Ask Coruscant A Client of High Prestige

[Billie Bonheur]

A dinner reservation at one of Coruscant's most exclusive restaurants would be the location of tonight's consultation. They would be seated within a private lounge, where they would be served a twelve-course tasting menu concocted by the head chef himself. Billie had specifically requested that Lady Kersin's favorite wines be included in the line up. Though the woman would be walking for Billie in her upcoming fashion show as a guest model, Billie was making this garment for her; she wanted the lady in an enjoyable environment so that she might have a more pleasurable time during their consultation.

Billie arrived to the venue early, wearing a monochromatic blue ensemble paired with a pair of silk gloves in the same hue. She was greeted by an attendant, who graciously carried her briefcase for her as he led her to the private lounge. Heads turned--some subtly, some without shame--as Billie strode through the room. Perhaps it was the striking difference of her ghostly white hair and alabaster skin, but it was more likely the length of her figure. Standing at six foot six, Billie was a spindly giant. Even if she had the appearance of every other humanoid on Coruscant, heads would continue to turn her way just because of her height.

Once she reached the private lounge, Billie nodded thanks to the attendant, took back her briefcase and placed it next to one of the chairs, then took a seat. She would wait patiently for Lady Kersin to arrive, passing the time in her head while she sipped on a glass of water.

@Tess

 

[Prissca Kersin]

Coruscant was utterly beautiful this time of year, and Prissca had so few chances to see it in person that she was more than happy to make the trip from Kaas just for their little dinner date. Not that it was really a date, per se, but what else could she call being invited to eat with one of THE most popular up-and-coming fashion designers of the last ten years? At one of the most exclusive restaurants on the entire planet? This was proving to be one of the best nights of her year, and she was going to take advantage of every moment she possibly could.

Striding into the restaurant in a boldly patterned gold and black wrap dress, the noblewoman slash model turned her own fair share of heads – mostly those of the men in the room. She was wearing dark shades, her shimmering hair falling loosely about her shoulders as she was led by one of the attendants into the private lounge, a small black clutch tapping lightly against her thigh as she walked. At the door to the lounge, she'd turn to look over the frames of her shades to see just how many men were looking her way, bringing her fingers to her lips and blowing the whole room a kiss before heading inside.

What could she say? She lived for her fans, and she might have just made a few more.

Appearing before the fashion designer for the first time, the good Lady Kersin would offer her newest and possibly most lucrative friends a warm smile and a slight tilt of her head in reverence. Billie might the more famous of the two at the moment, after all, and she would just die if she insulted her. She seemed somehow taller than Prissca had imagined she would be too, despite having seen each and every one of her fashion shows on the holonet.

“Madame Bonheur, it is a supreme pleasure to finally make your acquaintance,” She almost purred. “And I must applaud you for your choice in venue. This may be one of - if not the - hottest restaurants on Coruscant right now.”

@lizziie

 

[Billie Bonheur]

As the Lady Kersin herself entered the room, Billie would rise from her seat to greet her. The woman was decently tall and had good shape to her. She had a past in modeling, which would be beneficial to both parties. Billie held a soft smile while her client spoke, breaking the brief silence between when she entered and when Billie stood, before replying with her own pleasantries.

"The pleasure is all mine, Lady Kersin." The pale woman would bow her head as she spoke with soft words, then gesture to the chair across from her. "Have a seat; the chef has crafted a tasting menu for us to enjoy. I'm sure the first course will be brought in shortly." Though Billie wished she could take credit for the choice of venue tonight, it was her assistant who had secured the venue. She was quite good at what she did.

Billie would then sit down once more. She crossed her legs, folded her gloved hands in her lap, and continued to give Prissca a soft smile while she studied her for a moment. Out of her available options for a guest model, Prissca had been favored both by herself and Aliss. She was already a model, which was good for appearances. She was quite popular, which was good for ratings. That, and she was a noblewoman; it fit perfectly into the theme of the upcoming show, where the garments would be of some sort of modernized regal mode.

The night's first dish would appear soon after. Two waiters appeared; one carried with him a bottle of wine, and the other brought a small platter of crackers topped with what appeared to be salmon and caviar. The one with the platter set it down wordlessly then left. The other poured each a glass of the wine, explaining briefly the pairing of the wine with the crackers before also taking his leave.

"I am honored to have you walk for me," the woman would begin. "As you already know, what you will wear has not yet been created. I make each and every one of my pieces specifically for each and every one of my clients. I would love to see you in something regal, but your input in this matter is very important to me. Tell me, Lady Kersin, what do you love most in your dresses?"

Billie would then listen quietly as she tasted the wine brought to them. It was a white wine, with a slight fruitiness and a lean body to it. A good pairing for caviar, was her first thought. The designer would continue to listen to Prissca's response as she carefully removed her silk gloves, pulling them off from the tips of the fingers. The hands were a tell-tale sign of person's age, but Billie's did not betray hers. She reached out to pluck a cracker from the platter, finishing it as Prissca might finish her response.

@Tess

 

[Prissca Kersin]

As the other woman rose to tower over her, Prissca would keep her eyes leveled with those of the slender fashion designer. She was indeed a rarity, those pale blue eyes paired with her stark white hair and skin. She almost looked like a porcelain doll, and that monochromatic ensemble? Did she make her own clothes as well as those for others, Prissca wondered. Her taste was exquisite either way.

“Thank you.” Lady Kersin would reply to the offer to sit, sliding into place and taking her seat as the attendant pulled out her seat for her. She would raise her hands next as the attendant unfurled the fine silk napkin and laid it across her lap, setting her clutch down in a vacant place on the table so both her hands would be free to partake of this 'tasting menu' her host spoke of. The attendant shifted the clutch to a spot where it wouldn't get in the way of the meal, then exited the lounge. “It has been quite some time since I've sampled the cuisine on Coruscant, so I am quite looking forward to seeing what the chef has in mind. I must say though, I simply adore your accoutrement. How do you make something so simple look so chic?”

As the first course was brought into the room, Prissca laid her hands delicately on her lap so the attendant with the wine could fill her glass unhindered. She would listen to his description of the wine with interest as well, a hum of amusement in her throat as she turned her attention over to the delicious-looking crackers placed between them. Madame Bonheur must really want to impress her, or she was trying to avoid insulting her. Either way, what bliss. Taking a piece from the plate, Lady Kersin would savor the taste for several long seconds before bringing her glass to her nose to take in the aroma of the white wine. It was a good year and, with a light swish of the glass, she would take a sip as a smile touched her lips. “You've picked one of my favorites. 122 was a good year.” She complimented the woman sitting across from her, bowing her head lightly as the same were returned in kind. “It is more than an honor to walk for you. I've been following your work for some time now, but I never expected I would be so lucky as to take part in one of your events myself. I am quite a bit older than most runway models, as loathe as I am to admit it.”

At the question of what she loved most, the hum would return, pale green orbs lifting to take in the extravagant chandelier above their table, and the ornate woodwork of the ceiling as well. It gave her time to think. “Something regal would be divine, wouldn't it? In truth, I have quite the varied tastes in clothing, as I'm sure you know. I've worn items from a plethora of designers and in an array of styles, but I must admit I do have a few small obsessions. I have quite long and shapely legs, so I tend to prefer a dress that is either short or has a slit to show them off. I'm also quite fond of a daring neckline. Deep cuts or creative paneling have been very popular lately.”

She would take another sip of her wine, savoring it before coyly adding. “I'm excited to see how your process works.”

@lizziie

 

[Billie Bonheur]

"Ah, thank you. For all the complications in my life I do prefer something more simple in my attire." Monochromatic ensembles had really become her thing. The amount of credits she'd spend on silk gloves to match it all would probably be eye-opening if she ever bothered to check her purchase history.

Billie listened to Prissca, taking in her response. Something regal was set in stone, then. She preferred something revealing, it seemed. Regal and short did not pair together in Billie's mind, so a slit it would be. A deep cut neckline or paneling could both be an option, depending on the fabric. In fact, she could probably achieve both.

"I do not pick my models based on age," Billie reassured the lady before continuing on. "I do agree that a slit within the skirt would be a wonderful idea. A dramatic neckline would be easy to implement, no matter which direction you decide to take this." Billie lifted her glass of wine and took a slow sip while she continued to muse over the first two of Prissca's requests.

"As for my process, it is fairly standard, I suppose. I will continue to gather an idea of what you like, then in a little bit I shall draw some concepts for you to see. We will discuss cut, color and style to a greater extent. Then, once you are satisfied with one or several of my concepts, I will return to my studio to materialize the idea and begin on the garment." The latter of that bit was the most curious of it all to her clients. Some designers had no issue with their clients being present during the actual materialization and creation process, but for her own reasons Billie did not. Her excuses ranged from being unable to do her best work under watchful eyes, to a desire for her brand to retain an air of mystery, to her wishing for her clients to be surprised by the result.

The next course was brought in shortly after, the same two waiters entering. They replaced the wine and crackers with a new combination: a beef tartare with "caperberry, preserved lemon, quail egg, pickled mustard seed, and served alongside a toasted baguette" and a Blanc de Noir champagne. Again, Billie nodded her thanks to the waiters as they left. She tasted both the beef tartae and champagne before continuing. "But before we move on--and to give myself some time to muse over it--let us enjoy the food they bring us."

For the next several courses brought forth, Billie would enjoy the tasting portions, alcohols, and conversation with her client. As long as they weren't too intrusive, she would be happy to answer any questions Prissca had for her. The lady had a certain aura around her that was vaguely familiar. Was it the air of a noble, perhaps?

@Tess

 

[Prissca Kersin]

“Thank the stars for that.” Prissca replied to the comment about not picking models by their age, nodding her agreement with the fashion designer's thoughts on the dress she would make for her. “If I thought any of my suggestions would be difficult for you, knowing your work, I would be a fool. You always find a way to make it work, even if it seems impossible at first. It's what I enjoy most about your work.”

She would listen intently to how Billie spoke of her work, though she wasn't as interested in the here and now process but more in the ultra-secretive behind closed doors process she seemed to adhere to. It was secrecy like that that really drew her interest, though she doubted she would be able to shed any light on it – and part of her had to admit it would be a shame if the mystery of her process was laid bare. Sometimes, the not knowing is what made it all the more fun.

“I see. Well, you've certainly piqued my interest.” She admitted, setting down her glass as the next course was brought in to replace the first. Champagne in a tall flute glass paired with beef tartar and quail eggs? Scrumptious. “Yes, let's do enjoy the menu the chef prepared for our tasting pleasure. They certainly are making my taste-buds sing tonight.”

Fixing herself a slice of baguette with some beef tartar, caperberry, and quail egg, she'd sprinkle a little bit of the other items spread across the plate onto her piece as well before taking a bite and delighting in the crisp snap of the toasted bread. It was food well-suited to a woman of her upbringing, and her genuine pleasure at eating it was itself evidence of that fact. Each subsequent course that appeared between the two of them was sampled with amusement and curiosity, and each wine pairing was nearly perfect. It really was an all-around delightful meal, and the conversation she had with Billie only cemented her belief that the woman was from a more notable background than she'd like others to believe.

There was something else about her that set Prissca's interest abuzz, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

“Is it true you sew every piece you make yourself?”

@lizziie

 

[Billie Bonheur]

“Is it true you sew every piece you make yourself?”

Billie would hold eye contact with Prissca for the briefest moment before she crafted her reply, trying to discern the nature of the lady's question. Was it a challenge of her skill? A comment on the mystery of her brand? Perhaps she was just curious and wished to poke and prod until Billie might accidentally let a detail slip. A polite smile remained on Billie's face throughout this, nothing about her visage changing as she briefly considered her words. And when she finally responded, it was in the same soft voice she always spoke in.

"It is." The response, she felt, was simple yet appropriate enough. "They would not be up to my standards if I allowed the members of my House to interfere in the process of my work." Though she liked them well enough, the employees in the Bonheur fashion house had a very different job than she did. They created simplified, read-to-wear designs of Billie's creations. The designs weren't nearly as complicated, nor did they require perfection in the sewing process. That wasn't to say they weren't of quality, but a sewing machine gave a much different product than hand stitching did.

Hoping to steer the conversation away herself, Billie reached down by her side to pull her briefcase onto her lap. "Why don't we get some concepts going for you?" She laid several thick sheets of paper onto the table, alongside a pencil. As she went to close the briefcase to return it to her side for later, she noticed the familiar shine of a sewing needle tucked into one of the seams in the case. She smiled, just briefly. Cara, you amuse me. The particular needle tucked into the seam was a good luck charm for Billie. It was dull now, but it had made many a garment for her. She could almost feel the way it felt when she would lift it into the air to sew with. Alas, moving on.

On each of the three papers were several fashion dolls, sketched out loosely earlier by herself. The designer started with two concepts; each had a large slit in the leg and a high neck with deep paneling, but one had a body-hugging shape while the other flared out from the waist. "Would you prefer this, or this?" Billie would display the drawings to Prissca.

@Tess

 

[Prissca Kersin]

Prissca would betray nothing as she brought her glass to her lips for another sip of the latest wine pairing. Delicious. The fashion designer seemed to be tripping up on her simple question just a smidge. Did she or did she not sew her work herself? The lack of a quick reply certainly caught the noblewoman's attention. Was that part of the secret? Did she have someone else hidden behind the scenes doing the work for her? It would be terribly disappointing if she turned out to be a fraud.

When she finally responded, Prissca smirked and offered the other woman a nod of understanding. “They have their uses, but they can certainly get underfoot can't they,” she mused, reaching out to pick up one of the newest hors d'oeuvres that had been set out for them. This round seemed to be a red sauce poured into a porcelain spoon, a lone seemingly-crispy ravioli of some kind placed on top of it with a small but attractively cut piece of fish - she couldn't readily name it just by looking at it, but the plate they were on was hot so the mouthful she took tasted just like it'd come straight from a bowl. “Mmm. Yes, please do. Have you tried this one? My compliments to the chef indeed.” She offered politely, plucking another spoon for herself before taking another long sip from her glass of wine. If nothing else, she could at least say she had a good time, ate a lot of good food, and had a delightful buzz.

She would watch with wonder as Billie began throwing together a few concepts right before her eyes, finishing two in almost no time at all. Impressive. Very impressive. She must be the real deal. No fraud worked that fast. Setting down her glass, Prissca would reach out to accept the two drawings and hold them side by side, quietly considering which she would like better. Both were exactly what she'd asked for, but she had to admit one called out to her more than the other. Placing the one she liked best on top, she would hand the papers back to the artist, offering her a warm smile. "This one, I think. Although I sometimes go for the flare, I much prefer the way this one drapes closer to the body. And feel free to be as revealing as you like... as long as the most important bits and pieces are kept a mystery, of course."

@lizziie

 

[Billie Bonheur]

The figure-hugging one? With her desire for a dramatic neckline and a slit in the skirt, Billie couldn't say she was surprised at the choice. "...And feel free to be as revealing as you like... as long as the most important bits and pieces are kept a mystery..." This comment managed to get Billie to smile, not out of a passive politeness, but amusement. Revealing, then, Billie could do. Let me see... let me see... She pondered on that for a moment. Certainly there was a way to grasp both at regality and sensuality.

At Prissca's suggestion, Billie lifted up one of the spoons in her hand and tasted it. It was indeed good, though at this point her mind was entirely elsewhere. Now that her creative juices had started to flow, she didn't want to stop.

The woman received the papers back and quickly copied the bodycon design onto the third sheet of paper. She sketched out the shape of the dress, included a slit in the leg well up there, as well as a high-neck line with a sheer paneling that dipped down to the sternum. The material and texture of the dress would be the next most important thing, so she stopped to consider for a moment. Silk was lovely, but did not have the structure needed to support extensive paneling. It also had a tendency to shift around, which would not be ideal with a high leg slit. Perhaps she should just use a sheer fabrics and sew beading into it? I actually quite like that idea... Billie finished her sketch and copied it on to the remaining figure. It still needed some sort of long sleeve, cape--something--to make it seem more regal. She took a sip of wine; she'd get to that in a bit.

"Let us quickly discuss color. I think that an extensive beading in the dress would be best suited for material, which means the beads will create a bit of a sparkle. Something too dark may create too large of a contrast, so I think a lighter color might fit best." She took another sip of her wine. "Do you have any preferences for color?"

@Tess

 

[Prissca Kersin]

Being the noblewoman that she was, when Prissca finished her glass of wine, she immediately raised it and a nearby attendant came rushing in to refill it for her. Kriff, it was good to be rich. She kept her eyes on the fashion designer sitting across from her though, mentally puzzling over what it was that didn't seem to 'fit' about the woman – other than the obvious. It was really starting to bother her, like a song title stuck on the tip of her tongue.

At least Billie seemed to be engrossed in something productive. The blonde would watch quietly and drink her wine as the other woman's deft fingers made changes to the dress design in a whirlwind of pencil-strokes. Here and there she made little changes, sweeping lines and small hashes that all pulled together into a delightful image right in front of their eyes.

She never really understood how someone did this sort of thing and now she got to see it firsthand, a pang of jealousy rearing its ugly head with her realization that she would never have this sort of talent.

When her 'dinner date' spoke again, Prissca snapped back to reality and offered her a smile and a small raise of her glass. “The color... well, if we were truly to go all out on the regal look, I think the best choice would be either a purple or red. I like both, but I already have so many things in pink. Do you think purple will do? A nice, maybe pastel, purple? Or would that be too light?”

@lizziie

 

[Billie Bonheur]

"Oh yes, purple would be a wonderfully fitting color. A pastel might might be a bit too light... but what about a periwinkle?" Billie was quite fond of that particular color. It was a slightly more blue lavender, but it would look absolutely stunning on Prissca's pale skin and against her golden hair. "I think it would fit you perfectly."

"Well," Billie would reach down for her briefcase, her hands hesitating for just a moment before she wrapped her fingers around the black leather and pulled it onto her lap. This was an inappropriate time for her to dwell on such feelings, especially in the presence of nobility. Her parents had always spoken negatively of those who could wield the Force; it was a large reason she kept her process secretive. So when she reached for the briefcase and felt that she could just pull it to her, it troubled her. Billie cleared her throat. "All that is left, other than dinner of course, is to get your measurements. My assistant, Aliss, will send for them after we finish up here tonight."

Just as they finished, the eleventh course arrived at their table. It was two tall glasses containing a rich green liquid. "Crème de Menthe," explained the server. Gin had been added to thin the thick liqueur, and Billie was pleasantly surprised how well the flavors went together. She would have to ask Cara to purchase some of this to be kept in their stores.

"You are from Dromund Kaas, are you not?" With one more course left, they had a bit of time for small talk. "I am unfamiliar with the planet; do you like your homeworld?" Billie couldn't say she was a huge fan of Coruscant. While it was convenient to host her fashion endeavors in such a busy, bustling world, it was also that same reason she disliked it. Perhaps one day she could operate on a planet less overflowing with so many people. She took another sip of the drink, feeling a warm buzz in her chest. It wasn't often that she drank, so tonight was a welcomed occasion.

@Tess

 

[Prissca Kersin]

“Periwinkle it is,” Prissca agreed, raising her glass in a silent toast before finishing off the contents and setting it down on the table in front of her. She would have requested more, but it was smarter for her to wait for the next course. She was definitely buzzed by this point, and she was smart enough to know when to slow down – so that's what she did. A more relaxed smile made itself comfortable upon the noblewoman's face, her eyes lifting as she quietly envisioned the dress she would soon be wearing down the catwalk.

It was going to be marvelous.

Her focus did snap back to her pale counterpart as she spoke up again though, the blonde's laid-back demeanor almost unfazed at her being beckoning back to the real world. Maybe she was a little drunker than she'd like to admit. She was on glass five? Eight? More? Even with the tasting menu, there was only so much alcohol her frame could handle! “Hmm? Ah, yes. I will have my Assistant Jana take them as soon as I return to my ship and send them posthaste. I would hate to make your creative muse wait a nanosecond longer than necessary...”

She paused as her train of thought was derailed by an attendant bringing in what was more than likely their last course, her eyes falling on the green liquid with both excitement and just a little bit of dread. It looked delicious but if she drank it all she may not even make it to her ship. Still, she lifted the glass to her lips and took a sip, humming physically and mentally as her tastebuds danced to the tune of this new alcohol. “Oh my, that is simply divine~”

“Hmm? You are correct again, my dear Madame Bonheur. I am indeed from Dromund Kaas.” At the question of whether she liked the planet though, she made a face – though it was brief because she was having way too much fun and way too much drink to be upset for long. “It is awful, but my father demands we stay there because it has been the home of my lineage for more than a dozen generations... it's cold. It's wet. The humidity and constant eletrical storms do nothing for my gorgeous hair... and worst of all, it's full of old men my father would love me to marry.” She'd tilt her head as she considered a question. “You're still young. Do your parents pressure you to marry?”

@lizziie

 

[Billie Bonheur]

My parents? The woman had not spoken to her parents in so long that she couldn't even remember what their last conversation had been about, let alone if they wished for her to marry. She was adopted because her parents could not conceive, but some time after her twentieth birthday they had been blessed with a miracle child. Billie had cut contact with them shortly thereafter, though the birth of the child near to that was purely coincidence.

"They do not," Billie would answer after a moment. Her surname differed from theirs--a choice she made to further separate herself from them--so any any search of "Bonheur" would result only in various fashion articles related to Billie herself. Her younger brother, on the other hand, may indeed be experiencing such pressure. Whether she did or not however, was completely unknown to her. "Though I can imagine your frustration. Parents often seem to forget that their children are capable of managing their own lives." Billie did experience the expectations of nobility as a child and very much resented the path she was expected to take. It was a bit ironic however, as she now had not one but two women who helped her to manage her life.

"But it seems we both dislike the planet we come from. Coruscant is much too...busy for my tastes. It is, however, the ideal location for me to be at the moment." She would much prefer someplace quiet and secluded, where she could spent her time alone, only to be bothered by clients who would make their way out to her. The pale woman would then take another drink of her aperitif, soon feeling the familiar warmth associated with alcohol return to her face. "Many people cling to the place they were born--where their parents and their parents were born--because of an obligation to their late family. We do, unfortunately, only have one life each. We have to chose between what our parents want for us, and what we need for ourselves." The women took another drink, emptying the glass. She had chosen to do what she needed to be happy. Perhaps it was the similar frustration with their parents that caused Billie to feel as if she could relate to Prissca, even if their situation differed a bit.

@Tess

 

[Prissca Kersin]

“Well, you're quite the lucky one then.” Prissca mused with a sigh, wishing she had as easy a time with her family ties as others seemed to. Her father was constantly trying to set her up, her mother was constantly begging her to move to New Alderaan to be closer to her, and her brothers were constantly reminding her that she should be involved in the 'family business' instead of gallivanting around with her modeling and social media appearances. If she was confident she could run the household on her own, she'd have considered ways of making it happen long before today.

“They often forget I have my own net worth and I don't need a husband to give my life purpose. They have plenty of grandchildren without my assistance in that area, so they can kriff right off.” She added, pursing her lips as she realized the amount of alcohol she'd been drinking might've finally pushed her over the edge into drunkenness. She didn't really feel terribly drunk, but she also wouldn't usually swear in front of superiors or strangers, much less those she was trying to impress. It was a commoner behavior she'd hoped to never to acquire in her daily life.

“It seems we do. If you enjoy quieter surroundings though, I will have to say Dromund Kaas would be a good fit. The constant rain can be quite soothing, and if you live outside the city the estates are often surrounded by miles and miles of forest. You need only concern yourself with the occasional unwelcome guest... both on two legs and on four. More often on four.” She offered, letting her eyes wander the décor of the room again as she finished off her own glass of the mint green liquor and set it aside. “I would be happier here, myself. The hustle and bustle would be good for my line of work. Always another event to attend, always another party to crash.” She shook her head. “I have no attachment to that place. I merely humor my father in the hopes that when he dies I'll get my fair cut of the inheritance... without having to marry to get it.”

A pause.

“Do you think that's too harsh?”

@lizziie

 

[Billie Bonheur]

Too harsh that she looked forward to the day that her father died so that she might receive his inheritance and move on with her life? Perhaps, but Billie sympathized with her regardless. Billie did not need her parents approval, nor her name on their will so she might receive monetary or physical inheritance upon their death; she had paved her own path. That being said, Billie had never cared much for her family. She was adopted. They were not even her true parents. So while she had loved them as a child, once she grew into her own person, it became difficult for her to continue to view them unconditionally. They did not so much care for her as much as they cared for the idea of what she could do for them. Though she pitied her younger sister, Billie was glad she no longer was expected to carry the name of her parents.

"I think that you are justified in your reasoning," Billie would finally answer. She pitied Prissca for the attitude of her father. He seemed quite traditional. But, not knowing how to further continue the conversation without offering unsolicited advice, Billie would continue on to a different topic. "If Dromund Kaas is as you say, then perhaps I will come to you for the dress fitting." Even with measurements sent, clothing often required a final fine tuning. Measurements could be sent in wrong, could change, et cetra.

@Tess

 

[Prissca Kersin]

Prissca waited patiently for the designer's reply, her forefinger lazily drawing circles and other patterns in the condensation that was frosting the glass their most recent drinks had been served in. She didn't really need an answer. She wasn't even sure why she asked the question in the first place other than to make conversation. She certainly didn't feel any guilt for how she felt about her father, and she didn't regret saying what she said either. At this point in her life, she had made her own small fortune and could easily support herself – but she was a Sith, and her father held power and influence she could use to her benefit. She had good reason to keep herself on as good of terms with him as she could manage without completely bending to his will.

When she finally spoke, a smile would spread across the diva's face. “Thank you. I'm glad we agree.” She purred, taking the change of subject in stride. “If you would like to make the trip, I can offer you both dinner and safe passage. I would hate for you to get harassed on your way by some foolish blockade or another. Most of the time it's a perfectly uneventful flight from one territory to another, but there are always exceptions.” She leaned forward, a spark of interest in her eyes. “I could even give you the VIP tour of the planet.”

@lizziie

 

[Billie Bonheur]

Blockades? Well, Cara will sure be happy about that. Billie really hadn't been keeping up with her galactic politics, but she liked to feel that she could exist outside of them. Where did Republic space end and FWA begin? She couldn't say. Some say ignorance is bliss, after all. The news didn't deter her though. She liked to travel, and fear of the unknown was a feeling foreign to her. "A VIP tour, hm?" The alcohol was getting to her; a warm smile replaced the polite, neutral one she usually wore. "From the lovely Lady Kersin? How could I refuse?"

The twelfth course finally arrived. An espresso was set before each of the women, along with a small pitcher of warmed milk, a tray of sugar cubes, and a bowl of cinnamon sticks. Billie dropped a single cube of sugar in her coffee and stirred it with a stick of cinnamon before continuing. "In all seriousness, that would be greatly appreciated. It should take me only a few weeks to complete the dress. A month at most, but unlikely." The fashion show was still a few months away; she had plenty of time. The designer took a long sip of the coffee, feeling its warm spread through her. It was smooth, rich, and had a wonderful aroma to it that the cinnamon paired with wonderfully. She really was more of a tea person, but this was wonderful.

(tag: @Tess )

 

[Prissca Kersin]

“From the lovely Lady Kersin herself.” Prissca echoed her tall, pale dining companion. A soft, drunk laugh would follow her words and Billie's insistence that she couldn't deny the offer even if she wanted to. It amused her more than it probably should, but then again they had both been drinking the entire dinner. Not one of their 'courses' included a non-alcoholic drink, so it was to be expected. “How could you indeed.”

When the espresso was set in front of her, the blonde would reach out for the warmed milk first, pouring in just enough to turn the dark liquid a lovely shade of golden brown. Then she reached for the sugar, adding one cube and – like the fashion designer sitting across from her – stirring it with one of the cinnamon sticks. “And I eagerly await seeing my one-of-a-kind dress for the very first time. I can only imagine it, and I am certain I am not giving it justice. Everything I've seen of your work has been completely unpredictable... I mean that in the best way, of course.” She would take a sip, a soft rumble of enjoyment strumming in her throat as she enjoyed the creamy, sobering beverage. Coffee was Prissca's drink of choice, when alcohol wasn't available that is, and this one earned high marks for both body and quality. She would take another sip, eyes lidding closed as she took in the aroma of their final beverage. When she opened them again, she'd smile warmly at Billie.

“I will try to be patient. I know your work is well worth the wait, Madame Bonheur. Are there any other questions you'd like to ask me?”

@lizziie

 

[Billie Bonheur]

Billie was glad to hear Prissca was excited about the dress. She herself was even looking forward to it, but she still did have other things to attend to tonight. Aliss had pinged her before hand about an issue that needed resolving, though she'd spared the details. Billie had cast it from her mind for the night, but in the moment, she was glad the coffee was present to help sober her up a bit.

"I do believe I have gotten all I need," she would begin. "If anything comes to mind, feel free to send a message." Prissca would have Billie's contact information, something akin to a business email where they had likely communicated beforehand. Billie then opened the briefcase on her lap once again and placed the drawings inside.

For a bit longer, Billie would continue to make small talk with Prissca. Once things naturally came to an end she would stand, inform Prissca it was a pleasure to have finally met her, say her goodbyes, and make her leave. Her mind was abuzz with the design she would soon begin, though her excitement was dampened by the work she had to attend to first.

/exit thread

(tag: @Tess )

 

[Prissca Kersin]

“I extend the same offer to you. I would be remiss to bother you during your creative process, as that might irrevocably alter the results, but I will have my assistant contact yours on a weekly basis until the fitting... just to keep the lines of communication open and my curiosity sated.”

That final business aside, the two would continue to talk for a short time, Lady Kersin as surprised as perhaps Billie herself was that the two got along so well despite their somewhat different 'positions' in life. Of course, the alcohol helped, but Prissca had the sneaking suspicion that Madame Bonheur lived a past life as a noble – before she became the famous fashion designer she was today. It made their talk much more comfortable and, when Billie rose to bring an end to their lovely evening, she would do the same. “It was truly a pleasure to spend this time with you, Madame Bonheur. I look forward to seeing you again, and I will be sure to have my assistant prepare a delightful tour of my home planet for you and I to enjoy when you come calling. Travel safely, darling.”

There was something itching at the back of the Noblewoman's mind as she and the fashion designer departed for their individual transports, but she couldn't quite place it. For the time being, she simply chalked it up to her being terribly inebriated by the end of their 'business dinner' and put it from her mind.

/exit thread

@lizziie