Despite the serious nature of the ceremony, Katherine couldn’t help but be all smiles as she knelt before her Master. This had been something she had strived towards for years, once she had found not just her confidence but her place within the Order. She was a far cry from the timid, scared teenager that Kahlil had found.
Sensing her Master moving into position, Katherine lifted her head and met his eyes. He was smiling just as much as she was. Someone who had been one of the most important people in her life, helping to guide her into not just the Jedi, but the person she was today.
Katherine remained smiling, but steeled her emotions knowing all too well if she didn’t, tears would’ve surely followed.
With the declaration made, the redhead’s Padawan braid was severed, making the Knighting official. Katherine met her Master’s gaze once more, a small nod to him before she rose and turned to address the crowd that had formed.
Smiling still. Katherine looked down and across those that had come. It was still a strange sensation to be taller than those that dwarfed her previously, even before the incident.
Though as the applause died down, the newly appointed Knight didn’t descend down towards the crowd, instead she remained where she was.
“
When I was first brought to the Order, I was terrified. So much so that I didn’t dare leave my dorm unless someone came to get me.” Katherine couldn’t help but chuckle, remembering the first time Kahlil had to come ‘collect’ her for training. “
But I soon found myself stepping out of that space, albeit trading it for a corner in the Temple’s Archive.” Again, the redhead chuckled but her expression became serious. “
But a shadow still loomed over me, like a heavy mantle draped across my shoulders. One I did not ask for.”
“
As a child I was betrayed, as deeply as one could be at that age.” She didn’t elaborate. Those that knew her story, were old enough to know, or had gone through something similar, knew what she was alluding to. “
I was taken, experimented upon with twisted alchemy. Being forced into becoming something I never wanted.” And by some stroke of luck, or the Force itself, it had never truly finalized. “
I was marred with blood-stained wings, a symbol of terror that was a frequent sight during the Sith Empire’s reign. That whenever I managed the courage to walk the streets, it drew unpleasant attention.”
“
Anyone would just crawl back into their shell after such experiences, and I certainly did. But I had people in my life, teachers, friends, even acquaintances I had only spoken briefly with. Each and every one was part of a pillar I could lean on for support. That helped me stand tall to confront not just the darkness out there in the galaxy, but within myself too.” Katherine paused, taking a breath as she looked out towards everyone.
“
We’re not perfect, nor infallible. We are…people, beings with emotions, flaws and weaknesses. Our greatest lessons don’t just come from success, but our failures as well. Life as a whole is a rollercoaster, but even when we have the greatest downs, we’ll always rise back up in time. But of course, we have an additional weight that we shoulder. The responsibility as stalwart defenders across the galaxy. We’re not just striving to be shields to protect the innocent.” She paused for a moment, turning her head just enough to glance towards
Kahlil Noble
. “
Or swords against those that oppose peace.” That time, she looked towards where
Valery Noble
stood. “
But to be the best versions of ourselves, even if it’s just to be that calming hand on someone’s shoulder.”
Katherine took a breath, as she neared the end of her speech. “
Individually we are Jedi, but together we’re a beacon of Light that can reach across the galaxy, bringing hope to those without. For even the smallest star in the sky can be the brightest light within the dark.”