Private Cupcake Chaos

[Persephone Dashiell]

CORUSCANT

Butter + Batter Bakery | Corazona von Ascania
​

The line was long.

When Persephone heard about the bakery shutting down to due impending invasion, she didn't expect a line like this. A gourmet bakery specializing in decadent sweets and treats at eye watering prices in the ritzy Financial District on Coruscant. Folks were estimating a week out or so from a battle happening and the bakery was doing one last day of sale before the owners and employees evacuated themselves.

Large signs informed patrons to follow them on social media accounts in order to keep abreast of when or where they may open next, but that didn't matter to the wealthy patrons seeking out one last taste of sugary bliss.

Persie estimated she was halfway through the line. Hands shoved into her jacket, Thirty-Seven at her back, the teenager looked around at the crowds. Most folks looked as if they sent their servants or droids to do their dirty work. There were several young men in suits, probably off early from their stock market jobs, in line as well but other than that it appeared she was the only foolish wealthy idiot actually standing in the line herself. She supposed the attitude was why wait when one can pay someone to wait for them.

Yet she didn't mind. It was a chance to people watch and experience Coruscant. It reminded her of home only clean and fancy, at least on the surface. She was strictly forbidden from going down any further, although she could handle herself. Mostly.

Line shuffled forward, causing her to stumble on a small raised portion of sidewalk. It was more just losing her balance, causing her to lightly bump the woman in front of her. Mortified, Persie flushed a little and immediately apologized.

" ' Scuse me Miss. Ain't mean no harm, just kinda stumbled on the sidwalk...sorry."

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora was a stress eater. Cora refused to acknowledge this fact.

It was only practical really. Butter + Batter was going out of business, packing up shop in anticipation of the Dark Empire's invasion. She didn't blame them for wanting to leave. She couldn't blame anyone for wanting to leave Coruscant - they were all staring down the barrel of a gun, waiting for the trigger to be pulled.

So, in a completely selfless move, Cora had decided to support the poor bakery's staff. That support came in the form of spending Lady Velvet's credits on a discounted treat for herself.

It seemed that she wasn't the only one with a compulsion for generosity.

Arms crossed, Cora tapped her foot impatiently against the sidewalk and blew a blonde lock from her face. She had expected a bit of a rush, but not this long of a line. It was moving at a snail's pace too, and just when she'd gotten to take a step forward, someone bumped against her from behind.

Cora bristled and turned on her heel, but the irritation was quickly washed from her face at the young woman's apology. She raised a brow at her interesting accent.

"No harm done." She waved away any concern, not exactly friendly given the state of her blood-sugar, but not quite standoffish, either. "Are you alright?"

Cora looked Persephone Dashiell up and down, giving her outfit a quick once-over and a hum of approval.

"Getting one last treat in before the evacuation?"

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

When the woman turned around, Persephone thought there were going to be problems. Just because they were in an uppercrust area didn't mean folks couldn't throw a punch or have their servant do it for 'em. She wasn't looking to fight, just grab some treats and head home. As it was, she shouldn't be on Coruscant. It was wise to make this quick and painless.

"Uh...yes." It seemed obvious to her, but perhaps the woman was trying to make conversation. They were all stuck in this line after all. "I assume yous is doin' the same?"

A small pause. Persie wasn't used to all this yet. She was trying to flex her skills and conversation 'muscles' where ever she could. Her Governess said the only way she would get better was practice, practice, practice. As much as she wanted to roll her eyes at Miss Harcrowe, the old bat was right. If she wanted to get anywhere in life she had to learn and master the small stuff.

"What's yous favorite? Or you just hopin' for a sugar rush?"

Corazona von Ascania

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

What's yous favorite?

A sugar rush didn't sound too bad right about now, honestly. The past few weeks had been spent fortifying the temple and assisting in evacuations. With the tense air that hung over Coruscant, it hadn't exactly been a rosy job.

"Oh," The harsh lines fell away from Cora's face as she smiled. "Lemon tarts. The ones they make here are-"

Using her thumbs and pointer fingers, she made a circle.

"-they're really cute. They broil them on the top so it gets nice and chewy, and sprinkle them with powdered sugar."

Her eyes softened in recollection of the last time she'd had one, which had been…far too long, probably.

"How about you?"

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Listening carefully, the way Corazona von Ascania described the lemon tarts sounded delicious. While she loved all sorts of foods, fresh fruits were her favorite due to a lack as a child. Sounded like a lemon tart was a balance inbetween ; part sweet, part lemon curd filled goodness. Persie wondered if Myra could make them, the woman was a good baker after all.

"I will keeps it in mind to try 'em, thank yous."

As for her?

"Oh...berry crumb bars are my favorite. I ain't really here for me though. Uh..." Did she continue talkin'? "My boyfriend is from Coruscant and he likes the cupcakes here...so before everythin' is gone..."

Slender shoulders shrugged, as if to say this was a last hurrah of treats from this bakery for Iko Vel .

"...hopin' to get enough for him. I dunno why but boys eat a lot. My brother's girl made cookies and he eats four at'a time. How's his stomach not even hurtin' after that?"


Insert words

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

When my boyfriend was mentioned, Cora tuned in a little more. It was a subtle reaction, one that she probably didn't even realize she had - but Cora loved love. It was the smut romance novelist in her.

An amused huff escaped her at the mention of boys being able to put away their food.

"I've always been amazed at how much my brothers could eat - I'm not sure where they put it all, either."

Even though they'd grown to dwarf her in recent years, she still thought that Dominick and Volkhardt could clean out an entire banquet hall on their own. They'd still have room for dessert, too.

Berry crumb bars sounded nice, but purchasing a pastry for your partner sounded even nicer.

"That's very kind of you. Cora, by the way."

Maybe she should pick something up for Makko Vyres , but he had never showed an overt interest in sweet things. Unless they were pudding cups.

"Are you and your boyfriend leaving Coruscant after this?"

An odd question in any other context, and maybe even this one. Still, there was a measure of concern threaded into her otherwise polite tone.

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

CORUSCANT

Holding out a finely manicured hand of short baby-blue nails that matched her dress, she introduced herself. Again, she was happy for the practice in trying to be a more refined young woman instead of the brash street urchin she was just mere months ago.

"Persephone. Nice'ta meet yous Cora."

Ocean blue eyes took in Cora up and down. Older, but not to much older than her. Maybe near the same age as Makky? She was beautiful, one of those classic beauties that graced the fashion magazines and advertisements that Persephone poured over and admired. Effortless beauty and grace was her goal ; probably wasn't going to happen but a girl could dream.

"Oh, he's already off an' aways. Really, I ain't even 'supposed to be here but I convinced my droid."

Thumb hooked back towards Thirty-Seven, silently waiting right behind her, observing.

"You's live here?"

Corazona von Ascania

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Persephone. You've a lovely name."

Cora took the profferd hand and shook; her fingers and palm were calloused from years of training with a metal saber hilt, a sensation that was in stark contrast to her more refined features.

So her boyfriend was already offworld – that was good. Cora nodded to the droid with a polite smile, then shifted her attention back to the girl.

There was a noticeable pause when Persephone asked if she lived on Coruscant.

"I do." she confirmed, "I'm from Ukatis, a little agri-world in the inner rim. But, I live here now.

"And yourself?"

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Thank yous."

Curious about the hands. The woman was refined but had calloused palms. Critical eye passed over the blonde beauty once more, Persephone trying to put two-and-two together. Far too elegant not to be rich. Certainly not a servant like some in line. Lips drew into a thin line, thinking, when it struck her what the woman probably was.

A famous potter. One of those artsy types that made a vase for half a million credits.

That would fit.

Yet eyes went wide at the mention of Ukatis.

"Ukatis? Wow. I met my boyfriend there! Wasn't lookin' for no boy but guess he found me anyways, at the Courtship Festival."

Only Persephone would purposely attend a courtship festival for the aesthetic and not to actually find love.

"Out in Centrality right nows, waitin' for the house to be finished." A pause. "Miss Cora, you's need a ride outta here? I promise ain't goin' to murda ya. Thirty-Seven and I can drop yous off on Ukatis."

Corazona von Ascania

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora blinked in surprise. Persephone recognized Ukatis? Moreover, she'd actually been there?

When she'd first come to Coruscant, nobody had even heard of her homeworld. For good reason, too - Ukatis had no natural resources to boast, no military or industrial might that would attract attention. As far as inner rim worlds went, they were below galactic technology standards. Far below, in the planet's more rural areas.

Which was most of the planet, actually.

"Oh, the festival." She laughed softly in understanding. "Thats's wonderful! Ukatis has gotten more attention recently-"

Some positive, some negative. Their treatment of women was still considered subpar, and actually influenced part of the Alliance's Equal Rights Act. And the whole being attacked by Mandalorians debacle.

"-especially for our festivals. I'm glad to see more off-worlders attending. And to hear that the Courtship Festival works."

It wasn't entirely odd to attend the festival without the intent of finding a beau, after all.

The offer to give her a ride off of Coruscant (without murdering her) came as a second surprise. "Oh, uh- that's very kind of you, but I'll be staying here. My, er, my job requires it."

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

The line moved again as they talked to one another. They were getting closer, the aroma of baked goods was wafting out the open door. A haughty looking woman walked passed them with a lemon loaf , complaining about her wait and how ridiculous this entire operation was. As if she was the only sentient in the 'verse right now.

Persie rolled her eyes at the passerby and continued on with Corazona von Ascania .

"I hope'ta visit Ukatis again, once all this is settled, y'know? I didn't get to see much beyond the festival. Kinda was busy after that."

Gettin' to know Iko an' all that. Plus, she had been under strict instructions to leave, Thirty-Seven was not going to allow her to linger.

Yet as Miss Cora talked about her job making her stay, her eyes went wide in disbelief. Persie supposed the underground was safe ; when she lived in the lower levels on Taris it was quite safe, beyond thievery and murder, but that was a little better than orbital bombardment.

"'Cuse me for sayin' so Miss Cora, but your job is shitty."

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Still facing Persie, Cora took a step back as the line shifted. Her eyes briefly tracked away from her conversation partner to the delectable looking lemon loaf as it passed by.

The blonde's attention snapped back to Persie and she smiled.

"The capital was ravaged by the Enclave's attack, but thanks to aid from the Alliance and generous donors across the galaxy, we're well on our way to restoring the city. I love the ballet, and half of Quince shopping district remained untouched. The city has a lot to offer, but outside of that...well, it's mostly rural."

Cora's attention drifted to somewhere unseen, starry-eyed as she eagerly spoke of the planet's positives. She had a complicated relationship with Ukatis, but still considered it home.

"Oh," she waved a hand as Persie's eyes went wide, a flimsy attempt to dispel any concern or negative thoughts. "I suppose it can, sometimes. When you work for the Alliance, it's an all-hands-on-deck sort of situation."

She smiled again, but it didn't quite reach her eyes this time. Despite the forewarning they had of the Dark Empire's attack, Cora was still feeling terribly unprepared.

Hence the need for a treat.

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Oh, Ukatis has a ballet troop?I'ma hafta go to a performance. Make my guardians take me."

Persephone wasn't sure if Iko Vel would dress up and sit for an entire ballet performance. However, she knew her brother and Myra Arceneau Dashiell would take her and turn the evening into a date for themselves where she could third wheel. Of course, if Iko wanted to come, he was more than welcome, Persie just couldn't see him sitting still for nearly two hours or so.

"You's work for the Alliance? You's far too pretty to do sucha thing. Must be a diplomat or politician. I ain't seen no soldier pretty as yous. Sucks you gotta stay, 'suppose the underground will be okay. Seems real deep down, the levels, least y'all can take shelter."

Line moved up further, they were closer now. Close enough to hear the orders being called inside, the chime of the register as folks tapped their credcards to pay.

"If yous survive an' all, I'd like to visit yous in the future. If'n that's okay with you, Miss Cora."

Corazona von Ascania

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"You simply must." Cora insisted. "They do a wonderful rendition of The Mynock Princess."

A dreamy sigh escaped the blonde, and for a moment she stared into the middle distance. Perhaps she was envisioning graceful dancers rather than the destruction of Coruscant.

Persie's disbelief-turned-compliment brought a pink flush to pale cheeks. Cora smiled in appreciation. "That's very kind of you to say, thank you. I'm apart of the New Jedi Order, so I'll be holding the defensive line."

Her voice lowered, though not exactly to a whisper. One of the nearby patrons glanced back toward them for a moment. It felt awkward to say, especially given some of the public displeasure over the Alliance prophylactically switching their capital to Fondor. Despite the move, plenty of Alliance personnel remained on Coruscant in anticipation of the Empire's invasion.

Persie's point about the lower levels made sense, but it still had Cora raising her eyebrows. The lower levels were often deemed unsafe, so it was ironic that they'd actually be safer during the Empire's attack.

"Certainly. I'd like that, Persephone. Here-"

Reaching into the pocket of her skirt, Cora fished out her datapad.

"Let me give you my holomail address. After this debacle is over, let's meet again for a treat?"

Making plans for something after the war gave her hope, in a small way. Something to look forward to.

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Eyes widened in surprise. A Jedi? Corazona von Ascania was a Jedi? There was no way. Miss Cora seemed far too elegant and refined. Danger Arceneau was always going on about how Jedi women were hussies and 'hores, yet Miss Cora seemed far too proper and elegant to be some random 'hore.

"Oh, I would absolutely love that Miss Cora!"

Truly, she would. Having met just a short time in line Persephone could already tell she wanted to meet the blonde woman again. Her own datapad was fished out of her jacket pocket as they exchanged holomail addresses. Obviously they wouldn't be meeting on Coruscant, but maybe Fondor? That was where Iko had been, he said the Jedi were staying there. Apparently the little kids were on some ship, but she wasn't supposed to know that.

"I uh, included my brothers holomail address just in case you feel like you gotta ask for permission or somethin' considering I'm a kid." Eyes rolled at the word 'kid'. "We's can hammer out the details over the HoloNet....once the Coruscant thing is over. Don't wanna distract yous while you're tryin' to survive an' all."

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"Oh," Cora's smile took on a slightly awkward note when Persie brought up needing permission from her brother, "of course."

She didn't know her exact age, but perhaps she was right on the cusp of legally needing a guardian from the way her eyes rolled. That made sense, and Cora would make sure that she had her brother's permission before offering to meet up again.

The line shuffled forward, and it would be their turn soon. If only one could learn to detect the availability of lemon squares with the Force.

"I've got a sister about your age, I think. I wouldn't want her making plans to meet with a random stranger she'd met in a bake shop's line without vetting them first." She chuckled, then wondered to herself if that had more to do with her own protective nature, or Fantine's tendency to take things overboard. "She's about...sixteen, now. Back at home on Ukatis, she'll be graduating finishing school soon."

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Yeah, she's a little older than me. Not by much..."

Persephone noted the slightly awkward pause and moved to clear it up. She wasn't a little little kid, it's just her guardians were protective of her. She highly doubted they would care about her meeting up with a Jedi Knight. Well, they would care, but they would have less reservations. They would just want to know, who exactly.

"Ukatis? Probably wise she stays out of all this mess,y'know? Yous seem proper, so your sister probably is too. Means she'd have a hard time navigatin' out here with the creepers and criminals an' all."

Corazona von Ascania

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

At the mention of creepers and criminals, Cora frowned. Fantine was a little more…energetic than the rest of the Ascania brood. Enamored with holodramas, she aspired to be an actress - a dream that their father wholeheartedly disapproved of. Still, she was rather sheltered from the ills of the galaxy.

"I suppose that's…true." She murmured, distracted by her thoughts. Even still, Cora took another step forward in time with the line. There was only one other person in front of her now.

"You haven't come across any of these creepers or criminals yourself, have you?"

Her attention turned back to Persie, eyes narrowing in concern.

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

They were moving closer. Persephone was second in line now, the smell of vanilla and sugar wafting out into the street. No sign of lemon mixed in there, but she was on a mission for Iko Vel and not herself. Cupcakes first, then a lemon bar for herself if they still had any. If not...maybe a berry tart. She didn't need anything, it would just be nice.

" 'Course I have Miss Cora! Why's da think I got the metal bodyguard behind me? My guardians said I gotta have him after the pirate incident. He's really my brother's business droid....I just get to loan 'em out for now."

A resigned sigh.

"Guess its necessary if I wanna hang out on my own...just...y'know creates a barrier sometimes."

Meaning from making connections with others. Persephone hadn't made her entry into society yet, where bodyguards and assistants were more common. Her guardians still had her working intensely with her Governess so the friend pool was quite limited.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

'Course I have Miss Cora!

Cora bit the inside of her cheek, giving a tight twist to her empathetic smile. Of course she had. Nearly every girl and woman and the galaxy would have at least one uncomfortable encounter in their lifetime, which was a sobering fact.

"Until I joined the Jedi, I was much the same. Anytime I went outside of my family's estate, I needed an escort."

There was a thread of exasperation woven into her tone. A younger Cora hated having a guardian wherever she went. Like most teenagers, she had wanted to be independent, not babied.

"Wait," she paused, thoughts backtracking to something Persie had said, "the pirate incident?"

Persephone Dashiell