Faction [NJO] Knighting — Iris Arani

[Valery Noble]

New Cov Temple

Knighthood
​

It felt like only yesterday that a routine Jedi Shadow mission turned into a rescue mission, and not just any. The young girl who had been captured by slavers after tagging their compound with paint wasn't just an ordinary girl. Her presence in the Force was as unique as the way she perceived it, and through their escape, the two formed a bond that began to grow immensely as time went on. Because after their return from Sump, they made a decision that involved a commitment that would last for years.

Iris Arani would become her very first Padawan since her awakening from stasis.

Over the years that followed, Valery focused not only on teaching her how to be the best Jedi she could be, but helped her develop as a person as well. Iris' natural kindness and willingness to help anybody lent itself perfectly to the role of a Jedi in the Galaxy, and throughout her training and experience on battlefields and behind those frontiers, she never failed to show the pureness of her heart. There was no doubt that many around her relied on it heavily, especially during the difficult times of war.

But each journey must also come to an end, and after years of intense training under Valery's wing, the young girl transitioned into a woman worthy of the title Jedi Knight. Now, she no longer needs the protection her Master once offered, and has developed all the skills and gained all the knowledge required to provide a shadow like that for others. The Galaxy has gained another beacon of Light, and one Valery is certain will shine for many years to come.

...
​

With friends and familiar faces gathered around, Valery stepped forward to raise her violet blade up high above the ceremony, before carefully lowering the blade down to hover just above Iris' left shoulder. "By the right of the council.."

Slowly, the blade shifted to hover just above Iris' head. "By the will of the Force.."

Finally, Valery lowered the blade again, hovering it over Iris' right shoulder. "I dub thee..."

"Knight of the Jedi Order." ​

With a quick and precise sweep of her blade, Valery severed the Padawan braid she forced her Padawan to wear for just this ceremony and looked down into Iris' eyes, proud and happy because of what she achieved. "Please rise, knight Iris Arani." Once she did, Valery disengaged her blade and dipped her head low to show her respect for the order's new Jedi Knight. But when she finally began to rise, there were some proud tears in the woman's eyes.

That little girl she had comforted that day on Sump, and trained for so long, was now a fully-fledged Jedi Knight, and a woman she could rely on. Few things could compare to a moment like this.

 

[Miri Nimdok]

Miri didn't know Iris personally, but she hadn't been to a knighting ceremony in years, and never one with the New Jedi Order. Her attendance was motivated mainly by curiosity as she stood among the crowd of onlookers, watching the proceedings.

Iris Arani Valery Noble​

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

New Cov Temple
Tags: Iris Arani , Valery Noble ​

Jasper couldn't stop himself from beaming. If anyone deserved to be a knight, it was Iris. She was the order's best, even if she didn't realize it herself. Having seen the way that Iris was first hand, he had very little doubts of who the future of the order would fall to. Of course, Jasper wasn't going to say this. She would probably call him stupid, which wasn't entirely false. For now, congratulating her would have to do.

He couldn't help but think of his own journey for a brief moment. Jasper knew he was still not ready to become a knight, but the time would come. Would he be ready? He wasn't entirely sure. Knighthood had been his ultimate goal, but there was certainly something daunting about it all. There seemed to be such an expectation to live up to. What if he wasn't able to do so?

The padawan quickly put all of this aside. Jasper wasn't here to think about himself. This was about Iris. He decided to hang back for a bit. No doubt, many present here wanted the chance to speak with the 'knight of the hour." She would make her way around in time. Jasper saw no need to rush. That, and he felt that those who knew her best should get the opportunity to congratulate her first. As much as she had helped him, Jasper had really only known Iris for almost a year now, a fraction of time compared to others present today. He didn't mind. There was no real rush. Jasper was content to hang back by the table of confections and watch, for now at least.

 

[Lossa Aureus]

Location: New Cov Temple
Equipment: Discreet Hearing Enhancer - Left Ear, Long Handled Double Lightsaber, Weighted Training Robes, Concealed Sling Bag
Tags: Valery Noble Iris Arani Miri Nimdok Jasper Kai'el

Lossa watched quietly, against her nature as Iris was knighted. She wanted to whoop and holler, make a joyous noise for Iris. But she also didn't want to be the oddball yelling at her friends ceremony when everyone seemed to be on their best behavior.

At least for the time being.

It was telling to watch Valery stand before Iris and beam with pride. Something she had rarely seen given her own interactions with the Master Jedi. Disappointed motherly stares aside, Lossa watched proudly.

Keeping her hands behind her back, she tried to muffle the sound of popping knuckles and joints into her robes as she waited for Iris to do as she wished. Sending a bright smile and sneaking her hand forward to give the girl a thumbs up if she looked her way.

"Told ya." Lossa muttered to herself.

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: New Cov Temple
Objective: Congratulate Iris
Tag: Iris Arani

Silas hadn't smiled this much for a while.

Before his very eyes Iris was getting knighted, a sight Silas knew he was going to see sooner or later. It was not long ago they were chatting as padawans about if they were going to take on their own students. In due time, Iris was going to do just that. She had come a long way from the time she almost killed him with spicy on their first meeting, something that he'd keep reminding her about as the years went by.

Everything had been going fast, too fast for his liking. Soon enough it was going to be Brianna's turn, considering both of them started at the same time. Silas couldn't be sad though, it was an honor that he was able to train alongside such a talented and bright Jedi.

How far she had come almost brought a tear to his eye...

"Well done Iris, well done..." Silas said to himself quietly in reflection, his arms slowly folding as he looked straight at her from the crowd. This was her moment, and in a blink of an eye, he'd be doing the same. Although, that day, for now, would have to wait. ​

 

[Kat Decoria]

Location: New Cov Temple
Outfit: Casual
Tags: Valery Noble | Miri Nimdok | Lossa Aureus | Silas Westgard | Iris Arani

The trek to New Cov had been an interesting one, it was a location that Kat had never been to before and she was curious to see the surrounding views, populations and the temple itself. She was also curious about the event that was happening at the temple, she had heard about a Padawan she had helped out not that long ago was now becoming a fully fledged Jedi Knight. It was something amazing to see happen in person and Kat couldn't believe that she had played a very minor path on this Padawan's path going forward. To become a Jedi Knight was something amazing to see and Kat had never become one herself, having left the Silver Jedi before she could ever become a Jedi Knight.

Dressed in something she found warming and comfortable for the ceremony, Kat hung in the back. Watching the ceremony happen, curious to see how the New Jedi Order conducted a ceremony and if there were differences in the Jedi Orders. In the past, she hadn't noticed too much in terms of fanfare when it came to new Knights so it was nice to see there was already a number of people waiting around, excited to congratulate her. Kat kept her sunglasses raised, while she was completely sober for the moment, she didn't want others to see the joy and sadness in her eyes. Joys of seeing another grow and become who they always wanted to be and the sadness of still feeling lost and blind on her own path.

Was this just her curse now?

No, focus, just enjoy the moment for Iris. That was all Kat had to do to steel herself once more and wash away her feelings for another day. Today was Iris's and once she had the chance, she would let Iris know that she was excited to see what she would do as a Knight and a Healer.

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: New Cov Jedi Temple
Outfit: Jedi Robes
Tags: Valery Noble | Iris Arani | Miri Nimdok | Jasper Kai'el | Lossa Aureus | Silas Westgard | Kat Decoria

Robes were ridiculous, uncomfortable and unflattering attire that Dreidi had ever known. She couldn't understand why the Jedi thought it was a good idea to wear them and especially wear them for formal events like this. While she didn't know Iris super well, they worked together on a mission and Dreidi felt that meant they had a bond, or at least the start of one that could bloom into a solid friendship down the line. Hells, she might be a long ways till she was a Knight herself but Iris showed she was more than ready during their mission together. Level-headed, compassion, capable fighter, bit uptight, all the classic Jedi traits that Dreidi could think of. So it only felt fair that if Dreidi was gunna congratulate the new Knight then she would dress formally for the occasion.

Except, she deeply regretted it. Biggest mistake of her life!

Constantly adjusting the robes, she could never find a way that it would settle on her in a comfortable, stylish and pleasant way. Always looked too baggy and like she was either putting on a ton of weight or looking like she had lost a load and had no other clothes that fit her anymore. It was insanity and she just hoped that things would figure themselves out in the robes department when it became her turn to be a Knight. Whenever that might be in the future.

Looking around, everyone seemed to be quiet, mute during the ceremony and after Iris was announced to be a Knight, it seemed oddly quiet. Something that Dreidi knew needed to be fixed right away. "Hey! Congrats Iris! You nailed it! Whooooooooo!" Dreidi shouted loudly and abruptly, clapping a couple times to show her support to Iris. Might have been a bit much but being deafly quiet was creepy in her mind.

 

[Kara Jade]

Location: New Cov Temple
Tags: Valery Noble | Iris Arani | Miri Nimdok | Jasper Kai'el | Lossa Aureus | Silas Westgard | Kat Decoria | Dreidi Xeraic
​

It had been impossible to not find out about the upcoming knighthood, especially considering it was Iris’. While Kara hadn’t known the young girl incredibly long compared to others present, she knew enough to know she deserved it.

Hell, she had saved Kara’s life on Ilum. That alone was enough in the blonde’s opinion. But she knew the teenager had been working tooth and nail in her training. Gone through excruciating trials that had tested her limits.

She had well and truly earned the Knighthood.

Kara stood amongst the crowd, smiling from ear to ear as she clapped. The blonde had dressed in more baggier clothes than usual for this outing, but nothing that completely concealed the ever growing pregnancy. But it was enough that if one weren’t paying attention, or weren’t up close, then they wouldn’t notice.

It had been that in that eventful conversation with Valery that had cleared Kara’s mind on that topic. There was little point in hiding the pregnancy. In several months time the baby would be born, and the little one wasn’t going to be going anywhere. But neither was Kara going to stop her training as a Jedi.

She knew it was going to be a tough thing to balance, but Kara also knew she had those she could rely on to help.

 

[Thelma Goth]

Standing as far away from the others as possible, Thelma watched the ceremony. If she hadn't been "strongly encouraged" to attend, she probably wouldn't have showed up. She was new to the Temple and didn't know any of the people here, much less the person being knighted.

She didn't particularly want to get to know anyone, either. No, she was perfectly content to keep to herself, minding her own business. Not hurting anybody...

"Hey! Congrats Iris! You nailed it! Whooooooooo!"

Thelma jumped a little. The ceremony had been relatively quiet and lowkey, when all of a sudden one girl started yelling. Her shoulders hunching, Thelma took yet another step away from the rest of the group, trying to make herself seem invisible.

Kara Jade Valery Noble Iris Arani Silas Westgard Jasper Kai'el Lossa Aureus Kat Decoria Dreidi Xeraic​

 

[Corin Trenor]

It was common of Corin to lurk in the rear, his arms folded over his chest with his shoulder leaned into a wall and one ankle crossed over the other. He bounced between other systems, able to crush the problems tasked to the Jedi Sentinel underfoot in order to be in attendance. It felt odd, however, as the temple on New Cov pulsed with the influence of Master Noble - Corin believed he was no more than a troublesome nuisance in the eyes of the Jedi Master, a poor influence on her now former student.

In any case, the newly anointed Jedi Knight held onto a faint smile at the scene as it unfolded. That was all.

 

[Briana Sal-Soren]

​

Wearing: XoXo
Equipment: Lightsaber
Location: Jedi Temple, New Cov
Tag: Iris Arani , Valery Noble , Dreidi Xeraic , Kara Jade , Silas Westgard , Lossa Aureus , Kat Decoria , Miri Nimdok, Thelma Goth , Corin Trenor


Briana stood in attendance of the occasion, centered towards the front and nearer to Iris, her posture straight and formal as the proceedings pulled on.

It was difficult to believe that they'd met nearly four years ago and even more difficult to reconcile the girl she'd first met with the one who stood before all of them now - the one she'd learned to call friend, family, even.

Through the years, Iris had more than earned her respect, having seen first hand how hard she'd worked to get here and knowing the harrowing trials she'd faced, blessed with the opportunity to have been able to not only watch her grow, but to also do so beside her. No matter what challenge Iris faced through the years, she always found a way through. There was no doubt in Briana's mind that she was worthy of this rank.

As the ceremony came to a close, a bright smile that would not fade anytime soon, spread from ear to ear. Pride swelled within her chest, knowing Iris would succeed as she transitioned into this new phase of her life.

"Look at you, already on your way to becoming the universes best Jedi," Briana laughed softly, carefully wiping her eyes before anyone could notice that she was getting emotional over this and have to vehemently deny it, then stepped forward to give the much shorter woman a congratulatory hug, "Don't forget us little guys while you're out there saving everything and everyone."

​

 

[Luric Ee'everwest]

Gear: Lightsaber, Robes
Location: Jedi Temple, New Cov​

Whilst Luric had not known Iris very long at all, he felt a sense of pride as he watched Master Noble perform the Knighting ceremony. He was a Knight himself, but not a Knight of the Jedi Order in the traditional sense, as his ceremony was less a formal gathering, and more his Aunt Teyla Sal-Soren bestowing the title upon him shortly before the nether cataclysm on their homeworld. It was in that sense he felt pride, to see someone who truly deserved such rank and title, who had by every right earned it, receive it among friends and fellow Jedi.

Standing there, next to his cousin Briana, he had a warm smile upon his face as he looked on. His heart, it swelled with joy, and within the Force, he projected feelings of happiness and jubilation. He only hoped that Iris counted him among her friends as he now considered her. As Bri spoke, Luc chuckled lightly, knowing full well that his cousin, for all she tried, was not the stoic and serious figure she tried so hard to make herself out to be. He would keep that to himself, though, and approach Iris as well, stopping a few feet away.

He offered her a deep bow of respect, and spoke with a kind and even tone. "You do your friends proud this day. I can only hope you consider me to be one of them as well. Congratulations, Iris..." Luric then coughed shallowly, winking as he continued. "Apologies...Knight Arani."

In times of war and strife, events like these were to be cherished above all others. Truly a wondrous and beautiful moment in time, if ever there was one.

Iris Arani | Valery Noble | Briana Sal-Soren
Lossa Aureus | Silas Westgard | Jasper Kai'el | Dreidi Xeraic | Kat Decoria
Kara Jade | Miri Nimdok | Thelma Goth | Corin Trenor​

 

[Iris Arani]

Her earliest memories weren't like others. There were no memories of her being a toddler, of even being a child. Those years were lost to the colors. No, her earliest memories were of finally learning of the world layered under the colors. Of the Jedi Master before her cutting through the bleakness in that slaver den to help her. Of her helping others. The colors that had been an overwhelming turbulent sea found shape. Little by little she started to see more. To see people. Friends, strangers, enemies. Experience after experience only brought more understanding to the chaos around her. Through that, clarity.

Iris rose, her gaze staying on her Master's own. She felt the braid fall from her shoulder, and smiled. There were so many different emotions in her, in Valery. She said nothing, waited a moment for there to at least be some ceremony to this all. Then just threw her arms around the woman who'd become her mother to just hug her. "Thank you. For everything." Then took a step back, head up high like she hadn't.

She turned her gaze out, glancing over the crowd. Huh. Crowd.

Alright maybe Corin had a point that she made friends with a lot of people. Did he- Oh he did. She raised a hand to wave, though was pulled right into a hug by another. Bri? She laughed, turning to give her a quick hug in turn.

"You never forgot about me, even when I used to." The hug tightened, just for a moment. Everyone in their own ways helped her see. Living together with Briana, those were memories she'd never forget. Her gaze shifted, nodding once to Luric.

".. Weird. Iris is fine. Arani is still a weird name for me."

Valery Noble | Corin Trenor | Briana Sal-Soren | Luric Ee'everwest | Lossa Aureus | Silas Westgard | Jasper Kai'el | Dreidi Xeraic | Kat Decoria | Kara Jade | Miri Nimdok | Thelma Goth

 

[Corin Trenor]

He could not resist but compare his own ceremony to this one. From the faces in the crowd and the comments made, even in hushed and whispered tones. Corin could lay claim to the uselessness of words but the same may not be the case to others. Part of him came to understand that in full once all the warmth from Iris' peers flew forth from their mouths, so much so there was not one but two embraces that followed. Love, of another nature.

Corin felt his soft and subtle smile fall from his face slowly, as if the wax of a candle. His eyes washed over those in attendance, to scan over their faces and see the familiar few. Iris seemed to possess another crowd altogether, or so the Sentinel believed with those few unfamiliar faces. He seemed to have recoiled with a narrowed and surprised stare at the sight of Padawan Kara. She was... heavier, to say the least. But of what did pregnancy did Corin know beyond the bare essentials? He knew better than to make an assumption, most of all to one's own face.

In the back, Corin yawned.

It was an unexpected kindness for him to be here at all, and an official ceremony was never the most thrilling either.

His head pivoted, back and forth, in search of food.

 

[Amani Serys]

"They grow up so fast…" Amani sighed, sidling up as the formalities concluded and others began to move. As if Iris had ever been that far behind her in age. But watching the ceremony, and watching her grow into a knight, it became all the clearer just how far she had come. How much has changed, yet stayed the same.

Iris was like a sister to Amani. Now, that young padawan who had helped her find her own way back all that time ago, was a tried and true Jedi in her own right. And there was still so much potential left to cultivate. Her ascension to Knighthood was just the beginning…

For the moment, the Mirialan just watched, content to let Iris have her moment with the many friends and peers that had come to congratulate her on such a special occasion.

Iris Arani | @For sure not tagging all of you​

 

[Valery Noble]

Outfit | Weapon | Appearance

Outfit | XoXo
Location | New Cov | Temple
Tag | Iris Arani

"Thank you. For everything."

"Of course. I'm very proud of you, Iris" Valery said softly in return, as her hand rubbed along Iris' back for a moment. When she pulled back from the embrace, Valery knew she was no longer looking at the same girl anymore. She was a woman now, a Jedi Knight strong and capable to protect the Alliance and help prepare new generations of Jedi to do the same.

There was nothing more a Master could wish for.

With the ceremonial part now over, Iris was quickly jumped by Briana and approached by other friends, drawing a big grin onto Valery's face as she watched it all happen. This was her moment, so she wanted to keep that spotlight on Iris, and stepped back a little more, giving her the space and time to catch up with everybody. They'd undoubtedly talk about Knighthood more soon, and other aspects of a Jedi's life. But right now, she just wanted her former Padawan to have a good time.

Looking back around the gathered group of Jedi, Valery did spot one familiar face who hadn't quite jumped Iris yet. The last time she really interacted with Corin Trenor was during their mission on Rishi, where she taught him a few things and got to see him in action. A lot had changed, so she figured there was room to catch up.

"Need some help finding the snacks?" she asked after quietly making her approach, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Been a while, Corin. How have you been?" She asked, choosing to use is first name instead of formal ranks and last names. He was a Padawan of Dagon, after all.

​

 

[Miri Nimdok]

Miri approached Iris, waiting for the crowds of friends and loved ones to thin a bit. "Congratulations, Dame Iris," she said, with a slight curtsy.

What more could she say? She didn't know Iris well enough to make any value judgments or offer assurances. Hm... maybe it was best not to say anything else after all.

Provided there was no further reason for her to stay, Miri left in search of the snack table.

Iris Arani​

 

[Thelma Goth]

Oh. It was over. Already? That was fast.

No longer obligated to stay, Thelma made a beeline for the closest exit. She didn't to eat food, after all.

 

[Romi Jade]

Jedi Temple, New Cov

-----------
​

Clinging to the tail of the group -- in the back.

She applauded, cuffing her hands inside one another to muffle the sound if only not proof a distraction. She remembered Iris and the others running about the Praxeum grounds earlier on, a rambunctious group of students whom would later come under the guidance of Valery; she'd attend any of their proceedings. Being able to bear witness, even if only slightly, to the growth that culminates in Knighthood was a privilege for senior members.

And of course, she was here to support a good friend of hers -- Valery. She was proud that she was proud.

Towards the end, she started on her way.

 

[Thalia Senn]

Iris Arani | Luric Ee'everwest | Briana Sal-Soren | Silas Westgard

Thalia stood in the crowd of Jedi watching the ceremony take place. Clad in her white and gold ceremonial robes that she only broke out for special occasions she couldn't help the storm of emotions rumbling in the pit of her stomach. Thalia hadn't known Iris before the Brotherhood had warped her mind and pushed her to do the terrible things she'd done. Her first meeting with Iris she'd thrown her off a moving tram between the massive hanging cities of Cato Neimoidia fully intent on killing her. In fact, she'd thought she had and had reported as much to her then Master only to be punished for the truth later. She didn't know why the Force kept bringing them together but battle after battle, raid after raid, Iris had come to her trying to pull her back to the Jedi.

And now here she was, a Knight of the Jedi Order, everything Thalia had wanted all those years ago. She deserved it. As the violet blade of Jedi Master Valery Noble cut through the Padawan braid, Thalia's hand instinctively reached up and rubbed her own between thumb and forefinger. Joy, admiration, and yes, a little jealousy, bubbled up and she felt tears falling down her cheeks as the only one that had ever really believed in her rose, Knight of the New Jedi Order.

She couldn't help herself. She burst into motion, running forward, brushing past the Padawans, Knights, and Masters congratulating Iris and wrapped her in a big hug, lifting her off the ground, swinging her around.

"You did it!" Her excitement was feverish. "You did it! You did it! You did it!"