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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
no subject
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.
no subject
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?"
no subject
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.
no subject
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?"
no subject
But rather than say so, he nodded lightly. “Then I suppose that means we’ve both found our betters in the department of dance, hm?” Which was true enough, if Nida was better than Ignis and Rhy was certainly better than Llewellyn was himself. It made sense to his mind.
But he resumed his search, brow scrunching lightly as he shuffled a handkerchief and his notebook from one pocket to another. The question getting a quick nod. “Oh- yup! I’m a big fan of pumpkin desserts in the fall. At this time of year pumpkin pie is a staple during social gatherings, and uh… I’ve eaten one myself on more than one occasion.” By which he meant a whole pie, on his own, because Llewellyn dealt with most things by eating in his world. “And when I was young, sometimes those that I lived with would save pumpkin seeds to roast in the oven with salt. They were a nice snack too.”
A small ‘Ah-ha!’ escaped as he remembered to check the inner pocket of his jacket. It seems he finally found what he was looking for.
no subject
At hearing the part about the pumpkin desserts, the advisor had to smile. "Pumpkin desserts. I do happen to have pies in the back if you would like to take some home." And then he had to stop and think. "I also believe that seeds had been set aside. We were going to try them as snacks to serve. But if you would be so kind as to take some of those off of my hands as well I would be grateful."
And then he waited to see what Llewellyn had found.
no subject
Now, the detective had to turn his attention back to the item he’d been looking for. The bundle was carefully wrapped and tied off with twine, though the paper was a little wrinkled from being tucked in his pocket. “Now, Rhy and I left something on the gift table for you and your husband, but uh… I had a thought recently and it seemed this would be a congratulation gift between friends.” He added, offering the package over.
Inside, Ignis would find a green leather-bound notebook. “I recently had to have some new notebooks made for myself after I filled the last, and it struck me that chefs may also have use for something to write in as well.” He explained with an awkward grin. Llewellyn went through notebooks quite fast… Always writing everything down, both to avoid forgetting things and to review later. Otherwise, he found them handy for pressing flowers he found or scribbling doodles out.
“So! I asked if one could be made with a proper layout for writing recipes.” He gestured to the pages with an animated wave. “I thought perhaps you might like to note your own recipes or changes you’ve made to others…? Something to go with your new kitchen when you move.”
no subject
"Thank you." he replied in response to hearing a gift had been left. And it still seemed surreal to hear that he was now in fact a married man. But his eyes widened as he saw the unexpected package. Gently he took the precious gift and opened it carefully, revealing the green notebook inside. "This is wonderful Llewellyn." he said, as he gently looked it over. He heard the word chefs and looked up from the notebook with a smile. "This is such a very thoughtful gift and I will certainly be using it at home first, though I do fully expect to be carrying it about with me when I return to work."
Because inspiration struck anywhere at any time just as it had back home.
And then his smile only grew larger at hearing how it was customized. "This is a truly amazing gift Llewellyn. Thank you so very much."
no subject
“I won’t keep you long with it, of course. I expect you have a lot of socializing to do tonight, and this is an event for you and your husband to enjoy.” He added thoughtfully, thinking back on his own wedding reception. Lots of people to see, to check in on and to talk to. Llewellyn wouldn’t want to keep Ignis from that.
The detective waited for Ignis to open the present, hoping he hadn’t been wrong about the idea. Sometimes his gift giving went a bit wrong, but this one had seemed like a logical choice. It was practical, but a little more personalized in a way. The leather workers in the city had done a nice job with the cover, and the bookbinder had found an excellent paper that was well designed for writing down recipes and notes to go with them.
Ignis’ response to the gift was still a bit of a relief. His friend had liked it and that was the main thing. “You’re very welcome! I’m glad that you like it, Ignis.” He smiled a little, pleased that it had gone well. In a way, it was also a nice way for him to remember another friend, one who had gone out of her way to make him new notebooks and gift them to him every time he filled one at the Sphere. “I’m sure you’ll be able to fill it with plenty of delicious recipes.”
no subject
But for the moment he was happy to see that Llewellyn looked happy. "Yes, it has excellent craftsmanship so that it will be quite durable." Especially with all of the wear and tear of could theoretically undergo going from work to home and being used as often as he planned this gift to be.
Looking at Llewellyn now, he held the gift in his right hand and shook it a little. "Recipes will no doubt find their way into these pages. However, I am more than willing to share them with you if you'd like. After all it was you who introduced me to pretzel making."
So he spotted Nida making his rounds and nodded to the detective. "If you're ready I can begin to ply you with food."
no subject
The idea that Ignis might be willing to share recipes was actually a pleasant surprise that reminded him of something. “Mm… Well, I actually had been meaning to ask if you had any recipes that were… simple? Rhy and I both aren’t really experienced in cooking, and we’ve been trying to learn. He’s actually had more luck than I have…” And Llewellyn really wanted to do something about that. It seemed only right to share in the task. Smiling with some embarrassment, he shrugged his shoulders lightly. “So if you happen to write a few easier ones to share, I’d be glad to hear about them.”
When Ignis glanced around to spot Nida, Llewellyn actually looked for Rhy in a similar fashion. He did intend to go see about dancing with his husband again before the night was through, but the man was still enjoying himself, so he felt secure in slipping away to secure them some interesting food to try at home. It would be a nice surprise for him. “Mm… Yes, I believe Rhy will be a bit busy for a while yet… So! I’ll follow you, my friend.”
no subject
But he took a moment to think. "Simple recipes..I do believe I can get some to you this evening. And I can get more to you within a week or two." Of course this was estimating that he would have some down time, but he figured he would. He and Nida would need to walk the house and Ignis had been very detailed in what needed repaired. However, repairs were one thing. Being together to see what Nida would have in mind as far as remodeling his house was another thing.
"Excellent. Then let's get that food gathered for you." Ignis smiled and waived Llewellyn and headed to the very full back kitchen.
no subject
But a special pretzel recipe, named or made with him in mind by a friend? That would be considered a very high honor by Llewellyn. He’d be very touched at the very idea.
The offer of recipes gets a slightly relieved grin. “Really? That would um- be perfect, really. No rush, of course. I don’t mind waiting, given the disasters I’ve been known to create in the kitchen already. Sometimes I think I’m only good at outdoor activities like gardening and my investigations.” He responded with a soft laugh. The dormitory at the Sphere had occasionally been filled with smoke when he somehow set fire to something. “But I look forward to it anything simple you could suggest, I’d like to be able to cook something without it going up in smoke… Rhy is quite patient with me, but it would be nice to share in the task at mealtime beyond sandwiches at least.”
Llewellyn ducked his head in a quick nod as he followed Ignis back towards the kitchen, his eyes widening a bit as he turned around in the space. “Crackerjack, you certainly weren’t kidding when you said you’d made a lot.” He said in a vaguely awed tone, trying to keep his hands to himself but wandering from one counter to another as he followed behind the chef.