Haute Couture (Claire)

[Marzena Vaas]

“Ah, I could imagine that dressing the royal family would be quite a task.” Marzena said with a nod, taking a very small sip of her honey wine. The sweet beverage hardly tasted like alcohol at all, and she knew that she would have to be careful to pace herself... especially as she hadn’t had anything to eat in hours.

Marzena drew in a deep breath of fresh air and considered Claire’s question about traditions. There were many traditions that families clung to from the old days, but most of the population was fairly modern in their way of thinking now. It seemed that only the wealthiest families were the ones that still held on tightly to the ways that made them feel important.

“It is still quite popular among the wealthy families to arrange marriage and many mothers have a matchmaker on speed dial.” Marzena said, recalling how her own mother spoke to their match maker like she was a close family friend. “I was actually engaged once...” She started; it was a subject that she hadn’t spoken about in a long time, as the actual engagement had happened nearly ten years ago.
“My family had matched me to the heir of a hospitality business, but the engagement ended when his company came into financial ruin.”

“My mother still clings to the idea of matchmaking, even after that failed attempt.” She said with a sigh. “I have different ideas about love now, and I won’t suffer through another arranged pairing.” Marzena smiled at Claire to keep things from feeling awkward. As it happened, the actress and singer was very happy with the current state of her love life.

“Are there similar expectations for you? I can only imagine, being part of the royal family...”

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

"Understatement, my cousin wants to marry me to a mandalorian to build a tighter bond between House Organa and the Mandalorian Clans" Claire looked over at [member="Marzena Choi"] , "I may not have a choice if the clan agrees to her terms. So. I'm trying to learn about them I'm in contact with a clan leader as it is, which he's been very nice, helpful, and I'm trying to open a dialogue with someone else. It's all slow going"

Claire sat back, "I don't know how to feel about it all, last year everything great rancor by the tail. But now today, I'm not near that." She half smiled, "Sorry you didn't need to hear all of that. You're here to visit, and see things, and enjoy some of the finer things of life"

Claire took a sip of her wine, sometimes the finer things just were things.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

“A Mandalorian?” Marzena blinked a few times, she had heard of these people that had family clans... but she knew very little about them. Weren’t they warriors of some sort? She couldn’t help but feel a bit sad for her new friend, especially with the prospect of her future being given away without her consent. “Oh, tosh.” The actress waved away Claire’s apology and shook her head, sometimes it was a good thing to vent to another women.

“I have plenty of time to enjoy the finer things.” She said with a nod and a smile, in fact most of her time was spent doing just that. Her schedule was erratic at best, but currently she was enjoying a fairly open ended span of free time. She turned as their waitress returned for their orders, and realized that she hadn’t even paid a glance to the menu. After a quick scan of their dishes, she decided upon soup and salad. Once the waitress had taken Claire’s order and left them to their conversation once more, Marzena looked across the table at the designer.

“If you happen to find someone to be happy with among the Mandalorians, then I’d be delighted for you.” She nodded. “But you shouldn’t be forced into anything that you don’t want to do.” Marzena did suppose that there was likely little room for opposition when it came to the royal family... but she was learning more and more that passion, intimacy, and love were very precious.

“And I don’t mind a bit of girl talk... in fact it’s quite nice.” She said with a small laugh.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire smiled, "thanks I've needed someone to talk to some of this is just so beyond me and yes Mandalorians have clans and they are warriors I've only met one and he was the one who came and saved me from Balmorra. That is the one my cousin Ari wants me to marry, his name is [member="Elijah Rekali"] . We didnt't have a lot of time to talk and he really seemed more interested in Faith she after all had been married to a mandalorian for years. Personally I think Ari should marry [member="Samael Rekali"] if she wants Rekali clan ties"

Claire stopped, "i don't know if I would be happy I won't know until I learn more about mandalorians and I'll be going to Mandalore soon to learn their culture and heritage to understand what it means to be of the Clans." She sighed and shook her head, "yes it seems the royal family can make those kind of plans. Ari's parents, my aunt and uncle were killed because of such plans. That's why my parents left Alderaan, civil unrest because of an engagement. So ridiculous."

Claire ordered another drink, she was beginning to realize she drank a lot.

"Sounds like fun doesn't it?"

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

It was a bit of a relief to hear that Claire had already met the man that her cousin wanted her to marry. Even though they hadn’t had many interactions, it was a far better option than being fixed up with a complete stranger. “At least you have a bit of a history with him.” Marzena said with a nod, remembering how she had first met her ex-fiancé the night before their engagement party. The two had been more like business associates than a couple, even up until the point when their engagement was called off.

“Well, it’s good that you’re learning about then now.” She said, wishing that her family had delved into her ex’s background far more thoroughly... on the surface he had been the perfect potential husband, but had a shady history on Umgul as a gambler. Marzena was thankful that political relations did not play a part in her own match, which would only have made it worse.

“Isn’t it amazing?” She asked, tilting her head. “An engagement should be simple. Only the two lovers should be involved... no one else.” Marzena laughed softly and took another sip of her wine.

“Setting all this fixed engagement business aside... is marriage something you would have wanted?” Marzena was always curious about other women’s take on marriage. Many seemed to prefer to stay single nowadays, while others seemed to pursue nothing else in life... Marzena liked to think that she was somewhere in the middle. Being married would be a welcomed change, but she would not let it define her happiness.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Did she want to be married. She took a drink as she thought she looked at Marzena. "Yes and no. Yes to have someone to talk to privately to trust to love who loves me. No. Because I'm not sure I'd do it well"

She couldn't help but laugh. "Do you? Marriage. Kids. House pet. " it was true that sometimes people didn't want or need marriage they just needed company.

Did she? She liked sleeping with someone but would she ever be ready to sleep with one person the rest of her life?

Faith. She looked at Faith her cousin who had it all. Did it well. Claire just didn't know if she could do the same.

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena was surprised to hear Claire’s reservation about marriage, but she was glad for the fact that she was not the only woman to worry about her ability to be a good wife. Domestic life was still something of a mystery to her; she had never cooked or cleaned in her life. The thought of winding down into a life with one man wasn’t frightening to her, just so long as she found the right one.

“Hmm,” Marzena took a sip of wine, “Well, I do think that I will marry eventually.”

It took her far longer to consider the other questions... would she want kids? That was certainly more complicated. She couldn’t say that she was one of those women that had all powerful maternal instinct, and the thought of having to care for little ones was a bit overwhelming. Would she give up her body? Would she give up her job? These were all things that she had considered in the past, but had never settled upon an answer.

“I’m not totally sold on the idea of having children.” She answered honestly. “However, I fear that my mother will kill me, should I fail to produce grandchildren in the future.” Marzena rolled her eyes, but laughed to lighten the weight of her words.

“And I’m not into pets... too much trouble.” She shook her head for extra emphasis.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

"Really, so that's something you see for yourself, the whole committed to one person and only one person relationship?" Yes surprised a bit after all the gossip that went around about citizens involved with entertainment, it was about the same as those that went around about designers, and models.

"Well you could always adopt a child there are certainly enough out there that need parents. The Sith take on more worlds and leave more children orphans" Orphan she had said the word out loud. She was an orphan. Wow. But she did have Victoria so she wasn't completely alone. But she didn't have parents, and well...that changed things for her.

"I might have a pet" She said with a great deal of seriousness, she looked at [member="Marzena Choi"] , "a pet rock" she smiled taking a drink, "I don't know either they'd have to be real self sufficient to be around me."

Claire sighed again, home, slowly it was becoming home. "I have a bunch of off world appointments coming up. I will be well traveled by the end of the year, where are you off to from here?"

 

[Marzena Vaas]

It was very true that people in the entertainment business were somewhat notorious for going around with multiple people, but Marzena had never been subscribed to that way of thinking. She had dated her share of men, but there had been few actual relationships. And of course there had always been rumored relationships... the paparazzi always did have a way of mistaking friendships for something more. Now more than ever, she had felt a strange pull towards something more stable and familiar. Despite the risk of becoming bored, there was something appealing about being committed to only one person. Marzena merely nodded in response to Claire's question, and added a small smile.

"Oh, I will be returning to Bespin." She said with a nod. "I've always rented a flat there, but I've recently made Cloud City my primary residence."

If Claire had many off world appointments, perhaps she had other high profile customers. At any rate, Contessa's business must be doing quite well. She could imagine that there was a market for a designer that was willing to travel, and it did ensure that her designs would have a wider audience.

"If you're ever out that way, let me know." Marzena grinned. "We could go shopping."

There were a number of quality boutiques that she frequented on Bespin, and there was also an amazing day spa. One could never underestimate the power of a day of massage, facials, and steam rooms. In fact, she decided that she would book an appointment as soon as she was back.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Marzena Choi"]

"I like shopping to a degree, I find I can be a bit critcal on somethings. Prices for one. I mean I can get things for cost and when I go into a shop and the prices are more then 20% above cost that's someone that is really looking to make a profit. But the market can bear it so it can be charged. I like eating, drinking, sun shine, swimming. You know the Organa's have a family friend who has a bar on one of the platforms on Bespin, Rekha Kaarde the bar's called The Underground."

Claire laughed, "Its more for miners than anyone else, but I hear she makes a good living and doesn't have too much of an issue with things. How do you deal with the Sith there?"

She smiled.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena merely chuckled at Claire’s response to her shopping invitation. Well, there were still plenty of other things on Bespin that fit the designer’s preferences. During her time in Cloud City she had found a number of fabulous places to eat and drink... even a few that had highly prized swimming pools. She perked a brow when Claire mentioned that she had a family friend that had a bar... but it was highly unlikely that the actress would ever set foot there.

“Well, I shall look out for Ms. Kaarde.” She said with a small chuckle, it was always good to have some connections... one could never say when they would come in handy.

She looked up to see the waitress brining their food, and a moment later a lovely plate of salad had been set down in front of her. Marzena took a small bite and smiled pleasantly, the food was delicious. At least she had chosen a light vinaigrette, so there was no need to worry about calories at the moment. Her dark eyes turned back to Claire when she inquired about the Sith on Bespin.

“Oh, darling... The First Order controls Bespin now.” Marzena nodded. “I suppose there could still be Sith around, but if there are... I haven’t the slightest clue.” She took another couple bites of salad and dabbed her mouth with her napkin.

“I rather like living in First Order space, it’s quite... comfortable.” She couldn’t help but smile. Marzena had a reason to enjoy living within their territory, and it had nothing to do with the standard creature comforts of the world.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Marzena Choi"]

"I'm sure Rekha would love the company, she's...a people person" to say the very least of what Rekha "The First Order, well that is I don't know. Do you think everyone is safe under the First Order?"

She did't know Rekha well but she knew she was close to Rianna. Just how much she came under the scrutiny of the First Order, she just didn't know.

Claire ate some of her salad, and thought a bit about it.

"What other events do you have this year?" Hint hint.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

“I would venture to say that people are even safer now.” Marzena said with a nod. It was true that she happened to be quite biased, but she’d given the First Order her vote of confidence on a personal and professional level. As far as she was concerned, life had never been better. However, she wasn’t one to push her own political views onto others, and she certainly didn’t want to burn any bridges.

As Claire took a few bites of her meal, Marzena did the same, taking advantage of a few moments in silence. She looked up again when Claire changed the subject, and she thought for a moment as she took another sip of honey wine.

“Hmm,” She started, setting her glass back down. “Well, my schedule is a bit up in the air right now. But I can say with certainty that I will have a couple premiers later this year, and I’m sure there will also be some lavish parties.”

Invitations to fancy social gatherings were never in short supply, and she did require a new dress for each occasion... how embarrassing it would be to turn up in something she’d already worn.

“I’ll be putting in more orders with you, I’m sure.” Marzena added with a chuckle.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

"I usually get notices on some of the upcoming events, and take orders for them. Perhaps I can send you updates on what everyone is ordering so that you don't show up in the same dress" She smiled.

Yes women have done that and when that happened the invisible fur did fly. Oh yes.

"When I lived on Balmorra two ladies ordered the same dress from two different places, and when my customer came in the next day she told me about how these women would just glare at one another, and then the next day they did one of those who do you think wore it better compares. I remember laughing, my parents did to" her parents. They would have enjoyed meeting Marzena.

She took a few more bites of salad, "I'm glad we met Marzena its nice to have someone to talk to"

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

“Oh my,” Marzena grinned over at Claire. “I would so appreciate your help.”

If Claire was willing to give her a heads up about what others were wearing, then she would do her best to promote Contessa designs whenever she could. It was only fair, and she did admire the work that Claire did. Her hears perked up upon hearing the retelling of a ‘who wore it better’ rivalry, these stories were always a source of entertainment.

“Fortunately, I haven’t been featured in one of those comparisons yet.” Her abundant self-confidence shielded her from any fear of losing. However, she didn’t like the idea of others having what she did, it just didn’t lend well to the elitist attitude she cultivated.

Marzena took a last bite of her salad; she’d actually eaten most of it, but had made it a point to leave a small portion behind. She dabbed the corners of her mouth with the napkin, and looked up as Claire spoke again. A very warm and genuine smile appeared on her face, it was something of a rarity, and something she only shared with those that were close to her.

“I’m glad too,” She nodded, “And now that we’re friends, there’s always some room for a bit of girl talk.”

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Their luncheon had gone well and they women parted friends it would be a little over a month before Marzena returned to Alderaan and by then the two had a bunch of things to talk about.

Claire waited at the spaceport, today she was meeting Marzena they would go into New Aldera first and then back to New Crevasse to fit Marzena's gown. They had a wild time on Spira during fashion week and there was lots to tell of the different shows, and parties. particularly about a certain group and what happen with them all. Yes gossip Claire was ready for some good juicy gossip and girl talk.

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena’s transport set down on Alderaan, many things had happened since she’d last been here. She had been more than a little apprehensive about leaving her home within First Order space, since she felt so secure in the safety of their borders. However, her worries about leaving stemmed from a harrowing event that occurred on Lanteeb. The singer had been performing in Lantibba City when she and her fans became the victims of an alien terrorist attack; Marzena herself had nearly been gunned down. If not for the quick actions of First Order forces, she would no doubt be dead. The news of the incident had been spread across the Holonet for a few days after, but now things were beginning to calm.

She exited the transport in a jersey cotton dress that swept against the ground; Marzena had chosen to pair her dress with a small knit shrug. Her outfit was on the casual side, but she was coming to meet a friend, and she would later need to disrobe for a dress fitting anyway. Marzena spotted Claire and waited excitedly to the designer. As the celebrity made her way towards Claire, she was followed by a few guards. She had insisted that her Stormtroopers dress in dark clothing for the day, opposed to their normal white armor, as it made them much less imposing and frightening. However, it was clear that life had changed.

“Claire!” Marzena pulled her friend into a hug and placed a faux kiss next to her cheek. “It is so good to see you.”

It really was. Marzena had felt a bit isolated lately; it was nice to see a familiar face.

“Please don’t mind them,” She gestured to the armed guards, she’d grown so used to their presence that she hardly noticed them anymore. “We have a lot to talk about, don’t we?” She smiled.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

OH yeah she was one of those huggie kissie types. Claire laughed and returned the hug and gave her a return kiss on the cheek, "Welcome back Marzena, so good to see you! Feels like ages since we've talked.

Claire looked back at the guards, "I won't mind them if they don't mind me" She smiled turning taking Marzena's arm, "So what's new and exciting and why do you have guards with you?" Certainly a lot had happened for them both since their first meeting, "And yes we do have a lot to talk about"

They walked along Claire starting, "So you first and I have already booked us a table where we can watch the streets, and talk without the galaxy bothering you."

The place Claire had chosen was on the main thoroughfare of New Aldera bustling with activity and boasting of the prosperity that seemed to be returning to Alderaan. The restaurant was unique as well.

​

[member="Marzena Choi"]​

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena smiled as Claire took her arm, and together they began to walk, the clicking of heels ringing out against the pavement. They were followed by the calm footsteps of her guards following along dutifully, they were close enough to provide protection, but did attempt to give Marzena a bit of space in the company of her friend. She laughed softly as Claire invited her to speak first on their way to the restaurant.

“Where to start?” She asked, and thought for a moment. “Well, during my last concert on Lanteeb, I was attacked by alien terrorists. A bomb went off by the stage, and I was nearly gunned down... you know, exciting and terrifying things.” Marzena decided to leave out the part about people in the front row being killed; she didn’t want to put an awful damper on their afternoon. “Thankfully, members of the First Order were there to save the day.” She added with a smile.

As they continued on, she took in the sights of New Aldera, it was quite a lovely city. She thought back to the time they had spent on Spira, for Claire’s company that night had Marzena feeling curious. For now she would wait, and she would bring up the subject when they had a bit more privacy. She was feeling safe enough that she would ask her guards to wait outside.

“What have you been up to? Nothing as life-threatening, I hope.”

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Marzena Choi"]

"Oh things for me are....emotionally charged." she laughed, so much had happened since they saw each other on Spira, where to start, "Well...Things got intense with [member="Viktor Alexander"], as you can imagine. And then someone who I was in, attached to from my past named [member="Trevor Alde"] was discovered alive on Alderaan having been living in a cave, and I've been traveling a great deal for work, and to top it off my sister Tori has disappeared. So. Life is...busy."

Claire was ready for several drinks now, "First order rescue, that sounds like a contradiction, I didn' t know they did things like that, But I'm glad they did and that you are alright. Who knew life could be so.....draining"

She smiled, or tried to.