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
no subject
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.”
no subject
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?"
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“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.”
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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.
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The child perked up a little at Ignis’ offer. “Yeah? Um…” The kid eye’d the table for a moment. He had been wondering about something. “The squishy looking square things, what kinda food are they? People seemed to really like them.” He asked, pointing to the ravioli curiously.
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He looked back at Mono and smiled. "I take it you haven't tried any as of yet?"
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The question gets a quick shake of his head. “No, I kinda only ate cookies and the cheese and crackers since I wasn’t sure what they were.”
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"And if there's anything else you don't know but would like to try, I'm more than willing to tell you what it is."
Feeding people was something Ignis knew how to do.
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Then he could decide if he liked them or not, right?
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"Is there anything else you'd like to try?"
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But when Ignis returned and handed him the dish, he carefully took it and looked at the pasta more closely. “I dunno, I think I’d kinda like to figure out if I like these first.” He responded, smelling them curiously before poking one with his fork.
Hmm… Definitely squishy, as expected, but they did smell good. So he finally scooped one onto the fork and popped it in his mouth. Chewing for a few seconds while he tried to decide if he liked the flavour or not…
… Then the kid smiled, “Wow, these are tasty! I wasn’t sure if I’d like the texture but it’s kinda neat with the stuff inside them.”
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And as he waited, he found he was smiling as Mono pronounced how good the ravioli were. "Well, I'm quite glad you like them. Let's get you to a table where you can eat them proper and I can always get you more if you'd like."
Feeding people, it's what Ignis did.
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“It’s over here!” He responded, before adjusting his grip on the dish of ravioli and turning in that direction to lead Ignis over to it.
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The table itself looked perfectly serviceable but if Mono said under the table, then under the table it was. "After you."
Yes he was going to sit under the table with Mono while he ate.
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Crawling under it and making himself comfortable, he carefully balanced the dish on his lap to continue eating. Admittedly, Mono hadn’t actually expected Ignis would join him under the table. Adults didn’t seem to do that kind of stuff… So it was a nice surprise, really. He scooted over a little more to make room, since Ignis was rather tall by comparison. “See, this is the best table that wasn’t being used.” He explained between bites of ravioli. “You can see the people dancing, and the food table isn’t too far away. It’s kinda quiet, but you also don’t miss seeing any of the important stuff.”
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But he smiled in appreciation as Mono moved over to the side and this was definitely a different point of view. With as tall as he was, he had to sit a little bent over but all in all it wasn't bad. In fact it was quite different to see different people passing by, and of course some people he could recognize with the clothes they were wearing. All of this with sitting in quite an interesting spot. He couldn't wait to inform Nida later.
So he nodded to Mono. "This is certainly an interesting place to spend the time."
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He took another few bites of the ravioli, gobbling it up quite happily. “Everyone looks like they’re having fun and smiling when they move around out there. It’s really pretty?” Even just watching small social interactions was nice; people chatting with one another, or joking and laughing with one another. It was full of life in a way the child hadn’t gotten to see much before.
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And the best part besides eating, was that Mono sounded like he was having a good time and that was the most important thing in Ignis' eyes.
So he nodded with a smile. "It really is a different point of view."
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“Yeah, you’re kinda tall, so I guess you get to see everything from up higher.” Mono commented between bites, stating a fact. It wasn’t a bad one, though. Ignis still wasn’t as tall as some people who scared him. He was… an okay tall. “I like looking from up high sometimes too, like when I’m at the top of the grey building and people are leaving in the morning. But I think I like this better, especially with the food.” He added with a little, half tilted attempt at a grin.
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Smiling at Mono's talk of watching people go about their day as he stood on top of the Grey building was an easy lead in to his next comment. "Well I suppose one day Nida might have you climbing the trees with him since he too loves to hang about in rather high places."
Such as when Ignis found him that night that they eventually made star shaped sugar cookies together.
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When he’d tried to leave the Pale City, the first time and ended up on a wooded island, he’d climbed trees a few times. There were… Kind of scary sights in the trees, left behind by the hunter that lived there. Mono had soon decided he liked the trees and outdoors here better than there.
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He really didn't want to spoil Mono's mood or anything. Besides, seeing Mono excited and being in good spirits..and well this was a wedding after all.
Should we wrap this soon?
So the easiest answer to settle the man’s nerves? “I’m really careful, like really careful!” Convincing words, certainly. “And it is a lot of fun, plus I gotta get better at it.” If he could improve with Nida’s help? It would definitely help when he went back to his world.