Nida | FF8 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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aterat2021-10-26 10:06 pm
skyward_eyes) wrote in aterat2021-10-26 10:06 pm
[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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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
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"Would you want to go to a ball?" Rhy asked, smiling at his partner. "Oh, and maybe this place has better New Year celebrations. I didn't like the whole 'do not eat much' thing at the Sphere. It worried me."
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The mention of New Year gets a little grin. “Yes, I can’t say I was particularly fond of that tradition there, myself… Left me a big grumpy. I should look into what they do celebrate here. But, I am rather looking forward to New Year again, regardless. The last was particularly lovely, after all.” He responded by tilting his head at Rhy thoughtfully, New Year Eve had been the night things had taken such a serious turn for them… And he had thoughts about how to greet this new one. To do something special for his husband, another new step.
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"Yes, yes it was," Rhy agreed with a smile. They deserved the life together and full of delight.
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… Rhy might just need to be a little patient when Llewellyn’s light fussing and concern over the evenings set in again.
“I think it definitely is one of my favourite memories… Hard to believe that much time has already passed since then, that we’ll be sharing another together.” He smiled a little, his steps a little easier as he continued to relax.
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"Time with you is always worthwhle to me," Rhy smiled, before kissing his husband. Once the kiss passed he started to turn them slowly.
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And he’d delight in helping his husband find proper winter clothing. It was something they’d both need to get this year… Warm winter coats, sweaters and perhaps some extra blankets or quilts for their bed. Yes, they'd need to start thinking about that soon.
Llewellyn’s expression shifted to something rather soft, leaning into the kiss with a pleased sigh. “And I truly love nothing more than when I get to enjoy in your company.” This was nice, just letting Rhy guide them around the dance floor. He could even feel some of the confidence from the last time returning, turning with a little less awkwardness as they moved. “You know, I think I’m starting to get the hang of this again… Thanks to your expert guidance, of course.”
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"Hardly expert. But I do appreciate the compliment."
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But for now, he was feeling light and joyful. The darker nights were far from his mind. Even when the time came, he’d try to focus on the good in front of him. The positives to be shared. “I wouldn’t know that you were ‘hardly an expert’ after dancing with you… And you’re more of one than I am, my love.” He hummed a little, listening to the music and being mindful of his steps. “But I am glad you’ll take the compliment. I do so love giving you them.” He added in a playful tone.
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"I do so love hearing you talk about me. My brother would say it's because I'm arrogant. But yeah, that's life."
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“But… Even if dancing is something you’ve known since you were a child? It’s more than your skill that I admire, my love. It’s seeing the joy it brings you, the light in your eye as you take to the floor. And being the one you lead around, on the other side of it… It’s enjoyable for me too. Your skill and confidence helps, but so does your enjoyment. You’re relaxed, and it helps me relax…” Well, eventually. Llewellyn had never really felt like he belonged in these settings… He had tried to act like he did, of course… But it was only more recently at their own wedding, as well as here now that he didn't feel as out of place… He felt like he belonged with Rhy.
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He couldn't help but move to give the man a kiss. Please just let him kiss you.
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He was more than happy to be kissed by his love, to let Rhy lean in close and capture his lips and to linger in it. To kiss back lightly, unable to keep himself from smiling gently. It was things like this, like dancing or just being arm in arm… Things that he would not take for granted for even a moment that they could enjoy freely without a need for fear or worry about being discrete like they would have in his world. Yes, he’d come a long way from the days where he’d be looking over their shoulders at such things.
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"I could dance with you all night.
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"My stamina is specialized in two areas. Dancing is one of them. If you're up to the challenge, then we'll get to try it."
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“And I am a firm believer in practice, so I might just improve as we continue the evening.” He added with a soft chuckle.
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"I suppose I'll have to get help carrying you home then, my lovely man who will be oh so fatigued."
Practice, huh? Made perfect. He could be down for that.
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And this was truly more fun than he thought it might be in the days before he’d even learned to dance… Before he never really saw the appeal. The movements and steps did get easier with time, and being able to enjoy it with Rhy was a particular treat.
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"I love leaving you well rested, dear."
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He instead focused on the other’s words and grinning at the comment, “Well rested, indeed… Means I have more energy to spare now, hm? You are so very good to me, my love.”
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Oh teasing? He absolutely would.
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It was funny in a way, to think that something as silly as a ‘ball pit’ had been a turning point… Friendship to something complicated, and then to something more...
“You’ll have to settle for watching me fall into a snowbank once it starts to pile up in a couple months… Or pushing me into one, I suppose.”
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No more needing to be pushed together, which was a wonder. THey had found each other, and it hadn't been expected. Hadn't been expected and it was a wonder anyway.
A snow bank? He frowns.
"Snow gets deep enough to make banks?"
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Llewellyn wished he could have gotten more in place for them before the winter months rolled around. There was a lot he'd wanted to have done by now... but there wasn't much to be done for it. Clothing and making sure Rhy was well through their first winter would be the goal now.
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"You can't leave your home because there is too much snow?
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Mind if we wrap this up soon?
Sure, we can ftb here if you wanted