Amukelo, Bral, and Idin walked down the cobblestone streets until they reached a quaint clothing shop nestled between a bakery and a blacksmith. The sign above the door, carved in elegant script, read "Garrett's Fine Attire." They stepped inside, greeted by the warm glow of oil lamps and the scent of fresh fabric and leather.
The shop was lined with racks of garments ranging from simple tunics and trousers to more sophisticated outfits suitable for various occasions. The decor was a tasteful mix of old and new, with wooden beams supporting the ceiling and velvet drapes framing the small but well-organized space.
An elderly man with a tape measure draped around his neck looked up from his worktable, where he was pinning fabric. His eyes twinkled behind small, round spectacles as he greeted them warmly. "Welcome, how can we help you?" he inquired, his voice as soft as the silk scarves hanging nearby.
Bral stepped forward, gesturing to Amukelo. "We're looking for something elegant for him, but not too serious. He's going on his first date," he explained with a friendly chuckle.
"Congratulations!" the old man exclaimed, his smile widening. "For that reason, we'll give you a discount." His assistant, a young boy with eager eyes, nodded enthusiastically.
Amukelo, slightly overwhelmed by the attention, thanked the man and gave a slight bow, which the old man mirrored with a nod of his own head.
"I'll find some suitable clothes for you; please wait for a moment," the shopkeeper said, disappearing into the back of the shop. Amukelo, Bral, and Idin took a seat on a small bench adorned with a plush cushion, observing the shop's intricate details: the way the lamp light played on the brass fittings, the neatly arranged displays of belts and shoes, and the soft music that seemed to drift from somewhere within the walls.
Soon, the shopkeeper returned, arms laden with a collection of clothing. "You can try these out, and whatever you like, I will tailor it to fit you perfectly," he said, setting the clothes on a nearby counter.
Amukelo picked up the pile and retreated to the changing room, a small curtained area at the back of the shop. He emerged several times, each time in a different outfit, seeking the approval of his friends.
The first few attempts were unsuccessful. The green jacket and brown pants made him look more like a forest ranger than a suitor. The red ensemble was too bold, drawing a grimace from Idin. With each change, Bral and Idin shook their heads, their expressions ranging from amused to concerned, as none of the colors seemed to work with Amukelo's unique features.
Finally, after several tries and many shakes of the head, Amukelo stepped out in a dark blue jacket adorned with subtle golden accents, a sleek black shirt, and black pants highlighted with faint silver threads. The outfit complemented his stature and the serious yet hopeful expression on his face.
Bral and Idin paused, their previous jests fading into a respectful silence as they took in the sight. The outfit not only suited Amukelo's physical appearance but also seemed to elevate his presence, giving him an air of quiet confidence.
The shopkeeper, watching from a distance, nodded approvingly, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he observed the young man's transformation. The assistant peeked around the corner, his eyes wide with admiration for the choice that finally won the approval of Amukelo's friends.
After some time of silence, Amukelo began to feel uncomfortable under their scrutiny and asked, "So, what do you think?" Bral responded with a wide smile, "You look like some kind of noble in it." Idin added, nodding in agreement, "It might not meet our simplicity criteria, but you look great in it." Bral nodded decisively and affirmed, "That's the one."
The shopkeeper, having observed the exchange, nodded approvingly and said, "Good choice. And it fits you quite well. I won't have much work with cutting it. It shouldn't take longer than an hour." Satisfied, Amukelo then changed back into his normal clothes and handed over the elegant outfit to the shopkeeper for the final adjustments.
The moment Amukelo reappeared in his normal clothes and handed the selected outfit to the shopkeeper, the room filled with gentle anticipation. The old man carefully took the clothes, his experienced eyes scanning the fit one last time before nodding in approval. "Indeed, a fine choice, young man," he commented again as he spread the outfit on his worktable to make the final adjustments.
As the shopkeeper took out his measuring tape, he instructed Amukelo to stand straight. With quick, practiced movements, he measured Amukelo's shoulders, chest, waist, and legs, occasionally muttering to himself as he jotted down numbers on a small notepad. "You're in luck, not much alteration needed. I'll have this done in no time," he assured, his hands deftly marking the fabric with tailor's chalk.
"Return in about an hour and a half, just to be sure," the shopkeeper advised as he escorted them to the door. "This way, you won't have to wait around."
Outside, the fresh air felt invigorating after the stuffiness of the shop. Bral clapped Amukelo on the back, his face splitting into a broad grin. "Now, all we have to do is wait. Let's go grab a bath to freshen up before your big moment," he suggested, handing Amukelo a small leather pouch heavy with coins.
Amukelo weighed the pouch in his hand, feeling the metal coins shift with a soft clink. "Thank you," he said sincerely, looking between Bral and Idin. "Why do you help me so much?"
The question seemed to amuse them; they shared a knowing look before Idin answered, "Because you're our brother now." Bral nodded in agreement, then added, "And, to be honest, it's the first time we've seen Pao truly interested in someone. Bao might appear more detached, but she's just not ready to settle down. Pao, though, she's different with you."
Idin chuckled, a mischievous sparkle in his eye. "But the most important part is that it's quite amusing to see how all this turns out," he confessed, causing both Bral and himself to burst into laughter.
Amukelo couldn't help but smile, the warmth of camaraderie flooding through him. He realized that beyond their teasing and laughter, his friends genuinely cared about his well-being and were as invested in his personal growth as they were in his skills as a warrior.
They strolled through the streets, making their way to the local bathhouse, the atmosphere light and filled with their continued banter and laughter. It was moments like these that Amukelo cherished the most—the simple, unguarded camaraderie that had woven itself deeply into the fabric of his new life among friends who had become his family.