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
Or she could watch for smoke escaping a window in the red building. That was a good sign someone was trying to cook.
On the subject of the lodge, he grinned a little. “It is quite conveniently located in relation to the garden. I sometimes stop to pick up something to go on the way by.” For those nights that he didn’t think either of them should have to try to cook. “And I do, yes. I um... sometimes need a change of scenery when I’m working on something.” He responded, tapping the side of his head lightly.
“Sometimes I go to the park, and sometimes I go to the lodge. Ignis has been kind enough to let me occupy a table now and again if I get caught up in my notes and need something to eat.” He liked working at the office, of course... Being a part of a team was nice. But Llewellyn also gotten used to needing to take his work on the go for various reasons. Old habits were hard to break and all that.
no subject
"I can understand that, a change of scenery is always nice," she gave him a smile and then tilted her entire body to one side inquisitively. "How often do you get caught up in your notes and forget to eat, mister?" Of course that's what Aerith took from the situation. The fact that he Ignis to give him a table now and again when he got too caught up and needed something to eat made her worry a bit.
no subject
At the rather probing question, he rubbed his cheek awkwardly and shoved a hand in his pocket to keep from gesturing while he responded… And ended up gesturing anyway, his suit coat flapping a little as he moved. “I uh- well, it’s not often… I keep snacks on hand too, of course.” As if to provide proof of this, he pulls a dinner roll out of his pocket. One of the reasons Llewellyn was often hungry was probably because he just… snacked most of the time, not stopping long enough for a full meal. “It’s just when I’m working on a case and some of the details aren’t fitting together properly.”
no subject
"Oh, fair point I guess. Gotta make sure people have business," she returned his smile with one of her own.
"Did you put a dinner roll in your pocket?" she lets out a light laugh at that. Of course he did. Why was she surprised about that? She probably shouldn't be. "Snacks don't replace a good meal though!" He wasn't getting off the hook that easy though, even if he did provide proof of his snacks.
no subject
His expression shifted to a little comically sheepish at the very good point Aerith made, “I, uh- can’t deny that’s true! But one doesn’t always have time to sit for long. I like to think of keeping things for on the go as a… decent alternative.”
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"A decent alternative, huh?" she shook her head at that. "Everyone should have time for at least one sit down meal!"
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He’s feeling lightly chastised now. No one ever chastises him (they should sometimes), but she did make a very good point. “Well, I do try once a day. If there’s time and I have someone to share a meal with. Like if my schedule and Rhy’s line up for lunch or supper…? Then we try to sit down for a meal.”
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She shook her head and sighed. "If there's time, huh? So many conditions! Surely you two can make a nightly dinner at least! There can't be that much you two have to do here."
no subject
“Well, we do sometimes work opposite shifts…? He sometimes works afternoons and evenings at the tailor shop, and I tend to fluctuate with mine.” Llewellyn was famous for keeping busy, after all. When he wasn’t at the gullwings office or wandering for a case, he was probably at the Garden if she let him pester for lessons or to work and help out.
Awkwardly, he rubbed at his cheek out of habit. “Maybe I could stand to make a little more time… But I am trying to save… I’d like to find a home for us one day.” He offered with a small shrug. He still needed to actually approach that topic with Rhy.
no subject
"A home sounds nice, but not if it's at the expense of you two enjoying your time together. And staying healthy! You won't be able to enjoy it if you've run yourself ragged, will you?"
no subject
Too tired to enjoy it by the time they found a home… That was a risk that he was running, and one that he should probably avoid. Not that he was good at relaxing or being particularly still. “That sounds far too sensible to mm… not consider.” Llewellyn responded, ducking his head a bit awkwardly. Yes, he definitely was getting the message. Hard to pretend you didn’t understand what someone was getting at when they pointed out things in a very clear and logical sense. “Perhaps I’ll have to uh- adjust my schedules… Just a bit.”
Glancing around, looking for familiar faces no doubt, he continued speaking a moment later. “Perhaps I should ask if you’re any better at managing to make time for other things, hm?” Nosey man, and perhaps looking to turn the conversation away from his questionable choices.
no subject
"Mmmhmm, perhaps so! Buuuut...are you really going to?" Probably not if she had to hazard a guess. At least nobody could say she hadn't tried to get him to sit down and have at least one decent meal.
"Trying to turn the tables hmm?" she said with little shake of her head. "Back home I always sat down for dinner with my mom. She'd never have let me not!" Here though...well, she was just going to happily avoid anything to do with here.
no subject
He chose instead to focus on the other bit of teasing. He could at least answer that with some honesty! “I’m certainly going to try? And I do try to be a man of my word… So even if I might not uh- succeed right away or consistently… I do see the sense in it.” Llewellyn knew he should be trying more. What time they had here was important, after all. You never knew when it might be up. And… While Llewellyn had improved on a lot of his old bad habits, this was one he had yet to work on.
A small, huffed laugh escaped him at the accusation. “Mm… Well, it is only fair, isn’t it?” He tilted his head with a raised brow. It couldn’t be all directed at him… could it? Plus, it was interesting to hear. “Ah, so you get that particularly sensible side from her, hm?” The influences of one’s parents, he supposed, rubbed off. Even Mrs. Young had instilled some things in him that had stuck. That said… “But that’s in your world. What of this one?”
no subject
"Is it? I'm not so sure about that." Mainly because she just didn't want to answer his question. Though, really, she couldn't deny that it he was right: it was only fair. "Exactly. She's a tough teacher but she always means well." Honestly, Aerith missed her. A lot. "Well..." she drug word out quite a lot and shifted back and forth. "Things are just a little bit different here, that's all."
no subject
“I’m fairly sure. At least that’s how it’s been presented to me in the past.” He responded with a raised brow, yes he could tell she definitely didn’t want to answer, and he might feel a little bad for pushing it, but she had started the line of questioning. “Many teachers are like that, I think.” He responded with a small hum, but he couldn’t help the tilt of his head and the very skeptical look at her excuse as she began to shift back and forth. “Things in these worlds are very different… But I fail to see why it should prevent you sitting down to have a nice dinner every night, especially if it should be so easy for myself and Rhy to.”
He rubbed the side of his face lightly. He wondered if it had to do with the company. “Is there a… lack of company, or are you keeping yourself that busy here?” Llewellyn had rather imagined she’d be pestering that bodyguard of hers to sit down and eat… Perhaps not.
no subject
awkward, huh? Plus I think you don't need a chaperon to watch and make sure you're going to have your meals." At least she hoped he wouldn't need that. Maybe he actually would though...
"Oh, I see," she said as she realized she probably wasn't going to get out of this by juts playing innocent. "I suppose you have me there. I can't really try to use the same excuse you did. Even if I did phrase it a bit different than you." Maybe it hadn't been the best idea to try to get by a detective like that. Not that she'd really fully thought the entire thing through. Though, she wasn't exactly great at coming up with excuses on the fly in most instances. Usually she just tried her best to change the topic and it worked out for her.
"Well, I don't really have someone I live with you know. So, I'd say it's a bit easier for you and Rhy." She put a finger to her chin thoughtfully and gave a little lopsided smile. Of course there was Cloud that she could go visit and force to have a meal with her, but well, maybe she had been keeping a bit to herself too much. "I guess I've just been keeping to myself and keeping busy." Maybe there'd been a few things that had happened here that had gotten to her more than she'd let others know.
no subject
It definitely hadn’t been the best idea to try to get by him in particular. Terribly nosy man, unless discouraged. Especially when it came to people, he was particularly fond of, which Aerith definitely counted as. “That is true, though there are people who would enjoy our company, I’m sure. Your bodyguard could probably use someone to lighten the atmosphere, after all.” Yes, he went there. The man seemed so serious and maybe they both could use the company, especially in this place. “And… Well, maybe instead of keeping busy all the time while I’m at your shop, we both could make time for a proper lunch break, hm?”
Ways to get Llewellyn to stop for a bit: Give him a reason to be concerned about someone else doing the same.
It was the older sibling mindset that he’d acquired after worrying about the twins growing up, probably.
no subject
"Cloud sees me enough, I'm sure," she said with a smile that leaned a bit more towards the forced side than her smile had before. "I see him a lot at the shop!" See? So she has plenty of time with others! "Basically every day." Clearly she spent enough time with other people. Or at least that's what she'd try very hard to convince him of Maybe it'd still work.
"I take a proper lunch break, it's just mostly by myself."
no subject
The detective squinted slightly, clearly puzzling over it. Good job, Aerith. He will forever wonder about that.
But he offered a small curious tilt of his head as her tone and smile turned a little more forced rather than genuinely cheerful. That sounded like a lot of excuses to him… “Mm… Basically every day, but at the shop… Which is generally for work, I presume. What about not shop, time?” Nosey, too nosey…
“And are you saying that you prefer your meals be by yourself?”
no subject
"Someone has to keep the flowers company right?" That she actually was partially serious about. To her it was at least slightly a matter of her considering them company. "Sometimes I bring my food out to the garden with all of them, so I'm not by myself." She tapped her chin and looked down for a second. "I've never really had too many friends until now." She shrugged. "A lot of people found me a bit...weird I guess."
no subject
Little operator…
Llewellyn smiled a little, “That’s true enough…” He’d noticed she had a rather closer connection with them than most. For him, he found them a calming presence to fuss with and use as an unresponsive sounding board for his thoughts. With her, it seemed more… connected from his observations in the months he’d been working with and learning from her. “Mm… They’re living things, even if I don’t quite understand it the way you do, I think.” He shrugged lightly. He knew what it was like for people to think you were weird and not want to associate with you…
But he continued a moment later, “I, um- do hope you realize that I consider you as such. A friend, I mean. So I do mean it when I say I would be happy to spend the odd lunch with you.” Llewellyn had discovered over the years that a lot of people didn’t always realize when he thought that well of them and were often confused by the notion that he considered them a friend. He wasn’t sure what that said about him as a person… So he tried to mention it when it seemed important, now being one of those times.
no subject
"I consider you a friend too!" there was definitely more eagerness there than she probably should have. In the back of her mind she told herself to tone it down a bit. Sure, she'd never really had many friends until recently, but that didn't mean she had to let people know she was kind of excited about it. "Then I guess we'll have to set ourselves up for a lunch date every now and then, huh?"
no subject
At her eager response, Llewellyn nodded quickly with a smile. As if he’d think less of her for being more excited about it. It was sad that she hadn’t had many friends until more recently, of course, but it was good that she was finding them now. The detective was just glad to be counted among them himself, “We certainly will, if I’m at the garden it would be silly for us to not take advantage of the time, hm?” He would bring extra pretzels, or other delicious things from the market to share. The detective was big on sharing food with his friends.