Faction [NJO] Knighthood Ceremony - Rayia Si

[Jonyna Si]

Cathar Enclave

Knighthood
Tag: Rayia Si​

Jonyna had arranged the arrival in secret. She had wanted this on Cathar, but given it's current status, she had to keep the ceremony a bit under wraps. The order had been informed, but Jonyna had kept it from leaving the temple.

She had hid her tears in prepping. Wearing her white robes, one she was seldom seen in, while wearing the green fur paint of her people. The golden highlights of her robes, contrasted with the red hair spilling out of the hood. She had mentally prepared for this, and following the fiasco on Jedha, she felt the time was right. Her daughter, her second padawan, the first to take her name.

The jungle crept up the mountain, as the sun shined through Lidom Liyulho, as the combined symbol of the NJO and original Jedi order-shaped window poured the symbol across the stone floor, Jonyna standing at the head of the circle, lightsaber raised. She had asked Valery Noble to do this, as she felt it only right that Jonyna, the one who had taken Rayia in on this planet, be the one who knight her.

Among the crowd, Jonyna's family had gathered, the ghosts of Si past walking in a vibrant blue once more.

Jonyna thought back to how Rayia had met her. A wayward soul looking to escape servitude, hiding on a backwater planet, seeking solitude in the hands of a jedi knight still trying to find her own place in the Force.

Jonyna raised her saber, looking Rayia in the eye with such pride. A mother's love. "By the rite of the council..." She raised the blade, allowing it to hover just over Rayia's left shoulder.

"By the will of the Force..." The raised the blade once more, this time over Rayia's head.

"I dub thee..." Down once more, over her right shoulder.

"Knight of the Jedi Order."​

Finally, she lifted her blade in one last salute, before extinguishing it, and letting it idly float over to the ghost of her Mother. The eldest of the family smiled, as Jonyna looked down to Rayia with a look that showed her air of professionalism had broken. Jonyna didn't waste a moment, reaching down and giving Rayia a hug.

She couldn't be happier for her.

 

[Caelan Valoren]

He'd never been to Cathar, so the invitation to a Knighting ceremony on the world sounded like a good chance to visit. He found the people of the world fascinating, their fur was kind of cool. Sometimes, especially in colder places, he wished he had fur. Would make it a lot easier to stay warm. But he usually just drank some Icebrew and went about his day, or wore warmer clothes. Actually, he usually did both. Best to do thing in more than one fashion when it came to protection from the elements.

Either way he listened and clapped for the newest Knight of the Order. He didn't know her, so this was also an opportunity to rectify that. He smiled as he watched Jonyna hug the new Knight, and then moved through the crowd to approach, dipping his head first to Master Si and then to Knight Si.

"Master Si," he said in greeting before looking to Rayia. "Congratulations, Rayia. It's good to see another pass the trials."

---

ATTIRE: Link | WEAPON: Lightsaber | COMPANION: BD-F8 | OTHER: Sigil Bead (Necklace), Prosthetic Left Arm

TAGS: Jonyna Si | Rayia Si ​

 

[Connel Vanagor]

Two Stops in one
Cathar
Enclave

He wasn't here for this. In fact, Connel did not know this was happening until he made a pitstop to check in, but the Shadow knew that attending a Knighting Ceremony was important. He did not know the younger Si, and it did not matter. He had some time, waiting for the informant he was meeting with to show up. So he not only attended, Connel hung around for an extra moment. Upon completion, his comm-link buzzed.

Now?

Oh well, he was going to offer congratulations and then head out.

Congratulations, Knight Si. Your dedication and perseverance have brought you to this moment, and you have proven yourself worthy of the title. As a Jedi, you carry the light of the Force within you, and I have no doubt that you will use your skills to protect the innocent and uphold peace in the galaxy. May the Force guide you on your journey, and may you continue to grow in wisdom and strength. The path ahead may be challenging, but remember, you are never alone. The Order stands with you.

Offering a respectful bow, he let her turn to face another before heading out. He would stay longer if he could, but he had work to do, he always had work to do.

Rayia Si • TAGS​

 

[Jack Wright]

(Tags: Jonyna Si , Rayia Si )

Naturally, Jack would come, duty permitting. As such, arriving to the ceremony in the nick of time, just about witnessing Master Si Knight the proud Cather, the blossoming grin emerged upon bearded features, that he remained close to the back, inclining his head with deep respect, to another Padawan's graduation in this memorable ceremony.

On their home planet, too, presumably! Jack folded his arms, leaning back to the doorframe and released a poignant sigh, content to observe and offer his congratulations, silently.

The smile on his face, just like the last ceremony, being hard to wipe off.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Rayia Si

Despite everything demanding his time, Braze made sure to be here to show support and to offer her congratulations. Rayia wasn't just another Jedi to him; she was extended family, and this was a milestone worth witnessing. A Jedi being knighted was no small thing, and he wouldn't miss it. "I'm proud of you Rayia. "
​

 

[Rayia Si]

Jonyna Si @Attendees
Location: Cathar

---

Rayia had blinked in surprise when she had heard what this day would represent. Honestly, she winced as she remembered it now. The rush of emotions that had played out over her face as Jonyna explained that they would be having her knighting ceremony on Cathar. ‘Appropriate. The place where it all began,’ the Felacatian thought as she had numbly walked back to her room on board the Reaper.

Rayia didn’t feel prepared if she was honest with herself. She had just managed to curb her beast from presenting as a threat to others. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be confident? That you belong as a Knight?’ Then again, Rayia knew herself to be the worst judge of her own character. She had been ever since she had fled servitude and collided with the most wonderful person right here on Cathar. Her mentor and now adoptive mother, Jonyna. ‘If Jonyna says so, it must be true.’

Rayia tried not to squirm as the heat of the saber hovered just above the fur of her shoulders and head. She had already pulled her tail into its sheath at the base of her spine to avoid being bombarded by the vibrational movements of the individuals gathered together. Seeing the crowd, not the least of which included ghosts of family members from her adoptive tribe, Rayia’s shoulders stiffened. Instinct told her she needed to impress. Her golden eyes however, glinted with tears and she wasted no time burrowing into Jonyna’s embrace when hugged. “Only because of you, mother. Only with your help,” she said. How wonderful it was that Rayia felt no discomfort with that word whatsoever. She hadn’t believed she would ever regard someone as her mother again.

It was rare to see Rayia bow her head for anyone. Or stand on ceremony, such as using titles, even for members of the Council. A fragment of resistance that still lingered from her days amongst her tribe and the hiding that came after. But Rayia offered each audience member their own respective bow as they approached to impart some advice or congratulations. “Thank you. All of you. I will work hard to show that this is deserved.”

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery stood near the edge of the gathering, her hands loosely clasped in front of her as she watched the ceremony unfold. The soft glow of lightsabers, the solemn hush that settled over the assembled Jedi, the quiet reverence in Jonyna's voice as she spoke — it was a moment of weight, of transition, of significance. And Valery, though silent, felt the warmth of it settle deep in her chest.

She had stood where Rayia stood now. Had knelt in a similar place, felt the same hum of the Force as she crossed the threshold from Padawan to Knight. It was never just about the title. It was about the journey. About stepping forward not because it was easy, but because it was right.

Her fiery gaze flicked toward Jonyna as she raised her saber, the blade's light reflecting in Valery's amber eyes. A small, knowing smile touched her lips as she exhaled softly through her nose.

For all the war, all the struggle — this was why they fought. For moments like this.

She said nothing, offered no interruption, but when the ceremony reached its conclusion, when Rayia stood as a Jedi Knight, Valery would be ready to step forward, to offer her quiet but heartfelt congratulations.

Rayia Si Jonyna Si ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

First Colette, then Katherine – and now, Rayia Si was to join them among the Order's newly minted Jedi Knights.

Cora stood among the gathered Jedi, watching in fascinated reverence as Jonyna Si lowered her saber to Rayia's shoulder, then swept it above her head, and over to her opposite shoulder. She'd only been to Cathar once before, and some of their traditions – particularly Master Si's white robe and fur paint – were new to her. Force apparitions drifted among the living, adding an ethereal touch to the intimate ceremony.

The cycle of the Force continued.

"Congratulations, Knight Si, Master Si."

Cora approached the pair with a smile when it was appropriate to do so. "After your conduct on Jedha and Hapes – trials in their own right – I had no doubt that you would make a fine Jedi Knight." Her gaze shifted to Jonyna. "You've raised a fine daughter, Master Si. One I've been proud to fight alongside."

 

[Ko Vuto]

​

Location: Cathar

This had been the first time Ko has gotten to see this side of the planet. He was most familiar with the more tropic and lush regions that were home to the denik subspecies that his Master was a part of. These mountains were far more familiar to him than the mighty trees he’d grown used to. Feeling far more at home as a Kel Dor.

This was the first knighting ceremony that Ko himself was actually able to ‘see’ since becoming a knight himself. Felt rather fitting it was with his fellow pupil under Jonyna. Since his own completion as a padawan he hadn't been able to see Rayia much. Another reminder that time doesn’t pause for people just because they haven’t been in his life as much.

Dressed in dark navy robes Ko took note of the others here as well as he stood attentively with his hands together behind him. Rayia Si and Jonyna Si were some of the dearest people to him. Often being more like family to Ko than the few left in the Vuto clan. ​

 

[Ran Serys]

Ran applauded the ascension of another Knight in the Order. Her hands clapped and clasped. She hooted and hollered as she became swept up in the moment. She watched as Jonyna and Rayia embraced. It was a small and beautiful glimpse into the bond that formed between master and apprentice. It made Ran think of her students. Of Sazo Vass and Diogo Talon . She wondered if she'd have the honor of knighting them just as Jonyna had knighted Rayia. She hoped she would, but knew nothing was guaranteed in this strange and dangerous galaxy of theirs.

Ran walked up to Rayia and stole a moment from the rest of the celebrating Jedi. "Congratulations, Rayia Si! It is an honor to meet you, know you, and be your contemporary. Welcome to Knighthood, my new friend!" Ran said with a reserved smile. "If you are even half the Jedi your Master is, you will make the Order proud. That said, my instincts tell me you are that and so much more." Ran would stay for the ceremony and conversation as long as those of the Cathar Temple allowed.

Tags: Rayia Si Jonyna Si | Open
​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Cathar Enclave
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Rayia Si

Rayia had mentioned wanting to be friends during their first mission together and then Lily had heard that the former Padawan was being promoted to Knight rank. It was surprising to realise that the new friend was already progressing to Knight rank since Lily hadn't expected that from their first meeting but a welcomed surprise. Lily was always thrilled to hear that others were progressing forward in their Jedi training and reaching the next steps in their life. Lily was still nervous about the fact that there was going to be a day where she was going to be promoted. Lily had no clue what to do after that and she wasn't sure how to be a Jedi Knight.

Part of the reason she was delaying such a fate since Lily did not feel ready for it.

However, she came to the Cather Enclave, somewhere that was completely new for Lily since she had not been to the world before and Lily was curious on how it would be in comparison to other enclaves that she had visited. Though, Lily was also not sure how long that she would be hanging around for since Lily was busy with her own missions and helping things out with the RNR. The Order of Shiraya was still new and Lily was determined to help them find some stability alongside her Master.

Standing at the back of the crowd, Lily gave a firm, polite applause when Rayia was knighted into her new rank. A little subdue but Lily was never one for causing much of a scene, especially since she was wanting to avoid taking attention away from who this event was about. She was just smiling and clapping for her new friend in their next big step in life. Lily also figured she would congratulate Rayia more in person once there was a chance as well since she didn't want to overwhelm the other woman, so would want till things were quieter.

 

[Jonyna Si]

TAG: Rayia Si Valery Noble

Once Jonyna was done hugging her daughter, she took a moment to compose herself, and brush the tears from her eyes. Then she looked to Val. "It never gets any easier, does it? Sending them off to the wild unknowns, trusting you taught them enough to take care of themselves?"

Jonyna had been terrified when she had found our Ko Vuto had gone out on his first mission alone.

She paused, looking over to the Kel Dor himself, offering him a smile. He had taken care of himself, after all. Still, the mother in her couldn't help but worry.

One day one of them would get seriously hurt, and she'd feel utterly responsible for it.

 

[Drystan Creed]

CATHAR

Within the temple, as the ceremony concluded, a conspicuous-looking bush rustled beside the gathering crowd. To the untrained eye, it appeared to be an ordinary shrub, native to Cathar. But this bush was anything but ordinary.

"Congratulations."

A voice called out from within. Then, a head popped out, a lit cigarette wedged between its teeth. It was Drystan.

The shrubbery engulfing his body wasn't a plant, but a disguise—something he had crafted to blend into Cathar's natural landscape. He had been on one of his camping trips again, it seemed. Dressed in the flora of the planet, he rose to his full height, arms shooting out, legs stretching from his crouched position.

Drystan remembered his own knighthood ceremony—if it could even be called that. There was no grand event, only a brief procession carried out by his master. At the time, he had been impatient, convinced that his skill and talent had already earned him the title long before it was given. But as time passed, he came to understand—knighthood was not just a measure of one's prowess with the Force or skill with a blade. It was a measure of one's heart.

Still, welcoming the new blood was always a good time. And it didn't take too much time out of his usually busy schedule.

Rayia Si

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery chuckled softly, her gaze following Jonyna's before shifting back to the newly knighted Rayia. The warmth in her expression deepened, an understanding glimmering in her fiery eyes.

"No," she admitted, exhaling through her nose. "It never gets easier."

She glanced toward the other Knights and Masters gathered, each one having sent a student off into the unknown at some point — some more than once. "We spend years guiding them, watching them stumble, helping them get back up. We push them, challenge them, and sometimes, we wonder if they're even listening." Her smirk turned slightly wry, the memory of her more stubborn students flickering across her mind. "And then one day, they stand on their own, ready to take that next step."

She turned back to Jonyna, a quiet certainty in her voice. "It's not easy… but it's beautiful, isn't it?"

Countless hours of work, frustration, triumphs, and failures — all leading to this moment. To a student becoming a Knight, to the next chapter in their story. "It's fulfilling," she continued, tilting her head slightly. "And, if we've done our jobs right, we'll see them standing in our place someday, guiding the next generation."

Her smirk softened as she folded her arms loosely across her chest. "Still doesn't make the worrying stop, though."

Jonyna Si ​

 

[Jonyna Si]

TAG: Valery Noble

"I didn't think I'd ever be ready. When I took Ko on, I'll be honest...I didn't do it for the right reasons. I just thought, now that I was part of the order, it was my duty to train a padawan. I threw myself at the task like I would anything else, but..." She paused, looking from Val to Ko Vuto once more.

"It wasn't until Ukatis that it finally sunk in what we do here. We're not some disconnected order of monks like the jedi of the Republic were. We're...family. All of us. Much like how my people are, where we all grow up in the same tree. Here on Cathar, we cherish every kitten born, and treat them like family. I didn't...have this when I was training. My master was my mom, but we never really saw it that way. It was just me, her, Giran and Zash. Trying to learn how to become defenders of the people..." She paused, looking to the ghosts scattered around the temple forum.

She had helped rebuild the temple with the intention of creating a place for the order to learn from her world. She had never considered the fact that one day it would have the same meaning as a City-Tree.

 

[Katherine Holt]

Katherine had to think on whether she had been to Cathar before, either way it was a beautiful planet, the location of the Jedi Enclave especially so. The redhead would’ve made a mental note to take a little fly around before leaving. But given the current situation, it was probably not wise to do so.

Despite it though, Master Jonyna had made it absolute paramount that Rayia’s Knighting was to take place on Cathar. It didn’t take much looking into to understand why, to know why it was so important to their people.

The Valkyrie smiled as she watched the ceremony unfold. Even from where she stood, Katherine could see the emotions in Jonyna’s face. The same that had been on Valery’s, when she had Knighted Colette.

Not just one’s Padawan, but their child too.

Katherine couldn’t think of a time she had directly interacted with Rayia, which was a shame. But to see another become a Knight was worthwhile for celebration, especially during a tumultuous period in the galaxy.

She clapped along with everyone else, watching a few familiar faces step forwards to congratulate the newly anointed Knight. Eventually Katherine saw an opportunity, and she approached.

“Congratulations, Knight Rayia Si.” She said, a warm smile on her face as she looked down at the young Cathar. The Valkyrie then stepped aside, shifting towards where Jonyna and Valery were standing. Katherine gave the Noble a smile and nod, before looking towards the Cathar Master.

“Same to you, Master Si. I can only imagine how proud you are of your daughter.”

Jonyna Si | Rayia Si​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery listened in quiet understanding, her fiery gaze steady as Jonyna spoke. There was something deeply personal in the way she described her journe y— how training a Padawan had started as duty but had become something more. How the Jedi weren't just warriors or monks, but a family.

A small, knowing smile tugged at Valery's lips.

Her gaze flicked toward the temple, the very foundation that Jonyna had helped rebuild. A place shaped not just by stone and durasteel, but by the people within it — by the Jedi who walked its halls, who laughed, trained, struggled, and grew together.

"You helped build this temple," Valery continued, nodding toward the structure. "You gave our Order a piece of your home, your culture. And now? It's more than just a place to train — it's a place to belong." She exhaled softly, her expression turning thoughtful. "I think that's what a lot of Jedi have missed over the years. We dedicate our lives to the galaxy, to its people, but it's easy to forget that we need that same connection. That we're not just warriors or scholars — we're brothers, sisters, mentors, and friends."

Her arms folded loosely across her chest as her gaze flicked toward Ko, then Rayia. "We watch them grow, we send them into the unknown, and yeah…" She smirked slightly. "We worry. We wonder if we did enough. But that's all part of it." A moment of silence passed before Valery's smirk widened just a fraction, her tone lightening with just a touch of teasing warmth.

"That said, are you already planning the next one? Or taking a break for a little while?"

Jonyna Si ​

 

[Jonyna Si]

TAG: Valery Noble

Jonyna couldn't help but chuckle at the last question.

"Oh, you know me. I don't like being alone for too long. A Cathar boy named Jago Raar started a few weeks ago, I took him in as well. I might take another two if things go well. I can't really help it. Had 8 brothers and sisters, it's always so...lonely on my own."

And that wasn't even counting her own crew. If there was one part of her life from before she couldn't let go of, it was that sense of needing a crowd to surround her.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsabers

Valery let out a soft laugh, "Eight siblings?" she echoed, shaking her head with a grin. "That explains a lot."

There was a playful shimmer in her eye, but behind it was a deep understanding. The need for connection, the drive to surround oneself with people — it was something Valery knew all too well. She had grown up surrounded by others in the Temple, had spent years with nothing but duty to guide her, and now? Now, she couldn't imagine not having the presence of others to anchor her. Especially her family or students.

"You're not alone in that," she said, her voice softer now. "I've always had a bit of a habit of collecting Padawans too. I think sometimes I need them just as much as they need me."

"They bring something out of us. A reminder of what we're fighting for. Who we're guiding the future for." A pause, and then a smirk tugged at her lips again. "Of course, I'm still trying to teach mine not to leap into trouble headfirst, but I guess that part never really changes."

Jonyna Si ​

 

[Jonyna Si]

TAG: Valery Noble

Jonyna couldn't help but pout slightly. She had tried to move on from it, but her past defined her in a lot of ways, little ways, ways that she couldn't really just let go, because of how subconscious they were.

"When I was little, I was the only one. The eldest of my siblings, mom didn't have my brother until after I had gone away to become a jedi...and failed in doing that." She let out a sharp breath from her nose. "I spent ten years alone, running, trying to build myself up to be the hero the galaxy needed. Then I ran into what would become my rebel crew. I fell in love with Giren and Sevs...and then we returned to my home for the first time." Jonyna paused, idly playing with the silver and wooden saber hilt of her mother. "I came home to 8 new family members, and my mom having gone from the patient, kind woman, to a rowdy but stern mother trying to keep up with it."

Jonyna couldn't help but hold back a laugh. "First thing she did was scold me for not eating enough."

Then her mood dipped, as she slumped her shoulders. "Then I went into the ice, and came out and it was all...gone. Ever since, I've been trying to fill that void, because all being alone reminds me of is being back on the run from the Empire."