Wan has taught you and trust in the Force."

And with that he was gone, leaving me alone in the chambers with my thoughts.

•••

Finally the day arrived for my ceremony, a few Jedi guards approached my room to take me to the Hall of Knighthood. There in the Hall of Knighthood the room was dark, however as soon as I entered, many lightsabers of different colors were ignited. They moved apart to create a path towards the center of the room where the Masters of the Jedi Council stood around a circle with their lightsabers ignited. Amongst the crowd I saw Anakin, Ahsoka, Barriss, and several others.

They gave me smiles as I past by them. Once I reached the center, I knelt on the ground. The Jedi Masters, including Master Yoda remained in their circle around me, while Obi-Wan approached me with a smile. He raised his blue lightsaber. "By the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, I dub thee Jedi Knight of the Republic."

Obi-Wan lowered his lightsaber, cutting off my padawan braid that I braided back in with another stand of hair. "You may now rise, Iretia Emestre."

A smile appeared on my face as I rose now as a Jedi Knight of the Jedi Order and the Republic. After the ceremony, Anakin, Ahsoka, Barriss, and the others congratulated me out in one of the hallways of the temple. It wasn't long until Obi-Wan approached me, causing Ahsoka and Anakin to wear smug looks. I mentally groaned. They aren't going to let this go.

"Let's leave the Master and his former padawan to talk." Anakin teased.

Obi-Wan shot him a glare as the three of them left. I let out a chuckle. "Isn't he something."

"That's one way of putting it." He retorted. His face then softened as a smile crept onto his face. "Congrats darling, I'm proud of you."

I returned his smile at once. "Thanks Obi, but this wouldn't be possible without you. You helped me."

"I partially helped. It was you who decided to return to the Jedi Order and the Republic, and finally defy the Sith and the Separatists." Obi-Wan corrected.

My smile widened. "What did I do to deserve you?"

Obi-Wan wore an amused look. "I ask myself the same thing."

I raised an eyebrow. "Despite what I did?"

Obi-Wan gave me a scolding look. He knew that I was still feeling guilty about all that I've done in the past, and despite being forgiven by Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, Anakin, the Republic, and Jedi Order, I still couldn't forgive myself. Obi-Wan tried assuring me that I was forgiven and to forget what I've done, but I couldn't help but feel guilty.

"Tia, please stop beating yourself up. You can't change the past, but you can change what's about to come." Obi-Wan commented. "Please try to move on...for me?"

I nodded. "I'll do my best to move on for you, Obi."

Obi-Wan placed a hand over mine as he looked into my eyes. "Then your best will be enough, Tia."

Before Obi-Wan could lean in, Anakin approached us with a grin. "I'm sorry to interrupt, lovebirds, but the Council wishes you to see you, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan furrowed his brows. "What for?"

Anakin shrugged. "Not sure, they wouldn't tell me. All that Master Yoda told me was that they're going to start a meeting, and they need you."

"Then I better get going." Obi-Wan replied before turning to look at me. "I'll see you later, Tia."

"I'll see you later." I said, giving him one last smile.

And with that Obi-Wan left, making his way to the Council room for the meeting. I then glanced over at Anakin who wore a grin. "You want to eavesdrop on the meeting?"

My eyes lit up. "That's crazy and reckless, Ani. I'm in!"