Joanne was rather embarrassed when she came down off her caffeine high. Especially after she was told her wild expression made people thought she was rabid or something. Fortunately, the authorities just let her off with a warning. Joanne was hardly the first tourist they've seen who drank too much Saidi tea without realizing what they were getting into.
To get her mind off of that embarrassing incident, Joanne decided to go see how New Zerzura's branch of Animalia School of Modeling was going. After all, her clothing company produced the products that these models were advertising. Joanne wouldn't go so far as to say she owned Animalia's modeling industry, but she was a major contributor. And a CEO should be intimately familiar with the product they sell.
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The modeling studio was easy to pick out. It was the building furthest from the Nile, closest to the desert. As Joanne approached the building, she noticed there was a garage that Humvees, dune buggies, and other off-road vehicles. She suspected she knew what they were for, but she wanted to ask inside.
Joanne was greeted by an Arabian mare Animalian with white fur and a black mane and tail. "Welcome New Zerzura's modeling agency, Miss Mabel," said the horse Animalian, "I am Adi and we are delighted to have you here."
"Thank you, and it's Mrs. Mabel now," said Joanne, holding up her hand so that Adi could see the wedding ring on her finger.
"Ah, congratulations," said Adi, "And where is your husband right now?"
"He's back at the hotel," said Joanne, "He lacks interest in the fashion business. You know how most men are."
"Of course," said Adi, "Please, come inside."
The first thing Joanne noticed was how well the air conditioners work. The place was so cool, it was almost like being refrigerated. It only made sense considering the great heat outside. Not to mention photo shoots required several big lights shining to properly illuminate the set, which could raise up the temperature as well. Also constantly changing outfits can build up a sweat.
"So tell me, how did you end up running this agency?" asked Joanne.
"By default, mainly," said Adi, "Maggie be at every modeling agency at once. She needed to delegate control to others who live at the colonies more full-time. And being the leader doesn't just require knowing how to teach new models or how the shoots will go. They also require knowing how the paperwork for this business goes as well and I was the one who had the best grasp of it. So I am the acting director here unless Maggie sends a better director here."
"That must require quite an adjustment," said Joanne.
"Especially for my boyfriend," said Adi.
Adi next introduced Joanne to New Zerzura's top model, a dog Animalian named Xochitl. Xochi was a Xoloitzcuitli or a Mexican Hairless Dog. Despite lacking fur, Xochi was no less beautiful. Her hairless skin was so dark a grey it could be called black in the right amount of light, but it also showed off her muscles and curves. Joanne could think of plenty women who would kill to have skin as smooth and healthy as Xochi's.
"Does it take a lot of work to keep the title of top model here?" asked Joanne.
"Not quite so," said Xochi, "There aren't as many full-time models here as there are in Lyre. Our biggest photoshoots are when the models in Lyre fly over for a visit."
"Speaking of photoshoots," said Joanne, "I noticed your off-road vehicles. Is that for doing photoshoots in the desert?"
"Or at the ruins," said Adi, "As you know, the local customs have stricter standards of what is acceptable for modesty than back in the states."
"I'm quite aware," said Joanne, "So you guys take your more risque shoots out where it's more private."
"Precisely," said Xochi, "Though my boyfriend gets a good look at our private stock."
"And I wouldn't mind getting a good look myself," said Joanne. It took her a few seconds to realize the awkward thing she said. "Uh, not necessarily on you. I meant on the rack," she said, feeling a little flustered.
"It's quite alright," said Xochi.
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Most of the wardrobe selection was more modest than Joanne was expecting, at least by Animalian standards. But then, Muslims can be rather peculiar about what is acceptable. However, it was still fashionable. Joanne made a mental note of having her company come up with some dresses that would match the local preferences.
Of course, there were still some outfits that were far sexier. Joanne took interest in two sets of lingerie, just perfect for her and Nicole to surprise their new husbands with. She couldn't wait to see Philip's reaction when he saw her.