Chapter 21
21
She was busy researching: fashion shows, Dior in particular, the highlights of any visit to Mumbai, and what was expected of anyone strutting the catwalk, the climate of the area, languages spoken, etc. Anything she could think of that might affect her trip, from popular tourist attractions to local foods to native dress and customs.
Several weeks before the trip, Madame Chiuri called. She requested, very politely, that Luka meet with her dressmakers. In Paris, where Dior’s main store was located.
Another famous Midgardian city, Luka was delighted. Since she would only be gone a day or two, she co-opted Pepper for the trip. Knowing how disorienting teleportation was for mortals, she even conceded to flying in one of Tony’s private jets.
The first thing she did upon landing, was to seek out a native Parisian, and smiling, pat that stunned person’s cheek. Instantly absorbing the indigenous language, she requested their limo go directly to 30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris, the House of Dior.
Preempting the long line at the main door, Luka and Pepper were swept directly inside from a corner entrance. No more than 10 steps from their limo to the entry, they were met by the small, blond woman herself. Surprising them both, Chiuri wore a loose man-tailored shirt and blue jeans.
She chuckled at Luka’s curious question. “This is a working session, dear Lady. Comfort is more important than style today.”
She looked Pepper over and stuck out her hand. “I am Maria Chiuri. You are Lady Luka’s companion? You seem familiar, but I have never dressed you, I don’t think.”
Luka put her hand on Pepper’s shoulder. “Pepper agreed to accompany me here today as a favour. She will go to visit her company’s offices here in the city after I am settled and return later this afternoon.”
Pepper shook Chiuri’s hand, smiling. “Hi. I’m Pepper Potts. I have to go check in at Stark International for a bit. I’ll come back when Luka is done; just call my cell. We’ll have dinner, maybe see some of Paris’ famous sites. I have a hotel booked, in case you need a second day.”
“Ah, I knew you looked familiar. You are Stark’s CEO now, no? You wore a Dior gown to that Stark Relief Foundation fundraiser several years ago, but it was not one of my designs.”
“I’m not sure. Tony bought it for me. We were still together then.” Pepper made clear that was in the past. “I don’t want to run out on you, Luka, but the sooner I head over there, the quicker I can be done and free to help you with anything.”
“I shall be quite well cared for here, I am certain, Pepper. You go, oversee your people.” She grinned. “Tell them if they are not perfect in performance, you have a goddess to see that they improve!”
All three ladies laughed and Pepper left, leaving Chiuri to take Luka to the fitting rooms. She had her own studio upstairs, assistants and dressmakers on staff. Since Luka had arrived mid-morning, they worked for several hours before breaking for lunch and coffee.
While the mortals rested and ate, the goddess decided to wander and investigate the gallery which was in a second part of the building. She told the designer to simply call her name when they were ready to continue fitting her gowns and Luka would hear and return. Also, she said she was fine on her own and did not need an escort.
Not wanting to upset the goddess, Chiuri agreed. She needed a break, as well. Working with Luka was intense; the goddess was demanding and unafraid to voice her opinion of things she did not like. Nor was Chiuri used to being challenged by her models.
While she strolled through the exhibits of haute couture, the goddess was addressed several times. Apparently, curious mortals, thinking she was somehow attached to the gallery, approached and asked questions relating to the displays. A couple even asked for her autograph, assuming she must be a famous model. They puzzled over the strange scratch marks she left in their little booklets, until one, recognising the script, asked if she was Norwegian or an Icelander.
Laughing, she replied, “No, but they did learn the runes from our Watcher, Heimdall. He taught your forebears many things.” Sighing, she smiled, “Ancient days, long before my time.”
Suddenly, the young woman who recognised the runes gasped. “You’re Asgardian, aren’t you? Like Thor?”
Luka laughed, pleased. “Oh, yes! In fact, the Thunderer is my adopted brother.” Head lifted, she appeared to be listening to something her audience could not hear. “I am sorry, but I must go now. Lady Chiuri is ready to finish altering my gowns.” At the gasps and sighs from the humans, she grinned. “Look for me in Mumbai!” She vanished.
Pepper returned at about 5pm, just as the dressmaker’s staff was packing away the altered outfits made for Luka. They had managed to get all the changes done in the one day, so Pepper and Luka were free to do as they pleased.
“Since I have a hotel booked, and tomorrow is Friday, why don’t we spend the day sightseeing? I’ll just make it a three day weekend. I’d love to show you some of the places Paris is famous for.” Pepper elaborated at the goddess’ curiosity. “The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the other Statue of Liberty, the Arc du Triomphe, there are so many!”
“Ah, mortal culture and architectural marvels, yes? Sounds fascinating. I would also like to do some shopping.” She leaned down and whispered, “to compare with others of Maria’s vocation.”
The ladies walked up Ave. Montaigne to the Champs-Élysées, stopping in several boutiques and other designer stores along the way. Pepper gave Luka a choice; west to the Arc de Triomphe or east to the Place de la Concorde, which was close to their hotel. The Hôtel de Crillon was about a 20 minute walk and one block north of the metro station. Since they had taken their time in the shops, it was now close to dinner time, being dusk, (8:30pm).
“Let us stop in our rooms first. We can freshen up and dress for dinner,” Luka suggested. She could see her mortal friend was tiring and would likely wish to rest a bit.
“Sounds like a plan,” Pepper agreed with a small smile. She was a bit weary; a shower sounded wonderful. And a change of footwear. Heels weren’t really made for hiking.
There was an excellent restaurant right in their hotel, L’ Écrin, so Luka decided to rest her companion’s legs, (and feet). They planned on sight-seeing the next day, which would require much walking. After a delightful meal, rich and savoury, paired with several excellent wines, Pepper was fading a bit. The goddess delicately convinced her to make it an early night, saying she was anxious to sample Paris’ attractions and wished to rise early.
Luka leaned over the sleeping mortal and gently laid her fingertips against Pepper’s temple. “Sleep well and deeply, minn vinr. You shall not wake ‘til the morn.” The goddess grinned to herself, while changing her outfit. Now for some fun! I will see how this Realm’s taverns compare to Asgard’s.