Queen of the Jungle

[Baros Sal-Soren]

[member="Cecily de Demici"]

| Iziz
| Onderon
| Unifar Temple

The great chapel of Unifar Temple was home to many fine pieces of art. It was also a common place of meeting of the Izizian elite. It was here, before the great portrait of King Ramsis Dendup, that Baros had just conducted a meeting with Fineis Dazter. The meeting had not gone well. Dazter did not see the benefit in bring Glitterstim into his stores, and it did not seem like he was going to be compassionate to a Corellian just because of the state of their planet.

Dejected, Baros stood, examining the piece of art as Dazter walked away. The Corellian just stood there for a time, thinking through his options. Onderon was an important world for him. There were not as many people here, but the people that came from the world were often trend setters. It was important that he be among that crowd, and involved in their choice of attire.

The portrait of the portrait King featured a golden wreath upon his head. Baros wondered if it was a fashion statement, or an item to signify his station, likely the later. His clothes were regal, but not opulent, it made Baros aware that the fashion of this world would not tend to the overly exquisite but rather understated, practical but still impressive. Perhaps the women dressed more extravagantly.

Something...there was someone standing next to him. Female, he could tell by the perfume. Looking to his right he noted an attractive blonde, hair pulled back, and looking more regal than even the king of ancient times. That answered that question, he thought.

"Greetings," he said with a slight smile, "m'lady."

He looked back at the portrait of the king. "Your world has a great legacy."

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily had been at Unifar or quite some time awaiting an audience with the Sovereign for their monthly briefing. Not every decision made by Cecily was at the behest of the Throne, but very often the Monarch and the Senator saw eye to eye. Regardless, the two had worked well together for many years, so well that Cecily quite relished her monthly visit.

She did not know how long she had been staring blankly at the portrait of King Ramsis Dendup for she had barely noticed she had been staring at it at all until a voice from her left brought her back into the present moment. Unsure herself whether her face read as bemused or offended, Cecily reigned in her expression. "Yesss," she said cautiously, "it does indeed."

Assuming the conversation had come to an end, Cecily turned back to study the old King's portrait with much more determination. Onderon was her planet, but she had not lived there her whole life. If her cards had played correctly she would now rule the whole of Serenno, but instead she was a Countess in exile. Unhappy with the dreadfully depressing thoughts that followed, she realized she had to escape herself for a moment. Unable to see any other option...

"...and you are?"
[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

"Baros Sal-Soren, owner of Glitterstim Fashion Houses..."

He glanced back at the women, but this time his eyes lingered on hers. "...I am afraid though that even we would struggle to design something that would offer more than that which."

Turning to face the blonde, he stooped to take her hand, and lay a quick but genial kiss upon it.

"But I must say, I have always loved a challenge."

Glancing back to the painting, he smiled. "You would not happen to be a distant relation would you?"

[member="Cecily de Demici"]

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily's eyes grew wide at his flattery and she inhaled sharply as if she had forgotten to breathe. Fighting the flush of her face, she swallowed and stared at the ceiling as the man swept low to kiss her hand. "My... you are the charmer," she said, trying to look cross and failing miserably.

"Oh," she looked at the portrait of the King suddenly, she admired King Ramsis Dendup, but she did not deign to be of his most noble blood, "no, I am afraid not... I am Cecily of House Demici, and our house has ruled Serenno as Count Regent since the untimely departure of the Dooku line before the fall of the Republic." She conveniently left out her house's deposition. It wasn't important (she told herself.) It was at this point that Cecily noticed she was still grasping the young man's hand and politely pulled away.

"So, you say you operate a fashion house?" An effort at distracting from her lingering hand, "not many young men in the business of fashion, so I commend you. I'm sure your husband is quite proud." A comment she had meant to be polite, but would soon find might be quite opposite.

[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

At the mention of the word 'charmer' Baros knew that he was in good steed. It was always tricky with these aristocratic types. So far he was doing well, "I have to work at my charm...your beauty seems all to natural."

Glancing back to the painting with her, he smiled but was now more intrigued than just flirtatious. "House Demici? Serrano?" Baros said with the quirk of a brow, "I just spent a pleasant evening with Trade Minister D'Elique," he noted, "and Glitterstim will soon have a House on Serrano itself."

He was not personally familiar with her family name, at least he had not heard it on Serrano. Perhaps they kept a low profile on the world? He glanced at her again. Not a chance, he thought.

With her next words, Baros threatened to laugh, but held it together to make a smile that beamed from a face showing great amusement. "Oh my dear Lady Demici...it does not take a lover of men to appreciate a beautiful woman in a gown made to fit."

His mouth quirked into a wry grin now. "I am not married...you?"

[member="Cecily de Demici"]

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily's lips drew up into a think pink line as he began speaking of his dealings of Serenno. Her planet was being held hostage by the Mandolorian scum... though to her knowledge her people had not been treated unkindly. They probably didn't even remember or care that she was the rightful ruler, the Countess of the planet. "Well, I am certain that Serenno will benefit from the trade," she said finally, choking back her sudden emotion.

It took his charm to bring her back to the fore front of the conversation and she couldn't have been more relieved to be..well, relieved. She dared a small smile, then a blush. "My apologies, Mr. Sal-Soren, I just assumed that because you were a proprietor of fashion that you..." she tilted her head a bit as the words caught on her tongue, "well, no matter... would you do me the pleasure of escorting me back to my transport?" She said, extending her arm for him to take.

"and no," she added quickly with a short smile, "but tell me, what is the newest thing in fashion? I have been looking to purchase some additions to my wardrobe." She changed the subject quickly.

[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

It was clear that Serrano was somewhat of a sensitive subject. Baros was aware of the political issues of the world, but had not really delved into it. For now he would leave the subject be, but should they have the opportunity to collude further he would definitely pry.

He smiled at her uncomfortable response regarding the orientation faux pas, and instantly offered his arm when she requested an escort. "I would gladly walk with you m'lady," he said with the tip of his head, "though I fear I may not do you justice."

Her smile was endearing, and not a little inviting when she confirmed what he assumed to be true. She seemed rather political. Politicians had no time for marriage, except it be for political purposes, that was his experience.

Passing a datapad of garment options to Demici, Baros simply smiled. "We have numerous opportunities for people in your line of work to receive free of charge the latest Glitterstim garments," he said putting on an impressive 'businessman' voice, "Senators...Royalty...high profile celebrities and media personalities can easily benefit from our look, while we benefit from the exposure. I am pretty sure you would qualify given your status."

Looking forward, Baros grinned. "Our garments are guaranteed to help you find a spouse..."

[member="Cecily de Demici"]