Haute Couture (Claire)

[Marzena Vaas]

Life certainly seemed to be keeping the two women busy. Of course, Marzena was very interested in the gossip about what had happened with Viktor, but it seemed the Claire had been through some difficult and surprising times as well. Her lips parted in a tiny gasp when Claire mentioned that her sister had gone missing. She remembered seeing Victoria during her first trip to Contessa, there had been something about the woman that had made her appear a bit troubled.

“Oh my, I do hope that your sister is found safe.” She said with a nod. “Do you have any leads?”

They passed through the doors of the restaurant and were promptly shown to a quiet table with a lovely view. The waiter left the two friends with menus, and would return in a few moments to take their drink orders. Even though it was barely noon, was it too early to have a cocktail? Marzena chuckled softly when Claire mentioned that it seemed odd for the First Order to save someone.

“The First Order is more than a military organization,” She smiled, “And they do care for their citizens. I think you’d be surprised.”

Marzena winked, there was certainly a bit more to her story. For such care would not have been spared for just anyone.

“But let’s not linger on serious things right now,” she wanted to lighten the mood, “Tell me about what happened with Viktor... Something fun, I hope.”

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

"OH god Marzena he makes me to do things I never thought of, we talk about odd things. " She shook her head, "I know he wants a relationship, he wants to be with me in the biblical way, and there are moments he really makes it hard to say no."

Claire picked up the glass of water, talking about Viktor always made her thirsty. "He can be sweet, caring. I just don't know, and I don't think my family will approve." She smiled again when she looked at Marzena.

"Ever feel between a rock and hard place?"

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

A smile grew on Marzena’s face, and she chuckled when Claire began to elaborate about Viktor. Yes, she certainly had the impression that he was very interested in Claire. It was especially obvious at the club on Spira, his hands had not been very shy about touching. Did she spot a bit of a flush on her friend’s face? It definitely seemed like Claire was interested in Viktor too. Her brows rose slightly when Claire mentioned that her family may not approve.

“Why wouldn’t your family approve?” She asked, as she placed the cloth napkin across her lap. “Are they still set on matching you with a mandolorian?”

Marzena let Claire’s question hang in the air for a moment or two before nodding, but she kept her smile firmly in place to help keep the mood light. She had been involved with someone for quite some time now, but had not been able to speak a word to anyone. The two had agreed to keep things quiet for now, as it would be best for her career to maintain the image of a single woman. However, there were rumors back home on Bespin about her and a high ranking member of the First Order. How she wished she could tell Claire.

“Our lives are never complicated... until men become involved.” She said with a knowing glance at Claire. "Well, I think that you should do what you want to be happy. But that’s just me.” Marzena knew all too well that families could be ever so difficult to please.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire sat back. "No. There is a member of House Alde that has resurfaced. Ari wanted to match us before because we, have history. Even a connection. Which was so odd. But I'm also attracted to Viktor. It's." She sighed, "Viktor has a past that I don't know they will accept. "

Why did life have to be so so. Confusing.

"I never really thought about men till Trevor. And yes he complicates things. But so does Viktor. I want to run away. " She laughed.

She looked at her friend, "I don't want anyone hurt"

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena listened with a sympathetic gaze across the table at Claire. But she raised an eyebrow when her friend mentioned that Viktor’s past may complicate things. It did make her wonder what sort of sordid skeletons Viktor had in the closet. Of course, it may not have actually been that bad... families did have a way of blowing things out of proportion. Poor Claire was stuck in the middle, and looking out for everyone but herself.

She caught the eye of the waiter, and motioned that they would like some wine. It wasn’t long before he was at their table and pouring two glasses of their house white.

“Here, you need this.” Marzena pushed Claire’s glass towards her, and offered a smile.

She lifted her own glass and let it clink against Claire’s before she took a sip.

“I know you don’t want to hurt anyone, but you need to take care of yourself too. I know you are attracted to Viktor... but do you have feelings for him? Or for Trevor?” ‘

Just maybe they needed to change the subject. She certainly did not want to put any additional stress upon Claire’s shoulders, but she would be there to listen as long as she wanted to speak on the subject.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

She took the offered glass of wine, and took a giant sip sitting there letting it warm her blood, "Trevor is comfort, quiet, hearth and home. Sensitive, enduring. Viktor is fire, warmth, the bad boy every girl wants."

She took another drink, "I don't know. They both would be perfect, they both make me want to be better than I am, I have to wait and see what happens. I think it will work its way out. I just need to really think about who connects with me, and how they make me feel"

She smiled looked at [member="Marzena Choi"] , "So tell me something about you enough about me" She didn't mind talking about herself, but this wasn't all about her.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena offered Claire a quiet nod when she spoke about the qualities of each man. It did seem like Claire would have a difficult decision ahead of her, Marzena certainly did not envy her. She figured that it would just take time, and a bit of deep soul searching to find the answer.

Her brows rose slightly when Claire turned the conversation around in her direction. For a moment she wondered if she should tell her about her own love life. It was definitely far less complicated than Claires, but for now, it was still quite secret. Marzena offered a sly smile and shrugged.

“Oh, you know,” She began, “I have my hands full with social engagements. I’ve been meeting so many new people lately, but it’s been great for networking.”

She thought for a moment, and she remembered a small bit of gossip. Well, it was not really gossip... it would soon be common knowledge.

“Do you remember Jean Paul Renaud? He’s moving from Dargul to Cloud City soon, I’m thrilled that he will be so close. You should come visit us.” She winked.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire nodded, if @marzena had a lover, or any complications she was not up to sharing and that was alright. She played with her drink a moment but leaned a little closer when she mentioned Jean Paul Renard.

"You don't say, Cloud City, how did you convince him to do that?" She just knew it had to be something she said with the addition of whatever benefits the First Order laid out to him. After all businesses didn't move on a dime or a whim, profits drove it.

She still owed [member="Darth Erebos"] his order she worked even now to complete it. Otherwise business was a little slower, she didn't mind though and it seemed the family had another role for her to play, she just didn't know if she was ready.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

“Oh, it didn’t actually take that much to convince him.” Marzena said with a laugh, “He knows the market in Cloud City; it’s the perfect place to start his new line of couture gowns. Even though he’s known for his handbags, he does make clothing too. It will probably be a few months before he’s completely moved.”

She was very excited at the prospect of having a friend so close to home. And now, she only hoped that Claire would find time to come visit them there on Bespin. If only she could convince Claire to open a shop there too, it would be fabulous. Not that she disliked coming to Alderaan, she actually liked it very much.

“I am so looking forward to seeing my dress,” She said with a grin, finally looking down at the menu. “I would like to wear it to a social function soon. I think it will help me make an impression upon someone.”

Now, she could easily have been referring to a new textile designer that she was due to meet within the coming weeks... or, perhaps someone that was certainly a mystery to Claire.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Marzena Choi"]

"It will I think I have been toying with something else for you based on your body type and what colors I think are attractive on you." Claire smiled yeah there were a few things she had been toying with passing the hours, she liked to do that for her clients.

it helped to give them ideas, keep her in mind, and give them the opportunity to explore different looks.

"I've been seriously thinking about Cloud City, and I will need a step in the door. So, what do you think of this and this " Claire brought up two holo figures at once and watched Marzena's face. Just maybe there was an opportunity, "i've been playing with some new materials too, something that has a flow and deflects blaster bolts and vibro blades. Is dyable, and can be mixed with other weaves and looks just like cloth"

She didn't know what all Marzena's career got her into but she knew she wanted to be sure her friend looked good and had a measure of safety.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena’s brows rose slightly, but her smile grew upon hearing that Claire had been dreaming up new ideas for her. She was also happy to hear that Claire was seriously considering Cloud City, good news all around. With interest, she turned her attention to the holo-figures that Claire presented to her. She blinked as her friend explained the properties of this new fabric.

“Blaster bolts and vibro blades?” She grinned, “Heavens, what do you think I’m up to?” Marzena laughed. However, there was an appeal to looking fabulous and having some type of protection. It would have come in useful during her concert on Lanteeb. It was certainly an interesting concept.

“I am in love with the blue dress! The black one is stunning too – I would wear both of them in a heartbeat. Is this a new fabric that you are developing?”

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Marzena Choi"]

"I don't know, and sometimes it isn't what you are up to, it's what everyone else is. You garner a lot of attention you just might have some stalker" She made a mark for the blue, "the fabric is one that I've recently discovered. YOu know before I was relying upon other designers, and at one time Zaiden had said I should look to have my own label, my own designs, so I've been trying to do that. Find a niche, and so far clothes designed with this for exclusive clients has been working."

She just laughed, "I just have found that I'm having so much fun recently with this, I don't know why I didn't do it soon. I'll make a blend of shimmersilk and shell spider silk and it will be beautiful and only a trained eye will know it's a type of armor"

She nodded, "isn't that great, and yes your dress is ready you just need a final fit, and it's all good"

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena laughed softly. “You know, I have had a few stalkers.” She said with a nod, each had been creepily devoted to her... but she had not had the impression that they would have tried to hurt her. But that was the frightening thing about people – you could just never tell. “Well, I think it’s great that you’re experimenting with your own fabrics. It will certainly help to set Contessa apart from other design firms.”

She perked a brow at the mention of shell spider silk, Marzena did not like spiders. The thought of wearing something that came from them did not sound all that appealing, but then again, regular silk came from insects as well... sometimes it was just better not to think about where fabrics and furs actually came from. The end product was pretty, and that is what mattered most.

Their waiter returned to take their orders, and a short time later their meals arrived. Marzena even ate most of her salad; the trip to Alderaan had left her feeling a bit famished. She pushed her plate away and dabbed at the corners of her mouth with her napkin.

“Shall we head to the shop? I’m eager to see the dress!”

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

"Yes let's go to the shop" Course now Tori wasn't there, and Claire had not the heart to hire someone else right now so the shop when she left was closed. Not a bad thing, but she always hoped that Tori would come home, or be found or..something.

"the dress is great, and I think you will love it" She slowly stood up, trying hard not to stretch for some reason her body felt like it had aged 50 years. "I'm making plans for the next fashion show, or maybe I should just host a gala somewhere and invite everyone to it. I mean...it could be fun and bring in some more friends. I made so many on the last outing"

She smiled now thinking about it all, "Oh I do hope you love it"

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

“Oh, a gala would be a wonderful idea.” Marzena said, clasping her hands together. “Fancy parties really are the best way to meet people.” She had met a great many of her friends at such gatherings.

With the bill settled, and their plates cleared away, it was time to move on. Marzena enjoyed the trip to the shop; it was nice to do a bit more sight-seeing here on Alderaan. She smiled brightly as they entered Contessa, and she a glance around at all of the lovely dresses set out on display. Her hand swept gently against a soft silk dress, as she admired the beautifully draped bodice. Marzena’s gaze took in the lovely details of the gown, and she turned back to Claire, excited to try on her own gown.

“Ok, where’s my dress?” She asked, grinning. Marzena was especially looking forward to seeing how the color had turned out. She was already on her way towards the dressing room. Wardrobe changes were just part of her career, and she was not shy about dressing and undressing in front of others. She had the feeling that Claire was used to seeing scantily clad models all the time, but still, she didn't want to make her friend feel uncomfortable.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Marzena Choi"]


Claire got the dress for Marzena the colors of blue cascaded from the bottom of the skirt upwards from the deepest of blues to the washed out blue. The color of water as it crashed from wave to wave, from bottom to crest. It was something that would make a splash at the event.

She knocked on the dressing room door, since they were alone in the shop she hung the dress on the inside of the door. "Ok, if you need help let me know" She then shut the door and went to get the other design the very fitted one that she had shown her at lunch.

Now the wait began, would she like it would she hate it, would she...anything it.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena had turned her back to the door of the dressing room, already in the process of disrobing. Her head turned just slightly, and a smile formed when she spotted Claire’s hand setting the dress onto the hanger. Once the door was closed again, she stripped off her own dress and slid gently into the one that had been designed by Claire. Her hand reached behind and zipped up the back of the gown – it was a perfect fit. Marzena took in her reflection, her hands running down over the soft fabric that was various hues of blue. It was lovely and light, very different from most of the structured gowns of satin and silk charmeuse that she normally favored.

“Oh, Claire! It’s gorgeous.” She called from inside the dressing room. Marzena opened the door and stepped out, spinning once to see the layers of tulle float up around her. This dress was certain to be a hit at her next event. She smiled at the sight of her friend carrying the other blue dress in her hand; she would be leaving the shop with that one, too. A girl could never have too many dresses.

Her hands gently slid over the fabric that was delicately gathered along the bodice, accentuating her figure nicely. The waist of the gown was a bit higher than she normally wore, but it did wonders for her legs, giving the illusion of even more length. She was already brainstorming ways to wear her hair that would complement this dress; it would need to be an up-do for sure.

“Well, it’s just as lovely as I thought it would be. I will sing your praises at my next event.”

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire while she marveled at the way the dress came out could not help but notice the happiness on Marzena's face. See that was the look, that was what got her started seeing that how something that fit perfect, with the right colors could make someone feel.

"Great, I need a few more clients like you." She did and she didn't, she wished for a moment that someone was around to share in her joy, like [member="Trevor Alde"] or [member="Viktor Alexander"] but neither.

Hell she'd even settle for the grumpy mandalorian [member="Elijah Rekali"] .

Claire moved towards Marzena amid her turns making sure everything buttoned or zipped just so. "I love this dress really it's water..." she laughed it was suppose to look like water.

"I'm giving serious thought to opening another store on Bespin.."

Why not all those First Order women...they might use a little Alderaan flare.

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Claire Organa"] | [member="Marzena Choi"]

It was almost like the gods of the Manda had picked this very moment to tie together fate.

About ten minutes after that same thought passed Claire's mind, did a message find its way to her datapad. It was brief, just as disgruntled and grumpy like she remembered from their first and only meeting, but it was there and perhaps that was all that really mattered when it came to a man like Elijah.

Been a while. The message began, he didn't even address her, but the transcoder codes were unmistakably Rekali and specifically Elijah's old ones.

Just got back from hunting this Felucian Shaman through the Outer Rim.
Drink or two when you got time?

- E

That's all there was.

Say one thing about one Elijah Rekali, say he was infuriatingly to the point in every aspect of his life.

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Elijah Rekali"] [member="Marzena Choi"]

Claire paused when her comm went off, she always made sure it was nearby in case someone found Tori. Looking at the words there she paused, actually more than paused she stopped dead still.

She looked at Marzena, "Well this is a turn of events" she laughed nervously, "you remember my talking about the Queen wanting to marry me off to one of the Rekali Clan" She tilted her head slightly, "looks like he wants to have drinks."

She stared at the message, "What do you think, should I go?"

Her last conversation with Ember had everything to do with family, and how nothing could replace them. Maybe, just maybe Elijah needed some company.