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Two fingers on the heart, tilting the head to the right.
The Doth queen mimicked the gesture, a tight smile on one of her mouth.
“May you skin be always dry.”
Obi-Wan punctuated the formal salutation by the customary one-leg bow. The queen’s smile grew bigger as she replied.
“May your heart always grow.”
She cast a look at Anakin, standing two steps before Obi-Wan, then refocused on Obi-Wan.
“You really are a negotiator, master Kenobi. Very well versed in our traditions. We deeply appreciate it.”
Obi-Wan replied with a polite smile.
“It is an honor for me.”
He could feel confusion mixed with respect emanating from Anakin through the Force. Obi-Wan hid his satisfied smile. Maybe this would convince his former padawan of the interest of diplomacy.
***
They were back at Coruscant, having a drink at Dex’s Diner, when Anakin brought it up. An arm draped over his booth seat, he was facing Obi-Wan with his usual ‘Everything is normal, I am very casual, see I’m relaxed’ face. Obi-Wan stared hard at his drink to avoid smirking. His former padawan was ridiculously transparent.
“You do know a lot of customs and cultural traditions, Master?”
Obi-Wan shrugged.
“I guess. Believe it or not, Anakin, negotiations are easier when you actually talk to the person in front of you, instead of threatening them with your light saber.”
“When did I ever threatened an ambassador?”
Obi-Wan chuckled, “Do you really expect me to keep a count?”
His reply met a vexed pout. Anakin toyed with his drink for while. Then took a deep gulp, and met his gaze.
“By any chance, would you happen to know anything about Naboo’s culture?”
Oh. Here he was. Obi-Wan couldn’t fight the grin spreading on his face. Anakin turned his side to him, arms crossed over his chest in a defensive motion.
“Forget about it! You are just gonna make fun of me!”
“Absolutely not! Please, do tell me what’s worrying you. I am not an expert on Naboo’s culture, but maybe I could enlighten you.”
Anakin didn’t answer. Obi-Wan took a gulp of his drink, staring out of the window. A few minutes passed before Anakin cleared his throat.
“It’s about greetings. I think… If I had to greet someone. Like someone high-ranked in Naboo. I mean, hypothetically, of course. What would be the correct and, erh- polite way to do it?”
Obi-Wan fought really hard to keep a straight face. Anakin was looking so flustered, it was absolutely endearing. He looked once again like the 10-years-old padawan who asked him if he could sleep in his quarter because he was homesick. Obi-Wan felt a surge of affection at the memory.
His face must have slipped a bit because Anakin’s force wall went right up again.
“I knew it! You’re just making fun of me right now! I shouldn’t have asked anything!”
Obi-Wan held out his hands in a peace gesture.
“I am in no way making fun of you, Anakin. You just reminded me of a precious memory, that’s it. As for your question, I will try my best to explain it to you. See, there are three different ways of greeting a person…”
***
Obi-Wan was walking out from the Jedi temple, exhausted. His report from the last mission handed in, Yoda put him in charge of teaching the younglings for the entire afternoon. Their usual Jedi teacher felt conveniently sick. Obi-Wan had forgotten how tiring four years old could be.
Spacing out, he almost bumped into Padmé.
“Master Kenobi! I was looking for you!”
“Your Highness,” he executed a small bow, “What owes me the pleasure?”
Padmé considered him with a very amused face.
“So you do know how to properly greet Naboo’s royalty.”
Obi-Wan returned her a confused gaze, before the pieces clicked. He couldn’t help the smile from spreading on his face.
“I take it you already met Anakin today.”
Padmé crossed her arms on her chest. She let out a sigh, a disapproving smile playing on her lips.
“I can’t believe you convince him to wear such an absurd feather hat. I nearly burst out laughing at the little dance.”
Obi-Wan’s hand came play with his beard, hiding his spreading smile.
“I might have forgotten to tell him this ceremonial greeting is a bit outdated.”
Padmé shook her head.
“Don’t let him catch you, because I swear he really wants to kill you this time.”
“What’s new, your Highness, what’s new?”