[FASHION POLICE] Everyone here looks like they've put so much effort into their outfits. Which makes sense, truly-- this was THE social event of the year, from her understanding, and the students certainly wanted to make good impressions with or without their dates. Even the faculty enjoyed making a splash, with several of her colleagues dressed up in the gaudiest ensembles that she's seen in a long time... and that's saying something, considering she's forced to work with nobles on the regular. There's one that stands out in particular, though. The gold is absolutely blinding, and though the outfit itself looks nice enough... the guy's gotta be sweating in that. "Hey. Sorry, I haven't caught your name, but... Surely that's uncomfortable?" Shamir gives him a once-over, gaze trailing from his feet to his head. "Maybe I'm biased. I'm not a big fan of the beach." "I'm Shamir. One of the Knights. Technically, I'm here as staff, but I'm stealing the moments that I can. There's nothing of importance happening." Yet, she neglects to say. It's only a matter of time until a fight breaks out, or someone goes and drowns in the ocean. "C'mon. Get out of that cloak. You're going to burn to death."
The presence of his father's cloak and the warmth it provided had become something Alfonse scarcely even paid attention to after how long he'd been wearing it. He was already well accustomed to wearing clothing that was perhaps a bit too warm for the climate. He scarcely wore anything less than his full battle regalia most places he went, if only because being prepared for a fight was often a necessity regardless of the reason for which he was traveling. Once his father passed, Alfonse's regular cape had (eventually) been permanently replaced by the fine fur cloak Gustav had always worn, something to always remind Alfonse of the expectations he needed to meet.
Alfonse's eyebrows raised at Shamir's greeting. He knew who she was, of course. He knew exactly how she felt about the beach as well, though he would prefer not to have to explain why he knew that. Really, bringing that up at all would just lead them down a conversational path that Alfonse did not particularly wish to tread. "Oh yes, I've seen you in a bikini many times before" was not a particularly good way to begin a conversation with someone who didn't know anything about you.
"Ah, I-- it's really not that bad," Alfonse sighed, fingers idly stroking the soft fur of the cloak, his bangle for the ball jingling softly with its turtle charm. "It's my father's, actually. I'll... spare you the details of what it means to me-- what he meant to me. That's really not a good first impression to make, is it? Suffice to say that it's rather important to me... but also that, er, this attire was not designed with the beach in mind. Formal parties, yes, but not for one so..."
Alfonse sighed, casting his gaze at the scenery around them. The salty sea air and ocean spray were likely going to be nothing but terrible for the fine fabrics his clothing was made of. The stiffness of his outfit certainly didn't suit a more laid-back setting like the beach, either. At least he wasn't going to be required to swim. He couldn't imagine that being anything but a miserable experience with the outfit he had on. Good thing nothing bad was going to happen that would force him to do that! Say, why did the clouds on the horizon look so foreboding?
"...Wet. I also wasn't aware I was going to have to wear this little charm, either. If I'd known, I'd probably have tried to coordinate colors with the charm and my outfit... but I suppose us not knowing about them was intentional, wasn't it? ...Sorry, I got a bit distracted there. Alfonse. Pr-- er, just Alfonse right now, I suppose. I am also a member of the Knights of Seiros, actually, though obviously we've not had the privilege of working together as of yet."
