Tress Zothorn felt her heart beat wildly against her chest as she walked down the halls of the Jedi Temple. Occasionally, she would look at the statues of past Jedi Masters, wondering if this could possibly be the last time she would see them-or the temple-again.

Before entering the council chambers, Tress adjusted the collar of her robe, took a deep breath, and stepped inside. All members of the High Council were present and they were all watching Tress, but she was unable to read their expressions.

"High Council." Tress bowed and rose quickly. "You sent for me?"

"Your master is not here." Mace Windu, one of the council members, observed.

"No, Master Windu. He's been sick for sometime, but he does send his regards to you and the other members of the council."

Master Windu nodded and then leaned back in his seat. "You've been his apprentice for ten years."

"Yes, Master, I have. I became his Padawan when I was fourteen."

"Twenty-four...Unheard age for a Padawan...Too old now for teachings." Master Yoda said, wearing a smile on his wrinkled face.

Tress felt a warmth come to her cheeks. "All of the Padawans don't seem to be past 18."

"A month it has been since you perform the Jedi Trials. Undecided on your future, we were." Master Yoda continued.

Tress looked down at her feet. "Yes, Master."

"No longer is that the matter." Master Yoda said.

Tress raised her head. "Master?"

"Tress Zothorn, after a month of deliberation, The High Council has chosen to grant you the rank of Knight." Master Windu said.

Tress stood frozen in place, in a state of shock. At first she wasn't sure if she heard Master Windu correctly; it was only by seeing the looks of happiness on the faces of the other council members that she realized it was the truth. After a moment of silence, Tress found her voice again.

"T-Thank you, council. Thank you all."

"You're dismissed." Master Windu said.

Tress bowed and left the council chambers. She could feel a wide smile spread across her face and even felt a few tears streak her cheeks. The moment she had dreamed of had finally happened, and she was at last what she had trained so hard to be: A Jedi Knight.