Faith is the heroism of the intellect.
“Now I know there is something strong than fear — far stronger. The Force.” - Kanan Jarrus
” Whatever.”
None of this was of any real concern to him, but more or less he was on the same path as she was at this point. No, he was not comparing himself to her, not at all, in fact, the thought bothered him for some reason, but Caltin Vanagor let it go. He did so because that was her path and she made the most of it, just like he was with his.
” HUH?”
The question about “leading the Council” was an outright and interesting one. In fact, the big guy was surprised that he did not come up with it himself. That being said, what was she really doing here “meet n greet” and “big crazy clean crash” aside.
Well, there’s me… yeah I know, me, right? There is Master Dragovalor. Master Jairdain, Master Mu… Master Mor… Or’lo… There is Master Sinvala… Master Heavenshield just stepped down. He’s earned his retirement.
Was that it? he thought to himself. Wow, that bites.
The rest of this was just surreal. It was almost as if people were sitting in front of their workstations making this up as they went along and having a good laugh about it. Then she looked at the kid…wait what?
Wait, is that Xanthia? He’s just a kid! Why do I know that kid? Wait… “Dilly”.
As if on cue, a memory flashed of the old Assembly Hall was somewhat dimly lit as several robed Jedi were lining the walls in various positions. Those gathered were in the center and there was a no doubt buzz about who was going to be called upon until the Council walked out onto the dais, finally the one conducting the ceremony. There really was little to no question as to who it was as there was only one who held a ceremony in this traditional fashion and here he came out for the first time in Master's ceremonial robes.
As if some prank was being played on him, they were just as undersized and just as itchy.
Apprentice Dilandau, approach me and kneel, please.
Standing back in the back, Caltin took a deep breath as he watched his “former fellow Padawan” walk down the central aisle of the Hall, between the parted crowd of Jedi. His dark brown ceremonial Apprentice robes swished around his feet as he climbed up the few steps to the dais. He approached his master and knelt. This was it, what he had worked so hard for. This was the culmination of all his hard work up to this point. All the blood and sweat had brought him to this moment. He couldn't stop the smallest of smiles leaving the corners of his mouth as he stared ahead at Master Caltin. He was as ready as he'd ever been.
Standing there, his violent violet eyes shining down as he just eyed the Apprentice, the headstrong kid who gave him so many headaches in their time spent together. In that time though, the big had come around and begun to see what Vas was telling him as sense made, and that was important.
Tell me... what is the most important lesson you have learned.
Listening, he thought about his own answer. The training and the missions. The hardships and the friends. Of all those things if he had to sum it up as one thought, it would be this. Quirking an eyebrow, the overseer (normally the GrandMaster, but today the Master of the Order) looked as his eyes seemed to surge with energy, though none was there. There was a question that seemed to bring another question around the room and some wondered what the kid was saying. It was honest.
"Hardship"?
While he had an initial question about the Apprentice gave a short, but honest answer about the life that a Jedi must lead and above all must commit to, truly learning what “commitment” is. That was all a part of his life, each part going to create the whole that was this Padawan, potentially soon-to-be fully anointed Jedi. A scowl appeared on the overseer's face, one that was too familiar to many. He looked like he was about to say something when he reached behind him and grabbed his long-handle lightsaber Conservator and ignited her permafrost blade. At the same time, lightsabers ignited around the walls of the room, Caltin’s included.
Well said.
Dropping the blade to a millimeter over Dilandau’s right shoulder.
By the right of the Council...
Lifting the blade and dropped it to a millimeter over his left shoulder.
By the will of the Force...
Holding the blade over his head and finally lopping off the kid's Apprentice braid.
I dub thee Jedi… Knight of the Republic.
Disengaging his blade, Caltin took a step back and offered an approving smile.
Blinking as he opened his eyes, the big guy just shook his head. That was so long ago, thought to be “The Golden Age” but soon something much darker would come about. They made it through though, they always did, and always will. After all, here they are today, well, at least he is, at least this kid is. Heh “kid”, if he was who he was, then this was going to be something to behold.
Does the name “Dilandau” mean anything to you?
TAG: Matsu Ike , Kei Amadis @Sor jan Xanthia R Roy Vermillion