chef_chocobro | The Far Less Creepy and Far From Abandoned Mansion in the Woods; Friday Afternoon/Evening [06/27].

When the guests arrived, they would, of course, be instructed to find their way to the garden conservatory; the subtle decorations both inside the mansion and through the exterior gardens would guide most people to there, and, barring that, the steward was naturally on hand to provide and escort. There, they would find a scene that seemed almost a stark contrast to the dark and brooding decor of a necromancer, a place filled with light and life, with plants both decorative and functional, colorful and aromatic and useful, and, of course, no lack of the expected gothic or Victorian touches here and there. Somewhere, some cleverly situated water fixture babbled steadily along with the light, inobtrusive music that set the atmosphere: something elevated just slightly above casual, that slight touch of pretentiousness that was gentle in its demands for propriety and decorum and class. Comfortable chaises and chairs were arranged here and there sociably, a gathering a wrought-iron bistro tables and chairs as well, but the set-up seemed to suggest the kind of floating interactions of butterflies among flowers, drifting from one to the next with an airy regard.

And, of course, the spread of food was exceptional, lighter fair, but plenty of it, things that could be enjoyed while fluttering about with the other guests in one hand, while the other held a glass of fine wine or sparkling water garnished with fresh fruits or even a robust coffee or a floral cup of tea. Small sandwiches and crostini, bruschetta and other variations, but there were also empanadas with a chimichurri sauce, paella with scallops, pomegranate pork kebabs...

Spring rolls, summer rolls, smoked salmon cucumber rolls...

And of course, desserts, which would include alfajores dulce de leche, coffee truffles, fruit crostini, and key lime mini pies.

Needless to say, no one should be wanting for food. Just be careful not to fill up on treats too much if you plan to stay on later; there was still plenty of dancing to be had, once the party moved itself to the awaiting ballroom.

[[ ~~naturally, ocd incoming~~ ocd is up! Come and celebrate with us! ]]

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"Prompto, Noctra, hello," Liliana greeted with a smile. "Odds that she is found P-L-A-Y-I-N-G in the D-I-R-T at some point before the party ends?" She was guessing high, though she didn't seem particularly fussed at the possibility. "Also, should you wish to stay during her typical..." A long glance at the little girl, who was about at that age where naps were verboten but still quite necessary, "...afternoon siesta, we do have any number of guest rooms available."

Edited 2025-06-27 13:16 (UTC)

Naps, it turned out, were very important for Prompto and Liz to take, but never Noctra, who had apparently transcended the need, according to her.

Prompto had to chuckle a little as Noctra, who was about to go running off, stopped just long enough to look up at Liliana and dutifully say her practiced, "Congwatlatshuns, Aunt Wiliana!" before going to see how much she could push the boundaries of exploration before her dad came to wrangle her up, shaking his head.

"Man," he said. "I don't think I give it even ten minutes. But yeah, that'd be awesome. Probably a good idea for both her and Liz at some point, if I'm honest."

Maybe even himself! Prompto was also a supporter of this Naps are Important for Promptos, too, narrative.

"But, hey, like, congrats, like officially now, I guess! Feeling pretty good about it, yeah?"

Liliana also believed in the importance of naps. You know, on those days when she was cruelly forced to abandon their bed before noon.

"Thank you, Noctra," Liliana said, the slightest of smiles playing about her mouth as she watched the little girl. Then she shook her head and glanced back to Prompto. "Indeed. It was unexpected but hardly the first time that's been true about this relationship."

If anything, it was rather the theme.

Prompto was also definitely keeping some of his attention on where Noctra was venturing; if he was lucky, it would soon be in the direction of Gladio, which would mean sidling him with her for at least a little bit while he enjoyed some rare time of talking to adults without having to worry about a two-and-a-half-year-old putting herself into some kind of mortal danger again, but he did smile at Liliana, a smile that was bound to grow bigger and bigger the more he spoke.

"Yeah," he chuckled a little again, "that sounds about right. But that's good, right? Keeps things interesting? I'd be worried that, I mean, you know, after proposing and...well...you know...that other thing, he might've run out of ways to top himself, but it's Iggy. I'm sure he'll somehow manage to pull something out of his sleeves."

"Oh, I've no doubt at all that he'll continue to find ways," she said, unaware of how her eyes fell on him as she said so, a fond expression flitting over her face before she looking back at Prompto. "He is the most considerate man I've ever met. And..." This time she was fully aware of the wicked smile overtaking her features. Because teasing Prompto truly never got old. "...one of the more creative as well. I have no doubt he'll manage to continue topping, much to my delight."

If you knew what she meant, Prompto. (And you did.)

And in that flitting of her eyes back to Prompto, she'd have probably noticed how he was looking at her with that pleased, happy grin that looked like he was just seconds away from just wanted to draw hearts all around them.

Of course, this was quickly dispelled as the red brush started to creep up on him and push out all his freckles, which clearly had nothing to do at all with how much he did not know what she meant by that, at all, not even a little, ohmygods.

"Heh," he said, eloquently. "Yup. That's, uh, that's our Ignis. Always considerate and creative and, uh, on top of things!"

It wasn't not true!

He quickly reverted to the safer, smushier topics.

"I really am so super happy for you guys, though. I've really been trying to figure out which one of you is gonna end up being the bigger bridezilla."

Please let him introduce you to the concept if you were as of yet unfamiliar, Liliana!

"Mmm, not always, darling," she purred, because she was the worst person, possibly in existence.

Though excellent distraction technique! Introducing Liliana to a concept she didn't know! "Bride...zilla?"

The Far Less Creepy and Far From Abandoned Mansion in the Woods; Friday Afternoon/Evening [06/27].

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