Chapter 2-5: Applepoms
Soon enough, India comes out wearing his Harveston outfit, which is a more bluish color than Jade's.
"Idia equips Harveston Outfit! Do-do-do-dooo! 60% cold resist, baby!" Idia says, "Dyeh heh heh... I can't believe I get to wear the traditional threads. Epel, you are a LEGEND."
"He's positively giddy. This is a far cry from his usual demeanor," Sebek says.
"It certainly is. I was positive he'd have no interest in traditional garments," Jade says.
Idia snickers, "Whee hee... Yeah, well, the main characters in Sled Over Heels dressed like this too!"
"I suspected as much," Sebek replies.
And Idia says, looking at his clothes, "And check out the color! Ai wears the exact same blur and she's CLEARLY best girl IMO."
"I already know more about this cartoon than I ever wanted to," Sebek says.
Soon, Epel walks over, "Hey guys, I'm back!"
The group looks to see his outfit is a light purple color, and his hat looks more like a cap.
Ah, you're all changed. Your attire is somewhat different from ours, I note. It's very soft and fluffy... You look almost like a snow fairy," Jade comments.
Epel smiles, "Oh, thanks. Shucks, it's embarrassing gettin' compliments like that…" And says, "My grandma knitted this outfit. Yours are handmade too, by other villagers."
"Is that right?" Jade replies, "They're remarkably well-made."
Not to mention warm and practical," Sebek says.
And Epel says, "They're part of a custom we have. When it's too snowy to harvest anything, we spend the day knitting winter clothes. Each person has their own style and designs. We even hold these big unveilings where people can showcase their best knits."
"So you find ways to be productive when you can't do your usual work," Jade says.
Soon, Briar's voice calls out, "Hi everyone, we're ready."
"Sorry for the wait," Sereia says.
Jade smiles, "Wonderful. By all means, join us."
"Don't be. I just finished changing myself," Sebek says.
The group looks to see Briar and Sereia walking over. Both girls are wearing similar outfits, only it's also more feminine. Briar is wearing an emerald green outfit, while Sereia is wearing an ocean green one. Trinket is sitting on Briar's shoulder and is wearing a small outfit similar to the girls, only her is a forest green with white.
They also see Tanzanite and Jasper wearing similar clothes as well. Tanzanite is wearing a sapphire blue color outfit, and Jasper's outfit is orange.
Sebek says, "I must say, that looks perfect on you, Briar."
"Yes, the adorable apple and floral pattern suits you," Jade says.
Briar blushes with a smile, "Thank you."
"Thank you," Sereia replies.
"I have to say, you all look good in your new outfits," Sebek says.
"I agree. Even the twins look good with the apple and floral pattern," Jade says.
"Thanks," Jasper and Tanzanite reply.
Sebek also says, "I didn't see any villagers dressed like this when we were walking here."
"Yeah, you generally won't. These outfits aren't easy to make or care for. It's mostly just sledathonners who wear 'em now," Epel says, "I mean, nowadays you can just buy clothes that are easy to maintain. But the villagers still have a soft spot for these. By the way, the outfits are called 'applepoms.' That word used to only refer to the knit apple pom-pom on top of the hat. But from what I've been told, as time went on, people just started using it for the whole outfit. See how my hat doesn't have a knit apple? It's just got an apple pattern, but it's still an applepom."
"I see. It's quite cute," Jade says.
"That sounds adorable," Briar says.
Cute?! Adorable?!" Epel replies, surprised.
Then says, "I mean, that's not the WORST way to describe it, but seriously? What about cool and historic? Doesn't it get you all fired up for the sledathon?"
"I agree it's cool and historic, and it makes me pleasantly excited for the sledathon," Jade says.
Then Epel says, "You could stand to be more enthusiastic…"
Jade chuckles, "Heh heh heh. The pom-poms on our hats are cute as well, of course. I rather like them."
"I used to play with the pom-pom on my hat when I was a kid, and this one time I accidentally tore it off. And boy, Meemaw-ah, Grandma wasn't very happy with me," Epel says.
"I can see why you'd want to. They're exceedingly fun to touch," Jade says.
Then Sebek says, "Such decorations only hinder a person when they have to make swift, sharp movements. I'd be just fine without mine."
"I hear they were originally going to protect your head, actually," Epel says.
"Really...? Now that's fascinating," Sebek says, taking an interest, "Perhaps I should add pom-poms to my armor."
"My, that would be QUITE the fashion statement," Jade comments, "I must say, what impresses me more than the insulation is the embroidery. All of these little designs with apples and snowflakes truly give it a Harveston flair. These brooches are also stunning."
"I agree. These brooches have apples on them," Sereia says.
Then Epel says, "Harveston's known for apples and snow, so that's why we put 'em on the brooches."
Then Sebek notices, "Say, I just realized Grim's not here. Where'd he run off to?"
"I imagine he's still inside, though I have no clue what he's doing," Jade says.
Epel giggles, "Ahaha, probably cryin' tears of joy."
"Why would that be?" Sebek asks.
Soon, Grim appears, "The main event has arrived!"
And everyone looks to see Grim has a new purple ribbon with snowflakes and apples on it.
"Check out my shiny new ribbon!" Grim says.
Everyone reacts, "Oooh!"
"Pretty sweet, huh? Do I look cool or what?" Grim says.
"You look great!" Epel says.
"I'm generally opposed to dressing up pets, but yeah, that ribbon looks snazzy," Idia says.
Grim gets offended, "Did you just call me a PET?"
"I think you look quite handsome, Grim," Briar says.
"The ribbon is so cute," Sereia says.
"Well I can understand the ribbon, but. Wahahaha! You bet I am!" Grim says with confidence.
Then Epel says, "One of our elders made that ribbon just for you, Grim! It's got an apple and snowflake pattern just like ours."
"I'm LIVIN' for this!" Grim says.
Everyone giggles with smiles.