Huni Pi
Petro was waiting in the Monster Dorm's common area, standing at attention watching over a bundle of gossamer cloth. Riley had mentioned she'd be by with a catalog. Along with determining whether or not his traditional ceremonial garb was appropriate for the upcoming event. Was he nervous? Perhaps. He wasn't familiar with the culture and traditions in Amityville but he refused to rely on his clan's hermetic ways as an excuse. He wasn't in his clan's territory was he? No, he was in Amityville and he would have to do as they did here. He just hoped Riley wouldn't mind if he also asked her for more information about this "prom" thing.
Nio Love
A catalog presented itself on the table in front of Petro, before her presence was even noticeable. Riley moved to sit across from the boil, crossing her legs in a rather business-like manner and reaching her arms out to lay across the back of the seat.
Good afternoon, Petro. She greeted him gently, giving him a formal nod as well. I'm glad you came to me for help. If more students were like you, I am sure things would go much smoother in events like these.
Now. She lifted her arms off the edge of the seat, uncrossed her legs, and leaned in towards him. Two matters of business today. The first is, of course, formalwear, and perhaps a secondary question that springs forth completely from my own curiosity. Have you thought of who you will be escorting to this prom, as of yet?
Good afternoon, Petro. She greeted him gently, giving him a formal nod as well. I'm glad you came to me for help. If more students were like you, I am sure things would go much smoother in events like these.
Now. She lifted her arms off the edge of the seat, uncrossed her legs, and leaned in towards him. Two matters of business today. The first is, of course, formalwear, and perhaps a secondary question that springs forth completely from my own curiosity. Have you thought of who you will be escorting to this prom, as of yet?
Huni Pi
The horse boil's eyes darted towards the sudden movement, his muscles tensing, body preparing to strike out in defense should the situation call for it. When he saw it was just a catalog he visibly calmed down, craning his neck to search for "Riley," he acknowledged with an equally formal nod when the mindflayer made her presence known.
When she iterated the agenda of this meeting, Petro's anxiety once again made itself very clear on his features. But rather than dwelling on the uncomfortable feelings, the tall boil opted on focusing on the first point Riley brought up. "Only been to formal ceremonies of other tikbalang clans, but these'r what 'm supposed to wear to 'em," he explained, reverently kneeling down to undo the wrapped cloth.
Lying within was a loincloth. It bore some resemblance to the same one Petro had worn during the disastrous but entertaining journey to Christmas Town, except this one was far more luxurious and seemed to have been spun from the very colors of the rainbow. Nestled atop the cloth were metal arm and leg bracers carved with symbols and writings similar to the tattoo on Petro's face.
There wasn't anything else. "What do y' think?" He asked, there was a hint of pride behind his question despite the grim line of his mouth.
Nio Love
Surprisingly, Riley's response to the offered clothing was a touch of wistfulness. Ah, the Tikbalang. I've never met one before you, you know. But one of my kind must have, long ago. I am so fond of your attire customs.
She lifted the fabric gently, surveying it with a keen eye. Where I come from, clothing is only worn for battle. This looks so freeing.. She almost wished she could be wearing nothing but the loincloth Petro managed to get away with, in his daily wear. Alas, the generic taboos this community has placed on us seem quite stifling. She placed the loincloth down again, handling it with great care, before running her fingers across the bracers.
Prom, as it were, is an event based in the customs of this generic culture. As it is so, we should probably adhere to their typical standards more. I will be removing my armor for a dress, as an example. Though, in your case, I would at the very least still wear these bracers. This fetching material you've brought for your cultures formal attire is a stark contrast to the kind of clothing one normally sees at prom. You will be surprised - and perhaps a bit disappointed - to see what the boils will be wearing.
She moved to stand, plucking the catalogue off the table and setting it down on her lap once she took a seat on the table in it's absence. She leaned in and opened the booklet up, pointing out a few classix tuxedos.
You know, I don't think I've ever seen you in pants.. This was said with pure curiosity, and lacked any real opinion on the matter.
She lifted the fabric gently, surveying it with a keen eye. Where I come from, clothing is only worn for battle. This looks so freeing.. She almost wished she could be wearing nothing but the loincloth Petro managed to get away with, in his daily wear. Alas, the generic taboos this community has placed on us seem quite stifling. She placed the loincloth down again, handling it with great care, before running her fingers across the bracers.
Prom, as it were, is an event based in the customs of this generic culture. As it is so, we should probably adhere to their typical standards more. I will be removing my armor for a dress, as an example. Though, in your case, I would at the very least still wear these bracers. This fetching material you've brought for your cultures formal attire is a stark contrast to the kind of clothing one normally sees at prom. You will be surprised - and perhaps a bit disappointed - to see what the boils will be wearing.
She moved to stand, plucking the catalogue off the table and setting it down on her lap once she took a seat on the table in it's absence. She leaned in and opened the booklet up, pointing out a few classix tuxedos.
You know, I don't think I've ever seen you in pants.. This was said with pure curiosity, and lacked any real opinion on the matter.
Huni Pi
"Yeah? Maybe some of the Elders in my clan might have a story or two for me to ask about, then," Petro grinned, it would be an interesting story to hear along with the explanation of why their particular clan chose to seclude themselves. Still, he was glad that there was someone else on campus who wasn't bound by the notion that one needed an unnecessary amount of clothing to be fit for society. At the mention of battle, Petro's lips twisted into a wry smile, "I'd have more armor but those are reserved for tikbalangs that've come of age," then added, "Ceremonial garbs aren't for battling, though we fight in them if we must."
Carefully, neatly, he folded the gossamer bundle back to its original form as Riley settled down on the table where the catalog had been. Turning his full attention to the pages, Petro couldn't help but fidget at the mere sight of all that cloth. "Uncomfortable-looking, ain't they?" he snorted in mild distaste. "And kinda drab. 'S prom not a celebration?" It boggled the tikbalang's mind that any form of celebration not being greeted with splashes of color and demonstrations of strength and abilities. And this confusion was evident on his face as he stared and scrutinized the pages of classic tuxedos.
He was beginning to rethink about attending prom altogether.
Carefully, neatly, he folded the gossamer bundle back to its original form as Riley settled down on the table where the catalog had been. Turning his full attention to the pages, Petro couldn't help but fidget at the mere sight of all that cloth. "Uncomfortable-looking, ain't they?" he snorted in mild distaste. "And kinda drab. 'S prom not a celebration?" It boggled the tikbalang's mind that any form of celebration not being greeted with splashes of color and demonstrations of strength and abilities. And this confusion was evident on his face as he stared and scrutinized the pages of classic tuxedos.
He was beginning to rethink about attending prom altogether.
Nio Love
I wish I could be sure exactly what Prom, in school terms, is meant for. The word itself comes from the term promenade, which actually indicates some sort of procession of those in attendance. However, from what I have gathered, school related proms are also meant to be a sort of a rite of passage. Whether or not that means it is a celebration is debatable. Though, the standard affluence of refreshments, dancing, and activity seem to indicate it to be. The clothing, however..
She flipped over to the second half of the book, where a few of the more risque outfits for women were featured. They were mostly couture - which meant nothing looked comfortable.
I don't think anyone considers prom attire to be comfortable or liberating, no. Still, it's important. As I said, it's a rite of passage for students, and those should never be ignored.
She flipped back to the men's section, and moved to a few she had ear-marked. I know you're not a fan of this kind of attire. But should you wish you extend your boundaries for this special occassion, I had a few suggestions, viewable here. For one, you're
going to want to choose a breathable fabric, and a light suit. Nothing heavy - you don't want to be reminded every minute of the clothing that hangs upon your body.
She flipped over to the second half of the book, where a few of the more risque outfits for women were featured. They were mostly couture - which meant nothing looked comfortable.
I don't think anyone considers prom attire to be comfortable or liberating, no. Still, it's important. As I said, it's a rite of passage for students, and those should never be ignored.
She flipped back to the men's section, and moved to a few she had ear-marked. I know you're not a fan of this kind of attire. But should you wish you extend your boundaries for this special occassion, I had a few suggestions, viewable here. For one, you're
going to want to choose a breathable fabric, and a light suit. Nothing heavy - you don't want to be reminded every minute of the clothing that hangs upon your body.
Huni Pi
The more the mindflayer spoke of the event, the more Petro thought this whole Prom was less a festival or celebration. When shown what the ghouls were expected to wear, Petro again frowned at the attire. Mostly because everyone in the catalog looked like they were supposed to be as uncomfortable as possible. Which all the more cemented his thinking that Prom was not a Party. It was more of a test. A test of endurance and will, especially when Riley mentioned it was a rite of passage for the student body to go through.
"It'd be an insult to my clan if I don't wear something of ours," he began carefully, fingers brushing over the suggestions Riley showed him. "But y'r right in me wanting to push my boundaries. Can't grow if y' don't go beyond what y'r comfortable with, yeah? Y' think a bahag made with the fabric of these pants'll be appropriate? Along with this vest?"
He was mildly disappointed that there didn't seem to be a portion where the students would be sparring against each other (be it as an exhibition match or an actual competition). And he managed to infer as much because who was expected to actually battle in that? Unless of course it was yet another challenge to determine worthy warriors and the matches would be unexpected so as to further weed out those who would pass from those who wouldn't...
Petro was not vocalizing these things to Riley but no doubt the mindflayer would be able to read the tikbalang's current thought-process. Not even the knowledge there be dancing could deter him from the idea that he and the rest of the students in attendance were being tried and by Jack it sounded like something Tro couldn't pass up!
It made sense to Petro, somewhat. Battle-conditions can't always be favorable and enemies could lie in ambush at any time. What better place and time to stage an attack when everyone was expected to have their guard down during a gathering and wearing cumbersome attire? Oh Jack, Tro was starting to look forward to Prom.
For all the wrong reasons. Someone should point the monster boil back into the right direction, shouldn't they?
"It'd be an insult to my clan if I don't wear something of ours," he began carefully, fingers brushing over the suggestions Riley showed him. "But y'r right in me wanting to push my boundaries. Can't grow if y' don't go beyond what y'r comfortable with, yeah? Y' think a bahag made with the fabric of these pants'll be appropriate? Along with this vest?"
He was mildly disappointed that there didn't seem to be a portion where the students would be sparring against each other (be it as an exhibition match or an actual competition). And he managed to infer as much because who was expected to actually battle in that? Unless of course it was yet another challenge to determine worthy warriors and the matches would be unexpected so as to further weed out those who would pass from those who wouldn't...
Petro was not vocalizing these things to Riley but no doubt the mindflayer would be able to read the tikbalang's current thought-process. Not even the knowledge there be dancing could deter him from the idea that he and the rest of the students in attendance were being tried and by Jack it sounded like something Tro couldn't pass up!
It made sense to Petro, somewhat. Battle-conditions can't always be favorable and enemies could lie in ambush at any time. What better place and time to stage an attack when everyone was expected to have their guard down during a gathering and wearing cumbersome attire? Oh Jack, Tro was starting to look forward to Prom.
For all the wrong reasons. Someone should point the monster boil back into the right direction, shouldn't they?
Nio Love
I am to assume this is a bahag, Riley murmured while her fingers stroked the rainbow colored fabric. Correct? If so, I think your compromise is an interesting one. To have a formal bahag in black, and then one of these vests to match. But I still maintain these bracers are an excellent touch, keep those as well. Riley seemed rather pleased with the image this outfit was creating. Petro would be taking his traditions, mixing them with those of this new culture, and all the while showing off one of the most important features to a creature of his background - those fine, strong legs. I daresay, that would look rather fetching on you. You should be careful you do not break any hearts at this prom. Though, I could even go so far as to suggest one of these black-tailed jackets instead of a vest. I think that would look.. Her eyes slit just slightly in appraisal. Yes. Very nice. Your choice, of course. I am merely here to suggest.
She left the catalogue in his hands, and lifted her legs to swivel around the table, transferring herself from it to her chair once more. Do you have a tailor for your needs? I have one, if you don't, but since the bahag is a traditional piece of clothing, I am guessing you have someone who makes them.
She left the catalogue in his hands, and lifted her legs to swivel around the table, transferring herself from it to her chair once more. Do you have a tailor for your needs? I have one, if you don't, but since the bahag is a traditional piece of clothing, I am guessing you have someone who makes them.
Huni Pi
"Bahags'r usually made by our Clan's weavers," Petro confirmed with a nod. Though he refrained from mentioning that it was because symbols of power and incantations were woven into the fabric as it's made. Some things were best kept secret from outsiders after all. He instead goes on to say, "But a bahag with no pattern, my momma should be able to one easy. Just gotta get her the fabric quick."
He seemed to mull over the two options presented to him as far as his torso was concerned. He liked both ideas, as generally the fewer articles of clothing he had on the better and more reminiscent of his Clan's ways. But emerging victorious in this rite of passage despite the difficulties was equally attractive, if not more.
"If the fabric for this jacket ain't too thick, the bracers'd stand out more, yeah?" Plus with the way the jacket was cut he wouldn't find it bothersome should he need to revert to his real form. It was decided, "'M gonna need y'r tailor for the jacket."
He gave the demon ghoul a broad, grateful smile, "What's it gonna cost me?" Even if Riley had offered her help, Tro was not looking for a handout.
He seemed to mull over the two options presented to him as far as his torso was concerned. He liked both ideas, as generally the fewer articles of clothing he had on the better and more reminiscent of his Clan's ways. But emerging victorious in this rite of passage despite the difficulties was equally attractive, if not more.
"If the fabric for this jacket ain't too thick, the bracers'd stand out more, yeah?" Plus with the way the jacket was cut he wouldn't find it bothersome should he need to revert to his real form. It was decided, "'M gonna need y'r tailor for the jacket."
He gave the demon ghoul a broad, grateful smile, "What's it gonna cost me?" Even if Riley had offered her help, Tro was not looking for a handout.
Nio Love
If Riley could have grinned, she would have done so. As it were, her cheeks lifted in lieu of the missing expression. That is exactly what I was thinking, concerning this jacket and the bracers. Because of it's dark coloring, your bracers will stand out fiercely atop the sleeves. It will look striking. Inspirational, even. She looked very pleased with herself, and leaned back on the chair in contentment. As for price..
My tailor does not take payment in monetary fashion. I will handle the proceedings. Now, now, I know you're going to try and argue that I should be compensated. She waved her hand in dismissal. Truly, this is nothing, having an interesting chat with a friend is compensation enough. But don't worry. You're such a strong, helpful lad. Her eyes grazed along the line of his muscles in an appreciative manner. I'm always in need of help with something or another. I promise, I'll think of something worthwhile.
Her eyes snapped up to return to his. Now that we've dealt with your wardrobe, my curiosity bends my will. Are you settled for an escort?
My tailor does not take payment in monetary fashion. I will handle the proceedings. Now, now, I know you're going to try and argue that I should be compensated. She waved her hand in dismissal. Truly, this is nothing, having an interesting chat with a friend is compensation enough. But don't worry. You're such a strong, helpful lad. Her eyes grazed along the line of his muscles in an appreciative manner. I'm always in need of help with something or another. I promise, I'll think of something worthwhile.
Her eyes snapped up to return to his. Now that we've dealt with your wardrobe, my curiosity bends my will. Are you settled for an escort?
Huni Pi
"Anything y' need, anytime y' need me." He nodded in promise. And Tro was a monster of his word.
It sounded as if Riley had it all figured out then. Well, almost all of it. Petro had hoped the discussion on his clothes would have been enough to satisfied her from inquiring about... his escort. Particularly his lack thereof. There was only one time where Petro is an effective liar, and that was when it involved physical pain and whether or not he felt it at the time of infliction. Any other subject, however, the tikbalang has learned it was in everyone's (mostly his) best interest if he just came clean and admitted, "Negative on the escort front."
Coincidentally enough, he'd flipped the catalog back to the ghoul's section and studied the varying avant garde fashions printed. He wondered, "'S really important to go to the prom with an escort?" It wasn't unheard of: Rites of passages requiring partners or teams to succeed. Was this one of them? "If it 's, would y' grant me the honor to be in y'r entourage?"
It sounded as if Riley had it all figured out then. Well, almost all of it. Petro had hoped the discussion on his clothes would have been enough to satisfied her from inquiring about... his escort. Particularly his lack thereof. There was only one time where Petro is an effective liar, and that was when it involved physical pain and whether or not he felt it at the time of infliction. Any other subject, however, the tikbalang has learned it was in everyone's (mostly his) best interest if he just came clean and admitted, "Negative on the escort front."
Coincidentally enough, he'd flipped the catalog back to the ghoul's section and studied the varying avant garde fashions printed. He wondered, "'S really important to go to the prom with an escort?" It wasn't unheard of: Rites of passages requiring partners or teams to succeed. Was this one of them? "If it 's, would y' grant me the honor to be in y'r entourage?"
Nio Love
To Riley, the custom of going to these events with an escort wasn't one of tradition, nor anything she had learned from her heritage. No, her fervent belief of having a proper date to something like a Prom came solely from one, unexpected source - the heavy and all encompassing influence of Israfel. This had become something of a vanity for her, the way she enjoyed seeing people together. In any fashion.
Ah, She began, ready to convince Petro of the importance of having a proper date on your arm, when his next question left her a bit wordless. She loved having an entourage. In fact, the idea appealed to her so much, that she almost threw out the idea of her own date, as well as finding one for Petro. Perhaps she could have all of her entourage carry her in on - no. This wasn't the time, nor the place, this was different.
Her expression softened affectionately. As much as I love that idea, I regret that I will not have an entourage. You see, I believe firmly in the custom of accompanying one person to these kinds of gatherings. It's.. hard to explain. But it is important, in my opinion, to have a proper date. Someone who you are charged with - and therefore, the night is spent making that person feel special. Because they have you on their arm. It's all a bit out of my league, I suppose.. perhaps it has to do with making others jealous. After all, I can assure you that whoever is lucky enough to have Petro the tikbalang escorting them to Prom, will be the envy of many a ghoul - and boil, in some cases.
Ah, She began, ready to convince Petro of the importance of having a proper date on your arm, when his next question left her a bit wordless. She loved having an entourage. In fact, the idea appealed to her so much, that she almost threw out the idea of her own date, as well as finding one for Petro. Perhaps she could have all of her entourage carry her in on - no. This wasn't the time, nor the place, this was different.
Her expression softened affectionately. As much as I love that idea, I regret that I will not have an entourage. You see, I believe firmly in the custom of accompanying one person to these kinds of gatherings. It's.. hard to explain. But it is important, in my opinion, to have a proper date. Someone who you are charged with - and therefore, the night is spent making that person feel special. Because they have you on their arm. It's all a bit out of my league, I suppose.. perhaps it has to do with making others jealous. After all, I can assure you that whoever is lucky enough to have Petro the tikbalang escorting them to Prom, will be the envy of many a ghoul - and boil, in some cases.
Huni Pi
"'S alright, but if y' do decide to have one," Petro didn't seem particularly crushed at Riley declining his offer nor did he question her. The last thing the tikbalang ever wanted to do was go against a ghoul's wishes. Though she explained it was because she wouldn't have an entourage, he was still a bit disappointed. (Who wouldn't be after being rejected?) He listened to her every word as she continued to elaborate that the objective of having an escort was to make others jealous.
Odd. Tro thought the jealousy would come after surviving Prom and the unexpected battles the organizers would be throwing at them. He didn't think it would be so... political. Ah well, it was one more hurdle for the straight-forward monster to overcome, he decided. A square-root shaped brow quirked, "Dunno 'bout making others feel jealous, but 's my duty to make the ghoul 'm gonna escort feel extra special, yeah?" The gears in his head were turning, slowly, but they were turning nevertheless. "Y' wouldn't happen to know any ghoul that'd be interested in me being her escort?" He would have made the offer to Riley herself but she would undoubtedly already have one. Or there'd be a long list of names to choose from at the very least.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, Tro hoped it wasn't obvious that the monster horse had a strange aversion to using the word Date.
Odd. Tro thought the jealousy would come after surviving Prom and the unexpected battles the organizers would be throwing at them. He didn't think it would be so... political. Ah well, it was one more hurdle for the straight-forward monster to overcome, he decided. A square-root shaped brow quirked, "Dunno 'bout making others feel jealous, but 's my duty to make the ghoul 'm gonna escort feel extra special, yeah?" The gears in his head were turning, slowly, but they were turning nevertheless. "Y' wouldn't happen to know any ghoul that'd be interested in me being her escort?" He would have made the offer to Riley herself but she would undoubtedly already have one. Or there'd be a long list of names to choose from at the very least.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, Tro hoped it wasn't obvious that the monster horse had a strange aversion to using the word Date.
Nio Love
Riley's cheeks lifted, just slightly, in lieu of the smallest of smiles. I have a better idea. I am doing a bit of a service for those who are in need of appropriate accompaniment. There is a box, in front of the main office of the school. When you have a free moment, do take a look. It's a simple method I have devised of using basic information provided, and my superior intellect, to help those in need. I trust that will solve all of your worries on the issue. She stood, flattening out the front of her dress as she moved around to stand beside Petro's seat. Her hand rested on his shoulder, and squeezed it softly.
You know, I truly enjoy chatting with you, Petro. I find looking at the world through your eyes refreshing, and pleasurable. I will text you when my tailor has arrived, and send him to your dorm for measurements. Is that all right?
You know, I truly enjoy chatting with you, Petro. I find looking at the world through your eyes refreshing, and pleasurable. I will text you when my tailor has arrived, and send him to your dorm for measurements. Is that all right?
Huni Pi
"Talking with y' 's always enlighting," yes, the word was incorrectly said as Tro's vocabulary wasn't as robust as the mindflayer's but he's trying to learn more. He doesn't want to be left behind or be considered the weak link in the herd. "And 's more'n alright with the tailor, 'm in your debt," The monster horse rose to his feet, gathering his ceremonial garb carefully into his arms, and preparing himself to escort Riley to wherever else she may be headed. So he couldn't be on her entourage for the Prom but that didn't mean he couldn't be in it outside of Prom. "'M gonna see if any of the other ghouls I know might need an escort first," he explained, "But y' can bet I'll scout out the box too."
Nio Love
Excellent. I look forward to being a beacon of light to you in all manners of assistance. Her eyes crescented upward at Petro's superb manners, as he rose to escort her. She placed her hand gingerly on the crook of his arm, and let him do just that.
