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

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

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.

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He's taking a brief moment to catch his breath between dances when he caught the voice. Not wanting to give away that he had seen the boy there, he made a show of just sitting down, and catching his breath.

"I've been dancing since I was about your age. And a jig is also a tool."

It was rather nice of Nida to let the kid think he hadn’t been seen, boosting the kid’s confidence in his ability to go unseen and also because it had given him a chance to work up to talking in the first place.

“Really? Did someone teach you or did ya just kinda learn yourself?” Mono asked, leaning out from under the table to glance up at him. This had at least re-directed his attention from asking about jigs, which he still found a bit confusing, since he hadn’t known it was a tool, either. He’d just heard it used in a phrase on old TV shows once or twice. It was much more interesting to hear about Nida and try to picture the guy being his age… Imagining adults as children was kind of a strange thing. Hard to do…

When the child leaned out Nida winked at him before nodding to a chair, a quiet suggestion tht maybe he will sit with Nida.

"I took lessons. Part of what I was growing up to be included making sure people liked me. Dancing was part of that. And I loved it. I love it even now, as you could tell from how much I've been dancing."

He looked at the chair Nida had nodded to, contemplating it for a moment. He liked his little hiding spot, but he supposed it would be easier to hear Nida if he was going to tell him more… And he was sure at some point Nida would want to return to the dance floor, and then he could go back to hiding. So he folded up the napkin he had his snacks in and transferred it to the table before pulling himself up to sit on the chair.

“And knowing how to dance made people like you?” Yeah, that was definitely a point Mono was bound to latch onto. A telling reaction, perhaps. But he kicked his legs a little as he looked back at the dance floor thoughtfully. “Yeah, I could tell. You’ve been dancing a lot and you look really happy when you do. A lot of people look really happy, actually. Even the people who look like they’re kinda bad at it.”

Very good. A chair. Nida turned his attention fully to the youth and nodded his approval.

"It is a bit more complicated than that. Dancing made it easier for me to hide at places like this. My climbing and my hiding? I used it to learn things for other people. But it was also something I could have for myself, and truly enjoy without being told it's wasting my time. It's nice, to have things you like and can have. As for people liking dancing, even those who don't dance seem to like watching it. It's... I don't know. It seems to just be something about humans."

“So dancing was a way to hide… But in sight of everyone.” That definitely sounded a little more complicated, but he kind of understood it… At least in a way. “Because sometimes the best way to not be noticed is to do what everyone’s doing, right?” Mono wasn’t nearly as good at that one. He’d only really managed something like that once, and it had been pretty risky.

But he did nod a little, “Yeah… It’s nice to be able to have or do things you like and it be okay to.” Running and hiding were more about survival for the kid, though he guessed it turned a little into a game here with people like Nida… And in the past it was his hat collection, and it still was, but now there definitely were other things too…

The comment about people liking to dance or watch gets a little hum, “Yeah… I guess it’s fun to watch because the way people look happy makes you kinda happy too. At least, I like seeing people happy here, it’s nice.” And some dances are really pretty to watch, too.

"It was," Nida answered, smiling at the dancers. "And I love doing it. I feel quick and worth looking at when I'm dancing. I was a trained spy, which meant that normally I didn't want eyes on me. It was a way that I could just, you know, be me."

He had a lot of fondness for dancing when it came righ down to it.

"I should let you know you were a great help today. Ignis and I are both very grateful."

Mono was going to ask if he didn’t feel worth looking at when he wasn’t dancing, because it was clear other people thought otherwise from his observations in the last few months… But then Nida offered him a compliment on his part in the wedding and he got a little distracted, “Did I? I was kinda nervous, I didn’t wanna ruin it or anything. It was really pretty and all.” He was not used to being in the middle of everything, at least not without it being an accident.

“I really wanted to help and do good though, since you guys have been really nice.” He offered one of his attempts at a smile, pleased with having actually pulled it off and done well for them.

Oh Nida's opinions of himself were definitely complicated and no doubt very dark and unsuitable. So it was better that he'd accidentally distracted the other with that question.

"Yes, you did, and we're thankful. In fact, we have a gift for you. We both do actually. Would you like yours from me now? I left it up by the main table."

“You’re welcome. I was really glad I could help.” He responded with a serious nod. It had been important to help… And he liked to see the other two happy. Though the kid actually looked a little confused when he realized Nida had mentioned gifts. “A gift? I thought the clothes were a gift, because I couldn’t pay for them for this and all.”

Mono glanced in the direction of the main table. He supposed he could take a little walk… He doubted his little table haven was going anywhere, and now he was somewhat curious about the idea.

"Oh no, the clothes so you would join us. But you do get to keep them. It's normal for grooms to give their flower boy or girl clothes. ANd that's what it's called because normally they throw flowers. But come on."

Nida stands and winks at Mono.

"See how feel people can notice you getting there. Consider it a training challenge."

“Oh… I really don’t know a lot about this stuff.” He responded with a confused expression. He’d take good care of the clothes though… They were really nice, after all, and that made them special. Even if he kind of missed the comfort of his trench coat and its many pockets, it was neat to be fancy for once. “But, um… Thank you. I still really like them.”

But at the challenge, Mono straightened a little and looked across the room with a much more calculating look than one would expect. Most people were focused on the dance floor, or the snacks table… And there were a lot of tables and chairs to use as cover… This would be easier than the school, but maybe almost as challenging as the hospital had been. He nodded a moment later, “Okay, I think I can do it!”

And with that, the kid was off. Ducking behind things and slipping around the room at alternating paces. Too slow would draw attention as much as too fast might… And since the challenge had come from Nida, he was taking it as seriously as someone on an actual mission might. He wanted to do well for his teacher!

He could be fancy when he wanted to now, so that was a thing. And Nida smiled at the appreciation the boy offered. With the challenge issued Nida gave the boy some time to slip off, his eyes carefully watching the progress of the child, but in a sidelong way to hide the motion all he could. Eventually he rose and started to move as well. With a more direct route it was easier for him to get there first and move to a bag near his chair that Hibiscus was currently napping against.

Mono seemed to be taking it quite seriously, and he really was quite excellent at slipping by the notice of adults. In some ways, it was a little easier, because things were very different here. It was safer, for one, and for another most there tended to be unnaturally drawn to him with a rather single-minded determination if he wasn’t careful. People having fun and enjoying the atmosphere was a different matter.

When Mono arrived at the table where Nida was, of course, already waiting given his direct route, the child drew to a halt a few steps away from the chocobo chick and looked up at Nida expectantly. “How’d I do?”

"You did wonderfully," Nida said in honesty. Helped that most people were either tipsy or caught up in the joy. But it was still a wonderful approach. Nida would applaud him but that would draw attention.

He would have no shame at all in passing his skills on to the kid. They would be good in these young hands. And then Nida could let them become only something of his fun and his guard work, and not the ingrained habits of a spy.

"Which means your gift is even more well suited to you than I already knew it woudl be."

Mono practically beamed at the response, subdued as his reactions usually were. “Thanks, it was kinda fun. Different from normal sneaking.” He was clearly happy to know he’d done a good job, and the approval from someone better at sneaking than him was a big deal. It was actually kind of exciting to think he could learn to get better at it with Nida’s lessons, so the child would be an eager student.

He pulled himself up on an unoccupied seat again, curiosity over the gift renewed. “Really? Is it a thing made for walking around without people noticing you?”

"Not this time. No, this is for climbing," Nida answered, reaching into a bag and pulling out a small, waterproof bag. "In my world some things are easier to climb if you prepare your hands. This is climbing chalk, it's for that purpose. I'll show you how to use that when I'm back to training you."

See, he could provide.

Mono tilted his head at the bag. The kid definitely seemed a little confused. “Really? I thought chalk was just for writing on boards and drawing stuff on the floor.” The teacher, and the porcelain bullies, had certainly only ever used it for that… But Nida was the expert, and something that made climbing some things easier would certainly be great…

He took a small tumble here recently, and while Mono wasn’t certain that it would have helped, it might be useful in the future.

"Yes, that is a form of chalk, but this goes on your hands. I don't use it much, because it's mostly better for rock faces, but I'll show you about how it works. We do need to be careful, though. Winter is coming up and that won't be a safe time to practice. Ice is bad for climbing."

Bad enough to be a true danger. He didn't want the kid hurt.

Mono looked at the bag more curiously again. Different kinds of chalk, huh? There really was more stuff for him to learn… He smiled a little, “Thank you, that’s really neat! I didn’t know there was more than one kind.” He added, remembering to thank Nida… He’d been working on his manners at least a little.

“Yeah… Ice is all slippery and makes your fingers and toes all cold. So it’s really hard to climb. I didn’t like that much back home.” He responded in agreement, feet kicking back and forth a bit. He did glance at the shoes on his feet. That was definitely something of a bright point. He wouldn’t have to worry about his feet now that he had shoes and socks and stuff.

Mono glanced back at Nida curiously though, “So does this mean we won’t be able to practice stuff once it starts snowing?”

"We can take the winter off on training if you want," Nida said, smiling. He didn't touch the boy even if he thought it might be a comfort. They had to figure out their limits. "But if that's not okay, we'll find things we can carefully work to teach you on. I can climb first to deal with too much ice."

Mono hummed a little at the suggestion, “I dunno, aside from carrying messages for people, I kinda don’t got other stuff to do. I dunno what normal people even do in the wintertime?” He responded with a tiny shrug of his shoulders.

“If you think we should take a break, I don’t mind, but I can still try to learn if there’s stuff we can do?” Poor kid really didn’t know what he was doing half the time, and chances were strong he’d keep following people around anyway without enough to keep him occupied.

Well he supposed he could really give the kid something to do.

"Well, if we can't work on climbing, there are other stealth lessons I can give you in the mean time? And I think Ignis would be happy to teach someone to cook."

See, things he could learn.

Mono had to admit, Nida’s suggestions were interesting ones. “Yeah? I think I’d like that whenever you guys have time I guess.” He responded with a little nod, a small smile on the child’s face.

Really, he should take time to learn a little more about what fun could be had in the winter months. Maybe take time to be a proper kid, but he was always going to be a little more interested in learning things that might be helpful when he went home.

Well that worked for him.

"I want to teach you many things I was taught to do. I don't want to let my skills fade away without passing them on. I would like you to be my student in full."

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

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