[Open Mingle Log] A Fall Wedding To Warm The Days

[skyward_eyes]

Who: Everyone!
What: Open Log
When: October 20th
Where: The Hunter's Lodge
Warnings: N/A
Notes: This is a mingle log, so people are free to set up their own TLs under it and tag around.

Wherein Two Come Together As One

The invitations had gone out in early September, a gentle request penned by hand in one of two sets of handwriting on fine paper with leaves pressed right into it. Given how many had gone out, and all were copied by hand, it was no wonder that they were simple. A date, a time, a location, and a simple note to 'Join Mister Ignis Scientia and Mister Nida Nomura as they join together in marriage.'

Today was that day. In two different areas Ignis and Nida prepared themselves for their big day. Jitters came and went, and at last, at the appointed hour, guests among the guard, the hunters, and any of the non-natives who chose to attend would arrive. They would enter the cleared grove next to the hunter's lodge, where benches were arrayed and decorated with green and gold bows set with reddish-orange flowers. Before it all stood a simply risen wooden arch. Hung from any tree branch that would do were carefully lit lights and silvery stars, all the better to suit the fall night mood of the whole celebration.

Standing at the arch waiting once people had come in and settled stood Captain Khannar of the Guard, in full uniform, looking vaguely amused, clearly meant to officiate the event. Once things were truly ready some music played on a fiddle and a young man (Mono, to those who might know the boy) started down the aisle with a bucket. Every step he tossed a handful of fall leaves out along the path, until he at last reached the end and took a seat. Across from him sat another young man (Yuki, also a non-native), who looked anxious as he fiddled with a small box in his hands.

Then, of course, the music swelled and so entered Ignis and Nida, arm in arm. Sure, it wasn't fully traditional, but why should they ever be asked to come in alone? That wasn't what today was about. They entered together, finely dressed in black accented with their own faint hints of jade green and metal tones about their persons, until they stood before Captain Khannar.

Everything after that was just tradition. Words said, oaths exchanged, meaningful looks. Yuki nervously handing over the box and rings that had been worn even that morning being redonned but with greater meaning. If there were tears amid the crowd or the grooms, would anyone judge them as the grooms returned down the aisle and toward the lodge, calling out for others to join them for their reception. It was time to celebrate.

Welcome To The Reception

Upon entering the reception hall, Falling leaves Wedding/Reception invitations were seen on a table with a tree on it for guests to 'sign' a leaf or write a note and hang up. There were also thank you notes on little gold lanterns with Hunter green tealight inside. And little star cards were attached with the names of the grooms and the date.

There wasn't a single person among the newcomers of Aterat (along with hunters and guardsman) that weren't invited to the wedding and reception.

The lights, wedding theme colours and flowers that had prevailed outside were inside as well. So at the reception held inside of the Lodge, the place had been thoroughly cleaned up and cleared out. Tables were set up with cloths of the hunter green colour. And on each table was a gold candle in a holder. A few other decorations sat on the table such as mini pumpkins and over each was a dangling set of lights in an autumn theme.

While guests mingled, formal photographs were taken of the newlyweds along with their helpers Mono and Yuki. And more photos would be taken during the first dance, and once the reception was in full swing of course.

Finest Dining For All

Ignis has done the cooking with the help of his crew with fall themed food. There would be no alcohol served and no strawberries would be present. But other than that, for starters there was Sweet potato soup, and apple cider marinated beef skewers. Skewers were Ignis' way of including the King's shield Gladio who loved meat skewers of all kinds back home.

Between that and the main courses were several big wooden Autumn themed charcuterie boards filled to the brim, which also featured Cheddar & Chive Pumpkin Cheese Balls. The main foods laid out were a Maple glazed roasted pork loin, pumpkin ravioli with a brown butter sauce for those that might not eat meat, and a favourite peppery chicken and rice dish was made in honour of an absent Prompto.

Side dishes were garlic mashed potatoes, and roasted fall vegetables which made Ignis smile because the King of Lucis himself was not a fan of vegetables. Dessert featured the autumn chocolate wedding cake, star shaped sugar cookies, and Memory Lane pastries made in honour of an absent King. Of course was a long history of these little treats being made between the king and his advisor so they were present when the king wasn't. Drinks available were apple cider with Nida in mind specifically, along with tea. There was also coffee, water, hot cider, and hot chocolate available as well.

Stories Are Our Lives

It was part way into the food service when Nida stood from the head table, lifting a wine glass of spiced apple cider. Slowly silence spread as he cleared his throat and looked out over the assembled.

"If we're being honest, planning all of this has been quite an experience for Ignis and myself. I don't think either of us really expected to reach this moment in our lives. Nor have we attended a lot of gatherings like this in our time. There's a good chance that we'll spend nights retelling the story of this night to each other, because what it comes down to is that telling our stories to each other have been a very important part of who we are as a couple. In fact, the first night we decided to set about this wonder known as romance started with me trying to explain why I was up a tree."

Nida held for some laughter from members of the guard in particular, his fellows that could be spared from duty knowing well about his climbing behavior. It was well told among many circles.

"Where I'm from, stories are a precious thing. They can be the way that our memories themselves survive, long after they have been lost." His gaze moved briefly to a charm bracelet he wore, hung with a few small pieces that no doubt carried meaning. "Memory and stories of the people we care for, the people we love and stand beside very literally saved my world. So this is my request for you tonight. No speeches, no party games, but stories tonight. Share your stories with us, with each other, with strangers and familiar faces. If you are up to it tonight, share a story with someone who will listen. True or not, memory or not, happy or not, offer out a story, and together we can be stronger for it."

Then he smiled, shaking his head a little bit, perhaps nervous to have so many eyes on him. He lifted his glass again.

"To stories, new and old, and shared among friends. I'll happily go first."

Who Wants A Little Dancing?

There was never a real end to the food and drink and story part of the night. Those were not things that would be so easily taken away until far later, perhaps when the grooms decided to move on to their cake later in the evening. But there was definitely a clear mark when a new means of celebration began. With a gesture from the head table, some of the larger hunters and guards rose to head for the doors of the lodge. Soon they were outside, moving benches from the ceremony itself to make sure there was a nice open space. Soon music was pouring in from outside as musicians set up where the men had so recently exchanged vows. There were fiddles and drums and of course a few flutes.

Sat in their chairs the musicians began to play, the sounds pouring cheerfully out through the clearing and into the Lodge itself to lure people back outside. The first song was of course slow, and enjoyed by the grooms alone. But soon the musicians were adding an extra layer to the whole affair, playing either alone, in groups, or as a whole collection of players. Quick jigs and upbeat festive music known well to the locals mixed easily with slower pieces, and all were meant to bring bring to their feet to join in the dancing.

Probably helped that the locals clearly loved to dance and would be happy to pull even the most dedicated wallflowers to their feet and outside for a spin or two. What was a wedding without dancing in joy for the union that had taken place? It would bring luck, it was said. Happiness and joy and dancing to bring all that to the couple as well. So really, not joining would be rude.

photo inspiration

Comments

Ignis (Groom) OTA

[faithfulsupport]

Dancing - Here Ignis was in his element. Having taught dancing to a sullen dark headed then Prince of Lucis back home, he found that he could work with anyone. It's not like him to offer to dance with anyone, though there had been a little girl who he didn't immediately recognize, but he danced with her anyway. It turned out later that she was one of the hunter's children who'd he'd borrowed the gold cufflinks from. But he nearly bumped into someone that seemed pretty close range and tilted his head to the side. "Would you care for a dance?"


Food: Ignis had made plans for so much more food but wasn't sure it would all be eaten. When he started cooking, he just kept going. There had been so many recipeh books out, notebooks, pens and he ran with it, wanting to ensure the food didn't run out. So even though he was one of the stars of the day, he couldn't fully put the head chef away and kept an eye on making sure that the food kept coming. But he took a bite of one of the pumpkin cheese balls and closed his eyes in delight. "That came out rather well if I do say so myself." After opening them back up he realized he had company. "And which is your favourite so far?"


Reception end- Closed to Nida: The reception had been wonderful. Ignis had never felt so proud since he'd been here or so happy. But he was now a married man and had another surprise or two up his sleeve for his husband. So once the reception was winding down, he offered his husband his hand. "Are you ready to go darling?"


Wildcard: [I'm open to whatever you want to play out!]

The End Is Also The Beginning

[skyward_eyes]

Ready to go? Nida smiled. It was a long way back, he didn't know they were ready to head out just yet. But...

"Well, do you mind if I fetch the pets? I put Julia back in her little hiding bag earlier. And Hibiscus is still tied to the table."

The two had not been very trustworthy with not wandering off into the wild, or getting under people's feet. Hibiscus was a particularly bad one for that, given the way she was happy to dart under people's feet and was getting big enough to knock some smaller kids over. Though from a brief glimpse toward the table in question, he could see that Hibiscus had some children paying her attention.

[faithfulsupport]

"Of course I wouldn't. I still have need to fetch Ebony before we go. But if you'd like you can get your pets and I will pack up Ebony in the meantime."

His green eyes looked over to where Hibiscus was tied but seemingly happy at all of the attention she was getting. Well he figured she'd better get it now because her Dad was going to be be busy this evening because Ignis was going to keep him that way with the surprises he had in store.

"Shall we reconvene in about ten minutes then darling? Or is that not enough time?"

[skyward_eyes]

"Our pets," Nida corrected. The two belonged to them now, even if Hibiscus was meant as his partner.

But he thought about it. Julia was in a back room where she could have some quiet, that would be easier. Trying to free his bird from the children would take longer.

"That should work for me. I'll ask a guard friend to gather up anything else he sees of mine and I'll pick it up next shift."

[faithfulsupport]

"Of course." Ignis smiled in regards to the pet comment. It would be a little tough to see Julia as a collective 'theirs' but the other two would be easier.

He turned and some people had left already and others were still having a good time. Obviously they could continue to party as long as they liked and Ignis was fine with it. There was really no time limit on it so he was okay with others continuing to enjoy themselves after they left.

However, they should say goodbye to a few people before departing, but pets took priority at the moment so it was fine. "Alright, I will go collect Ebony and I shall meet you back here." And with a brief kiss to his husband, Ignis turned to go.

[skyward_eyes]

"Of course," Nida agreed with a smile, pulling free of his lover. He'd be there soon.

And with a passing kiss on the other's cheek he slipped away to gather their pets. Nida returned shortly with a bag over his shoulder with the sleeping Julia, and Hibiscus tucked under an arm.

[faithfulsupport]

Ebony wasn't hard to gather, but it seemed the black cat wasn't so inclined to get up without being prodded from the nice place she'd found to curl up and go to sleep on. Ignis moved her gingerly and carefully though so there really wasn't a problem.

It took him only a moment or two longer and soon he was reunited with his husband. He really couldn't wait for the other to see the other surprises he had in store but they'd have to wait a bit longer.

"Is everything in order?" he asked after seeing Nida seemingly all packed up.

Dancing

[kree_soldieress]

They had only ever met briefly before, at the flower festival. Ignis had seen her then, and offered much the same thing to Lauri-Ell that day. To dance. While in some way she had expected to see this man here, knowing it was his wedding, she hadn't expected those words echoed again.

"I am still uncertain as to how to dance," she warned the groom. "I would not wish to step on your feet and hurt you."

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis had to laugh lightly. "It would be my honour to reteach you if needed Lauri-Ell." And really he didn't mind. And it was his wedding day so it was expected of him to dance with the different people here so of course he would follow along with the expected traditional custom.

[kree_soldieress]

"I think it would be needed," she answered. If he was willing to do it. She still looked nervous. And really out of place, given she had arrived in full armor. She didn't know what else suited a formal gathering.

[faithfulsupport]

The full armor was a bit much, but Ignis wasn't one to ridicule or instruct. It was wonderful enough that Lauri-Ell showed up even if she was completely overdressed. Still, it showed she'd put some thought into it regardless.

So he smiled and bowed for a moment before standing upright again. "If you are ready, I am willing to teach you."

Just as he had before.

[kree_soldieress]

Well she didn't know what else to do. And this, she knew, was acceptable because it was formal dress. Or it was in her culture. Though it did not suit the shades of green chosen here.

"I am ready. I already know you are quick on your feet. That should help."

[faithfulsupport]

"Then let us begin." Ignis replied moving to stand in front of her. He wasn't going to just touch her and if she recalled from their last dance, he'd taught here where and how to place her hands. He simply stood now with his hands held out in offering. But the next move was all hers.

Food - This little gremlin has had so many sugar cookies

[monochromatically]

Mono was, of course, collecting quite a selection of cheese, crackers and fruits in a large handkerchief he’d found earlier in the evening. He was being very careful with the fancy clothes that Ignis had gotten for him to wear that Rhy had made; they were way too nice to spill things on! “Um… I liked the star cookies? They were pretty, and they tasted really good!”

And… he’d eaten enough of them that he’d been pretty hyper for much of the evening after the ceremony. It had helped for a while, he’d done pretty good with the whole socializing thing! Even going so far as to talk to some of the younger at the event in an attempt to make friends… but the kid was starting to wear down. The sugar crash was probably incoming, but he was refuelling with the collection of food he was putting together.

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis had to turn and smile at Mono. The boy was so sharply dressed and Rhy had did quite the wonderful job. But hearing the sugar cookies be the best had the newlywed man almost let out a laugh. So he crouched down and looked the boy in the eyes. "I will have you know that Mister Nida is the inspiration behind those. One of the first nights he came to my apartment, we made sugar cookies together."

And of course more to it than that had happened, but still, the sugar cookies were one of his favourite memories. The night had simply been one of wondering why Nida was high up in a tree with a lantern (hence the lantern favours and tree themes) and sugar cookies had been mentioned which turned into star shaped cookies that fateful night.

"And there are plenty more cookies in the back so that you can take those and plenty of food home with you this evening." He wasn't sure how long all of it would last, but Ignis had cooked up a storm and some of the foods hadn't even made it out to the tables because they were already so very full already.

[monochromatically]

Mono listened with interest to the story about the cookies. He certainly hadn’t really known that but… “Wow, so that makes them really special, huh?” Special and tasty! He responded thoughtfully, tucking a few more crackers into his little napkin. “Did you teach him how or did you both know how to make them?” He asked, a little more curious about it.

Taking food back to the grey building sounded really great, honestly… He would definitely take the man up on it, even if he couldn’t finish it all himself… He could share it with the other people there! He knew there were at least a few people, which was a change from the days when the building was empty. Plus… He definitely would enjoy more cookies. A little monster may have been created there, Ignis. “Thanks. I’d like that a lot if no one else needs it. Is it okay if I share it with people? I think people’d like your cooking. It’s so fancy and tasty.”

[faithfulsupport]

"Indeed." Ignis smiled. It really was one of his treasured memories of Nida. He could only smile as Mono tucked away crackers but it was just one of his adorable little habits. But he paused at the question. "We both knew how to make them. He just didn't believe that I would have star shapes at the apartment." Which of course was true.

Mono monsters were welcome anytime if Ignis was asked. Feeding people was certainly something he knew how to do well with plenty of experience both back home and now here as the head chef. He even cooked for his crew if they were asked regarding it. The advisor's head tilted as he considered Mono's question and after a moment he nodded. "I have plenty in the back as well. How many are you feeding do you think?"

[monochromatically]

Stockpiling food was a necessary habit, or it was, and it was certainly hard to break… But at least it was a cute habit now, more than a necessary one.Mono was definitely interested to learn this, to hear more about both Ignis and Nida… It was still odd to him as he tried to picture it, but it was a nice mental image, nonetheless. Making cookies seemed like a fun time, especially if you got to eat them afterward.

“Um…” He fussed with his little suit jacket thoughtfully, “Not a lot, just a few people.” One less than hoped. Unfortunately, he already missed having another kid around the gray building now that Tommy’s brother had gone home. “I just like to share if I can, especially so stuff doesn’t go to waste. Foods too important to let it go bad.”

[faithfulsupport]

The advisor nodded. "Quite right. Food isn't a good thing to let go to waste, especially if others are in need of it." Which was why he wouldn't turn away anyone who came to the wedding or reception who originally hadn't been invited. There was more than plenty of food here and in the back still, sitting in the refrigerators.

If it didn't get eaten here or people didn't take it home, he planned to come back in a day or two and get the hunters to bring it to people who might be in need of it.

Food of course

[gadaboutdetective]

Llewellyn was actually very fond of fall foods, not that there were many kinds of foods he disliked… Actually there might not have been any foods he didn’t like. The point was, he was fond of fall flavours. He definitely adored the pumpkin cheese balls, “Mm… If I had to pick a favourite, I believe these would probably be quite near the top of the list? Never had one before.” He responded to the groom and friend, “My compliments on the choices, it’s quite an impressive collection.”

It was very different from the foods they’d chosen at his and Rhy’s wedding. But that was, in his opinion, the interesting thing about menus at these sorts of events. They reflected the people who were at the head of it, their tastes shared with friends in celebration of the union. Food was, in his opinion, a social language. Symbolic rather than verbal. “I uh- hope you don’t mind if I interrupt, though?”

[faithfulsupport]

"Why thank you kindly." Ignis replied. He had worked hard and kept his crew pretty busy. But he had one goal in mind during all of this and that was to make sure that no one left hungry and once he got going, more ideas popped up in his head and it just sort of snowballed from there.

Away from Nida but of course thinking about him drove Ignis to work and keep working. He wanted to make sure the day was absolutely perfect down to every last detail.

"It was a recipe I came across rather late in the game, but I'm rather pleased that they turned out so well." And then of course he shook his head at Llewellyn's question. "Not at all."

[gadaboutdetective]

“Can’t go wrong with pumpkin recipes in the fall, at least I’ve always thought so.” He smiled a little, “And it ties in so well with everything, the decor and the over-all theme.” He gestured animatedly, before snagging another of the treats with a hum. “These can be… a lot to plan,” Understatement, certainly. “You’ve both thrown such a lovely reception.”

At the response to his question, Llewellyn smiled gratefully. “Excellent! I wanted to congratulate you properly, my friend. It’s a rare and special thing to find your other half and to forge such a connection. Thank you for inviting me and my husband. We were glad to be here for it.” The ceremony had been lovely, and it was nice to be able to be there to see their new friends tie the knot. And… Well, the reception was definitely a lively, and fun celebration of that. He glanced at the dance floor for a moment, picking out Rhy, who’d found another person to dance with… It brought a little grin to his face before he returned his attention to his friend.

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis smiled as Llewellyn went on about pumpkin recipes. He really loved working with pumpkin and was absolutely delighted with it. There had been so many more things that he wanted to try and some of them were even stashed away in the back. "The overall theme was Nida's idea. He had decided for us to marry in the autumn." The trees of course were a thing since Ignis had found Nida high up in one, one evening. "I thank you kindly." he replied to the compliment on the reception.

His face turned slightly red as the detective went on about forging a connection. "Thank you, I'm so very glad you both could come and join us. And your husband does indeed do wonderful work as you've told me. So once you did, I went to him straight away to see what his brilliant mind could come up with so that he could fashion it by hand." And he was so very touched that Llewellyn called him 'friend'.

But his green eyes looked to the dance floor as well and saw Rhy out there. "I take it you've had a chance to be out there yourself this evening?"

[gadaboutdetective]

Llewellyn positively beamed at the compliment on Rhy’s work, smile turning a bit bashful as he thought back on his husband telling him about the project he’d been tasked with. “I’m very glad you did. He was thrilled to be able to work on the pieces you requested.” And Llewellyn was obviously thrilled in turn that Rhy had gotten the opportunity, and to see how happy it had made the man. They were living a very new and different life here, and to see Rhy succeed at something he wanted for himself without his past being involved… It was wonderful. “And everything really did turn out well. You all looked lovely for the ceremony.” Yes, he was very proud of Rhy’ work.

The question of dancing gets a quick nod. “A little… Once or twice tonight? I’m… not as coordinated or experienced as my husband is. Wasn’t really raised to know these things, and uh- I never had an occasion to learn before our own wedding.” He had little interest in learning to dance in a world where he couldn’t dance with those he wanted to dance with or in spaces where he didn’t feel like he fit in. “But I’ve since learned the appeal thanks to him, and… He makes me feel like I belong out there.” He smiled lightly, shifting his attention back to Ignis. “You and your husband certainly know what you’re doing, from what I saw.” he added, ever observant and happy enough to watch other people dance when he wasn’t dancing with Rhy.

The detective finally turned his attention to his suit jacket pockets, an after thought coming to him. Almost as though his mind had jumped back to the subject of Ignis’ cooking choices and the subject of food, he remembered something he’d meant to lead with before getting distracted. A flock of starlings, as he always said, was close to how his thoughts traveled. He had something for his friend, but… Well, Llewellyn needed to remember which pocket he put it in.

[faithfulsupport]

"That is all thanks to your husband." Ignis smiled. He didn't touch on Nida's changed outfit and of course he had to plan to get his Glaive uniform. He might see if he could get some potions too since he hadn't had an update from Harry on that point as of yet.

He had to laugh a little shyly about Nida and himself as far as dancing though and his head went down a bit. "That was something he was so eager to show me one night." Of course he didn't get into what night, but it was all part of their story. "But I do believe he is a far better dancer than I am. I know certain dances, but he seems to have the hang of quite a bit more." Of course he could freely admit this to Llewellyn but he wouldn't admit a damn thing of it if the lads from back home were here. If they ever arrived.

He then turned and saw the man fishing about in his pockets for something, but Ignis wasn't going to pry. However.

"You did mention rather liking pumpkin didn't you?"