Bargain Hunting (IC)

[Thevshi]

Midtown, Freedom City, New Jersey

Monday, November 25, 2013

3:30 PM

 

GM

 

The weather in Freedom City had clearly begun to turn towards winter, the temperatures now regularly hovering at close to freezing during the day.  There had already been a few days where a thin layer of frost greeted the morning sun, but thus far there had been no actual snow.

 

But despite the cold weather that promised an even colder winter, the spirits in Freedom City seemed generally high, as it was only a few short days before Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season.  But even with Black Friday approaching, many stores had already begun their Christmas sales in the hopes of starting their holiday shopping season early.  The stores in Millennium Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in Freedom City, were no exception.

 

So when three teenage girls from Claremont Academy ascended the escalator from the subway station located beneath the mall, it was to find Christmas decorations and displays up in full force.  And though it was mid-afternoon on a Monday, the mall was quite crowded with shoppers.

[Thevshi]

Giang Trang took a moment to look up at the array of decorations that filled this section of the mall as she and her two friends Mali and Thaelia rode up the escalator from the underground subway station below.  But despite the impressive decorations and displays, the Asian teen was soon back to making a scan of the area around them.  Generally an observant individual, Giang of late had insured she was increasingly vigilant while out in the public.  Having a number organized crime groups searching for one tended to increase one’s concerns when out in public.

 

Indeed, Giang might not have even joined this little outing after classes finished a bit early for the day, but Mali had been rather persuasive. 

 

"So, where shall we begin?"  Giang asked, a faint smile on her face as she turned her gaze away from scanning for potential trouble and focused instead on her two friends.

[Brown Dynamite]

Thaelia for her part found the display fascinating.  She had an eclectic appreciation for the celebrations of other cultures and faiths.  Even partaking in those practices she found the most interesting.  Holiday shopping was nowhere near the top of the list of things that drew her in.  At least until she saw the full splendor in effect right before her eyes.  Truly it was an event for warriors, taking note of the occasional customer pushing one another aside to get a hot ticket item.  The quest for the decorations could truly test their wiles and might.  The image forming in the Atlantean's mind vivid though it may be would likely find itself soon deep at odds with reality.

 

Still Thaelia figured an outing with two companions from Claremont was its own reward.  Evident by the smile forming on her own face.  Even if she had to try her best to wade through the crowds without accidentally hurting someone.

 

"I haven't been to a market this grand before.  I would not even know where to begin."

[Thunder King]

"I say we build the outfits one piece at a time. Dresses, shoes, handbags and the like in that rough order. After that, we hit lunch and maybe see if I can start shopping for Christmas gifts. I do not want to deal with Black Friday." Mali let it go unsaid; she was more than capable of buying good gifts without relying on Black Friday, and would happily avoid the crowds even if it meant paying much more.

 

"Better to start with dresses." She said. "After all, it's the main part of the outfit. Every other detail goes after that." She motioned towards the store and began walking purposefully there.

[Thevshi]

"I do not believe you will be losing much by starting some of your shopping today."  Giang commented with a faint smile as she looked at the window displays of a nearby store, which was filled with mannequins in a variety of fashions along with several signs mentioning sales.  Plenty of other stores had similar signs out as well.

 

"But starting with dresses sounds like the most reasonable beginning."  She then added.  The three teenagers had been among the students at Claremont Academy to be invited to a holiday party hosted by the Freedom League in a few weeks time.  Giang had met Raven a couple of times, both of which had involved Raven helping Giang get away from agents of either her father or Dr. Sin.  She had also met a few other members of the League over a year ago when Raven had first found her in Singapore and taken the teenager out of Asia to keep her safe.

 

But having little experience with shopping for a dress for an event such as this, Giang was more than willing to follow Mali's lead.  So the trio of teenagers made their way through the busy mall and into a trendy teenager/young adult women's clothing store that was likely to have a good selection of dresses.

[Brown Dynamite]

Loathe though she may be to admit it.  Thaelia was somewhat a creature of comfort.  It was a small sense of an entitlement that came from being undersea royalty as well as a divine lineage that superseded even that as far as Atlantean politics were concerned.  So trying on a number of beautiful dresses had quite a bit of an appeal to her.  Not that she always understood the fashion choices of surface-folk.  Her sea blue eyes doing a double take at the very sight of the mannikins before entering the store.  Much like her relatives she was never one to stifle an opinion and piped in as well.  "I hope the material in this shop doesn't tear too easily.  Fragile wear is hardly convenient in case one has to defend themselves in a dress."

 

Thaelia's only knowledge of the League came from second hand accounts.  Either through Theseus or the original Siren.  She was of course familiar with the Siren whom had chosen to take her grandmother's namesake as well.  But actual direct contact with any others associated with the league was nonexistant. A factor which actually left Thaelia pretty excited about the possibility of meeting some of the planet's  greatest heroes and hearing tales of their conquests.

[Thunder King]

Mali found a few dresses that suited her pretty quickly. Something that would compliment her lightly tanned skin. The other two girls were different from her in several ways, yet not others, so all in all it wasn't hard to begin gathering ideas for the three of them. They all had dark hair, Giang was more petite, yet had a somewhat similar complexion, while Thaelia was a bit taller, but had a somewhat similar physique.

 

Thus, in her mind, things that colors that suit her own skin and hair colors would also look nice on Giang, while clothing that would suit her physique would also look nice on Thaelia.

 

"Giang, I think this looks really pretty." She said, bringing up one idea to show the other girl. Mali was not used to looking at price tags foremost and this wasn't any different.

[Thevshi]

"I would not expect us to find much in any of the stores in this mall that could truly hold up to even brief combat."  Giang replied to Thaelia's comment with a small smile as the three entered the store.

 

Mali led them right into the thick of the section with the more formal dresses.  For Giang, this was something of a new experience.  While growing up in Vietnam, she had never had occasion to wear a more formal dress.  During the brief stay at her father's home in Hong Kong, she had been provide a number of dresses for various occasions, but they had all been selected for her, and she had not stayed there long enough to wear any of them.

 

Giang turned to regard the dress that Mali had found, moving a bit closer to get a better look.  "That is a very pretty dress Mali."  She said in agreement. 

[Brown Dynamite]

Thaelia picked up one of the nearby racks of clothes.  Lifting the entire rack to eye level rather than thumbing through each dress one by one as she looked through for something that fit her size.    Once something caught her eye Thaelia promptly eased the rack back to the ground and pulled out the dress she found.  Turning to examine the dress Mali and Giang where examining.  "I agree.  That dress is pleasing to the eyes."

 

The Atlantean didn't usually buy clothing as evident by the way she lugged the rack around earlier.  That's not to say her wardrobe at the palace wasn't fairly extensive.  But usually her clothing was either made by a seamstress or given as some sort of political gift.  Even her choice of attire back at claremont consisted of an assortment of dresses and togas with various armored additions.  Arguably she didn't really need a new dress.  But even the overly confident teen wanted to make sure to provide a strong impression.  

 

Besides it was good company.  Mali was a warrior and her body was sculpted to reflect as such.  Thaelia could respect that.  And the Atlantean's level headed roommate and close friend would certainly make sure to keep them out of trouble...probably.  "I wonder what would accentuate this better.  A jacket or some sort of neckwear?"

[Thunder King]

"Well, hmm...good question. I've got some ideas as to what I want to wear. Something sleek, something conservative. Sexy but not trashy. Cute." She chuckled. "Something, I dunno. Black, black sounds good. It works with my skin tone. Red's my favorite color, but red is waaaaay too bold to put on a dress like that. I'd feel like everyone was staring at me."

 

She looked around to find something sleek and black. Maybe with a little jacket to hide her shoulders and arms better. No, she decided. She was going to walk in proud of herself. After all, these were superheroes. It was very unlikely that she'd be the strongest woman there.

[Thevshi]

Giang glanced over to where Thaelia was lifting up an entire rack of dresses.  For a brief moment, she considered asking her roommate to put the rack down, but after a casual glance, noted that there was no other shoppers in this particular part of the store at the moment.

 

As the Atlantean teen came over towards the other two girls with the dress she had picked out, Giang took a moment to consider it.  "I would think perhaps some sort of necklace might be best."

 

She then turned back to consider Mali's comments about what she was thinking in regards to her dress.  "But would not red be the more festive color?"  She asked Mali.

[Brown Dynamite]

Thaelia wasn't entirely sure what constituted as trashy.  A lot of Atlantean to surface interactions happen along shore lines or sea faring vessels.  She was used to the image of surface dwellers in bikinis and bathing suits.  Which from the perspective of an underwater civilization wasn't a foreign choice of clothing either.  "I suppose I could accessorize with a necklace.  In fact, I would not have to purchase one.  I have a golden seashell one given to me as a diplomatic present last year.  I too enjoy Red and if it fits the occasion as Giang says it should there is no cause for concern.  Personally, I would lean for something of a more violet shade.  Never blue.  I've seen more than enough blue dresses to last a lifetime."

[Thunder King]

"You're right. I should go with a red, but...a bit of a more subtle red. Something a bit darker than my work clothes." She didn't know who was listening, so she didn't want to outright say costume. She spotted a dress on the wall and scrutinized it. "Ha, no, not that one. That, um...that's a bit too...bold for my taste." The dress had a dipped neckline and a skirt that would probably go to her knees.

 

"Blue, yeah." She chuckled. "I can imagine you don't want to wear blue. As for trashy, well. I consider trashy something that shows way too much skin for an occasion like this. I want to look good, elegant, even pretty. Not...yeah."

[Thevshi]

"That sounds like it would work very nicely."  Giang commented in response to Thaelia's statement about already having a necklace that would work with the dress she was currently considering.  While Mali tried to explain to Thaelia what she had meant by "trashy," Giang considered a number of possible dresses, but did not find anything at the moment that appealed to her.  Unlike her two friends, she needed to be more mindful of the price.

 

Turning back to the other two, she spoke up once more.  "I know it is still a little while before any final decisions need to be made Mali, but have you thought much about your plans after we graduate this spring?"

[Brown Dynamite]

Thaelia had just been using the jacket or a scarf as accessory choices to buy them in the first place.  The Atlantean was hardly bothered by the colder temperature.  It was homey compared to the bottom of the ocean.  "I see.  Not too much skin shown.  Downright formal but as it's a holiday even a ball gown would not be proper.  Would this fit your specifications?"  She had pulled out a light green evening gown from one of the racks.  This time without having to pick up the entire rack.

 

The demigoddess remained perfectly attentive to her friends' ensuing conversation.  Even though it would be a year before the subject of graduating affected her.  She didn't have the same luxury in choosing what to do with her life afterwards.  Nereid of course was to be queen, but Thaelia was still a member of the nobility.  Her duties would call her away from the surface.  She had considered trying to bend her uncle's ear into letting her become a proper ambassador of sorts, but that was of course a fleeting thought. As such she was curious as to how her friends with far more roads to take were going to do.

[Thunder King]

"Oh, college." Mali said. "Probably a local one, you know. Don't want to go too far from home." She smiled and shrugged. "No idea what major, but I suppose I've got...oooo!" She said excitedly, spotting a dress on the wall. It was a dark red and seemed to be right what she was looking for.  She looked at the size, but notably, not the price tag. "Oh, perfect!" She said. "I gotta go try this on." She said, practically running over to the dressing room.

 

A few moments later, she popped out and gave a twirl. It had thin shoulder straps, and a reasonably high neckline. Her muscular shoulders and arms were noticeable as the dress did nothing to cover them. "Well?" She said, grinning. "Do I look good, or what?"

[Thevshi]

Giang nodded slightly at Mali's quick comments about her plans after Claremont.  It was something the smaller Asian teen had been thinking about as well since the summer.  She saw no reason not to continue with her education into college, possibly looking at some environmental studies or oceanography course.  One big question was whether she should stay in Freedom City, or look at places elsewhere, a major concern with that being the fact her father and some of Dr. Sin's other lieutenants were still out there looking to capture or kill her.

 

Giang was pulled from those thoughts when Mali suddenly found a dress she really liked and rushed to go try it on.  While waiting for her friend, she looked at some other dresses which were on racks near the dressing rooms.

 

While Mali reemerged, Giang turned her attention back to her friend.  As faint hint of a smile came to her face as she saw that Mali was for once being less self conscious about her well developed physique with the dress.  "You look wonderful Mali."  She replied truthfully.

[Thunder King]

Mali gave a bit of a curtsy and grinned. "Thanks. Might be a little chilly the night of the party, so I'll probably wear my usual jacket over it before we get there. It's a biker's leather, but it works well enough with the red. I think we should all go the party together. I mean I can drive, I got a nice car, we can all fit in it no problem. That work for you guys?"

 

She looked at the two of her friends. She could also extend the offer to Sam, Tona, and Cerys, though she didn't quite have the room for all of them. Maybe she could bring Cerys in with her. Sam and Tona would probably want to come together anyway.

[Brown Dynamite]

Thaelia could make good time just running the distance.  But it would be impolite to turn down a generous invitation.  "I concur with Giang the dress conforms to your body in a most pleasing fashion."  Thaelia put the dress she had grabbed from the rack earlier, instead reaching for one a mermaid styled gown.  Purposedly giving herself more reason for why running through the streets would not be the ideal the option to attending the celebration.  It was cut in a similar fashion to the dress she had grabbed in the first place added with the color her necklace would still be a proper addition to the ensemble.
 
"Yes, I think I shall take you up on that offer for the transportation.  We can make a grander entrance with more than one of us entering the hall at the same time."  She raised an index finger to her lips while contemplating a matter of grievous importance. Or at least importance to her. "Where should our hair be styled before the party? I have never used your surface hair specialists." The demigoddess' hair naturally was naturally straight even when she woke in the morning there was never a need for a comb to even brush a strand upon her head. But Thaelia loved experimenting when dressing up for formal occasions.

[Thunder King]

"Thanks." Mali said with a smile. "Actually, hair...yeah, I know just the place. Real nice salon, does good work. I figure we can head out to get some lunch day of the party, go get our hair done, maybe our nails. Maybe head back to my folks' house or something to get prettied up."

 

She chuckled. "If you don't mind me, I'll go change out of the dress. We'll find each of us something and we'll show up looking good."

[Thevshi]

Giang nodded slightly as Mali commented about wearing a coat with the dress until at the party.  It was sometimes easy to forget that not everyone was resistant to cold.  The Asian teen then smiled slightly as Thaelia commented about the three of them arriving together making a more impressive entrance.  "That does sound good to me as well Mali."  She replied.  "Thank you for being willing to drive."

 

She smiled again as the topic turned to getting their hair done and Mali mentioned knowing a good place for them to go the day of the party before going back to her parents' home to finish getting ready.  "That sounds nice, though I am not sure I plan to have much done as far as my hair."  Giang replied. 

 

"Of course Mali."  She then replied as the other girl mentioned wanting to change out of the dress, turning back to look through some other possible options while Mali went back to the dressing room.

[Brown Dynamite]

"Be right back, Giang." While Mali went to go change into her regular clothes, Thaelia would follow suit heading to the dressing rooms so that she could try out the mermaid styled dress. Emerging soon after in the long seafoam green gown before giving a small twirl. Her muscular build did nothing to affect her grace in the act, having attended enough black tie events to know how to move in a dress. Running around in an armored toga didn't hurt any either.  "Gloves. Gloves would help to complete this ensemble as well." Thaelia openly pondered while also checking if the dress afforded any open vulnerabilities in the case of potential assassination attempts.

It was a silly thing to consider when deeming an attire appropriate for wear. But, it was one the battle maiden deemed of utmost importance. Mentally completing checklists that an Atlantean soldier would normally run through with her. And only smiling once she felt satisfied with the results.

[Thunder King]

Mali came back out. "I think that looks great on you, Thaelia." She said as she looked at the other girl. "I know you're not necessarily considering getting your hair done, Giang, but I'm going to take you to my favorite stylist, and I don't want you to worry about anything but looking good and having fun." She said with a smile.

 

It was hard to broach the subject of paying for things, but Mali never, ever invited anyone to anything if she didn't intend to cover the prices herself. That was just how she did things.

 

She sighed. "Giang, I want you to pick out the dress you think looks best on you, okay?" She said with an earnest, friendly smile. "I wouldn't have invited you out here, or to the stylist, or anywhere, if I didn't plan on making sure everything got taken care of."

[Brown Dynamite]

"Why thank you Mali.  I do think this will be the dress I purchase. I quite enjoy the design." Looking back and forth between her pair of friends, even the oft direct Atlantean could tell the subject could be touchy grounds to pursue.   At the very least unlike Thaelia, Giang was not the prideful sort. So the offer shouldn't cause friction between the pair.

"Your offer is most generous.  My monthly stipend should cover any costs I inquire.  Giang if you'd prefer, I could threaten to declare war on this establishment until they lower their prices if it would alleviate any further concerns. I'm sure their prices would become far more accommodating then."  The excited look in Thaelia's eye made it difficult to ascertain the intended humor in her statement.  Although it wouldn't be hard to imagine her acting on such an offer, clearly she was trying to make Mali's sound all the more reasonable.

 

Despite any ensuing stimulating image of an army of Atlanteans seeking to siege a single store in a mall, Thaelia's jest was accompanied with a reassuring smile to her friends.  Turning around she promptly began heading back to the dressing rooms so that she could change.

[Thevshi]

Giang had continued looking at a few dresses while both Thaelia and Mali changed, looking back over as her roommate had emerged in the seafoam green dress.  "That is a very lovely dress."  She added in agreement to Mali's comments as the other teen returned back in her normal clothes with the dress she had selected in hand.  She paused a moment to consider the Thaelia's thought about adding gloves and shrugged slightly, "gloves would be fitting, if you could find the right color, although I doubt anyone would notice their absence at an event such as this."

 

When Mali spoke up about helping out with the costs of a dress and the hairstylist, Giang was quite a moment, but before she could respond, Thaelia had added comments about threatening war to try to get the prices in the store lowered.  Smiling slightly, the Asian teen replied, "thank you, but that will not be necessary Thaelia.  Although, I think that would qualify us as supervillains."

 

She then turned back to Mali.  "While I appreciate the thought, I do not believe that will be necessary either Mali.  It should be possible for me to find an appropriate dress that is not overly expensive."