Hey, she did it on purpose this time. [Video]

[remilia_scarlet]

[A petite woman with bat wings on her back is looking awfully annoyed. At least she isn't actually angry at anything this time.]

So, it seems it is that time of year again. The time of year where everyone dresses in outlandish outfits.

[And spirits do terrible things but she is either unaware of the problems some people are facing or just doesn't care. SHE isn't about to become a ghost, after all, she's already among the undead.]

I have never had the chance to ask this of so many people before, so I shall do so now. What purpose does this celebration serve? Why dress in odd outfits and demand confectionery treats from strangers? I understand the purpose of celebrations, of course, but this is just so impossible for me to understand. It seems to have no real connection with All Hallows Eve at all. But what really bothers me the most is why are the vampire costumes always so terrible? I do not believe I have even seen a single one that had wings. I understand wishing to look like a vampire, but without wings you merely look like a fraud.

[Clearly she doesn't know, or care, that her having wings actually makes HER the different one, not the other way around.]

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[sakuya_izayoi]

Despite the question not being directed at her, Sakuya answered.

"Speaking of. My Lady, do you wish to participate in the festivities? There are many costumes to choose from. I will gladly purchase or build one that suits you."

[remilia_scarlet]

[For all her complaints, it didn't seem like she was entirely resistant to the idea.]

Hmmm. I suppose it would be wrong to not indulge. I cannot imagine any sweets obtained to be on the level you could create, naturally, but I think that is hardly the point anyway. I, for the life of me, cannot imagine a good costume, however.

[No doubt Sakuya just wanted her to take part so she could play Remilia dress-up!]

[sakuya_izayoi]

"Well, even if you do not go out to obtain various sweets, it seems like the spirit of the holiday to wear a costume. Even if you already are a vampire."

Oh yes. Dress-up was Sakuya's favorite.

"A good costume though... I suppose that is the more difficult aspect. Would you prefer something cute? Something mysterious? Mayhaps something scary?"

[remilia_scarlet]

[The petite woman is silent for a few moments before responding.]

I believe the idea of a costume is to be something that you are not normally. To have a costume that others would find frightening would defeat the purpose, as my natural self is rather imposing.

[At least to some people. Others just see a tiny woman.]

However, if I were to go too cute, I feel it would be undignified.

[So, no dressing her up like a batkitten or something.]

[sakuya_izayoi]

Darn. A batkitten would have been perfect.

"True. Hm..." Sakuya tapped her chin thoughtfully, her eyes drifting around to various shops off camera.

"Oh! Heh, well... That is an idea..."

Instead of say it directly she turned the device to point at a display window. Inside was a rather gaudy angel costume.

"Obviously I would not purchase you this one. I will have to make it myself. Is this acceptable?"

[affection_for_research]

[Gansey focuses on the wings for a beat, then on the speaker. The detail is quickly filed away as something that he might ask about later, depending on her demeanor.]

I don't know why vampire costumes are terrible, except there seems to be a tendency for many people to make the supernatural grotesque or sexy. I have seen a few costumes with wings, but overall, in the cultures I've read about, vampires turned into winged creatures. They didn't have wings as part of their primary form.

The rest... It is derived, in some manner, from the old All Hallows Eve celebrations.

[He's giving her an opening. If she wishes, he'll go into the serious, scholarly explanations or he'll fall back on the lighter discussions that he uses when talking to his classmates.]

[remilia_scarlet]

[For what its worth, she at least looks interested. She may have been venting just a little bit, but you can't live centuries without knowing a thing or two about history. In some ways, she was part of it after all.]

So if I understand you correctly, you are saying that in some worlds vampires do NOT have wings at all? Curious. I have had them for as far back as my memory goes, and that is beyond the lifespan of any normal person.

[She doesn't sound like she's bragging, merely stating facts.]

The supernatural seems a great deal less mystical and erotic when you are part of it. I suppose I simply cannot understand the appeal, as for me, it is simply my everyday life. Its probably because of this that I cannot understand this celebration at all. From what I know of it, the actual celebration started many centuries before even I walked the Earth, but my knowledge is somewhat lacking. People did not tend to invite actual undead to their celebrations, after all.

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[fastestmanonearth]

[ Pietro has no business answering this question, but he's expressing his opinion anyway. ]

Why else would anyone put on a costume and make fools of themselves?

[ Okay, maybe "fool" is a strong word. He's never participated in this holiday himself, but it sounds like it could be entertaining. ]

For fun, of course. And candy.

[ What? He doesn't have a sweet tooth at all. ]

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[remilia_scarlet]

[Well, she DID ask literally anyone willing to answer!]

Fun, you say? I am uncertain I understand the appeal. You say that people dress in outlandish and impractical garments, wander the streets and entreat strangers for sweets entirely for fun? Perhaps this is a thing one must take part in to truly understand.

[A pause.]

And if you were to participate in this festivity, what outfit would you don?

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[fastestmanonearth]

Just between us, I don't know if I understand it either. But as you said, you get sweets out of it. Sounds like a good time to me.

[ He ponders that question for a moment or two. ]

I think I would like to be a knight. Or perhaps a prince. What about you?

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[remilia_scarlet]

[A little frown touches her face.]

As someone who has met actual knights, I can say that the real thing is rather underwhelming compared to the romantic notion the world tends to bring to mind. Of course the fact that many tried to harm me may sour my opinion a bit.

[Her frown quickly fades into a fanged smile.]

It just so happens I can give a definitive answer to that question. As we speak, my outfit is being prepared. As people see me as a devil, I shall be wearing the outfit of an angel.

[fastestmanonearth]

Oh, I see. Well, I have never been a knight, but if I did happen to be a knight, I promise not to hurt you.

[ He knows it's just words, and it doesn't mean a thing, so if that doesn't reassure her, he won't mind. But he does accompany those words with his most charming smile. ]

But an angel, that sounds like it could be something interesting. Although what's more interesting is why people would see you that way. You seem nice enough to me.

[ But again, he barely knows her, so it's probably too soon for him to have formed an opinion. ]

[despairing_hope]

Isn't it a tradition born out of children trying to get treats normally offered to the dead? Halloween always seemed a bit fun, but, my perspective is a bit outside it I think.

[remilia_scarlet]

Treats offered to the dead? If such a thing is real, I was unaware of it. No one ever offered ME any treats.

[She actually sounds mildly offended about that for some reason.]

But it does sound like a possibility.

[despairing_hope]

It's pretty common to leave out food for the dead, like visiting a relatives grave and leaving their favorite food. I think the west also has traditions like that for remembrance days.

But then, leaving food at shrines is also common.

[But now he had to wonder.]

I assume you are saying you are a vampire, but, I've never heard of vampires being honored or remembered.

[remilia_scarlet]

[If she was feeling petty, she could allow herself to be annoyed by the implication she might not be remembered, but thankfully she is in a decent enough mood.]

I suppose to be honored for being dead one would have to truly BE dead. Unless something unfortunate happens, that will never be the case for me. When thought of this way, it is less annoying to not be given tribute.

[A short pause.]

And yes, that is precisely what I am saying. I have noticed it does not concern people nearly here as it did back home.

[despairing_hope]

Well, to be honest, it sounds a bit fake. But, I suppose I should be a little more open minded considering the setting we're in.

Of course, I'm not all together convinced this is really happening, but that's alright. I can still enjoy it all.

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[heptagram]

What was called "guising" originated in Scotland, as far as most historians can tell, in the sixteenth century. However, it appears to have origins in the celebrations of Samhain in Ireland and also Scotland. It was believed that impersonating fae beings could protect one from them.

Trick-or-treating seems to have its origin in the Christian practice of "souling," when, around the first day of November, they would visit others houses and ask for a "soul cake," meant to commemorate the dead. The first known use of the phrase "trick or treat" was in a newspaper in Canada around 1927, but similar activities that were not specifically souling are referred to throughout the early twentieth century, especially in Canada.

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[remilia_scarlet]

...I must admit, this was a more thorough answer than I was expecting, Pache, but I am hardly surprised to discover it was information you possessed. Perhaps I should have just came directly to you to satisfy my curiosity. It is uncommon to get good information when addressing the general populace in this world, after all.

[Her face takes on a wide grin suddenly.]

But speaking of this world, surely someone will be throwing some manner of gala for this fool's celebration . We have not spent enough time together of late, if I can find one worthy of attending I insist you come with me. Perhaps I will finally teach you how to dance.

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[heptagram]

[If there's one thing she doesn't half-ass, it's being a huge nerd.]

Causing problems in that regard is the fact that even those who seem to be from Earth seem to be from an extremely different Earth than we are, or from a fair distance in the past.

If you wish. Do you suppose I should find some manner of costume as well?

[remilia_scarlet]

[A huge nerd, but a huge nerd that was Remilia's friend, so she was allowed to be as huge as nerdy as she wanted. It was the fervor with which Patchouli sought the knowledge that was her namesake that had originally impressed the vampire, she didn't think of it as a negative thing at all.]

Yes, I have noticed much the same thing. I even had someone tell me that where they are from, vampires do not even have wings. I know that some fiction was like that, but actual vampires lacking wings? Impossible.

Now, as for your costume...of course you will need one. It is part of the festivities! Sakuya has already begun working on one for me, she would not tolerate me wearing something crafted by an inferior seamstress. Apparently, she wishes to make of me an angel. The Scarlet Angel does not quite have the same ring to it, but I suppose part of a costume is being something you are normally not.

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[trivialization]

If people wanted real vampire costumes they'd just go throw together a flashy outfit at a thrift store. Most of them are decades behind the times.

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[remilia_scarlet]

I do not know that I would say I am 'behind the times'. Most of my clothing is custom made, and I do not much care for more 'modern' looks.

[She managed to not be TOO offended by what could have been considered a minor slight against her.]

[trivialization]

Well then. Why don't you back up and let me see?

[remilia_scarlet]

I see no reason why not.

[The petite vampire steps a little away from her device, to show off her outfit. No one would describe what she was wearing as 'modern'. She wore a long, rather conservative, dress, with a vibrant red ribbon decorating the front. The floppy bonnet on her head looks like the sort of thing that no one had worn for over a century. She has the appearance of some nobleman's daughter from medieval Europe, with only the wings she'd mentioned earlier proving that isn't really the case.]

As you can see, my outfit is just fine.

(OOC: https://imgur.com/UJ9tBEo in case you are entirely unfamiliar with her.)