Ask Pretty faces, ugly places

[Electra Juvexia]

Juvexia...Juvex System - Mid Rim

Electra said on her throne, tapping her thigh in a rather annoyed manner as she was waiting for the next one to enter the pompous throne room. Her husband was out and about...hunting or something (not that she actually cared) and her demon spawn was also nowhere in sight, which was relieving.

"Give me that again" she commanded into the direction of one of her handmaiden, referring to the holopad in her hands and not a second later she was languidly browsing through information about the next candidate.

Thalia...a pretty one indeed, but was she capable? She'd find that out soon enough. However, the sheer thought of having to look for another bodyguard let her green eyes roll again and she was just hoping to get through with this as fast as possible.

25...so still young enough, 5.5 ft tall, so still short enough to blend in with her handmaiden and that pretty face of hers would come in handy...but how the hell had she landed here on Juvexia? Now that was upon Electra to find out. "Your Highness, the Lady Galliford is just outside the-", Electra already gestured for the announcer to let her in, her head tilted towards the side and her gaze directed onto the grand entry port.

@Resonance

 

[Thalia Galliford]

Thalia had practically screamed with joy when she saw the notification on her datapad, confirming the time and the place of her interview with The Queen of Juvexia. She threw her datapad back onto her bed and flung the doors of her wardrobe open. Scanning the contents, she picked out several dresses that would've worked for the interview. She had thought about wearing a suit, but she changed her mind almost immediately. They were always far too tight for her. The last time she wore a suit, she couldn't even do a simple backflip. Green? No, far too neon. Black? Far too simple. Red? Red could work. One of her most recent purchases glared at her from the back of her wardrobe. A red dress made out of velvet. Usually, she would go for a dress with a florentine neckline. It would give ample space for her necklaces to take the spotlight. But this time, just this once, she decided to go for one with a funnel neckline. Almost similar to a turtleneck, but not quite...

She had all she needed; the lightsaber sitting snugly in its sheath on her thigh. Her pistol was tucked away at the bottom of her silver handbag. Her heels were on, and the last thing she needed to put on was her perfume. A floral perfume might be too much, so she decided to use citrus instead. Maybe this was too much for an interview. Thalia's never been to an actual interview before. She turned everything off in her ship and headed down the ramp.

She didn't even need to say anything, it seemed like the guards knew who she was and escorted her where she needed to be. The hallways were lined with the most beautiful marble floors Thalia had ever seen. Golden chandeliers topped the ceiling and shone brightly. The guards in front of her stopped suddenly. She almost walked into the back of the one in front of her. They parted, and the doors ahead of her opened.

She thanked the guards and walked into the throne room. "Thalia Galliford, your majesty." She curtsied to the Queen.

@LadyRen

 

[Electra Juvexia]

The Queen wasn't exactly sure about what to expect of the woman that would now be led inside and so her eyes attentively watched the woman approach. A brow was raised in curiosity as she appeared in a dress...to an interview for becoming a bodyguard, so that was definitely an interesting choice.

Thalia would notice that next to a whole bunch of armored guards, an assorted selection of her handmaiden was present, too, her twin sister, however, not, but while plenty of human eyes were directed onto the approaching woman, there was also a pair of reddish Nexu eyes hungrily glaring at her, as Electra had chosen to have one of her loyal animals in the throne room with her today.

She watched her curtsy and was thus pleased for now, however it didn't mean anything that the woman with the pretty face apparently knew how to behave. With her chin slightly raised, rather cold, unforgiving eyes analytically studied her for a moment until the Queen's facial expressions softened and a soft, however artificial smiled tugged on the corner of her lips. "Miss Galliford. You're first name is very pretty...so is your face, but I wonder what else you have to offer". It was obvious that Electra demanded that she would state her talents and strength, while her words were, however, laced with a soft hint of flattery when she talked about the name and the appearance. Well, if she wouldn't qualify as a bodyguard, perhaps she could serve her in a different way...

@Resonance

 

[Thalia Galliford]

She could feel everyone's eyes on her, giving her goosebumps. But she loved it. This was her moment, and she would give everyone in the room a taste of what she had to offer. "I can demonstrate a skill or two. Perhaps a show of combat...or maybe a shooting contest?" She eyes up a few of The Queen's guards. Surely they'd give her a challenge. "People don't believe me when I tell them I can kick their arse." She smiles at the thought of her showing off, she lets out a small, nervous laugh. Although knowing her luck, The Queen would pick her strongest guard, and she would embarrass herself in front of everyone. But on the off chance that she doesn't... then maybe, just maybe, this could allow her to win the position.

Even if The Queen picked her strongest guard, she might be able to throw him off his guard with her strange, self-made fighting style. She looked forward to the challenge regardless. She made eye contact with The Queen "It really depends on what you're looking for in a bodyguard, your majesty. I can certainly hold my own, but if there's another way you wish to test me, then please do go ahead."

@LadyRen

 

[Electra Juvexia]

Emerald eyes lingered on the woman as she spoke, the Queen's gaze as dangerous as the Nexu's. While she didn't intend to frighten or intimidate her, her eyes were slightly narrowed while she analyzed the woman from head to toe. She claimed to be able to beat someone up while eyeing her guards, but that only let thr Queen chuckle. "A demonstration you say" she repeated, actually pondering on that question for a moment before she got up from her throne.

She approached the woman while she spoke, her gaze still not leaving hers while there was a dignified grace in each and every step she took. "I've got a better idea" she cooly said to the woman, before she turned towards her guards. "Ready my ship. I'll be off for a bit" she curtly informed them, taking the woman's left hand while she guided her towards the entry port. "You'll get a chance to demonstrate your skill, but elsewhere". The Queen was bored and tired of the same old shit. She didn't need to see another fight between an applicant and one of her guards, she wanted to see her in a different situation right from thr beginning. There was something among the woman that piqued her curiosity and interest, and so she would assess her in a different way. "Before we head off, do you need anything? Water? Armor? Weapons?". She wasn't planning on giving her more information because she didn't even know where she wanted to go, but her shoes didn't seem appropriate for any kind of an adventurous endeavor.

@Resonance

 

[Thalia Galliford]

Holy shit-holy shit-holy shit-holy SHIT. She began to panic a little as she watched The Queen rise from her throne and walk towards her. She tried to hold her gaze with The Queen's but faltered when she got so close to her. She never thought she would see The Queen of Juvexia up this close. A real Queen.

Wait a minute...her ship??? HER SHIP?! Thalia thought the interview would be a simple in-and-out job, she didn't think it would result in her walking to the port, hand in hand with The Queen herself AND boarding The Queen's own ship. Did she really impress The Queen that much?? Surely not...right? "N-no thank you, you're majesty." She stammered. "I've got spare shoes in my bag and some extra clothes if I need to change into something more practical." She swapped her giant tote bag to her right shoulder so it wouldn't accidentally bash The Queen as they walked towards her ship.

20 minutes later, they had finally reached the port. She took a deep breath as they began to board The Queen's ship. Thalia wasn't prepared enough for this.

@LadyRen

 

[Electra Juvexia]

Had she made the right choice? Well she was starting to regret it as the girl seemed rather nervous about her announcement, but the Queen didn't slow down or turned around just then. Instead, she stared at her with an eyebrow raised, her age rather unconvinced and cold while she was dearly hoping she would manage to get herself together.

When she started stammering she rolled her emerald eyes before she slightly shook her head, damn close to saying something like 'should I already throw you into the Nexu cage?' because this...Thalia was deadly close to prove herself as useless. "You better change once we reach the ship" she told her, her voice surpringly warningly as she led her out of the grand hall for now.

"At least you're prepared" she had added, her voice still somewhat bitter but at least she was admitting that her choice of attire wasn't very clever. Why the pretty dress anyway? She was not auditioning for becoming a handmaiden or consort or whatsoever...she wanted to join her guards...This didn't add up for now, but she would have plenty of chances to prove herself.

The girl was led to the luxurious yacht and after Electra had instructed her men to jump into hyperspace right away, she boarded the ship. Their destination was Nal Hutta, but her companion didn't need to know that right away."You can do whatever you want here. Don't break anything though" she warned her right as they entered the launch area. The Queen immediately sat down on one of the plush couches, legs elegantly crossed before one of her servants offered her some wine. "I hope you don't mind a quick trip" casually sipping her wine, she eyed the woman with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.

@Resonance

 

[Thalia Galliford]

The bitterness in The Queen's voice sent a pang of pain in Thalia's brain. She winced at it and tried to pass it off as if it was nothing. She didn't want to be a disappointment to her potential employer.

The yacht was as luxurious as one would expect it to be. It was fit for a Queen through and through. The softest couches imaginable decked the main common area of the ship. She sat on one of them and ran her hand down the armrest. She generally hated armrests. They were always so hard and made of the cheapest fabric one could get. But this was different, and Thalia appreciated the change.

I can do whatever I want? Alright then. She spent time scanning the ship's main common room. Unlike the hallways in the palace, there wasn't a golden chandelier in sight. It seemed like the lights were built into the ship's ceiling itself. Which, compared to Thalia's own ship, made a huge difference. She noticed the folding screen in the corner of the room. She got up and walked over to it. She heeded The Queen's words and changed immediately. She sported a more casual everyday look. Black cargo pants with lots of pockets, a fitted long-sleeved turtleneck to keep her neck warm and then another long-sleeved shirt over the top for added protection.

She swapped her heels for a basic pair of leather boots. She always wore these on her missions when heels weren't an option. They had exceedingly good grip, and they haven't let her down yet. She took her pistol out of her bag and shoved it into one of the pockets in her cargo pants. The lightsaber that had been on her thigh had been moved to another pocket as well. One for easy access. Not that she would need it...she hoped. Feeling slightly more appropriate, she stepped out of the folding screen and sat back on the couch. On the glass table, she eyed the fruit bowl. She realized she hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, and it was already mid-afternoon. Maybe The Queen has something more substantial hidden somewhere, or maybe she even has a private chef on board. The thought of that made Thalia smile a little. She's never been a good cook, but she always enjoys cooking. The awkwardness between the two became a little more noticeable. She hoped the flight wouldn't be long.

@LadyRen

 

[Electra Juvexia]

The girl excitedly went her way and Electra couldn't have cared less. She had a few guards on board and they would keep an eye on her through the surveillance cameras while the Queen was now draped on one of the soft couches. She ran her fingers across the soft, silken fabric that caressed her hands while touching it before she snapped and ordered a guard to fetch her some freshly poured wine.

The ship had immediately jumped into hyperspace and they had set course to Nal Hutta, that ugly place far away, but she still had business to tend to. Why was she withholding information? She actually wanted to see how well the girl would perform in such a setting without much time to prepare as a pretty face wasn't everything...

The Queen knew exactly that it would take quite a while and so she relaxedly leaned back while she browsed through some holonet news on her datapad. There hadn't been much interesting stuff lately apart from those weird, ugly bug-like creatures, but as long as Juvexia wasn't concerned, the Queen didn't bother much. A new senate meeting? She couldn't have cared less about what those idiots were talking about and skimming the summaries of the debates only made her scoff.

After a while she began to wonder where Thalia had gone to and so after briefly passing through her own quarters, she headed towards the cockpit and questioned her guards about the girl's whereabouts. She had received access to one of the passenger cabins and it seemed like she had used some time to change clothes in there, so Electra was expecting her in the lounge area soon. Regardless of when the woman got back to her, her jade eyes would immediately flick towards her, a smirk forming on her lips before she demanded, "Tell me where you have grown up". She was curious, but calculating as always and so getting to know her was a strategic move.

@Resonance

 

[Thalia Galliford]

"Where I grew up?" Thalia sighed a little. She never liked talking about herself and her childhood. Most people would consider her childhood a blessing. She had a good education, her parents were nice, and she never had to worry about fending for herself or worrying about food. "My birth was an awkward one. In the middle of a flight from Cerea to Coruscant. It was sudden and unexpected. The original plan was to give birth to me in Coruscant, but I was too impatient. I spent most of my childhood on various ships with my parents. Learning what I could from everyone around me. When I turned 21, I decided to stay on Cerea permanently. That's where I learned to fight and fly ships and whatnot. I'm sure you've heard similar stories before. Mine is no different." She left out the part about finding out she was sensitive to the force. Maybe that would've changed The Queen's opinion of her drastically. She didn't dive too much into her past. She couldn't care less if she was with the Jedi's or the Sith.

She crossed her legs as she sat on the chaise lounge. "What about you, your majesty?" She waited, and she listened.

@LadyRen

 

[Electra Juvexia]

Had it been a mistake to ask that question instead of just having some of her Whisperers simply give her the information she had wanted to receive? Yes, apparently. Her eyes narrowed as the woman began to ramble, telling her all sorts of stuff she didn't even want to know. Why? Seems like the girl was chatty. Good for her that she had pretty face...

Just like a Nexu observing its prey, Electra's green eyes were fixed on Thalia. A planet would have been enough. Not the tragically boring story of her upbringing or whatsoever. She rolled her eyes. "A planet would have sufficed" she hissed warningly. This was something she had to learn. Only do what was asked. Not waste any more energy.

As she returned the question, she couldn't help but to chuckle dangerously for a moment. "You're bold" she remarked, an icy hint accompanying her voice again. Actually, she liked that. As long as she wouldn't turn impudent. Obviously, she wasn't telling her that though, but who would shamelessly return such a question to a Queen? "I've derived from Tion nobility" was her only answer before she tilted her head to the side. "Who was your last employer?" she demanded to know next.

@Resonance

 

[Thalia Galliford]

Thalia smiled at the thought of having to talk about her previous employer. She hated the bastard. The problem was, she didn't know whether to tell The Queen that her lightsaber was the reason that he was dead. "My previous employer is dead." Thalia was beginning to dislike this Queen. Her attitude is annoying her. She eyed one of the guards that had been stationed within the room. At least they're nice to look at.

"So..." Thalia paused for a moment. "Where are we headed, your majesty?" She hoped it wouldn't be anywhere near Hutt space. The thought of having to deal with the Hutts made her cringe. The last time she was on a Hutt-controlled planet, things didn't go so well. Mostly because of her idiotic comrades. But that was so long ago now, she doubts that anyone remembers it. She sunk into the velvet of the chaise lounge, she needed one of these on her ship. Maybe if she gets this job, she'll treat herself to one as a reward. But knowing her, she would end up buying one anyway.

@LadyRen

 

[Electra Juvexia]

The girl was literally asking for getting urged to elaborate with that statement and that made her roll her jade eyes. "Why, what happened to him?" she asked as if clueless, although obviously sarcastically. Had she killed him? Well then bravo. She was short and her frame slender, just like herself, but women of that sort often got underestimated. Maybe she was indeed the right one she was looking for...the question was, could he trust her though? If she killed her former employer, what did that mean for her? She studied her carefully, eyes slightly narrowed and her facade rather cold.

The girl did another thing to break both, the silence and the tension by asking for their destination, which Electra, however, waved off casually. "I want to see whether you're able to adjust quickly, hence I'm not telling you right now" she lied convincingly. Actually she was keeping that information to herself for safety reasons, but they'd be there soon anyway.

@Resonance