Clothes to fit the man

[Claire Organa]

[member="Razor Shot"]


[SIZE=12pt]She grinned leaning over, “You will have to teach me how to ride it first” She shrugged her shoulders, “I’ve never had the opportunity to learn”. Yes she was a bit out of touch on some things, but not all. She wasn't bothered by it, and she was hoping it did not cast her in a dim light to him.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She learned how to ride the transports, and keep in pairs. She felt her shoulder lean on him just as they landed, “ooo” she cooed.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She liked the little laughs he had, she was ready, and as she rose and began to walk his hand caught hers. The gesture she welcomed she squeezed his hand gently as if to say thank you for remembering.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]As they exited Claire looked around, “I’m not sure I’ve been to this part of the city, so I’m in your hands” Literally and figuratively.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Where to?”[/SIZE]

 

[Bolt]

Zaiden felt himself liking this woman more and more as the time passed. Around an hour in, and already he was holding her hand and flirting. It was a nice change from the depression he was recently in.

"I can definitely teach you. Its surprising how easy it is to use also." He said with another dazzling smile. As they climbed from the transport he did not remove his hand from hers, yet he also did not hold it possessively. If she wanted to remove her hand she could easily.

"There are few planets I have not been. With even fewer hot spots that I haven't heard of. Around that corner is a restaurant called, 'Claws and Fangs'. Its supposed to have some of the best dishes in several dozen light years in any directions." As he spoke they reached the corner and turned down to head towards the lush building straight ahead of them.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]“Well good, I like to learn” She did she had not had the opportunity to go to college like other business owners she had learned everything she knew by doing. “I seem to have an ability to pick up things fairly quick, with a few bumps along the way”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She moved to where they were walking side by side, “But nothing that I couldn’t handle” He had a great smile, and he was growing on her. She did not remove her hand from his it felt safe, secure, and pleasurable to be able to hold someone’s hand.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Claws and Fangs” Claire could imagine all kinds of things based on the name, “I look forward to trying them out, provided it doesn’t want to eat me” She was playing thinking on the name.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]When the turned the corner Claire felt like she had entered another world. This was the part of the city that her customers came to, no wonder they didn’t complain about the prices.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Who knew this was here” she spoke softly, “ohhhh” The buildings were as stunning as any dress.[/SIZE]

[member="Razor Shot"]

 

[Bolt]

Zaiden chuckled, "Well a good learner is always a grand thing" he said, "And a few bumps should be expected. No one learns something without error. Take my skills with driving; I crashed plenty, and I do mean every syllable of that word, of vehicles before I became so good at it.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you." He said with a smile as he looked at the woman when she commented on the restaurant name, "It would be tragic to see such a beauty eaten by some beast." Then looking back to the high arches of the door, he nodded to the man who was security. Immediately the doors were opened and they were led inside towards a hostess that stood behind a desk looking bored.

But when she glanced up, she instantly brightened, "Sir, we were hoping you would eventually come in to try our meals! Right this way!"

Sheepishly he rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand, "Before anyone can drop the bomb, I kind of own this building." But before she could comment on the fact he instantly jumped to another topic, "So what kind of dishes do you enjoy?"

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Razor Shot"]

She laughed she was having a good time, "So you will be my knight in shining armor?" She teased him slightly as they entered into the building.

It was...one of those buildings that you wondered what were the people like inside, what did they do, what were they doing. When they approached and large burly doorman who was intimidating based on his size alone he kept the undesirables away from the entrance.

But Zaiden was not on that list, and today neither was she. She followed him, holding his hand a little tighter not wanting to get lost inside.

The Hostess was nearly falling over herself having recognized Zaiden for some reason, and that was when he delivered the bomb. He owned the building.

"You own the building" Claire repeated softly, well now that was how he afforded fast cars and bikes, and...most likely anything else he wanted on a whim.

Claire was a confident young woman in her element, but everything was slowly becoming a place she had never been. She was also beginning to realize the Zaiden, her new customer and terribly handsome man about town lived a different life than she did.

Before she could think any further on this he was asking her about food, "OH, well I like things that are savory, brothy, very filling. And being a pale thin woman, I have to have my salads" Claire was looking around inside, the room was beautiful.

"What kinds of food do you like?" She waited, would he surprise her with an unexpected answer.

 

[Bolt]

"Shining armor?" Zaiden chuckled, "Maybe." She wouldn't get the joke he saw in her words, for she didn't know yet that he was a Master at controlling light and darkness, thus could be a literal shining Knight if he so chose. Taking her around a corner, they followed the Hostess into the back, then up a flight of stairs to a VIP room that held a few separate booths.

Most were taken up by high paying clients, but to the farthest corner could be seen an amazingly elogant booth that had a curtain to draw around, a diamond chandalier over head, among other things. Here is where she led them.

"Well, my metabolism has always been high, so I don't gain weight easily. Because of this I get to eat all the sweets I want," He grinned at his words, "so I guess my favorites are sweets and anything meaty. Though I do have to agree with you: savory, brothy foods are tantalizing as well."

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]They were still walking Claire tried to control her wide eyed wonder look around as they moved, but when they drew closer to where they were to be seated.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Well that just about put her over the edge. “Zaiden. Are you like Balmorran Mafia or something” Claire couldn’t believe the opulence of their table.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]It was a room by itself, meant for privacy, meant for showing off the elegance of the restaurant. She could hear the tiny tinkle of the prisms in the chandelier as they gently tapped against one another.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The deep wood tones were meant to make them feel warm, and welcome. They should sit and eat and drink for as long as they wanted, there was no rush here, and this was not McYoda’s where she got her breakfast this morning.[/SIZE]


[member="Razor Shot"]

 

[Bolt]

Zaiden chuckled, "That is a first. To answer though, no I am not I -" Before he could finish, he was interrupted by the Hostess.

"He is High Lord of Val'hala, and a major aid to business thanks to the one he used to own!" It was at this point she realized she had spoken out of turn and blushed.

"See? Like I told you, I am the King of my own rich planet. As well I used to own a multi billion cred company, to which I built my own massive fortune." Zaiden said then gestured for the menus the woman beside them held, "Ahh here we are. Any recommendations?" He asked the Hostess with an arched brow.

She began to ramble, starting with large steaks of rare prime cuts, then to stews, pasta, and so many that she might as well have the menus memorized.

Holding up a hand, Zaiden laughed as he said, "Just bring me...hmmm...I'll take the Krayt steak, medium rare. And...how about some of the Bantha cheese macaroni and cheese...and a large helping of cheese sticks...uhm...throw in a salad and a bottle of Scotch and were good." Zaiden said then offered a smile - it was nothing like those he flashed Claire with, those were filled with warmth as this was not.

Turning his head he smiled, "What about you? Like I said, I got the payment. Live a little!"

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Claire looked the menu over occasionally looking over the top of the menu at Zaiden as he spoke with the young woman who so very clearly wanted to impress Zaiden. But she noticed he didn’t flash those pearly whites to the woman he saved them just for her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]There were a number of savory smells that were completely foreign to Claire. This was a new experience in her life provided by the mean of the King of Val’hala. Something new he said, live a little, ok. Why not.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I’ll try the Groat Chop with the traditional sides, green salad, and a glass of red wine” She smiled and handed the menu over.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She waited until the young woman stopped lingering and left them alone.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Forgive me for not believing you. I’ve heard many things in the last few months, and one more member of royalty to become a” she paused looking over at him, “friend I had to find out” Claire decided one thing, “next time, if there is a next time, you should let me cook for you cause I can cook. I actually pretty good, maybe not this good, but good”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Each time she looked across the table she saw those eyes, even when he sat in profile talking to the hostess his eyes stood out to her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“So. What can I tell you about Contessa?”[/SIZE]

[member="Razor Shot"]

 

[Bolt]

"Hmm...I may take you up on that." He said, then reclining, he offered, "Personally I love to cook. I have never been great, but it is such a relaxing motion, preparing then cooking something that will be enjoyed by another - even if it simply is eaten by yourself." Dragging a hand along his chin for a moment he shrugged, "Don't worry about not believing me. It is a bit unheard of right? 'I am the King of planet Blah Blah'.Why should you have believed me?

"What are the main items sold most often, in what numbers? Whom do you go through for item manfucaturing?" He said rattling off, "What sort of fabric is most often used, how much is named fabric?" He paused, "Just to name a few things."

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Ok these questions she could do.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I have two sets of clients, I have the exclusive who are looking for high end couture items, one of a kind, designed specifically for them, and then there is the client who comes in off the street looking for something for a night out” The off the street client was currently the one keeping her store going, but it was the exclusive clients that made it possible to campaign for clients.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Claire thought for a moment, “The fabric depends on the sale. I have a customer on Nubia who will only wear satin, and she will only wear something designed by Elaan of Nubia.” Designers were like children at times needing to be coddled and pat on the head, Elaan was one that Claire would like to have put in time out more than once.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Claire had made numerous trips to Nubia in order to meet with the woman, in hopes of also having some of her friends become clients. So far that was not going according to vision. [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]“[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Fabric can be expensive, what is more expensive is the time of the designer, and the seamstress who makes the alterations, and then if detail work is needed, such as beading by hand that adds to the cost[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt].”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]What else, “I attend Fashion Week when I can to see what is trending, and have placed orders there. Contessa doesn’t really manufacture anything we buy it, and sell it. Like, an agent.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She smiled, “I also do a lot of personal shopping for clients who don’t have time to go out, especially here on Balmorra.” Balmorra was where everything started it was what gave her the confidence to even try her hand at this business.[/SIZE]

[member="Razor Shot"]

 

[Bolt]

"Well first things first, the purchasing of clothes from another should be lowered to only special occasions. To counter that, I think hiring in store seamstresses would be more beneficial. The fabrics we can worry about as it comes along, but eventually you will need a stock of them for your own fashioning. No store such as yourself should solely rely on fashions of others, so we will work on your own styles." Zaiden said, then paused as their salads and drinks arrived.

Reaching for a glass as he opened the bottle, he continued, "If you had to choose, who is your wishful target? High, middle, or lower class? Perhaps a combination of the three? If you were to start making styled clothing of your own, what forms of fabrics would you wish to begin with? As well, what kind of seamstresses would you wish - high end will make profitable clothing, but it would be a while to break even, but when done would bring a huge amount of revenue. Adept but not advanced ones would bring a lower expense with a higher income ratio. So on and so forth."

Pouring a hearty glass, he reached for the dressing and glazed his salad before spearinf a few pieces with his fork. Taking the bite he smiled, then winked at the woman.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire listened to Zaiden smiling at the waitress when she brought the start of their meal. Claire had considered fashions of her own design, "Design of my own would be nice but many of the women I've do business with they are competing with one another on the name they are wearing"

It was an odd fight but sometimes she had to tell someone as famous as the designer was the dress that they wanted just, well it would just make them look foolish. "I built my business on personal shopping, and style advice. Expanding."

Claire took a drink of the wine it was good, so who was her target, "Combination is what keeps the business going."

What fabrics if she were designing, "Evening dresses would be a blend of satin and silk that way it flows, and is soft to the touch. Cottons that breathe, I'm sure that are some micro blends out there that are cheap and yet feel good to the touch"

"A seamstress needs to be skilled, it takes more than someone who can sew a straight line, they have to be able to take a design apart and reshape it" Claire was thinking of the items in the store now that were bought, adding length, taking out length, make it less poofy, things of this nature.

Claire looked at her salad making sure there weren't any items in it that she didn't care for, then she put a dose of dressing on it, and began eating.

"Need to pay for models, and travel." Claire looked over at Zaiden as she chewed this single bite, "Making friends in the fashion community helps the store. There are other events but my budget is never big enough to attend."

Ok that was a bit of a hint.

"Have you been in the clothing business before?"

[member="Razor Shot"]

 

[Bolt]

"The way to to compete, is to provide the very same designs you come up with, to Hugh fashion women to wear. Famous people make anything look amazing, so trust me on that, we will be able to make your styles work out." Zaiden said as he took another bite, which he chewed then swallowed before taking a sip of his Scotch, " Of course there are fabrics that are keen to the touch, there are also seamstresses that can be afforded and yet make a profit. I was just joking with you on that.

"When it comes to modeling your clothing, its like I said, we can make that happen." He smiled his warmest smile again, "Don't worry about the budget. Remember, it just grew exponentially." Continuing to smile he shrugged, "Sort of. My business, JAC, has an alliance with a rather large corporation strictly for clothing. I popped in every now and then to see how things run."

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Razor Shot"]

Claire just couldn't find any argument that made sense to not allow him to help fund her. He seemed familiar with the issues, he was extremely helpful, playful, and serious. She worked on her salad looking over at him.

"So is there anything about you I should know?" She smiled, "or you want me to know?" She took another draw on the drink, she imagined that learning to ride the bike was going to be that much more exciting.

Business partner who wasn't her family.

"So fashion week starts in a few weeks, would you like to go? It's a lot of parties, mingling, and food, and of course sitting watching run way models come out in new looks" She wouldn't tell him that sometimes the new look meant next to nothing on.

 

[Bolt]

Zaiden smiled slowly, and as he did so every item around them, including the tables and the very chairs they sat on rose a foot into the air. Slowly settling back down he shrugged, "There's a few things about me you should know." He chuckled, "But you will need to find them out!" Just then their next portion of the meal arrived, Claire having only ordered the Groat found it arrived next, but Zaiden was given his Macaroni alongside his Cheese Sticks.

Having finished his salad, he set the plate to the side and grabbed a stick. Dipping it in the sauce which came with it, he took a bite and a pleased look spread across his face as the cheese drooped then stretched for a long ways.

Life is good.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Razor Shot"]

[SIZE=12pt]The table rose up Claire dropped her fork as she stared at the man across from her, Feth, what was he some kind of force user.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]But what kind?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Should she be afraid of him now? Should she excuse herself and run for the door?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Very impressive Zaiden” she was able to say the words without faltering, or hint of concern she hoped. A cold shiver ran down her spine as goosebumps slowly peaked on her arms.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Should I be scared?”[/SIZE]

 

[Bolt]

Zaiden chuckled and popped the last bite of his cheese stick into his open mouth. He took time to chew, swallow, then take a deep breath before speaking, "Have you feared me yet? Have I done anything to befit fear? I offer the same things I have the entire time, only now you know I am adept in certain talents that only a few do! But, does that need be offensive?

"Think about it. If it changes anything, let me know and I will pay for our meal, provide you a ride to your work; you will never hear from me again." Zaiden murmured, then he reached out to take her hand in a loose grip in which his thumb stroked the flesh there, "I would like it if you could look past it...maybe after awhile you will begin to even accept it!"

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Oh, he had her hand.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Truth she could not look at him and honestly say that until that very moment she had felt anything but having fun, having a meal prepared by world class chef, not once had she been frightened.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She smiled and gave a little sigh, “I’ve not felt one bit afraid Zaiden everything we hear about” her eyes looked around not that anyone could see them, “people of unique talents are to be feared”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]She didn’t take her hand away though, shouldn’t she? What idea was she giving him ? She couldn’t help it what had he done, nothing. She squeezed his hand back, “Ok, foolish of me to ask when you’ve been so kind”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She nodded, “let us continue our meal and talk, my family, my parents are safe off world Zaiden, they will not return. My sister Victoria however she is here, and I don’t know how to protect her other than to accept your gracious and very generous offer to let my family come stay with you”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She smiled[/SIZE]

[member="Razor Shot"]

 

[Bolt]

Zaiden nodded and continued holding her hand, he would release it when she felt like doing so. At the moment, he enjoyed the warmth it brought to his skin! "Very well," Zaiden smiled as he reached for a pocket to grab a holocom, which he pressed several buttons into then returned to his pocket, "have her come to Val'hala and my people will be waiting to show her to my palace."

It was then that Zaiden noticed he would need both hands to consume his food, so with a reluctant sigh he drew his hand back. Beginning to consume his Macaroni, he allowed himself to look at her every so often.

"What kind of things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?" Zaiden asked with a small grin. No this had nothing to do with the dinner, nor business, so he would now see if she only wanted this to remain a business ordeal...or if she didn't mind other things intruding.

[member="Claire Organa"]