In the Senate Building were three people, standing waiting for a fourth to come. Masters Windu and Kenobi established a light conversation with Senator Amidala, but Knight Skywalker didn't seem to show any signs of arriving soon.
The Senator wasn't concentrating much on the present conversation. She'd had a question on the tip of her tongue, but she wasn't sure if she was allowed to make such inquiries. But then, she was left with no choice.
-Is there something bothering you, Senator? - Master Windu asked. She hesitated. Was it the right time and place?
-I'm not sure if it's an appropriate question- she admitted, her eyebrow arched.
Both masters hid their worries behind their calm expressions.
-Does it need privacy to be spoken out loud? - Obi-Wan asked, cautious.
-Well, not exactly. I've wondered about your rituals. I know everyone on the Council must be a Master and I know that a Padawan must surpass the Trials to become a Knight, but what does it take for a Knight to become a Master?
Both Jedi smiled. There was no harm in her question after all…
-Well, wisdom is necessary because they have to guide the younger generation, but what makes the real difference is when said Knight guides his or her Padawan to Knighthood. Then, the rank of Master is granted.
Padme smiled shyly in gratefulness, and then Kenobi couldn't hold back his dry humor.
-For me, it was different. As I managed to spare Anakin's life until his Knighthood without I myself falling to the Dark Side, they agreed that the least they could do was to give me a place on the Council- Master Windu grew strangely red, biting his lip in expectation.
-Master!
No one could have stopped Master Windu's hysterical laugh running free in the Senate Hall. Not when it coupled with Obi-Wan's, both of them laughing at Anakin's horrified face.