The Rich Girl Club (Pol) [Criaxa]

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Lady Aerith Vand was not in her best of moods. By the same token neither was she in a foul mood. Her morning had gone along rather well, but the previous night had been... Less lovely. Her father was still despondent from the deaths of his beloved sons, weeks later, and he hadn't quite come to realize the value his devoted daughter had.

Aerith was still second-rate, living in the shadow of her now-deceased brothers.

Of course the fact she'd arranged their deaths was completely unknown. As far as the Criaxan authorities had been concerned it was a complete accident that had taken the lives of the planet's heirs.

In the resulting circus of media attention, Aerith had risen into the fray and played her part exceedingly well. She was the grieved sister, young and innocent, with a determination to live up to the legacy of her father and be the heiress that Criaxa deserved.

No one in the galaxy had any clue what she'd done, or what she wanted. In other words, her plan was going excellently. But her father was still in the way. She had no plans to harm him however. In fact...

In a way maybe she thought by keeping him alive she could atone for what she'd done, build a relationship with him. Sadly she'd never been truly bonded with him. The closest was after Aerith's mother had passed, when he had designed to show her the world of business. But in the passing years he had grown distant to her again.

Regardless of all that, the Vand daughter was ready and dressed to impress, resplendent in a grey and navy gown, with silver jewelry around her neck. All of it was in the very finest taste. Somber colors were in now that fall was in the air on her home planet. Her hair was also impeccably coiffed, ringlets dangling down and framing her face. Not a single hair on her head was out of place.

A knock came at the door of her study and she called for the person to come in, knowing already it was a maid, and knowing her reason for calling.

"Milady, there is a woman here to see you, Miss Danica Liviana."

"Send her in Sophia," Aerith commanded in a polite tone.

Miss Liviana had arranged for an appointment, set this exact time to call, and Aerith was most desirous to have this meeting. The previous afternoon she'd done some fact-checking, by which she meant her Criterion Personal Assist Tia had done some fact-checking, which only reinforced what she'd heard.

Her father was the owner of a massive media company in the Republic, very wealthy, and only just emerged from a coma of some sort. Apparently his daughter had left on less than the best terms, as she was know in Sith space.

What exactly her intentions were, Aerith didn't know. But she did know she was going to hear a very good story at the very least. She interlaced her fingers and gave a very slight smile, holding it as she waited for Miss Liviana to enter.

[Poludnica]

Theme

One sybaritic beat swirled into the next, each tune slightly higher than the last. Danica pulled ear plugs, cutting off even beat of the music. As on cue the speeder slowed down in front of a large mansions. The woman winced seeing the heavy, old-fashion architecture. She could appreciate an ancient architecture but still it looked like a talentless hack designed it. Coruscant was much more...modern and livid. Do people here even went to clubs? Danica snorted. Monarchies were a horrid relic, though Republic was not a good way either. At least only humans ruled here, a shred of familiarity in this forsaken part of the Galaxy. It was safe to say Danica Liviana was cranky today.

Waiting for anyone to get interest into a new guest, the dark haired woman took out a datapad, reading the same message for a hundred time. Heavily encrypted, she didn't even have a return number but knew the author. Very intimately. The same filling of anger and fear clenched her stomach.

Go die, I won't cry. Despite this silent declaration Danica already felt stingy tears filling her eyes. Sound of someone's footsteps the woman wiped them quickly away. With the trance broken, Dany sighed, allowing her mind to push thoughts about Nieraan away. Glacial green orbs opened and blinked a few times, seeing a neatly dressed woman. An assistant most likely. A soft blush rose to her cheeks when she realized how much power and influence she had lost over the months. Back in the Core no one would dare to send an assistant to meet her.

In before stepping through the doors, Danica scooped out a mirror to check if the make up was still impeccable, loose hair hanging in artistic curls. Simple, yet expensive and well cut suit hugged her curves, a skirt could be a little too short. Since leaving Livco and strict upbringing, Dany enjoyed much her freedom. The Sith's influence had a lot to to with it as well, no doubt.

A dark frown marred her surgically sculpted features at the brief thought but she quickly leashed it. It was time for business. With a smile, Danica entered the office.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Aerith summed up Miss Liviana with a long glance, judging the woman from her appearance as some women were so wont to do. It helped that the Aristocrat was both one of those women and a very perceptive judge of just about everything.

Like her, Danica Liviana had dark hair, though the light revealed hers to be black while Lady Vand's locks were actually a very dark chocolate brown. They were both light of skin, though Aerith was much paler, yet there were a few key differences.

The more nuanced difference was the face. While Aerith had a rather angular jaw and facial features that some might have deemed a little different, Danica's face was too perfect. Every feature looked like it belonged in a glossy magazine, or on a billboard. That made Aerith suspect plastic surgery, or surgeries, at some point in the past. But that was hardly the most notable difference.

Danica was wearing a business suit, the kind of attire that spoke of power and ambition, with a cut designed to show off her feminine assets. More thigh was exposed than was needed. In contrast, Aerith wore a long and flowing dress more suited to some ancient society. Contemporary was pitted against the ultimate in tradition.

Superficially, if personality and appearance were linked, it was clear there were some differences. Yet both of them had more in common than not. Clearly a taste for the finer things, and both were familiar with opulence.

Aerith rose to her feet and spoke, seizing the initiative, asserting her own authority.

"Miss Liviana, I am Lady Aerith Vand. Please have a seat. May I offer you anything to drink, or would you prefer to move straight on to discussion?"

Play the good host. Make them at ease, show them a kind face. Let them grow comfortable around you. Make them trust you. If you did those things, you were in a better position for dealing with them.

[Poludnica]

Thus far, everything had gone by without a hitch. She had managed to open few spots on some planets but it was not enough. Danica wanted what Cassius had taken from her and more. This couldn't be achieved without powerful allies. Nieraan and other Sith from the Order were skilled and dangerous but couldn't give her everything. A protection, a manner to remove enemies...As useful as this had been, now it was time for more subtle...action.

Danica entered the office, clank of modern high heels echoed on an ancient floor. Without a single change in her expression she appraised the woman before her in a calculating fashion. Dark hair, though not the pure, raven black but a shade warmer. Beautiful on her own, harsh and natural way. The clothes would look horrendous in the Core but despite their historical look Danica suspected Aerith knew had enough taste to make them astonishing despite misfitting style...Well, misfitting from where Danica was from.

Beautiful, with taste...But not overly gorgeous. Typical senator's daughter from the Rim... The dark haired woman quickly labeled the aristocrat before her and nodded when the Rimmer spoke. ”It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Vand.” She said and stepped closer, putting a small briefcase on the floor. ”A drink would be nice, I have never before tasted fine beverages your home world has to offer.” Danica added, feeling at ease for now. Aeirth might have been from outside the Core but she was rich, a woman and a human. Three things that made things very familiar. Most of the schools Cassius had sent her were made of such creatures. The old fool had tried to keep his little diamond away from men and how it ended? With a Firrerreo Sith...

Damn it. She chided herself sharply. This was not time to think of him, silly alien getting himself killed! ”I admit, the architecture of your mansion is breathtaking.” Danica lied silkily, turning her focus back at Miss Vand. The woman seemed nice...Too nice which immediately raised red flags in Dany's mind. She knew every well how good manipulators such rich mascots could be. From personal experience of course.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Fault number one. Calling Aerith 'Miss.'

The Sith Aristocrat was very well-versed on her noble blood, and she enjoyed the title 'Lady,' even as she lusted after the title Countess. Commoner-terms weren't pleasing to her. It was very much like hearing a grating pop star singing after listening to a fine opera all night. She was of noble blood and noble birth, and she never wanted anyone to forget that for an instant.

"Lady actually," She corrected as she signalled to the maid still in attendance. "Bring us brandy please Sophia."

"Yes Lady Vand."

The uniformed-woman disappeared and left her betters alone, providing Aerith with the time to describe her grandfather's work.

"My grandfather founded Criaxa, and when he took up the title of Count, he began construction on this estate. He based it off of classical royal architecture. It's very similar to what you might find on Naboo, only more elaborate. The work was finished by my father. Now when he is busy with his duties in the Empire, I find myself running the estate. But I'm sure you didn't come here to discuss architecture."

Aerith's gaze turned a litte more serious, and a probing look came into her grey-blue eyes. Those used to picking up on subtlety in expression would be able to tell her curiosity was piqued, though she did a very good job of concealing her interest and keeping her body language neutral.

"Tell me Miss Liviana, what do you wish to discuss?"

[Poludnica]

Her lips curled in an innocent, unknowing smile. Aerith apparently belonged to one of those stuck up nobles who enjoyed their titles even if they meant nothing in the Core by now. Danica refused to play this game and that would be the first test if this woman was worth attention and possible money. If she could put her silly blue blood pride into where it belonged and negotiate like an adult, not a spoiled child demanding to be honored as a princess. ”I am sure even non humanoids can spot your gender, there is no need to highlight it.” The raven haired girl said, enjoying greatly this little game already. She wondered if Vand would be smart enough to catch on what was going here, the subtle, hidden cues...Cassius had made many mistakes as a father but one thing he had managed to teach his daughter was the art of intelligent and crafty conversation.

”Was your grandfather or his architect from the Core? I thought I saw few influences of Corsucant ancient art in the way the mansion's ceilings are crafted.” Danica stated, looking up. ”Actually art is the reason why I am here.” She added with a smile and took a glass of brandy from the ..servant..?That was how here such assistants were called. The liquor was delicious, almost as good as Cassius' stash. At least they had a taste around those backwater parts of the Galaxy.

Danica let her green orbs to study the woman before her. The subtle hints of something else than blank neutrality crept on this carefully crafted mask. The young woman responded with a coy smile. ”Please, call me Danica.” She chirped in before moving onto the business at hand.

”I came from Corsucant, my family has a business in the Core, as you probably know. But I want to pursuit something of my own, certainly Outer territories could use a good entertainment company. Plenty of money in this sector and from what I can see...Sith are lacking in this department...” Danica tilted her head slightly, like a cute doll that had no feelings and only reactions. An expression she had learned over the years as a trophy daughter to a prominent businessman.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Aerith shot Danica a look that could curdle milk. Danica apparently didn't know about not alienating your would-be sponsor, as that seemed to be the direction this was going.

The pale aristocrat decided to smile mock-sweetly as she laid down the facts as she saw them, putting her proverbial cards down on the table.

"I imagine you want capital to start up with. Your father clearly cut you off, and you ran away to Sith space. You probably stole money from him, but you don't want to invest your own wealth in a company that may or may not succeed."

Lady Vand took a glass of brandy herself and sipped at the liquor, though only in the slightest moderation. She didn't want to lose her sobriety and discretion in the middle of a negotiation.

"What I don't understand is why. Was it some crime you had to avoid the consequences of? Did you do it to spite your father? Or was there a man involved?"

Aerith smiled smugly at her guesses, certain at least one of them was right. That would probably reenforce her position considerably. Of course her tone hadn't taken her into any rude areas.

She was infuriatingly polite and refined.

[Poludnica]

For a woman who presented herself so polite and innocently, she could produce a look of an infuriated banshee. The masks began to fall and slowly Danica would put the true image of Aerith, in time. If the noble 'lady' wouldn't kick her out by this time. She smiled at the angry gaze. Females on general wouldn't cause any major distress in Danica, negotiating with men was harder as if they held more power in some ways. Even Aerith's knowledge wasn't this threatening, the Coruscanti woman didn't make any secret out of her relationship with Cassius. If only because it infuriated the old man much more than her.

”It's hard to steal something that is rightfully yours. Coruscant laws forbid the child to be disowned as it has place...in less developed societies.” Danica said with a ghostly smirk playing on her lips. ”Unfortunately my father stubbornly refuses to die or let me go so I took matters into my own hands.” The brandy was soothing, relaxing. How much did Aerith know about Nieraan? Certainly not who he really was – a Sith assassin.

”As for why...imagine a golden cage. There is everything in it aside from free will. That your life depends on someone's else whim, men who take pleasure in tormenting you, deeming themselves better even though it is clearly seen they are beneath you.” Danica said, hints of sharp bitterness in her voice.

”Wouldn't you like to get free?” The woman ignored mentioning Nieraan. It wasn't really relevant, he just made things easier but would never be a reason Danica fought Cassius.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Aerith steepled her fingers, pressing the tips together in an arch above the ornate wood desk, the sly smile not leaving her face. She'd guessed right, and the somewhat protesting answer was clearly working to sway her to Danica's side. Whether or not she actually cared, she would side with the woman in the interests of cooperation.

"Yes, I can imagine that would be a disturbing experience," Aerith said silkily.

She pushed aside the one and only glass of brandy she'd had and rang for tea before directing her attention back onto her visitor.

"I presume you want to set up your own media company in the Empire, using the skills you acquired while your father was indisposed. I also presume you want me to lend your efforts finance and legitimacy. If this is incorrect in any way, please tell. If it is however, I have just one question."

The Sith Aristocrat peered over the desk at Danica and sat perfectly straight and proper, her voice perfectly polite and refined. Her hands reached down to seams in her dress and tugged at them idly.

"Why should I help you?"

Aerith was hardly scrupulous, and like most humans she felt greed and lust for money and power. It was authority and wealth that attracted her, and ambition that drove her. She didn't believe in charity unless it reflected on her well. Her self-interest was her guiding principle.

Of course she would never admit it, and in this circumstance it would be hailed as good business practice.

[Poludnica]

”I bet you do.” Danica replied with her own, still innocent and disarmingly charming smile. Every rich woman had their secrets, though Danica now had little to hide in terms of her relationship with Cassius. The woman didn't hide her name, even though it could bring bounty hunters around. Not many though would risk angering even those few Sith she knew, especially one of them. The thought of it had to be infuriating to her father.

Her gaze flickered to a datapad, only for a brief moment but a marring frown of worry appeared on her features. There were no new messages from Nieraan...She asked for another brandy and inhaled deeply. ”I don't need money, I have money.” Danica said casually. With some help she had managed to steal a lot from her father's illegitimate business, that was not an issue. Finding ways to multiply them in a business however was another matter. ”But it is hard to have expensive clubs and galleries without friends in high places. Rich people won't buy things from someone who has family in Republic. Of course I can open a small time bar but it is not what I am used to.” Danica shrugged elegantly.

The raven haired woman leaned forward, mimicking Aerith's posture slightly.”I heard of your brother's ...unfortunate accident. My sincere condolences but... You will be an heir soon and what is the best way to secure love of your people if not by giving them a nice place to spend money. A taste of modern luxury that so far can be found only in the humanity home world.”Danica traced the glass with a perfectly polished fingernail.”Prove them you can be better than your predecessors and make changes everyone will remember.” The Coruscanti woman leaned back, with a coy smile sipping at her brandy. Damn that stuff was good.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Aerith smiled slyly after Danica insisted she needed influence rather than money. Didn't the poor girl know that one could buy the other with ease? The other woman really didn't need her help all that much, though admittedly she would do better with it.

However, the aristocrat's smile died when the mention of her poor, deceased brothers came up. That was propriety. The fact she'd had them murdered was a special little secret between her and one Sith assassin, and to everyone else she had to play the part of the devoted sister deprived of her big brothers.

Aerith dabbed at the corner of her eye with a handkerchief before tucking it back away, and kept a somber expression as she analyzed Danica's comments.

She already had the love of her people. More than ever in fact. Everyone had seen her tears live on their monitors during the state funeral. The poor grieving sister who somehow retained her faith and optimism was the very symbol of Criaxa, and they'd adored her as future leader.

They were eating out of her hand, and she didn't need to do anything else to cement that.

The real advantage here was a method of making additional funds, and possibly gaining an ally. Aerith wasn't sure what to make of Danica yet, but she could see potential in the woman as an associate. That was reason enough to pursue it.

"Very well," She said with a thin smile, "I'll sponsor your endeavors publicly, and introduce you to the high society on Criaxa. In exchange, I want ten percent of your profits. Or forty percent of all stock in your company."

The door opened and the tea came, Aerith choosing to doctor her own cup with milk and sugar before sipping it with the same look she always wore when doing business, the cunning smile that showed how confident she was, externally at the least. Her own internal anxiety was kept in check quite well by the pursuit of her own interests. And if she needed an escape, she could always go for a ride.

[Poludnica]

That reaction was so fake, Danica had to bit back laughter. Tissue in a corner of an eye? Really? The Coruscanti woman knew grief, knew it very well. Aerith Vand was not grieving right now. She shifted in her chair, keeping neutral expression, wondering of others had bought the noble's lady play. Danica was nothing but perceptive – the swiftness of Vand's response, the theatricality...She knew all of it and more. When her father had gone into coma.

What is your secret Miss Vand? The young heir taunted silently, looking above the glass with her drink. Blankly she stared at the tea cup. Her father would do that all time, whenever there was business meeting Cassius brought in this fancy set for exotic, leafy beverages. Danica's stomach swirled few time at the memory.

”For the price you are asking I can buy myself into Sith high society, I won't need you in that case.” Danica shrugged her slender shoulders indifferently. The cost was outrageous and she would never agree to it. ”I already had someone to share my company, it didn't end well. I can offer you three percent of gross profit and any support you may need if things turned...not so well, giving shifting political climate...As of late.” Danica stated matter of factly, not bothering with any cunning smiles or smirks. It was not professional, amateurish even. As Cassius used to say, the businessman's face during negotiations should be either blank or kind, nothing else worked. Danica didn't know how to be kind, wasn't half as good actress as her father had be...was. Yes, was.

This said, Danica didn't try to scam or rob Aertih, she thought of herself as more than a beggar and Van seemed to take her as such. She simply offered her skills and possible of common profit, a support any good politician should have plenty if something went down. And it always would...

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

"You think what little wealth you could steal is enough to last in Sith society?" Aerith asked after her sip of tea. "On Criaxa, you must have an estate, you must have a high income, and you must associate with those who have both. If you can't afford your own estate and your start-up costs, the local high society will hardly be as welcoming as you hoped. "

Another sip of the strong black tea, the warm liquid rolling down her throat. Lady Vand set down the cup on a saucer once more and steepled her fingers yet again, a confident look on her face as she relayed more information about the situation.

"I can, of course, allow you to stay here, in one of our guest houses. Merely being under my roof would be ticket enough into society. Your status as my guest would open all those doors that only exorbitant sums of money could take care of."

Aerith smiled that cunning little smug smile she was so fond of when she was making an enticing offer. You really had to sell the product, and she had superiority on her side. She had the power, she had the prestige. And her offer was almost complete.

"My fee would be six percent of your gross profits, after six months so your start-up costs are met adequately. You don't have to make an answer immediately, you are free to take time with your decision."

Her first thought was pertaining to net profits, but if she was offered gross she would certainly take it, as it offered her much deeper access to funds, even with a lower percentage. Three percent might have been adequate, but she was offering something exclusive. That merited more than just adequate.

Of course, deep in her core she felt a little anxiety. She always did when something important was on the line, just a little creeping feeling, and a slight tingle in her pale skin. It might have been wise to seek medication, but if she sought treatment it would come out that she'd had it somehow, and then her credibility as a ruler would be reduced.

That meant it was her little secret.

[Poludnica]

”I have no idea how do you know how much did I take from my father's account.” Danica replied, smiling lightly. Aerith behaved as if this planet was the only one in Sith space she could do business on. ”Hope?” The dark haired woman asked with a honest surprise. ”Hope is for children, I only do business.” Dany added with a gentle shrug and put away the empty glass. A slight buzz nestled itself under her skin, tingling pleasantly but it was nowhere near enough for her to get even little tipsy. ”That is a tempting offer.” If only because booze is good. Danica smiled coyly at the proposition. Normally, she would scoff at such offer but believe it or not, there was something in Aerith that left her intrigued. Certainly the most curious business partner from the Sith space so far.

Aside from Nieraan but the assassin wasn't a simple hireling, not anymore. It made her wonder what would be Vand's comment on that little tidbit. Her lover lacked any formal education, good manners, taste...and just about everything high society required. Oddly enough it was also what made him so thrilling and exciting. Doubt Aerith would appreciate such qualities though.

”Oh, I can give one right now. I can agree to five percent, if you allow me to stay with you.” It would certainly cut on costs of living, albeit Danica had no habit moving in with strangers. Cheaper than her own estate or any exquisite hotel room she had been staying in for the last few weeks. The sheer association with Aerith would add glamor to the business endeavor, help to make connections. Yes, five percent was a good and fair offer.

There was another reason, surprising to Danica as much as the idea of living in the old fashion mansion. She began to like Aerith Vand.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

"Then we're in agreement," Aerith said with a nod, assenting to the counter-proposal before finishing the last of her tea and rising from behind her desk, coming up to her full slightly taller than average height and pulling a lock of chocolate brown hair off her face as she made her own full statement.

"As my guest, you are entitled to full use of all the estate's facilities. The private living areas of myself and my father are off-limits. Any of the staff can direct you if you get lost, and they can tell you meal times. I highly recommend you visit the gardens, and if you wish, the stables."

The young Aristocrat rang the comm and commanded that the tea set be removed in her usual polite and relaxed tone of authority, before directing her gaze and her amused little smile at Danica once more.

"If you'd like, I can arrange for one of the servants to give you a tour. I personally plan on going for a ride now. There are spare riding clothes if you wish to join me, otherwise I will meet you again for dinner at eight."

The servant arrived and started to gather up the beverage and paraphernalia as Aerith moved to the open door and hovered in the doorway for just a moment, looking at the dark-haired woman with green eyes with a pleased look.

She had the distinct feeling that Danica Liviana was going to be a very good ally, and perhaps a friend. While Aerith was friendly with many people in Sith high society, she had never truly found herself with a friend, and this was a possible experience with which to earn one.

And Miss Liviana seemed like someone with good tastes...

Yes, Aerith would give this a try.

"You really should come with me."

[Poludnica]

”I guess we are.” Danica let herself for a small, friendly smile. The tension didn't leave her body though – the silent datapad burned in a pocket of her costume. Task was accomplished and her mind began to be occupied with worry. How such battle could turn out? Dany blinked and pulled herself from the seat, warding off the unpleasant thoughts and doubts. As Aerith explained the conditions, the Coruscanti woman began to wonder if this wasn't another cage. So willingly to relay on someone's hospitality? A familiar schema and trail Danica had walked for many years prior. Was she truly free?

Wordlessly Dany watched the woman commending her servants. They were humans, living beings. So the two of them had some thing in common? Liviana family rarely owned droids , it was more luxurious to have serfs that could think for themselves. Some of them were aliens as Cassius liked to show people their place. ”Hm?” The woman breathed in, her eyes widened for but a moment, however she was sure it was enough to give away her surprise.

Horses? Filthy beasts! Her father would often drag his daughter to agricultural colonies where he enjoyed rides. Cassius was a skilled jockey. Though Danica suspected what gave him much more pleasure was watching his daughter to suffer when forced on top of that animal.

No, I won't let it. The woman smiled, despite the bitter thought. Her father governed her life long enough. The fear of him. ”Of course, sounds like a nice pass time...but I was never good at it.” She said lightheartedly, swallowing a tight knot that formed in her throat. It was expected such...Rim planet would have things like horses, the sport not overly popular in the Core. Dany stepped closer to the doors and grabbed her purse, trying to think of the bright side of this all. A horse ride could make her forget about Nieraan. At least for a time.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Aerith smiled, a very special signature smile she often wore. It was simultaneously charming, sardonic, and mocking. Her voice was just as teasing when she actually spoke.

"What's the matter? Afraid I'll make you look bad?"

The Sith aristocrat returned to her trademark witty smile once more before tossing out a little challenge in her airy tone.

"See you at the stables in twenty minutes, the servants will provide you a change of clothes."

Lady Vand disappeared from the doorway and walked off to her spacious chambers, crossing over carpet and tile, making her way through a walkway into the next wing of the estate, and then up to her lavish quarters on the third floor.

She was met by Tia, her assistant droid, as she walked in.

"Hello Lady Vand. Do you require a change of clothing?"

"Yes Tia, please lay out my riding clothes. And help me out of this dress."

"At once milady," The droid said softly in her usual timbre, one that was so close to real Aerith sometimes forgot the Criterion Personal Assistant wasn't a real person.

The droid came and unfastened the back of the dress, helping the pale future-countess out from the blue garment. Under it she wore no corsets or other archaic devices. Aerith was perfectly pleased with her body, though she lacked extreme curvature. In fact, Miss Liviana was far more attractive as far as bodies were concerned.

Lady Vand frowned a little at that thought. Well, she still had power. And power was always attractive. Besides, her own classical beauty had a place of admiration as well. She would get by.

Aerith sat on the edge of her bed and pulled off the shoes she'd been wearing, carrying them straight over to her closet and placing them on a shoe rack, retrieving her immaculate riding boots and taking them over to the bed with her, as her clothes were laid out.

On they went, a silvery-grey blouse, white jodhpurs, and then the black boots over the top. A quick touch to her hair, and she set out for the stables, ready to meet Danica. Assuming, of course, that the green-eyed woman would rise to the occasion.

[Poludnica]

It struck Danica how long it had been since she spent some time in with high societe. Real one, not rich scums of Hutt space but someone well versed, well educated and polite. Aeirth reminded her of classmates born into wealth. All those fancy girls, few of them had been the woman's friends back in a day. Before Cassius had locked Danica's life away for good. ”I have new, acrylic nails, I am afraid to get them ruined.” Dany flashed her slender fingers on which amazingly shaped nails prided themselves.

The raven haired woman wrinkled her nose slightly at the commanding tone; right there and then deciding to be thirty minutes late. With uneasy feeling of surprising change in plans Danica was led to her new rooms and given a riding gear. She had hard time getting into tight trousers that hugged her overly round butt in almost insulting manner. Still, the woman appraised her form with satisfied look. Men liked curves and Dany's hourglass figure she worked so hard to keep did get appreciated. Especially recently.

After twenty minutes of parading in front of the mirror, deciding that she had been maybe tad too fat, the woman left the luscious chambers and found a servant who directed her toward stables. The pants unpleasantly pressed against Danica's thighs and hips but the girl disregarded it. Pain and discomfort were nothing new.

The stench of stables almost turned her stomach upside down but with hardy
expression she stepped into the smelly, noise place her father liked so much. Probably only because of handsome stable boys...

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Aerith waited impatiently in the stables, pacing along floor and supervising the work of the hands whose job it was to maintain the stable. Her irritability was slowly but steadily increasing with the tardiness, and she turned her attention onto her horse instead, to soothe her ruffled feathers.

Tyuru was amiable as always, her brilliant black coat shimmering slightly as the human aristocrat brushed it again and again, staring periodically at the prepared saddle.

Lady Vand was not the type who enjoyed waiting on others. Particularly when the others were of status or wealth. Delays could be part of power plays, attempts to subjugate the other by making them wait. Already she was formulating contingency plans, perhaps to force Danica to wait on her presence before eating dinner.

Two could play at such games.

At last the other woman arrived, clad in riding gear that revealed a great deal of her figure, and Aerith had to stifle a jealous feeling at the sight. Danica was indisputably more curvy, and more likely to attract attention. While Aerith had a nice figure herself, she wasn't as endowed. If ever there came a contest for suitors, she'd have to fight dirty.

Luckily, Aerith would stop at nothing to get what she wanted. She was tenacious and subtle.

Her smile was also subtle.

"I was beginning to wonder if you'd show up. Come along."

With practiced ease, Aerith put one foot in the stirrup and rose up into the saddle, with perfect posture as she rode out into the sunlight, pausing to let Danica catch up.

[Poludnica]

With a growing satisfaction Danica watched the other woman who looked slightly nervous. No doubt there would be retaliation and oddly enough the Coruscanti woman was interested what that could be. It reminded her all too well the moments among her friends during school years. All rich and human – Danica wouldn't agree to be around aliens aside from the one she was currently sleeping with, a curious paradox but very true. Deep down Danica Liviana's racial attitudes were as racist as her father's and the girl felt much better among her own kind. Why this fact didn't stretch to romantic relationships? Something the woman couldn't decipher.

Trying to hold her breath, Dany walked into the stables and found herself standing in front of a large, brown horse. Already cleaned, neatly prepared for a ride. She frowned lightly, searching for Aerthi's gaze which immediately made her wonder. Was the other woman angry about late arrival or something else?

”Why would I miss a nice ride?” Dany asked cheekily, spreading lips in a cocky smile though her insides were twisting into a tight knot of fear. With only a small shadow of hesitation, the Coruscanti beauty put one of her feet in a stirrup and jumped. Danica wasn't a whimp, dancing before and now spending a lot of time with Nieraan had kept her body fit. Though riding skills were anything but good. The woman nearly fell from the other side of the horse when the mangy beast began to walk in circle letting out loud whizzes.

Danica clung to a saddle, ungracefully trying to keep balance. Finally after long fight the raven haired woman was able to turn the animal around and stiffly kicked it to follow Aerith.