Istredd probably wouldn't have left the castle this soon for anything other than Hayle. He has been fascinated with the idea of going there for a long time, and his excitement at seeing the libraries and university was probably both extremely nerdy and amusing to behold. If there was a way to attend one regularly he would have already done it, but it's too far removed from everyone else.

He rarely goes shopping. Books are the only thing he's bought for a long time. He does have the stipend they gave him. Istredd tends to save it when they give him money, but at the moment he's wavering. He is lost in his thoughts and jumps when Anakin speaks. It's not his fault, he probably could have telegraphed his entrance very well, and Istredd still would be staring off into space.

"Hello Anakin." He would agree that the experience in the pit has made him more connected to many people, and he feels a bond with them. Surviving something terrible has a way of doing that. Anakin is no exception. "Sorry, I was focused." He looks back at the shop. "I was advised to buy formal wear this once and keep it for all future events. Natasha offered to help, but it ... feels bizarre."

He has attended all other of these events in tunics with a little more color. Never anything truly fancy.