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I understand your intentions, and I respect your cultural norms.

[He says all of this very diplomatically.]

However, please try to understand that we are a simple people that emphasize humility. Having someone fall prostrate before us is... embarrassing to say the least.

[Not to mention it makes one suspicious of ulterior motives, but that has already been resolved.]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[too diplomatically? she's heard that tone before, has been hearing it ever since she was five]

Ah. Our cultures are in exact opposition. For such a mien is a sign of respect and humility itself on Bgztl. I am second in line to its throne; while I am away I feel as though I must be an example. [a slight hint of mirth] Until I know someone better.

[Is it too much? He's still learning how to be a good negotiator. He hasn't earned himself a name in that yet. Still the somewhat blunt and sassy young man that he is.]

Well then, I suppose we will need to come to a compromise.

For a Jedi, a sign of respect is a simple bow.

[He puts his device down but still with a good view of him so he can demonstrate. Clasping his hands in the oversized sleeves of his robe he then dips in the polite version of a Jedi bow.]

In the most extreme case, where one is showing subservience to another Jedi particularly a master, a Jedi will hold a slightly bowed position while keeping one's gaze downward.

[He demonstrates that as well.]

[and she's rather blunt and sassy as well. but not until she's comfortable with someone. she feels like they could get there, given the bend of their conversation so far but she doesn't want to make assumptions]

Indeed. [with a smile] Compromise is what keeps the galaxy on an even keel.

Oh?

[she watches keenly, blue eyes focused] That, I can do while not conflicting too much with my own cultural norms. [and her smile widens a bit, eyes warm]

When is the latter appropriate for outsiders?

[she commits that to memory as well]

[He thinks about that for a moment because that's not a common question.]

An appropriate circumstance would be when say... expressing great remorse. But that posture is most often reserved for masters, which Ezra and I are not. Not yet anyway.

[well, when one is a diplomat practically from birth, one must be ready for any scenario]

Ah. Then I take it that the first bow displayed would be appropriate, even in formal situations. But be myself under ordinary ones. [another bit of mirth] Though, myself will generally involve elaborate gowns. I'm used to them, used to fighting in them. They're part of whom I am.

Yes, that's exactly it.

[He picks up his device again and moves to sit down on a chair in his bedroom.]

What you wear is not really of any concern. Jedi usually dress in very modest robes such as the ones I wear.

[Usually. We will not go into how scantily clad a few of the ladies can be.]

But I've been around royalty a number of times, some of which dress just as elaborately as you do.

Thank you!

[she smiles, warmth clear]

I see. I did know Ezra to a degree in Trench and knew of other Jedi there, though I'd not had the chance to befriend many of them before the end.

[scanty clothing can be its own distraction]

It is a bit of an occupational hazard. Though, a pretty one! Was one of the members of royalty you knew named Padme?

[That name drop surprises him a bit.]

Yes, actually. Did you know her?

[Tinya's smile turns gentle and nostalgiac]

Yes. In a world before Trench, we were as close as sisters. She often spoke fondly of the Jedi. [a small chuckle] Really, I should have known better from the beginning, but I was too focused on what my own culture dictated, given that I was new here.

Admittedly, I don't know her very well. Though I have gotten the feeling I will.

[He hopes and suspects they will end up being friends.]

Well, we have all been thrust into a situation that's outside our comfort zone. We all have to adjust in some form, and that can be difficult.

Ah. Then I should assume that the Padme I knew was from the future, yes?

[given that she knew a lot. a lot more than your average civilian would]

It is. [a rueful smile] I've been world-hopping since I was fifteen. I'm twenty now. Is this your first world away from your galaxy?

From my future, probably, yes.

[He grimaces slightly because it sounds like her experiences are much like Ezra's]

It is.

That must be terribly confusing.

[but she has yet to run into anyone from her future and is half-glad, half-apprehensive]

The first is always the worst. Entirely new people, customs, experiences...well, it takes a toll.

I can handle new people and new customs.

[He comes from a galaxy full of them after all.]

It's... discovering what happens in my future that has been particularly difficult. Everyone here from my galaxy has experienced it and I haven't.

[so does she. but she still chafes at being frozen in place, opposed to exploring the galaxy.

and she gives him an empathetic look] That's not a good feeling to have. Have they tried to avoid giving you details about your own fate?

They did but I kind of... ruined that. I could tell something was up, that things were being kept from me. So I demanded answers.

[He pauses, trying to push down the feelings that threatened to rise again.]

I got them and I didn't take it well.

[she sighs and looks away for a moment] I take it that at least some of the answers were. Unpleasant.

Very unpleasant, yes.

[Perhaps the understatement of the century.]

I'm so sorry. No one should have that looming before them.

Perhaps, but there's nothing to be done about it. I'm managing the best I can.

Still. [a pause] While in Trench, I had a job. Basically to listen to the problems of others. Not always supply answers, sometimes there are none, but listen nonetheless. I know there are a lot of people from your galaxy here already, but...in case one of them may provide a reminder you don't want, please feel free to reach out. I'll listen.

I appreciate it but... I've done too much dwelling on this already. It's time I let go and move on. Even so, I'll remember your kind offer.

[her smile turns a bit melancholy] Of course. That's the hardest part, letting go and moving on. And, thank you. It always remains open.

[There's a touch of amusement in his sad voice.]

Letting go is the Jedi way.

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unphase - 2023-12-07 20:50 (UTC) - Expand