Girl Posse (Meira)

[Poludnica]

Theme

Even among cold, stone walls of the Sith Temple the air was dry and torrid. It was difficult to breath, think or function when weather itself fought to induce heatstroke laziness. Danica moved hand through her hair, tightly gathered in a ponytail. The rather scarce coiffure did nothing to lessen the feeling of a mind-boiling heat. Pearls of sweat gathered on the woman's forehead, who was still unused to the local weather. She couldn't fathom how Nieraan trained in the open air without passing out. Hopeful though the Firerreo kept himself busy outside as he clearly wasn't happy about her visit to the Order's lair – showing signs of strange paranoia when it came to such matters. It angered Danica, causing slowly building frustration as she had clear interpretation of it: rejecting and demeaning.

The heat didn't help to sooth the solemn mood, only making long bouts of irritated melancholy into prevalent state rather than a temporary shift in a sea of ever changing moods. There were things to be done and sometimes only ambition forced her out of the bed every morning. Ambition and fear. Danica didn't fully understand what dictated the step she was about to take – anxiety, constant dread Cassius would find her among those time consumed tombs? Or just craving to become something more than a scared girl that freed herself from the gilded cage, unsure what to do with all the independence?

With a heavy, tired sigh the dark haired woman resumed her slow walk, considerably less tense than before meeting with one of the other Darths. This she understood, could grasp why Renata didn't make her tremble with ill fitted fear. Danica got on considerably better with fellow human females, felt much safer around them even if the sense of security was false. The dark lady could be as dangerous and cruel as Eurachis, maybe more. The Coruscanti aristocrat didn't forget about it but also understood Renata had no business in killing someone who wanted to aid the Order's efforts.

Hopefully that would be enough.

Securing a small package in her hand, Danica stepped closer to the stone doors that lead to Renata's office. Making sure the business attire looked flawless by patting on few wrinkles, the woman knocked on the frame of the doors, hoping the sound would carry through the thick wall. For a moment she fidgeted, trying to find the most comfortable position, though coiled muscles ached under strain of slowly building stress. Her dainty, manicured fingers patted on the richly engraved box in which a strand of rare, pale blue pearls rest. As an educated art dealer Danica knew how to fetch such things – ancient and beautiful that stood out in a stream of cheaply made jewelry.

The thing was worth a small fortune but money were maybe the only thing the woman had abudance of. Though sheer money meant nothing in the Sith space. She was a stranger here that came from the heart of the enemies empire. Only those in Hutt space were willing to deal with the Liviana heir, those who wanted to make sure Cassius would get what was coming to him. The nobles from the Rims looked with a distrust on a self-proclaimed businesswoman that reeked of the Core. Danica's accent, manners, even looks of the Zhell ancestors marked her as a magpie in a herd of ravens: Intrusive, often unwelcome. She didn't fool herself – allies were worth more than even the most expensive trinket.

The only question remained – what would be Renata's true price?

[Meira]

The day was relentless. From the moment Renata had opened her eyes that morning, it was being proven to her time and again that she should have just stayed in bed. Between the petty squabbles of initiates and the actual work of the war effort, she'd hardly found time to rest. What's more, it seemed the planet itself was plotting against her.

Since she'd first arrived on Korriban, Renata had taken care not to expose herself too often to the planet's harsh conditions. The sun was a bane to her pale skin, and the heat was a constant affront, seeing as she'd spent years on the more temperate surface of Zeltros. For the most part, she'd done well. Her office and living quarters were kept at a reasonable temperature and even the humidity was somewhat controlled there. When outside of the temple, Renata was usually seen wearing a shawl made of light, breathable fabric to protect her from the excessive light. In all, she'd done well. But today, the heat persisted and her obligations had kept her far from the climate controlled comfort of her quarters.

But now... now she had finally found her way back. The cool blast of air as she had entered the room was divine. She shrugged off the shawl she'd been wearing, relishing the feel of the chill that ran through her. Her wild, red hair was taken down from the tight bun she'd worked it into. Such a relief it was to let it down. The tightness of the bun had been giving her a headache. She poured herself a glass of chilled white wine, found her stash of chocolates and collapsed onto an overstuffed couch with a contented sigh. The light fabric of her dress felt smooth, where earlier it had agitated her skin to no end. She allowed her feet to slip out of the heels she'd been wearing and curled them up close to her body. Over all else, however, it was the silence that pleased her most.

That is until she'd heard the knock at her door.

Electric blue eyes focused on the doorway, her mind stretching through the force to sense beyond the solid door and walls just who might dare to disturb the peace it had taken her all day to find. The presence there was not what Renata had expected. This one was familiar, yet relatively weak, in the force at least. Potential and confidence, sure, but no real power. And yet still familiar. It took a moment, but Renata was finally able to put a face to the presence. But what was this woman doing here? Renata had only met Danica once, and even then it had been briefly. An acquaintance of Bellinda's, if Renata remembered correctly, and the one that assisted greatly in preparations for the ball they'd held not long ago.

She waved her hand and the door slid open without sound. Renata stood, bare feet stepping nimbly across the stone floor as she approached the woman. "Danica Liviana, correct?" Renata questioned as the woman entered into the office. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

[Poludnica]

A sigh of genuine relief escaped Danica's lips when she entered the room. A wave of heavenly cool air swept over her, chasing away the terrible sensation of dry heat that accompanied every day she spent on the planet. The dark haired woman blinked, as if shocked by the sudden change in the atmosphere but immediately noted how the cold air sharpened her senses, instead of having them dulled and unfocused by the heat induced weariness. Danica inhaled deeply, happy there were no annoying dust particles that clogged airwaves, forcing violent attacks of cough. This planet showed the woman over and over how delicate she was, how unused to things other than comfortable, climate controlled planets.

Only after two heartbeats Danica's focus returned, her green eyes vigilantly searched for the dark lady, finally resting on a shorter woman. A mane of fiery, red hair surrounded delicate, attractive features. The Coruscanti aristocrat couldn't remember seeing Renata like this, with a disheveled, casual look and comfortably bare feet. Loose dress from light materials fit the weather – it didn't look like a designer work Danica would wear but tasteful nonetheless. It was not the other female's clothes nor looks that caught her attention though but the graceful, confident ease she glided toward the doors.

In that moment the young woman decided she actually liked Renata who put effort into quiet, composed elegance Danica appreciated. It didn't change the fact there was lurking darkness around her, something she would be wary about but months spent among the Sith had taught her most of them weren't mindless killers dressed only in blind rage. They were selfish beings of course, ready to betray their alleys whenever it felt as an acceptable sacrifice but the Coruscanti girl knew she wasn't much better. As hadn't been her father. The Sith Order at least had some semblance of loyalty needed for a group to work even if punishments for transgressions were harsh.

”Lady Renata.” Danica bowed her head in a polite, humble greeting. Even if the woman seemed a year or two younger, she was a boss around here and a part of her was very thankful for it. Human women were safe, much safer for her than men or aliens – easy to deal with in comparison. Even if it was a very delusional sense of safety, Danica clung to it, hoping Renata to appreciate the offer she had brought.

”Pleasure is all mine.” The woman added in a polite, gentle voice. Coruscant lilt tugging at the edges of every word, giving away Danica's origins. She was far from home indeed. After a moment, the dark haired girl took a hesitant step forward – clicking of high heels briefly filled the silence - eyes resting on a glass of wine and chocolates before returning to Renata. The scene pulled her lips into a smile – not a smirk but an honest appreciation of simple pleasures she herself wasn't a novice to. ”I hope I am not interrupting anything.” Danica asked affably before continuing. ”I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to organize the ball on Ziost and talk a bit about prospects of mutually beneficial alliance.” The dark haired woman stated and offered a neatly wrapped necklace. Silver paper hid a crimson box with the exquisite item.

Only now the flickers of anxiety was visible on the woman's oval features. ”The ball helped my company to start similar business ventures, please accept this small token as a sign of my gratitude.” Danica smiled once more, trying to hide embarrassment. Saying 'thank you' and 'please' never sit well with the woman but now it served something. Enough to help her swallow foolish pride.

[Meira]

Renata tilted her head slightly in response to Danica's greeting. The woman's accent gave her away immediately to Renata, for she too grew up on Coruscant. But Renata had spent a good deal of time and energy during her years after leaving the Jedi to rid herself of the things that tied her back to that place, including the way she spoke. Renata had adopted a more intergalactic accent, one that was often practiced by holonews anchors and the like. It tied itself to no particular region of space, making it seem common to just about all who spoke basic.

"Not at all." she responded to Danica's hopes at not interrupting her. "Here, I'm sure you're thirsty." Renata moved to pour Danica a glass of the chilled wine. She handed the other woman the glass as she accepted the gift into her own hands. Renata ran the fingers of one hand over the wrapping as Danica spoke, then gestured for the woman to sit in a couch across from the one Renata was lowering herself down into.

"This was hardly necessary." Renata said as she opened the wrapping to reveal the deep red box. Again, her fingers danced over the surface, admiring the workmanship before releasing the clasp and opening the lid. Inside, a necklace of pale blue pearls seemed to catch and pull in the light of the room. Renata didn't bother to stop the smile that spread across her features. It didn't take much to know the necklace was quite expensive. Renata had a love for fine, beautiful things, but did not feign any real knowledge in the area of luxury items. But this Danica woman knew. It was evident int he way she carried herself that she was comfortable amongst the rich and powerful. Renata hardly knew the woman, but liked her quite a bit already. Bribery or not.

"These are exquisite." she breathed, lifting the strand from the box and holding them up to examine more closely. "Certainly not necessary..." she lifted her eyes, "but very well appreciated." She held the necklace up toward Danica with one hand. "Would you mind?" she asked as she gathered her hair with the other hand. Renata wanted to feel how the necklace sat around her neck. She wanted to know the weight of this pretty thing that was now hers.

[Poludnica]

With a grateful smile Danica accepted a glass of chilled wine. The surface was so pleasantly cold, she couldn't help but to run her finger along its round edge. The dark haired woman took in a delicate fragrant of the alcohol and a knowing smile graced her lips. ”You do know good wine. ” The compliment was spontaneous and honest, something that rarely happened with Danica but a discover both of them had a weakness for exquisite wines did make the interaction much less tense. ”Thank you.” The Coruscanti noble added before taking a small sip and sliding to gracefully sit down on the couch opposite of Renata. With growing tension glacial green eyes followed the other woman's dainty fingers as they unwrapped the gift. How they gently moved across the crimson surface of the box.

”Oh no.” Danica protested with a melodic chuckle to Renata's coy remark.”I would feel bad leaving it without proper show of gratitude.” She continued, nicely tickled by the Dark Lady's reaction to the necklace. It cost her plenty of time to find a proper shade of blue that wouldn't look too cheeky but properly elegant. This small show of appreciation did make her confident she still knew how to find the way in meanders of social life. Even here, light years away from her home the same rules applied. ” In comparison to how much your Order helped me, it's a trifle.” Danica waved her hand theatrically and stood up, gliding toward Renata who gingerly held the pearly jewelery.

With a skillful gesture of a woman used to handling such things Danica clasped two little shiny stones that served as a fastening. ”I am glad you find it beautiful.” She started, stepping away from the smaller woman. ”It is made from rare pearls that can only be found in the most treacherous depths of Tibrin” Her hand absentmindedly moved up to adjust few loose strands of hair as she tilted her head to assess how the necklace truly presented itself. ”Locals call them 'cold embers' because of the way they trap light. “ Danica finished with a smile, not only glad the gift was accepted but of how pleasant person Renata seemed to be. The Dark Lady carried herself with this special kind of controlled arrogance Danica always admired. She was tactful, polite like a proper lady from the Core.

It was refreshing to find someone like this in a pack of murders. The Coruscanti woman perceived the Sith as a rag tag bunch of low lives and slum born children that had nowhere to go. Jedi outcasts, former criminals. Nieraan didn't even represent a low middle class with his manners and attitude. Danica was actually thrilled to find a human woman so similar in demeanor to her in this gods forsaken Temple. ”If I may, it goes perfectly with a color of your hair. Is this a natural hue by any chance?” Danica asked with a hint of awe in her voice.

[Meira]

Pleasantries were important, even if shallow. They were expected, even if not entirely sincere. Renata was content to have them out of the way. She'd made the suggestion that Danica's gift was an overly generous gesture, and Danica had insisted it was the least she could do. With this done, they could get to the bare bones of the woman's visit... and also admire the gift in earnest. It was quite pretty, and Renata did so enjoy pretty things.

She turned just enough to allow Danica to fasten the necklace and smiled to herself as the weight settled comfortably on her collarbones. She released her hair and one hand touched lightly at the pearls as she turned back. Danica stood, stating her pleasure at seeing Renata's reaction. When her hand gently brushed at the strands of Renata's hair, the Dark Lady almost recoiled, a chill running down her spine at the unconscious familiarity the woman showed. She hid it well with a smile and a nod as Danica stepped back. It was nothing. Renata thought to herself.

Those within the ranks of the Sith would not dare to touch Renata. Even Eurachis tested the waters before diving in. But this woman was not of the Sith. She had a connection to the force, certainly, but she was not some zealot. If she was power hungry, it was in a different manner than those that surrounded Renata on a daily basis. It was easier to let her guard down around this woman. If nothing else, perhaps because Renata knew there was no threat in her. With everyone else she interacted with, the threat was a given.

”If I may, it goes perfectly with a color of your hair. Is this a natural hue by any chance?” Danica asked. Yes, Renata decided she quite liked this woman.

"It is." she replied, the hint of pride left unconcealed in her voice. "I have enough trivialities in my life. The last thing I need is to fret about my hair color." Renata shifted in her seat, then stood. She touched her hand to the woman's elbow, guiding her back to the couch she'd been sitting on. Now that they were both in mutual awe of Renata's beauty, it was time to shift the focus.

"But that is twice you've complimented me now, my dear. I'd be remiss if I didn't return the favor." She sat down, guiding Danica to sit next to her. "Your efforts at the ball brought in a new wave of funding from our aristocrats. It seems you have a knack for finding just how deep pockets can go. I have to say, you are an inspiration to women everywhere."

[Poludnica]

When enough social rituals had been amended, pleasantries and social graces offered and taken the two women could slowly proceed toward the true purpose of the meeting; though often a perfectionist – Danica wanted to finish every little interaction. ”Now you made me truly jealous.” The Coruscanti noble retort, lightheartedly and jokingly. It was a trait they shared, this confident assurance of ones beauty. Danica felt little inhibitions when it came to simple compliments, especially honest ones. As a much younger girl, the woman would always seek out the most glamorous friends to have, driven by purely narcissistic need to associate with the best and brightest. She had no time for self-conscious , unwashed, classless, wild children of slums and forest that swarmed the Temple. They weren't worth a shred of the attention.

A feathery, barely noticeable pressure to the elbow guided her back to the couch. Feeling already at ease, Danica made no gesture to move away. She rarely felt threatened by physical contact with another woman. It felt natural and safe, enough for the dark haired woman to elegantly, though without tension sunk back into ridiculously comfortable sofa. ”Thank you, I am glad I could be of service.” Danica tried to remain polite and calm but the sudden compliment, that so directly highlighted her competences did cause a blush of uneasy pleasure to paint her normally pale cheeks. ”Your Order has my full support.” The woman declared. It was an honest statement, she had learned lying to Force users simply didn't work but Danica long time ago had attained a skill to color the half-truths and carefully balance on a verge of truth and misinformation. It had been a vital ability among those who concealed their indiscretions behind masks of polite smiles. ”I am sure we can find a way to help each other in more ways.” Danica smiled and took a dainty sip from the glass.

”I offer money, business connections, helping the aristocrats to accept the Order's rulings.” She continued, smoothly shifting the talks onto more serious ground than shallow, girly chit chat. ”I was brought among people like this, I understand how they work - as to my surprise they are no different than nobles in the Core.” Danica waved her hand in a gesture of casual dismiss. ”And I am ready to use what I've learned for the Order's benefit.” The dark haired woman let the offer to settle in a silence between them. She had chosen this path and there was no going back. A poetic irony, Cassius had abhorred the dark side and at the same time pushed his own daughter in the arms of it.

”Let me be your ally and check how deep those pockets can truly be.” She smiled and folded hands in her lap like a polite, well mannered lady. The stark contrast to a ball of nerves she so often was turning into. Maybe Renata's calm demeanor and familiarity Danica noticed had put her fears to ease. Still not enough though to describe in details what had happened to throw a young Coruscanti woman so far away from home. In such company, she was strangely ashamed of taking so much enjoyment in reckless days spent with a unruly and misbehaved near-human. Something told her The Dark Lady wouldn't think much of the wild tryst high society lady had with someone so below her status.

[Meira]

”I am sure we can find a way to help each other in more ways.”

"Yes, of course." Renata said, her hand moving back to touch lightly at the pearls around her neck as the other woman spoke about what more she might be able to offer by way of services. Renata smiled, nodding her head at the woman's words. Having this woman truly was a benefit. Those of their Order were powerful and skilled beings, but not many possessed those skills provided by this business woman. It was just another example of how important it was to have a variety of beings under one's command. Each with their uses and skills, ready to be plucked into service at a moments notice.

"Rich is rich, no matter where you are." Renata said dismissively at Danica's mention of the similarities between the aristocracy of the outer rim compared to that of the core. "But I will say, your skills are much appreciated. Many in our order lack your grace. It's an unfortunate side effect of the lust for power."

”Let me be your ally and check how deep those pockets can truly be.”

Danica folded her hands in her lap as Renata watched her closely, a soft smile playing across her lips. Without appearing to try, this woman was so very charming. Already, within only a few minutes of talking with her, Renata had decided she liked her a great deal. She was the sort of person Renata would want around. For the compliments, for the gifts, and for her skill set. All of these things made her useful. If there was one thing Renata liked in her subordinates, it was usefulness.

"I think I would be a fool to refuse such an offer." Renata said, her smile widening as she took one of Danica's hands into her own. She pulled it to rest with her own two hands at her knees, holding it gently with one hand while the other stroked lightly across Danica's knuckles.

"Tell me though," she said, her eyes on their hands, "what exactly do you expect in return? As a business woman, I am sure you've weighed the risks and benefits of partnering with the Sith Empire. I doubt Nieraan is the only benefit you hope to gain."

Renata lifted her eyes to connect with Danica's. Her smile remained, but there was a new sense of power in the air. She had not probed into their lives, but the Dark Lady was certainly aware that the two had numerous interactions. She squeezed Danica's hand lightly, no more than a friend might. It was not rough, and it was certainly far from painful, but it delivered the emphasis Renata wished to convey. She knew, and more than that, she allowed. For now, at least, Renata was happy to allow these two their interactions, whatever they might entail. So long as each remained focused and loyal, it was not an issue.

[Poludnica]

The pearls caught artificial light that seeped from the lamps overhead. The gentle touch stirred them lightly, giving them eerie shin. Danica began to regret not keeping them to herself, finding something different or Renata instead. It wasn't simple jewelry but a work of art, any connoisseur would appreciate. One more thing the Coruscanti aristocrat discovered to like about the Dark Lady – she knew how to enjoy fine things. Gods only knew half of the Sith Temple didn't know what 'fine' meant. Paupers, peasants, slum children and criminals. Former slaves, sold out children. Renata had different air of refine elegance about her – a jewel in a pile of compost. A precious ring in fingers of a decaying corpse. Yes, Danica wanted to befriend her, if only because loneliness of this desolated world became unbearable. Nieraan wouldn't replace other bonds, as pleasant as their meetings were.

”You flatter me.” Danica chuckled with feathers pleasantly ruffled by sweet poison of vanity. She liked to be appreciated for skills, something Cassius claimed his daughter lacked – a wild hellion in his eyes. The woman was aware of course often such compliments were empty, not worth a droplet of truth but such social graces were important. And nice to hear of course. She adjusted in her seat, smiling at Renata's charming expression and didn't protest when the other woman took her hand. The gesture wasn't insistent nor offensive, Danica liked Renata enough to allow it, it felt oddly comforting which showed in how her posture relaxed under soft touch.

For a long moment Danica pondered Renata's question, feeling an excessive influx of doubts. Would her skills be enough to exchange it for a safe haven? The disturbing train of thoughts was swiftly disturbed when the dark lady mentioned Nieraan. An uneasy chuckle of disbelief ripped from Danica lips as crimson blush blossomed on her cheeks, and not even careful make up could hide it. Of course Renata would know what her people did in their spare time...Danica's verdant gaze escaped the other woman's eyes in a bashful manner. Like a skittish rabbit. Anxiety began to stir in the woman's stomach as her muscles coiled – she failed to register her own grip on Renata's fingers grew tighter, in a automatic reflex to seek comfort.

It took her few heartbeats to recover and though it were mere seconds, Danica believed it to last forever. She was no fool and expected Renata wouldn't say such thing without a purpose. It was pretty clear now who dealt the cards now and now the Cortuscanti woman wouldn't dare to lie. ”I wouldn't dream of stealing him away.” The dark haired woman replied, trying to fight off discomfort, discovering that a part of her was truly ashamed of a dalliance with a poorly educated Sith assassin. And another part that desperately wanted to keep him. ”As for what I would ask for in return...” She started, pulling the conversation away from Nieraan. Danica found Renata's gaze once more, knowing lying wouldn't buy her an ally but admitting to such weakness felt wrong and pitiful.

”I would ask for protection from your Order. I have enemies in the Republic and business allies in the Sith space who see fit to break our contracts because I am not...local.” She inhaled deeply before continuing. ”With only paid mercenaries...I am not sure they can really stop my enemies from coming after me.” Danica didn't move to break their physical contact, instead gently squeezed Renata's fingers. ”Take me under your wing and I will use my skills to further the Order's goal.” She added, her voice trembling lightly.

[Meira]

The air in the room changed at the mention of Nieraan. For Renata's part, it carried a hint of her confidence in her position of power over Danica and her... by the way she blushed Renata felt sure that the word must be lover. The look of pleasure seemed to glow in Renata's ice blue eyes as Danica struggled for a moment or two under the sudden revelation. And then the Dark Lady's smile would soften as a sense of acceptance filled the air. Danica understood. She submitted. Danica's grip tightened on Renata's hand, and Renata held it between her own, comforting as ever.

"That is good." Renata said to Danica's reassurance that she would not steal Nieraan from their Order. "He is so very useful."

Renata listened intently as Danica moved to answer the actual question. The way she squeezed Renata's hand, and the sincerity that Renata sensed through the force assure the Dark Lady that Danica was being entirely honest. It was so refreshing to hear such blatant truth. Too often, those who came to her would try to lie, or mask the truth. Usually, Renata could see straight through the thinly veiled attempts. Other times, enough of the truth was present, though well enough disguised that the game was a little more challenging. Most of the time, Renata cared little for what the root of truth was in the people that came to her. Their lies and their attempts to hide things were often more telling that what they sought to hide.

But Danica was frank in her response. She was a woman that could see when the truth, pure and simple, would benefit her more than anything else. There was a strength in the ability to admit weakness, Renata believed. Danica knew that her greatest weakness now was her vulnerability. The Core didn't want her, and the Sith aristocracy could reject her. If she did not find her toehold, she could lose everything. Luckily for Danica, Renata liked her.

Renata could be described as sharp. She was thin, and all her features seem to come to points. But the Dark Lady seemed to soften as she smiled warmly once again. She was, after all, a benevolent and loving woman to those who sought her favor. She was harsh and cruel when necessary, but Renata protected her own. Danica now numbered as such.

"I think you will find our aristocrat friends to be much more accommodating in the future." she said, tapping Danica's hand lightly before standing up. She moved fluidly across the room to where the box of chocolates had almost been forgotten. She brought them back, setting them down on the couch while she took up their glasses and quickly refilled them. Bringing them back, she handed one to Danica and sat down beside the woman once again.

"I do believe a toast is in order." she said, lifting her glass slightly. "To new friends."

[Poludnica]

”Isn't he just?” Danica replied with a sigh and an embarrassed, coy smile. ”I mean...” The dark haired woman's voice trailed off upon realization how awkward the whole topic turned out to be for her. She couldn't really say if it was the fact Nieraan came from such poor background or him being a Firrerreo that caused the stir of discomfort in a girl raised among the speciest Coruscanti social elite. ”He sometimes helps me....with things.” The young woman added, hoping that would end the topic of her apparently very well-known indiscretions.

Plenty of held up tension let go of her when Renata greeted the honest explanation with a warm expression that softened rather sharp features. Danica noted how surprisingly radiant and infectious the dark lady's graceful smile was. The dark haired woman reciprocated with her own – a very rare, genuine show of relief mixed with happiness. Normally very guarded individual, Danica couldn't sense any mischief or ill intentions – it helped Renata seemed to be a well-groomed human lady. Someone akin to her own attitude and methods though doubtlessly much more powerful. It felt good to know a figure like that was one of Sith's leaders.

”Oh.” Danica breathed out a sigh as her eyes followed Renata's fluid movements. A part of her whispered cautious warnings that it went all too easy, that there would be a high price to pay. The Coruscanti woman crushed those fears – there was no going back for her. Either the Sith or her father's dungeon.

Her eyes found the chocolates, her favorites too. Danica chided herself for so despicable lack of control when it came to eating. She swallowed, trying to ignore the delicious treat, though another thought pushed her fingers to close on one of the chocolates. ”I really shouldn't...” Danica commented coyly but ate the sweet treat anyway. She looked at Renata who was very thin and pangs of envy began to gnaw at her. The Coruscanti aristocrat had spent her entire adulthood balancing the thin line between pleasantly curvaceous and pudgy. Only strict regime and constant dance classes kept her fit and in shape but with jealousy Danica watched women who didn't have to lift a finger to achieve great looks.

Oh,well The dark haired human washed the nagging thought with a hearty gulp of wine. ”To new friends.” Danica smiled and raised her glass in a toast. She silently wondered if Renata would show her around the Temple one day. ”Uhm...These are really good.” The aristocrat added, nibbling already at second chocolate.

[Meira]

The nervous air around her guest, which had been slowly dying, seemed to pick back up again, though with a different note. The chocolates... Renata wanted to roll her eyes. Perhaps it was the utter ease with which she regarded herself, but Renata couldn't stomach those with low self esteem. Danica of course was not like that, but there was a sense of hesitancy around her when she first accepted the treat. Be it her training under the Jedi to disregard superficial traits, or her wild years of hedonism, Renata simply didn't care. Her thin frame might be the envy of some, but they did not know the history behind it. The years of feeling weak and tired as a child, the inability to gain the nutrients needed to keep herself healthy. It had been a struggle throughout her youth, and she'd only managed to fight her way free of her mother's abysmal prenatal care in her own teen years when maturity won out in the end.

"They are the best the galaxy has to offer." she said, taking one for herself and relishing the taste. "Or so I'm told. My education in the finer things has only recently begun. I'm afraid I was not familiar with luxury until only a few years ago. I feel as if I've got so much ground to make up."

Renata sipped her drink, pulling her feet up underneath her on the couch. She breathed deep and slow, honestly enjoying this company she'd so randomly come by. To think that countless women had known this pleasure their entire lives. The Jedi truly were cruel in how they secluded young people from the joys of life. To think of all the things she'd missed out on as a child.

"Danica..." Renata said, turning toward the other woman suddenly. A thought had occurred to the Dark Lady that had her positively gleeful. "I think I might have an idea to help get you acquainted with our noble Sith benefactors." She set her glass down on a side table and turned to face Danica more directly and take her hands into her own. "Let's throw a party, just for us girls. We will invite all the right women and they will come to adore you as I have."

[Poludnica]

Nor sure if Renata meant the chocolates of the Sith men Danica only nodded with a smile, taking one more treat from the box. The delight from its texture was very clearly written on the Coruscanti woman's features. She was tempted to look at the name of the pralines to buy some herself but in the last moment Danica stopped the urge and took few dainty sips from the delicate wine instead. ”You are doing a great job thus far.” The Livco CEO noted with a chuckle when Renata confessed she was not of a noble standing. It wasn't a shocking confession as nobles very rarely received the Force training. Her father was a strange exception rather than a rule and he didn't decide to pass his skills onto the only progeny.

Regardless Renata represented an intelligent, witty and a powerful woman who tried her best to outgrow whatever common breeding she had. An admirable quality as many among the Sith simply preferred to wallow in it. A pleasant interaction for sure, Danca rarely had an occasion to genuinely like someone or admire. Especially other women.

When Renata turned to her Danica swallowed the last of the chocolate before smiling back, radiantly. With true fondness. A party! This was what she had been groomed to do, attend and throw parties. Her mother had been known to posses grand skills, though the daughter certainly often lacked patience. No matter, it was something she could add to the gift Renata had just received and further built the alliance now forged.

”A thrilling idea Lady Renata.” Danica chirped with a theatrical exhale. To receive a compliment so direct and bald from the Darth Lady herself left the Coruscanti woman ecstatic. ”Let me start all the preparations.” The dark haired human added, pulling out her datapad to search for the tightly packed schedule. Of course a party with Renata would find a place there, even if it meant canceling on important business negotiations.

One had to have their priorities straight after all...

Fin