Please see first chapter for disclaimer and other info
A/N: Wow, I can't believe it's been so long! I must apologise, Darth Real Life took control over me and I'm afraid September isn't going to be much better! Combined with internet problems, I'm surprised this came out as soon as it did. I managed to churn out another chapter and hope you all like it. Reviews are like cookies for me :P Enjoy!
Chapter Three: Moral Support
"I cannot believe you managed to talk me into this. I must completely insane," muttered Obi-Wan.
"Cheer up, Master. At least the drinks will be free," Anakin replied and playfully slapped Obi-Wan on the back. Ever since Anakin had been a young Padawan, he had noticed Obi-Wan's very strange drinking habits. While the occasional alcoholic beverage was permitted at the various Republic functions, Obi-Wan seemed to always come back to their Temple quarters slightly intoxicated.
Obi-Wan mumbled something again which suspiciously sounded like 'I have a bad feeling about this'.
"Come on, Obi-Wan. I need you there for moral support. I need you there to make sure I don't Force-avalanche the entire Alderaanian landscape on Han Solo's head!"
This earned a chuckle from the old Jedi Master. "Touche. But was it really necessary for me to come to this meeting with Prince Consort Organa? Really Anakin, you're a Jedi Master now, you don't need me trying to keep you out of trouble," Obi-Wan pointed out, clearly showing his annoyance.
"Politicians scare me," Anakin stated simply, which was welcomed by a very un-Jedi- like snort.
"You married the Chancellor of the Republic, Anakin. You have children with her. Your daughter is the Senator of Alderaan. Your future son-in-law is Han Solo. What do you have to be afraid of?"
The look of shock and horror upon Anakin's face was priceless and nearly sent Obi-Wan into a fit of laughter that was very unbecoming for a Jedi Master.
"Obi-Wan, do not ever, EVER, refer to that title again. Han Solo is NOT and will NEVER be my son-in-law. The Force would never be that cruel…would it?"
Obi-Wan shrugged. "The Force works in mysterious ways, Anakin. Leia is a big girl and can take care of herself. She's a calm, rational woman. And she's also half a Skywalker."
Skywalker
Descendents from the Skywalker bloodline will often inherit genetic attributes and flaws. While initially thought to skip a generation, it has been determined that the overwhelming irrational and spontaneous behaviour found in Anakin Skywalker is a trait that is found in all Skywalker bloodlines. Therefore, it is established that the kin of Anakin Skywalker will also suffer from mood swings, whining, clumsiness and extreme stupidity at one point in their lives, not to mention uncontrollable anger and a tendency to Force-choke at inappropriate moments.
Anakin sighed. "I suppose you're right, Master. I'll just have to trust that Leia is more Naberrie than Skywalker at heart."
Naberrie
While Naberrie women appear cool, calm and collected at all times and have a passionate political streak within them, it is inherent in their genetic makeup to fall for smart, wise-cracking and overwhelmingly stubborn men, with a tendency to let their mouths run away with them at any given moment.
Obi-Wan wisely chose to keep his mouth shut. "Come on, Anakin. Padmé and Bail must be waiting for us. Let's go in and face the political babble."
Moments later, Obi-Wan and Anakin found themselves seated in the luxurious Alderaanian palace throne room. The two Jedi looked uncomfortable as they usually opted to stand at such gatherings. Padmé sat between them, looking very regal and professional in her senatorial clothes. Bail and his wife sat on the other side of the large wooden desk. The scene reminded Anakin of the Naboo throne room, which was quite similar.
"We're glad you came early, Chancellor" spoke the Queen, politely nodding to her two Jedi companions. After a while Anakin fought the urge to yawn …surely the meeting wouldn't go on for much longer?
Shield your thoughts, Anakin spoke a firm voice in his mind. Your boredom is projecting all the way to Coruscant right now! What kind of example are you setting?
Despite Obi-Wan's cajoling, Anakin couldn't help it. He was no politician.
For a while, simple politics were thrown around the room. Even Obi-Wan had some input. Just when Anakin thought he was going to fall asleep, Bail finally spoke up about his real reason for dragging them here.
"Leia is turning out to be a fine young woman, Anakin. She's a shrewd politician and not much gets by her. You ought to be proud."
Anakin beamed. Finally, a topic he could contribute to. "She's a beautiful and intelligent young woman that Leia Skywalker…Organa," he said proudly, nearly forgetting the second half of his daughter's last name.
"She's brought much happiness back to the palace, I can assure you both. She is fantastic with the diplomats and ambassadors that pass through here. She's a vibrant young woman. And that's what we wanted to discuss with you," Breha added.
Anakin was puzzled and looked at his wife for some notion of what on Kessel Bail was talking about.
"What do you mean, Your Highness?" she asked, her voice barely concealing her maternal worrying streak.
Bail cleared his throat uncomfortably. "We know Leia is old enough to take care of herself and make her own decisions. But as her parents, we thought it would be proper to take the matter through you directly…"
"Cut to the chase, Bail," Anakin said, a little more sternly that he would have liked. When it came to his only daughter, there was no beating around any proverbial bushes.
"Very well. Chancellor, Master Jedi Skywalker, Prince Isolder of Hapes has formally asked the Royal House of Alderaan for Leia's hand in marriage"
Time stopped momentarily.
Techniques Used to Deal With Anger by Anakin Skywalker
2. When confronted with difficult situations, such as being told that some pompous prince from some stupid planet nobody cares about wants to steal your only daughter, there is only one option. You must NOT turn to the Dark Side. Not only would it disappoint Obi-Wan, but Padmé probably wouldn't be impressed either. Keep your lightsaber firmly away from any extremities and practice those ancient Jedi calming techniques Yoda forced you to do. Alternatively, you may utilize the ancient Jedi mind control technique, but be careful. You may be caught with red underpants again.
