Faction The Path of Great Resistance (Knighting ceremony)

[Makko Vyres]

On uneven ground every step forwards had the chance of becoming a stumble. Makko had come to realise that if you stopped picking yourself back up, that stumble was no longer part of the journey - it was the destination.

His life had felt mapped out on Denon. Every week had blended into the next. That was because it had been planned for him. Another body thrown into the church, picked up by a gang and given orders.

The Jedi might have expected his loyalty, but he had come to see that he had some freedom in the path he chose. When he stumbled, they were there to pick him up and not push him aside.



Jedi Padawan Makko Vyres stood facing the evening sunlight and his master, Starlin Rand .

There was a small gathering. Some had come because they knew Makko, and others had come because - being an event with Makko and Starlin involved - a vicious rumour had been released that taxis had been booked to take them to a gig after the event.

 

[Starlin Rand]

Who you callin' vicious? They absolutely were going to a gig after the ceremony was over. Makko deserved a proper party to send him off.

Starlin stood before Makko, wearing one of his nicer robes and with his hair combed for once. He was trying not to get emotional, but this was as much a big deal (or nearly as big) for him as it was for his apprentice. After many stops and starts and failures, Makko was his first Padawan to reach knighthood.

He looked down at his lightsaber hilt, then finally activated the blade. "By the right of the Council, by the will of the Force," he said, reciting the words from memory as he carefully weaved the blade over Makko's head from shoulder to shoulder, burning off his Padawan braid along the way. "Makko Vyres, I dub thee Knight of the Jedi Order."

Taking a step back, he grinned. "You may rise."

Makko Vyres + Open
Tenn Kalos Ceri Fraissi​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

In the near distance, Cora watched as Starlin's blade shifted over Makko's shoulders, baptizing him as a Jedi Knight. A flurry of emotions bubbled inside her chest. Some time ago, they'd joked about how she would be the first of the pair to reach Knighthood. It had made sense at the time – she was studious, an eager overachiever who'd joined the Order first, and he was a troubled street rat who couldn't quite find his footing.

Those conversations seemed to have taken place eons ago. Cora would've given anything to have them back.

A barb of jealousy nicked her in the heart, at what she'd lost, and what they'd lost. She was – no, no, swallow the envy down. This wasn't about her. This was about Makko and everything he'd achieved when the galaxy had been stacked against him.

She wouldn't approach. Not yet; their interactions had been awkward and stilted since Denon. Instead, she smiled faintly, letting her appreciation for Makko filter down their frayed bond, suffusing the space between them with warmth.

I'm so proud of you, truly.

Makko Vyres Starlin Rand

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: NJO Temple
Tags: Makko Vyres | Starlin Rand | Corazona von Ascania

It was always nice when a fellow padawan raised to the rank of Knight within The Order. Although not a very large gathering there was an undeniable radiance from all those within the room. Each one a respectable champion of the light in their own unique way.

However, if Ko had to be honest, he didn’t have the pleasure of personally knowing the man of the hour for the ceremony. Makko Vyres was not someone that the Kel Dor knew or had ever seen, and by now probably never will be given the loss of his sight. But he stood out with their high level of sensitivity. Like a tall comms tower pulsing brightly with a strong signal in The Force. Broadcasting his light to the galaxy.

Ko also sensed another, more familiar presence close by as well. It was actually Cora this time right? Not her noble brother who he’d previously mistaken her for? It had to be, there was no reason for the heir to be here. Now the Kel Dor wondered silently to himself… Were the rumors he’d heard earlier going to be true? ​

 

[Tenn Kalos]

Jedi Temple, Coruscant
Makko Vyres - Starlin Rand - Corazona von Ascania - Ko Vuto - OPEN​

---

From what Tenn had heard, he was under the impression that he and Makko were rather similar in nature. Both street kids finding escape through the Jedi Order. Both taken on as padawans by Starlin Rand. On the surface it was easy enough to connect the two, but in Tenn's eyes that's largely where the similarities ended.

But seeing him now, on the verge of becoming a Knight, Tenn couldn't help but envision himself in Mako's position. Like this ceremony were a glimpse of his own future. Makko had changed in his years with the Jedi. How much would Tenn change when his time came?

Starlin proudly knighted his Padawan, his first to reach the next rank. Tenn kept to the back wall, studying the pomp and circumstance with a distant, brooding curiosity. His faithful char hound Shep was, as always, far more expressive in his joy, wagging tail and tongue in equal excitement at the presence of so many friendly faces.

 

[Lossa Darcuhl]

Tags: Makko Vyres Starlin Rand Corazona von Ascania Ko Vuto Tenn Kalos

Interacting with Lily and Briana at the Coruscant Temple had brought with it updates on the latest happenings. And her idle scrolling through the backed up holomail messages to her recovered account found a familiar name appearing in a quickly approaching Knighting Ceremony.

She didn't exactly have anything going on with her schedule to take her away from seeing Makko's ceremony.

It had been a long time since the incident on Denon, and honestly she was surprised that he had actually joined the New Jedi Order. Or at least a surprise for her given what she remembered of his affiliations. A grimace crossed her face at the memory as the ceremony pushed on. Words spoken and Saber waved back and forth in ceremony.

All well and fine she supposed.

Her hand itchy given the lack of a glitter bomb to toss at them all. The last time she'd lobbed them it hadn't just been Valery to glare at her. And unlike Briana and Iris, Makko hadn't been keen to her antics prior to her sudden departure.

Instead she was content to watch, leaned against the back wall, sporting her jumpsuit and robes. The hood left back as she narrowed her eyes in realization. A harried whisper to herself as she began mentally counting.

"Wait he began later than-and now... how long-well chit." Eyes moving to the side before sliding away in a silent count. Concentration visible before crossing her arms again with a shake of her head. A thought to bug her cousin about as it slipped to the back of her mind. Reminding herself to enjoy the moment as she beamed at the new knight.

It was nice to see him doing well.

 

[Makko Vyres]

Taking a step back, he grinned. "You may rise."

Makko smiled at the floor and took a moment to stand. Even knowing it was under Starlin's control, having a lightsaber blade so close to his ear was invigorating.

He offered a less formal thanks to his mentor. First a hand, then drew him in to clap his shoulder.

"Thank you," he said, turning to beam at the audience.

For everything he had waded through to get here, he could allow himself a little pride in the moment. Just as long as he did not let it ead down some oft recited Jedi proverb to the dark side.

Instead, she smiled faintly, letting her appreciation for Makko filter down their frayed bond, suffusing the space between them with warmth.

I'm so proud of you, truly.

Makko turned to lay his eyes upon Cora immediately. The warmth was reflected back to her. It was recoloured by the sense of just how much it meant to him to hear that from her.

I am so glad you are here

It came with several meanings, first and foremost to have Cora back under the shelter of the Jedi Order. He was still glad to have her here, present for this moment in his life.

Not everything had worked out how he might have hoped. He and Cora had agreed firmly to simply support one another and give each other time. A part of him still clung to the hope that they could rekindle something. That spark of the most incredible feelings he had ever given himself over to. It was something worth waiting for.

Makko would make time to talk to her before they left the academy.

His faithful char hound Shep was, as always, far more expressive in his joy, wagging tail and tongue in equal excitement at the presence of so many friendly faces.

In this moment, Makko was more like the enthusiastic puppy than the brooding Kalos. He caught the padawans eye and offered a wave and a grin as he turned to meander through the crowd.

Concentration visible before crossing her arms again with a shake of her head.

Makko broke into an even broader smile at the appearance of an unexpected visitor. He wouldn't have left Denon had it not been for Lossa. They hadn't spoken in months. He offered a wink and a quick gesture to show they would share a drink before the night was over.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming..." Makko said. A few words were expected, but he wilted under the gaze of so many peers. For once, he wished he had a little of Cora's upbringing and decorum. "...Yeah!"

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

When Makko turned to meet her gaze, Cora smiled, letting the warmth of his appreciation flow through her.

Things had been complicated since she'd returned from Ukatis, and he'd returned from Denon. He'd come so far in such a short span of time, a testament to how much he'd grown not only as a Jedi, but as a person.

"It's good to see you again, Ko." She murmured to the Kel'dor. A fellow geriatric Padawan, their respective paths hadn't crossed as much as she would have liked.

From the corner of her eye, she caught Makko's wink and gesture towards the Zeltron in attendance. Cora followed his gaze, and after a few moments, but two and two together. A surprising barb of jealously pulsed through her before it settled.

"You must be Lossa," She canted her head towards the pink Padawan, silently appraising the woman with a tight smile. Makko had told her tidbits while they were together.

"I'm sure Knight Vyres is pleased that you were able to attend his knighting."

Makko Vyres Lossa Darcuhl Ko Vuto Tenn Kalos Starlin Rand

 

[Lossa Darcuhl]

Tags: Makko Vyres Starlin Rand Corazona von Ascania Ko Vuto Tenn Kalos

She didn't miss the gesture from Makko, giving him a nod and a thumbs up when he silently spoke to her.

A sigh of humor escaped as she let the joy of the moment sink in. As well as a slight sting of jealousy. Rosy eyes searching for the source before it presented itself in with what could be best described as a pleasant dagger.

"Mm. Otherwise known as Valery's biggest headache. Maybe. Between Iris and Bri, I might be closer to third." Already keen on the measuring look she was receiving. "I would hope so. Still owes me for the worst night on Denon ever. I'm just happy to see he stayed here though."

Intentionally looking away from Cora to grin at Makko. She felt relief more than anything at the moment, given the violent excursion they'd had. Eyes finally shifting back to Cora, speculating as she figured out her words.

"Surprised you haven't gone to congratulate him." Her own smile dropping to a bland line, easing back to her lean.

 

[Starlin Rand]

Starlin was grinning from ear to ear as Makko clapped his shoulder. He held up Makko's arm in a victorious salute, whooping and cheering.

"Now let's go party!" he shouted. "Drinks are on me!"

Corazona von Ascania Lossa Darcuhl Makko Vyres Tenn Kalos Ko Vuto​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Outfit: This
Equipment: Lightsaber
Location: Jedi Temple, Coruscant
Tags: Makko Vyres | Starlin Rand | Corazona von Ascania | Lossa Darcuhl | Ko Vuto | Tenn Kalos

Lily had never seen a Jedi Knight ceremony. It was something that in the distant future she would have to partake in and she was curious as to how such ceremonies went and how traditional they were. There was a lot of training that went into achieving the Jedi Knight rank, it was something that Lily was acutely aware given she had done some training in combat but was still learning to adapt and grow. She adjusted her outfit as she looked over herself in the mirror, there was still time to arrive for the ceremony, it was for a Jedi she had not met before but from what she could tell, it wouldn't be too awkward for her to be there and celebrate his rise in rank.

Walking into the ceremony, Lily had remained silent and at the far back, noting that people like Lossa and Ko were here, as well as Corazona, there were some she had no clue their names. However, the ceremony seemed swift, simple and over before Lily knew what to think. It did not seem nearly as long or as traditional as she had thought it would be. There were noble traditional ceremonies on Eshan that were days long, this seemed very trivial in comparison but part of her could feel a weight shift away. Simple and quick meant that there was a lot less to mess up and embarrass oneself in a large crowd.

She gave a polite applause once he was knighted and noted a few others were talking. She was going to walk over and strike a conversation when the one who knighted Makko announced they would be going for drinks. Lily looked surprised at that but she was not against the idea for drinks and a party, that seemed like an awful lot of fun as well. She simply waved to Ko, Lossa and Cora to let them know she was around as well.

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: NJO Temple
Tags: Makko Vyres | Starlin Rand | Corazona von Ascania | Lossa Darcuhl | Tenn Kalos | Lily Decoria

Ko perked up some at the mention of his name. Turning to Cora some, his gaze didn’t quite meet her however thanks to his blindness. Internally he was glad though that he assumed correctly that she was indeed Cora and not one of her siblings. As he began to open his mouth and speak and reciprocate the sentiment, however he sensed that she began to step away, hearing her speak to another person in the room who he wasn’t familiar with. Barely catching a somewhat snide remark.

Ko then heard Starlin’s words, expressing that drinks would be on them. So the rumors were true. Well it was nice to know that they held some truth. The Kel Dor then recalled what they were wearing, it was hardly party going attire, just normal robes. Not that it should really matter all that much to himself now right? The thought made Ko wonder, thinking that blindness really wasn’t a good excuse for not trying to look his best.

A moment later as people shifted around the room it became a bit easier to discern who was actually around. Noticing the presence of a familiar Echnai Noblewoman who, like himself, didn’t seem to be conversing with anyone. “Good Afternoon Lily, nice to see another friendly face.” Ko said some, maybe one of these days he’ll attend the knighting ceremony of someone he recognized. “Are you familiar with the man of the hour? Personally, I didn’t know he was a jedi.” He said the last part a little quietly, feeling a little embarrassed for not knowing the person the ceremony was for. The Kel Dor also just assumed that she might know who Makko was like Cora seemed to. Since he 'saw' them in a pretty similar light, both young noblewoman padawans begin to be trained by notable Jedi under the legacy of the Master Noble. Although their personalities were notably dissimilar. “Also, are you thinking about going to the afterparty as well?” ​

 

[Dracken Pryce]

@OPEN

When he'd heard there was to be a Knighting Ceremony that day he'd put all of his meetings on hold. A devout member of the Church of the Force and a staunch ally to Jedi everywhere he knew he could not miss this opportunity. He'd even dodged his menacing Dark Saber guards to have a moment of peace in the Temple. It had been many years since he had been on Coruscant for such an event, the last being the knighting of his own son, Gabriel Pryce , one of the proudest days of his life. The room was filled with mostly Jedi - those that knew the new Knight and the occasional youngling and padawan curious about this new step forward for a peer or friend. There were of course, non-Jedi there, staff and volunteers of the Order, members of the various Service Corps that had come to congratulate the newest Knight of the Order, but he didn't see any other senators. Not surprising...Many felt irked at the Jedi for the war they felt they'd been pulled into.

"Wonderful," he said to no one in particular, a smile plastered onto his age-lined face. "Simply wonderful."

 

[Makko Vyres]

"Taxis are booked for...ten minutes," Makko announced. He didn't want to make it seem like he was rushing out of the temple.

This place had become his home. He had nowhere else to go. His parents had been taken from him when he had been too young to look after himself. The Fractal State gang would offer him somewhere to stay, but that came with working for an organisation far more focused on violence and crime than he had thought. Makko had once thought of them as freedom fighters against the corporate machine.

This place was home. Lossa Darcuhl had been the reason he had come here. Briefly making out at a Denon nightclub before she recognised his potential. Valery Noble had offered him a place and another home to visit when he needed it. Starlin Rand had kept him from leaving and, ultimately, Corazona von Ascania had been one of the real reasons he had stayed and had made him a different person.

A nervous smile crossed his face when he saw Cora heading for Lossa. He'd never seen them holding a conversation before and they were very different people.

"Hey did you manage to book Irregular Apocalypse or Clown World Order?" Makko asked Starlin in passing. He knew he'd been cagey about whether he'd been able to book them.

In Makko's view it was a big ask. Makko still lacked a sense of perspective and how cheap a small Denon electronic act was to book.

"Oh and good afternoon, thank you for coming..." Makko said to Dracken Pryce

He didn't know the man, but he had the air of someone important and Makko felt compelled to thank them for their attendance.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"I see. She hasn't mentioned you."

Cora's smile thinned a little. Ah. She brought her gaze back over to where Makko and his former Master were conversing. No doubt this was a monumental day for Starlin as well - his first Padawan, knighted.

It took her a few quiet moments to dislodge the barb of irritation from her heart. Makko didn't deserve that - and neither did Lossa, frankly. Today wasn't about Cora and her own complex feelings for the Denonite - it was about Makko and his achievement.

"I already did." She murmured softly. In truth, she wasn't quite sure how to approach Makko. Her lips curled in curiosity. "What happened during the worst night on Denon?"

Her smile eased as she over to Lily, then Ko, forgetting that the latter couldn't see her. Cora peered at the grizzled gentleman that entered next, watching as Makko greeted him. A brow arched; when had the street rat who despised authority gotten so polite?

Makko Vyres Starlin Rand Lossa Darcuhl Ko Vuto Lily Decoria Dracken Pryce

 

[Tenn Kalos]

The ceremony was quick. Tenn might have missed it if he blinked. Makko offered his thanks, with as much verbosity as his nature allowed. One thing Tenn could commiserate on. He watched the others begin to mingle, most of them at least somewhat familiar with one another. Meanwhile, Tenn was stuck along the wall, running fingers through Shep's fur. His distant nature had damaged any hopes for a worthwhile network of peers. It wasn't why Tenn joined the Jedi in the first place, but seeing the camaraderie of those around him left the urchin feeling a tinge of regret for his ever-independent attitude. Even on the streets, he had a group he could call his own. Now, is there anyone he really lingered around besides Shep, and Starlin?

"So… that's it?" Tenn asked, approaching his master. Shep as always was bounding close behind him, "What sort of partying will we be doing, exactly, Master?" He didn't know whether to be excited, or brace himself, but he was already wincing in preparation.

Starlin Rand - Makko Vyres Lossa Darcuhl - Corazona von Ascania - Ko Vuto - Lily Decoria - Dracken Pryce​

 

[Lossa Darcuhl]

Tags: Makko Vyres Starlin Rand Corazona von Ascania Ko Vuto Tenn Kalos

A loth cat might have had a wider grin than the Zeltron.

"I doubt she wants her blood pressure to spike thinking about me." A soft chuckle as her eyes slid to the hallway door. Figuring if she should leave another present in the form of thermal paint for the Jedi Master to see.

Hearing the delay of the taxi's, the idea seemed all the more appealing. A hand wave to Lily at sighting the girl once more.

A pleased smile sent her way as the jealous one seemed to ease back. Following her gaze to Makko and frowning as her shoulders eased from their tense hold.

"Good. He's earned it." Knowing even just a little of his past had solidified her own response and tried to keep her tone pleasant before the question. A frown forming in place of the smile as she sighed.

"Val's train got bombed to start with. And the local jack-boots didn't ask questions before they started shooting." A soft point to her nose before she finished up the description. "They broke my nose playing catch with a grenade. Makko saved my butt."

A shrug finishing off the story as she looked between the Makko and the girl, narrowing her eyes a bit. There was something there, she just didn't quite have her finger on what but had a very good idea. Looking back to her, she lobbed her own question.

"I'm guessing you're sweet on Makko. How'd you two," Pausing as she glanced up to see someone else approach Makko and... his Master? "Actually."

All the excuse she needed was seeing someone approach Makko. An arm wrapped around Cora as she rather suddenly guided them both towards the front.

"I wanna hear it from both of you. Makko!" There was no decorum in the way she called for the newly minted Knight, waving at him and bearing a smile that dared him to run away.

 

[Starlin Rand]

"Hey, did you manage to book Irregular Apocalypse or Clown World Order?"

“I got both!” Starlin answered with a grin. Next Tenn was at his elbow, Shep in tow.

"So… that's it?"

“Yep. Ceremony’s pretty short, and then people usually just kinda drift apart without much fanfare. Which is why it’s important to plan a party afterwards.” He snorted as he realized Tenn was wincing at the mere thought of a party. “We’re going to the Cobalt Club. I'm the co-owner of the place. It’s nice, the food is good, and there’ll be a live band. You’ll be fine.”

Some old guy had showed up. Regardless of his clothes, Starlin could tell from his rigid posture that he was military or ex-military. Makko went to thank him for coming, while Starlin threw up a peace sign and a nod in greeting.

“How’d you wind up co-owner of a swanky nightclub?” asked a feminine voice. Starlin turned to face Padawan Eloise Dinn , who stood apart from the others along with her friend Albrecht. Starlin knew her; in fact, he was part of the reason she was in the Jedi Order. But their relationship was decidedly complicated, and he wouldn't call the cantankerous teen a friend.

“I invested the money I got from selling the loot I plundered back in my Padawan days.” His answer was frank, at least.

“Smart.” Eloise glanced toward Makko. “Congrats.”

Lossa headed in their direction, her arm wrapped around Cora. Starlin side-eyed Makko, not sure what to make of it. Probably friendly, though he didn't move from his (former) apprentice's side, just in case.

Makko Vyres Corazona von Ascania Tenn Kalos Dracken Pryce Lossa Darcuhl Ko Vuto Lily Decoria​

 

[Makko Vyres]

M A K K O​

“I got both!” Starlin answered with a grin. Next Tenn was at his elbow, Shep in tow.

"What? You legend," Makko relied, shaking his head to try and cover for his distinctly uncool enthusiasm. The truth was, after spending nights in a cell just to offer Makko a few minutes to talk to Cora at her surprise engagement party there was little Starlin could do to go up in Makko's estimation. Makko had done little to deserve his support.

He was still pleased about the bands. Being a cyberunner from Denon meant that Makko was not even slightly worldly. Valery had caught him completely off guard at the simple notion of taking a holiday to another planet for himself. Starlin amazed him by being able to book two very cheap Denon double acts.

He stayed close to Starlin, but let him continue talking to Eloise.

“Congrats.”

"Thank you," Makko said in earnest. He hadn't set off on the right foot with Eloise. At his heart, Makko was quite an empathic person. Sometimes he felt as if he was stronger for every mistake he made. At other times, he felt as if mortar filling the cracks in him had not had time to settle. As if he was fragile. He hoped he could work well with everyone in the Order.

"I wanna hear it from both of you. Makko!" There was no decorum in the way she called for the newly minted Knight, waving at him and bearing a smile that dared him to run away.

"Oh no," he muttered under his breath. He had never seen Lossa and Cora interact. He had eventually told Cora that he had ended up on Coruscant after making out with Lossa at a Denon nightclub. But Lossa knew very little of the heartache he had been through with Cora. Of everything she had suffered. Even a bit of light mischief was likely to go a little awry right now.

"Hey!" he said as they approached. He had formed a genuine smile. Despite a flutter of nerves and a sense of Lossa's amusement and Cora's discomfort, it was smothered in a warm blanket of gratitude to have so many people here.

"You're both coming to Starlin's digs right?" he asked. "Be great to see you both there."

 

[Aymeric Prendergast]

BEACON OF HOPE
~let there be light~

OUTFIT: x
TAG: Corazona von Ascania | Lossa Darcuhl | Makko Vyres | Open

THE JEDI TEMPLE, CORUSCANT, CORUSCA SECTOR, CORE WORLDS​

Knighting. It was eons ago since I had mine. The ceremony itself wasn't exactly memorable. I had no master, a padawan at times of war. I had no friends, no close one at least. Other padawans and knights of my generation did come, but it was so hollow inside. Just a couple of day removed from when I had to put down my own mom. That was where all the memories rested.

This is not my knighting, however, it's Knight Vyres'. I never got the chance to talk to the newly knighted Jedi before, but I know that Knight Rand's former padawan also came from poverty, from the lower rung of a dystopian ecumenopolis. It wasn't easy growing up in such a condition, I just hope that he has a better support system now that he's in a better situation, and that his path will be much smoother than mine.

The ceremony wasn't grand or anything, though there was mention of an after party. Some of his padawan friends did come, amongst them are Master Valery Noble's padawans, Padawan Corazona von Ascania and Padawan Lossa Darchul. The atmosphere between the three does seem awkward from a distance, so I decided that this is the right time to congratulate Knight Vyres.

"Knight Vyres, congratulations for your promotion." I offered my handshake to my fellow Jedi Knight. Knight Makko Vyres. "Looking forward to work with you." With the increasing threats of the Sith and the Mandalorian Enclave, we're likely to do so anytime soon. Shifting my attention to the two padawans, I gave them a gentle smile, not wanting to interrupt their conversation for any longer. "Padawans."
​

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