My Land, My Rules

Nell had been looking forward to tonight and had made an angel food cake to add to the usual foods she set out. There was also a hearty stew simmering because she'd felt like making one, which was also available for anyone who wanted some.

One of her customers had told Nell that today was National Dumpling Day and since it was a chilly and rather gloomy day, Nell decided to make her famous chicken and dumplings. She'd also ordered some vegetable gyoza for those preferring vegetables to meat.

The kittens were happy to get a little chicken added to their regular food, making them extra sleepy and cuddly for anyone who might want a snuggle.

Nell might just have hung some fairy lights around the kitchen and living room. Just because. Ignis wouldn't see them and Lana and the Detective, should they attend, wouldn't think anything of it, but Gladio would know.

She'd gone with finger foods for tonight, some sandwiches and a few hand pies both savory and sweet. Ice cream was also on the menu because the heat called for it. Otherwise it was mostly the usual fare. Which meant she had a little extra time to curl up in a chair with the kittens and read for a bit before people arrived.

The theme of the day was lemon, apparently, though Nell had used actual lemons instead of just lemon juice. She had lemon cake with lemon frosting, lemon poppyseed bread, and lemonade cookies.

They were all delicious, but it might be a long time before she made an this lemony goodness again.

Nell might have been singing quietly as she went about getting ready for guests this evening. She might also have tucked away -ie: where Ignis wouldn't run across them - two odd flavors of Cup Noodle: champignon and Cup Noodle Breakfast. Just in case someone wanted to try them.

Otherwise she had the usual snacks and baked goods, as well as celebratory cupcakes. Now she just needed guests!

There was peach ice cream tonight thanks to the surprise delivery yesterday, and Nell had decided to go with that theme, so there were fresh peaches, a peach pie, and some simple syrup made from peaches that would make a delicious drink or could be poured over ice cream.

She was happy, with little tummy flutters, as she waited for her guests - her friends - to arrive.

Was there a red, white, and blue theme tonight? Yes, there was, though decorations weren't really Nell's thing. There was definitely the fixings for strawberry and blueberry shortcake, though, and the icing on the brownies was red, white, and blue.

Everything was carefully planned to be easy to transport since she hoped the weather would be decent enough that they could watch fireworks from her roof. She knew Iggy couldn't see them, but he'd still be able to hear them at least. They might even be able to see several displays from across the causeway.

And if people didn't want to stay that late she'd slip up there on her own when it was time.

The usual suspects (minus the original) had all been (handwavily) reminded and invited. Nell had set out the usual snacks, along with some fresh baked brownies with frosting, and cleaned the place from top to bottom.

Now she was just looking through various options of potential things to watch.