Pathways of the Force
Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it by the handle of anxiety, or by the handle of faith. Author Unknown
There was a firm hold on his braid, and he grimaced slightly as it was pulled tight, yet the Jedi didn't move.
And then it began.
He felt it tug and pull against the grain of the hair, the ceremonial blade slicing through the carefully braided pieces, splitting each one apart.
Released, the braid fluttered to the ground.
It was over.
Qui-Gon stared down at the shorn braid at his feet and touched the spot of severed hair.
He wasn't entirely sure what he was supposed to feel. Happiness, he mused. He was very happy that he had achieved the rank that he had fought so hard to earn. So many hours of training, study, missions upon missions, helping to serve the galaxy as a padawan learner.
But to actually see the braid, his treasured most priceless object on the ground at his feet; spoke volumes about the finality of this action. There would be no Master looking back over his shoulder, to make sure that he had done something correctly, no one to follow when walking, no one to rescue him if things came crashing down around his ears, or look to for reassurance and guidance. His reputation and career would be on his shoulders alone.
The fate of people's lives could be altered just by his service, as he went from planet to planet on missions, going where the Order deemed him best to serve. It was an awesome responsibility and one that was not lost on the former learner.
He was a Jedi Knight in the service of the Republic.
"Rise Knight Jinn," his Master's voice jarred him out of his reverie that had come over him.
He stood in one fluid motion, marveling slightly.
Knight Qui-Gon Jinn.
His lips quirked upwards smoothly as elation overcame his somber mood.
Even though a chapter of his life was now ended, as Dooku's apprentice, he found himself looking forward to the new challenges that lay ahead.
Who was Knight Qui-Gon Jinn? Qui-Gon pondered this as he spoke to his friends and colleagues who had gathered for this simple ceremony. He wasn't entirely sure.
Padawan Jinn he knew well.
He had been a lanky youth, strong in the Living Force, and eager to please his Master doing everything he could with his whole heart in it, helping people and animals alike to find the paths they were meant to.
As a Knight however, did he truly know himself?
The Knight knew there would be many challenges to face and wrongs to right, and people to serve. The Jedi life he knew was not an easy life, but easy was not for those who served the Will of the Force above their own desires, as he tried with all his heart to do. He knew it would take patience and dedication and a lifetime to learn to truly serve the Force. In so doing the will of the Force, he knew he would find his own path as he was meant to. He would grow and mature as all Jedi did, developing more fully in the Force.
He did not know himself now, he admitted, especially when one considered all that lay ahead. The Force would guide him to finding out who he was and helping him to serve to the best of his abilities.
Qui-Gon had faith in it.