Obi-Wan never liked politicians. This fact extends to their debates, propaganda, and constant squabbling. But the parties, Obi-Wan hates most of all.
Especially when it's a wedding.
Having to take Anakin with him is not quite a relief -though, it's definitely better than suffering alone. He just isn't sure how the boy will respond. Nearly five years together has taught Obi-Wan that certain things can either spark amazement in Anakin, or a burning passion for something to be made right.
Thankfully, amazement is the reaction for most of the celebration.
The planet's governor and new husband do most of the real celebrating first. There are parties with far too many heavy drinks -Obi-Wan keeps a close eye on Anakin through this part- and a few guests who sing loud songs of triumph and history of the human and Ithorian species.
But once the festivities are over, the real ceremony begins with the a tradition of drinking a deep purple colored liquid from one cup. They swish it in their mouths, then spit it in the cup again. Then, they drink from it a second time.
After years of Jedi training and seeing so many different strange cultures, Obi-Wan no longer reacts to something he would otherwise find gross. He sees the symbolism, the reasons behind it. He himself wouldn't be pleased to do something like that, but he will also never marry.
Once the glass has been drained between them, the wedded then embrace with joy. Hollers and cheers echo through the room. The Governor breaks away just long enough to say, "Today, human and Ithorian have become one for the first time in our planet's history!"
A slight tremor in the force pulls Obi-Wan's attention toward his Padawan, who's staring wide eyed at the couple, his entire being screaming "concern".
Obi-Wan glances around the room, immediately on high alert. "Anakin? What is it?" His voice comes out just above a whisper.
Anakin's eyes snap to him, the concern mixing with confusion, then to something else. "Is this okay?" He asks, giving no other explanation.
"Is what okay?" The cup? That liquid? An inter-species couple? Out of everyone, Obi-Wan never thought Anakin would hold that prejudice.
His Padawan gestures to the couple, who are now retreating the room. "That! Will the Governor be okay?! He just drank human venom!"
Obi-Wan simply doesn't know how to respond to this. He can't understand what Anakin could possibly be talking about. Human venom? He's never heard of such a thing!
Looking out toward the crowd, then back to Anakin, Obi-Wan kneels to his Padawan's height, placing a gentle hand in his shoulder. "What human venom?"
This time, Anakin seems at a loss for words, his mouth agape. He blinks several times, dumbfounded, before he can answer. "Humans are venomous! People get infections when we bite them!"
"Well, yes. Any bite can get infected if the skin is broken."
"No!" Anakin lets out a groan, getting frustrated, and Obi-Wan chooses then to stand.
"Anakin, humans are not venomous. Yes, a bit can get infected, but we don't inject any sort of venom." Wouldn't that be obvious? Their teeth aren't made for such things. Not like a Togruta's.
There's a moment of silence where Anakin just stares. "But…my mom said we are. She said a friend of hers got bitten in a fight and died just a few days later!"
"I'm sorry you were miss informed, but an infection can do the same, especially on a place like Tattoine." And he hates to say it, but a slave's teeth aren't the cleanest either.
Anakin looks back at the now empty ceremony room, his shoulders hunched. Obi-Wan lets him process. He's learned the hard way that pressing for answers will only make things worse.
"So…the Governor's husband isn't going to get hurt?" Anakin's voice is small, but not argumentative. It's a step toward progress. A step Obi-Wan is happy to see.
"Not by saliva alone, no. Though, perhaps we should ensure nothing else gets to them." With a gesture towards the doors, Obi-Wan starts down the stairs. "Come along, Padawan. We have a job to do."
Anakin follows quickly behind, his mood returning to a neutral excitement. "Does that mean my spit can't burn people's skin?!"
Oh dear.