2023-10-11: A Step Into The Future

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<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

Orb is beautiful today. There are just enough clouds to provide some relief from the bright sun without being overcast, and a cool ocean breeze even here away from the beach. Yalafath Island is bustling, and this little courthouse wing has a modern design. The second story on which they stand has floor-length shaded windows, a view of the city (Olofat) outside, and inside, a number of very simple seats as a waiting area.

Eight York is currently seated on one of those wood-and-vinyl benches, over a couple of objections that didn't last very long given that she's about to be standing for a while anyway. Lavnadim Orlodhari, on the other hand, is off talking to a clerk nearby--in sight, but out of earshot.

Eight's in a white dress, not a fancy bridal gown but still a lovely garment, sleeveless with a long skirt. Flats, though; Eight's a fan of heels, but has mysteriously not been wearing them for a while. She has not stopped being nine months pregnant.

"This is it, huh?" Eight is smiling, but her gaze is distant. "It's not exactly the ceremony I wanted, but..."

"But it's still /what/ I wanted," she settles on saying, looking over to Anita and Rena. "Thanks for coming along as our witnesses," she says, and focuses on Rena. "I thought it might feel weird to watch your partner get married to her other partner, but... On a day about love I wouldn't want to miss having you with me." She smiles at Anita. "That goes for you too, though. With you two here it feels like... Like I'm not leaving Winter Wonderland behind, just moving forward with everyone." 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.

Rena is standing -- best to not take up /too/ many seats -- and she a button-up shirt, a tie, and a jacket on, with a skirt. Her hair is neatly combed, and she has her expensive leather handbag as an accessory. She glances at Lahvi -- making sure he is doing okay with the clerk -- and then looks back at Eight.

She smiles at her, then Rena nods her head. "We'll have time for a proper ceremony, later," she promises. "And a party!"

There was a rather unavoidable event that put a time limit on this.

Rena smiles down at her, and she nods, one hand reaching out to tak Eight's. She gives it a squeeze. "I wouldn't miss it," she promises. "And even if it's a little weird... it's not a bad thing, either."

She glances sideways at Anita, then back at Eight. She smiles. "Yeah. None of us are leaving it behind," she says. "Even if... we're living somewhere else now."

And, in the end, not likely to return there to live. 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

It's a wonderful day in Orb today - and not just because the weather is excellent. It's about what - and who - the day stands for. Anita joins Eight and Rena, and like Rena she has elected to stand. Anita's normally not the type to dress up, but today warrants it. Today, dressing up is a dress shirt and a tie(that's a little loose) and a suit vest with matching pants. Her hair is tied back... but is still a little on the 'fashionably messy' side.

Some things never change.

Still - this is it...

"Yeah... wow." Anita replies with a small laugh, massaging the back of her beck. Time definitely feels like it's marching on.

"I'm happy for you two." She says, sending Eight a smile - and then, nodding toward Rena. "Yeah, definitely."

"...I'm glad." Anita replies, as Eight says this is still what she wanted. She looks toward Rena for a moment, and then back to Eight with a smile of her own.

"Yeah. It's still gonna be a part of us. It made us who we are... and it's why we were able to be together today." She agrees. 

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

It's a lovely handbag; Eight's complimented it before. Lavhi, for his part, is in suit and tie, not a /tuxedo/ but still a very smart set of clothes, with a broad yellow tie.

"Yes," Eight answers Rena with a smile back. A party...

Yes. Eight definitely wants to be married /before/ she's a mother, if she can help it. And when Rena takes her hand, Eight curls her fingers under hers. "...Thanks," she says. "I appreciate that a lot."

She appreciates the 'looks' of both of them--both for being a little more formal and because they really suit each. A loose tie is perfectly Annie.

"Thanks," Eight says to Annie too. She's practically glowing; Rena can probably sense it, the warm reds and pinks of Eight's aura a little more muted since Denver in full display today.

"That's just right," Eight answers both of them. "..The Yorks are going to come help out with the babies," Eight says. "So that's nice, too. And..."

Lavhi starts to come back over. "They are nearly ready for us!" he says. "They will call when it is time." He is a big guy, taller than even Eight by a significant amount, but he has an easy stance to him that makes that less intimidating.

"So how do we look?" he asks their witnesses, coming to stand beside Eight.

"Lavhi!" Eight greets. "We were just talking about how nice it is that we can all be together today." 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.

Rena glances sideways at Anita. She /has/ taken a couple of glances, because it's not too often that she gets to see Anita dress up. Rena adjutsts her tie, as she glances back at Eight, and she smiles at her.

"Of course!" she says. She can see that glow -- literally, or as literal as Newtypes perceiving another's aura is -- and she tilts her head to the side.

"I'm glad. It's been a little bit since I've had a chance to talk to them for long." Rena glances back at Anita -- and then she looks back at Lahvi, and she raises a hand in a wave, smiling at him.

"You look great!" she says. "Are you nervous, Lahvi? Big day!"

She doubts he is, somehow. 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

Anita nods back to Eight at her thanks.

"Oh, they are? That's good, I'm glad they wanna be a part of it." She chuckles, then, with a grin. "Those kids are gonna be /spoiled/ for choice when it comes to good family."

She looks up, then, offering Lavhi a casual wave as he approaches.

"Good to know." She replies, and then 'hmm's dramatically at his question, before taking a moment to assess them. Of course, what answer could she give but...

"Picture perfect. You guys make such a sweet couple it hurts." Anita replies with an easy grin, and then a nod toward Eight. Rena asks a question, and with that Anita looks the two of them over. "Yeah, how're you feeling? All ready to take your first big step into the future?" 

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

"Me, too," Eight admits. "They had to go into hiding while we were at full war with the Federation." She laughs back at Annie. "That's true. And they'll have aunts and uncles, too. I was afraid they would think I was distancing myself from them, with Grandmother Kadun and all, but... they're still important to me."

Then, Lavhi beams at Rena's assessment--and pauses, for Anita's. Eight takes his arm as they wait for it.

"Ah!" he says. "Very good, very good. That is mostly Eight, she is very photogenic." A smile. "But I will accept some sweetness."

Eight says, "I feel great about it." And Lavhi, "I am actually," he says to Rena, looking between the two. "I certainly feel ready, but I worry that all this walking around might be bad for Eight or the children..."

"Oh, I'm fine," Eight demurs. "It's not that much walking. And it's worth it."

"Well, all right. But this is a good future, I feel."

Then, "York and Orlodhari." The clerk's voice calls down the room, and Eight and Lavhi both turn towards it. "And witnesses. Please approach."

"That's us!" Eight says, squeezing Rena's hand again before she lets go, to put her other hand on Lavhi's arm. They approach, where the judge is at the bench, and looks over the group. 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.

"I'm glad they got away, but... leave it to Sally Hearne, right?" Rena asks, with a sheepish laugh. Arriety's aunt could be relied on to make sure their little cluster got somewhere safe, no matter what happened. Then, she tilts her head to the side.

"They're gonna get /so much/ attention," Rena says, before she looks back at Lahvi. She beams at him and Eight, before she shakes her head.

"It'll be okay," she promises. "We'll be right here... and we're making sure Octo gets plenty of rest. We--ah!"

They're called on. Rena squeezes Eight's hand, letting go a moment later. She falls in next to Anita, sliding a hand through hers.

"Ready?" she asks Anita. 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

"Oh, yeah... That must've been rough on them." Anita says, massaging the back of her neck. She smiles, though, as Rena brings up Arriety's aunt. "Yeah, I'm glad someone was there for them."

She can understand Eight's fears, but she's glad things still turned out alright.

"Oh, absolutely." She agrees. /So/ many aunts and uncles.

She grins at Lavhi's response.

"Good, good." She nods. And, it sounds like they're both feeling good - Anita's glad to hear that. She shakes her head, though, tilting her head toward Rena. "Yeah, don't worry. We're lookin' out for her. Between the three of us, we'll make sure she doesn't overexert herself."

A good future... Anita grins at that, but before she can comment further, the clerk's voice calls out to them.

"Looks like it's time." Anita notes. She approaches along with the others, and when Rena takes her hand, Anita gives it a gentle squeeze.

"Ready." Anita confirms. 

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

"Totally," Eight agrees. Arriety's aunt could always be relied on for that. "They say it was fine, but... I know they don't like to worry me."

A ton of attention indeed. Eight smiles, glancing down at herself. She's imagining it.

But Lavhi and Eight both look between the others then. "I know," Eight says, and Lavhi looks appreciative. "You are always there. It is... very good."

But then, it's time; they walk into the chamber, and the judge, having looked over the assembled group, starts to speak. "So I want to say that I'm glad to be able to do something for the people who helped defend us against invasion. ...That's not really relevant to your day, but it's something I'd like to say regardless. Thank you all."

"But on the point. I'm Gadras Yvanna, and I'll be your officiant today. Please, come and stand before the bench. I'll take the marriage license."

Eight and Lavhi both move up, though Eight finds herself leaning on her fiance more than a little before they take up a standing position. The court baliff takes the license from Lavhi, and hands it to the judge.

"Looks to be in order... Well. We are gathered here today, in the presence of these witnesses," looking to Rena and Anita, "To bind these two in matrimony. Before I continue... Is there any reason that you know of that these two should /not/ be married?"

Eight can't help but glance at Rena and Annie at the question. 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.

"Yeah," Rena says. "So... I'm glad they're coming to us. It's probably safer, in the long-run."

As they start into the chamber, Rena squeezes Anita's hand back. She falls quiet, though, and looks at the judge -- and she blinks at the thank you. Her eyes widen, but then she nods once.

"Ah... thank you," she says. "I'm glad we can be here, today."

She falls quiet again, because this /is/ a wedding. Perhaps a brief one, but still -- and she straightens her back up. When the question is put to her, there isn't a flicker of doubt -- no hesitation at all -- and she shakes her head, once.

There isn't an objection to be found in her heart. 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

"I guess that's how you know they still care." Anita comments, and then nods toward Rena. "Yeah, definitely."

She smiles, then, as both Eight and Lavhi agree.

"Always." Anita confirms.

And now, it's time. They approach the judge, and... Anita is actually surprised at the thanks. It does feel good to hear that they've had such a positive effect on someone. She offers the judge a smile in a return.

"No problem. And... thank /you/. This means a lot to all of us." Anita replies.

The papers are passed over and Anita falls quiet as everything is checked out. And when that question is asked... Anita meets Eight's eyes briefly with a small smile, then she looks to Rena, then back to the judge.

"None here, either." Anita confirms. 

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

The judge nods to all of them, meeting each pair of eyes in turn. "As am I. You're welcome! Well, let's get started."

"Being that the marriage license is in order, and that your witnesses know of no objections, let's begin the ceremony. Take the rings, and speak your vows."

Lavhi turns to face Eight, as Eight turns to face him. Taking each other's hands, they meet one another's eyes; they memorized these, because they're short, just the legal requirement for now. For now. But they take the rings, and Lavhi is the first to place his about Eight's finger.

"With this ring I, Lavnadim Orlodhari, take you, Eight York, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life." He slides a gold band onto her ring finger.

"I, Eight York, take you, Lavnadim Orlodhari, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life." She puts the other ring on his finger in turn.

...It may be notable to some that there's nothing about 'forsaking all others' in these vows. That isn't how Eight works. It's not what she wanted. And so it's not what she promises.

"Very well," says the judge. "By these vows, and by the authority vested in me by the United Emirates of Orb, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Laavhi leans down, as Eight presses up just slightly on the balls of her feet. The kiss that follows is tender, appreciative, and lasts a long few moments, before both pull back. The court photographer takes a photo!

"Congratulations," the judge says. "And thank you all." The baliff approaches, to hand back the marriage license along with the certificate, now signed, official, and noted by the Orb government. "I wish you well in your new lives."

Eight turns back to her partner and her friend, and smiles broadly. "...Thanks," she says. "This is... This is everything I wanted."

Lavhi smiles, too. "I will always remember that you were here for us in this moment. I am grateful."

"And..." Lavhi steps behind Eight and picks her up, princess carrying her out of the courtroom, with a '!' of surprise from the Captain. "Oh!"

"It is important, this part! I have read of it!"

In short order, they're all back out, and Eight is laughing along the way.
That particular name change not allowed (see help @rename). 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.

Rena looks sideways at Anita and smiles at her for a moment, before she looks back at the couple. There is a /little/ jealousy there, in her heart -- she's not perfect -- but it's not the dominant emotion. She falls quiet, as they exchange their vows.

When they kiss, she wipes at her eyes -- she had a handkerchief ready for thi -- and she tilts her head to the side, sniffing once.

"I'm glad, Octo," when Eight thanks her.

Then she starts applauding loudly as the judge congratulates them. And laughing, as Lahvi carries Eight out. Rena tugs on Anita's hand, following after. She's dabbing at her eyes with the other.

"C-Congratulations, you two!" she says. "You did it! We'll have to tell everyone, now!"

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

Anita meets Rena's eyes and offers her a smile. She can guess that this must be complicated for her... but she's here for them, and it means a lot that she's here for them.

She looks back toward Eight and Lavhi as they exchange vows and rings. The omission is noted - and doesn't surprise Anita in the least.

And finally - it's done! Anita cheers with a small 'woo!' as they kiss, and when the judge congratulates them, Anita joins Rena in the applause.

"Wouldn't have missed it for the world." Anita replies as Eight and Lavhi thank them. "I'm super happy for you both. Glad I could be here to see it."

And then - Lavhi picks up Eight princess-style and, after a brief moment of surprise, Anita laughs. With a tug on her hand Rena leads the way out and Anita follows.

"Yeah, congrats." Anita agrees, and then nods. "Definitely. You're gonna have a ton of well-wishers, I bet."

She 'hm's then, in consideration.

"Come to think of it... now that you two are hitched and all, did you decide what you were gonna do about names?" Anita asks. 

<Pose Tracker> Eight Orlodhari has posed.

Eight would expect a little. It's natural. ...But she appreciates Rena being happy for her anyway.

Eight has to wipe at /her/ eyes too, as she's carried out, and they both smile at Annie. "I would not have traded your presence," he says, to both of them, as Eight tells Rena, "I'm glad, too. Really glad."

Congratulations!!

"We /are/," Eight answers. "And we will!! I'll do up an announcement, we had a letterhead for it..."

But Annie asks a good question. Lavhi sets Eight down, now they're in the outer room again, and Eight finds her feet. "Well," she says, "We're going to..."

"If there is a boy," Lavhi says, reading Eight's intent, or at least, thinking he does--that's why he doesn't finish.

"If there's a boy, we're naming him Zaress," Eight finishes. After the old Captain of the Ra Mari.

"And of course now we can all use the same last name," Eight adds. "That's... nice." 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.

Rena gives Anita a quick glance. There are a few complicated emotions there. But a part of her also has to wonder: can Anita do a princess carry like that? She keeps this musing to herself.

Instead, she looks back at Eight and Lahvi. She beams. "I thought you would do a formal, fancy announcement." She looks between them for a moment, and then she considers. "So you /are/ changing your name! I wondered..."

She trails off -- looking between Lahvi and Eight -- and then she smiles, a little sadly. But, not all sadly.

"That's a good name," she says. Rena smiles, nodding her head. "What about if there's a girl?"

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

Anita meets Rena's glance. ...Fortunately for Rena, her thoughts are her own - Anita can only guess at what's going on inside her mind right now.

She grins at Lavhi and Eight, then, before chuckling.

"Yeah, I had a feeling. I look forward to seeing it." Anita comments. And finally, names... Anita listens intently.

"Oh, that's a good name." Anita agrees. She's curious about Rena's question, too - and she smiles, as Eight mentions they can all use the same last name. She has the same moment of acknowledgment Rena does.

"Yeah, that's great. I'm real happy for you all." Anita says with a smile. "It's somethin' to be proud of." 

<Pose Tracker> Eight Orlodhari has posed.

Eight smiles. "It's kind of our way, huh?" A formal announcement, and all. Eight doesn't pick up that particular musing this time. But Lavhi also beams when Anita says she's looking forward to seeing it. "I have learned much of formal layouts!"

Eight then nods to Rena, "I thought about not--since, with the negotiations, people know my name better now. But I decided that people could adjust. It's something I wanted."

A good name. Eight is happy, too. But if there's a girl, "Aarmi. ...That's not anybody's name, I just think it's really pretty. And then another name is..."

"Ingrid." As in, Ingrid York. "Proud," Lavhi repeats of Anita. "Yes," he says. "I am proud to have Eight as my wife." 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.

Sometimes, not sharing one's thoughts can be a blessing. Rena might get teased, otherwise.

"Mm-hm!" Rena agrees after Anita. She does like the idea that they could all share a name. After all, Eight always loved having her parents' name, when they grew up. It doesn't surprise her that it's important now.

She looks at Eight, then nods. "That's important," Rena says. "If you want it, then... people can adjust."

Rena scratches at the back of her head and smiles. "Aarmi and Ingrid, huh... those are both great names," she says. She smiles brightly, then.

"Well... I know you were already part of it, but welcome to the family officially, Lahvi," Rena says. "You two always looked great together. But even better, now!" 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

"Perfect." Anita replies as Lavhi mentions how he'd learned much of formal layouts. That's important! She considers Eight for a moment, then, and nods. She feels the same way - people can adjust

"Yeah, that's your right. You've more than earned it by this point." She grins, then. "How does it feel being Captain Orlodhari, now?"

Names are discussed and Anita thinks them over, nodding approvingly. It sounds like they've got a lot of good options.

Lavhi gets a grin, as well.

"Glad to hear it." She replies with a nod - and then another at Rena's comment. "Yeah, for sure." 

<Pose Tracker> Eight Orlodhari has posed.

Eight will just have to find something else to tease Rena for.

"They can," Eight says. "Besides, on the ship they usually don't use my name anyway. It's just 'Captain'." A smile. Then she beams at Annie. "It's great!" she says. "I'm gonna have to practice a whole new signature, though. And I'll have to get longer nameplates..."

Somehow it doesn't sound like a chore to her.

Formal layouts!!

Lavhi stands up proudly at the matter of being part of the family. "Thank you," he says. "I will care for your Eight to the best of my ability. I love her, and I promised."

Eight leans on Lavhi for a moment with a happy smile.

"I am glad that you like the names," Lavhi says. "We spent a great deal of time considering them, both Zentradi and human names. We wish for both of their heritages to be represented. ...Which means of course that we will teach them much of winter holidays, ha ha ha!"

Eight laughs cheerfully, but then she turns to Rena, and looks at her, trying to meet her eyes. "...And remember, I still love you, too. Lavhi knows my heart's big."

"Indeed, I do."

She turns to Anita. "...While you're taking care of me, we'll both take care of her, too, right?" 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.

"Longer nameplates aren't so bad," Rena says, with a little laugh. She glances sideways at Annie, and her fingers squeeze hers once. Then, she looks at Lahvi, and she smiles at him.

"I know," she says. "You'll take good care of her. But I'll be there to help, too!" She beams, for a moment, and then she nods.

"We'll make sure they get that Winter Wonderland spirit," Rena promises. She falls quiet, for a moment, though. Her cheeks start to flush.

"I-I know, Octo," she says. Then she looks at Annie, and she closes her eyes and sighs. "Honestly! Are you two teaming up on me, already? On Eight's wedding day? Is this my life?" 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

Anita chuckles, at that. She can tell that Eight doesn't really mind all that.

"Sounds like a blast." Anita replies with a grin. She meets Rena's sideglance, offering her a smile as Rena squeezes her hand before looking back at Lavhi.

"We know we can count on you." Anita says with a nod, her expression softening as she watches Eight lean against Lavhi. ...After everything, it really is nice to see them be able to share a moment like this. They've earned this.

"I like it. I think that's a good thing. They're gonna be really lucky for it, for sure." Anita replies with a nod about making sure both of their heritages are represented, and then laughs. "Definitely."

Eight assures Rena that she still loves her - and then, Anita grins as Eight turns to her.

"Oh, for sure." She agrees - and then laughs, looking back to Rena. "It is. I'm afraid you're doomed." 

<Pose Tracker> Eight Orlodhari has posed.

Rena would know about longer nameplates. Eight laughs back. And Lavhi? Lavhi looks seriously at Rena. "Yes," he says. "I will be counting on you, as well." Then he smiles back, at both of them.

That Winter Wonderland spirit... "Yes," Eight says. "It's a wonderful place."

But Rena 'knows', and she starts to sigh. Eight laughs more happily than before. "Super doomed," she agrees with Anita.

Lavhi grins.

"I'm... really happy," Eight says then, glancing down. She has to fight tearing up a little. "...But," she says, looking up again, "How about we find a place to take a seat before we head back? My feet are starting to get to me..."

"Yes!" Lavhi says. "I saw a cafe along the way. It will be my 'treat' as they say!"

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