A Master's Farewell
Look at her, all grown up; no longer the child I took on as my apprentice. She has grown tall... and strong, both physically and mentally. She no longer has the body of a child, her hips have widened, her chest expanded and her feminine curves have granted a certain grace to her movements. I see a confidence in her that wasn't there as a child... so much about her has changed, and yet... She is still clearly recognisable as the same little girl I chose to be my Padawan.
Even though it would be about ten years ago now, I still remember that day. The way her face lit up as I told her I would take her as my apprentice, her curly blond hair framing her angelic face as she smiled at me. It is pleasing to note that she still has the same unshakable enthusiasm.
We have come so far together and shared many adventures, but I still am not quite sure where all the time has gone! She has grown into the Jedi I had hoped she would be - blossoming into fulfilling the potential I had seen in her all those years ago at the Temple. That is where our journey began and it is fitting that here it shall end.
She is ready.
Sitting on the floor opposite me, she comes out of her meditation to find me studying her. I anticipate her question before she even voices it. I know her so well.
"Are you alright Master?" - That same innocence in her voice, the words said with such a crisp clarity.
"I am fine my Padawan," I use the term affectionately, as we both know this is the last time I may have to use it, "I was just contemplating just how far you have come from being the youngling I met all that time ago."
She smiles softly (another of her mannerisms that have barely changed) and pauses for a moment, before replying with "I think this will be difficult for both of us. I would like to take this opportunity whilst we are alone to thank you – for all that you've done for me." I see in her eyes all that she thinks of me as. A father figure, mentor and friend. I am glad I did not fail her as a Master.
"It has been an honour to watch you grow into the Jedi you are today."
After a moment, we bow to one another as a symbol of our mutual respect before the timely entrance of the Grand Master.
"It is time."
Silently, we follow him up to the Hall of Knighthood. By the light of the moon, I ignite my lightsaber and complete the circle of the Masters already assembled, adding an extra splash of green to the blend of colours already painting the floor. My Padawan walks carefully into the middle, upholding tradition. Our eyes meet as the Grand Master reads out the formal opening passage:
"We are all Jedi. The Force speaks through us. Through our actions, the Force proclaims itself and what is real. Today we are here to acknowledge what the Force has proclaimed."
She kneels as he brings his lightsaber down above each of her shoulders.
"By the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, I dub thee Jedi, Knight of the Republic."
This is my cue. Slowly, so as not to ruin the moment, I approach my kneeling Padawan and with my own lightsaber, I quickly sever the Padawan braid from her head with a hum of the blade. I press it into her hand and curl her fingers around it - to show that it is hers to keep - as I help her up. Then, I project my voice for all the Masters in the room to hear, as I proclaim:
"Aleesha, Jedi Knight!"
It is done – she is now truly my equal.